AMR transmitter with programmable operating mode parameters
First Claim
1. A method for programming the operating mode of a utility meter transmitter unit for use in an automatic meter reading network, the utility meter interface unit comprising:
- storing operating parameters in a utility metering transmitter unit for determining the following functions;
transmission power of the transmitter unit according to the physical environment of the installation;
power level and modulation type for communicating with a drive-by receiver or a fixed receiver; and
frequency of data transmission related to conservation of battery life; and
transmitting one or more of said operating parameters into the utility meter transmitting unit using a programming unit.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a method and circuitry for programming an AMR transmitter to operate in different modes. The device can be programmed as to any one or all of the following parameters: transmission power according to the physical environment of the installation; power level and modulation type for drive-by or fixed network application; and frequency of data transmission to conserve battery life. A laptop computer or other type of programming device communicates through an optical IR port to enter these parameters.
-
Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A method for programming the operating mode of a utility meter transmitter unit for use in an automatic meter reading network, the utility meter interface unit comprising:
-
storing operating parameters in a utility metering transmitter unit for determining the following functions; transmission power of the transmitter unit according to the physical environment of the installation; power level and modulation type for communicating with a drive-by receiver or a fixed receiver; and frequency of data transmission related to conservation of battery life; and transmitting one or more of said operating parameters into the utility meter transmitting unit using a programming unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A utility meter interface unit for use in an automatic meter reading network, the utility meter interface unit comprising:
-
a circuit for storing operating parameters for determining the following functions; transmission power of the transmitter unit according to the physical environment of the installation; power level and modulation type for communicating with a drive-by receiver or a fixed receiver; and frequency of data transmission related to conservation of battery life; and wherein said circuit is capable of receiving said operating parameters from an external a programming unit. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification