Clear-channel system and related applications
First Claim
1. A data transmission system, comprising:
- at least one frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) transmitter configured to transmit signals on predetermined channels within a predetermined frequency band;
a data source coupled to said at least one frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) transmitter;
at least one receiver configured to receive signals occurring throughout the predetermined frequency band;
a microprocessor configured to construct a time of day dependent band profile of signal levels received on the predetermined channels over a predetermined time period, to identify noisy channels within the predetermined channels based on the band profile, and to enable the FHSS transmitter to adjusts its transmission of signals to transmit signals avoiding the identified noisy channels;
a central station configured to receive utility consumption data transmissions; and
at least one second transmitter associated with said at least one receiver,wherein said at least one second transmitter and said at least one receiver are configured to relay utility consumption data to said central station,said microprocessor is associated with said at least one second transmitter and said at least one receiver, andsaid data source comprises a utility meter configured to provide the utility consumption data to said FHSS transmitter.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A wireless spread-spectrum communication system for transmitting data includes a plurality of end point transmitters and at least one receiver. The end point transmitters transmit data via a frequency-hopped spread-spectrum signal where the transmitting signal is sent without the benefit of frequency stabilization. The receiver is responsive to the frequency-hopping spread-spectrum signals and includes a correlator and a signal processor. The correlator samples at least a first portion of a preamble of the signal and correlates the portion of the preamble with a known preamble pattern to determine a probability of correlation. The signal processor applies a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm to the signal in response to the probability of correlation to track a narrowband frequency of the signal based on at least a second portion of the preamble and to decode data encoded within the signal subsequent to the preamble.
20 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A data transmission system, comprising:
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at least one frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) transmitter configured to transmit signals on predetermined channels within a predetermined frequency band; a data source coupled to said at least one frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) transmitter; at least one receiver configured to receive signals occurring throughout the predetermined frequency band; a microprocessor configured to construct a time of day dependent band profile of signal levels received on the predetermined channels over a predetermined time period, to identify noisy channels within the predetermined channels based on the band profile, and to enable the FHSS transmitter to adjusts its transmission of signals to transmit signals avoiding the identified noisy channels; a central station configured to receive utility consumption data transmissions; and at least one second transmitter associated with said at least one receiver, wherein said at least one second transmitter and said at least one receiver are configured to relay utility consumption data to said central station, said microprocessor is associated with said at least one second transmitter and said at least one receiver, and said data source comprises a utility meter configured to provide the utility consumption data to said FHSS transmitter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification