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Set-top-box having a built-in master node that provides an external interface for communication and control in a power-line-based residential communication system

  • US 9,565,470 B2
  • Filed: 12/18/2015
  • Issued: 02/07/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2011
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system configured to receive control signals and streaming of audio, video, or graphic information over a wide area network (WAN), wherein the system comprises:

  • a digital media processor (MCU);

    a communication module;

    a communication link between the MCU and to the WAN; and

    a master switch (MST);

    wherein the MST is configured for connection to the WAN through the communication link, wherein the MST is communicatively connected to a power line communication (PLC) local area network (LAN) established on a power line;

    wherein the MST is connected to at least one sensor over the PLC LAN;

    wherein the at least one sensor is connected to the power line and to a corresponding appliance, wherein the corresponding appliance is powered by power from the power line under control of the at least one sensor;

    wherein the at least one sensor is configured to;

    collect power usage information of the corresponding appliance,transmit the collected power usage information to the MST over the PLC LAN,receive control commands over the PLC network from the MST; and

    switch power on and off to the corresponding appliance in response to the received control commands;

    wherein the MST is configured to receive the collected power usage information over the PLC LAN from the at least one sensor;

    wherein the MST is configured to connect the system with the PLC LAN for transferring data, control, and streaming video through the communication link;

    wherein the communication module is configured to modulate the data, control and streaming video for transfer over the PLC LAN to the corresponding appliance connected through the at least one sensor within the PLC LAN;

    wherein the communication module is further configured to receive responses and communication inputs sent as modulated signals from the corresponding appliance connected to the PLC LAN through the at least one sensor, and demodulate the received inputs to transfer the received inputs to the WAN; and

    wherein the MST is configured toreceive control signals through the WAN,transmit the control signals to the at least one sensor through the PLC LAN,receive control responses over the PLC LAN from the at least one sensor,consolidate the collected power usage information, andtransfer any of the control responses or the consolidated power usage information to the WAN over the communication link.

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