Boeing Granted Patent On Mobile Wireless Lan

xoip writes "Boeing Corporation has been granted Patent number 6,990,338 Mobile Wireless Local Area Network and Related Methods. The Luddite Lounge questions the wisdom of granting a patent that leverages existing technology and grants protection based on the application of this technology."

Comments

Actually this might not be so bad

[MikeRT]

The RF characteristics of this wireless network are specifically tailored to meet applicable standards for electromagnetic compatibility with aircraft systems and RF exposure levels for passengers and flight crews.

A decent federal judge would look at that and say that the patent only applies to aircraft networks, since the gist of it seems to be that this technique is only really applicable to aircraft systems. I can't imagine a single reason why you'd need something special for a train or bus considering you don't have to turn off mobile, networked devices on either of those modes of transportation.

Yes, it's stupid, but at least this doesn't seem to be a blatant as "we patent the idea of putting a server on something with wings, wheels or a rudder."

Re:Actually this might not be so bad

[Anonymous Coward]

"The RF characteristics of this wireless network are specifically tailored to meet applicable standards for electromagnetic compatibility with aircraft systems and RF exposure levels for passengers and flight crews."

Then they go on to suggest that such a network operate in the 2.4Ghz range.

Even a bit later they suggest that it follow a current standard for interoperation (802.11b).

Their later calculations show that at standard levels, 802.11b does not currently interfere with equipment currently in use on planes.

Basically, this is just a patent of standard WiFi on a moving object, despite their claim that it is "optimized for airplanes."

I'd think the patent office would have noticed that -- but then again, I must assume too much.

Prior Art

[WindBourne]

Back in 1997, several companies that know did wifi for car travel. Basically, it was being funded by some saudi prince so that the cars would remain in communication. Likewise, a company that worked with in 1998 approached Denver RTD to do wifi on buses. Showed them it, but did not land the contract due to the costs of putting wifi on the light poles. But both of these were prior art.

the Dr. Seuss answer

[nekoniku]

You patent wifi on a plane?
I'll patent wifi on a train!
I'll patent wifi in a box.
I'll patent wifi with a fox!
Plane, train, box, fox!
Can I patent wifi socks?