Patents Assigned to Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
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Patent number: 9231823Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting device failures in a network having nodes coupled to a central controller, in which a first of the nodes communicates with the central controller via a second of the nodes. When the second node determines that the first node has not transmitted a predetermined number of messages over a predefined number of time periods, the second node provides a failure alert to the central controller. The central controller records a failure alert received from the second node in a log. Based on a set of failure alerts received from a number of nodes recorded in the log, the central controller determines whether the first node has failed.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Jana Van Greunen, William E. San Filippo, III, Jay Ramasastry, Kunal Pankaj Shah
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Patent number: 9214836Abstract: A wireless mesh network is configured to manage a power grid. Each node within the wireless mesh network is configured to detect and classify voltage fluctuations in power supplied by an upstream transformer coupled to the power grid. When a given node detects a particular type of fluctuation (i.e., an “event”), the node generates a timestamped event classification that reflects the type of event and a time when the event occurred. A server configured to manage the wireless mesh network receives timestamped event classifications from each node within the wireless mesh network and then performs a time correlation with the received timestamped event classifications to determine which nodes detected similar events. When two or more nodes detected the same event at similar times, the server determines that those nodes are coupled to the same transformer.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventor: George H. Flammer, III
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Patent number: 9178716Abstract: One example embodiment provides a method and system where a node in a utility network registers with one or more access point devices associated with one or more local area utility networks. The utility node generates a unique network address using a network address prefix of a network address associated with the access point device. The utility node registers with a DNS server. Messages sent to the utility node are routed through the access point corresponding to the received prefix used to generate the unique network address for the utility node. The network address for the utility node and access point may be IPv6 addresses and the network address prefix may be an IPv6 prefix, or may be an IPv4 address.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Raj Vaswani, James Pace, George Flammer, Jay Ramasastry
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Patent number: 9173111Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure sets forth a technique for convergence and automatic disabling of access points in a wireless mesh network. Specifically, an access point within a wireless mesh network computes one or more network metrics to determine whether the metrics are unfavorable or favorable. If the network metrics are favorable, then the access point disables the access point's network connection. An access point turns the network connection back on based on whether a routing was lost for at least a preset amount of time, utilization of one or more neighboring access points is above a preset value, or one or more network metrics have degraded by a certain percentage value. One advantage of this approach is that cost savings may be achieved when the number of access points dynamically changes to accommodate varying communications conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: James Pace, Jana Van Greunen, Sterling Hughes, George H. Flammer, III, William E. San Filippo, III
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Patent number: 9143188Abstract: A method for transmitting communications by a transmitter includes selecting a non-alternating spreading sequence, receiving bits for transmission, encoding the bits using the non-alternating spreading sequence to obtain encoded bits, and transmitting the encoded bits to a frequency shift key (FSK) receiver. A method for receiving communications by an FSK receiver includes receiving, by the FSK receiver, encoded bits from a transmitter, decoding the encoded bits using a non-alternating spreading sequence to obtain decoded bits, and processing the decoded bits.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventor: Cristina Seibert
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Patent number: 9118402Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for transmitting data in a frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) wireless communication system. A multi-channel receiver is configured to receive data from one or more channels simultaneously. The multi-channel receiver enables efficient implementation of a transmission protocol in which multiple candidate nodes within a wireless mesh network are polled for availability to receive a packet of data. The packet of data is transmitted to one or more available nodes based on prevailing link conditions, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful delivery. Data flooding may be selectively implemented to further increase the likelihood of successful delivery.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventor: George H. Flammer, III
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Patent number: 9106567Abstract: A node within a wireless mesh network performs a path analysis on an advertised path to an access point that has a cost value less than the cost value of the current primary path to the access point. Depending on the cost value difference between the respective cost values of the advertised path and the current primary path, the node may perform a different type of path analysis. Based on the result of that path analysis, the node may change paths to the access point and use the advertised path as the primary path. Further, the node maintains a secondary path so that, in the event that the primary path fails, the node can default to using the secondary path.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Sterling Hughes, Peter Hunt, Jana Van Greunen
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Publication number: 20150215813Abstract: Rather than using a large number of transceivers (transmitter/receiver pairs) operating in parallel, Access Points with multiple channels are used to aggregate, or stack, transmitted response communications, e.g., transmitting multiple acknowledgements (ACKs) in a single packet to one or more sources of received packets. The method includes sending on a plurality of channels, by each of a plurality of respective first nodes, a communication to a second node, receiving on the plurality of channels, by the second node, the communication from each of the plurality of first nodes and sending, by the second node, a transmission that contains a response to each communication that was successfully received from each of the plurality of first nodes. The response to each of the plurality of first nodes is part of a single message sent by the second node.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventor: George Flammer, III
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Patent number: 9094458Abstract: One example embodiment provides a method and system where a node in a utility network receives a block of IPv6 network addresses from an access point in the utility network. The utility node allocates an IP network address from the block of IPv6 network addresses received from the access point to an in-premise device which communicates to the utility node over an in-premise network which is not IP based. The utility node proxies the allocated IP address to the utility network, allowing other nodes on the utility network to address and communicate with the in-premise device.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Raj Vaswani, Jeremy Johnson, Jay Ramasastry
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Patent number: 9084091Abstract: A system and method is presented for broadcasting from a utility node a request for network routing information, receiving at the utility node routing information from neighboring utility nodes in response to the broadcast request, and registering the utility node with an access point that provides ingress and egress to and from the network. A node is selected to function as a proxy gateway for one or more other nodes in the network. A new utility node becomes connected to one or more utility networks by registering with the proxy gateway. The proxy gateway transmits registration requests and registration information from each node to a back office server and/or a Domain Name Server via an access point for which the proxy gateway functions as its proxy.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Kunal Pankaj Shah, Jay Ramasastry, Aditi Dubey
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Publication number: 20150189676Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for transmitting data in a listen before talk (LBT) wireless transmission regime. A digital radio receiver is configured to simultaneously receive and decode digital data transmissions from multiple radio channels. A digital radio transmitter is configured to listen to the multiple radio channels prior to transmitting digital data on a selected one of the multiple channels, based on locally determined channel occupancy. Optimal LBT efficiency is achieved within the set of multiple channels, thereby improving overall transmission efficiency between the transmitter and the receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventor: George H. FLAMMER, III
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Publication number: 20150186961Abstract: A mobile device communicates with an authenticator affiliated with a recharging facility, to identify itself. To confirm that the mobile device is connected to the correct facility, the authenticator instructs the mobile device to draw electrical charge according to an identifiable pattern. Upon detecting a charge being drawn according to that pattern, the authenticator has confirmation that the identified device is connected to the facility, and permits the charging to proceed. The amount of electricity drawn during the charging procedure can be metered, and then billed to a party associated with the identified mobile device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Eli MARLIN, Cristina SEIBERT
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Patent number: 9070121Abstract: A computing system receives status transmissions from nodes within a portion of an electricity distribution network. The status transmissions include information related to hardware problems experienced by nodes within the portion of that network. The computing system determines a “heat” value for each of the status transmissions, where the heat value for a given transmission represents the operating conditions of, and/or the severity of hardware/software problems experienced by, the node responsible for sending that transmission. The computing system aggregates the heat values across the entire portion of the electricity distribution network and compares the aggregated heat values to a threshold value. When the aggregated value exceeds the threshold value, the computing system identifies a crisis situation arising within the portion of the electricity distribution network.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventor: James Barnes
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Publication number: 20150180701Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting device failures in a network having nodes coupled to a central controller, in which a first of the nodes communicates with the central controller via a second of the nodes. When the second node determines that the first node has not transmitted a predetermined number of messages over a predefined number of time periods, the second node provides a failure alert to the central controller. The central controller records a failure alert received from the second node in a log. Based on a set of failure alerts received from a number of nodes recorded in the log, the central controller determines whether the first node has failed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2015Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicant: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Jana VAN GREUNEN, William E. SAN FILIPPO, III, Jay RAMASASTRY, Kunal Pankaj SHAH
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Publication number: 20150163808Abstract: A wireless communication network system includes a plurality of nodes. Each node from the plurality of nodes includes a plurality of communication modules. Each module includes a modem and is configured to operate according to a communication protocol. Each communication module is configured to monitor its own communication parameter data and to cooperate with companion modules of a node by sharing communication parameter data, for instance through a coordination unit. Each communication module is further configured to allow, preferably according to a predefined set of rules, communication using a protocol of one communication module by utilizing a band associated with a companion module. The sharing of communication parameter data between modules may be continuous sharing or periodic sharing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Applicant: SILVER SPRING NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Cristina SEIBERT, Elad GOTTLIB
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Patent number: 9030951Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for a node within a network to adjust one or more routing parameters based on certain network parameters. A node monitors certain network metrics such as the mean time between routing drops. In response to changes in these network parameters, the node changes certain routing parameters, such as the holddown time. The node may store network metrics and associated routing parameters that result in preferred network operating conditions. The node may pre-load these beneficial settings upon the occurrence of a particular condition such as a system reset of the node. Moreover, a node may share these beneficial settings with neighboring nodes on the same network. One advantage of this approach is that cost savings are achieved when a node within a network may be installed without preconfiguring the node with specific routing parameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Sterling Hughes, Peter Hunt, Jana Van Greunen
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Patent number: 9025584Abstract: Rather than using a large number of transceivers (transmitter/receiver pairs) operating in parallel, Access Points with multiple channels are used to aggregate, or stack, transmitted response communications, e.g., transmitting multiple acknowledgements (ACKs) in a single packet to one or more sources of received packets. The method includes sending on a plurality of channels, by each of a plurality of respective first nodes, a communication to a second node, receiving on the plurality of channels, by the second node, the communication from each of the plurality of first nodes and sending, by the second node, a transmission that contains a response to each communication that was successfully received from each of the plurality of first nodes. The response to each of the plurality of first nodes is part of a single message sent by the second node.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventor: George Flammer, III
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Publication number: 20150120922Abstract: A communication device detects whether anomalous events occur with respect to at least one node in a utility network. The communication device has recorded therein threshold operating information and situational operating information. The threshold operating information includes data indicative of configured acceptable operating parameters of nodes in the network based on respective locational information of the nodes. The situational information includes data indicative of configured operation data expected to be received from nodes in the network during a predetermined time period, based on a condition and/or event occurring during the time period. The communication device receives operation data from nodes in the network, and determines whether the operation data from a node constitutes an anomalous event based on a comparison of the received operation data with (i) the threshold operating information defined for the node and (ii) the situational information.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2015Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Raj VASWANI, Jana VAN GREUNEN, Aditi DUBEY, Kunal Pankaj SHAH
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Patent number: 8995284Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting device failures in a network having nodes coupled to a central controller, in which a first of the nodes communicates with the central controller via a second of the nodes. When the second node determines that the first node has not transmitted a predetermined number of messages over a predefined number of time periods, the second node provides a failure alert to the central controller. The central controller records a failure alert received from the second node in a log. Based on a set of failure alerts received from a number of nodes recorded in the log, the central controller determines whether the first node has failed.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Jana Van Greunen, William E. San Filippo, III, Jay Ramasastry, Kunal Pankaj Shah
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Patent number: 8990593Abstract: A mobile device communicates with an authenticator affiliated with a recharging facility, to identify itself. To confirm that the mobile device is connected to the correct facility, the authenticator instructs the mobile device to draw electrical charge according to an identifiable pattern. Upon detecting a charge being drawn according to that pattern, the authenticator has confirmation that the identified device is connected to the facility, and permits the charging to proceed. The amount of electricity drawn during the charging procedure can be metered, and then billed to a party associated with the identified mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.Inventors: Eli Marlin, Cristina Seibert