RF METER READING SYSTEM
First Claim
1. An automatic meter reading system, comprising:
- a reader; and
a plurality of utility meter endpoints, wherein each of said plurality of endpoints transmits a standard consumption message (SCM) via an AM transmission and wherein said endpoint immediately goes into a two-way, FM receive/transmit mode upon completing the transmission of said SCM, wherein upon said reader receiving said SCM and desiring additional information from said endpoint, said reader requests said information via a two-way, FM communication.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A meter reading system of the present invention enables transmission of data between utility meter endpoints and readers. In a first embodiment, the endpoint provides a short message providing its identification to the reader and immediately enters a listen mode. If the reader hears the short message, it can immediately respond and request additional information from the endpoint. If the reader does not hear the short message or does not request additional information during the endpoints listening period, the endpoint enters a sleep mode until its next transmission time. In another embodiment, the endpoint transmits an SCM via AM communication to the reader. The reader can then request additional information and the endpoint can respond with the information via two-way FM communication. In another embodiment, the endpoint is capable of transmitting interval data to the reader via either AM or FM communication.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An automatic meter reading system, comprising:
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a reader; and a plurality of utility meter endpoints, wherein each of said plurality of endpoints transmits a standard consumption message (SCM) via an AM transmission and wherein said endpoint immediately goes into a two-way, FM receive/transmit mode upon completing the transmission of said SCM, wherein upon said reader receiving said SCM and desiring additional information from said endpoint, said reader requests said information via a two-way, FM communication. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for transmitting data in a utility meter reading system having a reader and an endpoint, comprising the steps of:
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transmitting a standard consumption message (SCM) via an AM transmission by said endpoint; switching said endpoint into a two-way, FM receive/transmit mode upon transmitting said SCM; receiving said SCM with said reader, requesting additional information from said endpoint with said reader via two-way FM communication between said reader and endpoint. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A mobile daily interval meter reading system, comprising:
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an endpoint, wherein said endpoint is capable of transmitting in either AM and FM and wherein said endpoint saves a plurality of intervals of utility meter data; a reader, wherein said reader listens for said endpoint, and upon hearing said endpoint said reader transmits a command to the endpoint to send a predetermined number of intervals over a predetermined communication channel or channels. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification