Patents by Inventor Christopher Scott Hett

Christopher Scott Hett has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11706063
    Abstract: A system for switching between different communication modes by network nodes according to a time-division schedule to transmit and receive data packets is provided. For example, a transmitting node is configured to determine a scheduled communication mode of an upcoming time division according to a time-division schedule, and transmit a data packet in that time division when the scheduled communication mode matches a selected communication mode supported by both the transmitting node and a receiving node. The receiving node operates in a scheduled communication mode specified for a current time division by the time-division schedule and determines whether a header of the data packet is detected in the current time division. If not, the receiving node switches to a second scheduled communication mode specified for the subsequent time division by the time-division schedule to detect the header of the data packet in a subsequent time division.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Clifford Matthews, Michael Sean Holcombe, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Patent number: 11637584
    Abstract: A multi-radio border router for synchronizing communications of multiple border router radios is provided. For example, the border router includes a border router component connected to each of the plurality of border router radios. The border router component configured for selecting one of the plurality of border router radios as a master radio and assigning channel offset parameters for each of the plurality of border router radios. The master radio is configured for broadcasting synchronization beacons based on which the non-master radios synchronize their respective clocks with that of the master radio. After the synchronization, each of the border router radios communicates with endpoints associated therewith according to a channel hopping pattern modified by applying a channel offset determined based on the channel offset parameters assigned to the respective radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: LANDIS+GYR INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Publication number: 20220263538
    Abstract: A multi-radio border router for synchronizing communications of multiple border router radios is provided. For example, the border router includes a border router component connected to each of the plurality of border router radios. The border router component configured for selecting one of the plurality of border router radios as a master radio and assigning channel offset parameters for each of the plurality of border router radios. The master radio is configured for broadcasting synchronization beacons based on which the non-master radios synchronize their respective clocks with that of the master radio. After the synchronization, each of the border router radios communicates with endpoints associated therewith according to a channel hopping pattern modified by applying a channel offset determined based on the channel offset parameters assigned to the respective radio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Publication number: 20220240345
    Abstract: A system for switching between different communication modes by network nodes according to a time-division schedule to transmit and receive data packets is provided. For example, a transmitting node is configured to determine a scheduled communication mode of an upcoming time division according to a time-division schedule, and transmit a data packet in that time division when the scheduled communication mode matches a selected communication mode supported by both the transmitting node and a receiving node. The receiving node operates in a scheduled communication mode specified for a current time division by the time-division schedule and determines whether a header of the data packet is detected in the current time division. If not, the receiving node switches to a second scheduled communication mode specified for the subsequent time division by the time-division schedule to detect the header of the data packet in a subsequent time division.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Justin Clifford Matthews, Michael Sean Holcombe, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Patent number: 11362701
    Abstract: A multi-radio border router for synchronizing communications of multiple border router radios is provided. For example, the border router includes a border router component connected to each of the plurality of border router radios. The border router component configured for selecting one of the plurality of border router radios as a master radio and assigning channel offset parameters for each of the plurality of border router radios. The master radio is configured for broadcasting synchronization beacons based on which the non-master radios synchronize their respective clocks with that of the master radio. After the synchronization, each of the border router radios communicates with endpoints associated therewith according to a channel hopping pattern modified by applying a channel offset determined based on the channel offset parameters assigned to the respective radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Publication number: 20210376879
    Abstract: A multi-radio border router for synchronizing communications of multiple border router radios is provided. For example, the border router includes a border router component connected to each of the plurality of border router radios. The border router component configured for selecting one of the plurality of border router radios as a master radio and assigning channel offset parameters for each of the plurality of border router radios. The master radio is configured for broadcasting synchronization beacons based on which the non-master radios synchronize their respective clocks with that of the master radio. After the synchronization, each of the border router radios communicates with endpoints associated therewith according to a channel hopping pattern modified by applying a channel offset determined based on the channel offset parameters assigned to the respective radio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Patent number: 11038550
    Abstract: A multi-radio border router for synchronizing communications of multiple border router radios is provided. For example, the border router includes a border router component connected to each of the plurality of border router radios. The border router component configured for selecting one of the plurality of border router radios as a master radio and assigning channel offset parameters for each of the plurality of border router radios. The master radio is configured for broadcasting synchronization beacons based on which the non-master radios synchronize their respective clocks with that of the master radio. After the synchronization, each of the border router radios communicates with endpoints associated therewith according to a channel hopping pattern modified by applying a channel offset determined based on the channel offset parameters assigned to the respective radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Publication number: 20200305153
    Abstract: A method for transmitting unicast messages includes: obtaining, by a first node configured to communicate on a primary time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH) network, a media access control (MAC) address of a second node configured to communicate on the primary TSCH network; determining whether the first node and the second node are also configured to communicate on a secondary TSCH network; and in response to determining that the first node and the second node are also configured to communicate on the secondary TSCH network: offsetting transmission of a unicast message until a second portion of a timeslot for the primary TSCH network; synchronizing to a channel hopping sequence and frequency of the secondary TSCH network for the second node, and transmitting, by the first node, the unicast message to the second node on the secondary TSCH network during the second portion of the timeslot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Michael Sean Holcombe, Christopher Scott Hett, Lawrence Harris
  • Patent number: 10772095
    Abstract: A method for transmitting unicast messages includes: obtaining, by a first node configured to communicate on a primary time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH) network, a media access control (MAC) address of a second node configured to communicate on the primary TSCH network; determining whether the first node and the second node are also configured to communicate on a secondary TSCH network; and in response to determining that the first node and the second node are also configured to communicate on the secondary TSCH network: offsetting transmission of a unicast message until a second portion of a timeslot for the primary TSCH network; synchronizing to a channel hopping sequence and frequency of the secondary TSCH network for the second node, and transmitting, by the first node, the unicast message to the second node on the secondary TSCH network during the second portion of the timeslot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Michael Sean Holcombe, Christopher Scott Hett, Lawrence Harris
  • Patent number: 10609573
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing nodes in mesh networks are provided. A parent node may switch PANs and coordinate the switch with its child nodes. The parent node and its child nodes may maintain timing synchronization information for a current PAN and a new PAN. The parent node and its child nodes may switch to the new PAN using the same switching time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Hett, Lawrence Harris, Darrell Jefferson, James Patrick Hanley
  • Patent number: 10548085
    Abstract: Systems and methods optimize broadcast transmissions from a parent device operating on a time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH) network to one or more low-energy endpoint devices connected and synchronized to the communications of the TSCH parent device. As part of a Receiver Initiated Transmit (RIT) communication process, the TSCH parent device receives a check-in communication from a connected low-energy endpoint device during a wake state of a wake/sleep cycle of the low-energy endpoint device. In response to the check-in message, the TSCH parent device transmits an acknowledgment message identifying a broadcast timeslot during which the TSCH parent device will broadcast stored broadcast messages. During the identified timeslot, the TSCH parent device broadcasts stored broadcast messages to any connected low-energy endpoint devices that are tuned in to the corresponding frequency channel according to the TSCH protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Vidya Prakash, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Patent number: 10530638
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing nodes in mesh networks are provided. A critical node may determine a status of a backhaul connection prior to joining a PAN. A critical path may be created and maintained that includes the critical node and any intervening nodes between the critical node and the root. A critical node may switch PANs when a backhaul connection becomes unavailable. The switch may be facilitated by a node on the critical path other than the critical node. A node may switch PANs and coordinate the switch with its child nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Landis+ Gyr Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Lawrence Harris, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Publication number: 20190349277
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing nodes in mesh networks are provided. An information element may be provided to indicate a status of a backhaul connection. A critical node may use the information element to determine the status of the backhaul connection prior to joining a PAN. A critical path may be created and maintained that includes the critical node and any intervening nodes between the critical node and the root. A critical node may switch PANs when a backhaul connection becomes unavailable. The switch may be facilitated by a node on the critical path other than the critical node. The loss of backhaul connection may be determined by examining the information element. A node may switch PANs and coordinate the switch with its child nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Hett, Lawrence Harris, Vivek Bhatt, Craig Cornwall, James Patrick Hanley
  • Publication number: 20190349245
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing nodes in mesh networks are provided. A critical node may determine a status of a backhaul connection prior to joining a PAN. A critical path may be created and maintained that includes the critical node and any intervening nodes between the critical node and the root. A critical node may switch PANs when a backhaul connection becomes unavailable. The switch may be facilitated by a node on the critical path other than the critical node. A node may switch PANs and coordinate the switch with its child nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Lawrence Harris, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Publication number: 20190349786
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing nodes in mesh networks are provided. A parent node may switch PANs and coordinate the switch with its child nodes. The parent node and its child nodes may maintain timing synchronization information for a current PAN and a new PAN. The parent node and its child nodes may switch to the new PAN using the same switching time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Hett, Lawrence Harris, Darrell Jefferson, James Patrick Hanley
  • Patent number: 9974035
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing communications between a parent device operating on a time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH) protocol and a low-energy network device operating on a low-energy channel hopping protocol. The parent device sub-divides TSCH timeslots and communicates with adjacent TSCH devices during a primary portion of the timeslot and listens for communications from a connected low-energy device during the secondary portion of the timeslot. Upon receiving a synchronization request from a low-energy device, the TSCH device transmits a synchronization response comprising synchronization data. The synchronization data allows the low-energy device to synchronize communications with the TSCH network by synchronizing with the channel hopping pattern of the TSCH protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: LANDIS+GYR INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Vidya Prakash, Saurabh Jain, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Publication number: 20180132182
    Abstract: Systems and methods optimize broadcast transmissions from a parent device operating on a time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH) network to one or more low-energy endpoint devices connected and synchronized to the communications of the TSCH parent device. As part of a Receiver Initiated Transmit (RIT) communication process, the TSCH parent device receives a check-in communication from a connected low-energy endpoint device during a wake state of a wake/sleep cycle of the low-energy endpoint device. In response to the check-in message, the TSCH parent device transmits an acknowledgment message identifying a broadcast timeslot during which the TSCH parent device will broadcast stored broadcast messages. During the identified timeslot, the TSCH parent device broadcasts stored broadcast messages to any connected low-energy endpoint devices that are tuned in to the corresponding frequency channel according to the TSCH protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: James Patrick Hanley, Vidya Prakash, Christopher Scott Hett
  • Publication number: 20180103443
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing communications between a parent device operating on a time-slotted channel hopping (TSCH) protocol and a low-energy network device operating on a low-energy channel hopping protocol. The parent device sub-divides TSCH timeslots and communicates with adjacent TSCH devices during a primary portion of the timeslot and listens for communications from a connected low-energy device during the secondary portion of the timeslot. Upon receiving a synchronization request from a low-energy device, the TSCH device transmits a synchronization response comprising synchronization data. The synchronization data allows the low-energy device to synchronize communications with the TSCH network by synchronizing with the channel hopping pattern of the TSCH protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Vidya Prakash, Saurabh Jain, Christopher Scott Hett