JP2015537480A - Method and apparatus for data communication via power lines - Google Patents

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of transferring data from a source to a destination on an alternating current (AC) power waveform propagating through a public distribution network, where the computer can operate on the public distribution network via a power source Including a coupled processor, the method includes transmitting a request via a distribution network and providing a virtual communication channel between a source and destination on the distribution network. The method generates a data packet to be transmitted from a source to a destination over a virtual communication channel by a processor, modulates the power obtained from the power source, and determines the predetermined according to a function of the frequency that is unique to the virtual communication channel. It further includes encoding a series of static pulses on the AC at intervals.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is based on US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/61 entitled “Gigabit data transmission over power lines based on PC software means” filed on November 22, 2011, under 35 USC 119 (e). No. 219,199 is claimed and the entire provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

  Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to data communication via power lines, and more particularly to transfer data via a branched utility power distribution system, also referred to herein as a power grid. Relates to the method and apparatus.

  Conventional carrier frequency systems are typically used for data communication over high voltage public power lines. Since existing distribution infrastructure is widely interconnected with almost all homes and buildings, at least within the geographic area covered by any given power grid, it is desirable to utilize the existing distribution infrastructure. Conventional power line communication systems operate by applying a modulated carrier signal to the wiring system. Different types of power line communications use different frequency bands depending on the signal transmission characteristics of the power wiring used. However, because most national power distribution systems were originally intended for the transmission of alternating current (AC) power at frequencies of 50-60 Hz, the existing infrastructure of power wire circuits carries higher frequencies Has limited ability. This is especially the case within the “last mile” or leg of the distribution system, which may indicate a bandwidth bottleneck. Moreover, the data communication rate may be inversely proportional to the distance between communication devices. Thus, the signal propagation problem is a limiting factor in conventional power line communication.

  Power line broadband (BPL) is another conventional method of power line communication that enables relatively high speed digital data transmission over existing power distribution infrastructure. BPL uses part of the radio spectrum allocated to other radio communication services. However, radio interference and substandard wiring are limiting factors in the performance of BPL systems.

  According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for transferring data from a source to a destination on an alternating current (AC) power waveform that propagates through a public distribution network, wherein the computer is connected to a public distribution network. A processor operatively coupled via a power source, the method includes transmitting a request via the distribution network and providing a virtual communication channel between a source and destination on the distribution network. This method involves generating a data packet to be transmitted from a source to a destination over a virtual communication channel by the processor, and modulating the power obtained from the power source and a function of frequency that is unique to the virtual communication channel. further comprising encoding a series of static pulses onto the AC power at predetermined intervals according to frequency).

  In some embodiments, each static pulse can have a magnitude of about 0.00125 volts. In some embodiments, the function is

  It may be.

  In some embodiments, the data packet may include a recipient address. This address is derived from the identification number associated with the power supply, the identification number associated with the computer's basic input / output system (BIOS), the clock time of the first ping sent from the sender to the receiver, and the computer's real-time clock. Clock time value, processor speed, random function, and / or input / output error time. In some embodiments, each of the static pulses can represent a change in logic state corresponding to an individual data bit in the data packet.

  In some embodiments, the method generates a unique address associated with the sender by the processor, modulates the power source, and transfers a series of pings through the public distribution system on the AC power waveform. Encoding a series of static pulses, receiving an acknowledgment signal from the receiver, including a receiver address, and providing a virtual communication channel based on the receiver address. . A series of static pulses can correspond to a series of ping encodings using unique addresses.

  According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for transferring data from a source to a destination on an alternating current (AC) power waveform propagating through a public distribution system, wherein the computer is a branched public The method includes a processor operably coupled to a power distribution system via a power source, the method receiving a request for data communication via a virtual communication channel by the processor and via an interface coupled between the processor and the power source. Receiving, acknowledging this request, receiving data encoded at predetermined intervals according to a function of the frequency unique to the virtual communication channel, and decoding a data packet by the processor based on this function including.

  In some embodiments, each static pulse can have a magnitude of about 0.00125 volts. In some embodiments, the function is

  The reverse of

  In some embodiments, the data packet may include a recipient address. This address is the identification number associated with the sending power supply, the identification number associated with the sending computer's basic input / output system (BIOS), the clock time of the first ping sent from the sending side to the receiving side, It may include a clock time value from the sending computer's real-time clock, the sending processor's speed, a random function, and / or an input / output error time. In some embodiments, each of the static pulses can represent a change in logic state corresponding to an individual data bit in the data packet.

  In some embodiments, the method includes a series of static pulses corresponding to a series of ping encodings, a series of static pulses on an AC power waveform, and a processor via an interface coupled between the processor and the power source. And providing a virtual communication channel based on the unique address. A series of static pulses can correspond to a series of ping encodings and unique addresses.

  According to one embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium transmits a request to a computer via a distribution network when executed by the computer, and causes a virtual communication channel to be provided between a transmission source and a destination on the distribution network. Generate a series of data packets to be transmitted from the source to the destination by the virtual communication channel, modulate the power obtained from the power source and on the AC power at predetermined intervals according to a function of the frequency unique to the virtual communication channel Stores computer-executable instructions for encoding static pulses.

  In some embodiments, each static pulse can have a magnitude of about 0.00125 volts. In some embodiments, the function is

  It may be.

  In some embodiments, the data packet may include a recipient address. The address is the identification number associated with the power supply, the identification number associated with the computer's basic input / output system (BIOS), the first ping clock time sent from the sender to the receiver, the real time clock from the computer It may include a clock time value, processor speed, random function, and / or input / output error time. In some embodiments, each of the static pulses can represent a change in logic state corresponding to an individual data bit in the data packet.

  In some embodiments, a computer-readable medium causes a computer to generate a unique address associated with a sender when executed by the computer, modulate a power source, and transfer a series of pings through a public distribution system. Encode a series of static pulses onto the AC power waveform, this series of static pulses corresponds to the encoding of a series of pings with a unique address, and receive an acknowledge signal, including the receiver's address The computer-executable instructions may be further included that are received from the side and cause a virtual communication connection to be established based on the address of the receiving side.

  According to one embodiment, the non-transitory computer readable medium is, when executed by the computer, connected to the computer via a virtual communication channel and via an interface coupled between the computer processor and the computer power supply. Computer-executed, having a request for data communication, acknowledging this request, causing the virtual communication channel to receive data encoded at predetermined intervals according to a function of a unique frequency, and decoding the data packet based on the function Possible instructions are stored.

  In some embodiments, each static pulse has a magnitude of about 0.00125 volts. In some embodiments, the function is

  The reverse of

  In some embodiments, the data packet may include a recipient address. This address is the identification number associated with the sending power supply, the identification number associated with the sending computer's basic input / output system (BIOS), the clock time of the first ping sent from the sending side to the receiving side, It may include a clock time value from the sending computer's real-time clock, the sending processor's speed, a random function, and / or an input / output error time. In some embodiments, each of the static pulses can represent a change in logic state corresponding to an individual data bit in the data packet.

  In some embodiments, the computer readable medium, when executed by a computer, outputs a series of static pulses, a series of static pulses on an AC power waveform, to the computer and a power Computer-executable instructions received by a processor via an interface coupled between, a series of static pulses corresponding to a series of ping encodings and a unique address, and establishing a virtual communication channel based on the unique address Can further be included.

  The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For clarity, not all components may be labeled in all drawings.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example of an electrical power grid having multiple computing devices electrically connected to one or more power lines according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example of two of the devices of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for transmitting data via a power line according to an embodiment. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of establishing a virtual connection via a power line between a transmitter and a receiver according to one embodiment. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of generating data packets according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example computing device that may be used to perform any of the methods in an example embodiment.

  Various embodiments include methods and apparatus for transferring data over power lines, such as those found in branched public distribution systems, also called power grids or electrical grids. The power grid can include a power plant, a transmission line to carry power from the power plant to a power consumer, and / or a transformer to reduce the voltage for final delivery purposes. The topology of the power grid can have various characteristics. In general, however, a power grid is an electrical network that interconnects multiple endpoints (eg, devices that consume power). In some embodiments, data can be transferred between devices connected to the grid at any endpoint, regardless of the distance between the devices or the path through the power grid connecting the devices. It is.

  As used herein, the term “power line” refers to any capable of transferring energy via alternating current, including those used by power companies, including traditional electrical transmission lines and distribution networks. As the circuit may comprise one or more physical power lines, it is not intended to limit the meaning of the term to a single power line.

  According to one embodiment, an example method for communicating data over a power line is a function based on a specific frequency that represents data and is associated with a virtual communication channel between a source device and a destination device (eg, another computer). To modulate the power output of a power source of a source device such as a computer. The power output of the power supply is such that it causes the power supply to instantaneously obtain an increased amount of power at intervals determined by the frequency function from the power grid to which the power supply is connected (e.g. coupled to a CPU or power supply). Modulated by another processor). As the resulting power increases momentarily, a static pulse is applied to the power waveform, which propagates throughout the power grid without applying any load, eventually reaching the destination device, This destination device is also connected to the grid. A series of static pulses represents data being transmitted from the source device to the destination device and can be interpreted as the inverse of a function of the frequency received by the destination device and used by the source device when transmitting data. .

The timing of modulation is coordinated by a function of frequency that is unique to the virtual connection between the source and destination devices that is established when the virtual connection is first established before sending the data, and the logical state of the data Is sent. Thus, the data being transferred from the source device to the destination device is at least partially represented by a pattern of static pulses applied to the power waveform at predetermined intervals defined by a unique frequency function. A change in the logic state of each bit in the data or between successive bits can be represented by the presence and / or absence of a static pulse at each predetermined interval. In some embodiments, data can be transferred over the power line at a maximum of 10 ¹³ bits / second per virtual connection.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of an electrical power grid 100 having multiple computing devices 110 electrically connected to one or more power lines 120 that can form at least a portion of the power grid 100. is there. Since each device 110 is connected to the same power grid 100, each device 110 is in electrical communication with all other devices 110 that are also connected to the grid 100 via the power line 120. Each device 110 may be connected to the grid, for example, via a conventional public power outlet 130. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the power grid 100 can include one or more power plants, substations, and / or transformers in addition to the power lines 120, through which power is transmitted. May flow.

  FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of one example of two of the devices 110 of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. Each device 110 is a server or other computing device (e.g., tablet computer, laptop, cellular phone, personal digital assistant, etc.) connected to a power grid having a central processing unit (CPU) or other type of processor 112. ), And a power source 114 configured to be coupled to power grid 100 via power line 120, and an interface 116 coupled to and coupled between the processor and the power source. The processor 112 is configured to execute instructions, such as instructions encoded in software or firmware programs. In one embodiment, the instructions are configured to cause processor 112 to perform a process of transmitting and / or receiving data via power line 120, as described herein, for example with respect to FIG. According to some embodiments, the data is stored in the computer without hardware modification of the computing device as long as each computing device is electrically connected to the power grid, such as by a conventional power code. Software instructions and / or firmware instructions executed by a processor adapted for use with embodiments of the invention can be used to transfer between computing devices via a power grid. In one embodiment, one of the devices 110 is called a server and one is called a client. However, each device 110 can be configured to transmit and / or receive data via the power line 120. A client, for example, may function as a master device to establish and control a virtual connection with a server, but is otherwise substantially the same as a server with respect to sending and / or receiving data To function.

  In one embodiment, the data resides or is generated in digital form on one of the devices 110 called the source device. The server or client may function as a transmission source device depending on the direction of data transfer. Data can be transferred to another one of devices 110 via power line 120 by converting the data from a digital format to a function of frequency. The frequency function is a power waveform 122 (e.g. 50 or 60 Hz AC power) where each bit (or binary value) of data is communicated via power line 120 and power grid 100 to another device 110 called the destination device. It can be used to modulate the power output of the power supply 114 via the interface 116, as represented as an applied static pulse. The destination device processor 112 then detects the presence or absence of static pulses on the power waveform 122 via the corresponding power supply 114 and interface 116 at specific intervals on the power waveform 122 corresponding to the frequency function. To do. Such detection is accomplished by applying the inverse of the frequency function used by the source device to the incoming power waveform 122. In this embodiment, the static pulse does not apply a load to the power grid 100, does not change the phase or magnitude of the power waveform 122, and unlike some conventional techniques, applies a carrier signal to the power line or wirelessly. Do not use different parts of the spectrum. In one embodiment, the static pulse has a magnitude of about 0.00125 volts.

  As explained above, the change in the logic state of each bit in the data or between successive bits is represented in the form of a frequency by the presence or absence of static pulses at predetermined intervals on the power waveform 122. It is possible. For example, the presence of a static pulse at an interval corresponding to a frequency function may indicate a change in the state of the data from logic 0 to logic 1 or vice versa, and the absence of a static pulse at that interval May indicate no change in state (i.e., if the previous bit was a logical 0, the next bit was a logical 0, and if the previous bit was a logical 1, the next bit was a logical 1). In another example, the presence of a static pulse at that interval may indicate that the current bit is logic 1 (or logic 0), and the absence of a static pulse at that interval indicates that the current bit is logic. May indicate 0 (or logic 1). The destination device detects the data as the inverse of the same frequency function used by the source device and converts the data to digital form.

  In one embodiment, each device 110 includes a memory 124 that includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 112, cause the processor to execute at least two processes: a synchronization process and a data transmission / reception process. The synchronization process begins by launching an executable code file. The executable code uniquely identifies the main socket or AC power outlet (eg, outlet 130 of FIG. 1) to which the device 110 is connected. The synchronization process looks for another device 110 connected on the electrical grid and having code identification information or code identifier for identification. The data transmission / reception process causes data to be transmitted from the source device to the destination device via the power line 120. The destination device expects a certain amount of time to receive the specified file and sends an acknowledgment to the source device when it receives the file. The source device breaks the data into multiple packets and sends all of the packets until all of the packets are sent to the destination device. The destination device assembles the packets in a chronological order and combines the data into one.

  FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 300 for transmitting data via a power line according to one embodiment. It will be appreciated that method 300 is described in terms of a source device, ie, a device that is transmitting data to a destination device. Since both the server and client may use method 300 to send data to the other, the source device may be a server or a client. While transmitting data, each device is called a source device. While receiving data, each device is called a destination device. Thus, any device can function as either the source device, the destination device, or both, depending on the direction of data flow.

  Before data can be transmitted from the source device to the destination device via the power line, a virtual connection must be established between the source device and the destination device (step 302). A virtual connection is a unique address of the source device (i.e., the address is different from the address of any other device with which the device can communicate), a unique address of the destination device, and data from the source device to the destination device One or more of the routes or data paths that can be forwarded to. A route can physically include other devices that act as repeaters or relays for transferring data from one point along the route to another. After the virtual connection is established, data can be transferred from the source device to the destination device via the power line using the virtual connection as a basis for modulating and / or demodulating the power supply.

  In another embodiment, the destination device establishes a virtual connection with the source device using the source device's unique address and the source device's port address. The source device waits for the destination device to open a virtual connection before sending data to the destination device. The destination device controls when the virtual connection should be closed. In one embodiment, two or more virtual connections can be established between the source device and the destination device.

  In step 304, a data packet to be transmitted or transferred from a source device to a destination device via a power line is generated by the source device. The data packet includes at least a portion of the data to be transmitted and may include additional information such as a destination address of the destination device, routing information, timing information, and / or error detection information. The format and content of each data packet is associated with a data transfer protocol that is known and used by both the source and destination devices. An example of such a protocol is described below. If the amount of data is greater than can be contained within a single data packet, multiple data packets can be generated as needed to transmit all of the data. When the destination device receives the packet, it collects all of the data packets and reassembles the data from the collected packets.

  In step 306, the source device powers the power source for applying a series of static pulses on the power line by the source device processor via an interface coupled between the processor and the source device power source. Modulate. The power line carries an AC power waveform with a series of static pulses for transferring data packets via a branched public distribution system. This series of static pulses corresponds to the encoding of data packets at predetermined intervals on the AC power according to a function of frequency that is unique to the virtual connection. In other words, other virtual connections between the source device and another device do not use the same frequency function to encode the data packet. The source device uses a unique frequency function to send data to the destination device, but the destination device uses the inverse of the same frequency function to receive the data sent by the source device. In this way, the source device and the destination device can exchange data that is encoded according to a frequency function, which is known and used by the two devices and the other It may not be known or used by any device, and in practice provides a virtual communication channel between the source device and the destination device. In another embodiment, one or more devices (e.g., source device and / or destination device) can be routed via multiple virtual connections, e.g., different communication port numbers each associated with a different virtual connection. Can be used to exchange data. In this embodiment, each communication port can be associated with a different unique frequency function for transferring data.

  In one embodiment, the frequency function is

  It is.

  In one embodiment, the method 300 can be implemented as a function or routine in an operating system or other application running on the sender and receiver. This function or routine may be executed repeatedly at a predetermined frequency using, for example, a clock, interrupt, or other timing mechanism.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of establishing a virtual connection over a power line between a transmitting side and a receiving side, such as in step 302 of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment. In step 402, the source device generates a unique address that can be used to represent the identification information of the destination device when transmitting data over the power line. For example, this unique address may be used to identify the destination device relative to any other device that receives data sent by the destination device and / or to send data to the destination device It may be used by any other device.

  In step 404, the source device transmits a ping message (eg, unrequested data) including the unique address of the source device via the power line. The ping is intended to be broadcast across the power grid and received by the addressed destination device. In one embodiment, the source device may send any number of pings (eg, tens, hundreds, thousands, or more) over any length of time. When the destination device receives a ping from the source device, the destination device returns an acknowledgment message to the source device via the power line. Accordingly, in step 406, the source device listens for an acknowledgment message. In step 408, if no acknowledgment is received, the source device can return to step 404 and continue to send the ping. In one embodiment, while the source device is listening for acknowledgment messages (steps 406 and 408), the source device may continue to send a ping at step 404. However, if at step 408 the source device receives an acknowledgment message, at step 410 a virtual connection is established between the source device and the destination device. The path information associated with the virtual connection may be stored in a server or source device database. This routing information can be used to route data via the power grid from the source device to the destination device as long as a virtual connection between the source device and the destination device is established or open.

  Once the virtual connection is established, the source device can use the virtual connection to generate data packets to be sent to the destination device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of generating data packets, such as in step 304 of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment. In step 502, if there is no data to send to the destination device, the process repeats step 502. The data may be provided, for example, by an application or operating system (eg, a file transfer protocol (FTP) program, a web browser, a mail program, a database server, or a client) that executes the source device. However, if there is data to transmit, the source device generates one or more data packets containing the data at step 504. That is, the data may be divided and packetized, and each packet can be sent one at a time to the destination device. In one example, each data packet can include 16 bits of data. In another example, each data packet may include a header or field that includes a unique address of the destination device and / or routing information for the data packet, such as that shown in FIG. In yet another example, the first data packet may include the overall size of the amount of data to be transferred, the total number of data packets to be transferred, and / or the number of static pulses to be transmitted. Subsequent data packets can include a payload (ie, a portion of data).

  After the data packet is generated and stamped with a header or field that includes the unique address of the destination device and / or routing information for the data packet, in step 508, the source device modulates the power output of the power supply A series of static pulses are generated according to the frequency function (for example, step 306 in FIG. 3). The frequency function may be unique to the virtual connection and may be used to generate a static pulse that represents the data being transferred from the source device to the destination device.

  In one embodiment, the data packet includes a recipient address in addition to at least a portion of the data to be transferred, which is an identification number associated with the power supply, to the computer's basic input / output system (BIOS). Of the associated identification number, the clock time of the first ping sent from the sender to the receiver, the clock time value from the computer's real-time clock, the processor speed, the random function, and / or the I / O error time Contains at least one. One or more of the above elements may be used to uniquely identify the sender with respect to the receiver and / or for routing and / or error detection purposes.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example computing device 1000 that may be used to perform any of the methods in an example embodiment. Computing device 1000 can be a mobile computing device or communication device (e.g., Apple's iPhone (R) mobile device), laptop, handheld computer, tablet computer (e.g., Apple's iPad (R) tablet computer), or Any suitable computing device or communication device or computer such as another form of computing device or telecommunication device capable of communicating and having sufficient processor power and memory capacity to perform the operations described herein. Or a communication system.

  The computing device 1000 includes one or more non-transitory computer-readable media for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, programs, or software for implementing the exemplary embodiments. Non-transitory computer readable media include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (e.g., one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more Optical disc, one or more USB flash drives) and the like. For example, the memory 1006 included in the computing device 1000 can store computer-readable and computer-executable instructions, programs, or software for implementing the exemplary embodiments. The memory 1006 can be a computer system memory or a random access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, or the like. The memory 1006 can be other types of memory or a combination thereof.

  The computing device 1000 includes a processor 1002 and associated core 1004, and any computer-readable and computer-executable instructions or other programs for controlling software and system hardware stored in the memory 1006, and optional Optionally, it also includes one or more additional processors 1002 ′ and associated cores 1004 ′ (eg, for a computer system having multiple processors / cores). Each of the processor 1002 and the processor 1002 ′ may be a single core processor or a plurality of core (1004 and 1004 ′) processors.

  Computing device 1000 further includes a power source 1040 electrically connected to power cord 1042. The power supply 1040 may be electrically connected to the processor 1002 and / or other processors 1002 ′ via the interface 1044. The power cord 1042 is configured to be electrically connected to a power grid such as public power.

  Virtualization may be used at the computing device 1000 so that infrastructure and resources within the computing device can be dynamically shared. A virtual machine 1014 may be provided to handle processes running on multiple processors so that the process appears to use only one computing resource rather than multiple computing resources. Multiple virtual machines can also be used with a single processor.

  A user can interact with computing device 1000 via virtual display device 1020 and at least one associated user interface 1025. For example, the virtual display device 1020 may include a visual display device or a speaker. Associated user interface 1025 may be, for example, a pointing device (eg, a mouse), a multipoint touch interface, a touch-sensitive screen, a camera, or a microphone. As shown in FIG. 5, the presentation device 1020 may be coupled to an associated user interface 1025. An example of a coupled combination is a touch sensitive screen that includes a user interface 1025 and a visual display presentation device 1020. Presentation device 1020 and user interface 1025 may also have other uses. For example, the microphone 1021 and speaker 1022 on the mobile communication device can be used to place a call, receive voice input from the user, and provide prompts to the user. As another example, a microphone can be processed by a computing device 1000 and / or audible inquiry, information, and / or other that can be processed by a device that is remote to, but in communication with, the computing device 1000 Can be used to input audio information. However, the presentation device 1020 need not be coupled to the associated user interface 1025. For example, computing device 1000 can include other input / output (I / O) devices for receiving input from a user, such as a keyboard or any suitable multipoint touch interface 1008, pointing device 1010, microphone. . A keyboard 1008 and pointing device 1010 may be coupled to the presentation device 1020 and used as the user interface 1025. The computing device 1000 can include other suitable conventional I / O peripherals.

  Computing device 1000 may store data and computer readable instructions and / or software that implements portions of exemplary embodiments of data communication service 1032, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or other computer readable medium. One or more storage devices 1030 can be included. In the exemplary embodiment, data communication service 1032 may implement aspects of transmitting and receiving data via power lines, such as those described above with respect to FIGS. One or more exemplary storage devices 1030 may also store configuration data associated with one embodiment of data communication service 1032, such as a routing table and / or a list of unique device addresses. The computing device 1000 may communicate with one or more storage devices 1030 via the bus 1035. The bus 1035 may include a parallel connection and / or a bit serial connection, and may be wired in a multi-drop (electrical parallel) topology or a daisy chain topology, or in the case of USB, connected by a switching hub.

  The computing device 1000 may be connected to one or more networks via one or more network devices 1022, such as, but not limited to, standard telephone lines, LAN links or WAN links (e.g., 802.11, T1 , T3, 56kb, X.25), various connections including broadband connections (eg ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), wireless connections, controller area network (CAN), or any combination of any or all of the above May include a network interface 1012 configured to be a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or Internet interface. The network interface 1012 interfaces the computing device 1000 to a built-in network adapter, network interface card, PCMCIA network card, cardbus network adapter, wireless network adapter, USB network adapter, modem, or any type of network capable of communication Any other device suitable for performing the operations described herein may be included.

  The computing device 1000 can be any version of Microsoft® Windows® operating system, Unix® operating system, and Linux® operating system by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Washington. Any version of MacOS® operating system for Macintosh computers by Apple, Mountain View, any version Android® operating system by Google, Inc., California, any embedded operating system, any real-time Operating system, any open source operating system, any operating system with ownership, any operating for mobile computing devices It is possible to perform system or any operating system 1016, such as any of the other any operating system capable of performing the operations described herein are executed on a computing device. In the exemplary embodiment, operating system 1016 may run in native mode or emulated mode. In one exemplary embodiment, operating system 1016 may run on one or more cloud machine instances.

  Having thus described several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are merely examples.

100 power grid, electric power grid, computing device
112 processor
114 power supply
116 interface
120 power line
122 Power waveform
124 memory
130 slot
1000 computing devices
1002 processor
1002 'processor
1004 core
1004 'core
1006 memory
1008 Multipoint touch interface, keyboard
1010 pointing device
1012 Network interface
1014 Virtual machine
1016 operating system
1020 Virtual display devices, presentation devices, visual display presentation devices
1021 microphone
1022 Speakers, network devices
1025 User interface
1030 storage devices
1032 Data communication services
1035 bus
1040 power supply
1042 Power cord
1044 interface

Claims (24)

A computer-implemented method for transferring data from a source to a destination on an alternating current (AC) power waveform propagating through a public power distribution network, wherein the computer is operatively coupled to the public power distribution network via a power source And a method comprising:
Transmitting a request via the public distribution network, and providing a virtual communication channel between the transmission source and the destination on the public distribution network;
Generating by the processor a data packet to be transmitted from the source to the destination via the virtual communication channel;
Modulating the power available from the power source and encoding a series of static pulses on the AC power at predetermined intervals according to a function of frequency that is unique to the virtual communication channel.   The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein each static pulse has a magnitude of approximately 0.00125 volts. The function is

The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein   The data packet includes an address on the receiving side, the address being an identification number associated with the power source, an identification number associated with a basic input / output system (BIOS) of the computer, and transmitted from the transmitting side to the receiving side. The computer of claim 1, comprising at least one of a clock time of a first ping to be performed, a clock time value from a real time clock of the computer, a speed of the processor, a random function, and an input / output error time. Implementation method.   The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein each of the static pulses represents a change in logic state corresponding to an individual data bit in the data packet. Generating a unique address associated with the sender by the processor;
Encoding a series of static pulses onto the AC power waveform to modulate the power supply and transfer a series of pings via the public distribution network, the series of static pulses being the unique Encoding corresponding to the encoding of the series of pings using the address of:
Receiving an acknowledgment signal from the receiver, including the address of the receiver;
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising: providing the virtual communication channel based on the address on the receiving side. A computer-implemented method for transferring data from a source to a destination on an alternating current (AC) power waveform propagating through a public power distribution system, wherein the computer is operable via a power supply to a branched public power distribution system A combined processor, the method comprising:
Receiving a request for data communication via a virtual communication channel by the processor and via an interface coupled between the processor and the power source;
Affirming the request;
Receiving data encoded on the AC power at predetermined intervals according to a function of a frequency unique to the virtual communication channel;
Decoding by the processor a data packet based on the function.   The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein each static pulse has a magnitude of about 0.00125 volts. The function is

The computer-implemented method of claim 7, which is the reverse of   The data packet includes an address of the receiving side, and the address includes an identification number associated with the power source, an identification number associated with a basic input / output system (BIOS) of the transmitting computer, and the reception from the transmitting side. The clock time of the first ping transmitted to the side, the clock time value from the real time clock of the sending computer, the speed of the sending processor, the random function, and the input / output error time. The computer-implemented method according to 7.   The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein each static pulse represents a change in logic state corresponding to an individual data bit in the data packet. Receiving a series of static pulses corresponding to a series of ping encodings, a series of static pulses on the AC power waveform, by the processor via the interface coupled between the processor and the power supply; Receiving the sequence of static pulses corresponding to the encoding and unique address of the sequence of pings;
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, further comprising providing the virtual communication channel based on the unique address. When executed by a computer, the computer is sent a request via a distribution network, and a virtual communication channel is provided between a transmission source and a destination on the distribution network,
Generating a data packet to be transmitted from the source to the destination by the virtual communication channel;
Non-temporary storing computer-executable instructions for modulating AC power obtained from a power source and encoding a series of static pulses onto the AC power at predetermined intervals according to a function of frequency unique to the virtual communication channel Computer readable medium.   The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein each static pulse has a magnitude of about 0.00125 volts. The function is

The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein   The data packet includes an address on the receiving side, the address being an identification number associated with the power source, an identification number associated with a basic input / output system (BIOS) of the computer, and transmitted from the transmitting side to the receiving side. 14. The computer readable computer program product of claim 13, comprising at least one of a clock time of a first ping to be performed, a clock time value from the computer real time clock, a processor speed, a random function, and an input / output error time. Medium.   14. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein each of the static pulses represents a change in logic state corresponding to an individual data bit in the data packet. When executed by a computer, the computer generates a unique address associated with the sender,
A series of static pulses are encoded onto the AC power waveform to modulate the power supply and transfer a series of pings through a public distribution system, the series of static pulses using the unique address Corresponds to the encoding of the series of pings,
Including an address on the receiving side, an acknowledgment signal is received from the receiving side,
14. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, further comprising computer-executable instructions that cause the virtual communication connection to be provided based on the address of the receiving side. During execution by a computer, causing the computer to receive a request for data communication via a virtual communication channel and via an interface coupled between the processor of the computer and the power source of the computer;
Affirming the request,
Allowing the virtual communication channel to receive data encoded at predetermined intervals according to a function of a unique frequency;
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for decoding a data packet based on the function.   The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein each static pulse has a magnitude of about 0.00125 volts. The function is

The computer readable medium of claim 19, which is the reverse of   The data packet includes an address on the receiving side, the address being an identification number associated with the power source on the transmitting side, an identification number associated with a basic input / output system (BIOS) of the transmitting computer, the transmitting side At least one of a clock time of a first ping transmitted to the receiving side, a clock time value from the real time clock of the transmitting computer, a speed of the transmitting processor, a random function, and an input / output error time The computer readable medium of claim 19, comprising:   21. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein each static pulse represents a change in logic state corresponding to an individual data bit in the data packet. When executed by a computer, the computer is provided with a series of static pulses corresponding to a series of ping encodings and a series of static pulses on the AC power waveform via the interface coupled between the processor and the power source. Received by the processor, the series of static pulses corresponding to the encoding and unique address of the series of pings;
20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, further comprising computer executable instructions for establishing the virtual communication channel based on the unique address.

Images