Methods and systems for meter reading and high speed data transfer
First Claim
1. A device for providing data services, in conjunction with a utility usage measurement device, comprising:
- a processor, coupled to the utility usage measurement device, the processor adapted to receive utility usage data from the utility usage measurement device;
a communication unit, coupled to the processor, adapted to send utility usage data and provide data services; and
a transceiver unit, coupled to the communication unit, the transceiver unit adapted to provide the data services wirelessly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A secure automatic meter reading (“AMR”) method and apparatus which utilizes a microprocessor and a bidirectional broadband connection to access the Internet and can form a wireless distribution network is provided. In addition to AMR, this connection and the network can provide high speed data transmission for other devices and services. As a result of the methods and apparatuses of the present inventions, legacy utility infrastructure and communications equipment can be integrated into a data transmission and collection network and remotely monitored without the costs associated with deploying service personnel or more costly equipment and services.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. A device for providing data services, in conjunction with a utility usage measurement device, comprising:
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a processor, coupled to the utility usage measurement device, the processor adapted to receive utility usage data from the utility usage measurement device;
a communication unit, coupled to the processor, adapted to send utility usage data and provide data services; and
a transceiver unit, coupled to the communication unit, the transceiver unit adapted to provide the data services wirelessly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A device for providing data services, in conjunction with a utility usage measurement device, comprising:
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a processor, coupled to the utility usage measurement device, the processor adapted to receive utility usage data from the utility usage measurement device; and
a transceiver unit, coupled to the processor, the transceiver unit adapted to send utility usage data and provide data services wirelessly. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for providing data services to a communication device coupled to a utility usage measurement device, the utility usage measurement device adapted to measure the usage of utility service provided by a utility provider, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a data service to the communication device;
transporting usage data from the communication device to the utility provider; and
providing the data service to a user of the communication device. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method for utility consumption measurement comprising:
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transmitting, by a utility provider, a request for utility consumption data;
receiving, by a device adapted for receiving data services wherein the device is coupled to a utility usage measurement device, the request for utility consumption data;
obtaining, by the device adapted for receiving data services wherein the device is coupled to a utility usage measurement device, utility consumption data; and
transmitting, by the device adapted for receiving data services wherein the device is coupled to a utility usage measurement device, the utility consumption data to the provider. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification