Derivative works — US Patent 10911186

Defensive Disclosure for US Patent 10911186

This defensive disclosure aims to describe derivative variations of the technology claimed in US Patent 10911186, focusing on rendering future incremental improvements by competitors obvious or non-novel. The core innovation of the patent lies in a base wireless communication terminal that triggers multi-user uplink transmissions and then transmits a block ACK where the transmission in each allocated resource is terminated at the same time. This analysis focuses on Independent Claim 1, as Independent Claim 10 describes the corresponding method.

Derivative Variations for Core Claim 1

Core Claim 1: A base wireless communication terminal, comprising: a transceiver configured to transmit and receive a wireless signal; and a processor configured to control an operation of the base wireless communication terminal, wherein the processor is configured to: transmit a trigger frame triggering a multi-user uplink transmission of a plurality of terminals, receive multi-user uplink data through resources allocated to the plurality of terminals, and transmit a block ACK through the resources in response to the received multi-user uplink data, wherein the transmission of the block ACK in each resource is terminated at the same time.

1. Material & Component Substitution: Free-Space Optical (FSO) with FPGA Processor

Enabling Description:
The base wireless communication terminal integrates a Free-Space Optical (FSO) transceiver array operating in the infrared spectrum (e.g., using 850 nm to 1550 nm laser diodes and photodetectors) for line-of-sight multi-user concurrent transmission. Instead of a general-purpose CPU, the processor is realized as a custom Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) logic core (e.g., Xilinx Versal ACAP or Intel Agilex F-Series). This FPGA is micro-coded for deterministic, ultra-low latency trigger frame generation and parallel reception of optical uplink data streams from multiple FSO-enabled terminals. Each terminal is identified by unique spatial beamforming patterns or specific wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) optical channels. The FPGA also handles real-time generation and synchronized pulsed laser transmission of block ACKs. To ensure simultaneous termination, the FPGA's optical driver logic incorporates dynamic optical pulse duration modulation and/or pre-computed delay lines, compensating for varying data processing times per optical resource. This ensures the final acknowledgement pulse for all allocated FSO resources (e.g., distinct laser beams or WDM channels) is physically emitted by the transceiver array at the exact same moment.

graph TD
    A[FSO Base Terminal] --> B{FPGA Processor (Custom Logic)};
    B --> C[FSO Transceiver Array (IR Lasers/PDs)];
    C -- Transmit Trigger Frame (Optical) --> D(FSO-enabled Terminals);
    D -- Multi-User Uplink Data (Optical, WDM/Spatial) --> C;
    C -- Receive Optical Data --> B;
    B -- Process Data & Generate Block ACK Pulses --> E[Optical Block ACK Pulses];
    E -- Synchronized Termination (Dynamic Pulse/Delay) --> D;
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style D fill:#ccf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

2. Operational Parameter Expansion: Underwater Acoustic Multi-Node Synchronization

Enabling Description:
A specialized underwater base wireless communication terminal (e.g., a seabed acoustic gateway or an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)-mounted relay) employs an acoustic transducer array (e.g., using piezoceramic composite transducers) operating at very low frequencies (VLF, 1 kHz to 10 kHz) for robust, long-range multi-user concurrent transmission to a dense swarm of underwater Internet of Things (IoT) sensor nodes. The base terminal's processor is optimized for extreme latency compensation and advanced error correction due to slow acoustic propagation (approx. 1500 m/s) and severe multipath interference. It transmits an acoustic trigger frame (e.g., using Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum, FHSS) to initiate uplink data bursts from hundreds to thousands of geographically dispersed sensor nodes. These nodes transmit multi-user acoustic data through pre-assigned frequency bands (FDMA), time slots (TDMA), or spatial separation (SDMA) within the acoustic medium. The base terminal receives this data, demodulates, and processes it. For the block ACK, the processor dynamically adjusts the payload size and/or adds zero-padding to individual acoustic ACK packets per resource, or transmits a combined, spread-spectrum block ACK. The transmission of this acoustic block ACK is terminated simultaneously for each acknowledged resource from the base station. Each sensor node is pre-configured with its estimated distance and corresponding acoustic propagation delay, allowing it to consider the ACK "effectively received" at a logically synchronized time point, despite varying physical arrival times.

graph TD
    A[Underwater Base Terminal] --> B{Acoustic Processor (High Latency/ECC)};
    B --> C[Acoustic Transducer Array];
    C -- Transmit Acoustic Trigger Frame (FHSS) --> D(Underwater IoT Sensor Nodes);
    D -- Multi-User Acoustic Data (FDMA/TDMA/SDMA) --> C;
    C -- Receive Acoustic Data --> B;
    B -- Process Data & Generate Block ACK --> E[Acoustic Block ACK Packets];
    E -- Dynamically Padded/Spread-Spectrum Transmission --> D;
    D -- Synchronized Physical Transmission Termination --> F{Acknowledged Sensor Nodes};
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style D fill:#ccf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

3. Cross-Domain Application: Smart Grid Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Coordination

Enabling Description:
In a smart grid environment, a central grid controller (serving as the base wireless communication terminal) is responsible for coordinating numerous Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as rooftop solar inverters, battery storage systems, and smart meters, which function as individual terminals. The grid controller's processor transmits a trigger frame via a secure, dedicated wireless communication link (e.g., a private LTE network in a licensed band or a robust mesh network operating in the 900 MHz ISM band with enhanced QoS for critical infrastructure) to command a multi-user uplink transmission. This uplink consists of real-time operational status (e.g., power generation output, battery state-of-charge, demand response capability, fault indicators) from a selected group of DERs. Each DER transmits its uplink data through an allocated time slot or sub-channel within the secure network. Upon receiving and aggregating this data, the grid controller transmits a block ACK via the same resources, confirming the receipt of status updates and implicitly acknowledging new operational parameters or control commands (e.g., synchronized dispatch signals, load shedding instructions). The critical feature is that the transmission of the block ACK for each DER terminates simultaneously across all allocated resources, ensuring all participating DERs receive their acknowledgment at the exact same logical time point. This strict synchronization is paramount for coordinated grid stability actions, preventing issues like cascading failures due to asynchronous control responses during critical events.

graph TD
    A[Grid Controller (Base Terminal)] --> B{Processor (Grid Mgmt & Control)};
    B --> C[Wireless Transceiver (Private LTE/Mesh)];
    C -- Transmit Trigger Frame (Command Status Update) --> D(Distributed Energy Resources (DERs));
    D -- Multi-User Uplink Data (Status/Capabilities) --> C;
    C -- Receive Data --> B;
    B -- Process Data & Generate Block ACK --> E[Block ACK (Confirmation/Commands)];
    E -- Synchronized Termination --> D;
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style D fill:#ccf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

4. Integration with Emerging Tech: AI-Driven Adaptive Resource Management

Enabling Description:
The base wireless communication terminal incorporates a high-performance processor (e.g., an ARM-based SoC with integrated NPU) equipped with an advanced AI/ML inference engine. This engine continuously monitors and analyzes real-time network conditions (e.g., channel occupancy, SNR, packet error rates, adjacent BSS activity), historical traffic patterns, and predicted terminal behavior (e.g., expected data burst sizes, Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, latency sensitivity). When initiating a multi-user uplink, the AI/ML engine dynamically determines the optimal resource allocation (ee.g., specific frequency bands, spatial streams, modulation and coding schemes (MCS), power levels) for each terminal. Crucially, for the block ACK transmission, the AI/ML engine employs predictive analytics to forecast the varying processing and encoding times required for generating ACKs for different terminals based on their received uplink data characteristics. It then dynamically calculates and applies the necessary padding (e.g., appending null data or duplicated ACK fragments) or modulates the frame length for each resource prior to transmission. This AI-driven adaptive padding ensures that, despite inherent variances in processing and physical layer characteristics, the physical transmission of the block ACK in each allocated resource is terminated at the exact same time. This real-time optimization maximizes channel utilization, minimizes airtime waste, and maintains strict synchronization, with the AI/ML model continuously learning and refining its predictions based on observed network performance and feedback.

graph TD
    A[Base Terminal (AI-Enhanced)] --> B{Processor w/ AI/ML Engine (NPU)};
    B --> C[Transceiver];
    C -- Transmit Trigger Frame (AI-Optimized Resources) --> D(Terminals);
    D -- Multi-User Uplink Data --> C;
    C -- Receive Data --> B;
    B -- AI/ML Analyze, Predict & Optimize --> F{Predictive Padding/Frame Adjustment};
    F --> E[Block ACK Generation (Dynamic Padding/Modulation)];
    E -- Synchronized Termination --> D;
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style D fill:#ccf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style F fill:#add8e6,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode: Fail-Safe Low-Power/Degraded Synchronization

Enabling Description:
A low-power, limited-functionality base wireless communication terminal, designed for deployments requiring extreme battery longevity (e.g., remote environmental sensors, emergency communications) or in environments prone to intermittent interference causing synchronization challenges. The terminal operates in a "Nominal Mode" with full multi-user uplink capability and strict synchronized block ACK termination. However, when critical operational parameters degrade, such as battery voltage falling below a pre-defined threshold, or if an internal self-diagnostic module detects a fault in timing oscillators or synchronization components, the processor automatically initiates a transition to a "Safe/Low-Power Mode." In this degraded mode, the multi-user uplink transmissions are adaptively limited to either a single primary resource or a pre-configured, reduced number of high-priority terminals. The transmitted trigger frame explicitly includes an indicator signaling this degraded operational state and the reduced scope of multi-user support. For block ACKs in this mode, if concurrent transmission is still attempted (for the limited set of resources), the processor intentionally implements significant over-padding on all resources to guarantee a simultaneous physical termination, albeit at a reduced spectral efficiency. Alternatively, in the event of severe synchronization component failure, the system may revert to a unicast-only mode, broadcasting a "Desynchronization Notification" frame followed by individual, scheduled ACKs. This ensures that even though the high-efficiency synchronized multi-user ACK is disabled, no ambiguous or partially acknowledged transmissions occur, thereby preventing data integrity issues or unintended retransmissions in critical, resource-constrained scenarios.

stateDiagram-v2
    [*] --> Nominal_Mode
    Nominal_Mode --> Low_Power_Mode: Low Battery / Sync Component Fault
    Low_Power_Mode --> Nominal_Mode: Battery Recharged / Fault Cleared / Manual Override
    Nominal_Mode : Full Multi-User Uplink Support
    Nominal_Mode : Strict Synchronized Block ACK Termination
    Low_Power_Mode : Limited Multi-User (Single Resource/Priority Terminals)
    Low_Power_Mode : Over-Padded Synch ACK OR Sequential ACKs / Desync Notify Broadcast
    state Nominal_Mode {
        Transmit_Full_Trigger_Frame
        Receive_Multi-User_Uplink
        Transmit_Synchronized_Block_ACK
    }
    state Low_Power_Mode {
        Transmit_Limited_Trigger_Frame
        Receive_Limited_Uplink_Data
        Transmit_Over-padded_Synchronized_ACK_OR_Sequential_ACKs
        Broadcast_Desync_Notify
    }

Combination Prior Art Scenarios

This patent's core concept of simultaneously terminating block ACK transmissions across multiple allocated resources can be combined with existing open-source communication standards to establish prior art for enhanced efficiency and coordination.

Combination with IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) OFDMA:
A base wireless communication terminal (Access Point, AP) operating in accordance with the IEEE 802.11ax standard, utilizing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) for multi-user uplink transmissions. The AP transmits a Multi-User (MU) Uplink Trigger Frame, as defined in 802.11ax, to a group of associated Stations (STAs), explicitly allocating specific Resource Units (RUs) within a wider operating channel (e.g., 20/40/80/160 MHz) for their uplink data transmission. Upon successfully receiving the uplink data through these allocated RUs from multiple STAs, the AP processes the received data and prepares a Multi-User Block Acknowledgment (MU-BA) frame. In this combination, the AP's processor is further configured to ensure that the physical transmission of the MU-BA in each allocated RU is terminated at the exact same time. This is achieved by dynamically adjusting the padding within the MU-BA frame's MAC payload, as per the 802.11ax specifications for frame extension, or by intelligently duplicating ACK information for RUs with shorter intrinsic ACK content. This synchronized termination guarantees coordinated channel release and predictable Network Allocation Vector (NAV) updates for all participating STAs and neighboring Basic Service Sets (BSSs), thereby enhancing overall spectral efficiency and predictable medium access control.
Combination with 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) Uplink Scheduling:
A 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) gNB (acting as the base wireless communication terminal) manages uplink transmissions from a plurality of User Equipments (UEs). The gNB's scheduler, implemented within its processor, transmits Downlink Control Information (DCI) on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), serving as a trigger frame to grant uplink resources (e.g., Physical Uplink Shared Channel, PUSCH, resource blocks and time slots) to several UEs for concurrent data transmission. Each UE then transmits its uplink data on its allocated time-frequency resources. Following the reception of these multi-user uplink data streams, the gNB processes the data and generates Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request Acknowledgments (HARQ-ACKs) or higher-layer Block ACKs for each UE. In this combined scenario, the gNB's processor ensures that the transmission of these HARQ-ACKs or Block ACKs, potentially multiplexed or aggregated within a single downlink transmission (e.g., on PDCCH or PDSCH), on their respective allocated downlink control or data channels, is physically terminated at the same precise moment. This strict synchronous ACK termination facilitates highly efficient management of UE sleep modes, consistent downlink/uplink transition timings, and optimized resource scheduling for subsequent transmission opportunities, which is particularly critical for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) services.
Combination with LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) Class B/C with Coordinated Uplink:
A LoRaWAN Gateway (functioning as the base wireless communication terminal) coordinates uplink transmissions from multiple LoRa End-Devices (acting as terminals) configured for either Class B (beacon-synchronized downlink slots) or Class C (always listening) operation. The Gateway transmits a proprietary "Coordinated Uplink Schedule" command frame (analogous to a trigger frame), indicating specific time slots, spreading factors, or frequency channels for a designated group of End-Devices to transmit their sensor data or status updates concurrently. Upon receiving these multi-user uplink data packets from the End-Devices, the Gateway's integrated network server (processor) verifies the data integrity and prepares acknowledgments (ACKs) for each End-Device. The Gateway is specifically configured to transmit these individual or logically grouped ACKs (LoRaWAN MAC commands) via the same downlink channels/parameters. The critical enhancement here is that the physical transmission of these ACKs from the Gateway is designed to terminate simultaneously. This synchronized ACK termination allows for precise management of End-Device listening windows or power states, ensuring that all acknowledged devices can transition to a lower power state or prepare for the next coordinated uplink period uniformly, thereby optimizing network capacity, reducing collision probabilities, and extending battery life across the distributed LoRaWAN deployment.