Method And System For Efficient Communication
Patent No. US11109094 (titled "Method And System For Efficient Communication") was filed by Tiehong Wang on Oct 16, 2019.
What is this patent about?
’094 is related to the field of wireless communication systems , particularly those involving mobile devices and local networks. The patent addresses the problem of efficiently delivering information and services to mobile users, especially in scenarios where direct cellular communication might be suboptimal or when integrating various devices and networks.
The underlying idea behind ’094 is to use a local hub to relay communications and provide services to mobile devices. This hub acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the broader network (cellular, Internet), offering benefits such as improved connectivity, localized content delivery, and integration with other local devices. The hub uses a short-range wireless technology for initial contact and identification, then establishes a more robust connection for data transfer.
The claims of ’094 focus on a central device that receives status updates from sensing devices (like a diaper sensor) via a short-range, non-IP based wireless connection (e.g., NFC). This central device then transmits a notification to a cellular phone over a wireless communication network. The claims also cover the sensing device itself, the intelligent wireless system for communications, and the methods of operation.
In practice, the invention envisions a scenario where a sensor detects a change in status (e.g., a wet diaper) and transmits this information to a local hub. The hub, after authenticating the device, relays this information to the user's mobile phone, triggering an alert. This system leverages the strengths of different wireless technologies: short-range, low-power communication for sensing and identification, and longer-range cellular communication for notification.
This approach differentiates itself from prior solutions by providing a seamless integration of various devices and networks. Instead of relying solely on direct cellular communication, it uses a local hub to optimize communication pathways and provide additional services, such as localized content and integration with other home or local devices. The use of a non-IP based wireless connection for initial contact also enhances security and simplifies device pairing.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the mid-2000s when ’094 was filed, cellular networks were evolving to provide users with access to Internet content, but delivering this content efficiently was a challenge. At a time when bandwidth limitations and network delays were common, smooth data flow was important for user adoption. Systems commonly relied on base stations to deliver Internet content, and optimizing the location of content for wireless network users was a key consideration.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner approved the application because the prior art and related patents do not teach specific combinations of elements recited in the claims. These elements include an interface/buffer and a decoder configured to receive and decompress compressed digital signals, a sensing device sensor configured to sense specific values, and a configuration application configured to provide configured data for initiating communications.
Claims
This patent contains 102 claims, with independent claims numbered 1, 30, 37, 53, 73, 81, 96, 101, and 102. The independent claims generally focus on systems and methods for wireless communication involving a central device or sensing device, utilizing short-range wireless communication for status updates and alerts, often in conjunction with a wireless local area network and mobile phones. The dependent claims generally elaborate on specific components, features, and configurations of the systems and methods described in the independent claims.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
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Date
Description
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US11109094
- Application Number
- US16655141
- Filing Date
- Oct 16, 2019
- Status
- Expired
- Expiry Date
- Dec 10, 2025
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents