Systems and methods for conveying utility information
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- one or more user interface devices;
an FM radio receiver configured to obtain utility operator data provided by an FM sub carrier channel; and
a processor in electrical communication with the FM radio receiver and the one or more user interface devices, wherein the processor is configured to extract real-time pricing information from the utility operator data and present the real-time pricing information on at least one of the one or more user interface devices for a user;
wherein the one or more user interface devices include an input interface configured for receiving instructions from the user on whether to alter usage of the apparatus after the real-time pricing information has been presented.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for providing energy management utilize wireless wide-area network broadcast signals and a decentralized receiver architecture to allow customers to make informed choices with regard to energy consumption and load shedding for particular appliances. A receiver assembly embedded within an appliance receives a broadcast signal, e.g., an FM subcarrier signal, including tariff data and other electrical grid data. A processor coupled with the receiver controls the appliance in accordance with the received data and in accordance with user-defined preferences. In some embodiments, a transceiver assembly is embedded in one or more appliances in a household. Each transceiver is configured to receive broadcast signals regarding grid data, and to communicate with other appliances and/or a usage meter over a wireless personal area network. Meter data from one or more households may be aggregated and uplinked back to the energy provider or other entities.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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one or more user interface devices; an FM radio receiver configured to obtain utility operator data provided by an FM sub carrier channel; and a processor in electrical communication with the FM radio receiver and the one or more user interface devices, wherein the processor is configured to extract real-time pricing information from the utility operator data and present the real-time pricing information on at least one of the one or more user interface devices for a user; wherein the one or more user interface devices include an input interface configured for receiving instructions from the user on whether to alter usage of the apparatus after the real-time pricing information has been presented. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification