UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`PO. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 2231371450
`www.uspto.gov
`
`15/600,577
`
`05/19/2017
`
`CHI GAO
`
`731456.431C1
`
`8444
`
`Seed IP Law Group LLP/Panason1e (PIPCA)
`701 5th Avenue, Suite 5400
`Seattle, WA 98104
`
`PHUNKULH' BOB A
`
`ART UNIT
`
`2412
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`NOTIFICATION DATE
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`DELIVERY MODE
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`02/18/2020
`
`ELECTRONIC
`
`Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.
`
`The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.
`
`Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above—indicated "Notification Date" to the
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`following e—mail address(es):
`US PTOeACtion @ SeedIP .Com
`
`pairlinkdktg @ seedip .eom
`
`PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
`
`

`

`017/09 A0170” Summary
`
`Application No.
`15/600,577
`Examiner
`BOBA PHUNKULH
`
`Applicant(s)
`GAO et al.
`Art Unit
`2412
`
`AIA (FITF) Status
`Yes
`
`- The MAILING DA TE of this communication appears on the cover sheet wit/7 the correspondence address -
`Period for Reply
`
`A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE g MONTHS FROM THE MAILING
`DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION.
`Extensions of time may be available under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, may a reply be timely filed after SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing
`date of this communication.
`|f NO period for reply is specified above, the maximum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication.
`-
`- Failure to reply within the set or extended period for reply will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133).
`Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication, even if timely filed, may reduce any earned patent term
`adjustment. See 37 CFR 1.704(b).
`
`Status
`
`1). Responsive to communication(s) filed on 12/11/2019.
`CI A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/were filed on
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`2a). This action is FINAL.
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`2b) D This action is non-final.
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`3)[:] An election was made by the applicant in response to a restriction requirement set forth during the interview
`on
`; the restriction requirement and election have been incorporated into this action.
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`4):] Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is
`closed in accordance with the practice under Expade Quay/e, 1935 CD. 11, 453 O.G. 213.
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`Disposition of Claims*
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`5)
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`Claim(s)
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`21,27—28,34 and 37—40 is/are pending in the application.
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`5a) Of the above claim(s)
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`is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`
`
`
`[:1 Claim(ss)
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`is/are allowed.
`
`8)
`Claim(s 21 ,2—728, 34 and 37—40 is/are rejected.
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`D Claim(ss_) is/are objected to.
`
`) ) ) )
`
`S)
`are subject to restriction and/or election requirement
`[:1 Claim(s
`* If any claims have been determined aflowable. you may be eligible to benefit from the Patent Prosecution Highway program at a
`
`participating intellectual property office for the corresponding application. For more information, please see
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`http://www.uspto.gov/patents/init events/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPeredback@uspto.gov.
`
`Application Papers
`
`10)|:l The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`
`is/are: a)[] accepted or b)l:] objected to by the Examiner.
`11)[:] The drawing(s) filed on
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85(a).
`Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 37 CFR 1.121 (d).
`
`Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119
`
`12)D Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).
`Certified copies:
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`a)I:l All
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`b)|:] Some**
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`c)l:i None of the:
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`1C] Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
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`2C] Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No.
`
`3D Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
`
`** See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.
`
`Attachment(s)
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`1) [3 Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`
`2) C] Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date_
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`3) E] Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`4) CI Other-
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`PTOL-326 (Rev. 11-13)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Part of Paper No./Mai| Date 20200203
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/600,577
`Art Unit: 2412
`
`Page 2
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`Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
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`The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined
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`under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA.
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`DETAILED ACTION
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`This communication is in response to applicant’s 12/11/2019
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`amendment(s)/response(s) in the application of GAO et al. for “WIRELESS
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`COMMUNICATION METHOD, ENODB AND USER EQUIPMENT” filed 05/19/2017.
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`The amendment/response to the claims has been entered. No claims have been
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`canceled. No claims have been added. Claims 21, 27-28, 34, 37-40 are now pending.
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`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all
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`obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
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`A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed
`invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the
`claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have
`been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having
`ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be
`negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
`
`Claim 21, 27-28, 34, 37-40 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being
`
`unpatentable over YOU et al. (US 2016/0242203 A1), hereinafter YOU, in view of
`
`GUAN et al. (US 204/0146775), hereinafter GUAN.
`
`Regarding claim 21, YOU discloses a communication apparatus comprising:
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`a receiver, which, in operation, receives one or more repetitions of a physical
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`downlink control channel (PDCCH) that are located in one or more sub-regions
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`(aggregation level(s), see figure 12), starting at one of a plurality of starting subframes
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/600,577
`Art Unit: 2412
`
`Page 3
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`(transmission of the PDCCH bundle can start may be set equally in the same PDCCH
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`coverage extension level, see 1) 0182, and figure 13)
`
`wherein the one er mere snbwegiene is determined heeed en a maximum
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`repetitieh number at the PBCQH (a repetition number at the PDCEH fer the MTG device
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`may vary depending en en aggregetien level ef the PDCGH, and 1) 0157, 0158, 0159),
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`and
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`the one of the plurality of starting subframes is identical for each of a plurality of
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`repetition numbers that is less than or equal to the maximum repetition of the PDCCH
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`(the one of the plurality of starting subfames identical for each repetition levels, see
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`figures13, 18).
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`a decoder which, in operation, decodes the one or more repetitions of the
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`physical downlink control channel for downlink control information (blind decoding the
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`PDCCH for DCI, see 1] 0084).
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`YOU fails to explicitly disclose one or more the sub-regions (aggregation level) is
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`determined based on the physical layer signaling.
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`In the same field of endeavor, GUAN discloses the aggregation level for PDCCH
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`may be dynamically adjust by physical layer signaling (see 1) 0098).
`
`Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at
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`the time of invention was filed to incorporate GUANs teaching in the system/network
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`taught by YOUin order to configure the receiving device (eg. UE) of PDCCH
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`transmission between the eNB and the UE.
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`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/600,577
`Art Unit: 2412
`
`Page 4
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`Regarding claim 27, YOU discloses the receiver, in operation, receives one or
`
`more physical downlink control channels in the one or more sub-regions, respectively
`
`(transmitting a plurality of PDCCHs in one or more regions, see figure 18).
`
`Regarding claim 28, YOU discloses a communication method comprising:
`
`receiving one or more repetitions of a physical downlink control channel
`
`(PDCCH) that are located in one or more sub-regions (aggregation level(s), see figure
`
`12), starting at one of a plurality of starting subframes (transmission of the PDCCH
`
`bundle can start may be set equally in the same PDCCH coverage extension level, see
`
`1] 0182, and figure 13)
`
`wherein the one er mere subwegione is determined based on a maximum
`
`repetiiiei‘i number at the PBCQH (a repetition number at the PDCEH fer the MTG device
`
`may vary depending an an aggi’egatien ievei of the PDCCH, and 1] 0157, 0158, 0159),
`
`and
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`the one of the plurality of starting subframes is identical for each of a plurality of
`
`repetition numbers that is less than or equal to the maximum repetition of the PDCCH
`
`(the one of the plurality of starting subfames identical for each repetition levels, see
`
`figures13, 18).
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`decoding the one or more repetitions of the physical downlink control channel for
`
`downlink control information (blind decoding the PDCCH for DCI, see 11 0084).
`
`YOU fails to explicitly disclose one or more the sub-regions (aggregation level) is
`
`determined based on the physical layer signaling.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/600,577
`Art Unit: 2412
`
`Page 5
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`In the same field of endeavor, GUAN discloses the aggregation level for PDCCH
`
`may be dynamically adjust by physical layer signaling (see 11 0098).
`
`Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art at
`
`the time of invention was filed to incorporate GUANs teaching in the system/network
`
`taught by YOUin order to configure the receiving device (eg. UE) of PDCCH
`
`transmission between the eNB and the UE.
`
`Regarding claim 34, YOU discloses the receiver, in operation, receives one or
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`more physical downlink control channels in the one or more sub-regions, respectively
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`(transmitting a plurality of PDCCHs in one or more regions, see figure 18).
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`Regarding ciaim 37’, GUdeiecieees mtiitieie candidates ter the ene er mere
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`enh~regiene are determined by the maximum repetition number at the PDCCH, and the
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`ene er mere sub~regiens are determined tram the rnuitipie candidates by the physicai
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`iayer signaiing {the aggregatien ievet at the DuPDCCi-t may ineiude “i, 2, 4, and 8 basic
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`units at the eentrei channet, where the basic unit at the centrct channei may be a GCE,
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`an R8, er an RB pair. The ennnt at searches at the candidate D~PDCCH cerreepending
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`te the tear aggregation ieyeis i, 2, 4, and 8 may be 6, ti, 2, and 2 reeneetiveiy, that is,
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`the setting in the existing system is inherited Or the aggregatien ieyeis in each antenna
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`pert centiguraticn end the eerrespending inierrnatien abeut the ceunt ei detectiens at
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`the candidate D-PDSCH may he eeniigared ter the LiE threiigh the eignaiing transmitted
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`by the eNB, where the signaiing may be RRC dedicated signating er phyeieai tayer
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`signaiing {each as a iBtitCCi-i), see 0098).
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`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/600,577
`Art Unit: 2412
`
`Page 6
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`Regarding eiaini 38, yfifldieeieeee the one ei the ptaraiity at the starting
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`etibtramee has a reguiar intervai based on the maximum reeetitien number at the
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`PDCCH (a PDGCH reeetitien ievei are (where m>ni may require a reeetitien number (er
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`the number et etibtremee) greater than a PDSCH repetitien number n, eee ti 0162).
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`Regarding eiairn 39, Gitehidieeieeee rnuitieie candidates ter the ene er mere
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`etib~regiene are determined by the maximum repetition number et the PDCCH, and the
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`ene er mere enb~regiene are determined item the rnnitieie eendidatee by the ehyeieai
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`iayer eignating (the aggregatien ievet et the D—PDCCH may ineiude 'ij 2 4, and 8 basic
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`units at the eentrei Chennai, where the basic unit et the eentret ehannei may be a (ESE,
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`an R8, er en RES pair. The eeunt et eeerehee et the candidate iii—PEBCCt—i eerreeeendihg
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`tn the tear aggregatien ieveie i, 2, 4, and 8 may he 8, t5; 2; and 2 reeeeetiveiy, that ie;
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`the Setting in the existing eyetem ie inherited. Or the aggregation ieveie in each antenna
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`pert eentiguratien and the eerreepending iniermatien abetit the eednt ei deteetiene at
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`the candidate D—PDECH may he eentigured ter the tiE threagh the eigneting transmitted
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`by the eNB, where the eignaiing may be RRC dedicated eignating er bhyeieei tayer
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`signating (each ate a PDCCH), see (3698}.
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`Regarding eiaim 4t), YQUdieeieeee the one at the ptdraiity at the starting
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`eabtramee has a reguiar intervai baeed en the maximum reeetitien number at the
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`PDCCH ta PDCGH reeetitien ievei m (where mm) may require a reeetitien number (er
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`the number of subtramee} greater than a PDCCH repetition number n, see ti 0162).
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/600,577
`Art Unit: 2412
`
`Page 7
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`Response to Arguments
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`Applicant's arguments filed 12/11/2019 have been fully considered but they are
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`not persuasive.
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`The examiner respectfully disagrees with the applicant’s argument in page 6.
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`The amended claim subject matter “a maximum repetition number of the PDCCH
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`selected from multiple candidates” is not supported the originally filed specification.
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`The claim subject matter “PDCCH” or “Physical Downlink Control Channel” is only
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`discloses in 11 0018 and 11 0032 of instant equivalent PG PUB (US 2017/027225 A1).
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`Also, the claimed subject matter “repetition number” is only discloses in 11 0020 of
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`instant equivalent PG PUB.
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`In identified paragraphs, the applicant fails to explicit or
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`implicitly disclose the claimed subject matter “a maximum repetition number of the
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`PDCCH selected from the multiple candidates.”
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`The claimed subject matter is disclosed by the cited reference YOU even if the
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`specification of the instant application inherently discloses the claimed subject matter.
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`In 11 0158-0159 YOU discloses:
`
`FIG. 12 illustrates an example in which a PDCCH repetition number varies depending on a
`PDCCH aggregation level.
`
`As can be seen with reference to FIG. 12, when PDCCH aggregation levels 1, 2, 4, and 8 are
`used for an MTC device located in a coverage extension region, transmission may be achieved
`with a greater repetition number when a PDCCH uses a lower aggregation level.
`
`Also, in 1] 0203, 0204:
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`FIG. 18 illustrates an example in which a region of subframes in which a PDCCH bundle can be
`transmitted varies depending on a PDCCH aggregation level.
`
`Meanwhile, from a perspective of the MTC device, the number of regions in which the PDCCH
`bundle can be received may vary depending on an PDCCH aggregation level. In this case, in
`order to transmit the PDCCH bundle to a specific MTC device, a BS may select a specific region
`among a plurality of subframe regions.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/600,577
`Art Unit: 2412
`
`Page 8
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`As cited above, the PDCCH repetition number is correlates to the PDCCH
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`aggregation level, where the PDCCH aggregation level is further correlates to the
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`subframes. Furthermore, figures 13-14 show that there are a plurality of PDCCH
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`repetition levels available for PDCCH transmissions. Therefore, YOU discloses the
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`claimed subject matter “the one or more sub-regions is determined based on a
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`maximum repetition number of the PDCCH selected from the multiple candidates.”
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`Conclusion
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`THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time
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`policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
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`A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE
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`MONTHS from the mailing date of this action.
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`In the event a first reply is filed within
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`TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not
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`mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the
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`shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any
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`extension fee pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of
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`the advisory action.
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`In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later
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`than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
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`Any response to this action should be mailed to:
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`The following address mail to be delivered by the United States Postal
`Service (USPS) only:
`
`Mail Stop
`Commissioner for Patents
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 15/600,577
`Art Unit: 2412
`
`Page 9
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`P. O. Box 1450
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`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
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`or faxed to:
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`(571) 273-8300, (for formal communications intended for entry)
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`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the
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`examiner should be directed to Bob A. Phunkulh whose telephone number is (571)
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`272-3083. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday-Thursday from 8:00 AM.
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`to 5:00 PM. (first week of the bi-week) and Monday-Friday (for second week of the bi-
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`week).
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`If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s
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`supervisor CHARLES C. JIANG can be reach on (571) 270-7191.
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`Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the
`
`Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for
`
`published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR.
`
`Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only.
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`For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should
`
`you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic
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`Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free).
`
`/BOB A PHUNKULH/
`
`Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2412
`
`