Communications network using installed electrical power lines
First Claim
1. ) A method of facilitating communication between an AC-powered electrical component and a second device over an AC power network, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an AC power network comprising AC power lines configured to carry AC power signals, the network configured to operatively interconnect the first AC powered component and second device;
generating a first signal at the first AC powered component;
integrally forming a transmitter and receiver system into the first AC powered component, forming a radio frequency transmitter into the first AC powered component, the radio frequency transmitter configured to receive the first signal and convert the first signal into a first radio frequency signal;
coupling the radio frequency signal onto an AC power signal and transmitting the first radio frequency signal from the first AC powered component to the second component over an AC power line;
decoupling the radio frequency signal from the AC power signal and receiving the radio frequency at the second component; and
converting the radio frequency signal into a second signal at the second component.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system for networking electrical devices to provide interactive communication therebetween utilizing the existing power distribution network installed in a building or structure. Each device utilizes employs an RF transmitter/receiver, a power line coupler and circuitry to regulate the 120v, 60 Hz power being distributed through the network. The RF transmitter/receiver at each device convert the information signal generated in the device, to a signal which is supplied to the power coupler. The power coupler introduces the RF signal to the power distribution network. A display device containing a like power coupler and RF transmitter/receiver receives the signal from the distribution network. The display device converts the signal back to a signal format used to display the information. The physical location of the display device can be anywhere within the building since the signal has been transmitted over the installed power distribution network.
95 Citations
18 Claims
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1. ) A method of facilitating communication between an AC-powered electrical component and a second device over an AC power network, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing an AC power network comprising AC power lines configured to carry AC power signals, the network configured to operatively interconnect the first AC powered component and second device;
generating a first signal at the first AC powered component;
integrally forming a transmitter and receiver system into the first AC powered component, forming a radio frequency transmitter into the first AC powered component, the radio frequency transmitter configured to receive the first signal and convert the first signal into a first radio frequency signal;
coupling the radio frequency signal onto an AC power signal and transmitting the first radio frequency signal from the first AC powered component to the second component over an AC power line;
decoupling the radio frequency signal from the AC power signal and receiving the radio frequency at the second component; and
converting the radio frequency signal into a second signal at the second component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. ) A system for facilitating communication between an AC-powered electrical component and a second device over an AC power network, the system comprising:
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an AC power network comprising AC power lines configured to carry AC power signals, and the AC power network configured to operatively interconnect the first AC powered component and second device;
a first signal generated by the first AC-powered component;
a transmitter and receiver system integrally formed into the first AC-powered component generating a first signal at the first AC powered component, the transmitter and receiver system configured to receive the first signal and convert the first signal into a first radio frequency signal; and
a power line coupler operatively associated with the first AC-powered component and configured to couple the first radio frequency signal onto an AC power signal and to facilitate transmission of the first radio frequency signal from the first AC powered component to the second component over the AC power line;
a receiver operatively associated with the second component and configured to receive the first radio frequency signal and convert the first radio frequency signal into a second signal. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification