System and method for remotely monitoring and controlling a water meter
First Claim
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1. A meter that monitors usage of a water distribution system by a client, comprising:
- a wireless communications system operable to communicatively couple the meter to a wireless network to provide two-way communication between the meter and the wireless network;
a flow measurement system operable to measure a volume of water flow through the meter, wherein measurement data indicating the volume is transmitted to the wireless communications system;
a calibration system operable to calibrate the flow measurement system of the meter, wherein the calibration system calibrate the meter in response to an instruction received via the wireless network;
a charging system operable to charge a battery, wherein the charging system utilizes the water flow through the meter to generate power; and
a power system operable to maintain a sufficient level of power for the meter to allow real-time communication between the meter and the wireless network.
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Abstract
A meter that monitors usage of a water distribution system by a client is provided. The meter includes a wireless communications system operable to communicatively couple the meter to a wireless network to provide two-way communication between the meter and the wireless network; a calibration system operable to calibrate the meter, wherein the calibration system may calibrate the meter in response to an instruction received via the wireless network; and a power system operable to maintain a sufficient level of power for the meter to allow substantially real-time communication between the meter and the wireless network.
188 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A meter that monitors usage of a water distribution system by a client, comprising:
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a wireless communications system operable to communicatively couple the meter to a wireless network to provide two-way communication between the meter and the wireless network; a flow measurement system operable to measure a volume of water flow through the meter, wherein measurement data indicating the volume is transmitted to the wireless communications system; a calibration system operable to calibrate the flow measurement system of the meter, wherein the calibration system calibrate the meter in response to an instruction received via the wireless network; a charging system operable to charge a battery, wherein the charging system utilizes the water flow through the meter to generate power; and a power system operable to maintain a sufficient level of power for the meter to allow real-time communication between the meter and the wireless network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system for managing client water usage comprising:
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a network operations center comprising a server, a database, and a wireless communications transmitter and receiver operable to communicatively couple the network operations center to a wireless network; and a water meter operable to monitor the client water usage, wherein the water meter comprises, a battery powering the meter, wherein the battery is charged utilizing power generated by water flow through the meter, a flow measurement system operable to measure a volume of water flow through the meter, and a calibration system operable to calibrate the flow measurement system of the meter, wherein the calibration system calibrates the meter in response to an instruction received via the wireless network, wherein the meter is communicatively coupled to the wireless network and operable to provide two-way communication with the network operations center, and wherein the meter is operable to transmit data concerning the client water usage to the network operations center. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21)
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14. A method for remotely managing client water usage in connection with a water distribution system, wherein the client is located within a service region, comprising the steps of:
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providing a wireless water meter communicatively coupled to a wireless network to provided two way communication and operable to monitor client water usage, wherein the meter provides a flow measurement system for monitoring water usage; calibrating the flow measurement system with a calibration system integrated with the wireless water meter, wherein the calibration system calibrates the meter in response to an instruction received via the wireless network; powering the meter with a battery, wherein the battery is charged utilizing power generated by water flow through the meter; transmitting a request to the meter for data concerning the client water usage via the wireless network; and receiving data concerning the client water usage of the client via the wireless network. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22)
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Specification