×

Time-divided communications in a metering system

  • US 8,531,311 B2
  • Filed: 01/29/2009
  • Issued: 09/10/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An endpoint operative to perform a method for exchanging time-divided communications with a remote device, the method comprising:

  • within a predefined frequency band, transmitting a standard meter reading having data defined in accordance with a metering protocol;

    after a first period of time defined in the metering protocol has elapsed, activating a receiver to listen for a message on a designated channel that is known by the remote device;

    receiving a message from the remote device having a command to execute instructions, wherein the message includes a data item that indicates whether the command is designated as a linked command;

    transmitting a response message responsive to the command; and

    when the command is designated as a linked command, activating the receiver after a second period of time defined in the metering protocol has elapsed.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×