Beacon requests and RS bit resolving circular routes
First Claim
1. A method of synchronizing an end device in a utility metering network, comprising:
- detecting a power outage at a first end device;
incrementing a power outage counter at the first end device;
sending a synchronization request from the first end device to a second end device when power is restored to the first end device;
receiving the synchronization request at the second end device;
determining whether the second end device is synchronized with a father network device based on whether the second end device has received a message from a father network device within a predetermined time interval;
transmitting a synchronization acceptance signal from the second end device to the first end device when the second end device is synchronized with a father network device; and
transmitting a beacon request signal from the second end device to a registered father network device when the second end device is not synchronized with the father network device.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present technology relates to protocols relative to utility meters associated with an open operational framework. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to protocol subject matter for advanced metering infrastructure, adaptable to various international standards, while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field. The present subject matter supports meters within an ANSI standard C12.22/C12.19 system while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field, all to permit cell-based adaptive insertion of C12.22 meters within an open framework. Cell isolation is provided through quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network. Additional features relate to apparatus and methodology subject matters concerning the handling of Beacon Requests and Registered State bit resolving to avoid circular routes.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method of synchronizing an end device in a utility metering network, comprising:
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detecting a power outage at a first end device; incrementing a power outage counter at the first end device; sending a synchronization request from the first end device to a second end device when power is restored to the first end device; receiving the synchronization request at the second end device; determining whether the second end device is synchronized with a father network device based on whether the second end device has received a message from a father network device within a predetermined time interval; transmitting a synchronization acceptance signal from the second end device to the first end device when the second end device is synchronized with a father network device; and transmitting a beacon request signal from the second end device to a registered father network device when the second end device is not synchronized with the father network device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of establishing a communication link in a utility metering network, comprising:
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detecting a power outage in a first end device; incrementing a power outage counter in the first end device; transmitting a beacon request to a second end device from the first end device when the first end device has lost synchronization; and transmitting synchronization information from the second end device to the first end device when the second end device is synchronized with a father network device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A utility metering network, comprising:
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a central facility having transmitting elements and receiving elements; and a first end device comprising transmitting elements and receiving elements, the first end device configured to monitor for a power outage at said first end device, increment a power outage counter, and send a synchronization request to a second end device after a power outage is detected and power is restored; and wherein said second end device comprises transmitting elements, receiving elements, and metrology elements, with said second end device configured to receive said synchronization request from said first end device, determine whether said second end device is synchronized with a father end device based on whether said second end device has received a message from a father network device within a predetermined time interval, transmit a synchronization acceptance signal to said first end device when said second end device is synchronized with said father network device, and transmit a beacon request signal to a registered father network device when said second end device is not synchronized with said father network device. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification