Sequence inversion keyed countdown timer utilized within a utility meter system
First Claim
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1. An automatic meter reading (AMR) system, comprising;
- a head end controller;
an endpoint interfaced to a utility meter, wherein said endpoint includes and internal clock, wherein said head end controller is capable of communicating with said endpoint via RF communication, wherein said head end controller generates a clock countdown signal through the use of sequence inversion keying (SIK), and wherein said endpoint synchronizes said internal clock to said clock countdown signal during generation of said clock countdown signal by said head end controller.
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Abstract
An automatic meter reading system that includes a head end controller and an endpoint that is interfaced to a utility meter. The head end controller and the endpoint communicate via RF communication. The endpoint includes an internal clock that synchronizes itself to a clock countdown signal. The clock countdown signal is generated by the head end controller through use of sequence inversion keying.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An automatic meter reading (AMR) system, comprising;
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a head end controller;
an endpoint interfaced to a utility meter, wherein said endpoint includes and internal clock, wherein said head end controller is capable of communicating with said endpoint via RF communication, wherein said head end controller generates a clock countdown signal through the use of sequence inversion keying (SIK), and wherein said endpoint synchronizes said internal clock to said clock countdown signal during generation of said clock countdown signal by said head end controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An automatic meter reading (AMR) system, comprising:
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means for interfacing with a utility meter, wherein said means for interfacing includes means for establishing an internal time; and
means for communicating with said means for interfacing via RF communication, wherein said means for communicating additionally for generating a clock countdown signal through the use of sequence inversion keying, wherein said means for establishing an internal time additionally for synchronizing said internal time to said clock countdown signal. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for communication in an automatic meter reading system, comprising the steps of:
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generating a clock countdown signal through the use of sequence inversion keying (SIK);
transmitting said clock countdown signal via RF communication;
obtaining the transmitted clock countdown signal;
synchronizing a clock to the obtained clock countdown signal; and
time-stamping utility meter data according to a time on the synchronized clock. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification