Asoka USA Corporation

Public Wireless, Inc.

Dan Castellano

Mingyao Xia

Eric Grubel

Robert Nino

A method and a system for providing wireless communication facility with low interference between multiple wireless devices providing hotspot wireless coverage within a local area of an integrated enterprise or integrated home environment is disclosed. The sensor devices implementing hotspots are connected to a local area network (LAN) based on power line communication (PLC) and enabled with wireless power output control capability, allowing the coverage of area of each sensor device to be adjusted. The power output control is by a switch which allows the power output to be increased and decreased depending on coverage required and the output of the nearest hotspot. The power output level is indicated on the sensor by LEDs to enable resetting and adjustment. The use of power control and elimination of coverage overlap allow multiple hotspots to be used for achieving good connectivity while reducing interferences and noise within hotspots during connection and use.

Power line communication-based local hotspot with wireless power control capability

A set-top-box (STB) provides capability for monitoring and control of power usage and the ability to establish communications. A smart residential service system (SRSS) is provided that uses power line communication (PLC) technology to provide secure in-home LAN communication and also to monitor and provide remote control of connected appliances in the home. An embodiment combines the STB with a master unit (MST) that is used with PLC to meet the requirements of the central device in the SRSS.

Set-top-box having a built-in master node that provides an external interface for communication and control in a power-line-based residential communication system

A system and method disclosed herein are for providing local and remote control of home and enterprise heating systems (thermostats) via the Power line communication (PLC) networks configured to provide communication and power control capability within a local area network. The PLC based control unit allows the remote access and control of the thermostat of local heating systems from within and outside the PLC based local area network.

PLC based thermostat temperature control for heating systems

A sensor device integrates ZigBee&#xae; technology into power switch device to provide monitoring and control of power usage, as well as operational control of connected devices. The sensor device uses a power line communication (PLC) network to transfer collected data and to provide remote control capability to connected appliances. The sensor device, in conjunction with a master switch device, a communication enabled switching device, and the power switch device, provides an integrated home environment for communication, streaming media, monitoring, and remote control of power usage, as well as remote operational monitoring and control of connected appliances in the home.

Sensor having an integrated Zigbee&#xae; device for communication with Zigbee&#xae; enabled appliances to control and monitor Zigbee&#xae; enabled appliances

A group of sensor devices is connected to the power line and configured for collecting power usage information and enabling power management to reduce the carbon footprint of the home, as well as to provide local area networking. In one embodiment, the devices include an intelligent master sensor and its sub-sets, such as a communication and power management sensor and a power control switch sensor. The master device is configured to collect, compile, and communicate the collected data via the web or other communication medium to the outside world. The master device also receives and distributes control instructions that are used to control the power usage via the associated switches in the home or office. The sensors are used in the home or office environment to provide integrated sensing and control of home power usage and power management, while establishing a LAN having communication capability, including streaming media delivery capability.

Set of sensor units for communication enabled for streaming media delivery with monitoring and control of power usage of connected appliances

A group of sensors use power line communication (PLC) technology to collect power usage information and enable power management and control, as well as provide local area networking. The sensors include an intelligent master sensor and one or more slave devices, such as a communication and power management sensor and a power control switch sensor. The master collects and compiles power usage data from the slaves and communicates this data via the web or other communication means to the outside world. The master also receives and distributes instructions for controlling power usage via associated switches in the home or office. These sensors provide integrated sensing and control of home power usage and power management and establish a LAN that has communication capability and that supports streaming media delivery.

Method and apparatus for using PLC-based sensor units for communication and streaming media delivery, and for monitoring and control of power usage of connected appliances

A group of sensor devices is connected to the power line and configured for collecting power usage information and enabling power management to reduce the carbon foot print of the home, as well as to provide local area networking. In one embodiment of the invention, the devices include an intelligent master sensor and its sub-sets, such as a communication and power management sensor and a power control switch sensor. The master device is configured to collect, compile, and communicate the collected data via the web or other communication medium to the outside world. The master device also receives and distributes control instructions that are used to control the power usage via the associated switches in the home or office. The sensors are used in the home or office environment to provide integrated sensing and control of home power usage and power management, while establishing a LAN having communication capability, including streaming media delivery capability.

A messenger strand mounted low-power pico-cell radio, having its own environmentally controlled box, mounted on utility messenger strands, connects to the cable using the Internet protocol (IP) for back-haul, and has in-band monitor and control capability. These pico-cell radios also receive power through the same cable connection. The configuration control and monitoring is by independent discretely-managed internal mechanisms that can be remotely addressed. These internal mechanisms include the modem for backhaul, wireless radio transceiver(s), and the system management device for operation, administration, maintenance, and control. Such pico-cell radios help to provide wireless connectivity and coverage efficiently by reducing dark spots in wireless coverage. Distributing these radios in reasonable, close proximity enables wireless coverage in difficult terrains, where current high power systems fail. The radios disclosed herein eliminate the need and cost for additional power lines and IP connection lines, and are therefore easy to install and maintain.

Growing community of inventors

Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Dan Castellano