REMOTE METER READER USING A NETWORK SENSOR SYSTEM AND PROTOCOL

• US 20120194683A1
• Filed: 03/27/2012
• Published: 08/02/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Avaak, Inc. (Arlo Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Avaak, Inc. (Arlo Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: GOLDBERG, Bar-Giora, MESSINGER, Gioia
• Application Number:
  US13/431,782
• Publication Number:
  US 20120194683A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/160
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 2204/45 Utility meters networked together within a single building
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 4/002 Remote reading of utility meters
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 4/008 Modifications to installed utility meters to enable remote reading
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/39 Scanning a visible indication of the measured value and reproducing this indication at the remote place, e.g. on the screen of a cathode ray tube mechanical adjustment G01D5/264
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/25 using a mesh network, e.g. a public urban network such as public lighting, bus stops or traffic lights
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/40 using a wireless architecture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/50 using a mobile data collecting device, e.g. walk by or drive by
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/60 for transmitting utility meters data, i.e. transmission of data from the reader of the utility meter
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/883 where the sensing device enters an active or inactive mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/30 Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading

Abstract

A system and method is provided for automatically reading meters, such as utility meters. A camera unit is attached to or otherwise associated with an existing meter. From time to time, either automatically, or upon wireless command, the camera unit takes an image of the meter'"'"'s readings, and communicates wirelessly the image or image data, to a local area receiver. The images can be transmitted immediately, or stored for later transmission, depending on the network protocol. The camera unit is battery powered, and operates communication protocols that enable extended operational life. These protocols allow for the camera'"'"'s radio and processor to be turned on only when necessary, and then for only brief periods of time. At most times, the camera is in a power conserving sleep mode. Multiple camera units may be arranged to communicate meter image data to the local area receiver, either using asynchronous or synchronous processes.

Claims

1. An automated wireless meter reading system, comprising:

a camera unit adapted to be connected to a meter and with an image sensor positioned to take an image of a meter reading area, the image sensor normally operating in a sleep mode;

a radio with the camera unit and configured to wirelessly transmit meter data from the camera, the radio constructed to wake up from time to time and send a request signal;

a receiver unit constructed to wirelessly receive the meter data from the camera unit'"'"'s radio and to send an acknowledge signal to the radio only when meter data is needed;

a wide area connection with the receiver unit for communicating the meter data to a central location;

a battery providing all power to operate the camera unit, image sensor, and the radio; and

wherein the image sensor is powered only in response to the radio receiving the acknowledge signal and wherein the camera unit operates to provide the wireless meter readings from time to time for a period of more than two years prior to depletion of the battery.