Derivative works — US Patent 11356947

Defensive Disclosure: Derivatives of US Patent 11356947

This document describes derivative variations of the inventions disclosed in US Patent 11356947, aimed at creating prior art that anticipates or renders obvious future incremental improvements by competitors. The focus is on expanding the technical scope beyond the explicit teachings of the patent, utilizing a derivation framework across various axes.

The core inventive concepts of US11356947 revolve around:

Transmission Side (Claims 14 & 19): A base wireless communication terminal performing Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) on multiple channels for wideband packet transmission, transmitting a packet through idle channels, and signaling non-contiguous channel allocation information via a non-legacy preamble of the packet when non-contiguous channels are used.
Reception Side (Claims 1 & 13): A wireless communication terminal receiving a wireless packet, obtaining non-contiguous channel allocation information of the received packet, and decoding the received packet based on the obtained non-contiguous channel allocation information.

For each derivative, an "Enabling Description" is provided with sufficient technical detail, followed by a Mermaid.js diagram illustrating its architecture, components, data/control flow, or state transitions.

I. Derivatives for Transmission (Claims 14 & 19 - Base Wireless Communication Terminal Method and Apparatus)

These derivatives expand on the base terminal's capability to perform CCA, transmit packets over non-contiguous channels, and signal this allocation via a non-legacy preamble.

1. Material & Component Substitution

Derivative 1.1: Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) Assisted Non-Contiguous Channel Transmission
- Enabling Description: A base wireless communication terminal, such as an Access Point (AP), is configured to perform a wireless communication method and comprises a processor and a communication unit. The communication unit further integrates a dynamically tunable Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) controller. The method involves the processor performing CCA of multiple channels to identify idle, potentially non-contiguous frequency segments for wideband packet transmission. When transmitting a packet through these non-contiguous channels, the processor dynamically configures an adjacent RIS array, via the RIS controller, to reflect and/or refract the transmitted RF signals. This active environmental shaping focuses RF energy into the desired non-contiguous channel segments, enhancing signal strength and mitigating interference. The non-contiguous channel allocation information is signaled within a non-legacy preamble (e.g., HE-SIG-A/B, or a custom control block) of the packet, with additional subfields specifying the RIS configuration parameters (e.g., phase shift coefficients, reflection angles) tailored for the non-contiguous channels. The terminal apparatus thus includes the RIS controller and an interface to the RIS array, coordinated by the processor, to execute this adaptive transmission scheme.
```
graph TD
    A[Base Terminal Processor] --> B{Perform CCA on Multiple Channels}
    B --> C{Identify Idle Non-Contiguous Channels}
    C --> D[Generate Packet with Non-Contiguous Allocation Info in Non-Legacy Preamble]
    D --> E{Determine RIS Configuration Parameters}
    E --> F[RIS Controller]
    F --> G[Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface]
    G -- Dynamically Shapes RF --> H[Wireless Medium (Non-Contiguous Channels)]
    D --> I[Communication Unit Transceiver]
    I -- Transmit Packet --> H
```
Derivative 1.2: GaN-based Power Amplifiers with Dynamic Frequency Switching for Non-Contiguous TX
- Enabling Description: A base wireless communication terminal is implemented with a communication unit featuring Gallium Nitride (GaN) based power amplifiers (PAs) and wideband, frequency-agile circulators. The method involves the processor performing CCA to identify non-contiguous idle channels. Subsequent to identifying these channels, the processor generates a wideband packet where the non-contiguous channel allocation information is embedded in a non-legacy preamble. Simultaneously, the processor configures a multi-band frequency synthesizer and controls the GaN PAs to simultaneously operate across these disparate frequency segments. The high linearity and breakdown voltage of GaN PAs enable efficient and precise power allocation across multiple non-contiguous sub-bands without incurring significant intermodulation distortion. The non-legacy preamble includes power distribution profiles specific to each active non-contiguous sub-band, optimized for the GaN PA's characteristics. The terminal apparatus therefore comprises the processor, communication unit with GaN PAs, multi-band frequency synthesizer, and wideband circulators, all coordinated to implement this method.
```
graph TD
    A[Base Terminal Processor] --> B{Perform CCA on Multiple Channels}
    B --> C{Identify Non-Contiguous Idle Channels}
    C --> D[Generate Packet with Non-Contiguous Allocation Info + Power Profiles in Non-Legacy Preamble]
    D --> E[Multi-band Frequency Synthesizer]
    D --> F[GaN Power Amplifiers (PAs)]
    E --> G[Wideband Circulator]
    F --> G
    G --> H[Antenna Array]
    H -- RF Transmission --> I[Non-Contiguous Channels]
```

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

Derivative 2.1: Millimeter-Wave (mmWave) Non-Contiguous Channel Allocation for High-Throughput Backhaul
- Enabling Description: A base wireless communication terminal, operating as a mmWave backhaul node (e.g., in the 60 GHz, 70 GHz, or 90 GHz bands), employs a communication unit capable of mmWave transmission and reception. The method includes the processor performing CCA across multiple large mmWave channels (e.g., 2160 MHz blocks as in 802.11ay), identifying idle, potentially non-contiguous 2160 MHz blocks or finer-grained sub-blocks (e.g., 20 MHz or 40 MHz) within these larger channels. The processor then transmits a packet, where non-contiguous channel allocation information, detailing both active mmWave channels and sub-channel arrangements, is signaled via a dedicated extension field within a mmWave-specific non-legacy preamble (a variant of HE-SIG-A/B or a custom 802.11ay control field). This allows for high-throughput backhaul links with dynamic spectrum access, critical for urban environments where mmWave paths are frequently obstructed. The terminal apparatus includes the processor, communication unit with mmWave transceivers, and highly directional antenna arrays for beamforming over these non-contiguous bands.
```
graph TD
    A[Base Terminal Processor] --> B{Perform mmWave CCA (e.g., 60/70/90 GHz bands)}
    B --> C{Identify Idle Non-Contiguous 2160MHz blocks/sub-blocks}
    C --> D[Generate mmWave PPDU Preamble (Non-Contiguous Info, Sub-block Allocation)]
    D --> E[mmWave Transceiver Chain]
    E --> F[Directional Antenna Array (Beamforming)]
    F -- High-Throughput TX --> G[Non-Contiguous mmWave Channels]
```
Derivative 2.2: Ultra-Narrowband IoT Non-Contiguous Channel Transmission with Long-Range Signaling
- Enabling Description: A base wireless communication terminal, functioning as an IoT gateway, comprises a processor and a communication unit configured for ultra-narrowband (UNB) operation in sub-GHz unlicensed bands (e.g., 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz channels in 900 MHz ISM). The method involves the processor performing CCA over these ultra-narrowband channels to identify idle, non-contiguous segments. For transmitting an IoT packet, the non-contiguous channel allocation information is conveyed using a highly robust, low-rate non-legacy preamble (e.g., a variant of HE-SIG-A/B adapted for UNB/LPWAN protocols, potentially incorporating spread spectrum or maximum repetition coding for enhanced link budget) within the sub-GHz packet. This enables long-range transmission to power-constrained IoT devices. The terminal apparatus includes the processor, a communication unit with a UNB transceiver, and an antenna, which together implement this method by optimizing preamble robustness for reliable detection and power efficiency for the recipient.
```
graph TD
    A[IoT Gateway Processor] --> B{Perform Sub-GHz Narrowband CCA}
    B --> C{Identify Idle Non-Contiguous Ultra-Narrowband Channels}
    C --> D[Generate LPWAN Packet with Robust Non-Legacy Preamble (Allocation Info)]
    D --> E[Sub-GHz Transceiver]
    E --> F[Antenna]
    F -- Long-Range, Low-Power TX --> G[Non-Contiguous Ultra-Narrowband IoT Channels]
```

3. Cross-Domain Application

Derivative 3.1: Autonomous Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication with Dynamic Spectrum Access
- Enabling Description: A roadside unit (RSU), acting as a base wireless communication terminal in an intelligent transportation system, comprises a processor and a multi-band communication unit (e.g., supporting DSRC, C-V2X sidelink, and 60 GHz). The method involves the processor performing real-time CCA across these heterogeneous spectrum allocations, which are prone to fragmentation due to dynamic traffic and interference. Upon identifying idle, non-contiguous channels, the RSU transmits a V2X packet. Non-contiguous channel allocation information, specifically detailing the available DSRC/C-V2X/60 GHz channels, is signaled within a V2X-adapted non-legacy preamble (e.g., a modified HE-SIG-A/B or an augmented 5G NR sidelink control information (SCI) block). This allows autonomous vehicles (receiving terminals) to immediately identify and utilize the optimal combination of non-contiguous channels for critical safety messages and high-bandwidth sensor data offloading. The RSU terminal apparatus, with its multi-band communication unit and processor, implements this dynamic spectrum access and signaling.
```
graph TD
    A[Roadside Unit (RSU) Processor] --> B{Perform Multi-Spectrum CCA (DSRC, C-V2X, 60GHz)}
    B --> C{Identify Idle Non-Contiguous Channels}
    C --> D[Generate V2X Packet with Non-Legacy Preamble (Non-Contiguous Channel Map)]
    D --> E[Multi-band V2X Communication Unit]
    E -- Broadcast/Unicast --> F[Wireless Medium to Autonomous Vehicles]
```
Derivative 3.2: Underwater Acoustic Communication with Adaptive Frequency Hopping and Channel Puncturing
- Enabling Description: An underwater acoustic modem, deployed on a ship or a fixed platform, functions as a base wireless communication terminal. Its communication unit includes a wideband acoustic transducer array and associated signal processing hardware. The method involves the processor performing an acoustic CCA by transmitting sonar pings or passively listening across a broad acoustic frequency range (e.g., 5-50 kHz), identifying viable, non-contiguous acoustic frequency bands. When transmitting a data packet to Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) or subsea sensors, the processor generates non-contiguous channel allocation information for these acoustically clear bands. This information is encoded into a robust, low-rate acoustic non-legacy preamble (e.g., using frequency-shift keying or phase-shift keying with redundant coding over pilot tones, similar to RF HE-SIG-A/B but adapted for acoustic propagation) that precedes the data payload. The terminal apparatus, with its processor and acoustic communication unit, enables reliable data transfer in dynamically changing underwater acoustic environments.
```
graph TD
    A[Acoustic Modem Processor] --> B{Perform Acoustic CCA (5-50 kHz)}
    B --> C{Identify Viable Non-Contiguous Acoustic Frequencies}
    C --> D[Generate Acoustic Packet with Robust Non-Legacy Preamble (Non-Contiguous Freq Map)]
    D --> E[Acoustic Transducer Array]
    E -- Acoustic TX --> F[Underwater Acoustic Medium]
```

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

Derivative 4.1: AI-Optimized Dynamic Non-Contiguous Channel Allocation for Cognitive Radio
- Enabling Description: A base wireless communication terminal (e.g., a 5G small cell or Wi-Fi 7 AP) incorporates a processor that hosts a cognitive radio engine utilizing deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for intelligent spectrum management. The method involves the DRL agent continuously monitoring the radio environment through advanced CCA techniques (e.g., spectrum sensing, interference estimation, traffic prediction) across licensed and unlicensed bands. When a wideband packet requires transmission, the DRL agent predicts the optimal set of non-contiguous channels, considering current idleness, predicted stability, and target terminal capabilities. This AI-optimized non-contiguous channel allocation information, including confidence scores for channel stability, is encapsulated within an AI-augmented non-legacy preamble (e.g., an extended HE-SIG-A/B with a dedicated AI field or a new AI-SIG block). The terminal apparatus comprises the processor with the DRL engine, and a communication unit capable of flexible spectrum access, enabling this intelligent, adaptive transmission.
```
graph TD
    A[Base Terminal Processor] --> B[Cognitive Radio Engine (DRL Agent)]
    B -- Spectrum Sensing, Traffic Prediction --> C{Perform Advanced CCA across Bands}
    C --> D{AI-Optimized Selection of Non-Contiguous Channels}
    D --> E[Generate Packet with AI-Augmented Non-Legacy Preamble (Allocation + Confidence Scores)]
    E --> F[Communication Unit]
    F -- Transmit Packet --> G[Wireless Medium]
```
Derivative 4.2: IoT-Enabled Real-time Channel Occupancy Mapping for Non-Contiguous Spectrum Access
- Enabling Description: A base wireless communication terminal (e.g., an industrial IoT gateway or Smart City AP) is part of an Internet of Things (IoT) network. The method involves the processor collecting real-time, fine-grained channel occupancy data from distributed spectrum sensors within the IoT network, aggregated via a secure IoT backhaul. This data is used to synthesize a dynamic channel occupancy map. When transmitting a wideband packet, the gateway's processor performs a logical CCA against this map, identifying optimal non-contiguous idle channels. The non-contiguous channel allocation information, along with a timestamp reflecting the map's freshness, is embedded within the non-legacy preamble (e.g., HE-SIG-A/B) of the transmitted packet. The terminal apparatus includes the processor, a communication unit, and an IoT interface for sensor data ingestion, allowing it to adapt transmissions based on network-wide, real-time spectrum awareness.
```
graph TD
    A[Distributed IoT Spectrum Sensors] -- Real-time Occupancy Data --> B[IoT Gateway (Base Terminal Processor)]
    B --> C{Synthesize Real-time Channel Occupancy Map}
    C --> D{Perform Logical CCA on Map to Identify Non-Contiguous Channels}
    D --> E[Generate Packet with Non-Legacy Preamble (Allocation + Timestamp)]
    E --> F[Communication Unit]
    F -- Transmit Packet --> G[Wireless Medium]
```

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

Derivative 5.1: Low-Power Non-Contiguous Signaling for Emergency Broadcasts
- Enabling Description: A base wireless communication terminal, such as a temporary emergency responder AP, is configured for a low-power emergency broadcast method. In this mode, the processor performs a minimal CCA to identify any available, even highly fragmented, non-contiguous channels. Instead of transmitting full data, the priority is on robust signaling. Non-contiguous channel allocation information is transmitted via a simplified, extremely low-power, and highly redundant non-legacy preamble (e.g., an HE-SIG-A/B variant with maximum repetition coding and minimum MCS, potentially omitting data fields) within a short "beacon-like" packet. This preamble might only contain channel occupancy details and a minimal emergency alert payload. The terminal apparatus comprises a processor optimized for low-power operation and a communication unit capable of ultra-robust, low-power preamble transmission, enabling essential communication in power-constrained disaster scenarios.
```
graph TD
    A[Emergency Base Terminal Processor (Low-Power Mode)] --> B{Perform Minimal CCA (Identify Any Idle Fragments)}
    B --> C[Generate Simplified, Redundant Non-Legacy Preamble (Allocation + Emergency Payload)]
    C --> D[Low-Power Transceiver]
    D -- Ultra-Robust TX --> E[Non-Contiguous Emergency Channels]
```
Derivative 5.2: Graceful Degradation to Contiguous Sub-band Operation Upon Non-Contiguous Channel Failure
- Enabling Description: A base wireless communication terminal, capable of wideband non-contiguous transmission, is configured to perform a method of graceful degradation. Initially, the processor performs CCA and transmits a packet over non-contiguous channels, signaling this via its non-legacy preamble. If the processor, through internal monitoring or feedback from receiving terminals (via a control channel), detects persistent failure or severe degradation in one or more of the non-contiguous segments (e.g., due to sudden, unresolvable interference), it initiates a graceful degradation mode. The method involves the system automatically reverting to transmitting over a narrower, contiguous sub-band chosen from the least degraded of the previously allocated non-contiguous segments. The non-legacy preamble is immediately updated to signal this new, contiguous sub-band allocation, along with a "degradation alert" flag. The terminal apparatus, with its processor and communication unit, dynamically adapts its transmission strategy to maintain a reliable, albeit reduced, link quality during partial channel failures.
```
stateDiagram
    [*] --> IDLE_CCA : System Initialized
    IDLE_CCA --> NON_CONTIGUOUS_TX : Non-Contiguous Channels Available
    NON_CONTIGUOUS_TX --> DETECT_FAILURE : Persistent Failure in Sub-band Detected
    DETECT_FAILURE --> GRACEFUL_DEGRADATION : Initiate Degradation Protocol
    GRACEFUL_DEGRADATION --> CONTIGUOUS_SUBBAND_TX : Reconfigure to Contiguous Sub-band
    CONTIGUOUS_SUBBAND_TX --> NON_CONTIGUOUS_TX : Channels Recovered / Re-attempt Non-Contiguous
    NON_CONTIGUOUS_TX --> [*] : Transmission Complete
    CONTIGUOUS_SUBBAND_TX --> [*] : Transmission Complete
```

II. Derivatives for Reception (Claims 1 & 13 - Wireless Communication Terminal Method and Apparatus)

These derivatives expand on the terminal's capability to receive packets, obtain non-contiguous channel allocation information, and decode data from those channels.

1. Material & Component Substitution

Derivative 1.3: MEMS-Tunable Filter Banks for Non-Contiguous Channel Isolation
- Enabling Description: A wireless communication terminal is configured for a method of reception and comprises a processor and a communication unit. The communication unit incorporates Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based tunable filter banks. Upon receiving a wireless packet, the method involves the processor obtaining non-contiguous channel allocation information from the non-legacy preamble. Based on this information, the processor dynamically configures the MEMS filter banks to precisely select and isolate the specified non-contiguous frequency segments, effectively suppressing out-of-band interference from unallocated channels. This active filtering process enhances signal integrity for each non-contiguous band, feeding either multiple synchronized Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) or a single wideband ADC with selective digital down-conversion. The terminal apparatus, with its MEMS filter banks controlled by the processor, optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio prior to decoding.
```
graph TD
    A[Wireless Terminal Antenna] --> B[Low Noise Amplifier (LNA)]
    B --> C[MEMS Tunable Filter Bank]
    C -- Dynamically Filtered Frequencies --> D[Wideband ADC / Multiple Narrowband ADCs]
    D --> E[Digital Signal Processor (DSP)]
    E -- Extracts Non-Contiguous Info from Preamble --> F[Terminal Processor (Controls Filter Bank)]
    F --> C
    E -- Decodes Packet --> G[Data Buffer]
```
Derivative 1.4: Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) Receivers for Ultra-Weak Non-Contiguous Signals
- Enabling Description: For applications requiring extreme sensitivity, a wireless communication terminal comprises a processor and a cryogenic communication unit integrated with Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) based low-noise amplifiers and detectors. The method involves the processor receiving an ultra-weak wireless packet and obtaining non-contiguous channel allocation information from its non-legacy preamble. This information guides the SQUID receiver system to precisely tune and aggregate the specified non-contiguous frequency bands with unparalleled sensitivity and minimal intrinsic noise. The SQUID's wideband yet tunable characteristics are leveraged for efficient processing of the fragmented spectrum, enabling the decoding of signals at or below thermal noise floors. The terminal apparatus, with its SQUID-based communication unit and processor, facilitates reception and decoding in challenging low-signal-to-noise ratio environments.
```
graph TD
    A[Wireless Terminal Antenna] --> B[Cryogenic Front-End]
    B --> C[SQUID Low-Noise Amplifier]
    C --> D[SQUID Detector Array]
    D -- Ultra-Low Noise Signal --> E[Cryogenic Digital Signal Processor]
    E -- Obtains Non-Contiguous Info from Preamble --> F[Terminal Processor (Controls SQUID Tuning)]
    F --> C
    E -- Decodes Ultra-Weak Packet --> G[Sensitive Data Output]
```

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

Derivative 2.3: Deep Space Communication with Adaptive Non-Contiguous Channel Decoding for Extreme Doppler Shift
- Enabling Description: A deep space communication terminal (e.g., a spacecraft or ground station receiver) is configured for a method of reception and comprises a processor and a communication unit with an adaptive Doppler compensation engine. When receiving telemetry or command packets from distant probes, which experience significant and rapidly changing Doppler shifts, the method involves the processor extracting non-contiguous channel allocation information from the non-legacy preamble. This information is used to dynamically parameterize the Doppler compensation engine, allowing the receiver to track and re-align the fragmented, Doppler-shifted non-contiguous channels. The decoding algorithm adaptively adjusts phase and frequency offsets independently for each non-contiguous band, enabling robust decoding even when the received channels are shifted from their nominal frequencies. The terminal apparatus, with its processor and communication unit incorporating this Doppler compensation engine, supports reliable deep space communication.
```
graph TD
    A[Deep Space Antenna] --> B[RF Front End]
    B --> C[Wideband ADC]
    C --> D[Terminal Processor (Adaptive Doppler Compensation Engine)]
    D -- Obtains Non-Contiguous Info from Preamble --> E[Non-Contiguous Channel Demodulator]
    E -- Applies Doppler Correction per Band --> F[Error Correction & Decoder]
    F --> G[Telemetry/Command Data Output]
```
Derivative 2.4: Quantum Computing Enhanced Decoding of Highly Fragmented Non-Contiguous Channels
- Enabling Description: For future extreme-capacity or secure networks, a wireless communication terminal comprises a processor and a communication unit, with the processor being augmented by a quantum computing co-processor. The method involves the terminal receiving a wireless packet, where the processor obtains non-contiguous channel allocation information from a specially designed, quantum-resistant non-legacy preamble. The quantum co-processor is then leveraged to simultaneously analyze complex interference patterns and quantum correlations across a multitude of highly fragmented and potentially overlapping non-contiguous channels. This enables rapid, parallel decoding of the packet's data payload under extreme spectral congestion or where classical digital signal processing (DSP) would be computationally infeasible. The terminal apparatus, with its processor and integrated quantum co-processor, enables advanced decoding capabilities for future communication paradigms.
```
graph TD
    A[Wireless Terminal Antenna] --> B[RF Front End]
    B --> C[Wideband Analog-to-Digital Converter]
    C --> D[Terminal Processor]
    D -- Extracts Non-Contiguous Info from Quantum Preamble --> E[Quantum Computing Co-Processor]
    E -- Parallel Interference Analysis & Decoding --> F[Packet Data Output]
```

3. Cross-Domain Application

Derivative 3.3: Battlefield Communications with Jamming-Resistant Non-Contiguous Channel Reception
- Enabling Description: A military communication terminal (e.g., a software-defined radio (SDR) on a troop carrier) is configured for a method of reception and comprises a processor and an SDR communication unit. Operating in a contested battlefield environment with sophisticated jamming, the terminal receives wireless packets where a friendly base station has dynamically allocated non-contiguous, sporadic channels signaled via its non-legacy preamble. The method involves the processor, equipped with advanced jamming detection and mitigation algorithms, using this non-contiguous channel allocation information to configure its frequency-hopping and anti-jamming subsystems. It rapidly switches its receiver front-end and digital filters to monitor and process only the indicated clear, non-contiguous channels, effectively "puncturing" the jammed frequencies and decoding vital communication amidst heavy electronic warfare. The terminal apparatus includes the processor, SDR communication unit, and jamming mitigation module for robust battlefield reception.
```
graph TD
    A[Military Terminal Antenna] --> B[Software-Defined Radio Front End]
    B --> C[Jamming Detection & Mitigation Module]
    C --> D[Terminal Processor (Configures Freq-Hopping based on Preamble)]
    D -- Obtains Non-Contiguous Channel Info from Preamble --> E[Non-Contiguous Channel Demodulator]
    E --> F[Secure Voice/Data Decoder]
    F --> G[Battlefield Information System]
```
Derivative 3.4: Biomedical Implant Telemetry with Dynamic Non-Contiguous Channel Reconfiguration
- Enabling Description: A biomedical implant (e.g., a brain-computer interface or smart prosthetic sensor array) functions as a wireless communication terminal, configured for a reception method and comprising a low-power processor and a miniature RF communication unit. This implant receives configuration updates or commands from an external base terminal. In the method, the implant's processor obtains non-contiguous channel allocation information from a compact, specialized non-legacy preamble (e.g., a very short burst with robust error correction over bio-compatible ISM frequencies). The implant then dynamically reconfigures its miniature RF front-end and power-optimized Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to precisely listen on these specific, fragmented channels. This ensures reliable data reception for critical medical operations while minimizing power consumption and heat generation within the body. The implant apparatus, with its low-power processor and RF communication unit, enables adaptive and reliable biomedical telemetry.
```
graph TD
    A[Biomedical Implant Antenna] --> B[Miniature RF Front End]
    B --> C[Low-Power Processor (Obtains Non-Contiguous Info)]
    C --> D[Dynamically Reconfigured DSP]
    D -- Decodes Packet --> E[Implant Control Logic / Data Storage]
```

III. Combination Prior Art Scenarios

These scenarios combine the core concepts of US11356947 with existing open-source standards, demonstrating how the patent's teachings are obvious extensions within current technological frameworks.

US11356947 + IEEE 802.11ax Standard (Wi-Fi 6):
- Description: The IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard defines the High-Efficiency (HE) Physical Layer Convergence Procedure (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) and its preamble structures, including HE-SIG-A and HE-SIG-B fields, which support Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and flexible resource unit (RU) allocation. The standard, by design, seeks to maximize spectral efficiency in dense environments.
- Obviousness Argument: A Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art (PHOSITA) in WLAN would find it obvious to extend the 802.11ax standard's preamble signaling mechanisms with the non-contiguous channel allocation method of US11356947. Specifically, it would be obvious to utilize or adapt existing fields (e.g., the bandwidth field in HE-SIG-A, or the Resource Unit Allocation (RA) field in HE-SIG-B) to explicitly signal non-contiguous channel allocations beyond simple contiguous channel bonding. For example, indicating punctured 20 MHz channels within a total bandwidth via HE-SIG-A, or using a Null STA ID in HE-SIG-B's user field for specific unassigned RUs, directly extends 802.11ax's capabilities to handle scenarios where only fragmented spectrum is available. This improves OFDMA spectral efficiency and spatial reuse, a core objective of 802.11ax in high-density deployments.
US11356947 + 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) Standard:
- Description: The 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) standard is characterized by its flexible numerology, dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), and extensive use of carrier aggregation (CA) for both contiguous and non-contiguous component carriers. Control information in 5G NR is conveyed primarily via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) using various Downlink Control Information (DCI) formats. The standard supports diverse deployment scenarios, including unlicensed spectrum operation (NR-U).
- Obviousness Argument: A PHOSITA in cellular communications would find it obvious to adapt the non-contiguous channel signaling principles of US11356947 to 5G NR's control plane. Given 5G NR's inherent flexibility for dynamic and fragmented spectrum access, particularly in NR-U, it would be an obvious design choice to introduce an extended or specialized DCI format on the PDCCH that functions as a "non-legacy preamble" (similar to HE-SIG-A/B). This DCI could explicitly signal non-contiguous resource block (RB) allocations or fragmented frequency ranges for a given User Equipment (UE) within a wider operating band. The motivation is to enhance spectrum efficiency and flexibility in opportunistic or shared spectrum environments, where a gNB (base terminal) performs channel sensing and dynamically allocates non-contiguous frequency segments, and the UE (wireless terminal) must accurately parse this information for reception.
US11356947 + LoRaWAN Specification (LPWAN Standard):
- Description: The LoRaWAN specification defines a low-power, wide-area networking (LPWAN) protocol for IoT devices, employing Chirp Spread Spectrum (CSS) modulation in unlicensed ISM bands. While typically using fixed channels, the underlying LoRa physical layer is adaptable, and efficient spectrum use is critical for scalability in dense IoT deployments. LoRa preambles are primarily for synchronization.
- Obviousness Argument: A PHOSITA involved in LPWAN technologies would find it obvious to integrate the non-contiguous channel allocation signaling of US11356947 into the LoRaWAN ecosystem to address dynamic channel availability in congested ISM bands. This would involve adapting the concept of a non-legacy preamble to a LoRaWAN-compatible control mechanism, such as an extended implicit header or a new, robustly encoded control message preceding the LoRa payload. This "non-legacy preamble" would signal dynamically identified non-contiguous LoRa channels or sub-bands determined by a LoRaWAN gateway (base terminal) through real-time channel activity detection (CCA). LoRa devices (wireless terminals) could then opportunistically tune to these signaled non-contiguous channels, improving packet delivery rates and overall network capacity by avoiding persistently busy channels, thereby making the use of non-contiguous channels an obvious step for optimizing LPWAN performance.