US 10321320

US patent 10321320, titled "Wireless network buffered message system," was issued to Headwater Research LLC on June 11, 2019, from an application filed on April 28, 2017. The sole inventor is Gregory G. Raleigh.

The abstract describes a wireless network buffered message system that includes a service processor implemented on a device, configured to manage device communications. It also includes a service controller configured to manage one or more service policies associated with the device, and a control plane communication link to enable the service processor and the service controller to exchange control plane communications using one or more out-of-band communication resources.

A plain-language overview of the independent claims is as follows:

• Independent Claim 1 (System): This claim describes a system that includes three main components:

  1. A "service processor" within a user's device (like a smartphone or tablet) that manages the device's network activities.
  2. A "service controller" that is separate from the device and is responsible for managing specific rules or "service policies" for that device.
  3. A "control plane communication link" that allows the service processor on the device and the service controller to communicate with each other. This communication happens using "out-of-band" resources, meaning it uses a separate channel or method from the main data traffic channel.

• Independent Claim 20 (Device): This claim focuses on the device itself. It specifies a device containing a "service processor" that manages the device's communications. This service processor is further detailed to include an "authorization agent" (for permissions), a "billing agent" (for tracking charges), and a "usage monitoring agent" (for observing data use). The service processor on the device also exchanges control communications with an external "service controller" via an "out-of-band" link, where the service controller dictates the service policies.

• Independent Claim 21 (Method): This claim outlines a method involving three steps:

  1. Managing a device's communications using a "service processor" that is part of the device.
  2. Managing the device's "service policies" using a separate "service controller."
  3. Facilitating control communications between the device's service processor and the service controller using a communication link that utilizes "out-of-band" resources.

Litigation related to this patent has been filed in various US District Courts, including the Texas Eastern District Court, Texas Western District Court, and California Northern District Court, with cases identified in 2025 and 2026. Additionally, there are PTAB cases, specifically IPR2026-00153 (Not Instituted - Procedural) and IPR2026-00106 (Pending). First worldwide family litigation has also been filed.