Interleaved data communications via power line
First Claim
1. A method for communicating sets of utility-based data over power distribution lines carrying alternating current, each set of utility-based data being indicative of a reading of utility usage, the method comprising:
- communicating, over the power distribution lines carrying alternating current, encoded first sets of the utility-based data respectively corresponding to readings of the utility usage taken at different times during a first time period;
communicating, over the power distribution lines carrying alternating current, encoded second sets of the utility-based data respectively corresponding to readings of the utility usage taken at different times during a second time period, the second sets of the utility-based data being interleaved with portions of error correction code (ECC) data for the first sets of the utility-based data;
prior to receiving the portions of ECC data, interpreting and providing access to the first sets of utility-based data; and
subsequent to receiving the ECC data, using the ECC data to verify the first sets of utility-based data, and providing access to the verified first sets of utility-based data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards communications over current-carrying power distribution lines. In accordance with one or more embodiments, respective sets of utility-based data indicative of a reading of utility usage taken at different times are communicated. First sets of the data corresponding to readings taken during a first time period are communicated and, thereafter, second sets of the data corresponding to readings taken during a second time period are communicated and interleaved with portions of error correction code (ECC) data. Prior to receiving at least some of the ECC data, the first sets of data are interpreted and access is provided to the interpreted data. After all of the ECC data has been received, the ECC data is used to verify the first sets of data, correct the first sets of data, and access to is provided to the verified first sets of data.
50 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for communicating sets of utility-based data over power distribution lines carrying alternating current, each set of utility-based data being indicative of a reading of utility usage, the method comprising:
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communicating, over the power distribution lines carrying alternating current, encoded first sets of the utility-based data respectively corresponding to readings of the utility usage taken at different times during a first time period; communicating, over the power distribution lines carrying alternating current, encoded second sets of the utility-based data respectively corresponding to readings of the utility usage taken at different times during a second time period, the second sets of the utility-based data being interleaved with portions of error correction code (ECC) data for the first sets of the utility-based data; prior to receiving the portions of ECC data, interpreting and providing access to the first sets of utility-based data; and subsequent to receiving the ECC data, using the ECC data to verify the first sets of utility-based data, and providing access to the verified first sets of utility-based data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for communicating utility-usage data over alternating-current (AC) power distribution lines, the method comprising:
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receiving and storing a first set of utility-usage data; encoding the first set of utility-usage data according to a transmission protocol; transmitting, over at least one of the AC power distribution lines, the encoded first set of utility-usage data; after transmitting the first set of utility-usage data, receiving and storing a second set of utility-usage data that is different than the first set of utility-usage data; encoding the second set of utility-usage data according to the transmission protocol; transmitting, over at least one of the AC power distribution lines, the encoded second set of utility-usage data; generating error correction code (ECC) data based upon both the first and second sets of utility-usage data, and storing the ECC data; receiving, after transmitting the second set of utility-usage data, a third set of utility-usage data that is different than the first and second sets of utility-usage data; interleaving respective portions of the stored ECC data with portions of the third set of utility-usage data to generate interleaved data; encoding the interleaved data according to the transmission protocol; and transmitting, over at least one of the AC power distribution lines, the encoded interleaved data. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An apparatus comprising:
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a communication circuit configured and arranged to communicate signals carried on a power distribution line carrying alternating current; and a processing circuit configured and arranged to communicate, via the communication circuit and over the power distribution lines carrying alternating current, encoded first sets of utility-based data respectively corresponding to readings of utility usage taken at different times during a first time period, communicate, via the communication circuit and over the power distribution lines carrying alternating current, encoded second sets of utility-based data respectively corresponding to readings of utility usage taken at different times during a second time period, the second sets of utility-based data being interleaved with portions of error correction code (ECC) data for the first sets of utility-based data, prior to receiving the portions of ECC data, interpret and provide access to the first sets of utility-based data, and subsequent to receiving the ECC data, use the ECC data to verify the first sets of utility-based data, and provide access to the verified first sets of utility-based data. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification