Method and apparatus for inexpensively monitoring and controlling remotely distributed appliances

A method and associated apparatus are described that enables unattended, remotely distributed appliances, such as vending machines, utility meters, thermostats and kitchen appliances (ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.) to be connected inexpensively to each other and to a centrally located...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors RODGERS DAVID, KEYGHOBAD SEYAMAK
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 07.09.2010
Subjects
CALCULATING
COMPUTING
COUNTING
ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
ELECTRICITY
PHYSICS
TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHICCOMMUNICATION
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Summary:A method and associated apparatus are described that enables unattended, remotely distributed appliances, such as vending machines, utility meters, thermostats and kitchen appliances (ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.) to be connected inexpensively to each other and to a centrally located server. The apparatus 1) uses relatively simple "personality" modules to adapt the apparatus to the application in combination with a sophisticated core module that provides the intelligence needed to process data locally, to format that data and to transfer it to a remote server and 2) uses existing Internet-based communication links, thereby avoiding the costly proprietary links used with current state-of-the-art solutions.
Bibliography:Application Number: US20090490925