公开(公告)号：US08285862B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-09

申请号：US12954707

申请日：2010-11-26

Applicant: James Pace ,  Winston D. Lew ,  Daniel McKernan ,  Sterling Hughes ,  Jana van Greunen ,  William L. Pugh

Inventor： James Pace ,  Winston D. Lew ,  Daniel McKernan ,  Sterling Hughes ,  Jana van Greunen ,  William L. Pugh

IPC: G06F15/16

CPC classification number: G01D4/002 ,  H04L29/12066 ,  H04L29/12594 ,  H04L61/1511 ,  H04L61/3065 ,  H04L67/125 ,  H04L69/08 ,  Y02B90/241 ,  Y04S20/32

Abstract: The functionality of communications standards and protocols that are application-layer specific are overlaid on an IP-based infrastructure, by employing an IP DNS server as the registration host for IP and other communications standards based and protocol based communications. Communication can occur at either the IP layer or the communications standards or protocol application layer. At the IP layer, a host application can interrogate network nodes. To extend this service to other communications standards or protocol communications, device registration and resolve services are implemented on the DNS server. Similar to the manner in which an IP-based service uses a native, IP-based DNS resolve request, a host can utilize a resolution request against the communications standards and protocol-enabled DNS server for standards and protocol application-layer interrogation of endpoints.

公开(公告)号：US08161191B2

公开(公告)日：2012-04-17

申请号：US12820636

申请日：2010-06-22

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：US07961741B2

公开(公告)日：2011-06-14

申请号：US12257077

申请日：2008-10-23

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

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

IPC: H04L12/28 ,  H04J1/16 ,  G08C15/00 ,  G06F11/00 ,  G01R31/08

CPC classification number: H04L67/104 ,  H04L67/1002 ,  H04L67/101 ,  H04L67/1055 ,  H04L67/107 ,  H04L67/1072 ,  H04L67/1076

Abstract: Bulk information is transferred to nodes in a communication network having a plurality of widely dispersed nodes. The information can be an image, content, or configuration information. The information is uni-cast to a selection of nodes by a central node or server, to seed the information at certain nodes in the network. The information is then distributed by these seed nodes to every other node in the network. A first algorithm selects which nodes should be seeded with information by the central node. A second algorithm distributes information in the network on a query basis.

Abstract translation: 批量信息被传送到具有多个广泛分散的节点的通信网络中的节点。 信息可以是图像，内容或配置信息。 该信息由中央节点或服务器统一到节点的选择，以将信息种植在网络中的某些节点处。 然后，这些信息由这些种子节点分发给网络中的每个其他节点。 第一种算法选择哪些节点应该由中央节点接收信息。 第二种算法是在查询的基础上分配网络中的信息。

公开(公告)号：US07853417B2

公开(公告)日：2010-12-14

申请号：US11804223

申请日：2007-05-17

Applicant: Raj Vaswani ,  James Pace ,  Sterling Hughes

Inventor： Raj Vaswani ,  James Pace ,  Sterling Hughes

IPC: G01R21/00

CPC classification number: G01D4/004 ,  H04Q9/00 ,  H04Q2209/60 ,  H04Q2209/86 ,  Y02B90/242 ,  Y02B90/246 ,  Y04S20/322 ,  Y04S20/36 ,  Y04S20/42

Abstract: The present invention provides a system including a utility network including a product distribution pathway for delivering a product, a plurality of electronic utility devices associated with the utility network to monitor at least one parameter associated with the product distribution pathway, and a management processor in communication with the devices and operable to poll at least a subset of the electronic utility devices in response to an input to evaluate performance of one of the utility network and the system in response to information relating to the at least one parameter. The evaluation can include a rule-based analysis of one of the parameter and the information relating to the parameter.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供了一种系统，其包括公用事业网络，其包括用于递送产品的产品分发路径，与公用事业网络相关联的多个电子实用设备，以监视与产品分发路径相关联的至少一个参数，以及通信中的管理处理器 并且可操作地响应于输入来轮询电子实用设备的至少一个子集，以响应于与所述至少一个参数相关的信息来评估公用事业网络和系统之一的性能。 评估可以包括参数之一的参数和与参数有关的信息的基于规则的分析。

公开(公告)号：US07797009B2

公开(公告)日：2010-09-14

申请号：US11560938

申请日：2006-11-17

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

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

IPC: H04B7/00

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：US20100157838A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-24

申请号：US12716678

申请日：2010-03-03

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: H04L12/26

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.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于为公共事业服务提供网络和路由协议的方法和系统。 一种方法包括发现公用事业网络。 相邻节点被发现，并且该节点监听来自邻居的网络的通告路由。 然后，该节点向一个或多个公用事业网络注册，为每个网络注册接收唯一的地址。 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。 该节点可以感知瞬态链路问题，中断问题和流量特性。 信息用于查找每个网络内外的最佳路线。 每个网络节点为其自身和与其相关联的节点维护多出口，多入口网络路由选择。 该节点能够利用基本路由协议和算法进行多种路由维护功能。

公开(公告)号：US20100150059A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-17

申请号：US12335420

申请日：2008-12-15

Applicant: Sterling Hughes ,  Jana Van Greunen ,  Prashant Rathi

Inventor： Sterling Hughes ,  Jana Van Greunen ,  Prashant Rathi

IPC: H04L12/56 ,  H04W84/18

CPC classification number: H04W40/242 ,  H04W40/248 ,  H04W40/28

Abstract: A method of routing in a network includes dividing a time corresponding to a predetermined maximum registration age of a first node registered with a second node into a number of first time intervals and second time intervals. The first time intervals each have a predetermined duration and the second time intervals each have a duration greater than the predetermined duration of the first time intervals. Each of the first and second time intervals are assigned a metric designating a cost associated with a path between the first node and the second node. The metric increases in value for each of the first and second time intervals as registration age increases. The second node sends a message including the metric associated with the time interval during which it is transmitted.

Abstract translation: 在网络中路由的方法包括将与第二节点注册的第一节点的预定最大注册年龄相对应的时间划分为第一时间间隔和第二时间间隔的数量。 第一时间间隔各自具有预定的持续时间，并且第二时间间隔各自具有大于第一时间间隔的预定持续时间的持续时间。 为第一和第二时间间隔中的每一个分配指定与第一节点和第二节点之间的路径相关联的成本的度量。 随着登记年龄的增长，度量值随着第一和第二时间间隔的增加而增加。 第二节点发送包括与发送时间间隔相关联的度量的消息。

公开(公告)号：US20100074304A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-25

申请号：US12564158

申请日：2009-09-22

Applicant: George Flammer, III

Inventor： George Flammer, III

IPC: H04B1/713

CPC classification number: H04B3/54 ,  H04B1/7156 ,  H04B2203/5433 ,  H04B2203/5445

Abstract: Communications among multiple nodes via a shared power line medium are carried out by dividing the available frequency spectrum in the shared power line medium into plural non-overlapping channels. A first channel is assigned to a first group of nodes, and a second channel, different from the first channel, is assigned to a second group of nodes. Communications between the first group of nodes can occur simultaneously with communications between the second group of nodes via the shared power line medium. Time slots may be assigned for the communications between the first group of nodes that occurs simultaneously with the communications between the second group of nodes via the shared power line medium. The simultaneous communications between different groups of nodes via a shared power line medium may be implemented using a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technique.

Abstract translation: 通过将共享电力线介质中的可用频谱划分为多个非重叠信道来执行通过共享电力线介质的多个节点之间的通信。 将第一信道分配给第一组节点，并且将不同于第一信道的第二信道分配给第二组节点。 第一组节点之间的通信可以经由共享电力线介质与第二组节点之间的通信同时发生。 可以为经由共享电力线介质与第二组节点之间的通信同时发生的第一组节点之间的通信分配时隙。 可以使用跳频扩频技术来实现经由共享电力线介质的不同节点组之间的同时通信。

公开(公告)号：US20100074176A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-25

申请号：US12510168

申请日：2009-07-27

Applicant: George Flammer, III ,  James Pace ,  Jay Ramasastry

Inventor： George Flammer, III ,  James Pace ,  Jay Ramasastry

IPC: H04W40/00

CPC classification number: H04W40/22 ,  G01D4/004 ,  H04L45/04 ,  Y02B90/242 ,  Y02B90/246 ,  Y04S20/322 ,  Y04S20/42

Abstract: A meshed networking of access points in a utility network provides a more efficient and cost effective arrangement for communicating data between meters and the utility by linking the access points of multiple subnetworks for purposes of communicating with the utility. As a result, each individual subnetwork is not required to directly communicate with the utility. For those access points that are relieved of the need to directly communicate with the utility, the communication mechanism, e.g., cellular modem, can be eliminated, or deactivated, to thereby reduce capital expenditures and/or operational costs. Additionally, links to a WAN can be selectively activated or disabled to provision bandwidth, for example, on demand, to react to changing conditions in the subnetworks.

Abstract translation: 公用事业网络中的接入点的网状网络提供了一种更有效和更具成本效益的布置，用于通过连接多个子网络的接入点来与仪表和实用程序之间的数据通信，以便与实用程序进行通信。 因此，不需要每个单独的子网直接与实用程序通信。 对于那些不需要直接与实用程序进行通信的接入点，可以消除或停用通信机制，例如蜂窝调制解调器，从而减少资本支出和/或运营成本。 此外，可以选择性地激活或禁用到WAN的链路以提供带宽，例如，按需，以对子网络中的变化条件做出反应。

公开(公告)号：US20100060259A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-11

申请号：US12472622

申请日：2009-05-27

Applicant: Raj Vaswani ,  Jana van Greunen ,  Alexander Gostrer

Inventor： Raj Vaswani ,  Jana van Greunen ,  Alexander Gostrer

IPC: G01R25/00

CPC classification number: H02J13/0048 ,  G01R29/18 ,  H02J3/00 ,  H02J2003/002 ,  Y02E60/783 ,  Y04S40/123

Abstract: The service phase of the electrical connection to a customer endpoint device located within a power distribution system is determined by various techniques. At the feeder level, the system may be programmed to induce momentary power interruptions, thereby causing missed zero crossings at the customer endpoint devices. The pattern of these interruptions is a controlled one, designed specifically to avoid causing noticeable disruption even to sensitive devices, but to be unusual enough that it is statistically unlikely to be naturally occurring. The monitoring of the zero crossing information is used to determine the phase of the service line to the customer endpoint devices.

Abstract translation: 通过各种技术确定与位于配电系统内的客户终端设备的电连接的服务阶段。 在馈线级别，系统可以被编程为引起瞬时电力中断，从而在客户终端设备处造成错过的零交叉。 这些中断的模式是一个受控的模式，专门设计为避免即使对敏感设备造成明显的中断，但是不足为奇，这在统计学上不太可能是自然发生的。 过零信息的监控用于确定客户端点设备的服务线路的相位。