公开(公告)号：US07940669B2

公开(公告)日：2011-05-10

申请号：US12163904

申请日：2008-06-27

Applicant: Raj Vaswani ,  Sterling Hughes ,  Jana van Greunen ,  William E. San Filippo, III ,  George Flammer, III

Inventor： Raj Vaswani ,  Sterling Hughes ,  Jana van Greunen ,  William E. San Filippo, III ,  George Flammer, III

IPC: H04J3/14

CPC classification number: H04W40/246 ,  H04L45/00 ,  H04L45/02 ,  H04L45/122 ,  H04L45/124 ,  H04L45/20 ,  H04W40/02 ,  H04W40/08

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a network and routing protocol for utility services are disclosed. A method includes discovering a utility network. Neighboring nodes are discovered and the node listens for advertised routes for networks from the neighbors. The node is then registered with one or more utility networks, receiving a unique address for each network registration. Each upstream node can independently make forwarding decisions on both upstream and downstream packets, i.e., choose the next hop according to the best information available to it. The node can sense transient link problems, outage problems and traffic characteristics. Information is used to find the best route out of and within each network. Each network node maintains multi-egress, multi-ingress network routing options both for itself and the node(s) associated with it. The node is capable of several route maintenance functions utilizing the basic routing protocol and algorithms.

公开(公告)号：US07889094B2

公开(公告)日：2011-02-15

申请号：US12139413

申请日：2008-06-13

Applicant: Brad Gilbert ,  Raj Vaswani

Inventor： Brad Gilbert ,  Raj Vaswani

IPC: G08B5/22

CPC classification number: G01D4/02 ,  G01D4/002 ,  Y02B90/241 ,  Y02B90/246 ,  Y04S20/32 ,  Y04S20/42

Abstract: A network interface device includes a transceiver capable of connecting a utility meter to a wireless network, and a visual indicator capable of displaying a status of a connection between the utility meter and the wireless network. The visual indicator can be an LED, whose display state indicates the status of network connectivity. Alternatively, the visual indicator can be an integrated digital display of the meter that is typically used to indicate a metering parameter, such as total consumption or rate of consumption.

Abstract translation: 网络接口设备包括能够将公用事业电表连接到无线网络的收发器，以及能够显示公用事业电表与无线网络之间的连接状态的视觉指示器。 视觉指示器可以是LED，其显示状态指示网络连接的状态。 或者，视觉指示器可以是仪表的集成数字显示器，其通常用于指示测量参数，例如总消耗或消耗速率。

公开(公告)号：US07868782B2

公开(公告)日：2011-01-11

申请号：US12109149

申请日：2008-04-24

Applicant: Lance A. Ehrke ,  Kimbel A. Nap ,  Donn R. Dresselhuys

Inventor： Lance A. Ehrke ,  Kimbel A. Nap ,  Donn R. Dresselhuys

IPC: G08B23/00

CPC classification number: G01D4/004 ,  G01D4/002 ,  G01D4/008 ,  H04Q9/00 ,  H04Q2209/60 ,  Y02B90/241 ,  Y02B90/242 ,  Y02B90/244 ,  Y02B90/245 ,  Y02B90/246 ,  Y04S20/32 ,  Y04S20/322 ,  Y04S20/327 ,  Y04S20/40 ,  Y04S20/42 ,  Y10T29/49018

Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.

Abstract translation: 一种用于联网自动抄表环境的电子电表。 仪表包括仪表微控制器，测量微控制器，通信微控制器和扩频处理器，以及用于将商品利用和电能质量数据传送到公用事业的多个其他通信接口模块。 该仪表测量用电量并监测电力质量参数，以便通过扩频局域网（LAN）传输到位于远程位置的网关节点处的公用事业。 网关节点通过市售的固定广域网（WAN）将该数据发送到实用程序。 该仪表还通过市售的网络接口直接通信，该网络接口插入仪表的背板或总线系统，绕过局域网通信链路和网关节点。

公开(公告)号：US20100302062A1

公开(公告)日：2010-12-02

申请号：US12852552

申请日：2010-08-09

Applicant: Marko Kiiskila ,  Padmasheela Rayala ,  William San Filippo, III

Inventor： Marko Kiiskila ,  Padmasheela Rayala ,  William San Filippo, III

IPC: G08C15/06

CPC classification number: G01D5/00 ,  G01D4/002 ,  H04L67/12 ,  H04W40/08 ,  H04W40/246 ,  Y02B90/241 ,  Y02B90/246 ,  Y04S20/32 ,  Y04S20/36 ,  Y04S20/42

Abstract: A method and system for providing a network protocol for utility services are disclosed are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises discovering a utility network, wherein a constant powered meter sends network discovery messages to find the utility network. Neighboring meters are discovered, wherein the constant powered meter sends hello messages periodically. The constant powered meter is registered with the utility network. Further, the battery powered meter finds and associates itself with a constant powered meter. The constant powered meter also registers its associate battery powered meter with the utility network. The constant powered meter sends a node registration message to the gateway of the utility network. The constant powered meter can sense outage problems with the gateway and the neighbors of its network, and search and migrate to an alternate network

Abstract translation: 公开了一种提供公用事业服务网络协议的方法和系统。 在一个实施例中，计算机实现的方法包括发现公用事业网络，其中恒定功率计量器发送网络发现消息以找到公用事业网络。 相邻的仪表被发现，其中恒功率计量器周期性地发送hello消息。 恒功率电表在公用事业网络上注册。 此外，电池供电的仪表还可以使用恒定功率的仪表。 恒功率电表还将其关联电池供电的仪表与公用事业网络进行注册。 恒功率电表将节点注册消息发送到公用事业网络的网关。 恒定功率的仪表可以感知网关及其网络的邻居的中断问题，并搜索并迁移到备用网络

公开(公告)号：US20100228601A1

公开(公告)日：2010-09-09

申请号：US12571803

申请日：2009-10-01

Applicant: Raj Vaswani ,  Sean M. Fitzgerald

Inventor： Raj Vaswani ,  Sean M. Fitzgerald

IPC: G06Q99/00 ,  G06Q10/00 ,  G06Q30/00 ,  G06Q40/00 ,  G06Q50/00 ,  G08C15/06 ,  G06F1/26 ,  G01R13/04

CPC classification number: G06Q10/06 ,  G06Q10/30 ,  G06Q20/10 ,  G06Q30/018 ,  G06Q30/04 ,  G06Q40/00 ,  G06Q40/04 ,  G06Q40/12 ,  G06Q99/00 ,  Y02B10/30 ,  Y02P90/84 ,  Y02P90/845 ,  Y02P90/90 ,  Y02W90/20 ,  Y04S10/58 ,  Y04S50/12

Abstract: Information relating to electrical energy usage for a given account is associated with a time segment that corresponds to a period when the electrical energy was received from an electrical energy distribution system. Electrical energy generation carbon impact information is retrieved for the corresponding time segment specifying when the electrical energy was received from an electrical energy distribution system. A carbon credit is calculated according to the retrieved electrical energy generation carbon impact information, and the retrieved electrical energy usage information associated with the time segment. The calculated carbon credit is then used to update a display of carbon credit related information, such as account balance, rate of carbon credit usage, currently applicable “cost” for carbon credit usage. Notifications can be provided to the consumer if any of this information crosses a threshold value. In addition, or alternatively, the carbon credit related information can be used to automatically control the operation of devices that consume electrical energy.

公开(公告)号：US20100214922A1

公开(公告)日：2010-08-26

申请号：US12379490

申请日：2009-02-24

Applicant: Wilson Chuen Yew Yeung ,  Brian Matsuo ,  Sterling Hughes

Inventor： Wilson Chuen Yew Yeung ,  Brian Matsuo ,  Sterling Hughes

IPC: H04L12/56

CPC classification number: H04L47/10 ,  H04L47/115 ,  H04L47/122 ,  H04L47/25 ,  H04L47/30

Abstract: Systems and methods of optimizing packet flow in a network are disclosed. An internetwork includes plural networks, each network having plural non-router nodes and at least one router node. The non-router nodes of a first network can be configured to perform congestion control. The non-router node establishes a packet rate value for a packet queue associated with a second network of the internetwork. A total number of packets not greater than the packet rate value are removed from the packet queue. The removed packets are sent to a node in the second network.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种优化网络中分组流的系统和方法。 互联网络包括多个网络，每个网络具有多个非路由器节点和至少一个路由器节点。 可以将第一网络的非路由器节点配置为执行拥塞控制。 非路由器节点建立与互联网络的第二网络相关联的分组队列的分组速率值。 不超过分组速率值的分组的总数从分组队列中移除。 删除的数据包被发送到第二个网络中的一个节点。

公开(公告)号：US07769888B2

公开(公告)日：2010-08-03

申请号：US11818886

申请日：2007-06-15

Applicant: George Flammer ,  Sterling Hughes ,  Daniel McKernan ,  Raj Vaswani

Inventor： George Flammer ,  Sterling Hughes ,  Daniel McKernan ,  Raj Vaswani

IPC: G06F15/173

CPC classification number: H04W40/02 ,  H04L45/00 ,  H04L45/22 ,  H04L45/28 ,  H04W40/24 ,  H04W40/246 ,  H04W40/248 ,  H04W80/04

Abstract: A method and system for providing a network and routing protocol for utility services are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises discovering a utility network, wherein a utility device (for example, a constant powered meter) sends network discovery messages to find the utility network. Neighboring meters are discovered and the device listens for advertised routes for one or more networks from the neighbors. The device is then registered with one or more utility networks, receiving a unique address for each network registration. Also illustrated in this invention disclosure is how each device of a class of devices (for example, battery powered meter) finds and associates itself with another device (for example, constant powered meter). The constant powered meter also registers its associate battery powered meter with the utility networks. The constant powered meter registers itself with the access points and the upstream nodes in the path out of each network. Each upstream node can independently make forwarding decisions on both upstream and downstream packets i.e. choose the next hop according to the best information available to it. The constant powered meter can sense transient link problems, outage problems, and traffic characteristics. It uses the information to find the best route out of and within each network. Each network device thus maintains multi-egress, multi-ingress network routing options both for itself and the device(s) associated with it.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于为公用事业服务提供网络和路由协议的方法和系统。 在一个实施例中，计算机实现的方法包括发现公用事业网络，其中公用设备（例如，恒功率计量器）发送网络发现消息以找到公用事业网络。 相邻的仪表被发现，并且设备监听来自邻居的一个或多个网络的通告路由。 然后，该设备被注册到一个或多个公用事业网络，为每个网络注册接收唯一的地址。 本发明还示出了一类设备（例如，电池供电的仪表）中的每个设备如何发现并将其自身与另一设备（例如，恒功率仪表）相关联。 恒功率电表还将其关联电池供电的仪表与公用事业网络进行注册。 恒定功率的仪表自动注册每个网络中的接入点和路径中的上游节点。 每个上游节点可以独立地对上游和下游分组进行转发决策，即根据可用的最佳信息选择下一跳。 恒功率电表可以感测瞬态链路问题，中断问题和流量特性。 它使用这些信息来查找每个网络内外的最佳路由。 因此，每个网络设备为其自身和与其相关联的设备维护多出口，多入口网络路由选择。

公开(公告)号：US20100166015A1

公开(公告)日：2010-07-01

申请号：US12347809

申请日：2008-12-31

Applicant: Jana van Greunen ,  William E. San Filippo, III ,  Sterling Hughes

Inventor： Jana van Greunen ,  William E. San Filippo, III ,  Sterling Hughes

IPC: H04J3/24

CPC classification number: H04L47/10 ,  H04L1/0007 ,  H04L1/0026 ,  H04L1/1887 ,  H04L47/127 ,  H04L47/26 ,  H04L47/365

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for dynamically fragmenting packets transmitted in a communications network. Fragments are generated by splitting a packet based on a value of a fragment size parameter. A first fragment is sent to a receiving node. As the sending node, a transmission success parameter is determined that indicates whether the first fragment was successfully received. Based on the value of the transmission success parameter, a link quality parameter value representing a chance a second fragment having the same size as the first fragment will be successfully received by the receiving node is updated. The sending node compares the value of the link quality parameter and a value of a quality threshold parameter and changes the value of the fragment size parameter based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于动态地分段在通信网络中发送的分组的方法和设备。 通过基于片段大小参数的值拆分数据包来生成片段。 第一个片段被发送到接收节点。 作为发送节点，确定指示是否成功接收到第一片段的传输成功参数。 基于传输成功参数的值，更新表示与第一片段具有相同大小的第二片段的机会的链接质量参数值将被接收节点成功接收。 发送节点比较链路质量参数的值和质量阈值参数的值，并根据比较结果改变分段大小参数的值。

公开(公告)号：US20100073193A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-25

申请号：US12563472

申请日：2009-09-21

Applicant: George Flammer, III

Inventor： George Flammer, III

IPC: G08C15/06

CPC classification number: H04B3/546 ,  H04B2203/5433

Abstract: Meter nodes in a power line carrier (PLC) network may reliably communicate with an access point by alternate routes using additional media where available. A utility network may include one or more subnetworks. Each subnetwork may include one or more meter nodes and an access point configured to communicate with the meter nodes using PLC. Meter nodes operate as relays for other meter nodes to communicate with the access point. Some or all meter nodes may be configured to communicate using a power line carrier communications link and another communications link. The network may also include a node external to the subnetwork, e.g., a utility server. The access point may be configured to communicate with the node external to the subnetwork in addition to the meter nodes.

Abstract translation: 电力线载波（PLC）网络中的电表节点可以使用可用的附加媒体通过备用路由可靠地与接入点进行通信。 公用事业网络可以包括一个或多个子网络。 每个子网可以包括一个或多个仪表节点和被配置为使用PLC与仪表节点通信的接入点。 仪表节点作为其他仪表节点的继电器与接入点进行通信。 一些或所有仪表节点可以被配置为使用电力线载波通信链路和另一个通信链路进行通信。 网络还可以包括子网外部的节点，例如效用服务器。 接入点可以被配置为除了仪表节点之外还与子网外部的节点进行通信。

公开(公告)号：US20080224891A1

公开(公告)日：2008-09-18

申请号：US12109149

申请日：2008-04-24

Applicant: Lance A. Ehrke ,  Kimbel A. Nap ,  Donn R. Dresselhuys

Inventor： Lance A. Ehrke ,  Kimbel A. Nap ,  Donn R. Dresselhuys

IPC: G08C17/02

CPC classification number: G01D4/004 ,  G01D4/002 ,  G01D4/008 ,  H04Q9/00 ,  H04Q2209/60 ,  Y02B90/241 ,  Y02B90/242 ,  Y02B90/244 ,  Y02B90/245 ,  Y02B90/246 ,  Y04S20/32 ,  Y04S20/322 ,  Y04S20/327 ,  Y04S20/40 ,  Y04S20/42 ,  Y10T29/49018

Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.

Abstract translation: 一种用于联网自动抄表环境的电子电表。 仪表包括仪表微控制器，测量微控制器，通信微控制器和扩频处理器，以及用于将商品利用和电能质量数据传送到公用事业的多个其他通信接口模块。 该仪表测量用电量并监测电力质量参数，以便通过扩频局域网（LAN）传输到位于远程位置的网关节点处的公用事业。 网关节点通过市售的固定广域网（WAN）将该数据发送到实用程序。 该仪表还通过市售的网络接口直接通信，该网络接口插入仪表的背板或总线系统，绕过局域网通信链路和网关节点。