Relative time system
First Claim
1. An apparatus for obtaining meter reading data from an endpoint device that is configured to operate in accordance with a relative time clock, the apparatus comprising:
- a communication unit for obtaining a first request to receive meter reading data from an endpoint device; and
a processing unit operable to;
determine a requested time specified in the first request;
convert the requested time into a relative time that is used by the endpoint device to retrieve a correct set of recorded intervals;
generate a second request including the converted relative time;
cause the communication unit to transmit to the endpoint device the generated second request; and
wherein after the communication unit receives from the endpoint device a response to the transmitted second request, the processing unit processes the response to extract data relevant to the first request.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system, method and device are provided for obtaining, from each endpoint device, meter reading data where the meter reading data are recorded and managed based on a relative time clock in each endpoint device. The relative time clock may be a simple inexpensive clock that tracks minutes and triggers recording of meter reading data for a particular hour at the end of that hour. In that embodiment, a collection system sends an endpoint device a request that includes a requested time that is converted into a relative time so that the endpoint device can understand the request. Since each recorded interval is generated based on a relative time maintained by the clock in the endpoint device rather than an absolute (real) time, the endpoint device does not need to maintain accurate date/time or to read meter reading data from the utility meter based on a real date/time.
14 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An apparatus for obtaining meter reading data from an endpoint device that is configured to operate in accordance with a relative time clock, the apparatus comprising:
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a communication unit for obtaining a first request to receive meter reading data from an endpoint device; and a processing unit operable to; determine a requested time specified in the first request; convert the requested time into a relative time that is used by the endpoint device to retrieve a correct set of recorded intervals; generate a second request including the converted relative time; cause the communication unit to transmit to the endpoint device the generated second request; and wherein after the communication unit receives from the endpoint device a response to the transmitted second request, the processing unit processes the response to extract data relevant to the first request. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification