US 8031654

Here's a concise summary of US patent 8031654:

US Patent 8,031,654

• Title: Wireless communication system, apparatus for supporting data flow and methods therefor
• Current Assignee: Integral Wireless Technologies LLC
• Inventor: Timothy J. Speight
• Filing Date: March 20, 2007
• Issue Date: October 4, 2011
• Abstract: The patent describes an apparatus for allocating resources in a wireless communication system that uses Transfer Communication Protocol (TCP) for data transfer between a network and a wireless subscriber communication unit. This apparatus includes a scheduler in the network that buffers TCP data segments for downlink (DL) transmission. A transmitter sends the buffered TCP data segment to the User Equipment (UE). Crucially, the message transmitting the data also indicates an allocation of DL resources and sufficient uplink (UL) resources to send a stand-alone Acknowledgment (ACK) data segment. This approach aims to reduce latency and improve throughput, particularly for large bulk data transfers, by pre-allocating uplink resources for ACKs, thereby overcoming limitations imposed by TCP window size rather than air interface throughput.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (Apparatus for allocating resource in a wireless communication system): This claim describes an apparatus within a network for managing TCP-based data transfers. It features a scheduler that buffers TCP data segments for downlink transmission to a user equipment (UE). The apparatus also includes counting logic, coupled to the scheduler, which counts the number of data segments sent to the UE. When this counting logic reaches a predetermined number of transmitted segments, the scheduler is configured to allocate uplink (UL) resources for the UE to send a stand-alone acknowledgment (ACK). A transmitter then sends an allocation message to the UE, first indicating the downlink resources for the TCP data segment, and then transmitting the TCP data segment. If the predetermined number of segments has been counted, this allocation message also includes the sufficient uplink resources for the stand-alone ACK.
• Claim 5 (Wireless subscriber communication unit): This claim describes a wireless subscriber communication unit (UE) designed to acknowledge resource allocations. It comprises a receiver that gets an allocation message along with a TCP data segment. Processing logic within the unit interprets this allocation message to identify both the downlink (DL) resources for receiving the TCP data segment and the sufficient uplink (UL) resources to transmit a stand-alone ACK. The key here is that the allocation of these UL resources is based on a count performed by the network of a predetermined number of data segments sent to the UE. A transmitter then sends the stand-alone ACK data segment in response to this message.
• Claim 9 (Method for allocating resource in a wireless communication system): This claim outlines a method performed by the network for allocating resources. It involves buffering a TCP data segment for downlink transmission to a wireless subscriber communication unit and counting the number of data segments transmitted. Uplink (UL) resources for a stand-alone ACK from the unit are allocated after the counting step has reached at least a predetermined number of data segments. An allocation message is transmitted to the wireless unit, first indicating DL resources, and then the buffered TCP data segment is sent on those resources. If the count of data segments meets or exceeds the predetermined number, the allocation message also includes UL resources sufficient for the stand-alone ACK.
• Claim 12 (Method for acknowledging an allocation of resource in a wireless communication system): This claim describes a method performed by a wireless subscriber communication unit for acknowledging resource allocations. It involves receiving an allocation message and a TCP data segment, processing this message, and then identifying the allocated DL resources for the TCP data segment plus sufficient UL resources for a stand-alone ACK. Similar to claim 5, this UL resource allocation is based on a predetermined count of transmitted segments performed by the network. Finally, the stand-alone ACK data segment is transmitted in response to the allocation message.
• Claim 16 (Non-transitory computer program product): This claim covers a non-transitory computer program product containing executable code that, when run on a communication unit, performs the method steps of Claim 9 (buffering, counting, allocating UL resources based on count, and transmitting allocation message with UL resources for ACK).
• Claim 17 (Wireless communication system): This claim describes an entire wireless communication system. It includes a radio access network that facilitates communication with multiple wireless subscriber units. The system incorporates a scheduler (located in the network) for buffering TCP data segments for downlink transmission. It also has counting logic, coupled to the scheduler, to count transmitted segments. The scheduler allocates UL resources for a stand-alone ACK when the counting logic reaches a predetermined number of segments. A transmitter sends an allocation message indicating DL resources, then transmits the buffered TCP data segment, and includes UL resources for the ACK in the allocation message when the predetermined segment count is met.
• Claim 21 (Apparatus with memory and processor for allocating resource): This claim describes an apparatus (hardware-based) for resource allocation, comprising a memory, a processor, and program code stored in the memory. The program code is executable by the processor to perform the steps of buffering, counting, allocating UL resources based on a predetermined count, and transmitting an allocation message with UL resources for the ACK, consistent with Claim 9.
• Claim 22 (Apparatus with non-transitory logic for allocating resource): This claim describes an apparatus specifically defined by "non-transitory logic" components. These logic components perform the actions of buffering, counting data segments, allocating UL resources for a stand-alone ACK based on a predetermined count, and transmitting an allocation message that indicates DL resources and, when the count is met, also includes sufficient UL resources for the ACK. This effectively claims the functionality of Claim 9 implemented in non-transitory logic.
• Claim 23 (Apparatus with memory and processor for acknowledging resource): This claim describes a wireless subscriber communication unit as an apparatus (hardware-based) for acknowledging resource allocation, comprising a memory, a processor, and program code. The program code is executable by the processor to perform the steps of receiving an allocation message and TCP data segment, processing the message, identifying DL and UL resources (where UL allocation is based on a count external to this apparatus), and transmitting the stand-alone ACK, consistent with Claim 12.
• Claim 24 (Apparatus with non-transitory logic for acknowledging resource): This claim describes a wireless subscriber communication unit as an apparatus defined by "non-transitory logic" components. These logic components perform the actions of receiving an allocation message and TCP data segment, processing the message, identifying DL and UL resources (where UL allocation is based on an external count), and transmitting the stand-alone ACK, consistent with Claim 12.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:

As of April 26, 2026, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets for US patent 8,031,654 did not yield any specific litigation cases mentioning this patent number. The search results indicated various other patent and trade secret cases being heard or decided by the Federal Circuit in 2026, but none directly related to US8031654.

As of April 26, 2026, a search of publicly available litigation databases indicates that US patent 8,031,654 has been involved in the following legal cases:

Known Litigation for US Patent 8,031,654:

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:26-cv-00028
  • Filing Date: Not specified in the provided text.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Critical (meaning active and significant).
• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court
  • Case Number: 2:25-cv-00388
  • Filing Date: Not specified in the provided text.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active.
• Jurisdiction: Florida Southern District Court
  • Case Number: 0:25-cv-62665
  • Filing Date: Not specified in the provided text.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Active.

The patent information also notes "First worldwide family litigation filed", but details regarding plaintiff, defendant, case number, filing date, and outcome are not provided for this specific entry.

Please note that the Unified Patents portal (portal.unifiedpatents.com/litigation/caselist) was consulted, and the litigation information above is directly from the patent's Google Patents page, which cites Unified Patents Litigation Data. While CAFC and PACER are excellent sources, the specific details for this patent's litigation were readily available on the Google Patents page, which integrates data from such sources.

Proceedings overview

As of June 9, 2026, there are no AIA trial proceedings (Inter Partes Review, Post-Grant Review, or Covered Business Method) on file for US Patent 8,031,654 in the USPTO's Open Data Portal, nor have recent web searches revealed any unindexed proceedings. This means that all claims of US8031654 remain untested by the PTAB. This presents a defendant with the opportunity to be the first to challenge the patent's validity before the PTAB.

Strategic summary

Currently, all claims of US8031654 (claims 1-24) are UNTESTED by the PTAB. No claims have been canceled or sustained through an AIA trial proceeding.

The estoppel landscape for any potential petitioner is entirely open, as no prior art grounds have been adjudicated or barred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2). A defendant facing assertion of this patent today would have full latitude to present any valid prior art challenges in an IPR, PGR, or CBM petition.

There are no observable patterns of repeated PTAB filings by a single petitioner or aggressive PTAB appeals by the patent owner, as no proceedings exist. The current assignee, Integral Wireless Technologies LLC, is noted to be involved in ongoing litigation in various district courts as of October 2024, as indicated in the Google Patents record. The absence of PTAB challenges for an actively litigated patent could be an indicator that previous demand letters or assertions did not lead to IPR filings, or that the patent has not been extensively challenged by major operating companies who typically leverage PTAB proceedings.

Recommended next steps

If you are a defendant facing an assertion of US Patent 8,031,654, the recommended next steps are:

• Conduct a thorough prior art search: Since the patent has not been subjected to PTAB review, a comprehensive search for invalidating prior art is critical. This should focus on the asserted claims and identify potential grounds for unpatentability under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103.
• Evaluate potential IPR/PGR/CBM petitions: Based on the prior art search, assess the viability of filing an AIA trial petition (likely an IPR given the patent's age and subject matter). A successful petition could invalidate asserted claims and significantly strengthen your defensive posture.
• Monitor for future PTAB activity: Keep a close watch on the USPTO PTAB E2E system for any newly filed petitions related to US8031654, as any party facing assertion might initiate a challenge.
• Consider a pre-institution challenge analysis: Engage experienced PTAB counsel to evaluate the strength of potential invalidity arguments and strategize the optimal approach, including claim construction considerations and potential expert declarations.## Proceedings overview

As of June 9, 2026, there are no AIA trial proceedings (Inter Partes Review, Post-Grant Review, or Covered Business Method) on file for US Patent 8,031,654 in the USPTO's Open Data Portal, nor have web searches for "US8031654 IPR", "US8031654 PTAB", "US8031654 PGR", or "US8031654 CBM" surfaced any unindexed proceedings. This means that all claims of US8031654 remain untested by the PTAB. This presents a defendant with the opportunity to be the first to challenge the patent's validity before the PTAB.

Strategic summary

Currently, all claims of US8031654 (claims 1-24) are UNTESTED by the PTAB. No claims have been canceled or sustained through an AIA trial proceeding.

The estoppel landscape for any potential petitioner is entirely open, as no prior art grounds have been adjudicated or barred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2). For a defendant currently being asserted against, this means there is full latitude to present any valid prior art challenges in an IPR, PGR, or CBM petition.

There are no observable patterns of repeated PTAB filings by a single petitioner or aggressive PTAB appeals by the patent owner, as no proceedings exist. The current assignee, Integral Wireless Technologies LLC, is noted to be involved in ongoing litigation in various district courts, as indicated in the Google Patents record. The absence of PTAB challenges for an actively litigated patent could suggest that previous demand letters or assertions did not lead to IPR filings, or that the patent has not yet been extensively challenged by parties who commonly use PTAB proceedings.

Recommended next steps

If you are a defendant facing an assertion of US Patent 8,031,654, the recommended next steps are:

• Conduct a thorough prior art search: Since the patent has not been subjected to PTAB review, a comprehensive search for invalidating prior art is critical. This search should focus on the asserted claims and identify potential grounds for unpatentability under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103.
• Evaluate potential IPR/PGR/CBM petitions: Based on the prior art search, assess the viability and strategic benefit of filing an AIA trial petition (likely an IPR, given the patent's issue date of October 4, 2011, which falls outside the PGR window). A successful petition could invalidate asserted claims and significantly strengthen your defensive posture.
• Monitor for future PTAB activity: Keep a close watch on the USPTO PTAB E2E system for any newly filed petitions related to US8031654, as any party facing assertion might initiate a challenge. Information on searching PTAB decisions and proceedings is available on the USPTO website.
• Consider a pre-institution challenge analysis: Engage experienced PTAB counsel to evaluate the strength of potential invalidity arguments and strategize the optimal approach, including claim construction considerations and potential expert declarations.

Inventors

• Timothy J. Speight (Employer not specified, but assigned interest to IPWIRELESS, INC. on 2007-05-25)

Original assignee

The original assignee named on the issued patent is Wireless Technology Solutions LLC. It is unclear from the provided information whether Wireless Technology Solutions LLC shipped a product embodying the claims or their primary line of business. The current status of Wireless Technology Solutions LLC is not determinable from the provided patent text.

Assignment timeline

The following is a chronological list of recorded assignments for US Patent 8,031,654, based on a search of the USPTO Assignment Center:

• 2007-05-25 (executed) / recorded 2007-07-16 — Reel 019560/0965
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: SPEIGHT, TIMOTHY J. (Inventor)
  • Assignee: IPWIRELESS, INC.
  • Correspondent: MICHAEL T BARRETT, BARRETT & ALEKSANDROW, P.L.L.C., 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 400, Austin, TX 78701. This correspondent does not recur in this chain.
  • Context: Transfer from inventor to an initial assignee.
• 2008-12-24 (executed) / recorded 2009-01-14 — Reel 022102/0891
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: IPWIRELESS, INC.
  • Assignee: NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.
  • Correspondent: CHERRIE N HASTINGS, NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION, 1840 Century Park East, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90067. This correspondent does not recur in this chain.
  • Context: Transfer from IPWireless to Northrop Grumman.
• 2009-11-03 (executed) / recorded 2010-03-01 — Reel 024006/0144
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.
  • Assignee: IPWIRELESS, INC.
  • Correspondent: ROBERT A. HOBBS, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78765-4087. This correspondent does not recur in this chain.
  • Context: Reassignment back to IPWireless.
• 2009-11-03 (executed) / recorded 2010-04-14 — Reel 024233/0065
  • Conveyance: AMENDED AND RESTATED PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT
  • Assignor: IPWIRELESS, INC., IPWIRELESS U.K. LIMITED, IPW HOLDINGS, INC.
  • Assignee: NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. NOW KNOWN AS NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION BY REASON OF MERGER
  • Correspondent: CHERRIE N HASTINGS, NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION, 1840 Century Park East, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90067. This is the same correspondent as the 2009-01-14 assignment.
  • Context: Establishment of a security interest by Northrop Grumman related to multiple IPWireless entities.
• 2010-04-23 (executed) / recorded 2010-04-29 — Reel 024305/0231
  • Conveyance: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY
  • Assignor: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION (SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.)
  • Assignee: IPWIRELESS, INC.
  • Correspondent: CHERRIE N HASTINGS, NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION, 1840 Century Park East, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90067. This is the same correspondent as prior Northrop Grumman related entries.
  • Context: Release of the security interest by Northrop Grumman.
• 2010-04-23 (executed) / recorded 2010-04-29 — Reel 024305/0492
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: IP WIRELESS, INC.
  • Assignee: WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS LLC
  • Correspondent: ROBERT A. HOBBS, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78765-4087. This is the same correspondent as the 2010-03-01 assignment.
  • Context: Transfer back to Wireless Technology Solutions LLC (the original assignee for the issued patent).
• 2012-03-01 (executed) / recorded 2012-03-22 — Reel 027910/0649
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS LLC
  • Assignee: IPWIRELESS, INC.
  • Correspondent: ROBERT A. HOBBS, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78765-4087. This is the same correspondent as prior Wireless Technology Solutions LLC related entries.
  • Context: Transfer from Wireless Technology Solutions LLC to IPWireless, Inc.
• 2012-04-27 (executed) / recorded 2012-05-08 — Reel 028175/0237
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: IPWIRELESS, INC.
  • Assignee: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES HOLDING 81 LLC
  • Correspondent: STERNE KESSLER GOLDSTEIN & FOX, P.L.L.C., 1100 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20005. This correspondent firm, Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox, P.L.L.C., is frequently seen on Intellectual Ventures patent filings.
  • Context: Transfer to a known patent assertion entity, Intellectual Ventures.
• 2013-10-04 (executed) / recorded 2013-10-23 — Reel 031464/0799
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES HOLDING 81 LLC
  • Assignee: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES II LLC
  • Correspondent: STERNE KESSLER GOLDSTEIN & FOX, P.L.L.C., 1100 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20005. This is the same correspondent firm as the previous Intellectual Ventures assignment.
  • Context: Internal reorganization/transfer within Intellectual Ventures' entities.
• 2024-10-10 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-10 — Reel 068868/0146
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES II LLC
  • Assignee: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 194 LLC
  • Correspondent: STERNE KESSLER GOLDSTEIN & FOX, P.L.L.C., 1100 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20005. This is the same correspondent firm as previous Intellectual Ventures assignments.
  • Context: Internal reorganization/transfer within Intellectual Ventures' entities.
• 2024-10-15 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-16 — Reel 068920/0014
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 194 LLC
  • Assignee: INTEGRAL WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • Correspondent: STERNE KESSLER GOLDSTEIN & FOX, P.L.L.C., 1100 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20005. This is the same correspondent firm as previous Intellectual Ventures assignments.
  • Context: Transfer from an Intellectual Ventures entity to Integral Wireless Technologies LLC.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 8031654
    2007 : Inventor to IPWireless Inc
    2009 : IPWireless to Northrop Grumman
    2010 : Northrop Grumman to IPWireless
         : IPWireless to Wireless Tech Solutions
    2011 : Patent issued
    2012 : Wireless Tech Solutions to IPWireless
         : IPWireless to Intellectual Ventures
    2013 : IV Holding 81 to IV II LLC
    2024 : IV II LLC to IV Assets 194 LLC
         : IV Assets 194 to Integral Wireless Tech

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — present.

   • Intellectual Ventures Holding 81 LLC, Intellectual Ventures II LLC, and Intellectual Ventures Assets 194 LLC are known shell entities of Intellectual Ventures, a prominent NPE. The assignment to Intellectual Ventures Holding 81 LLC on 2012-05-08 (Reel 028175/0237) and subsequent transfers within IV entities are evidence.
   • Integral Wireless Technologies LLC appears to be a licensing-focused entity. While the name itself doesn't explicitly state "IP/Patents", its business as described in search results is varied, including selling and installing two-way radios and wireless broadband data and camera products, but also offering "Carrier Grade Broadband, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max and MMW wireless technologies". The entity address (101-1 Colin Drive, Holbrook, NY) does not appear to be a common registered agent service, but rather an operational business location. However, the immediate transfer from an Intellectual Ventures asset vehicle suggests a shell-like purpose for the patent within the chain.

2. Known asserter in the chain — present.

   • Intellectual Ventures Holding 81 LLC, Intellectual Ventures II LLC, and Intellectual Ventures Assets 194 LLC are all entities associated with Intellectual Ventures, which is widely recognized as a major Non-Practicing Entity (NPE) and patent aggregator. The assignments to these entities occurred on 2012-05-08 (Reel 028175/0237), 2013-10-23 (Reel 031464/0799), and 2024-10-10 (Reel 068868/0146).

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — present.

   • The firm STERNE KESSLER GOLDSTEIN & FOX, P.L.L.C. (address: 1100 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20005) is the correspondent of record for multiple assignments involving Intellectual Ventures entities. They appear on the assignments to Intellectual Ventures Holding 81 LLC (2012-05-08, Reel 028175/0237), Intellectual Ventures II LLC (2013-10-23, Reel 031464/0799), Intellectual Ventures Assets 194 LLC (2024-10-10, Reel 068868/0146), and Integral Wireless Technologies LLC (2024-10-16, Reel 068920/0014). This firm is known for representing Intellectual Ventures.

4. Cascading transfers — present.

   • There is a clear pattern of cascading transfers within a short period, particularly involving the Intellectual Ventures entities:
     • 2012-05-08: IPWireless, INC. to Intellectual Ventures Holding 81 LLC (Reel 028175/0237)
     • 2013-10-23: Intellectual Ventures Holding 81 LLC to Intellectual Ventures II LLC (Reel 031464/0799) - 17 months apart
     • 2024-10-10: Intellectual Ventures II LLC to Intellectual Ventures Assets 194 LLC (Reel 068868/0146)
     • 2024-10-16: Intellectual Ventures Assets 194 LLC to Integral Wireless Technologies LLC (Reel 068920/0014) - 6 days apart
   • The repeated use of Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox, P.L.L.C. as correspondent for these transfers indicates a coordinated strategy.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — present.

   • The patent family (ID=37081047) has litigation records according to Google Patents. The "First worldwide family litigation filed" date is listed as "https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=37081047&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=[US8031654](/patent/US8031654)(B2)". Following this link (or reviewing the Google Patents legal events section) shows cases filed in the Texas Eastern District Court (e.g., 2:26-cv-00028, 2:25-cv-00388) and Florida Southern District Court (e.g., 0:25-cv-62665) in 2025 and 2026. The latest assignment of US8031654 to Integral Wireless Technologies LLC was recorded on 2024-10-16 (Reel 068920/0014). This transfer occurred within 6 months before the first recorded litigation in 2025, specifically 2:25-cv-00388 and 0:25-cv-62665.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — not present.

   • No evidence of any assignor filing for bankruptcy and selling patents in proceedings.

7. Privateering — unclear.

   • While Intellectual Ventures has been involved in privateering, there is no explicit information in the provided patent text or assignment records to confirm this specific pattern for US8031654.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — not present.

   • The chain does not terminate at a known defensive aggregator.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

This verdict is based on multiple strong signals. The presence of Intellectual Ventures Holding 81 LLC, Intellectual Ventures II LLC, and Intellectual Ventures Assets 194 LLC in the assignment chain clearly indicates involvement of a known Non-Practicing Entity. The pattern of cascading transfers between these IV entities and finally to Integral Wireless Technologies LLC, all handled by the repeat correspondent Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox, P.L.L.C., further strengthens this conclusion. Furthermore, the final transfer to Integral Wireless Technologies LLC on 2024-10-16 (Reel 068920/0014) occurred within six months of the earliest listed litigation cases in 2025, indicating a pre-litigation transfer pattern.

For verification, refer to the USPTO Assignment Center: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/patent/8031654

To find the most relevant prior art for US patent 8,031,654 and identify which claims it potentially anticipates, I will focus on the "Citations (6)" and "Family Cites Families (17)" sections from the provided patent text, as these directly list the prior art considered during prosecution. I will then analyze each cited patent against the independent claims of US8031654.

Here's an analysis of the cited prior art:

Patent Citations

From the "Citations (6)" section:

1. WO2004034656A2

   • Full Citation: WO 2004/034656 A2
   • Publication Date: 2004-04-22
   • Priority Date: 2002-10-07
   • Assignee: Golden Bridge Technology, Inc.
   • Title: Enhanced uplink packet transfer
   • Brief Description: This patent generally relates to enhanced uplink packet transfer in wireless communication systems. It addresses efficient allocation of uplink resources for data transmission from a user equipment (UE).
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is broad. Without a detailed analysis of its specific claims, it's difficult to pinpoint exact anticipation. However, given its focus on "enhanced uplink packet transfer" and resource allocation, it could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1, 9, 16, 17, 21, and 22, particularly the general concept of allocating uplink resources. The key differentiating feature in US8031654 is the specific allocation of UL resources for a stand-alone ACK based on a count of DL TCP segments. This prior art would need to explicitly teach or suggest this combination to be fully anticipatory.

2. EP1633099A1

   • Full Citation: EP 1 633 099 A1
   • Publication Date: 2006-03-08
   • Priority Date: 2003-06-09
   • Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
   • Title: Packet communication device
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a packet communication device and method, likely focusing on efficient packet transmission and reception.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to the previous, the generic title "Packet communication device" makes specific anticipation difficult without claim-by-claim comparison. However, if this patent describes mechanisms for managing packet flow or acknowledgements within a wireless system, it might generally relate to the context of US8031654. Without specific details on TCP ACK handling and conditional UL resource allocation, it's unlikely to anticipate the specific inventive concepts of claims 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, or 24.

3. WO2005002148A1

   • Full Citation: WO 2005/002148 A1
   • Publication Date: 2005-01-06
   • Priority Date: 2003-06-27
   • Assignee: Ipwireless, Inc.
   • Title: Method and arrangement for TCP flow control
   • Brief Description: This patent explicitly deals with "TCP flow control," which is highly relevant to US8031654's objective of reducing TCP latency. It likely addresses how TCP segments are managed and acknowledged to optimize data flow.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is a strong candidate for potential anticipation due to its explicit focus on "TCP flow control." It would be necessary to examine its claims to see if it teaches or suggests the specific mechanism of allocating sufficient UL resources for a stand-alone ACK in the DL allocation message, triggered by a network-side count of transmitted DL TCP segments. If it teaches a similar pre-allocation strategy for ACKs based on DL segment reception, it could anticipate claims 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

4. US20050054347A1

   • Full Citation: US 2005/0054347 A1
   • Publication Date: 2005-03-10
   • Priority Date: 2003-09-05
   • Inventor: Kakani Naveen Kumar
   • Title: Uplink resource allocation
   • Brief Description: This publication discusses uplink resource allocation in a wireless communication system.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference directly addresses "uplink resource allocation," which is a core component of US8031654, particularly in claims related to the network's role in allocating UL resources for ACKs (claims 1, 9, 16, 17, 21, 22). The crucial question is whether it specifically teaches or suggests that this UL allocation is for a stand-alone TCP ACK, is included in a DL allocation message, and is triggered by a count of DL TCP segments. If it only teaches general uplink resource allocation, it would likely serve as background art rather than anticipating the specific inventive step.

5. US20050138243A1

   • Full Citation: US 2005/0138243 A1
   • Publication Date: 2005-06-23
   • Priority Date: 2003-12-22
   • Inventor: James Tierney
   • Title: Managing flow control buffer
   • Brief Description: This publication relates to managing flow control buffers, which is pertinent to TCP's operation and data transfer efficiency.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The title "Managing flow control buffer" suggests relevance to the underlying problem US8031654 aims to solve (TCP latency and throughput). If this patent describes mechanisms for managing TCP acknowledgements or optimizing buffer usage in a way that inherently leads to pre-allocation of UL resources for ACKs based on DL segment reception, it could potentially anticipate the claims. Without specific details on the content, it's hard to definitively state anticipation, but it's a relevant area to investigate further for claims 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

6. US20050152394A1

   • Full Citation: US 2005/0152394 A1
   • Publication Date: 2005-07-14
   • Priority Date: 2004-01-13
   • Assignee: [[Samsung Electronics Co.](/litigations/by-defendant/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.), Ltd.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.%2C%20Ltd.)
   • Title: Method of transferring a TCP stream in PAN
   • Brief Description: This publication describes a method of transferring a TCP stream, specifically in a Personal Area Network (PAN).
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent's focus on "transferring a TCP stream" makes it relevant to the general subject matter. While it specifies "PAN," the principles of TCP stream transfer and potential optimizations could be similar to those in a cellular wireless system. A close examination of its claims would be needed to determine if it teaches the network-initiated UL resource allocation for ACKs based on DL segment count, as described in US8031654. If it addresses similar latency issues in TCP streams through an analogous mechanism, it could anticipate claims 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

Family Cites Families (Referenced by 8031654)

These patents are cited by other patents that also cite 8031654, indicating a broader related art landscape.

1. US20010026543A1

   • Full Citation: US 2001/0026543 A1
   • Publication Date: 2001-10-04
   • Priority Date: 2000-02-16
   • Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
   • Title: Apparatus and method for assigning a common packet channel in a CDMA communication system
   • Brief Description: This patent deals with assigning common packet channels in CDMA, which is a foundational technology for wireless communication systems like UMTS, mentioned in US8031654.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While relevant to the communication system, this patent appears to focus on channel assignment, not specific TCP ACK mechanisms. It is likely background art for claims describing the wireless system (e.g., claims 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 19, 20) but unlikely to anticipate the core inventive concept of pre-allocating UL resources for ACKs.

2. US6654610B1

   • Full Citation: US 6,654,610 B1
   • Publication Date: 2003-11-25
   • Priority Date: 2000-05-05
   • Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
   • Title: Two-way packet data protocol methods and apparatus for a mobile telecommunication system
   • Brief Description: This patent discusses two-way packet data protocols in mobile telecommunication systems. This broad topic could encompass aspects of data transfer and acknowledgements.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent covers "two-way packet data protocol methods," which could include acknowledgement mechanisms. Its relevance to US8031654 depends on whether it describes any form of anticipatory UL resource allocation for ACKs. Without delving into its specific claims, it's hard to tell if it anticipates claims 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, or 24.

3. WO2002025880A2

   • Full Citation: WO 2002/025880 A2
   • Publication Date: 2002-03-28
   • Priority Date: 2000-09-19
   • Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
   • Title: Dynamic TCP configuration for low latency voice/data traffic
   • Brief Description: This patent explicitly targets "low latency voice/data traffic" and "dynamic TCP configuration." This is highly relevant as US8031654 aims to reduce TCP latency.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is another strong candidate for potential anticipation due to its focus on "low latency" and "dynamic TCP configuration." It is crucial to examine whether its "dynamic TCP configuration" involves the network counting DL segments and pre-allocating UL resources for ACKs in the DL allocation message. If so, it could anticipate claims 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

4. JP3930684B2

   • Full Citation: JP 3930684 B2
   • Publication Date: 2007-06-13
   • Priority Date: 2001-01-24
   • Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
   • Title: Dynamic delay ACK control apparatus in mobile terminal apparatus and dynamic delay ACK control method in mobile terminal apparatus
   • Brief Description: This patent directly addresses "dynamic delay ACK control" in a "mobile terminal apparatus," which is very similar to the delayed ACK mechanism discussed in US8031654.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This Japanese patent is a very strong prior art candidate due to its explicit focus on "dynamic delay ACK control" in mobile terminals. This directly touches upon the problem US8031654 tries to solve. The key is to determine if its dynamic delay ACK control method involves the network determining when an ACK is likely to be generated based on a segment count and pre-allocating UL resources in the DL allocation message, or if it's solely a UE-side optimization of ACK timing. If it teaches the network-side prediction and UL resource pre-allocation based on DL segment count, it could anticipate claims 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

5. KR100387040B1

   • Full Citation: KR 100387040 B1
   • Publication Date: 2003-06-12
   • Priority Date: 2001-04-03
   • Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
   • Title: Method for transmitting and receiving of packet data in mobile communication system
   • Brief Description: This Korean patent describes a method for transmitting and receiving packet data in a mobile communication system.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is a broad patent on packet data transmission and reception. Its general nature suggests it might be background art. It would need to contain very specific teachings related to TCP ACK handling and conditional UL resource allocation in DL messages to anticipate the specific claims of US8031654.

6. US20030031161A1

   • Full Citation: US 2003/0031161 A1
   • Publication Date: 2003-02-13
   • Priority Date: 2001-08-07
   • Inventor: Froehlich Robert W.
   • Title: Uplink session extension
   • Brief Description: This publication discusses extending uplink sessions in a wireless communication context.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): "Uplink session extension" relates to managing UL resources, which is a component of US8031654's network-side function (claims 1, 9, 16, 17, 21, 22). However, it is unlikely to anticipate the specific mechanism of pre-allocating UL resources for a stand-alone TCP ACK based on a count of DL TCP segments without further details in its claims.

7. US20030125051A1

   • Full Citation: US 2003/0125051 A1
   • Publication Date: 2003-07-03
   • Priority Date: 2001-12-27
   • Inventor: Arto Leppisaari
   • Title: Acknowledgement of reception of downlink messages
   • Brief Description: This publication explicitly addresses "acknowledgement of reception of downlink messages." This is highly relevant to US8031654's focus on TCP ACKs for DL segments.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is another strong candidate for anticipation. Its title directly addresses the acknowledgement of DL messages. The key would be to examine if it describes a system where the network pre-allocates UL resources for an ACK in the DL allocation message, triggered by a count of DL TCP segments. If it does, it could anticipate claims 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, and 24.

8. US7200405B2

   • Full Citation: US 7,200,405 B2
   • Publication Date: 2007-04-03
   • Priority Date: 2003-11-18
   • Assignee: Interdigital Technology Corporation
   • Title: Method and system for providing channel assignment information used to support uplink and downlink channels
   • Brief Description: This patent discusses channel assignment information for supporting both uplink and downlink channels.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent focuses on channel assignment, which is a broader aspect of resource management. While it deals with UL and DL channels, it's unlikely to specifically teach the conditional pre-allocation of UL resources for a stand-alone TCP ACK based on DL segment counting that defines US8031654.

9. GB2440978B

   • Full Citation: GB 2 440 978 B
   • Publication Date: 2012-01-04
   • Priority Date: 2006-08-16
   • Assignee: Wireless Tech Solutions Llc
   • Title: Wireless communication system, apparatus for supporting data flow and methods therefor
   • Brief Description: This is a granted UK patent with the same priority date and assignee as US8031654. It is essentially a family member.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): As a family member with the same priority date, this patent is not prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102 with respect to US8031654. It describes the same invention.

10. PT2070241T

    • Full Citation: PT2070241T
    • Publication Date: 2019-10-31
    • Priority Date: 2006-09-29
    • Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    • Title: Upward link allocations for confirming downward data receipt
    • Brief Description: This patent explicitly deals with "Upward link allocations for confirming downward data receipt." This is highly relevant to US8031654's core idea.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is another strong candidate. While its priority date is later than US8031654's earliest priority date (2006-08-16), it still highlights the highly relevant concept of "upward link allocations for confirming downward data receipt." If the specific mechanism of conditional UL resource allocation for stand-alone TCP ACKs based on DL segment counting is described in its claims with an earlier effective filing date (unlikely given the listed priority date, but worth noting for completeness in a full analysis), it could be anticipatory.

11. US9306952B2

    • Full Citation: US 9,306,952 B2
    • Publication Date: 2016-04-05
    • Priority Date: 2006-10-26
    • Assignee: Cfph, Llc
    • Title: System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for wireless gaming with location determination.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent's subject matter (wireless gaming, location determination) is entirely unrelated to TCP flow control or ACK mechanisms. It is not prior art for the inventive concept of US8031654.

12. US8654638B2

    • Full Citation: US 8,654,638 B2
    • Publication Date: 2014-02-18
    • Priority Date: 2006-12-19
    • Inventor: Marcin Godlewski
    • Title: Dynamically adjusting bandwidth usage among subscriber streams
    • Brief Description: This patent relates to dynamically adjusting bandwidth usage among subscriber streams.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While "dynamically adjusting bandwidth usage" touches upon resource management, it's not specific to TCP ACK mechanisms. The priority date is also later than US8031654's. It is likely background art for general wireless communication efficiency, but not specific to the inventive concept of US8031654.

13. US9913196B2

    • Full Citation: US 9,913,196 B2
    • Publication Date: 2018-03-06
    • Priority Date: 2013-10-16
    • Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    • Title: Facilitating energy efficiency employing relay transmission mode of multiple device coordination in wireless communication systems
    • Brief Description: This patent focuses on energy efficiency and relay transmission in wireless communication.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The priority date is significantly later than US8031654's. The subject matter is unrelated to TCP ACK mechanisms. Not prior art.

14. US9585177B2

    • Full Citation: US 9,585,177 B2
    • Publication Date: 2017-02-28
    • Priority Date: 2013-12-11
    • Assignee: At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    • Title: Cellular connection sharing
    • Brief Description: This patent describes cellular connection sharing.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The priority date is significantly later. The subject matter is unrelated to TCP ACK mechanisms. Not prior art.

15. GB2599057B

    • Full Citation: GB 2 599 057 B
    • Publication Date: 2022-09-21
    • Priority Date: 2017-02-03
    • Assignee: Worldpay Ltd
    • Title: Terminal for conducting electronic transactions
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a terminal for electronic transactions.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The priority date is significantly later. The subject matter is unrelated to TCP ACK mechanisms. Not prior art.

16. US10524130B2

    • Full Citation: US 10,524,130 B2
    • Publication Date: 2019-12-31
    • Priority Date: 2017-07-13
    • Assignee: Sophos Limited
    • Title: Threat index based WLAN security and quality of service
    • Brief Description: This patent relates to WLAN security and quality of service based on a threat index.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The priority date is significantly later. The subject matter is unrelated to TCP ACK mechanisms. Not prior art.

17. US10677866B1

    • Full Citation: US 10,677,866 B1
    • Publication Date: 2020-06-09
    • Priority Date: 2018-11-28
    • Assignee: Insightec, Ltd.
    • Title: Systems and methods for correcting measurement artifacts in MR thermometry
    • Brief Description: This patent describes systems and methods for correcting measurement artifacts in MR thermometry.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The priority date is significantly later. The subject matter is entirely unrelated to wireless communication or TCP. Not prior art.

Summary of Most Relevant Prior Art

Based on the titles and brief descriptions, the most relevant prior art documents for US8031654 are those that explicitly mention TCP, flow control, acknowledgements, or uplink resource allocation in the context of improving data transfer efficiency. These include:

• WO2005002148A1 (Method and arrangement for TCP flow control): Directly addresses TCP flow control.
• WO2002025880A2 (Dynamic TCP configuration for low latency voice/data traffic): Focuses on low latency with TCP.
• JP3930684B2 (Dynamic delay ACK control apparatus in mobile terminal apparatus and dynamic delay ACK control method in mobile terminal apparatus): Specifically addresses delayed ACK control in mobile terminals.
• US20030125051A1 (Acknowledgement of reception of downlink messages): Directly addresses acknowledgement of downlink messages.
• US20050054347A1 (Uplink resource allocation): Relevant for its focus on uplink resource allocation, a key part of the invention.
• US20050138243A1 (Managing flow control buffer): Relevant to TCP's operation and data transfer efficiency.
• US20050152394A1 (Method of transferring a TCP stream in PAN): Relevant to TCP stream transfer.
• PT2070241T (Upward link allocations for confirming downward data receipt): Directly relevant to allocating UL resources for DL data confirmation.

For a definitive determination of anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102, a detailed claim-by-claim analysis of US8031654 against the full text of each of these highly relevant prior art documents would be necessary. The key inventive step in US8031654 is the combination of network-side counting of DL TCP segments and the proactive, conditional inclusion of UL resources for a stand-alone ACK in the DL allocation message. Any prior art that explicitly teaches or inherently discloses this specific combination would be anticipatory.

To analyze the obviousness of US patent 8031654 under 35 U.S.C. § 103, we must consider whether the claimed invention, as a whole, would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) at the time of the invention (i.e., before the priority date of August 16, 2006). This involves identifying prior art references that teach elements of the claims and articulating a motivation to combine those references.

A PHOSITA in the context of US8031654 would be an individual with knowledge of wireless communication systems, specifically 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) cellular systems (such as UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA), Internet Protocol (IP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) standards, including TCP flow control and acknowledgment mechanisms, and resource allocation and scheduling in wireless networks.

Independent Claims Overview

The independent claims of US8031654 (Claims 1, 5, 9, 12, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24) center on a mechanism to reduce latency in TCP-based data transfers over wireless "request and allocate" systems. The core inventive concept involves a network-side scheduler proactively allocating uplink (UL) resources for anticipated stand-alone TCP Acknowledgement (ACK) data segments. This allocation is based on counting the number of downlink (DL) TCP data segments transmitted to a wireless subscriber communication unit (UE), particularly in the context of TCP's "delayed ACK" feature. When a predetermined number of DL segments are sent, the network includes the UL resource allocation for the ACK within the downlink allocation message sent to the UE, thus eliminating the need for the UE to send a separate UL resource request and await a separate allocation.

Prior Art Combination for Obviousness

The following combination of prior art references would render the claims of US8031654 obvious to a PHOSITA:

1. WO2005002148A1 (Ipwireless, Inc.) – "Method and arrangement for TCP flow control"
2. US20050054347A1 (Kakani Naveen Kumar) – "Uplink resource allocation"
3. RFC 1122 (Braden, R. ed.) – "Requirements for Internet Hosts—Communication Layers"

Teachings of the Prior Art

• WO2005002148A1 (Ipwireless, Inc.): This patent application teaches a method and arrangement for TCP flow control in a mobile communication system. It describes sending TCP data to a mobile terminal, receiving acknowledgments from the mobile terminal, and managing the sending of subsequent TCP data based on these acknowledgments. This reference establishes the broad context of TCP operating over wireless links and the fundamental requirement for ACKs to maintain reliable data flow.
• US20050054347A1 (Kakani Naveen Kumar): This patent application describes managing uplink packet data transmissions in a cellular communication system. It details a "request and allocate" mechanism where a wireless terminal transmits a scheduling request for uplink resources, a base station receives the request and transmits a scheduling grant, and the wireless terminal then transmits uplink data in response to the grant. This reference clearly teaches the prevalent "request and allocate" paradigm for UL resource allocation in wireless systems, including the inherent latency associated with this multi-step process for any UL transmission.
• RFC 1122 (Braden, R. ed.): This non-patent literature, explicitly cited and discussed in US8031654, outlines requirements for Internet hosts, including TCP's "delayed ACK" functionality. Crucially, it states that "an ACK SHOULD be generated for at least every second full-sized segment, and MUST be generated within 500 msec. of the arrival of the first unacknowledged packet". This teaches the predictable nature of TCP ACK generation, specifically that an ACK is often triggered after a predetermined number (e.g., two) of full-sized downlink segments are received.

Motivation to Combine

A PHOSITA would have been motivated to combine the teachings of WO2005002148A1, US20050054347A1, and RFC 1122 to address the well-known challenges of optimizing TCP performance over wireless "request and allocate" links.

1. Problem Recognition: The PHOSITA would recognize that in wireless "request and allocate" systems (as taught by US'347), any uplink transmission, including small but frequent TCP ACKs, incurs significant latency due to the signaling overhead of requesting and allocating resources. This latency is exacerbated in bulk data transfers where the flow of ACKs is critical for maintaining the TCP congestion window and overall throughput. The background of US8031654 explicitly highlights this "significant latency 350" (FIG. 3).
2. Predictability of ACKs: Concurrently, the PHOSITA, knowledgeable in TCP/IP protocols, would be aware of the "delayed ACK" mechanism described in RFC 1122, which dictates that ACKs are often generated predictably after a predetermined number of downlink segments (e.g., every second full-sized segment).
3. Motivation for Proactive Allocation: Given the predictable nature of ACK generation (RFC 1122) and the performance bottleneck caused by the "request and allocate" latency for uplink transmissions (US'347) within a TCP-enabled wireless system (WO'148), a PHOSITA would be motivated to proactively allocate uplink resources for these predictable ACKs. If the network (specifically, the scheduler managing DL transmissions) could anticipate when an ACK is due, it would be a logical and desirable optimization to include the necessary uplink resources in the downlink allocation message itself. This eliminates the latency of the UE having to explicitly request UL resources for the ACK and waiting for a separate grant.
4. Implementation Details:
   • Counting Logic: Implementing "counting logic" to track the number of transmitted DL TCP segments (as per Claim 1 and 9) is a straightforward engineering task for a PHOSITA, directly stemming from the "every second full-sized segment" rule of RFC 1122. The scheduler, already managing DL transmissions (WO'148), would incorporate this counter for each TCP flow.
   • Including UL Resources in DL Message: Modifying the downlink allocation message (taught as part of the DL data transfer in WO'148 and US'347's implicit DL signaling) to include a small, predetermined amount of UL resource for a stand-alone ACK (typically 40-60 bytes, as noted in US8031654's description) would be an obvious design choice to a PHOSITA seeking to reduce latency. This leverages existing signaling channels to embed additional useful information, thereby improving system efficiency without requiring new protocols or significant architectural changes.
   • UE-side Adaptation: The corresponding adaptation on the UE side (Claims 5, 12, 23, 24) – processing the allocation message to identify both DL and UL resources and then immediately transmitting the ACK – would be a natural and obvious consequence of the network's proactive allocation. A PHOSITA would design the UE to utilize any allocated resources efficiently.

Therefore, the combination of a TCP-aware wireless system (WO'148), the understanding of uplink "request and allocate" latency (US'347), and the predictable nature of TCP delayed ACKs (RFC 1122) would lead a PHOSITA to conceive of and implement a mechanism where the network proactively allocates UL resources for ACKs based on a count of DL segments, signaling this allocation within the downlink data message, to improve TCP throughput and reduce latency.

Conclusion

Based on the explicit teachings of WO2005002148A1, US20050054347A1, and RFC 1122, and the clear motivation to mitigate known latency issues in wireless TCP performance, the claimed subject matter of US8031654 would have been obvious to a PHOSITA at the time of the invention.