Method and apparatus for reading and controlling electric power consumption
First Claim
1. An apparatus for reading electric power consumption, comprising:
- an optical sensor for sensing indicia of electricity consumption from an electric utility meter, wherein the optical sensor obtains power for operation of the optical sensor from a serial cable coupled to the optical sensor;
a bracket having unitary body for positioning the optical sensor with respect to the electric utility meter the sensor positioned externally to a translucent cover of the electric utility meter; and
a means for mounting the bracket to the electric utility meter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electro-optical, automatic meter reader for enabling a consumer to view and manage power consumption through a browser. A sensor attached to a bracket is mounted to the outside cover of a utility meter without modification of the meter or removal of its housing. A data-collector stores data obtained from the sensor via a serial port which may also provide power for the sensor, thus avoiding use of a dedicated power supply. The data-collector connects to a computer which provides a centralized object through which to view and manage power consumption. The real-time and combined historic data can be used to forecast whether usage will fall above or below a predetermined usage level at the end of a given period of time. In response to a forecast exceeding the level, the computer displays the appropriate graph in a red colored bar within a quantity vs. time chart. The computer may control power consuming devices. A communication system may be established to the system for remote management by the consumer or by the utility company for its own billing and management purposes.
281 Citations
78 Claims
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1. An apparatus for reading electric power consumption, comprising:
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an optical sensor for sensing indicia of electricity consumption from an electric utility meter, wherein the optical sensor obtains power for operation of the optical sensor from a serial cable coupled to the optical sensor;
a bracket having unitary body for positioning the optical sensor with respect to the electric utility meter the sensor positioned externally to a translucent cover of the electric utility meter; and
a means for mounting the bracket to the electric utility meter.
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2-55. -55. (canceled)
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56. A system for monitoring and controlling power consumption comprising:
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a reader for obtaining power consumption data from an electric utility service; and
a computer system for collecting the data from the reader wherein the computer system computes a forecast of electric power consumption and wherein power consumption is controlled by changing the use of one or more devices that consume energy based on the forecast. - View Dependent Claims (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69)
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70. A method of monitoring and controlling power consumption comprising:
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reading power consumption data from an electric utility service using an automatic reader;
collecting the data from the reader in a computer system memory device;
computing a forecast of electric power consumption using the computer system; and
controlling an amount of power consumption by changing the use of one or more devices that consume energy based on the forecast. - View Dependent Claims (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78)
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Specification