Network-enabled, extensible metering system
First Claim
1. A networked-based, extensible metering system, comprising:
- (a) a TCP/IP network;
(b) a directory service coupled to the TCP/IP network;
(c) a plurality of network-enabled meters coupled to the TCP/IP network, different ones of the network-enabled meters having different communications interface protocols by which they communicate over the TCP/IP network, each of the network-enabled meters uploading its location and its respective communications interface protocol to the directory service; and
(d) one or more network servers that execute a plurality of different applications, each application processing data collected from one or more of the network-enabled meters to provide a respective metering service, the applications communicating with the network-enabled meters using their respective communications protocols obtained from the directory service,wherein the one or more network servers permit different meter data users to purchase or lease different combinations of the metering services provided by the applications executing thereon.
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Abstract
To allow meter data users to have access to needed information and at the same time address the rapidly shifting requirements of the deregulated marketplace, a new business model employs a common metering device that measures raw data and a system composed of independent services or applications that collect and process raw metered data and then make that data available to interested parties. This new model removes the dependence upon an automatic meter reading (AMR) system provider, as the sole provider, by creating a system to enable a competitive environment where services (applications, information, networking, etc.) rather than systems are selected and paid for on a leased or pay-per-use basis.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A networked-based, extensible metering system, comprising:
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(a) a TCP/IP network; (b) a directory service coupled to the TCP/IP network; (c) a plurality of network-enabled meters coupled to the TCP/IP network, different ones of the network-enabled meters having different communications interface protocols by which they communicate over the TCP/IP network, each of the network-enabled meters uploading its location and its respective communications interface protocol to the directory service; and (d) one or more network servers that execute a plurality of different applications, each application processing data collected from one or more of the network-enabled meters to provide a respective metering service, the applications communicating with the network-enabled meters using their respective communications protocols obtained from the directory service, wherein the one or more network servers permit different meter data users to purchase or lease different combinations of the metering services provided by the applications executing thereon. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification