Analysis Report Example for US8289939B2

Searching through tens of thousands of patents using Boolean operators is not efficient or accurate. Just try to find a relevant set of comparable patents using Google Patents or USPTO. Vector transforms or embeddings are the only way to search with contextual meaning to find all of the relevant patents you need to analyze and compare.

EXAMPLE FOLLOWS:  1 OF 57 PATENTS IN CPC: H04W74/00

Compared file: US20220346137A1
Managing Uplink Spatial Filter Configuration
Inventor: ZHANG XIAOXIA
Filing Date: 2021-04-22
Publication Date: 2022-10-27
CPC: H04W74/00
IPV™ Rating: 5

Primary Function:

The primary function of the invention is to enhance the efficiency and reliability of wireless communication networks by optimizing the process of initial access and uplink communication between devices and network access points.

Summary of Analysis: After comparing all claims between the Subject and Compared patents, there is a moderate to high anticipated infringement risk, particularly in claims related to signal coordination and access point management. The key claims where infringement is most likely involve the use of spatial filters and beamforming techniques, which align closely with the Subject patent's innovations. To mitigate this risk, the Compared patent could differentiate its approach to managing uplink signals and access points. 

Underlying Mechanisms:

The invention utilizes advanced signal processing techniques and communication protocols to manage the initial access signals and uplinked packets. It employs methods such as beamforming and spread spectrum technologies to improve signal quality and reduce interference, ensuring robust and efficient communication in wireless networks.

Novelty and Innovation:

The subject patent introduces a novel approach to managing initial access and uplink communication in wireless networks by integrating advanced beamforming techniques with enhanced signal processing algorithms. Unlike the compared patent, which focuses on basic access signal management, this invention offers significant improvements in signal quality and network efficiency. The unique combination of technologies, such as TDMA and CDMA, along with innovative beam pattern designs, sets it apart from existing solutions. These features not only enhance the performance of wireless networks but also minimize the risk of interference and data loss, providing a more reliable communication experience. The invention's distinctiveness is further highlighted by its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing network infrastructures, offering a scalable and adaptable solution for modern communication needs.

Equivalents Analysis:

The analysis under the Doctrine of Equivalents indicates that several claims in the Compared patent perform similar functions, in similar ways, and achieve similar results as those in the Subject patent. The use of spatial filters and beamforming in the Compared patent closely aligns with the signal coordination and access point management in the Subject patent. The total number of claims likely to infringe on the Subject Claim is significant, given the overlap in managing uplink signals and access points.

The Subject patent's novelty lies in its advanced beamforming and signal processing techniques, which are not explicitly covered in the Compared patent. However, the overlapping functionalities in managing uplink signals and access points present a risk of indirect infringement. The Compared patent's focus on spatial filters and beam management could potentially infringe on the Subject patent's claims related to signal coordination and access point management. Adjusting these aspects could reduce the risk while maintaining the core innovations of the Subject patent.

Key Independent Claims

Subject Patent (US8289939B2)

• Claim      1: The key independent claim describes an apparatus comprising a wireless input/output (I/O) unit configured to establish multiple access points and signal transmission/reception coordination logic. This logic monitors access points, restraining others from transmitting signals to avoid interference based on the reception of a signal at a first access point. It emphasizes managing the coordination of multiple access points  to ensure effective signal transmission.

Compared Patent (US20220346137A1)

• Claim      1: The key independent claim for the Compared Patent describes a method performed by a processor of a wireless device for managing uplink spatial filter configuration. The method involves sending an initial access signal using multiple spatial filters, receiving feedback from a base station regarding which beam to use for uplink transmissions, and adjusting subsequent signals accordingly.

Grouping of Claims by Functionality:

Subject Patent (US8289939B2)

1. Claims   1-3 (Coordination of Access Points): These claims focus on establishing access points and signal coordination logic that manages      transmission and reception.
2. Claims   4-6 (Signal Reception and Packet Processing): These address the specifics of received signals, such as uplinked packets and preambles.
3. Claims   7-9 (Transmission Restrictions): These describe how signal      transmission is restrained among access points to prevent interference, and they cover the communication beam mechanism.
4. Claims   10-14 (Coordination Components and Logic): These focus on the medium access controller, baseband units, and coordination of logic between different access points.
5. Claims   15-17 (Prevention of Signal Degradation): These specify preventing degradation of signals through interference control between access points.
6. Claims   18-35 (Channel Management and Response Logic): These cover channel management between access points, including co-location, channel differentiation, and response to received frames.

Compared Patent (US20220346137A1)

1. Claims   1-4 (Initial Signal Transmission and Filter Configuration): These claims detail sending an initial access signal using multiple spatial filters and receiving feedback for uplink configuration.
2. Claims   5-7 (Dynamic Signal Adjustments Based on Environment): These claims cover adjustments based on environmental factors such as dense deployments and path loss thresholds.
3. Claims   8-13 (RACH Procedure and Signal Management): These focus on the RACH procedure and managing uplink resources using spatial filters.
4. Claims   14-16 (Environment and Path Loss Management): These address how path loss and environmental conditions affect the use of spatial filters for transmission.
5. Claims   17-23 (Wireless Device Signal Management): These claims pertain to signal transmission from wireless devices using spatial filters, feedback from the base station, and signal refinement.
6. Claims   24-30 (Base Station’s Role in Managing Uplink Signals): These cover the base station's role in receiving initial access signals, selecting the best beam, and managing spatial filters.

Comparison of Functionality, Novelty, and Scope

Functionality Comparison:

• Subject Patent: Focuses on coordinating multiple access points to prevent interference during signal transmission. It uses logic to restrain signals when other access points are receiving, ensuring efficient use of channels across access points.
• Compared Patent: Focuses on uplink management in spatial filters by selecting optimal beams for communication, dynamically adjusting based on environmental factors such as dense deployments and path loss thresholds.

Novelty:

• Subject Patent: The novelty lies in the coordinated management of multiple access points with dynamic control to prevent interference between signals across different channels.
• Compared Patent: The novelty centers on spatial filter configuration for optimal uplink transmission based on real-time feedback from a base station, which adapts to varying environmental conditions and signal path loss.

Scope:

• Subject Patent: Broad scope covering multiple aspects of access point coordination, signal reception, and interference prevention between channels and devices.
• Compared  Patent: More specific scope focusing on spatial filter management in a wireless device for uplink transmission optimization in different network conditions.

Doctrine of Equivalents Analysis

For each patent's key claim, under the Doctrine of Equivalents, infringement may occur if a different method performs substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to yield substantially the same result.

• Subject Patent Claim 1 vs. Compared Patent Claim 1:
  • Function:  Both patents manage wireless transmissions, but the Subject Patent focuses on coordinating access points, while the Compared Patent manages uplink signal selection with spatial filters.
  • Way: The Subject Patent restrains access point transmissions to prevent interference, while the Compared Patent selects optimal beams for transmission.
  • Result: Both aim to optimize wireless transmission, but the Subject Patent does so by managing access points, while the Compared Patent achieves it through spatial filter adjustments.

Given the difference in approach (access point coordination vs. spatial filter selection), literal infringement is unlikely. However, under the Doctrine of Equivalents, there could be an argument for equivalence in functionality since both patents deal with optimizing wireless signal transmission.

Similarity Score and Infringement Potential

• Similarity Score: 5/10. The patents share a common goal (optimizing wireless transmission), but they achieve this using different techniques. The Subject Patent focuses on access point coordination, while the Compared Patent addresses spatial filter management. There are functional overlaps, but the methods are distinct.
• Infringement Potential:
  • Literal Infringement: Unlikely due to the distinct methods of achieving the same result.
  • Doctrine of Equivalents: Potential exists if the differences in method are deemed insubstantial in how they achieve the goal of optimizing wireless transmissions.

    

Conclusion

The Subject and Compared patents address different aspects of wireless communication optimization—access point coordination versus spatial filter management. While there is overlap in their functional goals, the methods and specific technologies they use are distinct enough to avoid literal infringement. However, indirect infringement under the Doctrine of Equivalents could be argued, depending on how the methods are viewed in terms of achieving substantially the same result.