Slashdot Mirror
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."
"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.
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?
"It's a wonderful idea. But it doesn't work." -- Tad Danielewski