Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting intrusion into a data network are disclosed. Such intrusion can be detected, for example, by providing at least two network devices in a data network. Each of the network devices has a decoy cryptographic key that is used to detect unauthorized data and an authentic cryptographic key that is used to encrypt authorized data. The first network device receives data from the second network device that is encrypted using the decoy cryptographic key. The first network device determines that the data is encrypted using the decoy cryptographic key. The first network device deletes or otherwise discards the data encrypted using the decoy cryptographic key. The first network device can generate an alert message instructing other network devices that the second network device is generating the unauthorized data. The alert message also instructs the other network devices to ignore data originating from the second network device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that can be used to broadcast or otherwise send load shed and other requirements over a network to recipients. One exemplary embodiment involves sending a first broadcast message to a first group of recipients. The first broadcast message requests compliance with a requirement but does not require a synchronous reply from the first group of recipients. The first group of recipients are each configured to automatically comply with the requirement in response to receiving the first broadcast message. The exemplary embodiment further involves determining, for example, based on actual load determination, to send a second broadcast message to a second group of recipients different from the first group of recipients and sending the second broadcast message to the second group of recipients, the second broadcast message requesting compliance with the requirement.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to optimizing the distribution of point-to-point and broadcast messages in a layered mesh network of nodes. In one aspect, a node in the mesh network identifies a point-to-point frequency for sending a point-to-point message to a preferred node, which facilitates communication with a collector node. The node also identifies a broadcast frequency of the preferred node that is distinct from the point-to-point frequency. According to one configuration, the broadcast frequency is offset a predetermined number of frequency channels from the point-to-point frequency. In addition to listening on the broadcast frequency, the node further identifies and listens on a receive frequency for point-to-point messages from other nodes.

Abstract: An adapter assembly that works with a standard utility meter to wirelessly transmit data about consumption. The adapter assembly generates information about consumption by cooperating with a pointer or shaft of an index (or index bracket) of a utility meter. In some versions, the adapter assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion that interface together. The upper portion and the lower portion are configured to maintain alignment with the pointer/shaft and not create stress on the index.

Abstract: Determining the number of loads associated with each phase in a three-phase electric power system. The loads can be associated with the consumption of electric power at a node, such as a metering device located at a facility. In one implementation, a central device that is connected to such nodes via a smart grid and a radio frequency mesh network can be leveraged to determine a phase in real time. For example, the central device can include a processor that executes one or more computer program modules which can cause a load tap changer having access to a distribution feeder in the smart grid to vary a voltage level supplied across each phase of the power system. Additionally, the central device can communicate with nodes in the mesh network to cause the nodes to perform voltage measurements and collect information related to such measurements.

Abstract: An adapter assembly that works with a standard utility meter to wirelessly transmit data about consumption. The adapter assembly generates information about consumption by cooperating with a pointer of an index of a utility meter. In some embodiments, the adapter assembly includes an upper portion and a clip that interface together. The upper portion and the clip are configured to maintain alignment with the pointer and not create stress on the index.

Abstract: An adapter assembly that works with a standard utility meter to wirelessly transmit data about consumption. The adapter assembly generates information about consumption by cooperating with a pointer of an index of a utility meter. In some embodiments, the adapter assembly includes an upper portion and a clip that interface together. The upper portion and the clip are configured to maintain alignment with the pointer and not create stress on the index.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying and providing warnings of tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other environmental occurrences. Temperature, pressure, seismic activities and other environmental conditions are measured with improved granularity using sensors at multiple locations. More extensive distribution of sensors is enabled using existing networks, such as utility (e.g., gas and electricity) meter networks. Network traffic is improved by screening information locally so that only limited information is sent for central processing. A given location, for example, may compare its own and its neighbors measurements against a profile to identify the probable existence of a tornado before sending a message to a central processing device. Upon receiving such a message and possibly other information (e.g.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing utility device operations. In one aspect, a utility apparatus includes a processing apparatus that manages data processing tasks for the utility apparatus. The utility apparatus also includes a communications apparatus, coupled to the processing apparatus, that is configured to transmit and receive data over a network. A metrology apparatus is coupled to the processing apparatus, the metrology apparatus being configured to measure and provide meter data that includes at least a measure of utilized utility services. A network apparatus is also coupled to the processing apparatus, the network apparatus being configured to coordinate communication between devices that belong to a home area network. A utility identification module interface is coupled to the processing apparatus, the utility identification module having an interface that removably receives a utility identification module.

Abstract: Embodiments for rotation sensing are provided. A device may include a magnet apparatus including a first and a second magnet. The magnet apparatus may be configured to be coupled to a dial apparatus of a meter. The device may include a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor configured to be coupled to a dial cover. The magnetic field sensors may generate signals based upon the sensed magnetic fields. In some embodiments, the device may include logic for counting rotations and/or logic for detecting abnormal conditions such as a missing dial hand, missing dial cover, magnetic tampering and/or malfunctioning magnetic field sensors.

Abstract: Embodiments for rotation sensing are provided. The device may include a magnet apparatus comprising a magnet, the magnet apparatus configured to be coupled to a dial apparatus of a meter. Also included may be a magnetic field sensor configured to be coupled to a dial cover. When the magnet apparatus is coupled to the dial apparatus and the magnetic field sensor is coupled to the dial cover, the distance between the magnet and the magnetic field sensor may be a function of the strength of the magnet and the sensitivity of the magnetic field sensor. Also, the magnetic field sensor may be configured to generate an analog signal. The device may also include a memory component storing logic configured to detect an abnormal condition based on a data value of the analog signal. The detected condition may be magnetic tampering, a missing dial cover, and/or a missing dial hand.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for sending messages regarding an emergency at a facility. The messages can be sent to an emergency response service or directly to another facility through a wireless mesh network. The wireless mesh network can comprise one or more nodes that route measurement data, such as utility meter reading data. The emergency messages can be assigned a higher priority so that they travel through the wireless mesh network more quickly. A device receiving an emergency message may identify the address of the associated facility, for example, by identifying an address associated with utility service also provided at the same facility. The address can be forwarded to an emergency response service and a confirmation or other message may be sent back to the facility. A device at a facility may receive various messages from a control center, such as a weather center, over the wireless mesh network.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a system for recovering data from at least one signal. The system can include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and in-phase/quadrature (IQ) generator component that can sample a signal recovered from a communication medium to generate a first signal sample and a second signal sample. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) component can process the first signal sample to generate a first signal phase and process the second signal sample to generate a second signal phase. A phase difference calculation component can determine a phase difference between the first signal phase and the second signal phase, determine a bit value represented by the signal based on the phase difference, and output the bit value to an end device coupled to the phase difference calculation component.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing at least two spread spectrum signals that at least partially overlap in time and in frequency. A main correlator bank with a trip detection component can determine a PN code phase for each of the spread spectrum signals that are associated with a PN code signal. The signals may at least partially overlap in time and in frequency. The PN code phases can be determined by comparing the signals to internally generated PN code phases. Based on the comparison, trips associated with the code phases are detected. The PN code phase for each signal can be used to extract a data signal from the signal. The data signals can be outputted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a voltage pump to determine the status of a battery connected to the voltage pump are provided. The operation of the voltage pump is monitored during at least one monitoring period which corresponds to a period of relatively heavy consistent load. The operation of the voltage pump can be monitored by sampling a control signal that corresponds to the operation of the voltage pump.

Abstract: Devices and methods used in a wireless network employing geographical routing using virtual node locations. Such virtual node locations can be computed by a central computer that gathers information from some or all of the nodes. Each node may, for example, identify itself and its neighbors and provide a value indicative of the radio frequency (RF) distance to such neighbors. Examples of RF distance indicators include, but are not limited to, received signal strength indication (RSSI) and packet success rate (PSR). Geographic coordinates for none or some of the nodes may also be used to determine the virtual coordinates.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing accurate time-keeping on battery-powered communication devices used in AMI systems, mesh networks, and multi-channel radio networks. One embodiment allows the use of low power (and low cost) crystals in battery-powered endpoints by periodically correcting the poor timing of these crystals using communications with a nearby, non-battery-powered device. Such communications allow the battery-powered devices to align their timing with that of their non-battery neighbors, among other things.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sending a broadcast message in frequency hopping and other systems. Instead of sending a complete message separately to each device, a relatively small packet or “chirp” is sent. These chirps are either targeted at known devices or sent in a manner to sweep the RF band. Devices that hear the chirps get information about the channel and/or time that the broadcast data will be sent. These devices then listen for the broadcast data as instructed, e.g., at the specified time on the specified channel. A system may alternatively, or in addition, use a scheduled hopping sequence break as a broadcast moment. Such a broadcast moment can be scheduled to periodically interrupt the node hopping sequences so that, at such times, many or all nodes are scheduled to be on the same channel for potential broadcasts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for routing packets using node virtual locations are disclosed. Such a virtual location may be determined, for example, by determining a geographic location that is central to other nodes with which the node can communicate. In certain embodiments, a node's virtual location may more accurately represent an approximate center point of a node's communication range. In one exemplary embodiment, a node's virtual location is an average of the geographic locations of radio nodes with which the node is in communication.

Abstract: Systems and methods for network packet routing using geographic information, for example, for routing packets in an IP communication network using geographic routing information embedded in a packet's IP address. One method comprises assigning a device's geographic location and including in its IP address a subnet prefix and a portion comprising an identifier indicative of the device' geographic location. One method facilitates routing of a packet by addressing the packet to a destination device with an IP address comprising a subnet prefix and a portion comprising an identifier indicative of the device's geographic location. The method may further comprise routing the packet from a source device to the destination device using the identifier. One embodiment is a system of a subnet of IP compatible nodes. One or more of these node devices are assigned an IP address comprising a subnet prefix identifying its respective subnet and a portion comprising an identifier indicative of its geographic location.