Point of use digital electric energy apparatus with TCP/ IP network communication

• US 20020063635A1
• Filed: 09/25/2001
• Published: 05/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ekstrom Industries Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Ekstrom Industries Incorporated
• Inventors: Shincovich, John T.
• Application Number:
  US09/962,559
• Publication Number:
  US 20020063635A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/870.02
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5433 Remote metering
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5458 Monitor sensor; Alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/54 Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/546 Combination of signalling, telemetering, protection circuits for remote indication of supply or distribution network condition H02J13/00

Abstract

A communication protocol and network is provided for an electrical energy measurement apparatus in the form of automatic meter readers mounted at individual use sites for disposing each reader in data communication with a remote central site. Communication is established using Internet TCP/IP protocol. Each automatic meter reader apparatus is connected by a communication network with an Internet service provider which handles data communication between each automatic meter reader apparatus and the central site through the Internet.

Claims

1. An apparatus for establishing bi-directional communication between a central processor and a plurality of automatic meter readers, each containing a processor measuring electric energy usage at individual use sites, the apparatus comprising:

providing a plurality of automatic meter readers with discrete addresses;

providing a communication connection between each automatic meter reader and an Internet service provider; and

formatting data communication to and from the automatic meter reader using Internet communication protocol.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a modem, responsive to the automatic meter reader processor, is disposed in data communication with the Internet service provider through a telephone network.

3. A method of establishing bi-directional communication between a central processor and a plurality of remote automatic meter reader apparatus at individual use sites, the method comprising the steps of:

providing each automatic meter reader apparatus with a discrete address;

providing an Internet service provider for a plurality of automatic meter readers, the Internet servcie provider capable of individually addressing and handling data communication between the automatic meter readers and the central processor via the Internet; and

connecting the Internet service provider to a plurality of automatic meter readers by a communication network.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of connecting the Internet service provider to a plurality of automatic meter readers further comprises the step of:

connecting the Internet service provider to a plurality of automatic meter reader apparatus and data communication by a telephone network.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of:

providing a modem, responsive to a processor in each automatic meter reader apparatus, for controlling bidirectional data communication between the automatic meter reader apparatus processor and the telephone network to provide data communication with the Internet service provider.