Patent Application 18045997 - METHOD FOR USER EQUIPMENT FOR IMPROVING A

Title: METHOD FOR USER EQUIPMENT FOR IMPROVING A HANDOVER LIST, METHOD FOR A CELL, APPARATUS, VEHICLE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

Application Information

Invention Title: METHOD FOR USER EQUIPMENT FOR IMPROVING A HANDOVER LIST, METHOD FOR A CELL, APPARATUS, VEHICLE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM
Application Number: 18045997
Submission Date: 2025-05-13T00:00:00.000Z
Effective Filing Date: 2022-10-12T00:00:00.000Z
Filing Date: 2022-10-12T00:00:00.000Z
National Class: 455
National Sub-Class: 436000
Examiner Employee Number: 77638
Art Unit: 2646
Tech Center: 2600

Rejection Summary

102 Rejections: 0
103 Rejections: 1

Cited Patents

The following patents were cited in the rejection:

Office Action Text

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 .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.

The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112:
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.

1. Claims 1, 3-4, 6-133, 15- 26, and 28-31 rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention.
Claims 1, 3-4, 6-133, 15- 26, and 28-31 generally recite: mobile communication service equipment", mobile communication network cell", "mobile communication service equipment devices"; “generate a handover list that includes identification of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices” … ‘wherein the handover list includes identification of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices in an environment in which the mobile communication network cell is present” The Examiner notes Applicants disclosure does not even mention “mobile communication service equipment", mobile communication network cell", "mobile communication service equipment devices"; “generate a handover list that includes identification of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices” … “wherein the handover list includes identification of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices in an environment in which the mobile communication network cell is present”.
During the interview (5/7/2025) the Examiner and Applicants representative attempted to find support for the newly recited claim limitations " mobile communication service equipment", mobile communication network cell", "mobile communication service equipment devices"; “generate a handover list that includes identification of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices” … ‘wherein the handover list includes identification of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices in an environment in which the mobile communication network cell is present” appearing in the claims without success. Applicants representative was also unable to point to the specification for support. Applicants representative has agreed to further amend and point to the specification for support.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
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.

This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
2. Claims 1-31 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Osstveen et al (2012/0225658 hereinafter D1) in view of Chaponniere et al (2021/0084559) OR Vivanco et al (11,290,928) OR Cheng et al (2019/0319840).
Regarding claims 1, 15 and 27. D1 teaches a program and an Apparatus for a user equipment and a method performed for user equipment connected to a mobile communication network cell for improving a handover list for use in identifying mobile communication service equipment for the UE to HO to from the mobile communication network cell (abstract – update neighbor cell list, 0001), the method comprising:
obtaining information about a plurality of mobile communication (0016 – the cell information of the wireless access nodes of the first wireless access network may be used for updating the neighbor cell list of the first wireless access node and/or for updating the neighbor cell list of the second wireless access node, or the cells thereof, 0049 – UE determines for which cells the cell information for the purpose of the NCL update should be gathered, 0053 – transmit the cell information CI, obtained while camping on the cell of eNB1A, 0060 – just before making HO from network A to network B, the UE takes a snap shot of the pilot channel strengths it sees and the UE reports this snap shot to the new serving cell in network B, 0061 – NCL is updated in accordance with the direction of mobility. In other words, user motion from a source cell in network A to a target in network B makes use of the NCL in the source cell and hence the snapshot information generated at its HO can be used to update the NCL);
generating (0004 – optimization of the neighbor lists, 0016 – the cell information of the wireless access nodes of the first wireless access network may be used for updating the neighbor cell list of the first wireless access node and/or for updating the neighbor cell list of the second wireless access node, or the cells thereof, 0017 – update neighbor cell lists, 0049 – UE determines for which cells the cell information for the purpose of the NCL update should be gathered, 0053 – transmit the cell information CI, obtained while camping on the cell of eNB1A, 0060 – just before making HO from network A to network B, the UE takes a snap shot of the pilot channel strengths it sees and the UE reports this snap shot to the new serving cell in network B, 0061 – UE reports are used to optimize neighbor cell list. The advantage is that the cell in which the neighbor cell list is updated is in accordance with the direction of mobility);
transmitting the handover list to the mobile communication network cell for performing improvement of the HO list (0004 – optimization of the neighbor lists, 0016 – the cell information of the wireless access nodes of the first wireless access network may be used for updating the neighbor cell list of the first wireless access node and/or for updating the neighbor cell list of the second wireless access node, or the cells thereof, 0017 – update neighbor cell lists, 0049 – UE determines for which cells the cell information for the purpose of the NCL update should be gathered, 0053 – transmit the cell information CI, obtained while camping on the cell of eNB1A, 0060 – just before making HO from network A to network B, the UE takes a snap shot of the pilot channel strengths it sees and the UE reports this snap shot to the new serving cell in network B, 0061 – UE reports are used to optimize neighbor cell list. The advantage is that the cell in which the neighbor cell list is updated is in accordance with the direction of mobility);

receiving (0002 – UE receives and stores neighbor cell list, 0035 – wireless access node broadcast the neighbor cell list and the UE receives and stores the neighbor cell list).
D1 does not explicitly teach transmitting dynamic information from the UE about an own movement state of the UE in the environment to the mobile communication network cell for use in performing improvement of the HO list.
However, D1 teaches at 0061 – NCL is updated in accordance with the direction of mobility. In other words, user motion from a source cell in network A to a target in network B makes use of the NCL in the source cell and hence the snapshot information generated at its HO can be used to update the NCL.
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034 – speed of the relay OR UE, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
It would have been extremely obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify D1 to consider dynamic information about a movement state of the UE and relay nodes as taught by Chaponniere OR movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE and a speed of travel of the UE as taught by Vivanco OR information relating to neighboring UEs, path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE as taught by Chen thereby reducing frequent handovers and/or dynamically updating the relay neighbor list that the UE expects to see while moving.
Regarding claims 7 and 20. D1 teaches an apparatus and a method performed for a mobile communication network cell connected to user equipment, the method generating an improved (abstract – update neighbor cell list, 0001), the method comprising:
receiving the handover list comprising a plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices from the user equipment, wherein the HO list includes identification of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices in an environment in which the mobile communication network cell is present (0049 – UE determines for which cells the cell information for the purpose of the NCL update should be gathered, 0053 – transmit the cell information CI, obtained while camping on the cell of eNB1A, 0060 – just before making HO from network A to network B, the UE takes a snap shot of the pilot channel strengths it sees and the UE reports this snap shot to the new serving cell in network B, 0061 – NCL is updated in accordance with the direction of mobility. In other words, user motion from a source cell in network A to a target in network B makes use of the NCL in the source cell and hence the snapshot information generated at its HO can be used to update the NCL);

obtaining information about (0016 – the cell information of the wireless access nodes of the first wireless access network may be used for updating the neighbor cell list of the first wireless access node and/or for updating the neighbor cell list of the second wireless access node, or the cells thereof, 0049 – UE determines for which cells the cell information for the purpose of the NCL update should be gathered, 0053 – transmit the cell information CI, obtained while camping on the cell of eNB1A, 0060 – just before making HO from network A to network B, the UE takes a snap shot of the pilot channel strengths it sees and the UE reports this snap shot to the new serving cell in network B);
generating (0004 – optimization of the neighbor lists, 0016 – the cell information of the wireless access nodes of the first wireless access network may be used for updating the neighbor cell list of the first wireless access node and/or for updating the neighbor cell list of the second wireless access node, or the cells thereof, 0017 – update neighbor cell lists, 0049 – UE determines for which cells the cell information for the purpose of the NCL update should be gathered, 0053 – transmit the cell information CI, obtained while camping on the cell of eNB1A, 0060 – just before making HO from network A to network B, the UE takes a snap shot of the pilot channel strengths it sees and the UE reports this snap shot to the new serving cell in network B, 0061 – UE reports are used to optimize neighbor cell list. The advantage is that the cell in which the neighbor cell list is updated is in accordance with the direction of mobility); and
transmitting the improved handover list to the user equipment for use by the user equipment in determining to which of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices the user equipment should perform handover (0002 – UE receives and stores neighbor cell list, 0035 – wireless access node broadcast the neighbor cell list and the UE receives and stores the neighbor cell list).
D1 does not teach obtaining dynamic information about a movement state of the user equipment.
However, D1 teaches at 0061 – NCL is updated in accordance with the direction of mobility. In other words, user motion from a source cell in network A to a target in network B makes use of the NCL in the source cell and hence the snapshot information generated at its HO can be used to update the NCL.
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034 – speed of the relay OR UE, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
It would have been extremely obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify D1 to consider dynamic information about a movement state of the UE and relay nodes as taught by Chaponniere OR movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE and a speed of travel of the UE as taught by Vivanco OR information relating to neighboring UEs, path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE as taught by Chen thereby reducing frequent handovers and/or dynamically updating the relay neighbor list that the UE expects to see while moving.
Regarding claim 2. D1 does not teach a transportation vehicle comprising the apparatus of claim 1.
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Chaponniere teaches a transportation vehicle (figures 6A and 6B, 0033 – vehicle, 0046 – vehicle(s), 0095 – fleet network, 0096 – vehicle, 0108 – buses, tramways, fleet of autonomous cars, 0112 – vehicle, 0115 – vehicle, bus, and/or tramway).
Cheng teaches a transportation vehicle comprising the apparatus (figure 8 and figure 9).
Vivanco teaches a transportation vehicle (figures 1A, 2A and 2B).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify D1 to consider dynamic information about a movement state of the UE and relay nodes (e.g., vehicle(s)) as taught by Chaponniere thereby reducing frequent handovers and/or dynamically updating the relay neighbor list that the UE expects to see while moving.
Regarding claims 3 and 16. D1 does not teach wherein
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify D1 to consider dynamic information about a movement state of the UE and relay nodes as taught by Chaponniere OR information regarding the UE, as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) as taught by Vivanco OR information regarding other UEs as taught by Cheng thereby reducing frequent handovers and/or dynamically updating the relay neighbor list that the UE expects to see while moving.
Regarding claims 4 and 17. D1 teaches wherein the improved handover list comprises information about a connection parameter between the user equipment and each of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices, and wherein the apparatus is further configured to select a mobile communication service equipment device
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
Regarding claims 5 and 18. D1 teaches wherein the connection parameter is at least one element of the group of: a usage time; a quality of signal; a location for usage; a radio access technology; and a capability (0046-0053 – cell information, 0060 – pilot channel strengths, 0061 – update in accordance with the direction of mobility).
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches information relating to dual connection (col. 8 lines 12-30, col. 10 line 58 – MW frequency range).
Regarding claims 6 and 19. D1 does not teach wherein the information about the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices is obtained by receiving cooperative perception data.
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Chaponniere teaches information is obtained by receiving cooperative perception data (0053 – cooperative vehicles, figures 6A-6B, 0095-0096 – cooperative fleet vehicles, 0108 – cooperative relays may be tramways, buses, fleet of autonomous cars)
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
It would have been extremely obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify D1 to consider dynamic information about a movement state of the UE and relay nodes as taught by Chaponniere OR movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE and a speed of travel of the UE as taught by Vivanco OR information relating to neighboring UEs, path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE as taught by Chen thereby reducing frequent handovers and/or dynamically updating the relay neighbor list that the UE expects to see while moving.
Regarding claims 8 and 21. D1 does not teach wherein
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
It would have been extremely obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify D1 to consider dynamic information about a movement state of the UE and relay nodes as taught by Chaponniere OR movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE and a speed of travel of the UE as taught by Vivanco OR information relating to neighboring UEs, path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE as taught by Chen thereby reducing frequent handovers and/or dynamically updating the relay neighbor list that the UE expects to see while moving.
Regarding claims 9 and 22. D1 teaches wherein the improved handover list comprises information about a connection parameter between the user equipment and each of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices, which is at least one element of the group of: a usage time; a quality of signal; a location for usage; a radio access technology; and a capability (0046-0053 – cell information, 0060 – pilot channel strengths, 0061 – update in accordance with the direction of mobility).
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
Regarding claims 10 and 23. D1 teaches wherein the dynamic information about the user equipment and/or the at least one mobile communication service equipment device is obtained by using one or more sensors of the mobile communication network cell and/or receiving information from the user equipment and/or receiving information from the at least one mobile communication service equipment device (0015, 0017, 0061).
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
Regarding claims 11 and 24. D1 teaches wherein the information about the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices is obtained by determining information about the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices using one or more sensors of the mobile communication network cell and/or receiving information from the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices (0015, 0017, 0061).
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
Regarding claims 12 and 25. D1 does not teach wherein the mobile communication network cell is mobile.
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
It would have been extremely obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify D1 to consider dynamic information about a movement state of the UE and relay nodes as taught by Chaponniere OR movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE and a speed of travel of the UE as taught by Vivanco OR information relating to neighboring UEs, path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE as taught by Chen thereby reducing frequent handovers and/or dynamically updating the relay neighbor list that the UE expects to see while moving.
Regarding claims 13 and 26. D1 does not teach wherein the mobile communication network cell is a relaying system.
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify D1 to consider dynamic information about a movement state of the UE and relay nodes as taught by Chaponniere thereby reducing frequent handovers and/or dynamically updating the relay neighbor list that the UE expects to see while moving.
Regarding claim 14. D1 does not teach a transportation vehicle comprising the apparatus of claim 7.
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Chaponniere teaches a transportation vehicle (figures 6A and 6B, 0033 – vehicle, 0046 – vehicle(s), 0095 – fleet network, 0096 – vehicle, 0108 – buses, tramways, fleet of autonomous cars, 0112 – vehicle, 0115 – vehicle, bus, and/or tramway).
Cheng teaches a transportation vehicle comprising the apparatus (figure 8 and figure 9).
Vivanco teaches a transportation vehicle (figures 1A, 2A and 2B).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify D1 to consider dynamic information about a movement state of the UE and relay nodes (e.g., vehicle(s)) as taught by Chaponniere thereby reducing frequent handovers and/or dynamically updating the relay neighbor list that the UE expects to see while moving.
Regarding claims 28-31. D1 teaches wherein the plurality of mobile communication service equipment supports at least one of base station communication and a mobile communication relaying service (0004 – optimization of the neighbor lists, 0016 – the cell information of the wireless access nodes of the first wireless access network may be used for updating the neighbor cell list of the first wireless access node and/or for updating the neighbor cell list of the second wireless access node, or the cells thereof, 0017 – update neighbor cell lists, 0049 – UE determines for which cells the cell information for the purpose of the NCL update should be gathered, 0053 – transmit the cell information CI, obtained while camping on the cell of eNB1A, 0060 – just before making HO from network A to network B, the UE takes a snap shot of the pilot channel strengths it sees and the UE reports this snap shot to the new serving cell in network B, 0061 – UE reports are used to optimize neighbor cell list. The advantage is that the cell in which the neighbor cell list is updated is in accordance with the direction of mobility)
Chaponniere teaches the neighbor list can be dynamically updated and sent to the UE, based on the relative speed of the relay or UE (0034 – speed of the relay OR UE, 0043, 0055,0059), UE’s velocity and/or heading (0063, 0077), UE’s location and/or the relays locations (0096, 0099-0100, 0105), expected paths of the serving relays and neighboring relays (0108), velocity of the UE (0109, 0111) to ensure the UEs are handed over to relays that will be able to serve the UE (0006, 0069) and/or to reduce frequent reselections (0096).
Vivanco teaches dynamic and automatic, real-time building and maintenance of neighbor lists (col. 1 lines 15-28) wherein the UE measurement reports include movement of the UE (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 11 lines 35-50 – movement of the UE, direction of travel of the UE, a speed of travel of the UE, etc.), as well as, information regarding nearby mobile communication service equipment (e.g., network node pairs) (col. 8 lines 12-26, col. 10 lines 36-47) which enables the network to adapt neighbor lists as the network topology changes (col. 1 lines 15-28).
Cheng teaches other information that may be reported may include the amount of load in the geographical environment observed by the UE. For example, the UE may report information based on messages received by the UE from other UEs (vehicles). For instance, the UE may report the number of other vehicles traveling in the same direction as the UE. The UE may also report other enhancements such as path plan of the UE, as well as the speed and direction of travel of the UE (0100).
Response to Arguments
3. Applicant's arguments filed 4/23/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant generally argues prior art does not teach the newly amended claim language (paper dated 4/23/2025, page 10).
During the interview (5/7/2025) the Examiner and Applicants representative attempted to find support for the newly recited claim limitations " mobile communication service equipment", mobile communication network cell", "mobile communication service equipment devices"; “generate a handover list that includes identification of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices” … ‘wherein the handover list includes identification of the plurality of mobile communication service equipment devices in an environment in which the mobile communication network cell is present” appearing in the claims without success. Applicants representative was also unable to point to the specification for support. Applicants representative has agreed to further amend and point to the specification for support.
Conclusion
4. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
---(2014/0073306) Shetty et al teaches if the UE is equipped with GPS then location/velocity/speed information may be included in the UE measurement report.
---(2021/0084609) Zisimopoulos et al teaches updating neighbor relay list based on own state information transmitted to the cell and/or movement state.
5. Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
6. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to BARRY W TAYLOR whose telephone number is (571)272-7509. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday: 7-5.
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/BARRY W TAYLOR/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2646