Patents by Inventor R. Kemp Massengill

R. Kemp Massengill has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12047219
    Abstract: A faulted 5G/6G message may be recovered by finding the faulted message elements and altering them until the fault is corrected. Disclosed are methods to evaluate the modulation quality of each message element using multiple criteria. The receiver can determine a first quality by measuring the overall (sum-signal) amplitude and phase of each message element, and comparing to the predetermined amplitude and phase levels. The receiver can determine a second quality by separating the overall wave into orthogonal components (branches) and comparing the branch amplitudes to the predetermined levels. The receiver can determine a third quality according to the SNR of the overall signal and the two branch signals. By combining the first, second, and third quality factors, the receiver can identify the most likely faulted message elements. The receiver can then alter the worst message elements in a nested grid search to find the correct message version.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12047220
    Abstract: A central challenge in next-generation 5G/6G networks is achieving high message reliability despite very dense usage and unavoidable signal fading at high frequencies. To provide enhanced fault detection, localization, and mitigation, the disclosed procedures can enable an AI model (or an algorithm derived from it) to discriminate between faulted and unfaulted message elements according to signal quality, modulation parameters, and other inputs. The AI model can estimate the likelihood that each message element is faulted, and predict the most probable corrected value, among other outputs. The AI model can also consider the quality of a demodulation reference used to demodulate the message, and the quality of the associated error-detection code. The AI model can also consider previously received messages to the same receiver, or messages of a similar type. Fault mitigation by the receiver can save substantial time and resources by avoiding a retransmission. Many other aspects are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12047894
    Abstract: In busy 5G and 6G networks, precise timing and synchronization are key to maintaining throughput with low fault rates. Disclosed are systems and methods for adjusting each user device's clock for proper reception, including downlink propagation delays, uplink propagation delays, round-trip propagation delays, and Doppler shifts, individually for each user device, and including any uplink/downlink asymmetries. The clock adjustment and timing advance of each user device is based on a predetermined transmission schedule for timing signals, broadcast by the base station. The Doppler shift is measured by the base station, according to uplink timing signals, and communicated to the user device in a single final timing signal. The single final timing signal is either frequency-shifted by the measured Doppler shift, or delayed proportional to the Doppler shift, either of which indicates, to the user device, how to apply the correct timing to future uplink messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12040891
    Abstract: A method for modulating and demodulating 5G and 6G messages is disclosed, in which the message elements are configured with a large phase margin between adjacent modulation states, and are demodulated in a way that preserves the large phase margins. Phase noise, a major problem at high frequencies, scrambles adjacent modulation states, causing message faults. The disclosed modulation schemes and demodulation methods accommodate such phase noise without faulting, by providing a wide acceptance range for phase. Hence substantial phase noise can be accommodated without changing the demodulated state, thereby avoiding a message fault. The rate of message faults due to phase demodulation errors may be substantially decreased, and message faults at higher frequencies may be reduced, according to some embodiments. Strategies for minimizing amplitude faults are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12038519
    Abstract: Beamforming is a critical element of 5G and especially 6G, but currently requires a series of time-consuming and resource-consuming messages. Disclosed are procedures by which base stations can transmit a phased beam pulse, having a phase that varies with angle, so that each user device can measure the received phase of the pulse and thereby determine its angle relative to the base station. Each user can then sequentially inform the base station of its orientation relative to the base station, or can append that information to another message such as an initial access message or an acknowledgement, for example. The user device and the base station can then exchange messages in narrow beams aimed at each other according to the alignment angle. Also disclosed are procedures to economically generate the wide-angle phased beam by combining overlapping beams of various phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12034571
    Abstract: Message faults are expected to become a major problem for next-generation 5G/6G networks, due to signal fading, high backgrounds, and high density of users. Disclosed are methods to modulate and demodulate messages to optimize noise margins, greatly enhancing reliability at negligible cost, according to some embodiments. A transmitter can modulate a message using amplitude-phase modulation, yet a receiver can conveniently receive and process the signals according to separate in-phase (I) and quad-phase (Q) branches, that is, according to QAM. The receiver can then convert the I and Q values to the original waveform amplitude and phase mathematically, and then demodulate those values using predetermined amplitude and phase levels as provided by a proximate demodulation reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12035232
    Abstract: A user device, such as a vehicle, may find a suitable base station for communication according to a hailing message. A low-complexity hailing procedure, suitable for adding to 5G and 6G standards, is presented. The hailing message may be a brief code indicating that it is a hailing message, and therefore solicits a reply. The hailing message may further include the identification or location of the user device, and/or an indication of which type of entity is being sought, such as a base station. The base stations that receive the hailing message can reply after a calculated delay time, such as a longer delay time if the received amplitude is weak, so that the user device can select whichever base station has the best received signal. Alternatively, the user device can select the base station with the largest received amplitude of the reply message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12028158
    Abstract: Reliability, in 5G and emerging 6G, is a continuing challenge due to signal fading, heavy interference, and phase noise, among others. The disclosed procedures show how to locate the most likely faulted message elements according to a deviant modulation, excessive amplitude or phase instability, and inconsistency between successive transmissions of the message. In addition, the receiver can rectify the message either by altering the faulted message elements to other modulation states, or by selectively merging two versions of the message according to signal quality. In either case, reliability is improved, range is extended, and time is saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Publication number: 20240214961
    Abstract: For synchronizing user devices to the base station of a 5G or 6G network, the base station can transmit brief prepared signals at a pre-scheduled time and frequency. All of the user devices in the network can then synchronize simultaneously, using amplitude measurements with standard signal processing. The user devices can thereby avoid the complex and time-consuming measurements of prior art. This simplified synchronization procedure may be especially relevant for reduced-capability IoT devices. Examples are provided in which each user device can measure a ratio of amplitudes or energy values in sequential symbol-times as determined by the local user device clock, and compare to the expected ratio as determined by the base station clock. Any deviation in the ratio indicates a timing offset, which the user devices can then use to precisely synchronize the local clock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Publication number: 20240208411
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a number of collision warning indicators that also indicate a direction of the imminent collision. For example, the vehicle may include sonic beepers or flashing lights, positioned around the interior or exterior of the vehicle, and activated individually to indicate the direction of attack. If the collision is to the left, right, front, or back of the vehicle, the indicator in the same direction can be activated, thereby informing the driver of the imminent collision as well as the approach direction. Alternatively, the vehicle may include two or more haptic emitters, such as vibrating pads, positioned to the left and right of the driver's hands or seat. With knowledge of the direction of the threat, the driver may be able to avoid or mitigate the imminent collision, and the other passengers in the vehicle may be able to brace themselves to better survive the collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Publication number: 20240208490
    Abstract: A first vehicle in traffic can use machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect an imminent collision with a second vehicle or other object. A well-trained AI algorithm can select a sequence of actions (braking, swerving, or accelerating—depending on the specific kinetics) to avoid the collision if possible, and to reduce or minimize the harm if unavoidable. With proper training, the AI model may also infer the intent and future actions of the second vehicle, as well as potential interference of other traffic agents. A good algorithm can also infer the intent of the driver of the first vehicle, for example based on prior driving habits. The AI algorithm may be implemented in a processor on the subject vehicle, potentially in communication with another processor at a fixed site such as a local access point or a central supercomputer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12022514
    Abstract: In a 5G or 6G network with high traffic density, wireless users are often forced to delay important transmissions, to avoid interference with other users. For enhanced efficiency and reduced overall latency, a base station can provide an uplink grant to the waiting user before the mandated delay has expired, thereby avoiding wasted time and wasted resources. The base station can determine which user has waited the longest time, and can provide the grant to that longest-delayed user. Message priority and length, and other factors, can also be considered in selecting which user to accelerate, depending on network rules. By allowing a delayed user to immediately transmit when conditions allow, the base station can reduce the average delay per message transmission, assist users in uploading their messages, and enhance network efficiency generally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12021614
    Abstract: Network throughput can be increased and the message failure rate can be reduced in 5G and 6G communications by use of AI-based fault mitigation: that ism detection, localization, and correction of faulted message elements in real-time. A receiver provides the demodulated message, along with amplitude and phase measurements of each message element, directly to a properly trained artificial intelligence model. The model determines the most-likely faulted message elements, and in some cases can indicate the most probable correct value of the faulted message elements. The AI model can also determine the fault probability of each message element. The expected message content (such as value ranges and predetermined format) can also be provided to the AI model, for further corruption sensitivity. By correcting faulted messages in less time than required for a retransmission, the system can save time, reduce backgrounds, and greatly reduce dropped messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Publication number: 20240205857
    Abstract: Current methods for synchronizing user devices with the base station of a 5G/6G network require multiple exchanges with each user device, consuming limited resources. Disclosed herein are systems and methods for generating and then detecting precision-timing timestamp points. Importantly, the timestamp points can be used by all of the user devices simultaneously, instead of just one at a time. In a first embodiment, the timestamp includes three resource elements with a first modulation (amplitude or phase) in the first and third resource elements, and a different modulation in the middle one. In a second embodiment, the base station transmits a first signal in the first half of a single resource element, and a different signal modulation in the second half. In either case, the user devices can receive the signal, determine the time of interface between the modulation states, and thereby determine the symbol boundaries according to the base station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Publication number: 20240196354
    Abstract: A base station can cause a multitude of user devices in a network to be synchronized with the base station's clock using an ultra-lean low-complexity procedure in 5G or 6G. On a predetermined interval, the base station can transmit a timing signal in the guard-space of a predetermined resource element. The timing signal is a 180-degree phase reversal of the cyclic prefix centered in the guard-space. Each user device can receive the timing signal, determine how far the received timestamp point is from the middle of the guard-space (as viewed by the user device), and thereby determine a timing error between the user device clock and the base station clock, and correct the user device clock accordingly. In addition, the user device can average the timing adjustments over a number of instances, thereby determining a frequency offset if the average differs significantly from zero, and thereby adjust the clock frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Publication number: 20240182020
    Abstract: An autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle can detect an imminent collision according to sensor data and responsively select an action or a sequence of actions to avoid the collision if avoidable, and to reduce or minimize the harm of the collision if unavoidable. An artificial intelligence model may be used to process the sensor data, detect the imminent collision, and select the collision avoidance action or actions, or the harm-reduction or harm-minimization action or actions. For example, when the collision is considered unavoidable, the vehicle may apply the brakes to reduce the vehicle's speed and therefore, the severity of the impact. When the collision is considered avoidable, the vehicle may automatically apply steering to avoid the potential collision, such as when the vehicle is departing a lane and may collide with a vehicle traveling in the same or opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12004078
    Abstract: A searchable, portable network database of base station information can greatly simplify discovery, selection, and registration of user devices on a preferred cell in 5G or 6G. In addition, based on location, the user device can select the base station that is likely to provide the best signal. The network database can provide all of the static system information of the SSB message, which enables prospective user devices to receive downlink messages without searching for the SSB. In addition, the network database can provide all of the static system information contained in the SIB1 message, which enables prospective user devices to transmit uplink messages without searching for the SIB1. Initial synchronization can be obtained by receiving any broadcast from the base station, or by receiving timing signals from a navigation satellite, among other ways. The user device can thereby avoid most or all of the arduous prior-art cell discovery steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 12003323
    Abstract: Message faulting is a critical unsolved problem for 5G and 6G. Disclosed herein is a method for combining an AI-based analysis of the waveform data of each message element, plus the constraint of an associated error-detection code (such as a CRC or parity construct of the correct message) to localize and, in many cases, correct a limited number of faults per message, without a retransmission. For example, the waveform data may include a deviation of the amplitude or phase of a particular message element, relative to an average of the amplitudes or phases of the other message elements that have the same demodulation value. The outliers are thereby exposed as the most likely faulted message elements. In addition, using the error-detection code, the AI model can determine the most likely corrected message, thereby avoiding retransmission delays and power usage and other costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Publication number: 20240174220
    Abstract: Human drivers generally cannot plan a collision evasion maneuver in the brief interval before impact, other than simply slamming on the brakes and hoping for the best. Often the collision could have been avoided by swerving or other sequence of actions. Therefore, improved collision avoidance and mitigation procedures are disclosed, based on a well-trained artificial intelligence (AI) model that takes over the accelerator, brake, and steering in an emergency. With fast electronic reflexes and AI-based computational power, the AI model can find a more effective avoidance maneuver, or at least an action that would minimize the harm (for example, by swerving to miss the passenger compartment). The AI model can then implement the sequence instantly, without fear or hesitation. The result—fewer collisions and less fatality on our highways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2024
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
  • Patent number: 11996973
    Abstract: 5G and especially 6G are susceptible to phase faults due to rapid phase fluctuations, usually in the local oscillator of the user device. Low-cost IoT applications that 6G is intended to serve may be impractical unless phase noise mitigation can be applied on each uplink and downlink message. Accordingly, a single-branch phase-tracking reference is disclosed occupying just a single resource element, in which one quadrature branch is transmitted with a predetermined maximum modulation amplitude, and the other branch has zero amplitude. The receiver can then quantify the phase noise (or the phase rotation angle) according to a ratio of the as-received branch amplitudes, and mitigate a concurrent message by de-rotating each message element by the same phase angle, thereby restoring high reliability at high frequencies at negligible cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill