US 9794797

A detailed analysis of U.S. Patent 9,794,797 reveals a system for managing and optimizing wireless network resources through economic principles and hierarchical structures. The patent, which is the subject of current litigation, outlines a method for allocating network access and resolving conflicts among communicating devices.

Patent Details:

• Title: Multifactorial optimization system and method
• Assignee: Cogent Insights Licensing Inc.
• Inventor: Steven M. Hoffberg
• Filing Date: October 28, 2014
• Issue Date: October 17, 2017
• Abstract: The patent describes a method for managing rights among different agents (nodes in a network) by assigning hierarchical ranks and distributing a "synthetic economic value" to be used as currency in an auction system. This allows for an unequal but fair allocation of resources. The system also involves agents having a "wealth generation function" to create future value, which can be transferred during market transactions. This multifactorial optimization is intended for communities of elements with conflicting needs and shared resources.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

U.S. Patent 9,794,797 has the following independent claims:

Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a wireless network node that can automatically manage interference. The node has an antenna that can change the direction of its signal (a directional radiation pattern) to at least two different states. An automated controller in the node selects one of these states based on a game theory-based decision. This decision is influenced by the potential states of other nodes in the network and a "subjective value function" that aims to maximize the node's own benefit. This essentially creates a system where nodes negotiate with each other to find the best signal patterns to minimize interference and optimize communication for the entire network.

Independent Claim 8: This claim outlines a method for a wireless network node to automatically manage interference with other nodes. The method involves the node having an antenna that can switch its signal direction between at least two different patterns. The node's controller makes a decision based on game theory, selecting a signal pattern by considering its own possible patterns and the patterns of other nodes. This selection is guided by a value function unique to that node, with the goal of maximizing its own operational value.

Independent Claim 14: This claim focuses on a method for optimizing a wireless ad-hoc network where nodes cooperate without a central controller. The method involves at least one node having an antenna that can alter its directional signal. The optimization is achieved through an automated negotiation process between nodes to select their antenna's directional state. This negotiation is based on the principles of a Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) auction, a type of auction where participants are incentivized to bid their true value. This allows the network to find the most efficient allocation of communication resources among the nodes.

Litigation Status

As of early 2026, U.S. Patent 9,794,797 is the subject of a declaratory judgment lawsuit filed by Hisense USA Corporation against Cogent Insights Licensing Inc. in the Northern District of Georgia. Hisense is seeking a court ruling that its products, which comply with the IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) standard, do not infringe on the patent. The case documents indicate that the core of the dispute revolves around whether the "beamforming" capabilities in Wi-Fi 6 technology fall under the patent's claims for managing wireless interference. At present, a search of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for 2026 does not indicate any appeals related to this case.