System and method for automatic meter reading with mobile configuration
First Claim
1. A method for resetting demand data in a plurality of utility meters, wherein at least one transceiver and a plurality of endpoint devices are adapted to exchange two-way wireless communications, and wherein each of the plurality of endpoint devices comprises a radio frequency (RF) communications device operably connected to a utility meter, the method comprising the steps of:
- requesting demand data from at least one endpoint device by the transceiver;
receiving demand data from the at least one endpoint device;
requesting a demand reset from the endpoint device by the transceiver; and
receiving a demand reset acknowledgement by the transceiver from the endpoint device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic meter reading (AMR) system and a method of operating an AMR system are disclosed. The AMR system stores and transfers consumptive data, demand data, and data archives. The system and method can also provide a demand reset to reduce or eliminate the need to physically visit a remote endpoint device, for example a residential utility meter, to directly connect to the endpoint device for the collection of data. The system and method provide two-way wireless communication between at least one reader and a plurality of remote endpoint devices and are adapted for use with mobile readers. The AMR system and method therefore provide efficient and reliable storage and transfer of data, including high volumes of data, at mobile read rates.
54 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method for resetting demand data in a plurality of utility meters, wherein at least one transceiver and a plurality of endpoint devices are adapted to exchange two-way wireless communications, and wherein each of the plurality of endpoint devices comprises a radio frequency (RF) communications device operably connected to a utility meter, the method comprising the steps of:
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requesting demand data from at least one endpoint device by the transceiver; receiving demand data from the at least one endpoint device; requesting a demand reset from the endpoint device by the transceiver; and receiving a demand reset acknowledgement by the transceiver from the endpoint device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of remotely configuring at least one utility measurement device of an automatic meter reading (AMR) system, the utility measurement device including a radio frequency (RF) device adapted to exchange wireless communications with at least one transceiver, the method comprising:
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transmitting a configuration command to the radio frequency device of the utility device; and receiving a response to the configuration command at the at least one transceiver, wherein the received response is registered as an acknowledgement at the transceiver from the utility device. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of remotely configuring at least one utility measurement device of an automatic meter reading (AMR) system, the utility measurement device including a radio frequency (RF) device adapted to exchange wireless communications with at least one transceiver, the method comprising:
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transmitting a configuration command to the RF device of the utility device; and configuring the RF device with a special algorithm adapted to provide a back up capability to the utility device such that historical data is temporarily stored in a storage register for a pre-defined time upon receipt of the configuration command. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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Specification