US 11356947

US Patent 11356947: Wireless Communication Method and Wireless Communication Terminal, Which Use Discontinuous Channel

Current Status (as of 2026-04-26): Active, expires 2037-02-02.

A concise summary of US Patent 11356947 is provided below:

• Title: Wireless communication method and wireless communication terminal, which use discontinuous channel
• Assignee: Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc. (Original Assignee: SK Telecom Co Ltd, Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc.)
• Inventors: Juhyung Son, Jinsam Kwak, Geonjung KO, Woojin AHN
• Filing Date: 2020-05-07
• Issue Date: 2022-06-07
• Abstract: A wireless communication method and a wireless communication terminal, which use a non-contiguous channel, are disclosed. The wireless communication method of a wireless communication terminal includes 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.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a wireless communication method for a terminal. The method involves the terminal receiving a wireless packet, then identifying (obtaining) information about how non-contiguous channels are allocated within that packet. Finally, the terminal decodes the received packet by using this identified non-contiguous channel allocation information.

• Independent Claim 13: This claim outlines a wireless communication terminal itself. The terminal includes a processor and a communication unit. The processor is configured to perform the actions described in Claim 1: receiving a wireless packet via the communication unit, obtaining non-contiguous channel allocation information from that packet, and then decoding the packet based on that allocation information.

• Independent Claim 14: This claim details a wireless communication method executed by a base wireless communication terminal (e.g., an Access Point). The method involves the base terminal performing a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) across multiple channels to prepare for transmitting a wideband packet. It then transmits the packet using at least one channel that is determined to be idle based on the CCA result. A key aspect is that if the packet is transmitted over non-contiguous channels, the base terminal signals this non-contiguous channel allocation information within a non-legacy preamble of the packet.

• Independent Claim 19: This claim describes a base wireless communication terminal (e.g., an Access Point) that is capable of performing the method of Claim 14. It includes a processor and a communication unit. The processor performs the CCA of multiple channels for wideband packet transmission and transmits a packet through idle channels. When using non-contiguous channels, the processor signals the non-contiguous channel allocation information via a non-legacy preamble of the packet.

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Note on CAFC 2026 Dockets: A search of CAFC 2026 dockets did not return specific litigation information for US11356947. The search results provided general information about the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. However, the Google Patents information for US11356947 does indicate "Family has litigation" and points to a Darts-ip link for "Global patent litigation dataset". This suggests there is litigation activity related to the patent family, but direct CAFC dockets for 2026 specifically citing US11356947 were not found through this search.

Note on Abstract and Claims Retrieval: The provided plaintext document did not explicitly delineate "Abstract" and "Claims" sections with headings. The Abstract and the specific wording of the independent claims were retrieved from the Google Patents source (US11356947B2 - Wireless communication method and wireless communication terminal, which use discontinuous channel - Google Patents), which was the authoritative URL specified in the prompt.

As of April 26, 2026, a direct search for litigation specifically involving US Patent 11356947 on publicly accessible databases like Unified Patents and through general web searches for CAFC and PACER dockets did not return any specific case details.

While the Google Patents information for US11356947 indicates "Family has litigation" and points to a Darts-ip link for a "Global patent litigation dataset," this does not provide the specific case information requested for US11356947 itself.

Therefore, based on the information available through the performed searches, no known specific litigation involving US Patent 11356947 can be identified.

Proceedings overview

There are no AIA trial proceedings on file for US Patent 11356947 as of the most recent ingest from the USPTO ODP API. A web search did not surface any additional PTAB activity. This means the patent has not yet been challenged through Inter Partes Review, Post-Grant Review, or Covered Business Method proceedings. For a defendant, this indicates that all claims remain untested in the PTAB and are presumed valid from that perspective, and there is no estoppel landscape from prior PTAB challenges.

Strategic summary

All claims of US Patent 11356947 remain untested by AIA trial proceedings. This means that a potential defendant facing assertion of this patent would have all prior art grounds available for a new Inter Partes Review petition, as there is no estoppel from previous challenges under § 315(e)(2). The absence of PTAB activity is a notable signal; well-asserted patents often become targets for IPRs, suggesting that this patent may not have been aggressively asserted or that previous assertions have not led to PTAB challenges by defendants.

Recommended next steps

Since no PTAB activity exists for US Patent 11356947, a defendant currently facing assertion of this patent should consider initiating an Inter Partes Review to challenge the validity of the claims. This would be a first opportunity to test the patent's claims at the PTAB.

Inventors

• Juhyung Son: Employer at time of filing not determinable from the provided text.
• Jinsam Kwak: Employer at time of filing not determinable from the provided text.
• Geonjung KO: Employer at time of filing not determinable from the provided text.
• Woojin AHN: Employer at time of filing not determinable from the provided text.

No unusual patterns regarding inventor departures within 12 months of filing can be determined from the provided information.

Original assignee

The entities named on the issued patent (based on the initial assignment recorded shortly before issuance) were SK Telecom Co Ltd and Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc.

• SK Telecom Co Ltd: This is a major South Korean telecommunications operating company. They ship a wide range of products and services embodying wireless communication technologies, including those related to the claims of the patent. Their primary line of business is telecommunications services and related technologies. Current status: Operating.
• Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc.: This entity appears to be involved in wireless communication standards research and intellectual property management. While their name suggests research, public information and their subsequent sole ownership of the patent point towards a primary business model focused on intellectual property, which may include licensing and assertion. Current status: Operating (as an IP entity).

Assignment timeline

Details regarding Reel/Frame numbers, exact execution dates, and correspondent information would typically be obtained from a direct search on the USPTO Patent Assignment Search portal. As direct access to this live tool is not available, and to avoid fabricating information, these specific fields are noted as not determinable from the provided text or linked sources. The events below are based on the "Legal events" timeline provided by Google Patents, which indicates recording dates.

• 2022-01-14 (recorded) — Reel N/A

  • Conveyance: Assignment (from inventors)
  • Assignor: Juhyung Son, Jinsam Kwak, Geonjung KO, Woojin AHN (inventors)
  • Assignee: SK TELECOM CO., LTD., WILUS INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
  • Correspondent: N/A
  • Context: Initial assignment of patent rights from inventors to joint owners prior to patent grant.

• 2024-06-20 (recorded) — Reel N/A

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: SK TELECOM CO., LTD.
  • Assignee: WILUS INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY INC.
  • Correspondent: N/A
  • Context: Transfer of SK Telecom's interest in the patent to Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 11356947
    2020 : Application filed
    2022 : Assigned to SK Telecom & Wilus
         : Patent granted
    2024 : SK Telecom assigns to Wilus

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present. The transfer from SK Telecom Co Ltd (an operating company) to Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc. (an entity whose business model, based on external information, appears to be heavily focused on IP monetization rather than product manufacturing) indicates a shell-entity transfer. Wilus's name ("Institute of Standards and Technology") while not immediately suggesting "IP/Patents/Holdings", is commonly associated with research or standardization, but its known activities align with a licensing-focused entity. The 2024-06-20 assignment from SK Telecom to Wilus is key here.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Present. Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc. is identified by sources like Unified Patents as an NPE. The patent is currently assigned to Wilus. This is based on the 2024-06-20 assignment to Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Unclear. Without access to the USPTO Assignment Center to view correspondent names and firms, it is not possible to determine if there is a repeat correspondent pattern.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. There are only two recorded assignments in the patent's history, not multiple consecutive transfers within a short period.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Unclear. The Google Patents record indicates "Family has litigation," but does not specify the date of the first infringement suit naming this particular patent. Therefore, it's not possible to determine if the 2024-06-20 assignment occurred within 6 months prior to litigation.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no indication in the provided patent information or general knowledge that either SK Telecom or Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc. have filed for bankruptcy and sold this patent as part of those proceedings.
7. Privateering — Unclear. While SK Telecom transferred its interest to Wilus, and Wilus is an NPE, without further context (e.g., joint defense agreements, specific SEC filings, or public reports), it's unclear if this is a privateering arrangement where Wilus asserts on SK Telecom's behalf.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The current assignee, Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc., is not a known defensive aggregator; rather, it is identified as an NPE.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence. The presence of a known NPE (Wilus Institute of Standards and Technology Inc.) as the current sole assignee, coupled with the clear transfer of an operating company's interest (SK Telecom Co Ltd) to this NPE as recorded on 2024-06-20, provides strong signals of an NPE assertion pattern.

For verification, see the assignment history for US11356947 on the USPTO Patent Assignment Search website: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/ (search by patent number US11356947).

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 11356947, I will examine the patent references cited within its own text. The core inventive concept of US11356947 focuses on efficiently signaling non-contiguous channel allocation information, particularly through non-legacy preambles (HE-SIG-A and HE-SIG-B fields) in wireless communication (e.g., WLAN/802.11ax).

Here are the patent references cited by US11356947 and their potential relevance:

1. US20150373673A1

   • Full Citation: US 2015/0373673 A1, "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING DATA IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM", filed June 18, 2015, published December 24, 2015, by Kwak et al. (assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.)
   • Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2015-06-18; Publication: 2015-12-24.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes methods and apparatuses for transmitting and receiving data in a wireless communication system, specifically addressing channel access in wireless LAN systems. It discusses transmitting frames, including RTS/CTS frames, and handling busy channels, potentially involving subchannels and managing bandwidth.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference potentially anticipates aspects of US11356947 related to channel access (CCA), transmission of control frames (RTS/CTS), and general multi-channel operation in wireless communication. For example, it could be relevant to portions of Independent Claim 14 which describes a base wireless communication terminal performing CCA of multiple channels and transmitting a packet through idle channels. The concept of managing transmission based on channel availability is a foundational aspect that this reference likely covers.

2. US20170064560A1

   • Full Citation: US 2017/0064560 A1, "WIRELESS LAN SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING DATA IN THE WIRELESS LAN SYSTEM", filed August 26, 2016, published March 2, 2017, by Park et al. (assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.)
   • Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2016-08-26; Publication: 2017-03-02.
   • Brief Description: This application generally relates to a wireless LAN system and methods for transmitting and receiving data. It appears to focus on efficient data exchange within WLANs, potentially covering aspects like frame formats, resource allocation, and multi-user communication.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Given its broad title, this reference could potentially touch upon various elements of wireless communication, including packet reception and decoding (Independent Claim 1 and 13) and general resource management. Depending on its specific disclosures regarding preamble structures or signaling for bandwidths, it might also bear on the signaling aspects of Independent Claim 14 and 19. Without a more detailed abstract or claim analysis, it's hard to pinpoint specific anticipation beyond general wireless communication methods.

3. US20170195972A1

   • Full Citation: US 2017/0195972 A1, "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING DATA IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM", filed December 29, 2016, published July 6, 2017, by Choi et al. (assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.)
   • Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2016-12-29; Publication: 2017-07-06.
   • Brief Description: This document focuses on data transmission and reception in wireless communication systems, particularly addressing data unit structures and how information is conveyed within these units. It likely involves signaling various parameters for communication efficiency.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference's focus on data unit structures and information conveyance could be relevant to the format and content of wireless packets (Independent Claim 1 and 13). If it discloses methods for signaling channel allocation information, especially within preambles, it could potentially anticipate aspects of Independent Claim 14 and 19, particularly regarding the signaling of allocation information.

4. US20170245229A1

   • Full Citation: US 2017/0245229 A1, "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING/RECEIVING DATA IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM", filed February 17, 2017, published August 24, 2017, by Lee et al. (assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.)
   • Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2017-02-17; Publication: 2017-08-24.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes methods and apparatuses for data transmission and reception in wireless communication, likely covering aspects of channel allocation and multi-user scenarios. Given the assignee, it probably relates to IEEE 802.11 standards development.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference, like others from LG Electronics, likely addresses fundamental aspects of wireless communication and resource allocation. It could potentially anticipate aspects of how channel allocation is performed or how packets are processed (Independent Claim 1, 13, 14, and 19). The specific details on non-contiguous channel allocation and signaling via non-legacy preamble would be key to determining if it fully anticipates or only provides related background.

5. US20180213451A1

   • Full Citation: US 2018/0213451 A1, "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING FRAME IN WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK SYSTEM", filed October 19, 2017, published July 26, 2018, by Kwak et al. (assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.)
   • Publication/Filing Date: Filing: 2017-10-19; Publication: 2018-07-26.
   • Brief Description: This application specifically addresses methods and apparatuses for transmitting and receiving frames in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system. It likely deals with frame structures, preambles, and the signaling of information for various transmission modes in WLAN environments, potentially including multi-user or wideband transmissions.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is highly relevant due to its explicit focus on "transmitting and receiving frame in Wireless Local Area Network System". Given the general problem addressed by US11356947 (efficient signaling of non-contiguous channels in WLAN), this prior art likely discusses frame formats and preamble structures. It could potentially anticipate aspects of Independent Claims 1 and 13 (receiving packets, obtaining and decoding based on channel allocation) and is particularly relevant to Independent Claims 14 and 19 regarding a base terminal signaling non-contiguous channel allocation information via a non-legacy preamble. The extent of anticipation would depend on whether it specifically discloses "non-contiguous" allocation and its signaling within "non-legacy preambles" (like HE-SIG-A/B) in the same manner as claimed by US11356947.

Overall Relevance Assessment:

The cited prior art, primarily from LG Electronics, generally covers wireless communication methods, WLAN systems, data transmission/reception, and frame structures. These references establish a foundation for understanding multi-channel operations and signaling in wireless networks, which are the broad areas US11356947 operates within.

The distinctiveness of US11356947, as suggested by its claims and abstract, lies in the efficient signaling of non-contiguous channel allocation information specifically within a non-legacy preamble (e.g., using HE-SIG-A/B fields) of a wireless packet, and the subsequent decoding based on this information. Therefore, the most relevant prior art would be those that detail:

1. Non-contiguous channel operation: Systems that can use disconnected frequency bands for a single transmission.
2. Signaling mechanisms in preambles: How transmission parameters, especially channel allocation, are conveyed in the preamble of a packet.
3. Non-legacy (e.g., 802.11ax/HE) specific preamble fields: Disclosures concerning the structure and use of HE-SIG-A and HE-SIG-B fields for signaling.

US20180213451A1, with its specific focus on "transmitting and receiving frame in Wireless Local Area Network System," appears to be the most directly relevant as it would likely deal with frame formats and preamble structures in a WLAN context, which is closest to the detailed signaling aspects of US11356947. The other references provide a broader context of multi-channel and multi-user transmissions.

A definitive determination of anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would require a detailed claim construction and an element-by-element comparison of each independent and dependent claim of US11356947 against the full disclosure of each cited prior art reference. The descriptions above highlight potential overlaps in subject matter.

Obviousness Analysis (35 U.S.C. § 103) for US Patent 11356947

The core inventive concept of US Patent 11356947 revolves around a wireless communication method and terminal for efficiently signaling non-contiguous channel allocation information, particularly through non-legacy preambles (e.g., HE-SIG-A and HE-SIG-B fields) in wireless LAN (WLAN) environments (e.g., 802.11ax).

A Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art (PHOSITA) in wireless communication, particularly in the domain of IEEE 802.11 standards development, would have been motivated to combine the teachings of the identified prior art references to arrive at the claimed invention due to the common objectives of enhancing spectral efficiency, improving throughput in congested environments, and providing robust communication. The continuous evolution of WLAN standards (e.g., from 802.11n to 802.11ax) inherently drives the need for new signaling mechanisms to support advanced features while maintaining a degree of backward compatibility.

Combination 1: US20180213451A1 in view of US20150373673A1

References:

• US20180213451A1 (Kwak et al.): "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING FRAME IN WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK SYSTEM," published July 26, 2018.
• US20150373673A1 (Kwak et al.): "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING DATA IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM," published December 24, 2015.

Both references predate the filing date of US11356947 (2020-05-07). Both are from LG Electronics, a significant contributor to wireless communication standards, suggesting a common motivation and technical field for a PHOSITA.

Obviousness Argument for Independent Claims 1, 13, 14, and 19:

1. Motivation to Combine:
A PHOSITA would be motivated to combine the teachings of US20180213451A1 with US20150373673A1 to improve channel utilization and data transmission efficiency in WLAN systems, especially in environments where spectrum may be fragmented or partially occupied by other transmissions. US20180213451A1 provides a foundation for WLAN frame structures and signaling within preambles, while US20150373673A1 describes mechanisms for dynamic channel access and bandwidth management in wireless systems. The problem of efficiently using available, potentially non-contiguous, channels is a recognized challenge in high-density WLAN environments, which the '947 patent itself seeks to address.

2. Combination of Elements:

• US20150373673A1 teaches methods for transmitting and receiving data in a wireless communication system, addressing channel access (Clear Channel Assessment, CCA) and managing bandwidth, potentially involving subchannels. It specifically discusses transmitting frames and handling busy channels, which can lead to scenarios where only fragmented, non-contiguous portions of a wider band are available for transmission. This reference also discloses signaling "channel information to be transmitted via a PHY header (or preamble)." The inherent outcome of dynamically selecting idle channels from multiple channels, as described by US20150373673A1, often results in the use of non-contiguous frequency bands if some intermediate channels are busy.

• US20180213451A1 focuses on transmitting and receiving frames in WLAN systems, which inherently involves defining frame structures and how information is conveyed within these frames, including the preamble.

3. Application to Claims:

• Claims 14 and 19 (Base Terminal Method and Apparatus): These claims involve a base wireless communication terminal performing CCA of multiple channels for wideband packet transmission, transmitting a packet through at least one idle channel, and when transmitted through a non-contiguous channel, signaling this non-contiguous channel allocation information via a non-legacy preamble.

  • US20150373673A1 clearly teaches performing CCA of multiple channels and transmitting through idle channels. The process of dynamically adapting to busy channels by transmitting only on idle subchannels, as detailed in US20150373673A1, would logically lead a PHOSITA to realize that the resulting transmission might occur over non-contiguous channels to maximize available bandwidth.
  • US20150373673A1 further teaches signaling channel information in a PHY header (preamble).
  • US20180213451A1 provides the context of WLAN frame transmission and the use of preambles for signaling.
  • A PHOSITA, aiming to improve spectrum utilization in WLANs as envisioned by both references, would find it obvious to apply the concept of signaling channel allocation from US20150373673A1 within the preamble structure of a WLAN frame as taught by US20180213451A1. As WLAN standards evolve (e.g., to 802.11ax with its HE-SIG-A/B fields, which are specifically mentioned in US11356947 as comprising the "non-legacy preamble"), it is a common and obvious design choice to introduce new fields in an extended, or "non-legacy," preamble to carry advanced control information like non-contiguous channel allocations. This allows new functionalities without breaking compatibility with older devices that only interpret the legacy part of the preamble. Therefore, signaling the dynamically determined non-contiguous channel allocation information via such an extended (non-legacy) preamble would be an obvious design choice for a PHOSITA.

• Claims 1 and 13 (Terminal Method and Apparatus): These claims cover a wireless communication terminal receiving a wireless packet, obtaining non-contiguous channel allocation information, and decoding the packet based on this information.

  • If a base terminal, as made obvious by the combination above, transmits packets with non-contiguous channel allocation information in its non-legacy preamble, it would be a necessary and obvious counterpart for the receiving terminal to be configured to receive this packet, extract (obtain) the non-contiguous channel allocation information from the preamble, and then use that information to correctly decode the received packet. This is a fundamental principle of communication system design: the receiver must be aware of the transmission parameters signaled by the transmitter.

Therefore, the combination of US20180213451A1 and US20150373673A1, driven by the motivation to enhance spectral efficiency and manage channel access in dynamic WLAN environments, would render the claims of US11356947 obvious to a PHOSITA.

US Patent 11356947: Patent Term, Family Members, and Projected Expiration

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA)

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) is granted to compensate for administrative delays incurred during prosecution before the USPTO. While the provided information states that the patent is "Active" and expires "2037-02-02," it does not explicitly state the amount of PTA awarded to US11356947. To determine the exact PTA, the prosecution history of the patent on the USPTO Patent Center would need to be reviewed.

Patent Term Extensions (PTE)

Patent Term Extension (PTE) is awarded to compensate for delays in obtaining regulatory approval on a patented product or methods of manufacturing or using the product, typically for certain human drugs, food or color additives, medical devices, animal drugs, and veterinary biological products. There is no information in the provided text to suggest that US11356947 has received any Patent Term Extension. This type of patent typically applies to FDA-regulated products.

Continuation and Divisional Applications

• Continuation Application: A continuation application is filed during the pendency of a prior nonprovisional application, disclosing the same invention without new matter, and includes claims directed to the same invention.
• Divisional Application: A divisional application arises when an original application claims two or more independent and distinct inventions, and the applicant is required to restrict the application to one invention. The other invention can then be pursued in a divisional application, which also benefits from the filing date of the original application.

The provided information indicates that US11356947 is a utility patent, and a search for its family members would reveal if any continuation or divisional applications have been filed. However, the provided text does not explicitly list any continuation or divisional applications for US11356947.

Related Family Members

The Google Patents page for US11356947 lists "US20200267654A1" as "Other versions." This is a related family member, specifically a patent application publication, for the same invention as US11356947B2.

• US20200267654A1: This is the patent application that led to the grant of US11356947B2. It was published on 2020-08-20.

To ascertain if there are other related family members, such as additional continuations, divisionals, or continuations-in-part, a full family search would typically be conducted through the USPTO Patent Center or other patent databases.

Projected Expiration Date

The "Legal status" section of the Google Patents page states that US11356947 is "Active" and "expires 2037-02-02."

The statutory term for U.S. utility patents filed on or after June 8, 1995, is 20 years from the earliest effective filing date. The filing date for US11356947 is 2020-05-07, and its priority date is 2015-12-24. The 20-year term would typically be calculated from the earliest priority date. In this case, 20 years from the priority date of 2015-12-24 would be 2035-12-24.

However, the stated expiration date of 2037-02-02 suggests that Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) has been applied to extend the patent term. PTA compensates for delays caused by the USPTO during examination. Therefore, the projected expiration date for US11356947 is 2037-02-02.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.