US 11284475

Here is a concise summary of U.S. Patent 11,284,475.

Summary of U.S. Patent 11,284,475

Title: Wireless communication method using BSS identifier and wireless communication terminal using same

Assignee: Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc.

Inventors: Geonjung Ko, Woojin Ahn, Juhyung Son, Jinsam Kwak

Filing Date: October 1, 2019

Issue Date: March 22, 2022

Abstract:
A wireless communication method using a Basic Service Set (BSS) identifier is disclosed. A base wireless communication terminal generates a trigger frame for triggering uplink transmission based on random access of at least one wireless communication terminal and transmits the trigger frame in a Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit (PPDU). When the trigger frame triggers uplink transmission based on random access of a wireless communication terminal unassociated with a BSS operated by the base wireless communication terminal, the PPDU is transmitted using a PPDU format including a field indicating a BSS color of the BSS operated by the base wireless communication terminal.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

U.S. Patent 11,284,475 has three independent claims: Claim 1, Claim 8, and Claim 15.

Claim 1: This claim describes a method for a base wireless communication terminal (like a Wi-Fi access point) to manage network traffic. The terminal sends out a special "trigger frame" to one or more other wireless devices. This frame tells the devices when and how to send data back to the terminal, particularly for devices that are not already connected to its network (unassociated terminals). When communicating with these unassociated devices, the trigger frame is sent in a specific format that includes a "BSS color"—a type of network identifier. This helps to differentiate its own network from other nearby networks, preventing interference and confusion.

Claim 8: This claim focuses on the receiving wireless communication terminal (like a smartphone or laptop). The terminal is configured to receive the "trigger frame" from the base terminal. Based on the instructions in this frame, it then prepares and sends its own data packet, known as a "trigger-based PPDU." The key aspect of this claim is how the terminal sets the "BSS color" in the data packet it sends. It will set the BSS color of its outgoing transmission to match the BSS color of the network it is currently actively using.

Claim 15: This claim outlines the operational method from the perspective of the base wireless communication terminal. It involves two main steps: first, creating the "trigger frame" designed to initiate an uplink (device-to-terminal) communication based on a random access procedure for at least one wireless device. Second, it involves transmitting this trigger frame within a larger data packet (a PPDU). The claim specifies that if this trigger frame is intended for a device not associated with the base terminal's network (BSS), the transmission must use a format that explicitly includes the base terminal's own "BSS color." This ensures that even unassociated devices can correctly identify the network they are communicating with.

Regarding any litigation, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets did not yield specific results for this patent. However, it is important to note that information regarding ongoing litigation can be dynamic.