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Fixed network for an automatic utility meter reading system

  • US 8,896,463 B2
  • Filed: 11/30/2012
  • Issued: 11/25/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of validating operation of a meter interface unit (MIU) installed by a technician as part of a utility meter reading system comprising a communications network and at least one bidirectional communications device operable to transmit and receive data over said network, said technician having a portable communications device operable to receive communications from said network, said method comprising:

  • transmitting data from said MIU over said communications network of said utility meter reading system;

    receiving said data at a bidirectional communications device of said utility meter reading system;

    broadcasting by said bidirectional communications device over said network the received data and additional data comprising one of the signal-to-noise ratio or received signal strength indicator of the signal from the MIU containing the received data; and

    receiving said broadcast data by said portable communications device of said technician;

    thereby confirming that data transmitted by said MIU was received by a bidirectional communications device of said utility meter reading system.

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