Electronic identification, control, and security system for consumer electronics and the like

For use in an electronic identification, control, and security system having an electric power distribution network including a plurality of electric conductors and a plurality of electrical outlets providing electrical coupling thereto, a controller electrically coupled to the electric power distribution network through one of the electrical outlets for transmitting individualized information via the electric power distribution network, an appliance, comprising:

• an electric power connector adapted to couple said appliance to the electric power distribution network via an electrical outlet;
• security and control logic;
• a communication interface interposed between said logic and said electric power connector;
• means for enabling and disabling operation of said appliance, said means being controlled by said logic;
• and
• user-operable controls which provide control input to operate said appliance when said means for enabling and disabling operation has enabled operation of said appliance.

In an electronic identification, control, and security system utilizing an electric power distribution network having a plurality of electric conductors and a plurality of electrical outlets providing electrical coupling thereto, a plurality of appliances electrically coupled to the electric power distribution network through the electrical outlets, at least one of the appliances including security and control logic, a communication interface interposed between the logic and the electric power distribution network, and means for enabling and disabling operation of the at least one appliance controlled by the logic, a portable controller, comprising:

• an electric power connector adapted to couple said controller to the electric power distribution network via an electrical outlet;
• a microcontroller;
• a memory storage device;
• a display;
• a user interface;
• and
• a communication interface interposed between said microcontroller and said electric power connector;
• and
• wherein said microcontroller generates individualized information and security code information for transmission by said communication interface to the appliance via the electric power distribution network.

For use in association with an appliance in an electronic identification, control, and security system having an electric power distribution network including a plurality of electric conductors and a plurality of electrical outlets providing electrical coupling thereto, a controller electrically coupled to the electric power distribution network through one of the electrical outlets for transmitting individualized information via the electric power distribution network, the appliance having an electric power connector adapted to couple the appliance to the electric power distribution network via an electrical outlet, an adapter, comprising:

• an electrical input adapted to connect to an electrical outlet:
• an electrical output adapted to connect to the electrical power connector of an appliance:
• means for electrically coupling said input to said output;
• security and control logic;
• a communication interface electrically coupled to said logic and to said means for electrically coupling;
• data memory storage coupled to said logic for storing unique identification information and security code information;
• and
• means for enabling and disabling operation of said appliance, said means being controlled by said logic and electrically interposed between said input and said output.