Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 19/014,834

METHODS AND NODES FOR UPDATING APERIODIC SRS SLOT OFFSET

Non-Final OA §102§112
Filed
Jan 09, 2025
Priority
Apr 06, 2021 — provisional 63/171,168 +2 more
Examiner
MARCELO, MELVIN C
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
86%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
9m
Est. Remaining
79%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 86% — above average
86%
Career Allowance Rate
692 granted / 802 resolved
+26.3% vs TC avg
Minimal -7% lift
Without
With
+-6.9%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 6m
Avg Prosecution
10 currently pending
Career history
807
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
9.8%
-30.2% vs TC avg
§103
34.6%
-5.4% vs TC avg
§102
24.3%
-15.7% vs TC avg
§112
18.1%
-21.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 802 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §112
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claims 1-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. Claim 1, line 5, “the U configuration” lacks a proper antecedent basis in the claim. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-7, 9-16 and 18-19 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Qualcomm publication R1-2101451 (‘Discussion on SRS enhancement’). Qualcomm teaches the DCI triggering the codepoint for slot offset values where the size of the slot offset bitfield can be zero or 1 in section 2.1.2.2 Explicit indication of the codepoint on page 4. With respect to the claims, references to the prior art appear in parenthesis. Claims 1. (Currently amended) A method, in a wireless device, for transmitting a reference signal (Qualcomm R1-2101451 section 2.1.2 DCI-based dynamic slot offset indication), the method comprising: - receiving a first configuration for a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) resource set (Section 2.1.1 Available slot definition and reference slot Proposal 1: Available slot (t) is determined based on RRC configuration of the UL-DL TDD pattern and the SRS time resource allocation of the triggered aperiodic SRS resource set on page 2) ; - receiving a second configuration via Radio Resource Control (RRC) from a network node, the U configuration comprising a slotOffsetList parameter indicating a list of slot offset values configured for the SSRS resource set (List of candidate available slot offsets configured by RRC in Figure 2-2 on page 3); - receiving a codepoint from Downlink Control Information (DCI) triggering the SRS resource set, wherein the DCI contains a slot offset bitfield for indicating one of the slot offset values in the list of slot offset values and wherein each slot offset value from the list corresponds to a codepoint of the slot offset bitfield (Section 2.1.2.2 Explicit indication of the codepoint on page 4, where the size of the slot offset bitfield can be zero (i.e. not present in the DCI) or non-zero (i.e. bitfield is present in the DCI) to indicate ‘non-zero’ RRC configured values of the available slot); and - transmitting a reference signal using SRS resources configured in the triggered SRS resource set based on a slot offset value corresponding to the received codepoint (A-SRS transmitted based on the indicated slot offset value in Figure 2-2 on page 3) . 2. (Currently amended) The method of claim 1, wherein a size of the slot offset bitfield depends on a number of slot offset values in the configured list of slot offset values (Section 2.1.2.2 Explicit indication of the codepoint on page 4, where the size of the slot offset bitfield can be zero (i.e. not present in the DCI) or non-zero (i.e. bitfield is present in the DCI) to indicate ‘non-zero’ RRC configured values of the available slot). 3. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein the size of the slot offset bitfield is equal to zero if a single slot offset value is configured in the list of slot offset values (Section 2.1.2.2 Explicit indication of the codepoint on page 4, where the size of the slot offset bitfield can be zero (i.e. not present in the DCI) or non-zero (i.e. bitfield is present in the DCI) to indicate ‘non-zero’ RRC configured values of the available slot). 4. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein a codepoint 0 of the slot offset bitfield indicates a first slot offset value of the list of slot offset values (Section 2.2.2 DCI-based dynamic slot offset indication on page 3, where “DCI can include a codepoint that indicate which slot offset is selected by the network” such that the example of 2-bits codepoint would have provided four values (i.e. one bit indicates two values)). 5. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein a codepoint 1 of the slot offset bitfield indicates a second slot offset value of the list of slot offset values (Section 2.2.2 DCI-based dynamic slot offset indication on page 3, where “DCI can include a codepoint that indicate which slot offset is selected by the network” such that the example of 2-bits codepoint would have provided four values (i.e. one bit indicates two values)). 6. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein a codepoint 2 of the slot offset bitfield indicates a third slot offset value of the list of slot offset values (Section 2.2.2 DCI-based dynamic slot offset indication on page 3, where “DCI can include a codepoint that indicate which slot offset is selected by the network” such that the example of 2-bits codepoint would have provided four values (i.e. one bit indicates two values)). 7. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein a codepoint 3 of the slot offset bitfield indicates a fourth slot offset value of the list of slot offset values (Section 2.2.2 DCI-based dynamic slot offset indication on page 3, where “DCI can include a codepoint that indicate which slot offset is selected by the network” such that the example of 2-bits codepoint would have provided four values (i.e. one bit indicates two values)). 9. (Original) The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) for updating a slot offset value indicated by the slot offset bitfield in the DCI (Section 2.1.3 MAC-CE for flexible SRS triggering on pages 4-5, where the MAC CE is used for dynamic update of the slot offset) . 10. (Original) The method of claim 9, further comprising, upon receipt of the MAC CE, determining an updated slot offset value associated with a codepoint of the slot offset bitfield of the DCI (Proposal 8 on page 5, where new MAC-CE to reconfigure the available slot and legacy slot offset of the SRS resource set (i.e. codepoint of the slot offset bitfield of the DCI)) .. 11. (Original) The method of claim 10, wherein determining an updated slot offset value comprises obtaining the updated slot offset value from the MAC CE, the updated slot offset value associated with the codepoint of the slot offset bitfield of the DCI (Proposal 8 on page 5, where new MAC-CE to reconfigure the available slot and legacy slot offset of the SRS resource set (i.e. codepoint of the slot offset bitfield of the DCI)) . 12. (Original) The method of claim 10, wherein determining an updated slot offset value comprises obtaining the updated slot offset value from the MAC CE, the updated slot offset value associated with the codepoint of the slot offset bitfield of the DCI based on a position of a field comprising the updated offset value within the MAC CE (Proposal 8 on page 5, where new MAC-CE to reconfigure the available slot and legacy slot offset of the SRS resource set (i.e. codepoint of the slot offset bitfield of the DCI) and can include a bitmap (i.e. position of a field) that can indicate the activate or inactivate SRS resources within the set).. 13. (Currently amended) A method, in a network node, for receiving a reference signal (Qualcomm R1-2101451 section 2.1.2 DCI-based dynamic slot offset indication), the method comprising - sending a first configuration for a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) resource set (Section 2.1.1 Available slot definition and reference slot Proposal 1: Available slot (t) is determined based on RRC configuration of the UL-DL TDD pattern and the SRS time resource allocation of the triggered aperiodic SRS resource set on page 2); - sending a second configuration via Radio Resource Control (RRC) to a wireless device, the second configuration comprising a slotOffsetList parameter indicating a list of slot offset values, configured for the SRS resource set (List of candidate available slot offsets configured by RRC in Figure 2-2 on page 3); - sending a codepoint from Downlink Control Information (DCI) triggering the SRS resource set, wherein the DCI contains a slot offset bitfield for indicating one of the slot offset values in the list of slot offset values and wherein each slot offset value from the list corresponds to a codepoint of the slot offset bitfield (Section 2.1.2.2 Explicit indication of the codepoint on page 4, where the size of the slot offset bitfield can be zero (i.e. not present in the DCI) or non-zero (i.e. bitfield is present in the DCI) to indicate ‘non-zero’ RRC configured values of the available slot) ; and - receiving a reference signal using SRS resources configured in the triggered SRS resource set based on a slot offset value corresponding to the sent codepoint (A-SRS transmitted based on the indicated slot offset value in Figure 2-2 on page 3). 14. (Currently amended) The method of claim 13, wherein a size of the slot offset bitfield depends on a number of slot offset values in the configured list of slot offset values (Section 2.1.2.2 Explicit indication of the codepoint on page 4, where the size of the slot offset bitfield can be zero (i.e. not present in the DCI) or non-zero (i.e. bitfield is present in the DCI) to indicate ‘non-zero’ RRC configured values of the available slot). 15. (Original) The method of claim 13, wherein the size of the slot offset bitfield is equal to zero if a single slot offset value is configured in the list of slot offset values (Section 2.1.2.2 Explicit indication of the codepoint on page 4, where the size of the slot offset bitfield can be zero (i.e. not present in the DCI) or non-zero (i.e. bitfield is present in the DCI) to indicate ‘non-zero’ RRC configured values of the available slot). 16. (Original) The method of claim 13, wherein a codepoint 0, codepoint 1, codepoint 2 and codepoint 3 of the slot offset bitfield indicates respectively a first slot offset value, second lot offset value, third slot offset value and fourth slot offset value of the list of slot offset values (Section 2.2.2 DCI-based dynamic slot offset indication on page 3, where “DCI can include a codepoint that indicate which slot offset is selected by the network” such that the example of 2-bits codepoint would have provided four values (i.e. one bit indicates two values)). 18. (Original) The method of claim 13, further comprising sending a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) for updating a slot offset value indicated by the slot offset bitfield in the DCI (Section 2.1.3 MAC-CE for flexible SRS triggering on pages 4-5, where the MAC CE is used for dynamic update of the slot offset) . 19. (Currently amended) A wireless device (Qualcomm R1-2101451 section 2.1.2 DCI-based dynamic slot offset indication) comprising a communication interface and processing circuitry connected thereto and configured to: - receive a first configuration for a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) resource set (Section 2.1.1 Available slot definition and reference slot Proposal 1: Available slot (t) is determined based on RRC configuration of the UL-DL TDD pattern and the SRS time resource allocation of the triggered aperiodic SRS resource set on page 2); - receive a second configuration via Radio Resource Control (RRC) from a network node, the second configuration comprising a slotOffsetList parameter indicating a list of slot offset values configured for a SRS resource set (List of candidate available slot offsets configured by RRC in Figure 2-2 on page 3); - receive a codepoint from Downlink Control Information (DCI) triggering the SRS resource set, wherein the DCI contains a slot offset bitfield for indicating one of the slot offset values in the list of slot offset values and wherein each slot offset value from the list corresponds to a codepoint of the slot offset bitfield (Section 2.1.2.2 Explicit indication of the codepoint on page 4, where the size of the slot offset bitfield can be zero (i.e. not present in the DCI) or non-zero (i.e. bitfield is present in the DCI) to indicate ‘non-zero’ RRC configured values of the available slot); and - transmit a reference signal using SRS resources configured in the triggered SRS resource set based on a slot offset value corresponding to the received codepoint (A-SRS transmitted based on the indicated slot offset value in Figure 2-2 on page 3). Allowable Subject Matter Claims 8 and 17 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MELVIN C MARCELO whose telephone number is (571)272-3125. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9:30-6:00. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Asad Nawaz can be reached at 571-272-3988. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. MELVIN C. MARCELO Primary Examiner Art Unit 2463 /MELVIN C MARCELO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2463 September 19, 2026
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Jan 09, 2025
Application Filed
Sep 23, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §112 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
86%
Grant Probability
79%
With Interview (-6.9%)
2y 6m (~9m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 802 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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