Meter with IrDA port
First Claim
1. A meter including a first processor for processing at least one measurement and having at least one mechanical dial or digital display for displaying the at least one measurement, the meter comprising:
- an IrDA port for at least wirelessly transmitting data to an optical port of a computing device located at a predetermined distance away from the IrDA port, wherein the IrDA port comprises a second processor in operative communication with the first processor configured for receiving data from the first processor and converting the data to at least one IrDA protocol; and
means for determining whether to wirelessly transmit data via the IrDA port comprising;
means for wirelessly receiving a key via the IrDA port;
means for determining if the key matches a key stores within a memory of the meter; and
means for actuating transmission of the data via the IrDA port if the received key matches the stored key.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A meter is provided of the type used for recording data primarily related to power and/or energy use. The meter includes an IrDA port for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from the meter. Preferably, the IrDA port operates according to one or more of the standard IrDA protocols and is preferably mounted on the face of the meter to allow data to be read using a handheld computing device. Upon the detection of the handheld computing device, the IrDA port automatically transmits data to the handheld computing device. The handheld computing device is preferably programmed with application software for processing the read data. The processed data can then be transmitted either wirelessly or non-wirelessly to a computing device, such as a remote server or personal computer, for preparing bills, statistical charts, energy reports, etc. Alternatively, the handheld computing device stores the read data for transmission to another computing device.
75 Citations
14 Claims
-
1. A meter including a first processor for processing at least one measurement and having at least one mechanical dial or digital display for displaying the at least one measurement, the meter comprising:
-
an IrDA port for at least wirelessly transmitting data to an optical port of a computing device located at a predetermined distance away from the IrDA port, wherein the IrDA port comprises a second processor in operative communication with the first processor configured for receiving data from the first processor and converting the data to at least one IrDA protocol; and means for determining whether to wirelessly transmit data via the IrDA port comprising; means for wirelessly receiving a key via the IrDA port; means for determining if the key matches a key stores within a memory of the meter; and means for actuating transmission of the data via the IrDA port if the received key matches the stored key. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A power meter for measuring power consumed including a first processor for processing the measured power, the power meter comprising:
-
an IrDA port for wirelessly transmitting data to an optical port of a computing device located at a predetermined distance away from the IrDA port, wherein the IrDA port comprises a second processor inoperative communication with the first processor configured for receiving the measured power from the first processor and converting the measured power to at least one IrDA protocol; and means for determining whether to wirelessly transmit data via the IrDA port comprising; means for wirelessly receiving a key via the IrDA port; means for determining if the key matches a key stores within a memory of the meter; and means for actuating transmission of the data via the IrDA port if the received key matches the stored key. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
14. A method for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data comprising:
-
providing a meter for measuring power consumed comprising an IrDA port and a processor for determining whether to wirelessly transmit data via the IrDA port and for converting the data to at least one IrDA protocol; wirelessly receiving a key via the IrDA port from an optical port of a computing device located at a non-contact distance from the meter; comparing the received key with a key stored within a memory of the meter; and transmitting the data via the IrDA port if the received key matches the stored key.
-
Specification