Method of remotely reading a group of meters
First Claim
1. In a remote meter reading system including a group of meter interface units wherein each meter interface unit is operable in an inactive state, wherein each meter interface unit is periodically activated to monitor a communication channel for channel activity, and is responsive to communication signals from a meter reading device, a method of remotely accessing a meter interface unit, comprising the steps of:
- initiating, by the meter reading device, communication with a target meter interface unit selected from among the group of meter interface units;
transmitting, by the target meter interface unit, a message containing a group identifier for the target meter interface unit, in response to the communication initiated by the meter reading device, when the target meter interface is activated;
receiving the message by the meter reading device; and
transmitting, from the meter reading device, a message on the communication channel, the message including the group identifier received from the target meter interface unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A remote meter reading system (10) includes a group of meter interface units in which each meter interface unit (12) is operable in an inactive state, and in which each meter interface unit (12) is periodically activated to monitor a communication channel for channel activity. The meter interface unit (12) is responsive to communication signals from a meter reading device (15). To remotely read the group of meters, the meter reading device (15) initiates communication with a target meter interface unit (12) selected from among the group of meter interface units. Next, the meter reading device (15) receives a message from the target meter interface unit (12), which contains a group identifier for the target meter interface unit (12). The meter reading device (15) then transmits a message on the communication channel which includes the group identifier received from the target meter interface unit (12).
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. In a remote meter reading system including a group of meter interface units wherein each meter interface unit is operable in an inactive state, wherein each meter interface unit is periodically activated to monitor a communication channel for channel activity, and is responsive to communication signals from a meter reading device, a method of remotely accessing a meter interface unit, comprising the steps of:
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initiating, by the meter reading device, communication with a target meter interface unit selected from among the group of meter interface units; transmitting, by the target meter interface unit, a message containing a group identifier for the target meter interface unit, in response to the communication initiated by the meter reading device, when the target meter interface is activated; receiving the message by the meter reading device; and transmitting, from the meter reading device, a message on the communication channel, the message including the group identifier received from the target meter interface unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification