US6577231B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Clock synchronization over a powerline modem network for multiple devices
Assignee: InterDigital CE Patent Holdings SAS
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Filing: 2001-04-03
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Granted: 2003-06-10
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Expires: 2021-04-03
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method of clock synchronization of a powerline modem network for a plurality of devices are provided. A plurality of devices are provided having a powerline modem and a clock ( 100 ). The powerline modem permits communication between the plurality of devices over a powerline network. A synchronization message is provided over the powerline network ( 102 ). The synchronization message includes an instruction for each of the plurality of devices to update their clock in accordance with a clock time provided in the synchronization message ( 104 ). A synchronization device may be provided to update device clocks on a powerline network.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis Robert Litwin, Jr.
- 👤 Kumar Ramaswamy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 23:41
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L7/00; H04L7/04; H04L7/10; G; G04; G04G; G04G7/00; H04B; H04B3/00; H04B3/54; H04B3/542; H04B2203/00; H04B2203/54; H04B2203/5429; H04B2203/5445; H04B2203/5462; H04B2203/5483; H04B2203/5495
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A method of clock synchronization of a powerline modem network for a plurality of devices, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of devices having a powerline modem and a clock, the powerline modem operable for digital communication and communication between the plurality of devices over a powerline network; and providing a synchronization message over the powerline network from a local master device the synchronization message including an instruction for each of the plurality of devices to update their clock in accordance with a clock time provided in the synchronization mess age.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
92 words
A method of clock synchronization of a powerline modem network for a plurality of devices, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of devices having a powerline modem and a clock, the powerline modem operable for digital communication and communication between the plurality of devices over a powerline network; and providing a synchronization message over the powerline network from a local master device the synchronization message including an instruction for each of the plurality of devices to update their clock in accordance with a clock time provided in the synchronization mess age.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the step of providing a synchronization message includes providing the synchronization message after an interval of elapsed time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the step of providing a synchronization message includes providing the synchronization message after a power outage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of updating a clock on the synchronization device by invoking an external clock source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the step of providing a synchronization message includes the steps of requesting the synchronization message by one of the plurality of devices and issuing the synchronization message in accordance with the request.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
81 words
A synchronization device to update device clocks on a powerline network, comprising: a plug which connects to a powerline network and powers the synchronization device; a clock which maintains time; a powerline modem of a local master device coupled to the plug, said powerline modem operable for digital communication and sending a synchronization message to devices with clocks in the powerline network, the synchronization message enables the devices to update their clocks in accordance with the clock of the synchronization device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
81 words
A synchronization device to update device clocks on a powerline network, comprising: a plug which connects to a powerline network and powers the synchronization device; a clock which maintains time; a powerline modem of a local master device coupled to the plug, said powerline modem operable for digital communication and sending a synchronization message to devices with clocks in the powerline network, the synchronization message enables the devices to update their clocks in accordance with the clock of the synchronization device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The synchronization device as recited in claim 6 , further comprising a battery which powers the clock of the synchronization device to maintain the time during a power outage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The synchronization device as recited in claim 6 , further comprising a timing circuit, which measures elapsed time to enable reissuance of the synchronization message.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The synchronization device as recited in claim 6 , further comprising a receiver, which receives a time from an external source to update the clock of the synchronization device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
The synchronization device as recited in claim 6 , wherein the devices with clocks include at least one of a media player, a television, an answering machine, a thermostat, a clock, a stereo, a microwave and a security system.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of clock synchronization of a powerline modem network for a plurality of devices, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of devices having a powerline modem and a clock, the powerline modem permitting communication between the plurality of devices over a powerline network; requesting a synchronization message by one of the plurality of devices; providing the synchronization message over the powerline network from a local master device in accordance with said step of requesting, the synchronization message including an instruction for each of the plurality of devices to update their clock in accordance with a clock time provided in the synchronization message.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
104 words
A method of clock synchronization of a powerline modem network for a plurality of devices, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of devices having a powerline modem and a clock, the powerline modem permitting communication between the plurality of devices over a powerline network; requesting a synchronization message by one of the plurality of devices; providing the synchronization message over the powerline network from a local master device in accordance with said step of requesting, the synchronization message including an instruction for each of the plurality of devices to update their clock in accordance with a clock time provided in the synchronization message.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
101 words
A synchronization device to update device clocks on a powerline network, comprising: a plug which connects to a powerline network and powers the synchronization device; a clock which maintains time; a powerline modem of a local master device coupled to the plug, which is operable to issue a synchronization message to devices with clocks in the powerline network in response to and in accordance with a request for the synchronization message by at least one of the devices in the powerline network, the synchronization message enabling the devices to update their clocks in accordance with the clock of the synchronization device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
101 words
A synchronization device to update device clocks on a powerline network, comprising: a plug which connects to a powerline network and powers the synchronization device; a clock which maintains time; a powerline modem of a local master device coupled to the plug, which is operable to issue a synchronization message to devices with clocks in the powerline network in response to and in accordance with a request for the synchronization message by at least one of the devices in the powerline network, the synchronization message enabling the devices to update their clocks in accordance with the clock of the synchronization device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-06-09 | 2006-12-09 | 2007-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-09 | 2010-12-09 | 2011-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-09 | 2014-12-09 | 2015-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |