METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ENERGY COSTS UTILIZING A BROADBAND GATEWAY
First Claim
1. A method for networking, the method comprising:
- in a broadband gateway that enables communication with a plurality of devices, wherein said broadband gateway is operable to handle at least one physical layer connection to at least one corresponding network access service provider;
determining usage patterns for one or more electronic devices communicatively coupled to said broadband gateway; and
controlling one or more tasks performed and/or to be performed by said broadband gateway based on said determined usage patterns and based on a pricing structure for energy supplied to said one or more electronic devices.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Aspects of a method and system for managing energy costs utilizing a broadband gateway are provided. In this regard, a broadband gateway may determine usage patterns for one or more electronic devices communicatively coupled to the broadband gateway. The broadband gateway may control tasks performed and/or to be performed based on the patterns of use and based on a pricing structure for energy supplied to the broadband gateway and/or the one or more electronic devices. Controlling tasks to be performed may comprise, for example, scheduling performance of the tasks. Exemplary tasks may comprise downloading multimedia content and configuring a state of operation of the one or more electronic devices. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a state of operation of the electronic device(s) may be configurable between a plurality of states comprising: a powered-off state, a standby state, and a powered-on state.
41 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for networking, the method comprising:
in a broadband gateway that enables communication with a plurality of devices, wherein said broadband gateway is operable to handle at least one physical layer connection to at least one corresponding network access service provider; determining usage patterns for one or more electronic devices communicatively coupled to said broadband gateway; and controlling one or more tasks performed and/or to be performed by said broadband gateway based on said determined usage patterns and based on a pricing structure for energy supplied to said one or more electronic devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for networking, the system comprising:
one or more circuits for use in a broadband gateway that enables communication with a plurality of devices, said one or more circuits being operable to; handle at least one physical layer connection to at least one corresponding network access service provider; determine usage patterns for one or more electronic devices communicatively coupled to said broadband gateway; and control one or more tasks performed and/or to be performed by said broadband gateway, based on said determined usage patterns and based on a pricing structure for energy supplied to said one or more electronic devices. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
Specification