Systems and methods for broadcasting information over an AC power network

Abstract

A receiving device and business methods to affect the private transmission of remote control messages and the synchronization of date and time to electrical appliances connected to the AC power grid.

1 . A method of fulfilling a request to remotely control an appliance receiving power from a power distribution network, the method comprising: 
 receiving a request to control the appliance;    generating a message receivable by a receiving device coupled to the power supply of the appliance;    injecting the message into a distribution power network such that the message is received by the appliance, such that the appliance may act upon the message to fulfill the request.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising receiving payment for fulfilling the request.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising registering the appliance to establish a relationship between an identifier of the appliance and an end user.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising authenticating the request.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  further comprising encrypting the message such that the message is only decipherable by the receiving device coupled to the appliance with the identifier.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising establishing an account with an end user of the appliance.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising scheduling the request based on a first-in first-out priority basis.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising preempting the scheduling of the request based on predetermined events.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the receiving comprises receiving the request via a telephone initiated request.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the receiving comprises receiving the request via the internet or a computer initiated request.  
     
     
         11 . A method of remotely adjusting a clock embedded in an appliance receiving power from a power distribution network, the method comprising: 
 determining a time for the clock;    generating a message containing an indication of time, wherein the message is receivable by a receiving device coupled to the power supply of the appliance;    injecting the message into a distribution power network such that the message is received by the appliance, so that the appliance may adjust the clock in accordance with the message.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the determining comprises retrieving the time from an atomic clock source.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the generating a message further comprises adjusting the indication of time for delay.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the delay is selected from the group consisting of synchronization, insertion, propagation and processing delays.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising receiving payment for generating the message to allow the appliance to adjust the clock.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising registering the appliance to establish a relationship between an identifier of the appliance and an end user.