Derivative works — US Patent 11716171B2

Defensive Disclosure: US Patent 11716171B2 - Wireless Communication Terminal and Wireless Communication Method for Multi-User Concurrent Transmission

This document details derivative variations and integration scenarios of US Patent 11716171B2, aiming to establish comprehensive prior art to anticipate and render future incremental advancements by competitors as obvious or non-novel. The core innovation of US Patent 11716171B2, as articulated in claims 1 and 10, centers on a base wireless communication terminal and a corresponding method that ensures the simultaneous termination of block ACK transmissions across multiple allocated resources (channels or sub-channels) in response to multi-user uplink data.

Derivatives of Core Claim 1: Base Wireless Communication Terminal

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

1.1 Material & Component Substitution - Multi-Mode Photonic Transceiver

Enabling Description: The base wireless communication terminal's transceiver is implemented using a multi-mode photonic integrated circuit (PIC) operating in the visible light communication (VLC) spectrum. Instead of RF signals, the PIC's optical transceivers, comprising vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) for transmission and avalanche photodiodes (APDs) for reception, utilize wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) across distinct optical sub-channels to represent the "resources." The processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) fabric with integrated digital signal processors (DSPs), controls the VCSEL array modulation for trigger frame emission and processes the demodulated optical signals from the APD array for multi-user uplink data. The simultaneous termination of block ACK is achieved by dynamically adjusting the optical power or modulation scheme for each VLC sub-channel, potentially through pulse width modulation (PWM) or symbol repetition, to align the optical transmission duration of each block ACK, ensuring a concurrent light-off event or final data symbol transmission across all active optical resources.

graph TD
    A[Base Terminal] --> B(Photonic Transceiver)
    B --> C{VCSEL Array: WDM Tx}
    B --> D{APD Array: WDM Rx}
    A --> E[FPGA Processor with DSPs]
    E -- Controls --> C
    E -- Processes --> D
    E -- Generates --> F(Trigger Frame - Optical)
    F -- Triggers --> G[Plurality of VLC Terminals]
    G -- Uplink Data --> H(Multi-User Uplink Data - Optical)
    H -- Received by --> D
    E -- Transmits --> I(Block ACK - Optical, Synchronized Termination)
    I -- Via WDM Sub-channels --> C
    C -- Optical Signals --> G

1.2 Material & Component Substitution - GaN-based Millimeter-Wave Transceiver

Enabling Description: The base wireless communication terminal integrates a Gallium Nitride (GaN) high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) based transceiver module for millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies (e.g., 60-90 GHz band). The GaN components offer superior power efficiency and linearity at these high frequencies. The processor, a specialized Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) with dedicated hardware accelerators for beamforming and massive MIMO processing, manages the phased array antennas. The "resources" are spatial streams formed by dynamic beamforming in combination with frequency sub-bands. The block ACK simultaneous termination is implemented by precisely controlling the power amplifier shutdown sequence for each spatial stream or frequency sub-band, potentially by inserting null data packets (NDP) or specific low-power termination sequences, ensuring that the final energy pulse of each block ACK transmission arrives at the physical air interface at precisely the same temporal epoch.

graph TD
    A[Base Terminal] --> B(GaN mmWave Transceiver)
    B --> C{Phased Array Antennas}
    B --> D{GaN HEMT RF Front-End}
    A --> E[ASIC Processor with HW Accelerators]
    E -- Controls --> C
    E -- Controls --> D
    E -- Generates --> F(Trigger Frame - mmWave Beamformed)
    F -- Triggers --> G[Plurality of mmWave Terminals]
    G -- Uplink Data --> H(Multi-User Uplink Data - Spatially Multiplexed)
    H -- Received by --> D
    E -- Transmits --> I(Block ACK - mmWave, Synchronized Termination)
    I -- Via Phased Array & Spatial Streams --> C
    C -- mmWave Beams --> G

1.3 Operational Parameter Expansion - Planetary Scale Inter-Satellite Communication

Enabling Description: This derivative applies the multi-user concurrent transmission concept to a network of orbital satellites, where the "base wireless communication terminal" is a primary satellite acting as a constellation controller, and "terminals" are other satellites within its communication sphere. The "resources" are distinct time-frequency slots within a high-gain directional inter-satellite link (ISL), potentially using Ka-band or optical frequencies over vast distances (thousands of kilometers). The "processor" on the controller satellite employs a radiation-hardened multi-core digital signal processor, executing real-time kinematic orbital mechanics algorithms to compensate for Doppler shift and path loss variations. The "trigger frame" initiates uplink data bursts from multiple client satellites. Due to the extreme propagation delays, "simultaneous termination" of block ACKs is defined relative to the reception time at the controller satellite, rather than absolute transmission time. This is achieved by the controller satellite precisely calculating individual ACK packet lengths and insertion of padding based on real-time ranging data and predicted propagation times to ensure all final ACK symbols for all client satellites arrive at the controller at the same moment, despite varying transmit times from the controller.

sequenceDiagram
    participant ControllerSat as Controller Satellite (Base Terminal)
    participant ClientSat1 as Client Satellite 1
    participant ClientSat2 as Client Satellite 2
    participant ClientSatN as Client Satellite N

    ControllerSat->>ClientSat1: Trigger Frame (ISL)
    ControllerSat->>ClientSat2: Trigger Frame (ISL)
    ControllerSat->>ClientSatN: Trigger Frame (ISL)

    ClientSat1->>ControllerSat: Uplink Data Burst 1
    ClientSat2->>ControllerSat: Uplink Data Burst 2
    ClientSatN->>ControllerSat: Uplink Data Burst N

    ControllerSat->>ControllerSat: Process Uplink Data
    ControllerSat->>ControllerSat: Calculate Individual ACK Tx Timings/Lengths (Prop. Delay Comp.)

    ControllerSat->>ClientSat1: Block ACK 1 (Aligned Rx Time)
    ControllerSat->>ClientSat2: Block ACK 2 (Aligned Rx Time)
    ControllerSat->>ClientSatN: Block ACK N (Aligned Rx Time)

1.4 Operational Parameter Expansion - Deep-Sea Acoustic Network

Enabling Description: The base wireless communication terminal is an underwater acoustic modem deployed on a seabed observatory, communicating with a plurality of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and fixed sensors (terminals). The "resources" are orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) acoustic sub-bands within the 10 kHz to 100 kHz range, designed for long-range, low-data-rate communication in a multipath-rich acoustic environment. The processor, a low-power, ruggedized digital signal processor (DSP) with specialized adaptive equalization algorithms for acoustic channels, manages the transducer array. The "trigger frame" is an acoustic chirp sequence. Due to the very slow propagation speed of sound in water (approx. 1500 m/s) and highly variable channel conditions, the simultaneous termination of block ACKs involves padding each acoustic block ACK burst such that their acoustic propagation fronts terminate simultaneously at the AP's transducer array, requiring sophisticated predictive modeling of oceanic sound speed profiles and AUV motion.

graph TD
    A[Seabed Observatory (Base Terminal)] --> B(Acoustic Transceiver Array)
    B --> C{Hydrophones: Rx}
    B --> D{Projectors: Tx}
    A --> E[Ruggedized DSP Processor]
    E -- Controls --> C
    E -- Controls --> D
    E -- Generates --> F(Trigger Frame - Acoustic Chirp)
    F -- Triggers --> G[Plurality of AUVs & Sensors]
    G -- Uplink Data --> H(Multi-User Uplink Data - Acoustic OFDM)
    H -- Received by --> C
    E -- Transmits --> I(Block ACK - Acoustic, Synchronized Acoustic Termination)
    I -- Via Projectors & OFDM Sub-bands --> D
    D -- Acoustic Signals --> G

1.5 Cross-Domain Application - Smart Agriculture Field Monitoring

Enabling Description: In an AgriTech application, the base wireless communication terminal is a central farm gateway mounted on a weather station mast, overseeing a large field. The "terminals" are a plurality of distributed IoT soil moisture sensors, weather micro-stations, and autonomous irrigation valve controllers. The "resources" are LoRaWAN sub-bands within the ISM band (e.g., 915 MHz in North America). The processor, an embedded system with an ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller, manages the LoRa concentrator. The "trigger frame" is a downlink LoRa packet scheduling data collection from various sensors. The multi-user uplink data consists of sensor readings. The simultaneous termination of block ACKs is critical for efficient battery usage in the sensors. The farm gateway processor dynamically adjusts the payload size or adds null bytes to the end of each individual LoRaWAN ACK message, ensuring that all acknowledgment packets transmitted back to the different sensors, regardless of their varying data receipt status, finish transmitting their final LoRa symbol at the exact same physical time on their respective LoRa sub-channels.

graph TD
    A[Farm Gateway (Base Terminal)] --> B(LoRa Concentrator Transceiver)
    A --> C[ARM Cortex-M4 Processor]
    C -- Controls --> B
    C -- Generates --> D(Trigger Frame - LoRa Downlink Schedule)
    D -- Triggers --> E[IoT Soil Sensors]
    D -- Triggers --> F[Weather Micro-stations]
    D -- Triggers --> G[Irrigation Controllers]
    E -- Uplink Data --> H(Sensor Readings - LoRa Uplink)
    F -- Uplink Data --> H
    G -- Uplink Data --> H
    H -- Received by --> B
    C -- Transmits --> I(Block ACK - LoRa, Synchronized Termination)
    I -- Via LoRa Sub-bands --> B
    B -- LoRa Signals --> E
    B -- LoRa Signals --> F
    B -- LoRa Signals --> G

1.6 Cross-Domain Application - Industrial Robotic Assembly Line

Enabling Description: In a smart factory, the base wireless communication terminal is a central programmable logic controller (PLC) or industrial PC, managing an assembly line. The "terminals" are a plurality of robotic manipulator arms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and smart tooling devices requiring high-reliability, low-latency control. The "resources" are dedicated ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) slices within a private 5G mmWave network, each slice allocated to a specific robot or critical component. The processor, a real-time industrial embedded processor (e.g., Intel Atom with RTOS), orchestrates the URLLC traffic. The "trigger frame" is a time-sensitive networking (TSN) synchronized control packet instructing concurrent tasks. Multi-user uplink data includes real-time telemetry (position, torque, vision data) and task completion acknowledgments. To prevent jitter and ensure determinism, the simultaneous termination of block ACKs is achieved by the PLC precisely calculating remaining transmission duration based on varying ACK message lengths from each robot and inserting "idle symbols" or padding into the final ACK bursts for shorter messages, ensuring all responses conclude their over-the-air transmission simultaneously, thereby maintaining synchronized operational cycles.

flowchart LR
    A[Industrial PC / PLC (Base Terminal)] -- Private 5G mmWave --> B(5G gNodeB Transceiver)
    A -- Real-time Control --> C[Embedded Processor (RTOS)]
    C -- Controls --> B
    C -- Generates --> D(Trigger Frame - TSN Control Packet)
    D -- Triggers --> E[Robotic Arms]
    D -- Triggers --> F[AGVs]
    D -- Triggers --> G[Smart Tooling]
    E -- Uplink Data --> H(Telemetry + Task ACK - URLLC Slices)
    F -- Uplink Data --> H
    G -- Uplink Data --> H
    H -- Received by --> B
    C -- Transmits --> I(Block ACK - URLLC, Synchronized Termination)
    I -- Via 5G URLLC Slices --> B
    B -- 5G Signals --> E
    B -- 5G Signals --> F
    B -- 5G Signals --> G

1.7 Integration with Emerging Tech - AI-Optimized Cognitive Radio Base Station

Enabling Description: The base wireless communication terminal is an AI-enhanced cognitive radio base station. Its processor integrates a neural network accelerator (NNA) alongside traditional DSPs. The "resources" are dynamically allocated frequency bands, spatial streams, and modulation-coding schemes (MCS) determined by an AI scheduler. The AI continuously learns and predicts channel conditions, terminal buffer states, and traffic patterns. The "trigger frame" includes an AI-generated resource allocation map. Multi-user uplink data is received. For block ACK transmission, an AI-driven optimization module within the processor determines the optimal padding or duplicated ACK information for each resource in real-time. This module predicts the minimum required ACK length for each terminal and then calculates the necessary padding or duplication to ensure simultaneous termination across all allocated resources, minimizing spectral waste while maintaining synchronization. The AI can also dynamically adjust power levels for padding sections to reduce interference.

graph TD
    A[AI-Cognitive Base Station (Base Terminal)] --> B(Software-Defined Radio Transceiver)
    A --> C[Processor with NNA & DSPs]
    C -- AI Scheduler --> D{Dynamic Resource Allocation: Freq, Spatial, MCS}
    C -- Generates --> E(Trigger Frame with AI-Optimized RRM)
    E -- Triggers --> F[Plurality of Terminals]
    F -- Uplink Data --> G(Multi-User Uplink Data)
    G -- Received by --> B
    C -- AI Optimization Module --> H(Padding/Duplication Calculation for ACK)
    C -- Transmits --> I(Block ACK - AI-Synchronized Termination)
    I -- Via SDR-controlled Resources --> B
    B -- Wireless Signals --> F

1.8 Integration with Emerging Tech - IoT Edge Gateway with Blockchain Logging

Enabling Description: The base wireless communication terminal functions as an IoT edge gateway, collecting data from a vast array of constrained IoT devices. The processor is a low-power System-on-Chip (SoC) with hardware-accelerated cryptographic modules. The "resources" are distinct time slots and frequency channels in a Thread or Zigbee mesh network. The "trigger frame" initiates data upload from specific sensor clusters. Multi-user uplink data represents collected environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure). Upon receiving the uplink data and generating block ACKs, the processor commits a hash of the ACK transmission event (including timestamp, resource IDs, and recipient IDs) to a local distributed ledger technology (DLT) or blockchain module before transmitting the ACKs. The simultaneous termination of block ACKs, achieved via padding, is also cryptographically signed and the termination timestamp logged on the blockchain, providing an immutable, verifiable record of successful synchronized acknowledgment. This is crucial for regulatory compliance and audit trails in critical IoT applications.

flowchart TD
    A[IoT Edge Gateway (Base Terminal)] -- Zigbee/Thread --> B(Wireless Transceiver)
    A -- Data & Control --> C[SoC Processor with Cryptographic Modules]
    C -- Generates --> D(Trigger Frame - Data Request)
    D -- Triggers --> E[IoT Sensor 1]
    D -- Triggers --> F[IoT Sensor 2]
    D -- Triggers --> G[IoT Sensor N]
    E -- Uplink Data --> H(Sensor Data)
    F -- Uplink Data --> H
    G -- Uplink Data --> H
    H -- Received by --> B
    C -- Transmits --> I(Block ACK - Synchronized Termination via Padding)
    I -- Via Zigbee/Thread Resources --> B
    C -- Logs Hash of ACK Event --> J(Blockchain Module)
    J -- Immutable Record --> K[Distributed Ledger]

1.9 The "Inverse" or Failure Mode - Adaptive Low-Power Emergency Beacon

Enabling Description: The base wireless communication terminal is an emergency services beacon, deployed in disaster zones or remote areas. In a "low-power" or "limited-functionality" mode, when its primary power source is compromised or network traffic is minimal, the system prioritizes energy conservation. The transceiver switches to a narrowband, low-power mode, utilizing minimal bandwidth (e.g., 20 kHz sub-channels within a wider LTE-M or NB-IoT carrier). The processor, a power-optimized microcontroller, significantly reduces its clock speed and operates in a duty-cycled manner. The "trigger frame" becomes an emergency polling request for status updates from nearby survivor locators or health monitoring devices. Multi-user uplink data consists solely of critical alerts (ee.g., "SOS," "battery low," "vital signs critical"). The "simultaneous termination of block ACK" mechanism is inverted for fail-safe operation: instead of strict simultaneous termination, it ensures that all ACK transmissions begin at the same predetermined time slot relative to their received uplink message but are allowed to terminate early if their content is minimal, thereby reducing unnecessary radio activity. For critical acknowledgments, a fixed, maximum-length padding is used to ensure maximum receive reliability for the most urgent messages, while non-critical ACKs are terminated as soon as possible to save power. This guarantees that all potential recipients of an ACK have a consistent window to expect it, but no power is wasted sending empty padding when not strictly necessary.

stateDiagram-v2
    state Normal_Operation {
        High_Power --> Full_Functionality
        Full_Functionality --> Trigger_Frame_Tx
        Trigger_Frame_Tx --> Multi_User_Uplink_Rx
        Multi_User_Uplink_Rx --> Block_ACK_Sync_Term_Tx
    }

    state Low_Power_Mode {
        Low_Power_Mode: Adaptive Low-Power Emergency Beacon
        Low_Power_Mode --> Limited_Functionality
        Limited_Functionality --> Emergency_Polling_Tx
        Emergency_Polling_Tx --> Critical_Uplink_Rx
        Critical_Uplink_Rx --> Adaptive_Block_ACK_Tx
        Adaptive_Block_ACK_Tx --> Early_Termination_or_Max_Padding
    }

    High_Power --> Low_Power_Mode: Power_Compromise / Low_Traffic_Threshold
    Low_Power_Mode --> High_Power: Power_Restored / High_Traffic_Demand

Derivatives of Core Claim 10: Wireless Communication Method

Core Claim 10 (Method): A wireless communication method of a base wireless communication terminal, including: transmitting a trigger frame triggering a multi-user uplink transmission of a plurality of terminals; receiving multi-user uplink data through resources allocated to the plurality of terminals; and transmitting a block ACK through the resources in response to the received multi-user uplink data; wherein the transmission of the block ACK in each resource is terminated at the same time.

2.1 Material & Component Substitution (Method Focus) - Optical Packet Switching for Data Centers

Enabling Description: This method is applied within an all-optical packet-switched data center network. The "base wireless communication terminal" is a centralized optical switch fabric controller. "Terminals" are server racks equipped with optical network interface cards (NICs). "Resources" are distinct wavelength channels (lambdas) in a dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) fiber optic network. The method involves the controller transmitting an optical "trigger frame" (a specific sequence of control photons) to initiate concurrent uplink data bursts (server-to-server traffic, e.g., RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE)) from multiple server racks on their assigned lambdas. Upon receiving these optical data bursts, the controller's optical processor generates "block ACKs" as optical control packets. The method then ensures the simultaneous termination of these optical block ACKs across all lambdas by precisely controlling the duration of the optical pulse sequences, using optical delays or fast optical switches (e.g., semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) or Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs)) to truncate or extend the ACK optical packets with null optical symbols, guaranteeing that the final trailing edge of all ACK optical signals on their respective lambdas exit the optical switch fabric at precisely the same femtosecond.

sequenceDiagram
    participant Optical_Controller as Optical Switch Fabric Controller (Base)
    participant Server_Rack_A as Server Rack A (Terminal)
    participant Server_Rack_B as Server Rack B (Terminal)
    participant Server_Rack_C as Server Rack C (Terminal)

    Optical_Controller->>Server_Rack_A: Optical Trigger Frame (Lambda A)
    Optical_Controller->>Server_Rack_B: Optical Trigger Frame (Lambda B)
    Optical_Controller->>Server_Rack_C: Optical Trigger Frame (Lambda C)

    Server_Rack_A->>Optical_Controller: Optical Uplink Data A
    Server_Rack_B->>Optical_Controller: Optical Uplink Data B
    Server_Rack_C->>Optical_Controller: Optical Uplink Data C

    Optical_Controller->>Optical_Controller: Process Optical Uplink Data
    Optical_Controller->>Optical_Controller: Generate Optical Block ACKs
    Optical_Controller->>Optical_Controller: Align Optical Termination via SOAs/MZIs

    Optical_Controller->>Server_Rack_A: Optical Block ACK A (Simultaneously Terminated)
    Optical_Controller->>Server_Rack_B: Optical Block ACK B (Simultaneously Terminated)
    Optical_Controller->>Server_Rack_C: Optical Block ACK C (Simultaneously Terminated)

2.2 Material & Component Substitution (Method Focus) - Quantum Communication Network Node

Enabling Description: This method is employed in a quantum communication network where the "base wireless communication terminal" is a quantum entanglement distribution node, and "terminals" are quantum-enabled devices (e.g., quantum computers, quantum sensors). "Resources" are distinct quantum channels, potentially entangled photon pairs or qubit streams distributed via optical fiber or free-space quantum links. The method involves the node transmitting a "trigger frame" as a classical control signal over a secure classical channel, indicating a request for multi-user quantum uplink data (e.g., measurement results of entangled qubits) from a plurality of quantum terminals. Upon receiving these quantum uplink data streams, the node performs quantum measurement and then transmits "block ACKs" as classical confirmation signals over the secure classical channel. The "simultaneous termination of block ACK in each resource" is achieved by employing quantum-secure padding (e.g., cryptographically signed random padding sequences) within the classical ACK messages. The classical control system connected to the quantum node ensures that these padded classical ACKs, each associated with a specific quantum resource, complete their transmission at the exact same physical time, crucial for maintaining quantum channel coherence or for synchronized state updates in distributed quantum computations.

graph TD
    A[Quantum Entanglement Node (Base)] --> B(Classical Transceiver)
    A --> C(Quantum Emitter/Receiver)
    A --> D[Quantum Processor/Controller]
    D -- Generates & Transmits --> E(Classical Trigger Frame over Secure Channel)
    E -- Triggers --> F[Quantum Terminal 1]
    E -- Triggers --> G[Quantum Terminal N]
    F -- Quantum Uplink Data (Qubit States/Measurements) --> C
    G -- Quantum Uplink Data (Qubit States/Measurements) --> C
    D -- Processes Quantum Data --> H(Generate Classical Block ACK)
    D -- Aligns Termination using --> I(Quantum-Secure Padding Logic)
    H -- Transmits via --> B
    B -- Classical Block ACK (Simultaneously Terminated) --> F
    B -- Classical Block ACK (Simultaneously Terminated) --> G

2.3 Operational Parameter Expansion (Method Focus) - Hypersonic Vehicle Swarm Coordination

Enabling Description: This method coordinates a swarm of hypersonic vehicles (terminals) by a lead command vehicle (base wireless communication terminal) operating at extreme velocities (e.g., Mach 5+). "Resources" are highly dynamic, rapidly reconfigured frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) channels in the L or S band, adapting to plasma sheaths and severe atmospheric attenuation. The method involves the command vehicle transmitting a "trigger frame" containing synchronized mission parameters and FHSS patterns to all swarm members. Multi-user uplink data consists of real-time flight telemetry (speed, altitude, vector), sensor readings (target acquisition), and health status. Due to the high-speed relative motion and rapidly changing channel characteristics, "simultaneous termination of block ACK" is vital for maintaining tight formation and coordinated maneuvers. The method employs predictive channel modeling and adaptive encoding. The command vehicle determines optimal padding lengths for each individual ACK, based on anticipated signal propagation delays and Doppler shifts, dynamically adjusting the data rate for padding bits, to ensure all ACKs conclude transmission at the same calculated target time, guaranteeing mission-critical synchronization across the rapidly moving swarm.

sequenceDiagram
    participant Command_Vehicle as Command Vehicle (Base)
    participant Hypersonic_Vehicle_1 as Hypersonic Vehicle 1
    participant Hypersonic_Vehicle_2 as Hypersonic Vehicle 2
    participant Hypersonic_Vehicle_N as Hypersonic Vehicle N

    Command_Vehicle->>Hypersonic_Vehicle_1: Trigger Frame (FHSS)
    Command_Vehicle->>Hypersonic_Vehicle_2: Trigger Frame (FHSS)
    Command_Vehicle->>Hypersonic_Vehicle_N: Trigger Frame (FHSS)

    Hypersonic_Vehicle_1->>Command_Vehicle: Uplink Telemetry 1 (Dynamic FHSS)
    Hypersonic_Vehicle_2->>Command_Vehicle: Uplink Telemetry 2 (Dynamic FHSS)
    Hypersonic_Vehicle_N->>Command_Vehicle: Uplink Telemetry N (Dynamic FHSS)

    Command_Vehicle->>Command_Vehicle: Process Telemetry & Predict Channel Dynamics
    Command_Vehicle->>Command_Vehicle: Calculate ACK Padding for Simultaneous Termination

    Command_Vehicle->>Hypersonic_Vehicle_1: Block ACK 1 (Synchronized Termination)
    Command_Vehicle->>Hypersonic_Vehicle_2: Block ACK 2 (Synchronized Termination)
    Command_Vehicle->>Hypersonic_Vehicle_N: Block ACK N (Synchronized Termination)

2.4 Operational Parameter Expansion (Method Focus) - Cryogenic Quantum Computing Cluster

Enabling Description: This method applies to coordinating a cluster of cryogenic quantum processors (terminals) housed in dilution refrigerators, managed by a room-temperature classical control system (base wireless communication terminal). "Resources" are highly isolated, shielded microwave frequency channels (e.g., superconducting coaxial cables or waveguides operating at millikelvin temperatures) transmitting control pulses and readout signals. The method involves the classical control system transmitting a "trigger frame" as a sequence of microwave control pulses to initiate concurrent quantum state preparations or measurement readouts (multi-user uplink data) from a plurality of quantum processors. Due to the extreme environmental conditions and sensitivity of quantum operations, precise timing is paramount. The method ensures "simultaneous termination of block ACK" by generating classical feedback signals (block ACKs) over separate microwave channels. These ACKs are carefully constructed by the control system, which injects precisely timed null pulses or adds redundant error-correcting codes as padding to the shorter ACK messages. This guarantees that the final microwave energy pulse of all ACKs, confirming successful quantum operations, simultaneously arrives at the respective quantum processors' control inputs, thus maintaining tight synchronization in the quantum computation workflow.

graph LR
    A[Classical Control System (Base)] -- Microwave Control Pulses --> B(Cryogenic Interface)
    B -- Microwave Channels (mK Temp) --> C[Quantum Processor 1 (Terminal)]
    B -- Microwave Channels (mK Temp) --> D[Quantum Processor N (Terminal)]

    A -- Transmits --> E(Trigger Frame - Classical Control)
    E --> B

    C -- Uplink Data (Measurement Readout) --> B
    D -- Uplink Data (Measurement Readout) --> B
    B --> A

    A -- Processes Readout --> F(Generate Block ACK - Classical Feedback)
    A -- Applies --> G(Padding/Redundancy for Synchronized Termination)
    F --> B

    B -- Microwave Block ACK (Simultaneously Terminated) --> C
    B -- Microwave Block ACK (Simultaneously Terminated) --> D

2.5 Cross-Domain Application (Method Focus) - Autonomous Underwater Inspection Robotics

Enabling Description: This method is employed in coordinating a fleet of autonomous underwater inspection robots (terminals) surveying subsea infrastructure, controlled by a mother ship or stationary underwater hub (base wireless communication terminal). "Resources" are multi-frequency, spread-spectrum acoustic channels within the 20-50 kHz band, optimized for robust communication in a highly reverberant and noisy underwater environment. The method involves the hub transmitting an acoustic "trigger frame" to initiate synchronized inspection patterns and concurrent uplink data streams (multi-user uplink data) from multiple robots. Uplink data includes high-resolution sonar scans, video feeds (compressed), and vehicle status. The "simultaneous termination of block ACK" is crucial for managing the robots' power cycles and preventing acoustic interference. The method implemented by the hub includes dynamically calculating required ACK message lengths based on the received uplink data status of each robot. It then inserts acoustic null symbols or repeats specific low-power patterns as padding for shorter ACKs, ensuring that all acoustic block ACK transmissions conclude at the precise same moment. This allows all robots to enter a synchronized low-power listening state or begin their next coordinated maneuver precisely together, optimizing energy and operational efficiency.

sequenceDiagram
    participant Underwater_Hub as Underwater Hub (Base)
    participant Inspection_Robot_1 as Inspection Robot 1
    participant Inspection_Robot_2 as Inspection Robot 2
    participant Inspection_Robot_N as Inspection Robot N

    Underwater_Hub->>Inspection_Robot_1: Acoustic Trigger Frame
    Underwater_Hub->>Inspection_Robot_2: Acoustic Trigger Frame
    Underwater_Hub->>Inspection_Robot_N: Acoustic Trigger Frame

    Inspection_Robot_1->>Underwater_Hub: Uplink Sonar/Video 1 (Acoustic SS)
    Inspection_Robot_2->>Underwater_Hub: Uplink Sonar/Video 2 (Acoustic SS)
    Inspection_Robot_N->>Underwater_Hub: Uplink Sonar/Video N (Acoustic SS)

    Underwater_Hub->>Underwater_Hub: Process Uplink Data & Generate ACKs
    Underwater_Hub->>Underwater_Hub: Align ACK Termination (Padding/Null Symbols)

    Underwater_Hub->>Inspection_Robot_1: Acoustic Block ACK 1 (Simultaneously Terminated)
    Underwater_Hub->>Inspection_Robot_2: Acoustic Block ACK 2 (Simultaneously Terminated)
    Underwater_Hub->>Inspection_Robot_N: Acoustic Block ACK N (Simultaneously Terminated)

2.6 Cross-Domain Application (Method Focus) - Smart City Traffic Management

Enabling Description: This method is used in a smart city infrastructure for dynamic traffic management, where the "base wireless communication terminal" is a traffic control center's edge compute node, and "terminals" are smart traffic lights, connected vehicle platoons, and public transport units. "Resources" are 5G sidelink (PC5) channels allocated for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. The method involves the edge node transmitting a "trigger frame" via sidelink, instructing concurrent status updates and intent declarations (multi-user uplink data) from a plurality of connected vehicles at a specific intersection. Uplink data includes vehicle speed, trajectory, destination, and emergency signals. The "simultaneous termination of block ACK" for these critical V2X messages is crucial for timely and collision-free traffic flow coordination. The method executed by the edge node entails computing the necessary padding or duplicated ACK information for each incoming V2X uplink message. This ensures that all acknowledgments sent back to individual vehicles or platoons for their status updates conclude their PC5 sidelink transmission at the exact same microsecond, facilitating the rapid release of airtime for the next synchronized phase of traffic flow instructions or emergency vehicle prioritization.

flowchart TD
    A[Traffic Edge Node (Base)] -- 5G Sidelink (PC5) --> B(Sidelink Transceiver)
    A -- Real-time Algo --> C[Edge Processor]
    C -- Controls --> B
    C -- Initiates --> D(Trigger Frame - V2X Status Request)
    D -- Triggers --> E[Smart Traffic Lights]
    D -- Triggers --> F[Connected Vehicle Platoon 1]
    D -- Triggers --> G[Public Transport Unit N]
    E -- Uplink Data --> H(V2X Status/Intent)
    F -- Uplink Data --> H
    G -- Uplink Data --> H
    H -- Received by --> B
    C -- Transmits --> I(Block ACK - V2X, Synchronized Termination)
    I -- Via 5G Sidelink Resources --> B
    B -- PC5 Signals --> E
    B -- PC5 Signals --> F
    B -- PC5 Signals --> G

2.7 Integration with Emerging Tech (Method Focus) - Swarm Robotics with Distributed AI Consensus

Enabling Description: This method enables a swarm of autonomous robots (terminals) to achieve distributed AI consensus under the guidance of a leader robot or central controller (base wireless communication terminal). The "resources" are dynamically formed ad-hoc mesh network links using ultra-wideband (UWB) radio, providing high-precision ranging and robust short-range communication. The method involves the leader robot transmitting a "trigger frame" to initiate a round of multi-robot sensor data sharing and local AI inference results (multi-user uplink data) from the swarm. The uplink data includes localized environment maps, object detections, and individual robot states. Crucially, the "simultaneous termination of block ACK" is managed by an AI-driven consensus mechanism. After processing the uplink data, a distributed AI module within the leader robot determines the optimal padding or duplicated ACK information for each robot's acknowledgment. This process considers confidence levels in received data and computational load, ensuring that all acknowledgments, confirming data reception and propagating new consensus states, are simultaneously broadcast on their respective UWB channels. This synchronized termination acts as a global clock pulse for the swarm, guaranteeing all robots update their collective knowledge base at the exact same moment for coherent decision-making.

graph TD
    A[Leader Robot (Base)] --> B(UWB Transceiver Mesh)
    A --> C[AI-Enabled Processor]
    C -- Generates --> D(Trigger Frame - AI Consensus Round Start)
    D -- Triggers --> E[Swarm Robot 1]
    D -- Triggers --> F[Swarm Robot N]
    E -- Uplink Data (Sensor, Local AI) --> G(Multi-User Uplink Data over UWB Mesh)
    F -- Uplink Data (Sensor, Local AI) --> G
    G -- Received by --> B
    C -- AI Consensus Module --> H(Optimal Padding/Duplication for ACK)
    C -- Transmits --> I(Block ACK - AI-Synchronized Termination)
    I -- Via UWB Mesh Resources --> B
    B -- UWB Signals --> E
    B -- UWB Signals --> F

2.8 Integration with Emerging Tech (Method Focus) - Decentralized Energy Grid with IoT/Blockchain

Enabling Description: This method governs transactions in a decentralized microgrid where the "base wireless communication terminal" is a smart grid controller at a renewable energy hub, and "terminals" are smart meters, battery storage units, and distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels. "Resources" are secured, low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) channels (e.g., LoRaWAN or NB-IoT). The method involves the grid controller transmitting a "trigger frame" to request concurrent energy production/consumption reports and transaction proposals (multi-user uplink data) from various DERs and smart meters. The uplink data includes kilowatt-hour readings, battery levels, and energy surplus/deficit. Upon receiving this data, the grid controller validates it and prepares "block ACKs" for each transaction. Prior to transmission, each ACK's payload (confirming the transaction) is cryptographically signed. The "simultaneous termination of block ACK" is then achieved by embedding these signed ACKs into blockchain-enabled transaction messages. The method ensures that all these blockchain transaction acknowledgments, possibly padded with immutable metadata, are broadcast simultaneously over their respective LPWAN channels. This synchronized termination provides a verifiable, tamper-proof record of concurrent energy transactions across the decentralized grid, crucial for real-time energy balancing and billing in a blockchain-secured environment.

flowchart LR
    A[Smart Grid Controller (Base)] -- LPWAN --> B(LPWAN Transceiver)
    A -- DLT Interaction --> C[Processor with Blockchain Integration]
    C -- Generates --> D(Trigger Frame - Energy Transaction Request)
    D -- Triggers --> E[Smart Meter 1]
    D -- Triggers --> F[Battery Storage N]
    D -- Triggers --> G[Solar Panel M]
    E -- Uplink Data (Energy Reports, Tx Proposals) --> H(Multi-User Uplink Data)
    F -- Uplink Data (Energy Reports, Tx Proposals) --> H
    G -- Uplink Data (Energy Reports, Tx Proposals) --> H
    H -- Received by --> B
    C -- Validates & Signs --> I(Blockchain Transaction ACK)
    I -- Aligns Termination (Padding/Metadata) --> J(Synchronized Tx Logic)
    J -- Transmits via --> B
    B -- LPWAN Block ACK (Simultaneously Terminated) --> E
    B -- LPWAN Block ACK (Simultaneously Terminated) --> F
    B -- LPWAN Block ACK (Simultaneously Terminated) --> G

2.9 The "Inverse" or Failure Mode (Method Focus) - Degraded Mode Public Safety Communication

Enabling Description: This method defines a "degraded mode" for a public safety communication system, where the "base wireless communication terminal" is a public safety access point (PSAP) operating on auxiliary power (e.g., battery backup), and "terminals" are first responders' radios. "Resources" are reduced-bandwidth, lower-power channels within a dedicated public safety LTE band. The method involves the PSAP transmitting a simplified "trigger frame" to initiate brief, emergency-priority status updates (multi-user uplink data) from all active first responders. Uplink data is restricted to critical voice snippets or predefined emergency codes. In this degraded mode, the "simultaneous termination of block ACK" is modified for maximum resilience and graceful degradation. The method prioritizes channel clearance over strict termination alignment. Instead of padding shorter ACKs, the PSAP transmits all ACKs with their minimal necessary length, allowing them to terminate asynchronously. However, it then broadcasts a single, network-wide "clear-to-transmit" (CTT) beacon at a fixed time after the longest possible ACK duration, regardless of when individual ACKs finished. This ensures the channel is cleared for the next transmission cycle based on the worst-case scenario, preventing premature access while allowing individual ACK transmissions to conserve power by not sending unnecessary padding.

sequenceDiagram
    participant PSAP as Public Safety AP (Base - Degraded Mode)
    participant Responder1 as First Responder 1
    participant Responder2 as First Responder 2
    participant ResponderN as First Responder N

    PSAP->>Responder1: Simplified Trigger (Low Power LTE)
    PSAP->>Responder2: Simplified Trigger (Low Power LTE)
    PSAP->>ResponderN: Simplified Trigger (Low Power LTE)

    Responder1->>PSAP: Emergency Status 1 (Minimal Length)
    Responder2->>PSAP: Emergency Status 2 (Minimal Length)
    ResponderN->>PSAP: Emergency Status N (Minimal Length)

    PSAP->>PSAP: Process Emergency Status
    PSAP->>Responder1: Minimal Block ACK 1 (Asynchronous Termination)
    PSAP->>Responder2: Minimal Block ACK 2 (Asynchronous Termination)
    PSAP->>ResponderN: Minimal Block ACK N (Asynchronous Termination)

    Note over PSAP: Wait for (Max_ACK_Duration)
    PSAP->>All Responders: Network-Wide Clear-To-Transmit (CTT) Beacon

Combination Prior Art Scenarios

The core mechanism of US Patent 11716171B2 – a base station coordinating multi-user uplink transmissions and ensuring synchronized block ACK termination across resources – can be combined with existing open-source standards to achieve similar or enhanced functionality, making future inventions in these areas obvious.

IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Extensions:
- Description: IEEE 802.11ax already supports OFDMA-based multi-user uplink (UL-OFDMA) via Trigger Frames. The patent's concept of simultaneously terminating Block ACKs across OFDMA Resource Units (RUs) aligns perfectly with the 802.11ax framework for efficient channel utilization. When combined with emerging TSN extensions for Wi-Fi (e.g., in industrial applications or professional AV), the deterministic termination of ACKs becomes even more critical. A base wireless communication terminal (AP) conforming to 802.11ax would implement the block ACK padding/duplication strategy to ensure precise, simultaneous cessation of ACK transmissions across all allocated RUs. This would enable tightly synchronized time slots for subsequent scheduled uplink/downlink traffic in a TSN-enabled Wi-Fi network, ensuring predictable latency and jitter for critical traffic flows. The padding strategy would be specified within the HE-SIG-A/B fields or MAC header of the Block ACK frames.
- Prior Art Obviousness: The addition of synchronized ACK termination to an existing UL-OFDMA system (802.11ax) for the purpose of deterministic scheduling (TSN) is a straightforward application of the patent's teaching for performance enhancement.
3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) with O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) Architecture:
- Description: 5G NR supports advanced multi-user MIMO and OFDMA for both uplink and downlink, with gNodeBs (base stations) managing resource allocation. The O-RAN architecture promotes disaggregation of the RAN, allowing for vendor-neutral components and open interfaces, including the Non-Real-Time (Non-RT) RIC, Near-Real-Time (Near-RT) RIC, and the O-DU/O-CU split. A gNodeB, potentially implemented with O-RAN components (e.g., an O-DU's MAC scheduler), would utilize the method of US11716171B2. The Near-RT RIC could provide intelligent policy control for dynamic padding/duplication of uplink HARQ-ACKs or Block ACKs. The gNodeB's processor would receive multi-user uplink data from UEs on allocated Physical Uplink Shared Channels (PUSCHs) and then transmit Block ACKs across those PUSCH resources such that their terminations are simultaneous. This is particularly relevant for 5G Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) services, where predictable resource availability is crucial. The O-RAN's open interfaces would allow for standardized signaling of the padding/duplication parameters.
- Prior Art Obviousness: Integrating a known method for synchronous ACK termination into an existing and evolving mobile communication standard (5G NR) within an open, disaggregated architecture (O-RAN) for URLLC benefits is an obvious engineering adaptation.
LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) with LoRa Edge (geolocation) Capabilities:
- Description: LoRaWAN is an open-standard LPWAN protocol for IoT, where gateways (acting as base wireless communication terminals) receive uplink data from numerous end devices. LoRa Edge enhances this with low-power geolocation. While LoRaWAN typically involves asynchronous communication, the patent's concept could be applied in specific scenarios, such as synchronized asset tracking or environmental monitoring. A LoRaWAN gateway could implement the method to ensure that block ACKs (or more generally, any group of short downlink control messages) for multi-user uplink data (e.g., aggregated sensor readings or location updates) are terminated simultaneously across different LoRa channels (or spreading factors acting as "resources"). This synchronized termination, achieved by padding shorter ACK messages, could be used to precisely align the "listen before talk" periods or deep sleep cycles of power-constrained LoRa end devices. For LoRa Edge devices performing synchronized ranging, a precisely timed ACK termination from the gateway could serve as a reliable beacon for synchronization.
- Prior Art Obviousness: Applying a method for simultaneous ACK termination to optimize duty cycling and synchronization in an existing LPWAN (LoRaWAN) that serves numerous low-power devices, especially for time-critical functions like geolocation, represents a clear extension of the patent's teaching.