Patent · US Expired

Automatic power outage notification via CEBus interface

US6058355A · kind A · utility

64Cited by
16References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 30, 1997
Grant dateMay 2, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 30, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY04S20/20
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A system for providing remote access and control of electronic devices connected to a CEBus network includes a remotely located master node, e.g., a utility server controller, which is linked to the CEBus network via an ATM-based broadband access network ("BAN"). A proxy node is provided on the CEBus network, wherein the proxy node is also linked to the master node via the BAN. The proxy node includes a power monitoring module, which constantly monitors the power supply to the proxy node, e.g., of a residential home at which the proxy node is located. In the case of a power failure, the monitoring module detects the failure and notifies a power outage module. The power outage module generates a power failure alarm message, which is forwarded to the master node in the form of a CEBus link protocol data unit ("LPDU"). In particular, the proxy node packetizes the LPDU alarm message into ATM transmission format for transport to the master node over the BAN. Upon receipt of the LPDU alarm message, the master node notifies the appropriate utility company about the power failure, based on specific identifying information contained in the LPDU alarm message.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.