@lispi314 >I think infrared signaling would be a potentially interesting option there.
Yes, IR would be safest, as you can't see it, it won't be transmitted as a laser beam and it won't damage your eyesight until you hit thermal heating effects.

>Basically all of those patents should be invalidated for prior work
Yes, most, if not all patents on radio communications are totally invalid due to all the prior art, but the patent offices grant them anyway, even granting 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 patents on the same thing.

Yes, patents should be annulled, as they no longer serve a purpose and are only harmful.