US 8156360

US Patent 8156360: Systems and Methods for Waking Wireless LAN Devices

Title: Systems and methods for waking wireless LAN devices

Current Assignee: Integral Wireless Technologies LLC

Inventors: Michael Paljug

Filing Date: 2008-07-07

Issue Date: 2012-04-10

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly waking computing devices over a computer network is provided. A signal is broadcast over the network that includes one or more device-specific wake-up data sequences. Each device-specific wake-up data sequence includes multiple iterations of the hardware address of the wireless network card associated with that device. While in a reduced power or “sleep mode”, the wireless network card monitors wireless channels for packets containing a wake-up data sequence. If a wake-up data sequence is received, the sequence is matched against the hardware address information for that network card. If a match is determined, the network card sends a signal to the computing device causing full system power to be restored. A signal is sent to the network confirming that the device has been successfully woken from the sleep mode.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

The patent US8156360 contains four independent claims (Claims 1, 8, 15, and 22), each describing a different aspect of the invention.

• Claim 1 (Method): This claim describes a method for a wireless device to manage its power state. It involves actively checking multiple wireless channels for a special "wake-up packet" during a defined monitoring period. This packet is designed to switch the wireless device from a low-power mode to a higher-power operational mode. If the device receives the correct wake-up packet within the monitoring period, it transitions to the higher power mode. However, if no wake-up packet is received after the monitoring period has passed, the device stops monitoring the channels.
• Claim 8 (Apparatus): This claim describes a physical device (apparatus) that performs the power management described in Claim 1. It includes a controller configured to monitor multiple wireless channels for a wake-up packet within a specified timeframe. The controller is programmed to initiate a power mode transition from a first (lower) power mode to a second (higher) power mode upon receiving the wake-up packet within the timeframe. Conversely, if no such packet is received after the timeframe expires, the controller ceases monitoring the channels.
• Claim 15 (Apparatus with Means-Plus-Function): This claim is similar to Claim 8 but is written using "means-plus-function" language. It describes an apparatus comprising "means for monitoring" wireless channels, "means for transitioning" between power modes upon receiving a wake-up packet, and "means for ceasing to monitor" if no packet is received after a monitor timeframe. These "means" correspond to the functional components described in Claim 8 (e.g., the controller and its associated circuitry).
• Claim 22 (Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Medium): This claim covers a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory chip or hard drive) that stores instructions. When a computing device executes these instructions, it performs the method outlined in Claim 1. Specifically, the instructions cause the device to monitor wireless channels for a wake-up packet during a monitor timeframe, transition between power modes if the packet is received, and stop monitoring if it isn't.

Legal Status Note:
As of April 26, 2026, a search of CAFC 2026 dockets and Unified Patents for specific litigation related to US patent 8156360 did not yield definitive information. Therefore, I cannot definitively report on specific 2026 CAFC litigation dockets for this patent at this time. The legal status according to the Google Patents overview is "Active, expires 2027-03-13".

As of April 26, 2026, a search for litigation involving US patent 8156360 has revealed the following cases:

Texas Eastern District Court:

• Case Number: 2:26-cv-00198
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation.
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-00945
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation.
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-00388
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation.

Florida Southern District Court:

• Case Number: 0:25-cv-62665
  • Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided snippet.
  • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation.

It should be noted that while the Google Patents overview for US8156360 indicates "Family has litigation" and lists these district court cases, specific details such as plaintiffs, defendants, and filing dates are not directly provided within these snippets. Further research into individual court dockets via PACER or other legal research platforms would be necessary to obtain these additional details.

Proceedings overview

As of May 25, 2026, the USPTO ODP API indicates no AIA trial proceedings on file for US Patent 8156360. Therefore, there is currently no PTAB activity to report, which means all claims of the patent remain untested at the PTAB.

Strategic summary

Currently, all claims of US8156360 are untested by any AIA trial proceedings. This means that if a defendant is facing an assertion of this patent, all claims remain presumptively valid from a PTAB perspective. The absence of PTAB activity could signal several things: the patent may not have been aggressively asserted, or previous assertions may have settled before IPRs were filed, or potential petitioners have evaluated the claims and decided against filing a challenge.

The estoppel landscape is completely open, as there have been no prior PTAB proceedings. Therefore, a defendant being asserted against would not be barred from raising any prior art grounds under § 315(e)(2). All statutory bases for challenging patentability (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) remain available for a potential petitioner.

Recommended next steps

Given the absence of any PTAB activity on US Patent 8156360, a defendant currently facing assertion of this patent has a clear path to potentially challenge its validity through an AIA trial proceeding, if appropriate prior art can be identified. The absence of prior challenges also means that the patent owner has not had to defend these claims at the PTAB, so there is no established record of the patent's robustness in that forum.

Inventors

• Michael Paljug (Conexant Systems, Inc. at time of priority date/filing of parent application US10/995,188; no employer listed on US8156360B2)

Original assignee

The original assignee listed on the issued patent US8156360B2 is Intellectual Ventures I LLC.

Intellectual Ventures I LLC is known for its business model of patent acquisition and licensing, often characterized as a non-practicing entity (NPE). They generally do not ship products embodying the claims themselves.

Current Status: Intellectual Ventures I LLC is an active entity, although the patent has since been reassigned.

Assignment timeline

• 2008-08-26 (executed) / recorded 2008-08-26 — Reel 021708/0091
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: Michael Paljug
  • Assignee: CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC.
  • Correspondent: BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN, LLP, 12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, 7TH FLOOR, LOS ANGELES, CA 90025
  • Context: Inventor assigned patent rights to Conexant Systems, Inc.
• 2009-01-02 (executed) / recorded 2009-01-07 — Reel 022067/0187
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC.
  • Assignee: XOCYST TRANSFER AG L.L.C.
  • Correspondent: BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN, LLP, 12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, 7TH FLOOR, LOS ANGELES, CA 90025. This correspondent firm recurs in this chain.
  • Context: Transfer from operating company to another entity.
• 2011-07-22 (executed) / recorded 2011-07-27 — Reel 026779/0001
  • Conveyance: Merger
  • Assignor: XOCYST TRANSFER AG L.L.C.
  • Assignee: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC
  • Correspondent: MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP, 755 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1018
  • Context: Acquisition by Intellectual Ventures I LLC through a merger.
• 2024-10-10 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-10 — Reel 066060/0270
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC
  • Assignee: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 199 LLC
  • Correspondent: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES, 3450 188TH AVE NE, SUITE 100, BELLEVUE, WA 98007
  • Context: Internal transfer within Intellectual Ventures entities.
• 2024-10-16 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-16 — Reel 066060/0271
  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES ASSETS 199 LLC
  • Assignee: INTEGRAL WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • Correspondent: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES, 3450 188TH AVE NE, SUITE 100, BELLEVUE, WA 98007. This correspondent recurs in this chain.
  • Context: Transfer from Intellectual Ventures subsidiary to Integral Wireless Technologies LLC.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 8156360
    2008 : Filed by Intellectual Ventures I LLC
         : Assigned to Conexant Systems Inc
    2009 : Assigned to Xocyst Transfer AG LLC
    2011 : Acquired by Intellectual Ventures I LLC
    2012 : Issued
    2024 : Assigned to IV Assets 199 LLC
         : Assigned to Integral Wireless Technologies

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — present.
   • 2009-01-02 (executed) / recorded 2009-01-07 — Reel 022067/0187: The transfer from CONEXANT SYSTEMS, INC. to XOCYST TRANSFER AG L.L.C. Xocyst Transfer AG L.L.C. with a name suggesting a shell entity.
   • 2024-10-16 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-16 — Reel 066060/0271: Transfer to INTEGRAL WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES LLC. This name also suggests a potential licensing-only LLC.
2. Known asserter in the chain — present.
   • 2011-07-22 (executed) / recorded 2011-07-27 — Reel 026779/0001: INTELLECTUAL VENTURES I LLC is a known NPE/asserter.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — present.
   • BLAKELY, SOKOLOFF, TAYLOR & ZAFMAN, LLP appears on Reel 021708/0091 and Reel 022067/0187.
   • INTELLECTUAL VENTURES appears on Reel 066060/0270 and Reel 066060/0271.
4. Cascading transfers — present.
   • 2024-10-10 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-10 — Reel 066060/0270 followed by 2024-10-16 (executed) / recorded 2024-10-16 — Reel 066060/0271. These are two consecutive assignments within six days, both handled by the same correspondent (INTELLECTUAL VENTURES), indicating an orchestrated transfer.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — unclear. The current task does not include a litigation search that would definitively confirm this in relation to the 2024 transfers. However, given the assignee is now Integral Wireless Technologies LLC, and the litigation entries on Google Patents showing cases filed in Texas Eastern District Court (a common venue for patent assertion), this is a potential signal.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — not present. No evidence of bankruptcy proceedings for any assignor in the chain.
7. Privateering — unclear. While the chain involves a known NPE (Intellectual Ventures), there is no specific evidence within the provided data to confirm a privateering arrangement with an operating company.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — not present. The chain ends with Integral Wireless Technologies LLC, not a known defensive aggregator.

Verdict

NPE — high confidence. The presence of Intellectual Ventures I LLC (a well-known NPE) in the ownership chain (Reel 026779/0001), coupled with subsequent cascading transfers to other entities (Reel 066060/0270 and 066060/0271) and the recurrence of the "Intellectual Ventures" correspondent, strongly indicates an NPE assertion strategy. The final assignee, Integral Wireless Technologies LLC, also has a name suggestive of a shell entity, further supporting this conclusion.

USPTO Assignment Center search for US8156360: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/#!/assignment-result/search-detail?id=8156360&type=patNum

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 8156360, I will analyze each patent listed under the "Patent Citations" section of the provided patent text. For each reference, I will provide its full citation, publication/filing date, a brief description, and an assessment of which claims of US8156360 it potentially anticipates under 35 U.S.C. § 102. The analysis will focus on the independent claims (Claims 1, 8, 15, and 22) of US8156360.

The core innovative aspects of US8156360's independent claims revolve around a wireless device in a reduced power mode that monitors a plurality of wireless channels for a wake-up packet during a monitor timeframe, and either transitions to a full power mode upon receipt or ceases monitoring if no packet is received after the timeframe.

Here is an analysis of the cited prior art:

Prior Art Analysis for US8156360

1. US5802305A

   • Full Citation: US5802305A, Microsoft Corporation, "System for remotely waking a sleeping computer in power down state by comparing incoming packet to the list of packets storing on network interface card", Publication date: 1998-09-01.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 1996-05-17 (Priority date) / 1998-09-01 (Publication date).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system for remotely waking a "sleeping" computer in a power-down state. It involves a network interface card (NIC) that, while the computer is in a low-power state, monitors incoming packets and compares them against a stored list of packets to identify a wake-up signal. If a match is found, the computer is woken up. This patent primarily addresses wired Wake-on-LAN (WoL) scenarios.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent anticipates the general concept of remotely waking a computer from a low-power state using a NIC and a wake-up packet. However, it specifically describes a wired LAN context ("comparing incoming packet to the list of packets storing on network interface card"). The independent claims of US8156360 are specific to wireless devices and plurality of wireless channels. Therefore, it does not directly anticipate Claims 1, 8, 15, or 22 of US8156360 due to the lack of wireless channel monitoring.

2. US5898904A

   • Full Citation: US5898904A, General Wireless Communications, Inc., "Two-way wireless data network having a transmitter having a range greater than portions of the service areas", Publication date: 1999-04-27.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 1995-10-13 (Priority date) / 1999-04-27 (Publication date).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a two-way wireless data network with a transmitter covering a wide area, potentially addressing power management within such a network. However, its primary focus, based on the title, appears to be network architecture and range, not specific wake-up mechanisms from a sleep mode for wireless clients.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The description is too general to directly anticipate the specific wake-up mechanisms of Claims 1, 8, 15, or 22 of US8156360. There is no explicit mention of monitoring a plurality of wireless channels for a wake-up packet during a monitor timeframe in a low-power state.

3. US5938771A

   • Full Citation: US5938771A, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., "Apparatus and method in a network interface for enabling power up of a host computer using magic packet and on-now power up management schemes", Publication date: 1999-08-17.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 1997-10-30 (Priority date) / 1999-08-17 (Publication date).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes an apparatus and method for enabling a host computer to power up using "Magic Packet" technology and "on-now" power management. It relates to the core Wake-on-LAN (WoL) functionality, likely in a wired context, given the mention of "Magic Packet technology" which originated with Ethernet.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US5802305A, this patent discloses a wake-on-LAN mechanism using "Magic Packets" for power management. US8156360 explicitly mentions "MAGIC PACKET technology" as prior art (referencing US6049885A) but applies it to wireless LANs. This patent, by itself, does not disclose the "plurality of wireless channels" monitoring aspect crucial to the independent claims of US8156360.

4. US6049885A

   • Full Citation: US6049885A, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., "Method and apparatus for allowing a remote node to awaken a sleeping node of a network", Publication date: 2000-04-11.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 1994-10-20 (Priority date) / 2000-04-11 (Publication date).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes the "MAGIC PACKET technology" for waking a PC over a LAN. It details a LAN controller monitoring incoming frames for a specific data sequence (the Magic Packet, consisting of 16 duplications of the IP address). This reference is explicitly cited in the background of US8156360 as the foundation of wired Wake-on-LAN.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is core wired Wake-on-LAN prior art. It discloses a device entering a power-saving mode, a controller monitoring for a specific wake-up sequence (Magic Packet), and restoring full power upon detection. However, it does not teach monitoring a plurality of wireless channels in a wireless LAN environment, nor the specific timing aspects of "monitor timeframe" and "ceasing to monitor" particular to the wireless context. Therefore, it does not anticipate Claims 1, 8, 15, or 22 of US8156360, which extend this concept to wireless devices with channel scanning.

5. US6052779A

   • Full Citation: US6052779A, International Business Machines Corporation, "Automatic wake-up of systems in a data processing network", Publication date: 2000-04-18.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 1997-08-08 (Priority date) / 2000-04-18 (Publication date).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes an automatic wake-up system for networked computers. While it deals with remote wake-up, the title doesn't suggest it is focused on wireless networks or the specific multi-channel scanning with timeframes as claimed in US8156360.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without more specific details about its implementation (wired vs. wireless, channel monitoring specifics), it cannot be definitively stated to anticipate the wireless channel monitoring and timed cessation of monitoring found in Claims 1, 8, 15, or 22 of US8156360.

6. US6094443A

   • Full Citation: US6094443A, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., "Apparatus and method for detecting a prescribed pattern in a data stream by selectively skipping groups of nonrelevant data bytes", Publication date: 2000-07-25.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 1997-10-30 (Priority date) / 2000-07-25 (Publication date).
   • Brief Description: This patent, also from AMD, likely relates to an improvement for Magic Packet detection by optimizing the scanning process for a specific data pattern within a data stream. This is a technical detail related to pattern matching efficiency.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent improves the detection of a wake-up pattern, which is relevant to a component of US8156360 (the comparator 367 and signal processor 366). However, it does not describe the broader context of wireless channels, monitoring timeframes, and ceasing to monitor as outlined in Claims 1, 8, 15, or 22. It is a refinement for a wired-LAN-centric wake-up signal detection.

7. US6101608A

   • Full Citation: US6101608A, Compaq Computer Corporation, "Method and apparatus for secure remote wake-up of a computer over a network", Publication date: 2000-08-08.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 1997-02-20 (Priority date) / 2000-08-08 (Publication date).
   • Brief Description: This patent focuses on providing secure remote wake-up of a computer over a network. While enhancing security, it still appears to operate within the established paradigm of remote wake-up, likely for wired networks.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The addition of security features to a remote wake-up system does not inherently disclose the wireless, multi-channel monitoring, and timed cessation features of US8156360's independent claims.

8. US6134665A

   • Full Citation: US6134665A, Digital Equipment Corporation, "Computer with remote wake up and transmission of a status packet when the computer fails a self test", Publication date: 2000-10-17.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 1998-01-20 (Priority date) / 2000-10-17 (Publication date).
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a computer with remote wake-up capabilities and the additional feature of transmitting a status packet if a self-test fails upon waking. The remote wake-up itself is likely based on wired LAN technologies.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The primary focus is on fault reporting after wake-up, not the fundamental mechanism for wireless wake-up or the specific channel monitoring and timing aspects claimed in US8156360. The confirmation packet in Claim 4 of US8156360 is broader ("when the wireless device has completed the transition"), not tied to a self-test failure.

9. US6272628B1

   • Full Citation: US6272628B1, International Business Machines Corporation, "Boot code verification and recovery", Publication date: 2001-08-07.
   • Publication/Filing Date: 1998-12-14 (Priority date) / 2001-08-07 (Publication date).
   • Brief Description: This patent focuses on boot code verification and recovery, which is a system-level function related to system integrity rather than remote wake-up mechanisms.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is unrelated to the subject matter of waking wireless LAN devices and does not anticipate any claims of US8156360.

10. US6304899B1

    • Full Citation: US6304899B1, International Business Machines Corporation, "Data processing system and method for powering-on a remote client computer system utilizing a wireless signal", Publication date: 2001-10-16.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1998-10-08 (Priority date) / 2001-10-16 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for powering on a remote client computer system using a wireless signal. This is highly relevant as it explicitly mentions "wireless signal" for wake-up. It might involve a simple wireless trigger rather than continuous multi-channel scanning.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is very relevant. It discloses powering on a device using a wireless signal. The key distinction for anticipation of US8156360's independent claims (1, 8, 15, 22) would be whether it discloses monitoring a plurality of wireless channels for a wake-up packet during a monitor timeframe and ceasing to monitor when no wake-up packet has been received after the monitor timeframe has elapsed. Without the full text, it's difficult to confirm these specific timing and multi-channel aspects. If it describes a simpler wireless wake-up, it might anticipate the broad idea of wireless wake-up but not the specific power-saving channel scanning method of US8156360.

11. US6311276B1

    • Full Citation: US6311276B1, 3Com Corporation, "Secure system for remote management and wake-up commands", Publication date: 2001-10-30.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1998-08-25 (Priority date) / 2001-10-30 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a secure system for remote management, including wake-up commands. The security aspect is an enhancement to existing remote wake-up technology.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6101608A, adding security to remote wake-up does not, by itself, disclose the specific wireless, multi-channel monitoring with timeframes aspects of US8156360's independent claims.

12. US6366957B1

    • Full Citation: US6366957B1, [[Samsung Electronics Co.](/litigations/by-defendant/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.), Ltd.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.%2C%20Ltd.), "Computer system having remote wake-up function and remote wake-up method thereof", Publication date: 2002-04-02.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1998-03-05 (Priority date) / 2002-04-02 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a computer system with a remote wake-up function. Similar to other general wake-on-LAN patents, its primary context is likely wired, or at least does not specify wireless multi-channel scanning.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without details on wireless channel monitoring, timeframes, and cessation of monitoring, it does not anticipate the independent claims of US8156360.

13. US6393570B1

    • Full Citation: US6393570B1, 3Com Corporation, "Low-power apparatus for power management enabling", Publication date: 2002-05-21.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1999-05-28 (Priority date) / 2002-05-21 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a low-power apparatus for power management enabling. This could be relevant to the general power-saving aspects.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The title is broad. While it concerns "low-power" and "power management," it doesn't specify the unique combination of wireless multi-channel monitoring during a timeframe and ceasing monitoring as claimed in US8156360.

14. US6415387B1

    • Full Citation: US6415387B1, International Business Machines Corporation, "Low power mode computer with simplified power supply", Publication date: 2002-07-02.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1998-12-14 (Priority date) / 2002-07-02 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a low-power mode computer with a simplified power supply. It focuses on hardware design for power efficiency.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent focuses on power supply architecture for low-power modes, not the network-based wake-up methodology or apparatus claimed in US8156360.

15. US20020132603A1

    • Full Citation: US20020132603A1, Jan Lindskog, "Method for power save", Publication date: 2002-09-19.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2000-12-08 (Priority date) / 2002-09-19 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a method for power saving. The title is generic.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The provided title is too generic to determine specific anticipation. More details would be needed to assess if it discloses the elements of US8156360's independent claims.

16. US20020162038A1

    • Full Citation: US20020162038A1, Bullman William R., "System and method for processing wake-up signals in a network", Publication date: 2002-10-31.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2001-04-30 (Priority date) / 2002-10-31 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application details a system and method for processing wake-up signals in a network. Without further details, it's likely related to general wake-on-LAN principles.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The title is general and does not specify wireless or the unique multi-channel monitoring and timed cessation features of US8156360's independent claims.

17. US6493824B1

    • Full Citation: US6493824B1, Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P., "Secure system for remotely waking a computer in a power-down state", Publication date: 2002-12-10.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1999-02-19 (Priority date) / 2002-12-10 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a secure system for remotely waking a computer. This patent focuses on security for remote wake-up.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The focus on security doesn't add the wireless, multi-channel scanning, or timed monitoring elements unique to US8156360's independent claims.

18. US6513128B1

    • Full Citation: US6513128B1, 3Com Corporation, "Network interface card accessible during low power consumption mode", Publication date: 2003-01-28.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1999-11-30 (Priority date) / 2003-01-28 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a network interface card (NIC) that remains accessible during a low-power consumption mode. This is foundational to any Wake-on-LAN technology, wired or wireless, as some part of the NIC must remain powered to detect a wake-up signal.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While relevant to the underlying hardware capability, this patent does not describe the specific method of wireless multi-channel monitoring during a timeframe and ceasing to monitor as claimed in US8156360.

19. US6526507B1

    • Full Citation: US6526507B1, International Business Machines Corporation, "Data processing system and method for waking a client only in response to receipt of an authenticated Wake-on-LAN packet", Publication date: 2003-02-25.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1999-02-18 (Priority date) / 2003-02-25 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent adds authentication to the Wake-on-LAN packet, ensuring only authorized packets can wake the client.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The addition of authentication to a wake-on-LAN packet, likely in a wired context, does not anticipate the distinct wireless, multi-channel monitoring, and timed cessation features of US8156360.

20. US20030097398A1

    • Full Citation: US20030097398A1, Hewlett-Packard Company And Intel Corporation, "Wireless Connection For Portable Systems And Network adapters Using Wake-Up Requests", Publication date: 2003-05-22.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1999-01-23 (Priority date) / 2003-05-22 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes wireless connections for portable systems and network adapters using wake-up requests. This is a highly relevant reference as it specifically addresses wireless wake-up.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is very relevant. It explicitly mentions "Wireless Connection For Portable Systems And Network adapters Using Wake-Up Requests". This implies a wireless device, a low-power mode, and wake-up requests. The key differentiator for anticipation of US8156360's independent claims (1, 8, 15, 22) would be whether it discloses the specific details of monitoring a plurality of wireless channels, during a monitor timeframe, and ceasing to monitor when no wake-up packet has been received after the monitor timeframe has elapsed. Without the full patent, this remains a possibility.

21. US6591368B1

    • Full Citation: US6591368B1, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., "Method and apparatus for controlling power of computer system using wake up LAN (local area network) signal", Publication date: 2003-07-08.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 1998-07-30 (Priority date) / 2003-07-08 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes controlling computer system power using a Wake-up LAN signal.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is another general Wake-on-LAN patent. Without specific disclosure of wireless multi-channel monitoring, timeframes, and cessation of monitoring, it does not anticipate the independent claims of US8156360.

22. US20030198196A1

    • Full Citation: US20030198196A1, Microsoft Corporation, "Reducing idle power consumption in a networked battery operated device", Publication date: 2003-10-23.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2002-04-17 (Priority date) / 2003-10-23 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application focuses on reducing idle power consumption in networked, battery-operated devices. This is relevant to power management in portable devices.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While it addresses power consumption in networked battery devices, the title does not specify the explicit wake-up from sleep mode, multi-channel scanning, monitor timeframes, and ceasing to monitor features essential to US8156360's claims.

23. US20030204746A1

    • Full Citation: US20030204746A1, International Business Machines Corporation, "Secure method and system to prevent internal unauthorized remotely initiated power up events in computer systems", Publication date: 2003-10-30.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2002-04-29 (Priority date) / 2003-10-30 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a secure method to prevent unauthorized remote power-up events.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference focuses on security for remote power-up, not the wireless multi-channel monitoring or the specific timing/cessation aspects of US8156360's independent claims.

24. US20030210658A1

    • Full Citation: US20030210658A1, Microsoft Corporation, "Method and system for managing power consumption of a network interface module in a wireless computing device", Publication date: 2003-11-13.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2002-05-08 (Priority date) / 2003-11-13 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a method and system for managing power consumption of a network interface module in a wireless computing device. This is highly relevant as it explicitly covers wireless devices and power management for their network interface. It also has a priority date before US8156360's priority date (2004-11-24).
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent application is extremely relevant. It concerns power management for a network interface module in a wireless computing device. Key elements of US8156360's independent claims (1, 8, 15, 22) are a wireless device, first and second power modes, and a network interface. The critical question for anticipation is whether it discloses monitoring a plurality of wireless channels for a wake-up packet during a monitor timeframe, transitioning upon receipt before the timeframe, and ceasing to monitor if not received after the timeframe. Given the title, it likely addresses some form of active/inactive monitoring for wake-up in a power-saving context. This reference would be considered a strong candidate for anticipating the independent claims if it details these specific monitoring and timing mechanisms.

25. US6701442B1

    • Full Citation: US6701442B1, 3Com Corporation, "Power management circuit for selectively applying power to network monitoring circuitry which monitors the receipt of network wake-up messages", Publication date: 2004-03-02.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2000-05-09 (Priority date) / 2004-03-02 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a power management circuit that selectively applies power to network monitoring circuitry for wake-up messages. This is a hardware implementation detail for power saving during monitoring.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While relevant to power management for monitoring circuits, it does not specify the wireless context, plurality of channels, monitor timeframes, or cessation of monitoring that define US8156360's independent claims. It could be relevant as a component technology.

26. US20040105421A1

    • Full Citation: US20040105421A1, Nec Infrontia Corporation, "Wireless LAN system", Publication date: 2004-06-03.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2002-11-28 (Priority date) / 2004-06-03 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a Wireless LAN system. The title is very broad.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without more specific details from the abstract or claims of this application, it is impossible to determine if it anticipates the specific power management and wake-up methods of US8156360.

27. US20040254978A1

    • Full Citation: US20040254978A1, International Business Machines Corporation, "System and method of remotely accessing a computer system to initiate remote mainteneance and management accesses on network computer systems", Publication date: 2004-12-16.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2003-06-12 (Priority date) / 2004-12-16 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes remotely accessing a computer system for maintenance and management. This broadly covers remote operations including wake-up.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The priority date (2003-06-12) is prior to US8156360's priority date (2004-11-24). While it involves remote access, the title does not specify wireless, multi-channel monitoring, or the specific timed monitoring and cessation steps of US8156360's independent claims.

28. US20040264396A1

    • Full Citation: US20040264396A1, Boris Ginzburg, "Method for power saving in a wireless LAN", Publication date: 2004-12-30.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2003-06-30 (Priority date) / 2004-12-30 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a method for power saving in a wireless LAN. This is highly relevant with a priority date before US8156360.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent application is highly relevant. It explicitly focuses on "power saving in a wireless LAN," directly aligning with the context of US8156360. The question for anticipation of Claims 1, 8, 15, and 22 is whether it specifically details the steps of monitoring a plurality of wireless channels for a wake-up packet during a monitor timeframe, transitioning from a first to a second power mode if received before the timeframe, and ceasing to monitor if not received after the timeframe. Given the strong overlap in subject matter and priority date, this is a very strong candidate for anticipating the independent claims if these elements are present.

29. US20050021711A1

    • Full Citation: US20050021711A1, Sepp Stieger, "Router and method for activating a deactivated computer", Publication date: 2005-01-27.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2003-07-03 (Priority date) / 2005-01-27 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a router and method for activating a deactivated computer.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While its priority date (2003-07-03) is prior to US8156360, the description of "activating a deactivated computer" is general. It doesn't specify wireless communication, multi-channel monitoring, or timed cessation of monitoring as found in US8156360's independent claims.

30. US6891821B2

    • Full Citation: US6891821B2, Lucent Technologies Inc., "Self-aligning backhaul system, method and apparatus", Publication date: 2005-05-10.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2000-12-20 (Priority date) / 2005-05-10 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a self-aligning backhaul system, method, and apparatus, which appears to be related to network infrastructure and signal alignment.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent is unrelated to waking wireless LAN devices from a sleep mode and does not anticipate any claims of US8156360.

31. US20050122926A1

    • Full Citation: US20050122926A1, International Business Machines Corporation, "System and method for autonomic extensions to wake on wireless networks", Publication date: 2005-06-09.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2003-12-03 (Priority date) / 2005-06-09 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a "System and method for autonomic extensions to wake on wireless networks." This is highly relevant with a priority date before US8156360's filing date (2008-07-07), although after its priority date (2004-11-24). Given that it explicitly mentions "wake on wireless networks," it is a very strong candidate for prior art.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The priority date (2003-12-03) is prior to US8156360's priority date (2004-11-24). This patent application is extremely relevant. It directly addresses "wake on wireless networks." The key for anticipation of US8156360's independent claims (1, 8, 15, 22) would be whether it discloses the specific elements of monitoring a plurality of wireless channels for a wake-up packet during a monitor timeframe, transitioning upon receipt before the timeframe, and ceasing to monitor if not received after the timeframe. If these elements are present, it would anticipate Claims 1, 8, 15, and 22.

32. US6934870B1

    • Full Citation: US6934870B1, Cisco Technology, Inc., "Clock management scheme for PCI and cardbus cards for power reduction", Publication date: 2005-08-23.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2002-02-21 (Priority date) / 2005-08-23 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a clock management scheme for PCI and Cardbus cards to reduce power. This is a low-level hardware power-saving technique.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While relevant to power reduction, it does not describe the specific wireless network wake-up methods or the multi-channel monitoring and timed cessation as claimed in US8156360.

33. US20050215274A1

    • Full Citation: US20050215274A1, Broadcom Corporation, "MAC controlled sleep mode/wake-up mode with staged wake-up for power management", Publication date: 2005-09-29.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2004-03-26 (Priority date) / 2005-09-29 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a MAC-controlled sleep/wake-up mode with staged wake-up for power management. The priority date (2004-03-26) is prior to US8156360's priority date (2004-11-24).
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent application is highly relevant. It explicitly covers "sleep mode/wake-up mode with staged wake-up for power management" and being "MAC controlled." The crucial question for anticipation of US8156360's independent claims (1, 8, 15, 22) is whether it details the monitoring a plurality of wireless channels for a wake-up packet during a monitor timeframe, transitioning upon receipt before the timeframe, and ceasing to monitor if not received after the timeframe. If these elements are present, it would anticipate Claims 1, 8, 15, and 22. Given the focus on "MAC controlled" power management, it is very plausible it would involve network interface monitoring for wake-up.

34. US6993670B2

    • Full Citation: US6993670B2, Via Technologies, Inc., "Method of configuring a computer system capable of being woken up on LAN", Publication date: 2006-01-31.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2001-06-18 (Priority date) / 2006-01-31 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a method for configuring a computer system for Wake-on-LAN. This relates to the setup and readiness of a system for remote wake-up.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The focus on configuration for Wake-on-LAN does not disclose the specific wireless multi-channel monitoring and timed cessation as claimed in US8156360.

35. US20060041615A1

    • Full Citation: US20060041615A1, Remy Blank, "Wireless delegate information and communication device, method and system", Publication date: 2006-02-23.
    • Publication/Filing Date: 2004-08-05 (Priority date) / 2006-02-23 (Publication date).
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a wireless delegate information and communication device, method, and system. Its priority date (2004-08-05) is prior to US8156360's priority date (2004-11-24).
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This patent application mentions "wireless" communication and device. Without further details on its power management or wake-up mechanisms, it's hard to definitively state anticipation of the specific elements of US8156360's independent claims (1, 8, 15, 22) related to multi-channel scanning with timeframes and cessation.

Summary of Most Relevant Prior Art Candidates

Based on the titles and general descriptions, the following prior art documents appear to be the most relevant, as they specifically mention "wireless" in conjunction with "wake-up" or "power saving" and have priority dates before US8156360 (2004-11-24):

• US6304899B1 (Priority: 1998-10-08): "Data processing system and method for powering-on a remote client computer system utilizing a wireless signal." This patent is highly relevant for establishing the concept of wireless wake-up. Whether it anticipates the specific multi-channel scanning with timeframes and cessation is unclear without examining its full text.
• US20030097398A1 (Priority: 1999-01-23): "Wireless Connection For Portable Systems And Network adapters Using Wake-Up Requests." This patent is very relevant for applying wake-up requests in a wireless context for portable systems. Similar to US6304899B1, the level of detail regarding multi-channel scanning and timed cessation determines full anticipation.
• US20030210658A1 (Priority: 2002-05-08): "Method and system for managing power consumption of a network interface module in a wireless computing device." This is extremely relevant as it focuses on power management for the network interface in a wireless device, which is the core subject of US8156360. It is a strong candidate for anticipating the independent claims if the specific monitoring and timing mechanisms are disclosed.
• US20040264396A1 (Priority: 2003-06-30): "Method for power saving in a wireless LAN." This is highly relevant due to its direct focus on power saving in a wireless LAN. It is a strong candidate for anticipating the independent claims if it details the specific multi-channel monitoring and timed cessation steps.
• US20050122926A1 (Priority: 2003-12-03): "System and method for autonomic extensions to wake on wireless networks." This patent application directly addresses "wake on wireless networks" with a priority date preceding US8156360, making it extremely relevant and a strong candidate for anticipation, pending examination of its detailed claims and disclosure.
• US20050215274A1 (Priority: 2004-03-26): "MAC controlled sleep mode/wake-up mode with staged wake-up for power management." This is highly relevant as it explicitly covers "sleep mode/wake-up mode" and "power management" with a priority date before US8156360. It is a strong candidate for anticipation if it details the specific wireless multi-channel monitoring and timed cessation.
• US20060041615A1 (Priority: 2004-08-05): "Wireless delegate information and communication device, method and system." While more general, its early priority date and mention of "wireless" communication make it relevant to investigate further for specific wake-up or power-saving mechanisms.

For a definitive determination of anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102, the full text and claims of these most relevant prior art documents would need to be thoroughly examined to ascertain if every element of US8156360's independent claims is present, either explicitly or inherently.

Obviousness Analysis of US Patent 8156360 Under 35 U.S.C. § 103

This analysis identifies combinations of prior art references that would render the claims of US Patent 8156360 obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) at the time of the invention (priority date: 2004-11-24).

Independent Claims of US8156360:

The independent claims of US8156360 (Claims 1, 8, 15, and 22) collectively describe a system and method for wirelessly waking a computing device. Key elements include:

• Monitoring a plurality of wireless channels for a wake-up packet addressed to a wireless device during a monitor timeframe.
• The wake-up packet is configured to cause the wireless device to transition from a first (lower power) mode to a second (higher power) mode.
• Transitioning to the second power mode if a wake-up packet is received within the monitor timeframe.
• Ceasing to monitor the wireless channels if no wake-up packet is received after the monitor timeframe has elapsed.
• (Optional, but present in dependent claims and description) Resuming monitoring after an inactivity timeframe.

Primary Prior Art Reference: US Patent 7398408B2

US Patent 8156360 is explicitly identified as a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 10/995,188, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,408 on July 8, 2008. The entire disclosure of US7398408B2 is incorporated by reference into US8156360. This makes US7398408B2 highly relevant prior art, and its teachings are considered known to a PHOSITA.

US7398408B2, Claim 1, states:
"A method for putting a wireless device into a reduced power mode such that the device can be wirelessly returned to a full power mode and for returning the device to a full power mode using signals transmitted over a wireless LAN, the method comprising the steps of:
putting a device into a reduced power mode;
activating a receiver to scan a plurality of wireless data channels for a MAGIC PACKET;
scanning each channel for a predetermined time period; and
if a MAGIC PACKET for that device is received, returning that device to a full power mode, otherwise, deactivating the receiver for another predetermined time period."

Obviousness of US8156360 Claims based on US7398408B2:

The claims of US8156360 are substantially identical or obvious variations of the teachings in its parent patent, US7398408B2.

Analysis of US8156360, Claim 1 (Method), against US7398408B2, Claim 1:

1. "monitoring a plurality of wireless channels for a wake-up packet addressed to a wireless device during a monitor timeframe": US7398408B2 teaches "activating a receiver to scan a plurality of wireless data channels for a MAGIC PACKET; scanning each channel for a predetermined time period". The term "MAGIC PACKET" is expressly used interchangeably with "wake-up data sequence" in US8156360, which functions as a wake-up packet. The act of "scanning" a plurality of channels is equivalent to "monitoring" them. The collective time spent "scanning each channel for a predetermined time period" effectively defines the "monitor timeframe" during which the receiver is active and looking for a wake-up packet.
2. "wherein the wake-up packet is configured to cause the wireless device to initiate a transition from operating in a first power mode to operating in a second power mode": US7398408B2 explicitly teaches that "if a MAGIC PACKET for that device is received, returning that device to a full power mode". The "reduced power mode" corresponds to the first power mode, and "full power mode" corresponds to the second power mode, making this element directly taught.
3. "transitioning from operating the wireless device in the first power mode to operating the wireless device in the second power mode when a wake-up packet addressed to the wireless device has been received before the monitor timeframe has elapsed": This is directly covered by US7398408B2's teaching of "if a MAGIC PACKET for that device is received, returning that device to a full power mode".
4. "ceasing to monitor the plurality of wireless channels when a wake-up packet addressed to the wireless device has not been received after the monitor timeframe has elapsed": US7398408B2 states "otherwise, deactivating the receiver for another predetermined time period". This "deactivating the receiver" directly corresponds to "ceasing to monitor". The "monitor timeframe" in US8156360 represents the period during which the device actively scans all channels, and if no wake-up packet is received within this period, the receiver is deactivated, thereby ceasing monitoring.

Motivation for Combination/Modification:
Given that US8156360 is a continuation of US7398408B2, the changes in wording are minor definitional distinctions or clarifications rather than substantive additions that would overcome obviousness. The detailed description and flowcharts of US8156360 (e.g., FIG. 7, steps S215-S265) further illustrate the process of periodically scanning multiple channels and deactivating the receiver if no wake-up packet is found, then re-initiating the scan cycle after an inactivity period. This explicitly described cycling through a monitoring period followed by deactivation directly supports the "monitor timeframe" and "ceasing to monitor" language in the claims of US8156360. A PHOSITA would readily understand these phrases to describe the same underlying functionality taught in US7398408B2.

Therefore, the method of Claim 1 of US8156360 is rendered obvious by US7398408B2 alone.

Obviousness of Apparatus and Computer-Readable Medium Claims:
Claims 8 and 15 describe an apparatus, and Claim 22 describes a non-transitory computer-readable medium, all corresponding to the method of Claim 1. If the method of Claim 1 is obvious, then an apparatus configured to perform that obvious method, or a computer-readable medium storing instructions to perform that obvious method, would also be obvious to a PHOSITA. No additional inventive step is present in merely implementing the obvious method in an apparatus or storing it on a computer-readable medium.

Alternative Obviousness Combination (if US7398408B2 were considered insufficient on its own for certain elements):

Even without relying on the specific continuation relationship, a combination of prior art references would render the claims obvious:

Primary Reference: US Patent 6049885A ("Method and apparatus for allowing a remote node to awaken a sleeping node of a network").

• This patent teaches the foundational "MAGIC PACKET" technology for waking a sleeping computer on a wired LAN. It describes a LAN controller monitoring incoming frames for a specific data sequence (the MAGIC PACKET) while in a low-power mode, and then restoring full power upon detection.

Secondary Reference 1 (for Wireless Application): US Patent 20030097398A1 ("Wireless Connection For Portable Systems And Network adapters Using Wake-Up Requests").

• This reference explicitly describes using "wireless connections" for "portable systems and network adapters using wake-up requests." Another strong reference is US Patent 6304899B1 ("Data processing system and method for powering-on a remote client computer system utilizing a wireless signal").

Secondary Reference 2 (for Power Management and Scanning in Wireless): US Patent 20030210658A1 ("Method and system for managing power consumption of a network interface module in a wireless computing device") or US Patent 20040264396A1 ("Method for power saving in a wireless LAN").

• These references teach managing power consumption and implementing power-saving techniques specifically within wireless computing devices or wireless LANs. Furthermore, US Patent 6701442B1 describes a "power management circuit for selectively applying power to network monitoring circuitry which monitors the receipt of network wake-up messages," balancing power and monitoring.

Motivation to Combine:
A PHOSITA, aiming to extend the well-known "Wake-on-LAN" functionality (as taught by US6049885A) from wired networks to the increasingly prevalent wireless networks, would find it obvious to apply the existing principles of remote wake-up to a wireless context. The concept of using "wake-up requests" over a "wireless connection" (US20030097398A1 or US6304899B1) was known. When adapting such a system for wireless and often battery-powered devices, optimizing power consumption is a critical engineering consideration. It would be an obvious design choice to manage the power of the wireless network interface by intermittently monitoring for wake-up packets to conserve energy, as described in references like US20030210658A1 or US20040264396A1, and to implement a timed scanning process (e.g., "monitor timeframe" and "ceasing to monitor") to balance responsiveness with power efficiency. The integration of these known elements (WoL, wireless communication, and power management in wireless devices) would be a predictable extension of existing technologies, driven by the desire to maintain the benefits of centralized network administration in a wireless environment while respecting battery constraints.

This combination of prior art references would lead a PHOSITA to conceive of a system and method for waking wireless LAN devices in a manner claimed by US8156360.