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
`
`16/064,971
`
`06/21/2018
`
`TETSUYA YAMAMOTO
`
`73 1456.469US PC
`
`7999
`
`Seed IP Law Group LLP/Panason1e (PIPCA)
`701 5th Avenue, Suite 5400
`Seattle, WA 98104
`
`VOGEL' JAY L'
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`ART UNIT
`
`2478
`
`NOTIFICATION DATE
`
`DELIVERY MODE
`
`08/08/2019
`
`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
`
`following e—mail address(es):
`US PTOeACtion @ SeedIP .Com
`
`pairlinkdktg @ seedip .eom
`
`PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
`
`

`

`0/7709 A0170” Summary
`
`Application No.
`16/064,971
`Examiner
`JAY L VOGEL
`
`Applicant(s)
`YAMAMOTO et al.
`Art Unit
`AIA (FITF) Status
`2478
`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 9/19/2018.
`[:1 A declaration(s)/affidavit(s) under 37 CFR 1.130(b) was/were filed on
`
`2a)D This action is FINAL.
`
`2b)
`
`This action is non-final.
`
`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.
`
`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 Expat/7e Quay/e, 1935 CD. 11, 453 O.G. 213.
`
`Disposition of Claims*
`5)
`Claim(s)
`
`6—23 is/are pending in the application.
`
`5a) Of the above claim(s)
`
`is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`
`E] Claim(s)
`
`is/are allowed.
`
`Claim(s) % is/are rejected.
`
`[:1 Claim(s) _ is/are objected to.
`
`) ) ) )
`
`6 7
`
`8
`
`
`
`are subject to restriction and/or election requirement
`[j Claim(s)
`9
`* If any claims have been determined aflowabie. 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
`
`http://www.uspto.gov/patents/init events/pph/index.jsp or send an inquiry to PPeredback@uspto.gov.
`
`Application Papers
`10). The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`
`11). The drawing(s) filed on 6/21/2018 is/are: a). accepted or b)E] objected to by the Examiner.
`
`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). Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).
`Certified copies:
`
`a). All
`
`b)D Some**
`
`C)D None of the:
`
`1.. Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`
`2.[:] Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No.
`
`3:] 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)
`
`1)
`
`Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`
`Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SB/08a and/or PTO/SB/08b)
`2)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date_
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
`
`3) C] Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date
`Other'
`rovisional 62278975 '
`. 9
`.
`
`4)
`
`PTOL-326 (Rev. 11-13)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Part of Paper No./Mai| Date 20190729
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 2
`
`DETAILED ACTION
`
`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.
`
`Information Disclosure Statement
`
`The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted was filed after the mailing date. The
`
`submission is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure
`
`statement is being considered by the examiner.
`
`Claim Objections
`
`Regarding claim 6, Examiner recommends that the Applicant recite, “A communication apparatus
`
`comprising:” to clarify the components ofthe apparatus include the receiver and transmitter.
`
`Regarding claim 15, Examiner recommends that the Applicant recite, “A communication method
`
`comprising:” to clarify the steps ofthe method include the receiving and transmitting.
`
`The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the
`
`invention to which the claims are directed.
`
`Specification
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections
`
`set forth in this Office action:
`
`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.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 3
`
`The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere C0,, 383 US. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966),
`
`that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are
`
`summarized as follows:
`
`1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
`
`2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
`
`3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
`
`4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or
`
`nonobviousness.
`
`Claim 6-13, 15-22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Park et al.
`
`(“Park”) (US 20170201362 A1) in vieW of Takeda et al. (“Takeda”) (US 20190014561 A1).
`
`Regarding claim 6, Park teaches:
`
`A communication apparatus [110042]: a receiver, which, in operation, receives Demodulation
`
`Reference Signal (DMRS) information relating to a resource and number of consecutive symbols on
`
`which a DMRS is to be mapped [110081-94, Figure 9-10 shows a resource i.e. NB-IOT subframe with
`
`L=12 symbols and K subcarriers, mapping DMRS information according to a sequence for L: 12
`
`or L < 12 symbols consecutively, the sequence for generating DMRS sent to UE via higher layer
`
`signaling, 110100 transceiver on UE shown as the receiver, wherein sequence used for determining
`
`DMRS on L symbols and K subcarriers of NB-IOT subframe as in Figure 9 and Figure 10], the
`
`resource including multiple symbols and multiple subcarriers [Figure 9 shows the resource which
`
`includes NB-IOT subframe with L = 12 symbols 110085 and K subcarriers 110089]; and a transmitter,
`
`which, in operation, transmits a signal including the DMRS which is mapped in a part of the resource
`
`based on the received DMRS information [10100 Figure 12 shows transceiver 1220, and Figure 7
`
`110075 shows contiguous DMRS pattern, applied in the scenario in Figure 9-10 wherein DMRS
`
`mapped to consecutive symbols on L symbols 110081-94 according to sequence information from
`
`serving cell, 10096 Figure 11, for a resource comprising L = 12 symbols as in Figure 9-10].
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 4
`
`Park teaches the UE configured with information on L symbols and K subcarriers as in 110081-91
`
`but does not expressly teach this information is signaled and received by the UE.
`
`Takeda teaches receives resource allocation information relating to a resource allocated for
`
`transmission [110048 subcarriers for PUSCH transmission indicated via higher layer signaling to the
`
`UE].
`
`It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the
`
`claimed invention to specify in Park that the subcarrier and thus the resource information is received at
`
`the UE. Park teaches DMRS related information as in 110088-89 and shows the UE configured with the
`
`subframe allocation as in Figure 9-10, the NB-IOT subframe considered the resource, but does not
`
`expressly teach this resource information received by the UE. Takeda teaches higher layer signaling
`
`indicating subcarrier information to the UE as in 10048 which would have been an obvious combination
`
`according to known techniques in art to modify the allocation method of Park to include higher layer
`
`signaling to the UE with the resource information as in Takeda to address resource configuration
`
`problems in narrow frequency bandwidths 110027-30 for transmissions on narrower bandwidths 110048.
`
`Regarding claim 7, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the DMRS is periodically allocated in
`
`multiple time periods within the resource, and the DMRS is mapped to one or more symbols for each of
`
`the multiple time periods based on the received DMRS information [Park 10075, 110081-94 and Figure 9-
`
`10, DMRS mapped periodically in each symbol of the L symbols, each symbol of L symbols
`
`considered each time period, based on sequence information in DMRS information 10088].
`
`Regarding claim 8, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the DMRS is mapped to symbols
`
`other than symbol candidates to which a sounding reference signal (SRS) is to be mapped [Park 10075,
`
`110081-94 wherein DMRS mapped to symbols, and symbols not indicated to be for SRS such that
`
`these are considered symbols other than candidates for SRS].
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 5
`
`Regarding claim 9, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the DMRS is mapped to one or
`
`more symbols corresponding to the received DMRS information starting from a first symbol of the
`
`resource [Park Figure 10 mapped to first of L symbols in resource comprising L = 12 symbols and
`
`K subcarriers 110081-94 based on sequence in higher layer 110088, considered the first symbol of
`
`the resource].
`
`Regarding claim 10, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the resource includes multiple time
`
`units [Park Figure 7-10, 110081-94, multiple time units can be any subset of the set of L symbols for
`
`DMRS including pairs of symbols in Figure 9-10], each of the time units includes multiple symbols
`
`[Park Figure 7-10, 110081-94 each time unit can be considered two symbols], and the DMRS is
`
`mapped to one or more symbols corresponding to the received DMRS information starting from a first
`
`symbol in a time unit [Park Figure 10, mapped to first symbol of symbol pairs, and 110081-94
`
`comprising the L symbols of the resource, resource being the L symbols and K subcarriers].
`
`Regarding claim 11, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the DMRS information is transmitted
`
`via a higher layer signaling [Park 110084-89 higher layer signaling indicates sequence and subcarrier
`
`information].
`
`Regarding claim 12, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication apparatus according to claim 6,
`
`Wherein there is configured a number of subcarriers for the transmission among a plurality of
`
`candidates of the number of subcarriers [Park 110084 wherein subcarriers K can be 1 or greater than
`
`1, considered to at least comprise two candidate sets of numbers of subcarriers],
`
`wherein the resource allocation information indicates a number of subcarriers allocated for the
`
`transmission among a plurality of candidates of the number of subcarriers [Takeda 1]0048 number of
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 6
`
`tones of combinations is indicated via higher layer signaling to the UE, wherein number is among
`
`possible number of candidates, see rationale for combination as in claim 6].
`
`Park teaches wherein there is a plurality of numbers of subcarrier candidates K as in 10084. Park
`
`does not expressly teach that each subcarrier candidate number corresponds to different symbol number
`
`L. However Park does indicate that there can be different number of subcarrier candidates K as in 110081-
`
`84, and that L can be a different number for different subcarriers as in 110084 wherein L can be less than
`
`12 or L can be 12 as in 110081, thus each of the plurality of candidates of the number of subcarriers
`
`corresponds to a number of symbols different from each other [110081-84 candidates include e.g.
`
`subcarriers being 3 and symbols being 12, and L can be less than 12 in examples and also K can
`
`be 1 in examples considered to mean at least a second candidate set with different subcarriers
`
`and different number of symbols].
`
`It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the
`
`claimed invention to modify Park-Takeda such that the selection of a different set of K subcarriers can be
`
`associated with a different set of L symbols as Park teaches. Park does indicate that there can be
`
`different number of subcarrier candidates K as in 110081-84, and that L can be a different number for
`
`different subcarriers as in 110084 wherein L can be less than 12 or L can be 12 as in 110081, thus it would
`
`have been obvious to try the at least two combinations wherein there are different numbers of L symbols
`
`for a different number of K symbols as Park clearly teaches one example where L is 12 and K is 3 but
`
`shows that different combinations of L and K can exist as in 110084 and 110090-91 and it would not have
`
`altered the intended outcome of the invention as Park merely teaches an example with L being 12 and K
`
`is 3 but the invention would still be able to achieve the intended output with different subcarriers and
`
`different symbol numbers.
`
`Regarding claim 13, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the resource includes 12 or less
`
`subcarriers [Park 110081-84 K=12 or K < 12].
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Regarding claim 15, Park teaches:
`
`Page 7
`
`A communication method: receiving Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) information relating
`
`to a resource and number of consecutive symbols on which a DMRS is to be mapped [110081-94, Figure
`
`9-10 shows a resource i.e. NB-IOT subframe with L=12 symbols and K subcarriers, mapping
`
`DMRS information according to a sequence on consecutive symbols sequence for generating
`
`DMRS sent to UE via higher layer signaling, 110100 transceiver on UE shown as the receiver,
`
`wherein sequence used for determining DMRS on L symbols and K subcarriers of NB-IOT
`
`subframe as in Figure 9 and Figure 10], the resource including multiple symbols and multiple
`
`subcarriers [Figure 9 shows the resource which includes L symbols 110085 and K subcarriers
`
`110089]; and transmitting a signal including the DMRS which is mapped in a part of the resource based on
`
`the received DMRS information [10100 Figure 12 shows transceiver 1220, and Figure 7 110075 shows
`
`contiguous DMRS pattern, applied in the scenario in Figure 9-10 wherein DMRS mapped to
`
`consecutive symbols on L symbols 110081-94 according to sequence information from serving
`
`cell, 10096 Figure 11, for a resource comprising L = 12 symbols as in Figure 9-10].
`
`Park teaches the UE configured with information on L symbols and K subcarriers as in 110081-91
`
`but does not eXpressly teach this information is signaled and received by the UE.
`
`Takeda teaches receiving resource allocation information relating to a resource allocated for
`
`transmission [110048 subcarriers for PUSCH transmission indicated via higher layer signaling to the
`
`UE].
`
`It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the
`
`claimed invention to specify in Park that the subcarrier and thus the resource information is received at
`
`the UE. Park teaches DMRS related information as in 110088-89 and shows the UE configured with the
`
`resource allocation as in Figure 9-10 but does not eXpressly teach this resource information received by
`
`the UE. Takeda teaches higher layer signaling indicating subcarrier information to the UE as in 10048
`
`which would have been an obvious combination according to known techniques in art to modify the
`
`allocation method of Park to include higher layer signaling to the UE with the resource information as in
`
`Takeda to address resource configuration problems in narrow frequency bandwidths 110027-30 for
`
`transmissions on narrower bandwidths 110048.
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 8
`
`Regarding claim 16, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication method according to claim 15, wherein the DMRS is periodically allocated in
`
`multiple time periods within the resource, and the DMRS is mapped to one or more symbols for each of
`
`the multiple time periods based on the received DMRS information [Park 11007, 110081-94 and Figure 9-
`
`10, DMRS mapped periodically in each symbol of the L symbols, each symbol considered each
`
`time period, based on sequence information in DMRS information 10088].
`
`Regarding claim 17, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication method according to claim 15, wherein the DMRS is mapped to symbols
`
`other than symbol candidates to which a sounding reference signal (SRS) is to be mapped [Park 10075,
`
`110081-94 wherein DMRS mapped to symbols, and symbols not indicated to be symbols to which
`
`SRS is to be mapped for SRS considered symbols other than candidates for SRS].
`
`Regarding claim 18, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication method according to claim 15, wherein the DMRS is mapped to one or more
`
`symbols corresponding to the received DMRS information starting from a first symbol of the resource
`
`[Park Figure 10 mapped to first of L symbols in resource comprising L symbols and K subcarriers
`
`110081-94 based on sequence in higher layer 110088].
`
`Regarding claim 19, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication method according to claim 15, wherein the resource includes multiple time
`
`units [Park Figure 7-10, 110081-94, multiple time units can be any subset of the set of L symbols for
`
`DMRS including pairs of symbols in Figure 9-10], each of the time units includes multiple symbols
`
`[Park Figure 7-10, 110081-94 each time unit can be considered two symbols], and the DMRS is
`
`mapped to one or more symbols corresponding to the received DMRS information starting from a first
`
`symbol in a time unit [Park Figure 10, mapped of first symbol of symbol pair 110081-94].
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 9
`
`Regarding claim 20, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication method according to claim 15, wherein the DMRS information is transmitted
`
`via a higher layer signaling [Park 110084-89 higher layer signaling indicates sequence and subcarrier
`
`information].
`
`Regarding claim 21, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication method according to claim 15, Wherein configured a number of subcarriers
`
`for the transmission among a plurality of candidates of the number of subcarriers [Park 110084 wherein
`
`subcarriers K can be 1 or greater than 1, considered to at least comprise two candidate sets of
`
`numbers of subcarriers],
`
`wherein the resource allocation information indicates a number of subcarriers allocated for the
`
`transmission among a plurality of candidates of the number of subcarriers [Takeda 110048 number of
`
`tones of combinations is indicated via higher layer signaling to the UE, wherein number is among
`
`possible number of candidates, see rationale for combination as in claim 15].
`
`Park teaches wherein there is a plurality of numbers of subcarrier candidates K as in 1i0084. Park
`
`does not expressly teach that each subcarrier candidate number corresponds to different symbol number
`
`L. However Park does indicate that there can be different number of subcarrier candidates K as in 1l0081-
`
`84, and that L can be a different number for different subcarriers as in 1l0084 wherein L can be less than
`
`12 or L can be 12 as in 1i0081, thus each of the plurality of candidates of the number of subcarriers
`
`corresponds to a number of symbols different from each other [110081-84 candidates include e.g.
`
`subcarriers being 3 and symbols being 12, and L can be less than 12 in examples and also K can
`
`be 1 in examples considered to mean at least a second candidate set with different subcarriers
`
`and different number of symbols].
`
`It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the
`
`claimed invention to modify Park-Takeda such that the selection of a different set of K subcarriers can be
`
`associated with a different set of L symbols as Park teaches. Park does indicate that there can be
`
`different number of subcarrier candidates K as in 1i0081-84, and that L can be a different number for
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 10
`
`different subcarriers as in 110084 wherein L can be less than 12 or L can be 12 as in 110081, thus it would
`
`have been obvious to try the at least two combinations wherein there are different numbers of L symbols
`
`for a different number of K symbols as Park clearly teaches one example where L is 12 and K is 3 but
`
`shows that different combinations of L and K can exist as in 110084 and 110090-91 and it would not have
`
`altered the intended outcome of the invention as Park merely teaches an example with L being 12 and K
`
`is 3 but the invention would still be able to achieve the intended output with different subcarriers and
`
`different symbol numbers.
`
`Regarding claim 22, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication method according to claim 15, wherein the resource includes 12 or less
`
`subcarriers [Park 110081-84 K=12 or K < 12].
`
`Claim 14, 23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Park et al. (“Park”)
`
`(US 20170201362 A1) in view of Takeda et al. (“Takeda”) (US 20190014561 A1) and Hwang et al.
`
`(“Hwang”) (US 20180145802 A1, Examiner relying on effective filing date of provisional application
`
`no. 62/278,975 filed 1/14/2016).
`
`Regarding claim 14, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication apparatus according to claim 6.
`
`Park-Takeda teaches resource comprising L symbols and K subcarriers of an NB_loT subframe.
`
`Park does not indicate that data can be allocated to the resource without assuming puncturing.
`
`Hwang teaches wherein data is allocated in the resource [110164-165, uplink data is mapped to
`
`the NB-IOT subframe of varying symbol lengths considered mapped to the resource], and the data
`
`is generated without assuming symbol candidates to which a sounding reference signal (SRS) is to be
`
`mapped and some of the data relating to the symbol candidates is punctured before transmission [110164-
`
`176, uplink data is generated and sent on the NB-IOT subframe and adheres to guard time 110172
`
`for varying symbol lengths, thus there is no step disclosed of assuming puncturing will occur due
`
`to the guard time as collision is prevented].
`
`

`

`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 11
`
`It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the
`
`claimed invention to modify the invention of Park-Takeda with that of Hwang in order to map data to the
`
`NB-IOT subframe without assuming puncturing. Park already teaches the concept of data in NB-IOT
`
`subframes 10062 but does not teach mapping this data to the resource in a way that does not assume
`
`puncturing. Hwang teaches the data can be generated and mapped to the resource, as the resource in
`
`Hwang is a NB-IOT subframe comprising 12 symbols 110162 much like the resource in Figure 9-10 of
`
`Park. Park teaches 110081-94 the resource can be L symbols but the resources for DM-RS can be less
`
`than 12, thus the modification would include mapping data to the remaining symbols as in Hwang in order
`
`to support various loT services 110083 in a way that does not interfere with SRS on legacy subframes
`
`110172 such that the generation does not assume puncturing due to the guard interval.
`
`Regarding claim 23, Park-Takeda teaches:
`
`The communication method according to claim 15.
`
`Park-Takeda teaches resource comprising L symbols and K subcarriers of an NB_loT subframe.
`
`Park does not indicate that data can be allocated to the resource without assuming puncturing.
`
`Hwang teaches wherein data is allocated in the resource [110164-165, uplink data is mapped to
`
`the NB-IOT subframe of varying symbol lengths considered mapped to the resource], and the data
`
`is generated without assuming symbol candidates to which a sounding reference signal (SRS) is to be
`
`mapped and some of the data relating to the symbol candidates is punctured before transmission [110164-
`
`176, uplink data is generated and sent on the NB-IOT subframe and adheres to guard time 110172
`
`for varying symbol lengths, thus there is no step disclosed of assuming puncturing will occur due
`
`to the guard time as collision is prevented].
`
`It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the
`
`claimed invention to modify the invention of Park-Takeda with that of Hwang in order to map data to the
`
`NB-IOT subframe without assuming puncturing. Park already teaches the concept of data in NB-IOT
`
`subframes 10062 but does not teach mapping this data to the resource in a way that does not assume
`
`puncturing. Hwang teaches the data can be generated and mapped to the resource, as the resource in
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`Hwang is a NB-IOT subframe comprising 12 symbols 110162 much like the resource in Figure 9-10 of
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
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`Page 12
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`Park. Park teaches 1l0081-94 the resource can be L symbols but the resources for DM-RS can be less
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`than 12, thus the modification would include mapping data to the remaining symbols as in Hwang in order
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`to support various loT services 110083 in a way that does not interfere with SRS on legacy subframes
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`1l0172 such that the generation does not assume puncturing due to the guard interval.
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`Examiner’s Note
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`Examiner recommends amendments that would overcome the current grounds of rejection.
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`Specifically, clarification of features related to Applicant’s Figure 11-13, wherein a base station indicates a
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`number of subcarriers and a number of PUSCH repetitions as in 110094-96, and the UE determines a
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`resource unit comprising a number of subframes based on the subcarriers, where more subframes per
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`resource unit allocated for more subcarriers, and determines a PUSCH repetition as a product of the
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`subframes and repetition. Further, Distinguishing between a first time period of X subframes, e.g. 4 in
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`Figure 11, and a second time period comprising the repeated symbols within the first time period is also
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`recommended, as in 1i0099-100 wherein in 4 subframes, the DM-RS is mapped in 8 consecutive symbols
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`starting from the first symbol in the resource unit each period of 4 subframes. In other words, indicating a
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`method of determining by the UE an amount of subframes per unit resource, and determining a time
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`period in subframes over which PUSCH will be repeated which is greater than one subframe according to
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`a product of resource unit subframes and repetition as signaled. The repetition may be one set of
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`consecutive subframes or multiple sets of consecutive symbols for each set of subframes. Also, Examiner
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`recommends eXpressly reciting that the signals sent in the uplink subframe are part of an NB-loT
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`subframe and are repeatedly transmitted such that the same signal is sent on a symbol basis. Finally,
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`

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`Application/Control Number: 16/064,971
`Art Unit: 2478
`
`Page 13
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`with regard to SRS, including features of Figure 13 and 1I0137-146 wherein the terminal receives
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`information about the SRS candidate symbols and does not map data or DMRS to this symbol.
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`Conclusion
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`Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should
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`be directed to JAY L. VOG EL whose telephone number is (303)297-4322. The examiner can normally be
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`reached on Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30 PM ET.
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`If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor,
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`Derrick Ferris can be reached on 5712723123. The fax phone number for the organization where this
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`application or proceeding is assigned is 571 -273-8300.
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`1000.
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`/JAY L VOGEL/
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`Examiner, Art Unit 2478
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`