Multipurpose interface for an automated meter reading device
First Claim
1. An automated meter reading device comprising:
- a single electrical connection that is monitored to detect a connection between the automated meter reading device and a programming device; and
an interface operating in a slave mode when the automated meter reading device is connected to the programming device, the slave mode enabling the automated meter reading device to be programmed with a configuration parameter for interacting with a particular meter type, the interface operating in a master mode when the automated meter reading device is not connected to the programming device, the master mode enabling the automated meter reading device to interact with a connected meter according to the configuration parameter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved automated meter reading (AMR) device includes only a single electrical connection rather than multiple electrical connections, thereby reducing potential paths of exposure to natural elements. The AMR device monitors the single electrical connection to detect when a programming device is connected to the AMR device. When such a programming device is connected, the AMR device operates in a slave mode that enables the AMR device to be configured for interacting with a particular type of meter. The slave mode may also enable testing of various features of the AMR device such as, for example, its data transmitting capabilities. When the AMR device is not connected to a programming device, the AMR device operates in a master mode that enables the AMR device to interact with a connected meter in accordance with the AMR device'"'"'s configuration.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An automated meter reading device comprising:
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a single electrical connection that is monitored to detect a connection between the automated meter reading device and a programming device; and
an interface operating in a slave mode when the automated meter reading device is connected to the programming device, the slave mode enabling the automated meter reading device to be programmed with a configuration parameter for interacting with a particular meter type, the interface operating in a master mode when the automated meter reading device is not connected to the programming device, the master mode enabling the automated meter reading device to interact with a connected meter according to the configuration parameter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An automated meter reading device comprising:
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a memory that is stores a configuration parameter that is programmable to provide instructions for interacting with any one of a plurality of different meter types; and
an interface that communicates with a connected meter according to the instructions programmed into the configuration parameter. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A processor readable medium having stored thereon instructions for:
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monitoring a single electrical connection to detect when an automated meter reading device is connected to a programming device;
when the automated meter reading device is connected to the programming device, operating in a slave mode that enables the programming device to program a configuration parameter with instructions for interacting with a particular meter type; and
when the automated meter reading device is not connected to the programming device, operating in a master mode that enables the automated meter reading device to interact with a connected meter according to the configuration parameter. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification