Communications: electrical – Continuously variable indicating – With meter reading
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-09
2001-10-09
Edward, Jr., Timothy (Department: 2735)
Communications: electrical
Continuously variable indicating
With meter reading
C340S870030, C340S870070, C340S315000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06300881
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to communication networks, and specifically to communication networks that use power lines for collecting data, and more specifically to communication networks that support communication between geographically distributed entities. The invention also relates to automatic meter reading.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Current schemes for collecting information from geographically distributed sources, for example utility meters, present a number of problems. Manual data collection methods such as those employing human meter readers are costly slow and error-prone. More automated methods generally require large capital outlays, have inadequate capacity to deliver information in a timely manner and are relatively expensive to operate and maintain. Thus, what is needed is an improved method and apparatus for collecting information from geographically distributed sources. What is also needed is an improved method for more efficiently and more accurately collecting utility information from utility meters. Further, what is needed is an improved method and apparatus for collecting information from geographically distributed sources that may be maintained and operated at a lower cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Utility consumption data is provided over power line carrier links to local nodes and routed through a network of local nodes over peer-to-peer line-of-sight RF links to a utility service provider. Backhauler nodes preferably combine the utility consumption data from the local nodes within a coverage region for routing to the utility service provider. Consumer nodes include sensing elements for measuring the utility consumption data, and preferably switching elements for connecting or disconnecting the utility from a consumer location. Messages are routed through the network to consumer locations, and for example, may request the utility consumption data or activate the switching elements.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, two-way data may be transferred amongst consumer locations or may be communicated with mobile units within coverage areas of the local nodes.
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Aragaki Taul Eric
Bickley Robert Henry
Durkin Michael
Keller Theodore Woolley
Yee David Moon
Edward, Jr. Timothy
Motorola Inc.
Santema Steven R.
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