US20030001754A1 - Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations - Google Patents
Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030001754A1 US20030001754A1 US10/024,977 US2497701A US2003001754A1 US 20030001754 A1 US20030001754 A1 US 20030001754A1 US 2497701 A US2497701 A US 2497701A US 2003001754 A1 US2003001754 A1 US 2003001754A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- measurements
- data
- nsm
- transmitter
- parameter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q9/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
- H04Q9/14—Calling by using pulses
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D4/00—Tariff metering apparatus
- G01D4/002—Remote reading of utility meters
- G01D4/004—Remote reading of utility meters to a fixed location
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D4/00—Tariff metering apparatus
- G01D4/008—Modifications to installed utility meters to enable remote reading
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C15/00—Arrangements characterised by the use of multiplexing for the transmission of a plurality of signals over a common path
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C15/00—Arrangements characterised by the use of multiplexing for the transmission of a plurality of signals over a common path
- G08C15/06—Arrangements characterised by the use of multiplexing for the transmission of a plurality of signals over a common path successively, i.e. using time division
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
- H02J13/00006—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
- H02J13/00016—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using a wired telecommunication network or a data transmission bus
- H02J13/00017—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using a wired telecommunication network or a data transmission bus using optical fiber
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
- H02J13/00006—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
- H02J13/00028—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment involving the use of Internet protocols
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
- H02J13/00032—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for
- H02J13/00034—Systems characterised by the controlled or operated power network elements or equipment, the power network elements or equipment not otherwise provided for the elements or equipment being or involving an electric power substation
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2854—Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
- H04L43/08—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
- H04L43/0805—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters by checking availability
- H04L43/0817—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters by checking availability by checking functioning
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W74/00—Wireless channel access, e.g. scheduled or random access
- H04W74/08—Non-scheduled or contention based access, e.g. random access, ALOHA, CSMA [Carrier Sense Multiple Access]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
- H04L43/02—Capturing of monitoring data
- H04L43/022—Capturing of monitoring data by sampling
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
- H04L43/08—Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
- H04L43/0823—Errors, e.g. transmission errors
- H04L43/0829—Packet loss
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
- H04W24/10—Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W74/00—Wireless channel access, e.g. scheduled or random access
- H04W74/04—Scheduled or contention-free access
- H04W74/06—Scheduled or contention-free access using polling
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W74/00—Wireless channel access, e.g. scheduled or random access
- H04W74/08—Non-scheduled or contention based access, e.g. random access, ALOHA, CSMA [Carrier Sense Multiple Access]
- H04W74/0833—Non-scheduled or contention based access, e.g. random access, ALOHA, CSMA [Carrier Sense Multiple Access] using a random access procedure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/26—Network addressing or numbering for mobility support
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W84/00—Network topologies
- H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
- H04W84/04—Large scale networks; Deep hierarchical networks
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B70/00—Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
- Y02B70/30—Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02B90/20—Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
- Y04S20/20—End-user application control systems
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
- Y04S20/30—Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S40/00—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
Definitions
- This invention relates to a communications network for collecting data from remote data generating stations, and more particularly a radio based system for sending data from a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module attached to a meter, and communicating through remote cell nodes and through intermediate data terminals, to a central data terminal.
- the system which has achieved some success or is most widely used has an automatic meter reading unit mounted on an existing meter at the usage site and includes a relatively small transmitter and receiver unit of very short range.
- the unit is polled on a regular basis by a traveling reading unit, which is carried around the various locations on a suitable vehicle.
- the traveling reading unit polls each automatic meter reading unit in turn to obtain stored data.
- This approach is of limited value in that it requires transporting the equipment around the various locations and, hence, only very infrequent, for example monthly, readings can be made.
- the approach avoids a meter reader person actually entering the premises to physically inspect the meter which is of itself of some value but only limited value.
- a yet further system using radio communication has been developed by Data Beam, which was a subsidiary of Connecticut Natural Gas. This arrangement was developed approximately in 1986 and has subsequently received little attention and it is believed that no installations are presently operative.
- the system includes a meter reading device mounted on the meter with a transmitting antenna which is separate from the meter reading device.
- the transmitting antenna is located on the building or other part of the installation site which enables to the antenna to transmit over a relatively large distance.
- the system uses a number of receiving units with each arranged to receive data from a large number of transmitters, in the range of 10,000 to 30,000.
- the transmitters in order to achieve maximum range, are positioned to some extent directionally or at least on a suitable position of the building to transmit to the intended receiving station. This arrangement leads to using a minimum number of receiving stations for optimum cost efficiency.
- the separate transmitter antenna generated significant installation problems due to wiring the antenna through the building to the transmitter and receiver.
- the anticipated high level of power used for transmitting involved very expensive battery systems or very expensive wiring.
- the proposal to reduce the excessive cost was to share the transmission unit with several utilities serving the building so that the cost of the transmitter could be spread, for example, between three utilities supplied to the building.
- Such installation requires separate utility companies to cooperate in the installation. While this might be highly desirable, such cooperation is difficult to achieve on a practical basis.
- the meter reading units were arranged to communicate on a random time basis.
- the very large number, up to 30,000, of meter reading units reporting to a single receiving station leads to a very high number of possible collisions between the randomly transmitted signals.
- the system therefore, as proposed, with daily or more often reporting signals could lose as many as 20% to 50% of the signals transmitted due to collisions or interference which leads to a very low efficiency data communication.
- the use of transmitters at the meter reading units which are of maximum power requires a larger interference protection radius between systems using the same allocated frequency.
- ALOHA An alternative radio transmission network is known as ALOHA.
- ALOHA has a number of broadcasting stations communicating with a single receiving station, with the broadcasting stations transmitting at random intervals. In the ALOHA system, collisions occur so that messages are lost.
- the solution to this problem is to monitor the retransmission of the information from the receiving station so that each broadcasting station is aware when its transmission has been lost. Each broadcasting station is then programmed to retransmit the lost information after a predetermined generally pseudorandom period of time.
- the ALOHA system requires retransmission of the information from the receiving station to take place substantially immediately and requires each broadcasting station to also have a receiving capability.
- Cellular telephone networks are implemented on a wide scale. Cellular systems, however, use and allocate different frequencies to different remote stations. While this is acceptable in a high margin use for voice communications, the costs and complications cannot be accepted in the relatively lower margin use for remote station monitoring.
- the technology of cellular telephones leads to the perception in the art that devices of this type must use different frequency networks.
- a general object of the invention is a communications network for communicating data from a plurality of network service modules to a central data terminal.
- Another object of the invention is a communications network which is suitable for an automatic meter reading system.
- a further object of the invention is a communications network for collecting data from remote data generating stations that is simple and economic to install and maintain.
- a still further object of the invention is a communications network for collecting data from network service modules that is spectrum efficient, and has inherent communication redundancy to enhance reliability and reduce operating costs.
- An additional object of the invention is an open architecture communication network which accommodates new technology, and allows the network operator to serve an arbitrarily large contiguous or non-contiguous geographic area.
- a wide area communications network for sending data from a plurality of network service modules to a central data terminal.
- the wide area communications network collects NSM data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographical area.
- the physical devices may be, for example, a utility meter as used for electricity, gas or water.
- the wide area communications network comprises a plurality of network service modules, a plurality of remote cell nodes, a plurality of intermediate data terminals, and a central data terminal. Each network service module is coupled to a respective physical device.
- the network service module includes NSM-receiver means, NSM-transmitter means, and NSM-processor means, NSM-memory means and an antenna.
- the NSM-receiver means which is optional, receives a command signal at a first carrier frequency or a second carrier frequency. In a preferred mode of operation, the NSM-receiver means receives the command signal on the first carrier frequency for spectrum efficiency.
- the wide area communications network can operate using only a single carrier frequency, i.e., the first carrier frequency.
- the command signal allows the oscillator of the NSM-transmitting means to lock onto the frequency of the remote cell node, correcting for drift. Signaling data also may be sent from the remote cell node to the network service module using the command signal.
- the NSM-processor means arranges data from the physical device into packets of data, transfers the data to the NSM-memory means, and uses the received command signal for adjusting the first carrier frequency of the NSM transmitter.
- the NSM data may include meter readings, time of use and other information or status from a plurality of sensors.
- the NSM-processor means for all network service modules throughout a geographical area, can be programmed to read all the corresponding utility meters or other devices being serviced by the network service modules.
- the NSM-processor means also can be programmed to read peak consumption at predetermined intervals, such as every 15 minutes, throughout a time period, such as a day.
- the NSM-memory means stores NSM data from the physical device.
- the NSM-processor means can be programmed to track and store maximum and minimum sensor readings or levels throughout the time period, such as a day.
- the NSM-transmitter means transmits at the first carrier frequency the respective NSM data from the physical device as an NSM-packet signal.
- the NSM-packet signal is transmitted at a time which is randomly or pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period, i.e., using a one-way-random-access protocol, by the NSM-processor means.
- the NSM-transmitter includes a synthesizer or equivalent circuitry for controlling its transmitter carrier frequency.
- the NSM-transmitter means is connected to the antenna for transmitting multi-directionally the NSM-packet signals.
- a plurality of remote cell nodes are located within the geographical area and are spaced approximately uniformly, such that each network service module is within a range of several remote cell nodes, and so that each remote cell node can receive NSM-packet signals from a plurality of network service modules.
- the remote cell nodes preferably are spaced such that each of the network service modules can be received by at least two remote cell nodes.
- Each remote cell node includes RCN-transmitter means, RCN-receiver means, RCN-memory means, RCN-processor means, and an antenna.
- the RCN-transmitter means transmits at the first carrier frequency or the second carrier frequency, the command signal with signaling data. Transmitting a command signal from the RCN-transmitter means is optional, and is used only if the NSM-receiver means is used at the network service module as previously discussed.
- the RCN-receiver means receives at the first carrier frequency a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules. Each of the NSM-packet signals typically are received at different points in time, since they were transmitted at a time which was randomly or pseudorandomly selected within the predetermined time period.
- the multiplicity of network service modules typically is a subset of the plurality of network service modules.
- the RCN-receiver means also receives polling signals from the intermediate data terminal, and listens or eavesdrops on neighboring remote cell nodes when they are polled by the intermediate data terminal.
- the RCN-memory means stores the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.
- the RCN-processor means collates the NSM-packet signals received from the network service modules, identifies duplicates of NSM-packet signals, and deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signals.
- a polling signal is sent from an intermediate data terminal (IDT)
- the RCN-transmitter means transmits at the first carrier frequency the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal.
- neighboring remote cell nodes receive the RCN-packet signal transmitted by the first remote cell node.
- the respective RCN-processor means deletes from the respective RCN-memory means messages, i.e., NSM-packet signals, received from the network service modules that have the same message identification number as messages transmitted in the RCN-packet signal from the first remote cell node to the intermediate data terminal.
- the plurality of intermediate data terminals are located within the geographic area and are spaced to form a grid overlaying the geographic area.
- Each intermediate data terminal includes IDT-transmitter means, IDT-memory means, IDT-processor means and IDT-receiver means.
- the IDT-transmitter means includes a synthesizer or equivalent circuitry for controlling the carrier frequency, and allowing the IDT-transmitter means to change carrier frequency.
- the IDT-transmitter means transmits preferably at the first carrier frequency, or the second carrier frequency, the first polling signal using a first polling-access protocol to the plurality of remote cell nodes.
- the remote cell node When the first polling signal is received by a remote cell node, that remote cell node responds by sending the RCN-packet signal to the intermediate data terminal which sent the polling signal. If the intermediate data terminal successfully receives the RCN-packet-signal, then the IDT-transmitter means sends an acknowledgment signal to the remote cell node.
- the IDT-receiver means receives the RCN-packet signal transmitted at the first carrier frequency from the remote cell node which was polled. Thus, after polling a plurality of remote cell nodes, the IDT-receiver means has received a plurality of RCN-packet signals.
- the IDT-memory means stores the received RCN-packet signals.
- the IDT-processor means collates the NSM-packet signals embedded in the RCN-packet signals received from the plurality of remote cell nodes, identifies duplicates of NSM-packet signals and deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signals, i.e., messages from network service modules that have the same message identification number.
- the IDT-transmitter means transmits a plurality of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal to the central data terminal.
- the central data terminal includes CDT-transmitter means, CDT-receiver means, CDT-processor means and CDT-memory means.
- the CDT-transmitter means transmits sequentially the second polling signal using a second polling access protocol to each of the intermediate data terminals.
- the CDT-receiver means receives a plurality of IDT-packet signals.
- the central data terminal, intermediate data terminals and the remote cell nodes may be coupled through radio channels, telephone channels, fiber optic channels, cable channels, or other communications medium.
- the CDT-processor means decodes the plurality of IDT-packet signals as a plurality of NSM data.
- the CDT-processor means also identifies duplicates of NSM data and deletes the duplicate NSM data.
- the CDT-memory means stores the NSM data in a data base.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the hierarchial communications network topology
- FIG. 2 is a network service module block diagram
- FIG. 3 is a representative NSM-data packet
- FIG. 4 is a listing of representative applications supported by the communications network
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a network service module
- FIG. 6 shows a front elevation view of an electricity utility meter with a detection unit
- FIG. 7 shows a bottom plan view of the electricity utility meter
- FIG. 8 is an illustration of a typical printout of information obtained by the network service module of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is a remote cell node block diagram
- FIG. 10 is an intermediate data terminal block diagram
- FIG. 11 is a central data terminal block diagram
- FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the communications network for serving widely separated geographic areas
- FIG. 13 illustrates a typical communications network with gradual growth in the number of areas served.
- a wide area communications network communicates data from a plurality of network service modules to a central data terminal.
- the wide area communications network collects NSM data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographical area.
- the wide area communications network is a layered network having a hierarchial communications topology comprising a plurality of network service modules 110 , a plurality of remote cell nodes 112 , a plurality of intermediate data terminals 114 , and a central data terminal 120 .
- the physical devices may be, for example, a utility meter as used for electricity, gas or water.
- the central data terminal controls network operation. Intelligence exists at all layers of the network, thereby easing the workload of the central data terminal. The intelligence attributed to each module is a function of the application of that module.
- Network service modules 110 include meter service modules for electricity, gas and water, a service disconnect module, a load management module, an alarm monitoring module, or any other module that can be used with the wide area communications network.
- the network service modules 110 are linked to the wide area communications network via high frequency radio channels, typically in the 928 MHz-952 MHz band, as well as related frequencies in the 902 MHz-912 MHz, and 918 MHz -928 MHz bands.
- Radio channels in these bands are the preferred communications medium because use of radio communications eliminates the need for physical connections to the service modules which drastically reduces installation costs compared to other communication media such as telephone, cable networks and power line carriers.
- operation in the high frequency bands permits the use of small antennas so that retrofitting standard watt hour meters is simplified. Radio communication channels in other bands may work equally as well, however.
- the network service module (NSM) 110 includes NSM-receiver means, NSM-transmitter means, NSM-processor means, NSM-memory means, and an NSM antenna 322 .
- the NSM-transmitter means and the NSM-receiver means are coupled to the NSM antenna 322 .
- the NSM-processor means is coupled to the NSM-transmitter means, NSM-receiver means, NSM-memory means, and the physical device.
- the physical device is shown as basic 320 and other sensors 322 , and application control interface 324 .
- the network service module also includes an AC power supply 310 and a back-up battery power supply 312 .
- the NSM-receiver means is embodied as an NSM receiver 316 , and is optional. If an NSM receiver 316 is included with the network service module, then the NSM receiver 316 can be used for receiving a command signal, which includes signaling data.
- the command signal can be transmitted at either a first carrier frequency or a second carrier frequency.
- the first carrier frequency is used by the NSM-transmitter means for transmitting to a remote cell node.
- the NSM receiver 316 receives the command signal on the first carrier frequency for spectrum efficiency.
- the wide area communications network can operate using only a single carrier frequency, i.e., the first carrier frequency.
- the command signal can provide a time reference for updating a local clock, and serve as a frequency reference to the network service module.
- Signaling data such as manage service disconnect or control loads, also may be sent from the remote cell node to the network service module using the command signal. While the network service modules could be polled by the command signal, in general, such polling is not required and preferably not used with the present invention.
- the NSM-processor means which is embodied as an NSM controller 314 , arranges data from the physical device into packets of data, and transfers the data to the NSM-memory means which is embodied as an NSM memory 315 .
- the NSM controller 314 may be a microprocessor or equivalent circuit for performing the required functions.
- the NSM controller 314 uses the received command signal for adjusting and setting the first carrier frequency of the NSM transmitter.
- the NSM data may include meter readings, time of use and other information or status from a plurality of sensors.
- the NSM controllers 314 for each network service module throughout a geographical area, can be programmed to read all the corresponding utility meters or other devices being serviced by the network service module, respectively.
- the NSM controller 314 can be programmed to read peak consumption at predetermined intervals, such as every 15 minutes, throughout a time period, such as a day.
- the NSM controller 314 also can be programmed to track and store maximum and minimum sensor readings or levels throughout the time period, such as a day.
- the NSM memory 315 stores NSM data from the physical device.
- NSM data may include meter reading data and time of use (TOU) and other information or status from a plurality of sensors.
- the NSM memory 315 may be random access memory (RAM) or any type of magnetic media or other memory storage devices known in the art.
- the NSM controller 314 uses the received command signal for adjusting the first carrier frequency of the NSM transmitter 318 .
- the NSM-transmitter means is embodied as an NSM transmitter 318 .
- the NSM transmitter 318 transmits at a first carrier frequency the respective NSM data from the physical device in brief message packets called an NSM-packet signal.
- the NSM-packet signal might have a time duration of 100 milliseconds, although any time duration can be used to meet particular system requirements.
- the NSM-packet signal transmitted by the NSM transmitter 318 follows a generic or fixed format, and a representative message packet is illustrated in FIG. 3. Included in the message is: preamble; opening frame; message type; message identification; service module type; message number; service module address; data field; error detection; and closing frame.
- the NSM transmitter 318 is connected to an NSM antenna 322 for transmitting multi-directionally the NSM-packet signals.
- the NSM transmitter 318 includes a synthesizer or equivalent circuitry for controlling its transmitter carrier frequency and schedule.
- the NSM-packet signal is transmitted at a time which is randomly or pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period, i.e., using a one-way-random-access protocol, by the NSM-processor means.
- the wide area communications network does not poll individual network service modules. Rather, each network service module reports autonomously at a rate appropriate for the application being supported. Routine reports are therefore transmitted randomly or pseudorandomly at fixed average intervals, while alarm signals are transmitted immediately following detection of alarm conditions. Alarm signals may be transmitted several times with random delays. This avoids interference among alarm messages if many alarms occur simultaneously, as in an area-wide power outage.
- the network service module may be programmed to transmit three different types of messages at different intervals.
- the first type of message can relate to the accumulated usage information.
- the second type of message can relate to an alarm condition which is basically transmitted immediately.
- the alarm conditions that occur might relate to a tamper action or to the absence of electrical voltage indicative of a power failure.
- the third type of information which may be transmitted less frequently can relate to the housekeeping information.
- the controller 314 After preparing the packet of data for transmission, the controller 314 is arranged to hold the data packet for a random period of time. This random period can be calculated using various randomizing techniques including, for example, a psuedo-random sequence followed, for example, by an actual random calculation based upon the rotation of the metering disk at any particular instant. In this way each of the network service modules is arranged to transmit at a random time.
- the controller 314 is arranged so that the transmission does not occur within a particular predetermined quiet time so that none of the network service modules is allowed to transmit during this quiet time. This quiet time could be set as one hour in every eight hour period. In this way after an eight hour period has elapsed, each of the network service modules would transmit at a random time during the subsequent seven hours followed by a quiet one hour.
- Network capacity or throughput is limited by the probability of message collisions at each remote cell node 112 . Because all network service modules 110 share a single carrier channel and transmit at random times, it is possible for several network service modules 110 within a range of a particular remote cell node 112 to transmit simultaneously and to collide at the remote cell node. If the received signal levels are comparable, the overlapping messages will mutually interfere, causing receive errors and both messages will be lost. However, if one signal is substantially stronger than the other, the stronger signal will be successfully received. Moreover, since both signals are received by at least two and preferably four of the remote cell nodes, the probability of both messages being received is fairly high unless the network service modules are in close spatial proximity. During an interval T, each transmitter within a cell surrounding a single remote cell node sends a single randomly timed message of duration M to several potential receive stations.
- N no. of transmitters/cell
- M message duration (seconds)
- T message interval
- T i starts transmitting the probability that another particular transmitter, T j , will complete or start another transmission is 1 - 2 ⁇ M T .
- N T the number of transmitters, whose signal level exceeds the receiver noise level and can, therefore, be received reliably depends on:
- Propagation pathloss is highly variable due to attenuation, reflection, refraction and scattering phenomena which are a function of terrain, building structures, and antenna location. Some of these parameters can even vary on a diurnal and seasonal basis.
- a statistical model can be developed to provide data by which determination can be made of the best location and number of remote cell nodes for a particular geographical location.
- the model can include data relating to house density the N- value defmed above relating to the attenuation of the signal, the location and presence of trees.
- FIG. 4 is an illustrative listing of applications supported by the network service module within the wide area communications network. The following is a detailed discussion of the electricity meter application.
- a network service module 110 schematically is shown in FIG. 5 and is mounted in a suitable housing 211 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 with the housing including suitable mounting arrangement for attachment of the housing into the interior of a conventional electricity meter 212 .
- Each network service module is coupled to a respective physical device.
- the physical device is an electricity meter 212 .
- the electricity meter 212 includes an outer casing 213 which is generally transparent. Within the casing is provided the meter system which includes a disk 214 which rotates about a vertical axis and is driven at a rate dependent upon the current drawn to the facility. The numbers of turns of the disk 214 are counted by a counting system including mechanical dials 215 .
- the meter is of conventional construction and various different designs are well known in the art.
- An antenna 217 is mounted on a bracket 216 carried on the housing inside the cover 213 .
- the antenna 217 as shown, is arc-shaped extending around the periphery of the front face. Other antenna configurations are possible.
- the antenna 217 is mounted within the cover 213 of the meter.
- the NSM antenna 217 is mounted on the support structure itself of the network service module 110 .
- This enables the network service module 110 to be manufactured relatively cheaply as an integral device which can be installed simply in one action.
- this provides an NSM antenna 217 which can transmit only relatively short distances.
- the power level is maintained in relatively low value of the order of 10-100 milliwatts, the energy for which can be provided by a smaller battery system which is relatively inexpensive.
- An NSM antenna 217 of this type transmitting at the above power level would have a range of the order of one to two kilometers.
- the network service module 110 is in a sealed housing which prevents tampering with the sensors, microprocessor 220 , and memory 221 located within the housing 211 .
- the network service module optionally may include a detection device which uses the microprocessor 220 which has associated therewith a storage memory 221 .
- An essential sensor is for meter reading, for measuring the amount of electricity, amount of water, or amount of gas consumed. Such a sensor alleviates having a meter reader person by allowing the system to automatically report the amount of usage of the physical device.
- any number of sensors may be provided for detection of tampering events with the network service module of the present invention, and the sensors may be adapted for electricity, gas, water, or other applications. For the most part, information reported by the various sensors would be considered low data rate.
- the wide area communications network supports distributed automation functions including basic meter reading, time of use meter reading, service connect, and disconnect operations, alarm reporting, theft of service reporting, load research, residential load control, commercial and industrial load curtailment, and distributed supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). Furthermore, the wide area communications network is readily expandable to support new applications as they are developed.
- FIG. 6 illustratively shows a temperature sensor 227 and a battery sensor 228 ; however, each sensor 227 , 228 may be substituted by or may be in addition to other possible sensors from the following representative listing of sensors.
- a tilt sensor 222 detects movement of the housing through an angle greater than a predetermined angle so that once the device is installed indication can be made if the device is removed or if the meter is removed from its normal orientation.
- a field sensor 223 detects the presence of an electric field. Unless there is power failure, the electric field sensor should continue to detect the presence of an electric field unless the meter is removed from the system.
- An acoustic sensor 224 detects sound.
- the sounds detected are transmitted through a filter 225 which is arranged to filter by analog or digital techniques the sound signal so as to allow to pass through only those sounds which have been determined by previous experimentation to relate to cutting or drilling action particularly on the cover.
- a magnetic sensor 226 detects the presence of a magnetic field.
- a magnetic field is generated by the coils driving the disk 214 so that magnetic fields should always be present unless the meter has been by-passed or removed.
- the rate of rotation of the disk is dependent upon the magnetic field and, therefore, this rate of rotation can be varied by changing the magnetic field by applying a permanent or electromagnet in the area of the meter to vary the magnetic field.
- the sensor 226 is, therefore, responsive to variations in the magnetic field greater than a predetermined amount so as to indicate that an attempt has been made to vary the magnetic field adjacent the disk to slow down the rotation of the disk.
- a heat sensor 227 detects temperature so that the temperature associated with a particular time period can be recorded.
- a battery level sensor is indicated at 228 .
- the sensors 226 , 227 , and 228 communicate information through analog digital converter 328 to the microprocessor 220 .
- the information from sensors 227 and 228 can be communicated to provide “housekeeping” status of the operation of the unit.
- the temperature sensor 227 can be omitted, if required, and this information replaced by information gained from a public weather information source. In some cases the meter is located inside the building and hence the temperature will remain substantially constant whereas the outside temperature is well known to vary consumption quite dramatically.
- a consumption sensor comprises a direct consumption monitor 229 which can be of a very simple construction since it is not intended to act as an accurate measure of the consumption of the electricity used.
- the direct consumption monitor 229 can, therefore, simply be a device which detects the value of the magnetic field generated on the assumption this is proportional to the current drawn.
- the direct consumption value obtained can then be competed with a measurement of the consumption as recorded by the rotation of the disk 214 .
- the direct consumption monitor 229 provides a sum of the consumption over a time period which is different from the consumption measured by rotation of the disk 214 by an amount greater than a predetermined proportion then the direct consumption monitor can be used to provide a tamper signal. This would be indicative, for example, of a mechanical tag applied to the disk to reduce recorded consumption.
- a reverse sensor 230 detects reverse rotation of the disk 214 and provides an input to the microprocessor on detection of such an event.
- a cover sensor 231 is used to detect the continual presence of the cover 213 .
- the cover sensor comprises a light emitting diode (LED) 232 which generates a light beam which is then reflected to a photo diode 233 .
- the absence of the reflected beam at the photo diode 233 is detected and transmitted as a tamper signal to the microprocessor.
- the reflected beam is generated by a reflective strip 234 applied on the inside surface of the cover adjacent the diode 232 as shown in FIG. 6.
- the above sensors thus act to detect various tampering events so that the presence of such tampering events can be recorded in the storage memory 221 under the control of the microprocessor 220 .
- the microprocessor 220 also includes a clock signal generator 335 so that the microprocessor 220 can create a plurality of time periods arranged sequentially and each of a predetermined length.
- the time periods are eight hours in length and the microprocessor 220 is arranged to record in each eight hour period the presence of a tamper event from one or more of the tamper signals.
- the series of the predetermined time periods is recorded with the series allocated against specific dates and each eight hour period within the day concerned having a separate recording location within the storage memory 221 .
- One such series is shown in FIG. 8 where a number of tampering events 236 are indicated. The print-out thus indicates when any tampering event 236 has occurred and in addition then identifies which type of tampering event has taken place.
- the rotation of the disk 214 also is detected to accurately record the number of rotations of the disk both in a forward and in a reverse direction.
- a table 237 shows in graphical form the amount of rotation of a disk recorded in eight hour periods as previously described. For one period of time the disk is shown to rotate in a reverse direction 238 . Whenever the disk rotates in a reverse direction, the reverse rotation subtracts from the number of turns counted on the conventional recording system 215 shown in FIG. 6.
- detection of the rotation of the disk is carried out by the provision of a dark segment 239 formed on the undersurface of the disk leaving the remainder of the disk as a reflective or white material.
- the detection system thus provides a pair of light emitting diodes 240 , 241 which are positioned on the housing so as to direct light onto the underside of the disk.
- the light emitting diodes 240 , 241 are angularly spaced around the disk.
- the diodes are associated with the photo diodes 242 , 243 which receive light when the disk is positioned so that the light from the associated light emitting diode 240 , 241 falls upon the reflective part of the disk and that light is cut off when the dark part of the disk 214 reaches the requisite location.
- one of the pairs of light emitting diodes 240 , 241 and photo diodes 242 , 243 is used to detect the passage of the dark segment, that is of course, one rotation of the disk. The direction of rotation is then detected by checking with the other of the pairs as the dark segment reaches the first of the pairs as to whether the second pair is also seeing the dark segment or whether it is seeing the reflective part. Provided the sensors are properly spaced in relation to the dimension of the segment, therefore, this indicates the direction which the disk rotated to reach the position which is detected by the first pair of diodes.
- the sensors are primarily in a sampling mode using an adaptive sensing rate algorithm.
- the dark or non-reflective segment is 108° of arc and there is provided a 50° displacement between the sensors.
- the maximum rotation rate is of the order of 2 rps.
- a basic sample interval can be selected at 125 m/sec, short enough to ensure at least one dark sample is obtained from the dark segment.
- only the first pair of sensors is sampled continuously.
- a second confirming sample is obtained and the sample rate increased to 16 pps.
- the second sensor is sampled.
- the second sensor still sees the dark segment then cw rotation is confirmed while if a light segment is observed then ccw rotation is indicated.
- the algorithm results in a sample rate of 8 pps for 70% of a rotation and 16 pps for 30% of a rotation for the first pair of sensors plus two samples for direction sensing for the second pair.
- the disk rotates approximately 1.6 million times.
- the photo diode output is sampled immediately before and immediately after the LED is activated. If light is sensed with the LED off, and stray light is indicated an alarm may be initiated after confirming test.
- the latter may include a test of other sensors such as the optical communication port sensor discussed hereinafter.
- communication from the meter reading unit is carried out by radio transmission from the microprocessor 220 through a modulation device 250 which connects to the antenna 322 .
- the transmission of the signal is carried under control of the microprocessor 220 .
- Modulation carried out by the modulation device 250 can be of a suitable type including, for example, phase modulation using phase shift keying (PSK) such as binary PSK (BPSK), frequency modulation using frequency shift keying (FSK), such as, for example, binary FSK, or spread spectrum modulation in which the signals are modulated onto a number of separate frequencies at timed intervals so that no single frequency channel is used.
- PSK phase shift keying
- BPSK binary PSK
- FSK frequency shift keying
- spread spectrum modulation in which the signals are modulated onto a number of separate frequencies at timed intervals so that no single frequency channel is used.
- a plurality of remote cell nodes 112 are located within the geographical area and are spaced approximately uniformly and such that each network service module 110 is within a range of several remote cell nodes 112 to provide overlapping coverage.
- the remote cell nodes 112 typically might be spaced at 0 . 5 mile intervals on utility poles or light standards.
- Each remote cell node 112 provides coverage over a limited area much like the cell in a cellular telephone network.
- Remote cell nodes 112 preferably are spaced to provide overlapping coverage so that, on an average, each NSM-packet signal transmitted by a network service module 110 is received by three or four remote cell nodes 112 , even in the presence of temporary fading.
- erection of a tall building near a network service module 110 has little or no effect on message reception, nor does the failure of a remote cell node 112 result in loss of NSM-packet signals or NSM data.
- each remote cell node (RCN) 112 of FIG. 1 includes RCN-transmitter means, RCN-receiver means, RCN-memory means, RCN-processor means and an RCN antenna 422 .
- the RCN-transmitter means, RCN-receiver means, RCN-memory means and RCN-processor means may be embodied as an RCN transmitter 418 , RCN receiver 416 , RCN memory 415 and RCN processor 414 , respectively.
- the RCN transmitter 418 and the RCN receiver 416 are coupled to the RCN antenna 422 .
- the RCN processor 414 is coupled to the RCN transmitter 418 , RCN receiver 416 , and RCN memory 415 .
- the RCN transmitter 418 under the control of the RCN processor 414 , transmits at the first carrier frequency or the second carrier frequency a command signal.
- the choice of frequency depends on which frequency is being used for the NSM receiver 316 at each of the plurality of network service modules 110 .
- Transmitting a command signal from the RCN transmitter is optional, and is used if the NSM receiver 316 is used at the network service module 110 .
- the command signal can include signaling data being sent to network service modules 110 .
- the signaling data may require the network service module 110 to transmit status or other data; set reporting time period, e.g., from an eight hour period to a four hour period; and any other command, control or “housekeeping” jobs as required.
- the RCN receiver 416 receives at the first carrier frequency a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules 110 .
- Each of the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals typically are received at different points in time, since they are transmitted at a time which is randomly or pseudorandomly selected within the predetermined time period.
- the multiplicity of network service modules 110 usually is a subset of the plurality of network service modules 110 .
- Received NSM-packet signals are time stamped by the RCN processor 414 and temporarily stored in the RCN memory 415 before being transmitted to the next higher network level.
- the RCN receiver 416 also receives polling signals from the intermediate data terminal, and listens or eavesdrops on neighboring remote cell nodes when they are polled by the intermediate data terminal.
- the RCN processor 414 collates the NSM-packet signals received from the network service modules, identifies duplicates of NSM-packet signals and deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signals.
- the RCN processor 414 controls the RCN transmitter 418 and RCN receiver 416 .
- the RCN memory 415 stores the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals.
- each remote cell node 112 receives, decodes and stores in RCN memory 415 each of these NSM-packet signals as received from the network service modules 110 .
- the remote cell node comprises simply a suitable resistant casing which can be mounted upon a building, lamp standard, or utility pole at a suitable location in the district concerned.
- the remote cell node can be battery powered with a simple omni-directional antenna as an integral part of the housing or supported thereon.
- Information accumulated at remote cell nodes 112 periodically is forwarded via a polled radio communications link to a higher level network node, as illustrated in FIG. 1, termed an intermediate data terminal 114 .
- the intermediate data terminals 114 are spaced typically at 4 mile intervals and can be conveniently sited at substations, providing coverage for up to 100 cells.
- Remote cell nodes also receive timing information and command signals from intermediate data terminals.
- the RCN transmitter 418 transmits at the first carrier frequency the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal to the intermediate data terminal 114 .
- neighboring remote cell nodes 112 receive the RCN-packet signal transmitted by the first remote cell node.
- the respective RCN processor deletes from the respective RCN memory messages from the network service modules that have the same message identification number as messages transmitted in the RCN-packet signal from the first remote cell node to the intermediate data terminal.
- the message identification number is illustrated in a typical NSM-data packet in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of the network service modules 110 .
- the network service modules 110 are set out in a pattern across the ground which is dependent upon the positions of the utility usage which generally does not have any particular pattern and the density will vary significantly for different locations.
- the remote cell nodes 112 are arranged in an array with the spacing between the remote cell nodes 112 relative to the network service modules 110 so that each remote cell node 112 can transmit to at least two and preferably four of the remote cell nodes 112 .
- the remote cell TO nodes 112 are provided in significantly larger numbers than is absolutely necessary for each network service module 110 to be received by a respective one of the remote cell nodes 112 .
- the remote cell nodes 112 theoretically receive high levels of duplicate information. In a normal residential situation, the location of the remote cell nodes 112 , so that each network service module 110 can be received by four such remote cell nodes 112 , would lead to an array in which each remote cell node 112 would be responsive to approximately 1,000 of the network service modules 110 .
- Each of the network service modules 110 is arranged to calculate an accumulated value of utility usage for a set period of time which in the example shown is eight hours. Subsequent to the eight hour period, the NSM controller 314 prepares to transmit the information in a packet of data as an NSM-packet signal.
- the packet of data includes:
- the RCN controller 414 acts to store the information received in the RCN memory 415 and then to analyze the information.
- the first step in the analysis is to extract from the received messages the identification code relating to the respective network service module 110 .
- the information relating to that network service module 110 is introduced into a RCN memory register relating to that network service module 110 to update the information already stored.
- each remote cell node 112 monitors the transmissions of the other remote cell nodes 112 .
- the information transmitted is compared with information stored in any other remote cell node 112 doing the monitoring, and if any information is found in the memory of the remote cell node 112 which is redundant, that information is then canceled. In this way when very high levels of redundancy are used, the time for transmission from the remote cell node 112 to the intermediate data terminal is not significantly increased.
- each network service module 110 can be arranged to transmit an alarm signal upon detection of the removal of the electric voltage.
- the transmission of the alarm signal can be delayed by a short random period of time so that if the loss of the voltage is due to a power outage covering a number of locations all signals are not received at the same time.
- the remote cell nodes 112 and intermediate data terminals 114 also can be programmed to retransmit such alarm signals immediately. In this way, the central data terminal 120 has immediate information concerning any power outages including the area concerned. This can, of course, enable more rapid repair functions to be initiated.
- the remote cell nodes 112 can be arranged to transmit control signals for operating equipment within the premises in which the network service module 110 is located.
- the remote cell nodes 112 are necessarily arranged in a suitable array to transmit such information so that it is received in each of the premises concerned using again relatively low transmission power and using the equipment provided for the meter reading system.
- This transmission capability can be used to control, for example, radio controlled switches within the premises of relatively high power equipment for load shedding at peak periods.
- the network service module 110 may include a receiving facility to enable detection of signals transmitted by the remote cell nodes 112 .
- these signals may relate to synchronizing signals so that each of the network service modules 110 is exactly synchronized in time with the remote cell node 112 and/or intermediate data terminal 114 and central data terminal 120 .
- This exact synchronization can be used for accurately detecting usage during specific time periods so that the utility may charge different rates for usage during different time periods for the purpose of particularly encouraging use at non-peak times again for load shedding purposes.
- the attenuation of a radio signal is proportional to the inverse of the distance from the source to the power N.
- N is equal to 2.
- N In more practical examples where buildings, trees, and other geographical obstructions interfere with the signal, N generally lies between 4.0 and 5.0. This effect, therefore, significantly reduces the distance over which the signal from the network service module can be monitored. Thus, the number of network service modules is significantly reduced which can be monitored by a single remote cell node.
- the large N rapidly reduces the signal strength after a predetermined distance so that while a network service module can be effectively monitored at a certain distance, the signal strength rapidly falls off beyond that distance.
- This enables the cells defined by each remote cell node 112 to be relatively specific in size and for the degree of overlap of the cells to be controlled to practical levels without wide statistical variations.
- An advantage of the present system is that network service modules 110 , which are located at a position which is geographically very disadvantageous for transmission to the closest remote cell node 112 , may be monitored by a different one of the remote cell nodes 112 .
- some of the network service modules 110 may not be monitored at all in view of some particular geographical problem.
- this possibility is significantly reduced by the fact that the network service module 110 concerned is likely to be in a position to be monitored by a larger number of the remote cell nodes 112 so that the geographical problem most probably will not apply to all of the remote cell nodes.
- the increased density of remote cell nodes 112 permits the network service modules 110 to operate with an integral NSM antenna 322 which can be formed as part of the meter reading unit housed within the conventional electric utility meter.
- the network service module 110 can be totally self-contained within the meter housing thus allowing installation within a very short period of time, avoiding customer dissatisfaction caused by wiring problems, and reducing the possibility of damage to a separately mounted NSM antenna 322 .
- this arrangement significantly reduces the cost of the network service module 110 to a level which is economically viable to allow installation of the system.
- the present invention can employ a system in which the network service modules 110 are permitted to transmit only during a predetermined time period so that an open time period is available for communication on the same frequency between the intermediate data terminal 114 and the remote cell node 112 without any interference from the remote cell nodes 112 .
- This level of communication can be carried out using a polling system from the intermediate data terminals 114 to each of the remote cell nodes 112 , in turn, preferably including a directional transmission system at the intermediate data terminal 114 .
- This system allows optimization of the remote cell node 112 density to meet cost/performance criteria in different deployment scenarios.
- the present invention by recognizing the non-volatile nature of the information source and the acceptability of missing an occasional update through transmission errors or collisions enables the implementation of data collection networks of greater simplicity and at lower cost than is possible with established communication network approaches involving two-way communication.
- the present invention therefore, provides a radio communication network which can be employed to acquire data from a large number of remote meter monitoring devices disposed over a wide area using very low power transmitters in conjunction with an array of remote cell nodes all operating on a single radio communication channel or frequency.
- the plurality of intermediate data terminals 114 are located within the geographic area and are spaced to form a grid overlaying the geographic area.
- the intermediate data terminals 114 typically are spaced to cover large geographic areas.
- Intermediate data terminals 114 preferably are spaced to provide overlapping coverage, so that on an average, an RCN-packet signal transmitted from a remote cell node 112 is received by two or more intermediate data terminals.
- each intermediate data terminal 114 includes first IDT-transmitter means, second IDT-transmitter means, IDT-memory means, IDT-processor means, first IDT-receiver means, second IDT-receiver means and an IDT antenna.
- the first IDT-transmitter means, second IDT-transmitter means, IDT-memory means, IDT-processor means, first IDT receiver means and second IDT-receiver means may be embodied as a first IDT transmitter 518 , second IDT transmitter 519 , IDT memory 515 , EDT processor 514 , first IDT receiver 521 and second IDT receiver 522 , respectively.
- the first IDT transmitter 518 and the first IDT receiver 521 are coupled to the IDT antenna 522 .
- the IDT processor 514 is coupled to the first and second IDT transmitters 518 , 519 , the first and second IDT receivers 521 , 522 , and IDT memory 515 .
- the second IDT transmitter 519 and second IDT receiver 522 may be embodied as a device such as a modem 523 .
- the first IDT transmitter 518 under the control of the IDT processor 514 , includes a synthesizer or equivalent circuitry for controlling the carrier frequency, and allowing the first IDT transmitter 518 to change carrier frequency.
- the first IDT transmitter 518 transmits preferably at the first carrier frequency, or the second carrier frequency, the first polling signal using a first polling-access protocol to the plurality of remote cell nodes 112 .
- the first polling signal is received by a remote cell node, that remote cell node responds by sending the RCN-packet signal to the intermediate data terminal 114 which sent the first polling signal.
- the intermediate data terminal 114 successfully receives the RCN-packet-signal, then the first IDT transmitter 518 sends an acknowledgment signal to the remote cell node. Upon receiving the acknowledgment signal, the RCN processor 414 at that remote cell node deletes, from the RCN memory 415 , the data sent in the RCN-packet signal to the intermediate data terminal.
- Intermediate data terminals 114 also communicate timing information and command signals to remote cell nodes 112 .
- Remote cell nodes 112 serving important SCADA functions can be polled more frequently by an intermediate data terminal 114 to reduce network response time.
- the first IDT receiver 521 receives the RCN-packet signal transmitted at the first carrier frequency from the remote cell node which was polled. Thus, after sequentially polling a plurality of remote cell nodes 112 , the first IDT receiver 521 has received sequentially in time a plurality of RCN-packet signals.
- the IDT memory 515 stores the received RCN-packet signals.
- the IDT processor 514 collates the NSM-packet signals embedded in the RCN-packet signals received from the plurality of remote cell notes, identifies duplicates of NSM-packet signals and deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signals, i.e., messages from network service modules that have the same message identification number.
- the second IDT transmitter 519 transmits a plurality of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal to the central data terminal 120 .
- the second IDT transmitter 519 and second IDT receiver 522 may be embodied as a modem 523 or other device for communicating information over a communications medium 525 linking the intermediate data terminal with the central data terminal.
- the intermediate data terminals 114 may include one or more directional antennas 522 . During the quiet time, the intermediate data terminal 114 is arranged to direct the antenna 522 or antennas to each of the remote cell nodes 112 , in turn, and to transmit to the respective remote cell node 112 the first polling signal calling for the remote cell node 112 to transmit the stored information from the RCN memory 415 . Use of more than one antenna can allow communication with more than one remote cell node 112 at a time. The remote cell node 112 is required, therefore, merely to transmit the information upon request in a collated package of the information which is transmitted to the intermediate data terminal 114 and collected for analysis.
- a central data terminal 120 which acts as a network control center and data consolidation point.
- the central data terminal 120 controls basic network operation, allowing it to make global decisions regarding network organization.
- the central data terminal's purpose is to integrate information from a variety of network nodes into a coherent form which may be forwarded to different utility operating groups for specific applications.
- the central data terminal 120 is connected to critical SCADA sites some of which may be co-located with intermediate data terminals 114 at sub-stations. At this level, there are relatively few communication links, so those required can be selected to optimize cost, speed, and reliability.
- the transmission between the central data terminal 120 and the plurality of intermediate data terminals 114 is carried out using a communications medium 525 such as telephone lines, Ti carriers, fiber optic channels, coaxial cable channels, microwave channels, or satellite links.
- the central data terminal (CDT) 120 includes CDT-transmitter means, CDT-receiver means, CDT-processor means and CDT-memory means.
- the CDT-transmitter means, CDT-receiver means, CDT-processor means and CDT-memory means may be embodied as a CDT transmitter 618 , CDT receiver 616 , CDT processor 614 and CDT memory 615 , respectively.
- the CDT transmitter 618 and CDT receiver 616 are coupled to the communications medium 525 .
- the CDT processor 614 is coupled to the CDT transmitter 618 , CDT receiver 616 and CDT memory 615 .
- the CDT transmitter 618 and CDT receiver 616 may be a modem 625 or other device suitable for communicating information over the communications medium 525 between the central data terminal 120 and each intermediate data terminal 114 .
- the CDT transmitter 618 transmits sequentially in time the second polling signal using a second polling access protocol to the plurality of intermediate data terminals 114 .
- the CDT receiver 616 receives a plurality of IDT-packet signals.
- the CDT processor 614 decodes the plurality of IDT-packet signals as a plurality of NSM data.
- the CDT processor 614 also identifies duplicates of NSM data and deletes the duplicate NSM data.
- the CDT memory 615 stores the NSM data in a data base. The NSM data is outputted, analyzed, or processed as desired.
- the performance of the network is in large part determined by the network service module 110 to remote cell node 112 link performance, which is defined by the network service module message loss rate.
- the network architecture is designed to minimize the network service module message loss rate, which is defined as the fraction of transmitted network service module messages which are not received by the remote cell nodes. The two issues that affect the message loss rate are:
- Remote cell node spacing can be selected to control the path redundancy, thus leading to an adjustable level of performance. Notice that path redundancy and multiple transmission per day are used to resolve both issues, and thus are principle features of the wide area communications network. The effect of collisions is minimal, so the probability of receiving a packet any time during the day is maintained at exceptionally high levels.
- the link budget contains all of the gains and losses between the network service module power amplifier and the remote cell node receiver, and is used to calculate the maximum pathloss which can be allowed on any link.
- the minimum receivable signal at the remote cell node is estimated as ⁇ 115 dBm, which is equal to the sum of the noise floor and the carrier to noise level which is required in order to receive the message (10 dB).
- Every network service module has many remote cell nodes within receiving range, which increases the reliability of packet reception.
- a network service module transmits it has the potential to be received by many remote cell nodules.
- Some of the remote cell nodules are in shadow fading zones and do not receive the signal whereas others have an increased signal due to shadowing.
- the wide area communications network can readily and cost effectively expand to support new hardware and application software growth scenarios.
- the wide area communications network can be implemented in those regions of the user's service territory and for those services which are most needed on an implementation plan which is not affected by geographic distribution.
- FIG. 12 illustrates the configuration of the wide area communications network for serving widely separated geographic areas. This includes the provision of wide area communications network services to isolated smaller communities via satellite, fiber optic, microwave, or other back bone network. Due to the unique nature of wide area communications network's single channel, micro cellular scattering propagation concept, it is immune to traditional radio problems such as fading, nulls, multi-path, lack of line of sight typical of mountainous, hilly, valley, or high density urban setting.
- the wide area communications network supports a broad range of monitoring, verifiable control and fast response transaction applications. A number of these application needs are and continue to be identified by utilities. Due to the standardized network interface protocol and message packet configuration, the wide area communications network is able to readily augment its service offerings in either new hardware or software.
- the wide area communications network offers not only specialized network service modules for electric, gas, and water meters but also provides a series of generic modules with industry standard in/output interfaces for contact closure, voltage or current sensing. This allows a variety of vendors to incorporate a wide area communications network communication interface into their own products be they fuses, alarms, temperature sensors, etc.
- the wide area communications network can provide a single integrated data channel for other utility operational applications. Some of these applications are hardware oriented but many are application software oriented. They involve the generation of new value-added information reports or services. Although some are primarily for use by the utility, many of them could be offered for sale to the customer thus resulting in a new revenue stream for the utility.
- the wide area communications network can support the expansion of SCADA due to its highly reliable wireless communication capabilities. Many utilities would like to add instrumental monitoring points to their SCADA, however, the wiring costs or difficulties often associated with these prohibits SCADA growth at a sub-station or other site. Generic network service modules could be used to solve these problems.
- the hierarchical design of wide area communications network allows the customer to service an arbitrarily large contiguous or non-contiguous geographic area, as shown in FIG. 12, containing many applications and a large number of end points.
- the hierarchical design of the network allows non-contiguous areas to be serviced over a wide geographic area. Separate areas have their own intermediate data terminal communicating with the central data terminal. Data from non-contiguous areas would be transferred at the central data terminal level.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a typical communications network with gradual growth in the number of areas served.
- Centralized control of wide area communications network is achieved by allowing the central data terminal to have access to network status data, which it uses to make decisions regarding network optimization. These decisions are downloaded to the intermediate data terminals and remote cell nodes as required.
- each message that is transferred through the system there is a set of identification tags stating the message type and the source.
- the priority tables in the remote cell nodes 112 and intermediate data terminals 114 contain a listing of all identification tags in the system and the priority tables are first installed at the time of deployment, but can be updated from the central data terminal 120 as required. During the network operational period there may be a need to change message priorities, which can then be performed with minimal impact on the network traffic.
- Control of the alarm traffic within the network requires another table because alarm reporting generates higher traffic levels for a short period of time. This bursty traffic generation can lead to congestion problems, and so an alarm instruction table allows the central data terminal to clear alarm messages out of remote cell node and intermediate data terminal buffers at the end of the alarm. This priority table also allows the utility to tailor the alarm traffic delay to suit its particular needs.
- Both the priority tables and the alarm instructions are used by the message storage instruction module to properly manage traffic on the network.
- the message storage instructions maintain the message queue, ensure that response times are within specification, and transmit performance data to the central data terminal to be used for network control.
- the network service modules transmit messages to the remote cell nodes, which then use the tables discussed above to organize the message queue. All messages reach the application switch with the specified delay.
- the central data terminal downloads data to the three control modules and tables as required.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/960,800, filed Sep. 21, 2001, entitled WIDE AREA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR REMOTE DATA GENERATING STATIONS, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/687,785, filed Oct. 13, 2000, entitled WIDE AREA COMMUNICATION NETWORK FOR REMOTE DATA GENERATING STATIONS, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/296,359, filed Apr. 22, 1999, entitled WIDE AREA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR REMOTE DATA GENERATING STATION, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,616, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/454,678, filed May 31, 1995, entitled WIDE AREA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR REMOTE DATA GENERATING STATIONS, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,963,146, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/271,545, filed Jul. 7, 1994, entitled, RADIO COMMUNICATION NETWORK FOR REMOTE DATA GENERATING STATIONS, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,094, which is a file wrapper continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/124,495, filed Sep. 22, 1993 entitled RADIO COMMUNICATION NETWORK FOR REMOTE DATA GENERATING STATIONS, which is a file wrapper continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/732,183, filed Jul. 19, 1991, entitled RADIO COMMUNICATION NETWORK FOR REMOTE DATA GENERATING STATIONS, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/480,573, filed Feb. 15, 1990, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,107, which issued on Oct. 8, 1991, entitled RADIO COMMUNICATION NETWORK FOR REMOTE DATA GENERATING STATIONS. The benefit of the earlier filing dates of the parent patent applications is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 120.
- This invention relates to a communications network for collecting data from remote data generating stations, and more particularly a radio based system for sending data from a plurality of network service modules, with each network service module attached to a meter, and communicating through remote cell nodes and through intermediate data terminals, to a central data terminal.
- Many attempts have been made in recent years to develop an automatic meter reading system for utility meters such as used for electricity, gas and water, which avoids meter reading personnel inspecting and physically noting the meter readings. There are, of course, many reasons for attempting to develop a system of this type.
- Most of the prior art systems have achieved little success. The system, which has achieved some success or is most widely used has an automatic meter reading unit mounted on an existing meter at the usage site and includes a relatively small transmitter and receiver unit of very short range. The unit is polled on a regular basis by a traveling reading unit, which is carried around the various locations on a suitable vehicle. The traveling reading unit polls each automatic meter reading unit in turn to obtain stored data. This approach is of limited value in that it requires transporting the equipment around the various locations and, hence, only very infrequent, for example monthly, readings can be made. The approach avoids a meter reader person actually entering the premises to physically inspect the meter which is of itself of some value but only limited value.
- Alternative proposals in which reading from a central location is carried out have been made but have achieved little success. One proposal involves an arrangement in which communication is carried out using the power transmission line of the electric utility. Communication is, therefore, carried out along the line and polls each remote reading unit in return. This device has encountered significant technical difficulties.
- Another alternative attempted to use the pre-existing telephone lines for communication. The telephone line proposal has a significant disadvantage since it must involve a number of other parties, in particular the telephone company, for implementing the system. The utility companies are reluctant to use a system which cannot be entirely controlled and managed by them.
- A yet further system using radio communication has been developed by Data Beam, which was a subsidiary of Connecticut Natural Gas. This arrangement was developed approximately in 1986 and has subsequently received little attention and it is believed that no installations are presently operative. The system includes a meter reading device mounted on the meter with a transmitting antenna which is separate from the meter reading device. The transmitting antenna is located on the building or other part of the installation site which enables to the antenna to transmit over a relatively large distance. The system uses a number of receiving units with each arranged to receive data from a large number of transmitters, in the range of 10,000 to 30,000. The transmitters, in order to achieve maximum range, are positioned to some extent directionally or at least on a suitable position of the building to transmit to the intended receiving station. This arrangement leads to using a minimum number of receiving stations for optimum cost efficiency.
- The separate transmitter antenna, however, generated significant installation problems due to wiring the antenna through the building to the transmitter and receiver. The anticipated high level of power used for transmitting involved very expensive battery systems or very expensive wiring. The proposal to reduce the excessive cost was to share the transmission unit with several utilities serving the building so that the cost of the transmitter could be spread, for example, between three utilities supplied to the building. Such installation requires separate utility companies to cooperate in the installation. While this might be highly desirable, such cooperation is difficult to achieve on a practical basis.
- In order to avoid timing problems, the meter reading units were arranged to communicate on a random time basis. However, the very large number, up to 30,000, of meter reading units reporting to a single receiving station, leads to a very high number of possible collisions between the randomly transmitted signals. The system, therefore, as proposed, with daily or more often reporting signals could lose as many as 20% to 50% of the signals transmitted due to collisions or interference which leads to a very low efficiency data communication. The use of transmitters at the meter reading units which are of maximum power requires a larger interference protection radius between systems using the same allocated frequency.
- An alternative radio transmission network is known as ALOHA. ALOHA has a number of broadcasting stations communicating with a single receiving station, with the broadcasting stations transmitting at random intervals. In the ALOHA system, collisions occur so that messages are lost. The solution to this problem is to monitor the retransmission of the information from the receiving station so that each broadcasting station is aware when its transmission has been lost. Each broadcasting station is then programmed to retransmit the lost information after a predetermined generally pseudorandom period of time. The ALOHA system requires retransmission of the information from the receiving station to take place substantially immediately and requires each broadcasting station to also have a receiving capability.
- Cellular telephone networks are implemented on a wide scale. Cellular systems, however, use and allocate different frequencies to different remote stations. While this is acceptable in a high margin use for voice communications, the costs and complications cannot be accepted in the relatively lower margin use for remote station monitoring. The technology of cellular telephones leads to the perception in the art that devices of this type must use different frequency networks.
- While theoretically automatic meter reading is highly desirable, it is, of course, highly price sensitive and hence it is most important for any system to be adopted for the price per unit of particularly the large number of meter reading units to be kept to a minimum. The high cost of high power transmission devices, receiving devices, and battery systems generally leads to a per unit cost which is unacceptably high.
- A general object of the invention is a communications network for communicating data from a plurality of network service modules to a central data terminal.
- Another object of the invention is a communications network which is suitable for an automatic meter reading system.
- A further object of the invention is a communications network for collecting data from remote data generating stations that is simple and economic to install and maintain.
- A still further object of the invention is a communications network for collecting data from network service modules that is spectrum efficient, and has inherent communication redundancy to enhance reliability and reduce operating costs.
- An additional object of the invention is an open architecture communication network which accommodates new technology, and allows the network operator to serve an arbitrarily large contiguous or non-contiguous geographic area.
- According to the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a wide area communications network is provided for sending data from a plurality of network service modules to a central data terminal. The wide area communications network collects NSM data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographical area. The physical devices may be, for example, a utility meter as used for electricity, gas or water. The wide area communications network comprises a plurality of network service modules, a plurality of remote cell nodes, a plurality of intermediate data terminals, and a central data terminal. Each network service module is coupled to a respective physical device.
- The network service module (NSM) includes NSM-receiver means, NSM-transmitter means, and NSM-processor means, NSM-memory means and an antenna. The NSM-receiver means, which is optional, receives a command signal at a first carrier frequency or a second carrier frequency. In a preferred mode of operation, the NSM-receiver means receives the command signal on the first carrier frequency for spectrum efficiency. The wide area communications network can operate using only a single carrier frequency, i.e., the first carrier frequency. The command signal allows the oscillator of the NSM-transmitting means to lock onto the frequency of the remote cell node, correcting for drift. Signaling data also may be sent from the remote cell node to the network service module using the command signal.
- The NSM-processor means arranges data from the physical device into packets of data, transfers the data to the NSM-memory means, and uses the received command signal for adjusting the first carrier frequency of the NSM transmitter. The NSM data may include meter readings, time of use and other information or status from a plurality of sensors. The NSM-processor means, for all network service modules throughout a geographical area, can be programmed to read all the corresponding utility meters or other devices being serviced by the network service modules. The NSM-processor means also can be programmed to read peak consumption at predetermined intervals, such as every 15 minutes, throughout a time period, such as a day. The NSM-memory means stores NSM data from the physical device. The NSM-processor means can be programmed to track and store maximum and minimum sensor readings or levels throughout the time period, such as a day.
- The NSM-transmitter means transmits at the first carrier frequency the respective NSM data from the physical device as an NSM-packet signal. The NSM-packet signal is transmitted at a time which is randomly or pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period, i.e., using a one-way-random-access protocol, by the NSM-processor means. The NSM-transmitter includes a synthesizer or equivalent circuitry for controlling its transmitter carrier frequency. The NSM-transmitter means is connected to the antenna for transmitting multi-directionally the NSM-packet signals.
- A plurality of remote cell nodes are located within the geographical area and are spaced approximately uniformly, such that each network service module is within a range of several remote cell nodes, and so that each remote cell node can receive NSM-packet signals from a plurality of network service modules. The remote cell nodes preferably are spaced such that each of the network service modules can be received by at least two remote cell nodes. Each remote cell node (RCN) includes RCN-transmitter means, RCN-receiver means, RCN-memory means, RCN-processor means, and an antenna. The RCN-transmitter means transmits at the first carrier frequency or the second carrier frequency, the command signal with signaling data. Transmitting a command signal from the RCN-transmitter means is optional, and is used only if the NSM-receiver means is used at the network service module as previously discussed.
- The RCN-receiver means receives at the first carrier frequency a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity of network service modules. Each of the NSM-packet signals typically are received at different points in time, since they were transmitted at a time which was randomly or pseudorandomly selected within the predetermined time period. The multiplicity of network service modules typically is a subset of the plurality of network service modules. The RCN-receiver means also receives polling signals from the intermediate data terminal, and listens or eavesdrops on neighboring remote cell nodes when they are polled by the intermediate data terminal.
- The RCN-memory means stores the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals. The RCN-processor means collates the NSM-packet signals received from the network service modules, identifies duplicates of NSM-packet signals, and deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signals. When a polling signal is sent from an intermediate data terminal (IDT), the RCN-transmitter means transmits at the first carrier frequency the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal.
- When a first remote cell node is polled with a first polling signal by the intermediate data terminal, neighboring remote cell nodes receive the RCN-packet signal transmitted by the first remote cell node. Upon receiving an acknowledgment signal from the intermediate data terminal, at the neighboring remote cell nodes, the respective RCN-processor means deletes from the respective RCN-memory means messages, i.e., NSM-packet signals, received from the network service modules that have the same message identification number as messages transmitted in the RCN-packet signal from the first remote cell node to the intermediate data terminal.
- The plurality of intermediate data terminals are located within the geographic area and are spaced to form a grid overlaying the geographic area. Each intermediate data terminal includes IDT-transmitter means, IDT-memory means, IDT-processor means and IDT-receiver means. The IDT-transmitter means includes a synthesizer or equivalent circuitry for controlling the carrier frequency, and allowing the IDT-transmitter means to change carrier frequency. The IDT-transmitter means transmits preferably at the first carrier frequency, or the second carrier frequency, the first polling signal using a first polling-access protocol to the plurality of remote cell nodes. When the first polling signal is received by a remote cell node, that remote cell node responds by sending the RCN-packet signal to the intermediate data terminal which sent the polling signal. If the intermediate data terminal successfully receives the RCN-packet-signal, then the IDT-transmitter means sends an acknowledgment signal to the remote cell node.
- The IDT-receiver means receives the RCN-packet signal transmitted at the first carrier frequency from the remote cell node which was polled. Thus, after polling a plurality of remote cell nodes, the IDT-receiver means has received a plurality of RCN-packet signals.
- The IDT-memory means stores the received RCN-packet signals. The IDT-processor means collates the NSM-packet signals embedded in the RCN-packet signals received from the plurality of remote cell nodes, identifies duplicates of NSM-packet signals and deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signals, i.e., messages from network service modules that have the same message identification number. In response to a second polling signal from a central data terminal, the IDT-transmitter means transmits a plurality of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal to the central data terminal.
- The central data terminal (CDT) includes CDT-transmitter means, CDT-receiver means, CDT-processor means and CDT-memory means. The CDT-transmitter means transmits sequentially the second polling signal using a second polling access protocol to each of the intermediate data terminals. The CDT-receiver means receives a plurality of IDT-packet signals. The central data terminal, intermediate data terminals and the remote cell nodes may be coupled through radio channels, telephone channels, fiber optic channels, cable channels, or other communications medium. The CDT-processor means decodes the plurality of IDT-packet signals as a plurality of NSM data. The CDT-processor means also identifies duplicates of NSM data and deletes the duplicate NSM data. The CDT-memory means stores the NSM data in a data base.
- Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention also may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the hierarchial communications network topology;
- FIG. 2 is a network service module block diagram;
- FIG. 3 is a representative NSM-data packet;
- FIG. 4 is a listing of representative applications supported by the communications network;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a network service module;
- FIG. 6 shows a front elevation view of an electricity utility meter with a detection unit;
- FIG. 7 shows a bottom plan view of the electricity utility meter;
- FIG. 8 is an illustration of a typical printout of information obtained by the network service module of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is a remote cell node block diagram;
- FIG. 10 is an intermediate data terminal block diagram;
- FIG. 11 is a central data terminal block diagram;
- FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the communications network for serving widely separated geographic areas; and
- FIG. 13 illustrates a typical communications network with gradual growth in the number of areas served.
- Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views.
- A wide area communications network communicates data from a plurality of network service modules to a central data terminal. The wide area communications network collects NSM data generated by a plurality of physical devices located within a geographical area. The wide area communications network, as illustratively shown in FIG. 1, is a layered network having a hierarchial communications topology comprising a plurality of
network service modules 110, a plurality ofremote cell nodes 112, a plurality ofintermediate data terminals 114, and acentral data terminal 120. The physical devices may be, for example, a utility meter as used for electricity, gas or water. - The central data terminal controls network operation. Intelligence exists at all layers of the network, thereby easing the workload of the central data terminal. The intelligence attributed to each module is a function of the application of that module.
- Information is acquired at the lowest level of the wide area communications network of FIG. 1, and the
network service module 110 performs the data acquisition functions.Network service modules 110 include meter service modules for electricity, gas and water, a service disconnect module, a load management module, an alarm monitoring module, or any other module that can be used with the wide area communications network. - The
network service modules 110 are linked to the wide area communications network via high frequency radio channels, typically in the 928 MHz-952 MHz band, as well as related frequencies in the 902 MHz-912 MHz, and 918 MHz -928 MHz bands. Radio channels in these bands are the preferred communications medium because use of radio communications eliminates the need for physical connections to the service modules which drastically reduces installation costs compared to other communication media such as telephone, cable networks and power line carriers. Also, operation in the high frequency bands permits the use of small antennas so that retrofitting standard watt hour meters is simplified. Radio communication channels in other bands may work equally as well, however. - In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 2, the network service module (NSM)110 includes NSM-receiver means, NSM-transmitter means, NSM-processor means, NSM-memory means, and an
NSM antenna 322. The NSM-transmitter means and the NSM-receiver means are coupled to theNSM antenna 322. The NSM-processor means is coupled to the NSM-transmitter means, NSM-receiver means, NSM-memory means, and the physical device. The physical device is shown as basic 320 andother sensors 322, andapplication control interface 324. The network service module also includes anAC power supply 310 and a back-upbattery power supply 312. - The NSM-receiver means is embodied as an
NSM receiver 316, and is optional. If anNSM receiver 316 is included with the network service module, then theNSM receiver 316 can be used for receiving a command signal, which includes signaling data. The command signal can be transmitted at either a first carrier frequency or a second carrier frequency. Normally, the first carrier frequency is used by the NSM-transmitter means for transmitting to a remote cell node. In a preferred embodiment, theNSM receiver 316 receives the command signal on the first carrier frequency for spectrum efficiency. Thus, the wide area communications network can operate using only a single carrier frequency, i.e., the first carrier frequency. The command signal can provide a time reference for updating a local clock, and serve as a frequency reference to the network service module. Signaling data, such as manage service disconnect or control loads, also may be sent from the remote cell node to the network service module using the command signal. While the network service modules could be polled by the command signal, in general, such polling is not required and preferably not used with the present invention. - The NSM-processor means, which is embodied as an
NSM controller 314, arranges data from the physical device into packets of data, and transfers the data to the NSM-memory means which is embodied as anNSM memory 315. TheNSM controller 314 may be a microprocessor or equivalent circuit for performing the required functions. TheNSM controller 314 uses the received command signal for adjusting and setting the first carrier frequency of the NSM transmitter. The NSM data may include meter readings, time of use and other information or status from a plurality of sensors. TheNSM controllers 314, for each network service module throughout a geographical area, can be programmed to read all the corresponding utility meters or other devices being serviced by the network service module, respectively. TheNSM controller 314 can be programmed to read peak consumption at predetermined intervals, such as every 15 minutes, throughout a time period, such as a day. TheNSM controller 314 also can be programmed to track and store maximum and minimum sensor readings or levels throughout the time period, such as a day. - The
NSM memory 315 stores NSM data from the physical device. NSM data may include meter reading data and time of use (TOU) and other information or status from a plurality of sensors. TheNSM memory 315 may be random access memory (RAM) or any type of magnetic media or other memory storage devices known in the art. TheNSM controller 314 uses the received command signal for adjusting the first carrier frequency of theNSM transmitter 318. - The NSM-transmitter means is embodied as an
NSM transmitter 318. TheNSM transmitter 318 transmits at a first carrier frequency the respective NSM data from the physical device in brief message packets called an NSM-packet signal. The NSM-packet signal might have a time duration of 100 milliseconds, although any time duration can be used to meet particular system requirements. The NSM-packet signal transmitted by theNSM transmitter 318 follows a generic or fixed format, and a representative message packet is illustrated in FIG. 3. Included in the message is: preamble; opening frame; message type; message identification; service module type; message number; service module address; data field; error detection; and closing frame. - The
NSM transmitter 318 is connected to anNSM antenna 322 for transmitting multi-directionally the NSM-packet signals. TheNSM transmitter 318 includes a synthesizer or equivalent circuitry for controlling its transmitter carrier frequency and schedule. - The NSM-packet signal is transmitted at a time which is randomly or pseudorandomly selected within a predetermined time period, i.e., using a one-way-random-access protocol, by the NSM-processor means. In order to simplify network operation and reduce costs, the wide area communications network does not poll individual network service modules. Rather, each network service module reports autonomously at a rate appropriate for the application being supported. Routine reports are therefore transmitted randomly or pseudorandomly at fixed average intervals, while alarm signals are transmitted immediately following detection of alarm conditions. Alarm signals may be transmitted several times with random delays. This avoids interference among alarm messages if many alarms occur simultaneously, as in an area-wide power outage.
- As an alternative arrangement, the network service module may be programmed to transmit three different types of messages at different intervals. The first type of message can relate to the accumulated usage information. The second type of message can relate to an alarm condition which is basically transmitted immediately. The alarm conditions that occur might relate to a tamper action or to the absence of electrical voltage indicative of a power failure. The third type of information which may be transmitted less frequently can relate to the housekeeping information.
- After preparing the packet of data for transmission, the
controller 314 is arranged to hold the data packet for a random period of time. This random period can be calculated using various randomizing techniques including, for example, a psuedo-random sequence followed, for example, by an actual random calculation based upon the rotation of the metering disk at any particular instant. In this way each of the network service modules is arranged to transmit at a random time. Thecontroller 314 is arranged so that the transmission does not occur within a particular predetermined quiet time so that none of the network service modules is allowed to transmit during this quiet time. This quiet time could be set as one hour in every eight hour period. In this way after an eight hour period has elapsed, each of the network service modules would transmit at a random time during the subsequent seven hours followed by a quiet one hour. - Network capacity or throughput is limited by the probability of message collisions at each
remote cell node 112. Because allnetwork service modules 110 share a single carrier channel and transmit at random times, it is possible for severalnetwork service modules 110 within a range of a particularremote cell node 112 to transmit simultaneously and to collide at the remote cell node. If the received signal levels are comparable, the overlapping messages will mutually interfere, causing receive errors and both messages will be lost. However, if one signal is substantially stronger than the other, the stronger signal will be successfully received. Moreover, since both signals are received by at least two and preferably four of the remote cell nodes, the probability of both messages being received is fairly high unless the network service modules are in close spatial proximity. During an interval T, each transmitter within a cell surrounding a single remote cell node sends a single randomly timed message of duration M to several potential receive stations. - N=no. of transmitters/cell
- M=message duration (seconds)
- T=message interval
- Pc=probability of collision
- Ps=probability of no collision
-
-
-
-
-
- The probability of collisions occurring on successive tries is
- P cn=(P c)An
-
- From the viewpoint of a remote cell node, the number of transmitters, NT, whose signal level exceeds the receiver noise level and can, therefore, be received reliably depends on:
- (a) the density of transmitters;
- (b) transmit power level;
- (c) propagation pathloss;
- (d) background noise.
- Propagation pathloss is highly variable due to attenuation, reflection, refraction and scattering phenomena which are a function of terrain, building structures, and antenna location. Some of these parameters can even vary on a diurnal and seasonal basis.
- In estimating network performance however, the simple message collision model is not completely accurate because:
- 1. random noise bursts from various sources can obscure messages which do not collide;
- 2. some colliding message signals will be of sufficiently different amplitude that the stronger signal will still be received correctly.
- A statistical model can be developed to provide data by which determination can be made of the best location and number of remote cell nodes for a particular geographical location. Thus, the model can include data relating to house density the N- value defmed above relating to the attenuation of the signal, the location and presence of trees.
- FIG. 4 is an illustrative listing of applications supported by the network service module within the wide area communications network. The following is a detailed discussion of the electricity meter application.
- A
network service module 110 schematically is shown in FIG. 5 and is mounted in asuitable housing 211 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 with the housing including suitable mounting arrangement for attachment of the housing into the interior of aconventional electricity meter 212. Each network service module is coupled to a respective physical device. In FIG. 6, the physical device is anelectricity meter 212. - Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and7, the
electricity meter 212 includes anouter casing 213 which is generally transparent. Within the casing is provided the meter system which includes adisk 214 which rotates about a vertical axis and is driven at a rate dependent upon the current drawn to the facility. The numbers of turns of thedisk 214 are counted by a counting system includingmechanical dials 215. The meter is of conventional construction and various different designs are well known in the art. - An
antenna 217 is mounted on abracket 216 carried on the housing inside thecover 213. Theantenna 217, as shown, is arc-shaped extending around the periphery of the front face. Other antenna configurations are possible. - As illustrated in FIG. 6, the
antenna 217 is mounted within thecover 213 of the meter. Thus theNSM antenna 217 is mounted on the support structure itself of thenetwork service module 110. This enables thenetwork service module 110 to be manufactured relatively cheaply as an integral device which can be installed simply in one action. However, this provides anNSM antenna 217 which can transmit only relatively short distances. In addition, the power level is maintained in relatively low value of the order of 10-100 milliwatts, the energy for which can be provided by a smaller battery system which is relatively inexpensive. AnNSM antenna 217 of this type transmitting at the above power level would have a range of the order of one to two kilometers. - The
network service module 110 is in a sealed housing which prevents tampering with the sensors,microprocessor 220, andmemory 221 located within thehousing 211. - Turning now to FIG. 5, the network service module optionally may include a detection device which uses the
microprocessor 220 which has associated therewith astorage memory 221. An essential sensor is for meter reading, for measuring the amount of electricity, amount of water, or amount of gas consumed. Such a sensor alleviates having a meter reader person by allowing the system to automatically report the amount of usage of the physical device. - Any number of sensors may be provided for detection of tampering events with the network service module of the present invention, and the sensors may be adapted for electricity, gas, water, or other applications. For the most part, information reported by the various sensors would be considered low data rate. The wide area communications network supports distributed automation functions including basic meter reading, time of use meter reading, service connect, and disconnect operations, alarm reporting, theft of service reporting, load research, residential load control, commercial and industrial load curtailment, and distributed supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). Furthermore, the wide area communications network is readily expandable to support new applications as they are developed.
- While the emphasis, by way of example, is automatic meter reading and on measuring time of use of an electricity meter, other functions such as 15-minute peak consumption recording, line power monitoring, i.e., outage and restoration, tamper sensing and timekeeping are supported.
- The following is a representative listing of possible sensors that may be used with the network service module of the present invention. Each sensor is optional, and to a person skilled in the art, variants may be added to the network service module of the present invention. For example, FIG. 6 illustratively shows a
temperature sensor 227 and abattery sensor 228; however, eachsensor - (a) A
tilt sensor 222 detects movement of the housing through an angle greater than a predetermined angle so that once the device is installed indication can be made if the device is removed or if the meter is removed from its normal orientation. - (b) A
field sensor 223 detects the presence of an electric field. Unless there is power failure, the electric field sensor should continue to detect the presence of an electric field unless the meter is removed from the system. - (c) An
acoustic sensor 224 detects sound. The sounds detected are transmitted through afilter 225 which is arranged to filter by analog or digital techniques the sound signal so as to allow to pass through only those sounds which have been determined by previous experimentation to relate to cutting or drilling action particularly on the cover. - (d) A magnetic sensor226 detects the presence of a magnetic field. A magnetic field is generated by the coils driving the
disk 214 so that magnetic fields should always be present unless the meter has been by-passed or removed. As is well known, the rate of rotation of the disk is dependent upon the magnetic field and, therefore, this rate of rotation can be varied by changing the magnetic field by applying a permanent or electromagnet in the area of the meter to vary the magnetic field. The sensor 226 is, therefore, responsive to variations in the magnetic field greater than a predetermined amount so as to indicate that an attempt has been made to vary the magnetic field adjacent the disk to slow down the rotation of the disk. - (e) A
heat sensor 227 detects temperature so that the temperature associated with a particular time period can be recorded. A battery level sensor is indicated at 228. Thesensors digital converter 328 to themicroprocessor 220. The information fromsensors temperature sensor 227 can be omitted, if required, and this information replaced by information gained from a public weather information source. In some cases the meter is located inside the building and hence the temperature will remain substantially constant whereas the outside temperature is well known to vary consumption quite dramatically. - (f) A consumption sensor comprises a direct consumption monitor229 which can be of a very simple construction since it is not intended to act as an accurate measure of the consumption of the electricity used. The direct consumption monitor 229 can, therefore, simply be a device which detects the value of the magnetic field generated on the assumption this is proportional to the current drawn. The direct consumption value obtained can then be competed with a measurement of the consumption as recorded by the rotation of the
disk 214. In the event that the direct consumption monitor 229 provides a sum of the consumption over a time period which is different from the consumption measured by rotation of thedisk 214 by an amount greater than a predetermined proportion then the direct consumption monitor can be used to provide a tamper signal. This would be indicative, for example, of a mechanical tag applied to the disk to reduce recorded consumption. - (g) A
reverse sensor 230, discussed in more detail hereinafter, detects reverse rotation of thedisk 214 and provides an input to the microprocessor on detection of such an event. - (h) A
cover sensor 231 is used to detect the continual presence of thecover 213. The cover sensor comprises a light emitting diode (LED) 232 which generates a light beam which is then reflected to aphoto diode 233. The absence of the reflected beam at thephoto diode 233 is detected and transmitted as a tamper signal to the microprocessor. The reflected beam is generated by areflective strip 234 applied on the inside surface of the cover adjacent thediode 232 as shown in FIG. 6. - The above sensors thus act to detect various tampering events so that the presence of such tampering events can be recorded in the
storage memory 221 under the control of themicroprocessor 220. - The
microprocessor 220 also includes aclock signal generator 335 so that themicroprocessor 220 can create a plurality of time periods arranged sequentially and each of a predetermined length. In the example of the present invention shown, the time periods are eight hours in length and themicroprocessor 220 is arranged to record in each eight hour period the presence of a tamper event from one or more of the tamper signals. - As shown in FIG. 8 the series of the predetermined time periods is recorded with the series allocated against specific dates and each eight hour period within the day concerned having a separate recording location within the
storage memory 221. One such series is shown in FIG. 8 where a number oftampering events 236 are indicated. The print-out thus indicates when anytampering event 236 has occurred and in addition then identifies which type of tampering event has taken place. - The rotation of the
disk 214 also is detected to accurately record the number of rotations of the disk both in a forward and in a reverse direction. In FIG. 8, a table 237 shows in graphical form the amount of rotation of a disk recorded in eight hour periods as previously described. For one period of time the disk is shown to rotate in areverse direction 238. Whenever the disk rotates in a reverse direction, the reverse rotation subtracts from the number of turns counted on theconventional recording system 215 shown in FIG. 6. - As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, detection of the rotation of the disk is carried out by the provision of a
dark segment 239 formed on the undersurface of the disk leaving the remainder of the disk as a reflective or white material. The detection system thus provides a pair oflight emitting diodes light emitting diodes photo diodes light emitting diode disk 214 reaches the requisite location. Basically, therefore, one of the pairs oflight emitting diodes photo diodes - In order to conserve energy, the sensors are primarily in a sampling mode using an adaptive sensing rate algorithm. In one example, the dark or non-reflective segment is 108° of arc and there is provided a 50° displacement between the sensors. In a practical example of a conventional meter, the maximum rotation rate is of the order of 2 rps. A basic sample interval can be selected at 125 m/sec, short enough to ensure at least one dark sample is obtained from the dark segment. In operation, only the first pair of sensors is sampled continuously. When a dark response is observed, a second confirming sample is obtained and the sample rate increased to 16 pps. As soon as a light segment of the disk is sensed, the second sensor is sampled. The second sensor still sees the dark segment then cw rotation is confirmed while if a light segment is observed then ccw rotation is indicated.
- At slower speeds, the algorithm results in a sample rate of 8 pps for 70% of a rotation and 16 pps for 30% of a rotation for the first pair of sensors plus two samples for direction sensing for the second pair. For an annual average consumption of 12,000 kwh, the disk rotates approximately 1.6 million times.
- In order to sense the presence of stray light which could interfere with measurements, the photo diode output is sampled immediately before and immediately after the LED is activated. If light is sensed with the LED off, and stray light is indicated an alarm may be initiated after confirming test. The latter may include a test of other sensors such as the optical communication port sensor discussed hereinafter.
- As shown in FIG. 5, communication from the meter reading unit is carried out by radio transmission from the
microprocessor 220 through amodulation device 250 which connects to theantenna 322. The transmission of the signal is carried under control of themicroprocessor 220. Modulation carried out by themodulation device 250 can be of a suitable type including, for example, phase modulation using phase shift keying (PSK) such as binary PSK (BPSK), frequency modulation using frequency shift keying (FSK), such as, for example, binary FSK, or spread spectrum modulation in which the signals are modulated onto a number of separate frequencies at timed intervals so that no single frequency channel is used. This allows the system to be used without the allocation of a dedicated frequency so that the signal appears merely as noise to receivers which do not have access to the decoding algorithm by which the signal can be recovered from the different frequencies on which it is transmitted. - A plurality of
remote cell nodes 112 are located within the geographical area and are spaced approximately uniformly and such that eachnetwork service module 110 is within a range of severalremote cell nodes 112 to provide overlapping coverage. Theremote cell nodes 112 typically might be spaced at 0.5 mile intervals on utility poles or light standards. Eachremote cell node 112 provides coverage over a limited area much like the cell in a cellular telephone network.Remote cell nodes 112 preferably are spaced to provide overlapping coverage so that, on an average, each NSM-packet signal transmitted by anetwork service module 110 is received by three or fourremote cell nodes 112, even in the presence of temporary fading. As a consequence, erection of a tall building near anetwork service module 110 has little or no effect on message reception, nor does the failure of aremote cell node 112 result in loss of NSM-packet signals or NSM data. - As illustratively shown in FIG. 9, each remote cell node (RCN)112 of FIG. 1 includes RCN-transmitter means, RCN-receiver means, RCN-memory means, RCN-processor means and an
RCN antenna 422. The RCN-transmitter means, RCN-receiver means, RCN-memory means and RCN-processor means may be embodied as anRCN transmitter 418,RCN receiver 416,RCN memory 415 andRCN processor 414, respectively. TheRCN transmitter 418 and theRCN receiver 416 are coupled to theRCN antenna 422. TheRCN processor 414 is coupled to theRCN transmitter 418,RCN receiver 416, andRCN memory 415. - The
RCN transmitter 418, under the control of theRCN processor 414, transmits at the first carrier frequency or the second carrier frequency a command signal. The choice of frequency depends on which frequency is being used for theNSM receiver 316 at each of the plurality ofnetwork service modules 110. Transmitting a command signal from the RCN transmitter is optional, and is used if theNSM receiver 316 is used at thenetwork service module 110. The command signal can include signaling data being sent tonetwork service modules 110. The signaling data may require thenetwork service module 110 to transmit status or other data; set reporting time period, e.g., from an eight hour period to a four hour period; and any other command, control or “housekeeping” jobs as required. - The
RCN receiver 416 receives at the first carrier frequency a multiplicity of NSM-packet signals transmitted from a multiplicity ofnetwork service modules 110. Each of the multiplicity of NSM-packet signals typically are received at different points in time, since they are transmitted at a time which is randomly or pseudorandomly selected within the predetermined time period. The multiplicity ofnetwork service modules 110 usually is a subset of the plurality ofnetwork service modules 110. Received NSM-packet signals are time stamped by theRCN processor 414 and temporarily stored in theRCN memory 415 before being transmitted to the next higher network level. TheRCN receiver 416 also receives polling signals from the intermediate data terminal, and listens or eavesdrops on neighboring remote cell nodes when they are polled by the intermediate data terminal. - The
RCN processor 414 collates the NSM-packet signals received from the network service modules, identifies duplicates of NSM-packet signals and deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signals. TheRCN processor 414 controls theRCN transmitter 418 andRCN receiver 416. TheRCN memory 415 stores the received multiplicity of NSM-packet signals. Thus eachremote cell node 112 receives, decodes and stores inRCN memory 415 each of these NSM-packet signals as received from thenetwork service modules 110. - The remote cell node comprises simply a suitable resistant casing which can be mounted upon a building, lamp standard, or utility pole at a suitable location in the district concerned. The remote cell node can be battery powered with a simple omni-directional antenna as an integral part of the housing or supported thereon.
- Information accumulated at
remote cell nodes 112 periodically is forwarded via a polled radio communications link to a higher level network node, as illustrated in FIG. 1, termed anintermediate data terminal 114. Theintermediate data terminals 114 are spaced typically at 4 mile intervals and can be conveniently sited at substations, providing coverage for up to 100 cells. Remote cell nodes also receive timing information and command signals from intermediate data terminals. - When a polling signal is sent from an
intermediate data terminal 114, theRCN transmitter 418 transmits at the first carrier frequency the stored multiplicity of NSM-packet signals as an RCN-packet signal to theintermediate data terminal 114. - When a first remote cell node is polled with a first polling signal by the intermediate data terminal, neighboring
remote cell nodes 112 receive the RCN-packet signal transmitted by the first remote cell node. Upon receiving an acknowledgment signal from the intermediate data terminal that polled the first remote cell node, at the neighboringremote cell nodes 112, the respective RCN processor deletes from the respective RCN memory messages from the network service modules that have the same message identification number as messages transmitted in the RCN-packet signal from the first remote cell node to the intermediate data terminal. The message identification number is illustrated in a typical NSM-data packet in FIG. 3. - FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of the
network service modules 110. Thenetwork service modules 110 are set out in a pattern across the ground which is dependent upon the positions of the utility usage which generally does not have any particular pattern and the density will vary significantly for different locations. - The
remote cell nodes 112 are arranged in an array with the spacing between theremote cell nodes 112 relative to thenetwork service modules 110 so that eachremote cell node 112 can transmit to at least two and preferably four of theremote cell nodes 112. Thus, the remote cell TOnodes 112 are provided in significantly larger numbers than is absolutely necessary for eachnetwork service module 110 to be received by a respective one of theremote cell nodes 112. Theremote cell nodes 112 theoretically receive high levels of duplicate information. In a normal residential situation, the location of theremote cell nodes 112, so that eachnetwork service module 110 can be received by four suchremote cell nodes 112, would lead to an array in which eachremote cell node 112 would be responsive to approximately 1,000 of thenetwork service modules 110. - Each of the
network service modules 110 is arranged to calculate an accumulated value of utility usage for a set period of time which in the example shown is eight hours. Subsequent to the eight hour period, theNSM controller 314 prepares to transmit the information in a packet of data as an NSM-packet signal. The packet of data includes: - (a) The total of usage during the set period, i.e., eight hours.
- (b) The accumulated total usage stored in the
NSM memory 315 to date. The transmission of this information ensures that even if a message is lost so that the total for one of the time periods is not communicated to the central data terminal, thecentral data terminal 120 can recalculate the amount in the missing time periods from the updated accumulated total. - (c) Some or all of the tamper signals defined above.
- (d) The time of transmission.
- (e) A message number so that the messages are numbered sequentially. In this way, again the
remote cell node 112 can determine whether a message has been lost or whether the information received is merely a duplicate message from a duplicate one of the receiving stations. - (f) “Housekeeping information” concerning the status of the
network service module 110, for example, the temperature and the battery level indicator sensor values. - When information is received at the
remote cell node 112, theRCN controller 414 acts to store the information received in theRCN memory 415 and then to analyze the information. The first step in the analysis is to extract from the received messages the identification code relating to the respectivenetwork service module 110. The information relating to thatnetwork service module 110 is introduced into a RCN memory register relating to thatnetwork service module 110 to update the information already stored. - One technique for avoiding transmission of duplicate information from the
remote cell nodes 112 to theintermediate data terminal 114 can be used in which eachremote cell node 112 monitors the transmissions of the otherremote cell nodes 112. When the signals are monitored, the information transmitted is compared with information stored in any otherremote cell node 112 doing the monitoring, and if any information is found in the memory of theremote cell node 112 which is redundant, that information is then canceled. In this way when very high levels of redundancy are used, the time for transmission from theremote cell node 112 to the intermediate data terminal is not significantly increased. - In addition to the transmission periodically of the usage data, each
network service module 110 can be arranged to transmit an alarm signal upon detection of the removal of the electric voltage. The transmission of the alarm signal can be delayed by a short random period of time so that if the loss of the voltage is due to a power outage covering a number of locations all signals are not received at the same time. Theremote cell nodes 112 andintermediate data terminals 114 also can be programmed to retransmit such alarm signals immediately. In this way, thecentral data terminal 120 has immediate information concerning any power outages including the area concerned. This can, of course, enable more rapid repair functions to be initiated. - Furthermore, the
remote cell nodes 112 can be arranged to transmit control signals for operating equipment within the premises in which thenetwork service module 110 is located. Theremote cell nodes 112 are necessarily arranged in a suitable array to transmit such information so that it is received in each of the premises concerned using again relatively low transmission power and using the equipment provided for the meter reading system. This transmission capability can be used to control, for example, radio controlled switches within the premises of relatively high power equipment for load shedding at peak periods. In similar arrangements thenetwork service module 110 may include a receiving facility to enable detection of signals transmitted by theremote cell nodes 112. In one example, these signals may relate to synchronizing signals so that each of thenetwork service modules 110 is exactly synchronized in time with theremote cell node 112 and/orintermediate data terminal 114 andcentral data terminal 120. This exact synchronization can be used for accurately detecting usage during specific time periods so that the utility may charge different rates for usage during different time periods for the purpose of particularly encouraging use at non-peak times again for load shedding purposes. - The attenuation of a radio signal is proportional to the inverse of the distance from the source to the power N. In free space, N is equal to 2. In more practical examples where buildings, trees, and other geographical obstructions interfere with the signal, N generally lies between 4.0 and 5.0. This effect, therefore, significantly reduces the distance over which the signal from the network service module can be monitored. Thus, the number of network service modules is significantly reduced which can be monitored by a single remote cell node.
- Furthermore, the large N rapidly reduces the signal strength after a predetermined distance so that while a network service module can be effectively monitored at a certain distance, the signal strength rapidly falls off beyond that distance. This enables the cells defined by each
remote cell node 112 to be relatively specific in size and for the degree of overlap of the cells to be controlled to practical levels without wide statistical variations. - An advantage of the present system is that
network service modules 110, which are located at a position which is geographically very disadvantageous for transmission to the closestremote cell node 112, may be monitored by a different one of theremote cell nodes 112. Thus, in conventional systems some of thenetwork service modules 110 may not be monitored at all in view of some particular geographical problem. In the present invention, this possibility is significantly reduced by the fact that thenetwork service module 110 concerned is likely to be in a position to be monitored by a larger number of theremote cell nodes 112 so that the geographical problem most probably will not apply to all of the remote cell nodes. - The increased density of
remote cell nodes 112 permits thenetwork service modules 110 to operate with anintegral NSM antenna 322 which can be formed as part of the meter reading unit housed within the conventional electric utility meter. In this way, thenetwork service module 110 can be totally self-contained within the meter housing thus allowing installation within a very short period of time, avoiding customer dissatisfaction caused by wiring problems, and reducing the possibility of damage to a separately mountedNSM antenna 322. In addition, this arrangement significantly reduces the cost of thenetwork service module 110 to a level which is economically viable to allow installation of the system. - The present invention can employ a system in which the
network service modules 110 are permitted to transmit only during a predetermined time period so that an open time period is available for communication on the same frequency between theintermediate data terminal 114 and theremote cell node 112 without any interference from theremote cell nodes 112. This level of communication can be carried out using a polling system from theintermediate data terminals 114 to each of theremote cell nodes 112, in turn, preferably including a directional transmission system at theintermediate data terminal 114. This system allows optimization of theremote cell node 112 density to meet cost/performance criteria in different deployment scenarios. - The present invention, by recognizing the non-volatile nature of the information source and the acceptability of missing an occasional update through transmission errors or collisions enables the implementation of data collection networks of greater simplicity and at lower cost than is possible with established communication network approaches involving two-way communication. The present invention, therefore, provides a radio communication network which can be employed to acquire data from a large number of remote meter monitoring devices disposed over a wide area using very low power transmitters in conjunction with an array of remote cell nodes all operating on a single radio communication channel or frequency.
- The plurality of
intermediate data terminals 114 are located within the geographic area and are spaced to form a grid overlaying the geographic area. Theintermediate data terminals 114 typically are spaced to cover large geographic areas.Intermediate data terminals 114 preferably are spaced to provide overlapping coverage, so that on an average, an RCN-packet signal transmitted from aremote cell node 112 is received by two or more intermediate data terminals. - As illustratively shown in FIG. 10, each
intermediate data terminal 114 includes first IDT-transmitter means, second IDT-transmitter means, IDT-memory means, IDT-processor means, first IDT-receiver means, second IDT-receiver means and an IDT antenna. The first IDT-transmitter means, second IDT-transmitter means, IDT-memory means, IDT-processor means, first IDT receiver means and second IDT-receiver means may be embodied as afirst IDT transmitter 518,second IDT transmitter 519,IDT memory 515,EDT processor 514,first IDT receiver 521 andsecond IDT receiver 522, respectively. Thefirst IDT transmitter 518 and thefirst IDT receiver 521 are coupled to theIDT antenna 522. TheIDT processor 514 is coupled to the first andsecond IDT transmitters second IDT receivers IDT memory 515. Thesecond IDT transmitter 519 andsecond IDT receiver 522 may be embodied as a device such as amodem 523. - The
first IDT transmitter 518 under the control of theIDT processor 514, includes a synthesizer or equivalent circuitry for controlling the carrier frequency, and allowing thefirst IDT transmitter 518 to change carrier frequency. Thefirst IDT transmitter 518 transmits preferably at the first carrier frequency, or the second carrier frequency, the first polling signal using a first polling-access protocol to the plurality ofremote cell nodes 112. When the first polling signal is received by a remote cell node, that remote cell node responds by sending the RCN-packet signal to theintermediate data terminal 114 which sent the first polling signal. If theintermediate data terminal 114 successfully receives the RCN-packet-signal, then thefirst IDT transmitter 518 sends an acknowledgment signal to the remote cell node. Upon receiving the acknowledgment signal, theRCN processor 414 at that remote cell node deletes, from theRCN memory 415, the data sent in the RCN-packet signal to the intermediate data terminal. -
Intermediate data terminals 114 also communicate timing information and command signals toremote cell nodes 112.Remote cell nodes 112 serving important SCADA functions can be polled more frequently by anintermediate data terminal 114 to reduce network response time. - The
first IDT receiver 521 receives the RCN-packet signal transmitted at the first carrier frequency from the remote cell node which was polled. Thus, after sequentially polling a plurality ofremote cell nodes 112, thefirst IDT receiver 521 has received sequentially in time a plurality of RCN-packet signals. - The
IDT memory 515 stores the received RCN-packet signals. TheIDT processor 514 collates the NSM-packet signals embedded in the RCN-packet signals received from the plurality of remote cell notes, identifies duplicates of NSM-packet signals and deletes the duplicate NSM-packet signals, i.e., messages from network service modules that have the same message identification number. - In response to a second polling signal from a
central data terminal 120, thesecond IDT transmitter 519 transmits a plurality of RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal to thecentral data terminal 120. Thesecond IDT transmitter 519 andsecond IDT receiver 522 may be embodied as amodem 523 or other device for communicating information over acommunications medium 525 linking the intermediate data terminal with the central data terminal. - The
intermediate data terminals 114 may include one or moredirectional antennas 522. During the quiet time, theintermediate data terminal 114 is arranged to direct theantenna 522 or antennas to each of theremote cell nodes 112, in turn, and to transmit to the respectiveremote cell node 112 the first polling signal calling for theremote cell node 112 to transmit the stored information from theRCN memory 415. Use of more than one antenna can allow communication with more than oneremote cell node 112 at a time. Theremote cell node 112 is required, therefore, merely to transmit the information upon request in a collated package of the information which is transmitted to theintermediate data terminal 114 and collected for analysis. - At the upper level of the hierarchy is a
central data terminal 120 which acts as a network control center and data consolidation point. Thecentral data terminal 120 controls basic network operation, allowing it to make global decisions regarding network organization. The central data terminal's purpose is to integrate information from a variety of network nodes into a coherent form which may be forwarded to different utility operating groups for specific applications. In addition to linking regional data terminals, thecentral data terminal 120 is connected to critical SCADA sites some of which may be co-located withintermediate data terminals 114 at sub-stations. At this level, there are relatively few communication links, so those required can be selected to optimize cost, speed, and reliability. The transmission between thecentral data terminal 120 and the plurality ofintermediate data terminals 114 is carried out using acommunications medium 525 such as telephone lines, Ti carriers, fiber optic channels, coaxial cable channels, microwave channels, or satellite links. - As illustratively shown in FIG. 11, the central data terminal (CDT)120 includes CDT-transmitter means, CDT-receiver means, CDT-processor means and CDT-memory means. The CDT-transmitter means, CDT-receiver means, CDT-processor means and CDT-memory means may be embodied as a
CDT transmitter 618,CDT receiver 616,CDT processor 614 andCDT memory 615, respectively. TheCDT transmitter 618 andCDT receiver 616 are coupled to thecommunications medium 525. TheCDT processor 614 is coupled to theCDT transmitter 618,CDT receiver 616 andCDT memory 615. TheCDT transmitter 618 andCDT receiver 616 may be a modem 625 or other device suitable for communicating information over thecommunications medium 525 between thecentral data terminal 120 and eachintermediate data terminal 114. - The
CDT transmitter 618 transmits sequentially in time the second polling signal using a second polling access protocol to the plurality ofintermediate data terminals 114. TheCDT receiver 616 receives a plurality of IDT-packet signals. TheCDT processor 614 decodes the plurality of IDT-packet signals as a plurality of NSM data. TheCDT processor 614 also identifies duplicates of NSM data and deletes the duplicate NSM data. TheCDT memory 615 stores the NSM data in a data base. The NSM data is outputted, analyzed, or processed as desired. - The performance of the network is in large part determined by the
network service module 110 toremote cell node 112 link performance, which is defined by the network service module message loss rate. The network architecture is designed to minimize the network service module message loss rate, which is defined as the fraction of transmitted network service module messages which are not received by the remote cell nodes. The two issues that affect the message loss rate are: - 1. relatively large and varying pathloss which is caused by the nature of the urban propagation environment; and
- 2. simultaneous message transmissions, or collisions, which are a problem for any multiple-access system.
- The issue of large and varying pathloss is resolved through the use of:
- 1. transmit power adjustment;
- 2. path redundancy, controlled by the remote cell node grid spacing; and
- 3. multiple transmissions per day.
- The collision issue is resolved using:
- 1. path redundancy, controlled by the remote cell node grid spacing;
- 2. multiple transmission per day;
- 3. partitioning of traffic according to priority; and
- 4. capture effect.
- Remote cell node spacing can be selected to control the path redundancy, thus leading to an adjustable level of performance. Notice that path redundancy and multiple transmission per day are used to resolve both issues, and thus are principle features of the wide area communications network. The effect of collisions is minimal, so the probability of receiving a packet any time during the day is maintained at exceptionally high levels.
- The link budget contains all of the gains and losses between the network service module power amplifier and the remote cell node receiver, and is used to calculate the maximum pathloss which can be allowed on any link. The minimum receivable signal at the remote cell node is estimated as −115 dBm, which is equal to the sum of the noise floor and the carrier to noise level which is required in order to receive the message (10 dB).
- Every network service module has many remote cell nodes within receiving range, which increases the reliability of packet reception. When a network service module transmits it has the potential to be received by many remote cell nodules. Some of the remote cell nodules are in shadow fading zones and do not receive the signal whereas others have an increased signal due to shadowing.
- Even though some of the
remote cell nodes 112 are quite far from thenetwork service module 110, and thus the average pathloss is below the maximum allowed limit, it is still possible to receive the network service module if the signal level fluctuations, shadowing, multipathing, etc., contribute enough to the signal level. Similarly, some remote cell nodes which are close to the network service module do not hear the network service module because the signal variations decrease the signal network level by a significant amount. - During the life of the system, the urban landscape changes due to building construction and demolition and foliage growth. These changes in landscape affect the network service module-remote cell node links, causing some remote cell nodes to no longer receive the network service module while new remote cell nodes do receive the network service module. For each link that is no longer available it is expected that a new link becomes operational.
- The wide area communications network can readily and cost effectively expand to support new hardware and application software growth scenarios. The wide area communications network can be implemented in those regions of the user's service territory and for those services which are most needed on an implementation plan which is not affected by geographic distribution. FIG. 12 illustrates the configuration of the wide area communications network for serving widely separated geographic areas. This includes the provision of wide area communications network services to isolated smaller communities via satellite, fiber optic, microwave, or other back bone network. Due to the unique nature of wide area communications network's single channel, micro cellular scattering propagation concept, it is immune to traditional radio problems such as fading, nulls, multi-path, lack of line of sight typical of mountainous, hilly, valley, or high density urban setting.
- The wide area communications network supports a broad range of monitoring, verifiable control and fast response transaction applications. A number of these application needs are and continue to be identified by utilities. Due to the standardized network interface protocol and message packet configuration, the wide area communications network is able to readily augment its service offerings in either new hardware or software. The wide area communications network offers not only specialized network service modules for electric, gas, and water meters but also provides a series of generic modules with industry standard in/output interfaces for contact closure, voltage or current sensing. This allows a variety of vendors to incorporate a wide area communications network communication interface into their own products be they fuses, alarms, temperature sensors, etc.
- The wide area communications network can provide a single integrated data channel for other utility operational applications. Some of these applications are hardware oriented but many are application software oriented. They involve the generation of new value-added information reports or services. Although some are primarily for use by the utility, many of them could be offered for sale to the customer thus resulting in a new revenue stream for the utility.
- The wide area communications network can support the expansion of SCADA due to its highly reliable wireless communication capabilities. Many utilities would like to add instrumental monitoring points to their SCADA, however, the wiring costs or difficulties often associated with these prohibits SCADA growth at a sub-station or other site. Generic network service modules could be used to solve these problems.
- The hierarchical design of wide area communications network allows the customer to service an arbitrarily large contiguous or non-contiguous geographic area, as shown in FIG. 12, containing many applications and a large number of end points.
- The key issues related to expansion are:
- 1. The size and arrangement of the geographic area;
- 2. The number of end points which can be serviced; and
- 3. The ease with which the number of applications can be increased.
- The hierarchical design of the network allows non-contiguous areas to be serviced over a wide geographic area. Separate areas have their own intermediate data terminal communicating with the central data terminal. Data from non-contiguous areas would be transferred at the central data terminal level.
- As the number of end points increases, either due to an increase in the number of applications in a geographic area or due to an increase in the size of the geographic area being serviced, the network traffic increases. The amount of additional traffic created depends on the type of application being added. Traffic increases in the wide area communications network are dealt with by hardware expansion at the central data terminal and by installation of additional intermediate data terminals in the new area. FIG. 13 illustrates a typical communications network with gradual growth in the number of areas served.
- As the number of end points increases, another issue of concern is the identification of the message source. Wide area communications network provides over one trillion serial numbers for each type of service module, which allows unique module identification over the life of the system.
- As the number of applications increases, the amount of traffic from a given square mile is assumed to also increase. Simulations to the present time have indicated that more than 20,000 end points can be serviced per square mile, with this maximum number depending on the details of remote cell node deployment, house density and message reporting frequency. A dense urban area with 35 ft. by 100 ft. lots contains approximately 5,000 homes per square mile.
- Centralized control of wide area communications network is achieved by allowing the central data terminal to have access to network status data, which it uses to make decisions regarding network optimization. These decisions are downloaded to the intermediate data terminals and remote cell nodes as required.
- Centralized traffic control is achieved at the remote cell node and intermediate data terminal levels by using priority tables, message storage instructions and alarm storage instructions. The structure of the priority tables is described as follows.
- In each message that is transferred through the system, there is a set of identification tags stating the message type and the source. The priority tables in the
remote cell nodes 112 andintermediate data terminals 114 contain a listing of all identification tags in the system and the priority tables are first installed at the time of deployment, but can be updated from thecentral data terminal 120 as required. During the network operational period there may be a need to change message priorities, which can then be performed with minimal impact on the network traffic. - Control of the alarm traffic within the network requires another table because alarm reporting generates higher traffic levels for a short period of time. This bursty traffic generation can lead to congestion problems, and so an alarm instruction table allows the central data terminal to clear alarm messages out of remote cell node and intermediate data terminal buffers at the end of the alarm. This priority table also allows the utility to tailor the alarm traffic delay to suit its particular needs.
- Both the priority tables and the alarm instructions are used by the message storage instruction module to properly manage traffic on the network. The message storage instructions maintain the message queue, ensure that response times are within specification, and transmit performance data to the central data terminal to be used for network control.
- The network service modules transmit messages to the remote cell nodes, which then use the tables discussed above to organize the message queue. All messages reach the application switch with the specified delay. The central data terminal downloads data to the three control modules and tables as required.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the communications network for collecting data from remote data generating stations of the instant invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, and it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of the communications network provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (33)
- 20. A data collection system comprising:a) a plurality of telemetry devices, each includingi) a sensor configured to generate a series of successive measurements by measuring a parameter at a series of measurement times,ii) a memory configured to store a plurality of measurements from said series of successive measurements, andiii) a transmitter configured to transmit measurements stored in memory to a collection device at a series of transmission times, each of said transmitted measurements being transmitted at a plurality of different transmission times; andb) a collection device havingi) a receiver configured to receive transmissions from said telemetry devices,ii) a processor configured to extract said series of successive measurements from a series of received transmissions and further configured to generate a metered function of said parameter by analyzing said series of successive measurements, andiii) a transmitter configured to transmit said metered function to a monitoring station.
- 21. The data collection system of
claim 20 wherein the transmitter of each telemetry device is configured to generate wireless transmissions. - 22. The data collection system of
claim 20 wherein the sensor of each telemetry device includes:a counter for storing a value,means for incrementing said counter upon receipt of a trigger signal, andmeans for storing said value from said counter in said first memory and resetting said counter at said measurement times. - 23. The data collection system of
claim 20 wherein each of said telemetry devices discards the oldest measurement stored in memory and stores in memory a new measurement from said sensor. - 24. The data collection system of
claim 20 wherein each of said telemetry devices further includes a timer having a predetermined time interval, wherein the expiration of said predetermined time interval causes said sensor to generate a measurement. - 25. The data collection system of
claim 20 wherein said collection device further includes a memory configured to store a data object representing a given telemetry device from which the collection device receives transmissions. - 26. The data collection system of
claim 25 whereinthe memory of each telemetry device is configured to store a number,the given telemetry device increments said number each time a measurement is generated,said stored number is transmitted by the transmitter of the given telemetry device in a current transmission,the data object representing the given telemetry device includes a number transmitted in a previous transmission received from the given telemetry device; andthe processor of the collection device is configured to compare the number transmitted in the current transmission to the number transmitted in the previous transmission. - 27. The data collection system of
claim 25 whereineach of said telemetry devices includes means for detecting a power failure,the memory of each telemetry device is configured to store power failure information indicating whether each stored measurement was generated following a power failure,said power failure information is transmitted by the transmitter of the given telemetry device at said transmission times, andthe data object representing the given telemetry device includes said transmitted power failure information received by the collection device from the given telemetry device. - 28. The data collection system of
claim 25 whereinsaid metered function is a load profile, andthe data object includes the duration of a load profile period. - 29. The data collection system of
claim 25 whereinsaid metered function is a demand profile, andthe data object includes a duration of a demand profile period. - 30. The data collection system of
claim 20 wherein said parameter is selected from the group consisting of electrical power, fluid flow, voltage, current, temperature, pressure, and humidity. - 31. The data collection system of
claim 30 wherein said parameter is electrical power. - 32. The data collection system of
claim 30 wherein said parameter is fluid flow. - 33. The data collection system of
claim 30 wherein said fluid is natural gas. - 34. The data collection system of
claim 30 wherein said fluid is water. - 35. A method of collecting data comprising the steps of:a) generating a series of successive measurements by measuring a parameter with a telemetry device at a series of measurement times;b) storing a plurality of said measurements in said telemetry device;c) transmitting said stored measurements to a collection device at a series of transmission times;d) extracting said series of successive measurements from a series of said transmissions with said collection device;e) generating a metered function of said parameter with said collection device by analyzing said series of successive measurements; andf) transmitting said metered function to a monitoring station.
- 36. The method of
claim 35 further comprising the steps of:storing an old number in said collection device,generating a new number in said telemetry device each time a measurement is generated,transmitting said new number with stored measurements, andcomparing said old number to said new number at said collection device to determine which measurements are new measurements which were not previously received by said collection device and whether there are missing measurements. - 37. The method of
claim 35 wherein said transmissions are wireless transmissions. - 38. The method of
claim 36 further comprising the step of storing said old number in said telemetry device, and wherein the step of generating said new number includes incrementing said old number. - 39. The method of
claim 38 further comprising the step of determining the measurement times for new measurements received by said collection device. - 40. The method of
claim 39 further comprising the steps of:storing information in said telemetry device indicating whether a power failure occurred between successive measurements,transmitting said information to said collection device, andusing said information to determine whether there are new measurements for which the measurement time cannot be determined. - 41. The method of
claim 40 further comprising the step of performing a recovery operation for missing measurements or new measurements for which the measurement time cannot be determined. - 42. The method of
claim 35 further comprising the step of waiting an alignment time following a measurement to transmit said stored measurements. - 43. The method of
claim 42 wherein said alignment time is selected randomly. - 44. The method of
claim 42 wherein said transmission occurs following an integer number of measurements. - 45. The method of
claim 35 wherein said parameter is selected from the group consisting of electrical power, fluid flow, voltage, current, temperature, pressure, and humidity. - 46. The method of
claim 45 wherein said parameter is electrical power. - 47. The method of
claim 45 wherein said parameter is fluid flow. - 48. The method of
claim 45 wherein said fluid is natural gas. - 49. The method of
claim 45 wherein said fluid is water. - 50. A network for collecting data generated by a plurality of sensors, comprising:a) a plurality of data generating devices, each includingi) a sensor configured to generate measurements by measuring a parameter,ii) a memory configured to store said measurements, andiii) a transmitter configured to transmit at a plurality of transmission times measurements stored in memory to an intermediate device; andb) a plurality of intermediate devices, there being fewer intermediate devices than data generating devices, each of said intermediate devices includingi) a receiver configured to receive transmissions from a subset of said plurality of data generating devices,ii) a processor configured to extract said measurements from said transmissions and further configured to generate a metered function of said parameter by analyzing said measurements, andiii) a transmitter to transmit said metered function; andc) a central station configured to receive said transmitted metered functions from said plurality of intermediate devices.
- 51. A method of collecting data comprising the steps of:a) generating measurements by measuring a parameter with a sensor;b) storing a plurality of said measurements in a memory;c) transmitting said stored measurements to an intermediate device;d) extracting said measurements from said transmissions with said intermediate device;e) generating a metered function of said parameter with said intermediate device by analyzing said measurements; andf) transmitting said metered function to a central station.
- 52. A data collection system, comprising:a plurality of sensors each of which has a meter configured to sample a parameter value at discrete measurement times and a transmitter configured to transmit data measured by the meter; anda collector having a receiver configured to receive data transmitted by the plurality of sensors, a processor configured to generate a summary profile of data received by the receiver from the plurality of sensors, and a transmitter configured to transmit the summary profile to a monitoring station, wherein each sensor periodically transmits a plurality of data measurements during a current data collection period and, with each transmission, each sensor transmits redundant data measurements corresponding to a prior transmission, and the collector is configured to reduce the occurrence of usage profile errors based upon the redundant data measurements contained in a received transmission.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/024,977 US20030001754A1 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2001-12-19 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
Applications Claiming Priority (9)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/480,573 US5056107A (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1990-02-15 | Radio communication network for remote data generating stations |
US73218391A | 1991-07-19 | 1991-07-19 | |
US12449593A | 1993-09-22 | 1993-09-22 | |
US08/271,545 US5553094A (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1994-07-07 | Radio communication network for remote data generating stations |
US08/454,678 US5963146A (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1995-05-31 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
US09/296,359 US6172616B1 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1999-04-22 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
US09/687,785 US6373399B1 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2000-10-13 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
US09/960,800 US6653945B2 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2001-09-21 | Radio communication network for collecting data from utility meters |
US10/024,977 US20030001754A1 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2001-12-19 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/960,800 Continuation US6653945B2 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2001-09-21 | Radio communication network for collecting data from utility meters |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030001754A1 true US20030001754A1 (en) | 2003-01-02 |
Family
ID=27383115
Family Applications (6)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/271,545 Expired - Lifetime US5553094A (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1994-07-07 | Radio communication network for remote data generating stations |
US08/454,678 Expired - Lifetime US5963146A (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1995-05-31 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
US09/296,359 Expired - Lifetime US6172616B1 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1999-04-22 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
US09/687,785 Expired - Lifetime US6373399B1 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2000-10-13 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
US09/960,800 Expired - Fee Related US6653945B2 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2001-09-21 | Radio communication network for collecting data from utility meters |
US10/024,977 Abandoned US20030001754A1 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2001-12-19 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
Family Applications Before (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/271,545 Expired - Lifetime US5553094A (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1994-07-07 | Radio communication network for remote data generating stations |
US08/454,678 Expired - Lifetime US5963146A (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1995-05-31 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
US09/296,359 Expired - Lifetime US6172616B1 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1999-04-22 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
US09/687,785 Expired - Lifetime US6373399B1 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2000-10-13 | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations |
US09/960,800 Expired - Fee Related US6653945B2 (en) | 1990-02-15 | 2001-09-21 | Radio communication network for collecting data from utility meters |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (6) | US5553094A (en) |
Cited By (75)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020125998A1 (en) * | 1998-06-22 | 2002-09-12 | Petite Thomas D. | System and method for monitoring and controlling remote devices |
US20040181372A1 (en) * | 1997-04-16 | 2004-09-16 | A.L. Air Data | Remotely controllable distributed device monitoring unit and system |
FR2857446A1 (en) * | 2003-07-10 | 2005-01-14 | Md3E Sa | Pulse detector for e.g. electric gas meter, has recorder that stores information from conditioner, battery that supplies energy for detector operation, and interface that transmits information to server |
US6853958B1 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2005-02-08 | Integrex | System and method for collecting and disseminating household information and for coordinating repair and maintenance services |
US20050043059A1 (en) * | 2000-08-09 | 2005-02-24 | Petite Thomas D. | Systems and methods for providing remote monitoring of electricity consumption for an electric meter |
US20050052288A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-10 | Osterloh Christopher L. | Sequence inversion keyed countdown timer utilized within a utility meter system |
US20050078631A1 (en) * | 2003-09-26 | 2005-04-14 | Cornwall Mark K. | Processing gain for wireless communication, such as in automatic data collection systems for public utility data collection |
US20050172024A1 (en) * | 2004-01-26 | 2005-08-04 | Tantalus Systems Corp. | Communications system |
US20050193432A1 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2005-09-01 | Whitehead Institute For Biomedical Research | Xenograft model of functional normal and malignant human breast tissues in rodents and methods thereof |
US20050206530A1 (en) * | 2004-03-18 | 2005-09-22 | Cumming Daniel A | Solar powered radio frequency device within an energy sensor system |
US20060056370A1 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2006-03-16 | Hancock Martin A | Data integrity in a mesh network |
US20060066455A1 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2006-03-30 | Hancock Martin A | Grouping mesh clusters |
EP1686673A1 (en) * | 2005-01-27 | 2006-08-02 | Hojgaard Sound IS | Acoustic detection of power network failures |
US20060259254A1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2006-11-16 | Swarztrauber Sayre A | System and method for on-line monitoring and billing of power consumption |
US20070018851A1 (en) * | 2002-10-30 | 2007-01-25 | Veco Gas Technology, Inc. | Intelligent wireless multicast network |
US20070124262A1 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2007-05-31 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Programming electronic meter settings using a bandwidth limited communications channel |
US20070194949A1 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2007-08-23 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Systems and methods for electricity metering |
US20070200697A1 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2007-08-30 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Radio communication apparatus |
US20070241931A1 (en) * | 2003-10-30 | 2007-10-18 | Veco Gas Technology, Inc. | Wireless automation systems and processes for wells |
US20080094188A1 (en) * | 2004-08-04 | 2008-04-24 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Method and system for radio-frequency signal coupling to medium tension power lines with auto-tuning device |
WO2007094837A3 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2008-05-02 | Quadlogic Controls Corp | Apparatus and methods for multi-channel metering |
CN100388259C (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2008-05-14 | 无线智能试验有限公司 | System and method for accessing mobile data devices |
US20090027190A1 (en) * | 2007-07-25 | 2009-01-29 | Power Monitors, Inc. | Method and apparatus for a low-power radio broadcast alert for monitoring systems |
US20090102681A1 (en) * | 2006-06-05 | 2009-04-23 | Neptune Technology Group, Inc. | Fixed network for an automatic utility meter reading system |
US20090136042A1 (en) * | 2007-11-25 | 2009-05-28 | Michel Veillette | Application layer authorization token and method |
US20090135716A1 (en) * | 2007-11-25 | 2009-05-28 | Michel Veillette | Communication and message route optimization and messaging in a mesh network |
US20090138777A1 (en) * | 2007-11-25 | 2009-05-28 | Michel Veillette | System and method for power outage and restoration notification in an advanced metering infrastructure network |
US20090138713A1 (en) * | 2007-11-25 | 2009-05-28 | Michel Veillette | Proxy use within a mesh network |
CN100499314C (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2009-06-10 | 株式会社东芝 | Server, system and method supplied by wide-area instrumenation of electric power system |
US20090153357A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-06-18 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Gas meter having ultra-sensitive magnetic material retrofitted onto meter dial and method for performing meter retrofit |
US7596459B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2009-09-29 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Apparatus and methods for multi-channel electric metering |
US7650425B2 (en) | 1999-03-18 | 2010-01-19 | Sipco, Llc | System and method for controlling communication between a host computer and communication devices associated with remote devices in an automated monitoring system |
US20100017465A1 (en) * | 1996-12-06 | 2010-01-21 | Brownrigg Edwin B | Wireless network system and method for providing same |
US20100026517A1 (en) * | 2008-01-04 | 2010-02-04 | Itron, Inc. | Utility data collection and reconfigurations in a utility metering system |
US20100039984A1 (en) * | 1996-12-06 | 2010-02-18 | Brownrigg Edwin B | Systems and methods for facilitating wireless network communication, satellite-based wireless network systems, and aircraft-based wireless network systems, and related methods |
US7697492B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2010-04-13 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling remote devices |
US7756086B2 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2010-07-13 | Sipco, Llc | Method for communicating in dual-modes |
US20100176967A1 (en) * | 2007-01-04 | 2010-07-15 | Scott Cumeralto | Collecting utility data information and conducting reconfigurations, such as demand resets, in a utility metering system |
WO2010096663A2 (en) * | 2009-02-20 | 2010-08-26 | Aclara Power-Line Systems, Inc. | Wireless broadband communications network for a utility |
US20100231413A1 (en) * | 2009-03-11 | 2010-09-16 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Process, device and system for mapping transformers to meters and locating non-technical line losses |
US20100250054A1 (en) * | 2001-10-30 | 2010-09-30 | Sipco, Llc | System And Method For Transmitting Pollution Information Over An Integrated Wireless Network |
US20100286840A1 (en) * | 2009-05-07 | 2010-11-11 | Powell Phillip W | Voltage conservation using advanced metering infrastructure and substation centralized voltage control |
US20110077790A1 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2011-03-31 | Raj Vaswani | Methods and system for utility network outage detection |
EP2175675A3 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2011-06-01 | Iltron, Inc. | Radio cell size management |
US20110145882A1 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-16 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute | Multi-channel digital tv transmission system and method |
US8031650B2 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2011-10-04 | Sipco, Llc | System and method for monitoring remote devices with a dual-mode wireless communication protocol |
US8064412B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2011-11-22 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring conditions |
US8138934B2 (en) | 2007-11-25 | 2012-03-20 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for false alert filtering of event messages within a network |
CN102592431A (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2012-07-18 | 深圳市国电科技通信有限公司 | Meter reading system and method thereof |
US8289182B2 (en) | 2008-11-21 | 2012-10-16 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Methods and systems for virtual energy management display |
US8332055B2 (en) | 2007-11-25 | 2012-12-11 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Energy use control system and method |
US20130021956A1 (en) * | 2011-07-20 | 2013-01-24 | Elster Solutions, Llc | Synchronized comunication for mesh connected transceiver |
US8395528B2 (en) | 2004-03-30 | 2013-03-12 | Itron, Inc. | Frequency shift compensation, such as for use in a wireless utility meter reading environment |
US8410931B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2013-04-02 | Sipco, Llc | Mobile inventory unit monitoring systems and methods |
CN103021152A (en) * | 2012-11-22 | 2013-04-03 | 国网电力科学研究院 | Beidou data transmission method based on confirmation mode |
US20130176143A1 (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2013-07-11 | Telecom Ip Limited | Monitoring method, system and device |
US8489063B2 (en) | 2001-10-24 | 2013-07-16 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for providing emergency messages to a mobile device |
US8666357B2 (en) | 2001-10-24 | 2014-03-04 | Sipco, Llc | System and method for transmitting an emergency message over an integrated wireless network |
US8699377B2 (en) | 2008-09-04 | 2014-04-15 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for implementing mesh network communications using a mesh network protocol |
US8832428B2 (en) | 2010-11-15 | 2014-09-09 | Trilliant Holdings Inc. | System and method for securely communicating across multiple networks using a single radio |
US8856323B2 (en) | 2011-02-10 | 2014-10-07 | Trilliant Holdings, Inc. | Device and method for facilitating secure communications over a cellular network |
US8970394B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2015-03-03 | Trilliant Holdings Inc. | Aggregated real-time power outages/restoration reporting (RTPOR) in a secure mesh network |
US9001787B1 (en) | 2011-09-20 | 2015-04-07 | Trilliant Networks Inc. | System and method for implementing handover of a hybrid communications module |
US9013173B2 (en) | 2010-09-13 | 2015-04-21 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Process for detecting energy theft |
US9041349B2 (en) | 2011-03-08 | 2015-05-26 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for managing load distribution across a power grid |
US9084120B2 (en) | 2010-08-27 | 2015-07-14 | Trilliant Networks Inc. | System and method for interference free operation of co-located transceivers |
US9282383B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2016-03-08 | Trilliant Incorporated | Process, device and system for volt/VAR optimization |
US9325174B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-04-26 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Management of energy demand and energy efficiency savings from voltage optimization on electric power systems using AMI-based data analysis |
US9354641B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-05-31 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Electric power system control with planning of energy demand and energy efficiency using AMI-based data analysis |
US9367075B1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-06-14 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Maximizing of energy delivery system compatibility with voltage optimization using AMI-based data control and analysis |
US9419888B2 (en) | 2011-12-22 | 2016-08-16 | Itron, Inc. | Cell router failure detection in a mesh network |
US9439126B2 (en) | 2005-01-25 | 2016-09-06 | Sipco, Llc | Wireless network protocol system and methods |
US9563218B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-02-07 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Electric power system control with measurement of energy demand and energy efficiency using t-distributions |
US9847639B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-12-19 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Electric power system control with measurement of energy demand and energy efficiency |
US10732656B2 (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2020-08-04 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Systems and methods for stabilizer control |
Families Citing this family (407)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5987058A (en) * | 1988-11-02 | 1999-11-16 | Axonn Corporation | Wireless alarm system |
US5553094A (en) | 1990-02-15 | 1996-09-03 | Iris Systems, Inc. | Radio communication network for remote data generating stations |
US6360177B1 (en) * | 1992-11-10 | 2002-03-19 | Shenandoah Electronic Intelligence, Inc. | Voltage scanning, measurement, storage and reporting device |
US5696501A (en) * | 1994-08-02 | 1997-12-09 | General Electric Company | Method and apparatus for performing the register functions for a plurality of metering devices at a common node |
US5797097A (en) * | 1995-11-02 | 1998-08-18 | Bellsouth Corporation | Method and apparatus for identifying the location of a roaming pager |
US5986573A (en) * | 1995-11-20 | 1999-11-16 | Water Savers, Inc. | Method and apparatus for metering building structures |
US5764158A (en) * | 1995-11-20 | 1998-06-09 | Water Savers, Inc. | Meter reading data transmissiion system and method of using same |
US5699276A (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 1997-12-16 | Roos; Charles E. | Utility meter providing an interface between a digital network and home electronics |
US6195018B1 (en) * | 1996-02-07 | 2001-02-27 | Cellnet Data Systems, Inc. | Metering system |
US5896097A (en) * | 1996-03-06 | 1999-04-20 | Schlumberger Resource Management Services, Inc. | System for utility meter communications using a single RF frequency |
US7253731B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2007-08-07 | Raymond Anthony Joao | Apparatus and method for providing shipment information |
US5801643A (en) * | 1996-06-20 | 1998-09-01 | Northrop Grumman Corporation | Remote utility meter reading system |
WO1998010394A1 (en) | 1996-09-06 | 1998-03-12 | Innovatec Corporation | Automatic meter reading data communication system |
US6246677B1 (en) * | 1996-09-06 | 2001-06-12 | Innovatec Communications, Llc | Automatic meter reading data communication system |
US5910774A (en) * | 1996-09-18 | 1999-06-08 | Itron, Inc. | Sensor for count and tamper detection |
EP0834848A3 (en) * | 1996-10-02 | 1998-09-16 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Fixed optic sensor system and distributed sensor network |
US5946083A (en) * | 1997-10-01 | 1999-08-31 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Fixed optic sensor system and distributed sensor network |
US6078785A (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 2000-06-20 | Bush; E. William | Demand reporting of electricity consumption by radio in relays to a base station, and demand relays wattmeters so reporting over a wide area |
US6150955A (en) * | 1996-10-28 | 2000-11-21 | Tracy Corporation Ii | Apparatus and method for transmitting data via a digital control channel of a digital wireless network |
US6014089A (en) * | 1996-10-28 | 2000-01-11 | Tracy Corporation Ii | Method for transmitting data using a digital control channel of a wireless network |
FR2755529B1 (en) | 1996-11-07 | 1999-02-05 | Mavic Sa | WIRELESS LINKED CONTROL AND / OR MEASURING SYSTEM FOR CYCLE |
US6377190B1 (en) | 1996-11-08 | 2002-04-23 | David A. Saar | System for monitoring water consuming structures in an individual unit of a multi-unit building |
US5838258A (en) * | 1996-11-08 | 1998-11-17 | Saar; David A. | System for monitoring the use of heat energy in water devices in an individual unit of a multi-unit building |
US7046682B2 (en) * | 1997-02-12 | 2006-05-16 | Elster Electricity, Llc. | Network-enabled, extensible metering system |
US6396839B1 (en) | 1997-02-12 | 2002-05-28 | Abb Automation Inc. | Remote access to electronic meters using a TCP/IP protocol suite |
US6900737B1 (en) | 1997-02-12 | 2005-05-31 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Remote access to electronic meters using the short message service |
US6233327B1 (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 2001-05-15 | Statsignal Systems, Inc. | Multi-function general purpose transceiver |
US6073169A (en) * | 1997-04-08 | 2000-06-06 | Abb Power T&D Company Inc. | Automatic meter reading system employing common broadcast command channel |
US5914656A (en) * | 1997-04-10 | 1999-06-22 | Nexsys Comtech International, Inc. | Environmental condition detector transmitter interface |
US6035266A (en) * | 1997-04-16 | 2000-03-07 | A.L. Air Data, Inc. | Lamp monitoring and control system and method |
US5914672A (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 1999-06-22 | Whisper Communications Incorporated | System for field installation of a remote meter interface |
AU8161498A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 1999-01-04 | Micro-Heat, Inc. | Windshield de-icing |
US5877703A (en) * | 1997-08-12 | 1999-03-02 | Badger Meter, Inc. | Utility meter transmitter assembly for subsurface installations |
FR2767619B1 (en) * | 1997-08-20 | 1999-10-22 | Schneider Electric Sa | COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD |
US20080129538A1 (en) * | 1999-02-23 | 2008-06-05 | Raj Vaswani | Electronic electric meter for networked meter reading |
US6538577B1 (en) * | 1997-09-05 | 2003-03-25 | Silver Springs Networks, Inc. | Electronic electric meter for networked meter reading |
US6088659A (en) * | 1997-09-11 | 2000-07-11 | Abb Power T&D Company Inc. | Automated meter reading system |
WO1999013426A1 (en) * | 1997-09-11 | 1999-03-18 | Abb Power T & D Company Inc. | Automated meter reading system |
US6199068B1 (en) | 1997-09-11 | 2001-03-06 | Abb Power T&D Company Inc. | Mapping interface for a distributed server to translate between dissimilar file formats |
WO1999013676A2 (en) * | 1997-09-12 | 1999-03-18 | Williams Wireless, Inc. | Wide area telemetry network |
US6058137A (en) | 1997-09-15 | 2000-05-02 | Partyka; Andrzej | Frequency hopping system for intermittent transmission |
US6006212A (en) | 1997-09-17 | 1999-12-21 | Itron, Inc. | Time-of-use and demand metering in conditions of power outage with a mobile node |
US7486782B1 (en) * | 1997-09-17 | 2009-02-03 | Roos Charles E | Multifunction data port providing an interface between a digital network and electronics in residential or commercial structures |
US5918380A (en) * | 1997-09-17 | 1999-07-06 | Itron, Inc. | Time-of-use and demand metering in conditions of power outage |
US5986574A (en) * | 1997-10-16 | 1999-11-16 | Peco Energy Company | System and method for communication between remote locations |
US20020120569A1 (en) * | 1997-10-16 | 2002-08-29 | Day Mark E. | System and method for communication between remote locations |
US6300871B1 (en) * | 1997-11-12 | 2001-10-09 | Headwaters Research & Development, Inc. | Multi-station RF thermometer and alarm system |
US6842776B1 (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 2005-01-11 | Intel Corporation | Method for automatic device monitoring by a central computer |
JPH11168427A (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 1999-06-22 | Nec Corp | Information collection system |
US6728646B2 (en) * | 1998-02-23 | 2004-04-27 | Enerwise Global Technologies, Inc. | Energy information system and sub-measurement board for use therewith |
WO1999045510A2 (en) | 1998-03-03 | 1999-09-10 | Itron, Inc. | Method and system for reading intelligent utility meters |
US7224713B2 (en) | 1998-04-09 | 2007-05-29 | Andrzej Partyka | Telemetry system with authentication |
US6559631B1 (en) * | 1998-04-10 | 2003-05-06 | General Electric Company | Temperature compensation for an electronic electricity meter |
US6591084B1 (en) | 1998-04-27 | 2003-07-08 | General Dynamics Decision Systems, Inc. | Satellite based data transfer and delivery system |
US6778099B1 (en) * | 1998-05-01 | 2004-08-17 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Wireless area network communications module for utility meters |
US6252510B1 (en) | 1998-10-14 | 2001-06-26 | Bud Dungan | Apparatus and method for wireless gas monitoring |
US7103511B2 (en) * | 1998-10-14 | 2006-09-05 | Statsignal Ipc, Llc | Wireless communication networks for providing remote monitoring of devices |
US6894601B1 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2005-05-17 | Cummins Inc. | System for conducting wireless communications between a vehicle computer and a remote system |
US6700902B1 (en) | 1998-10-19 | 2004-03-02 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Method and system for improving wireless data packet delivery |
US6424270B1 (en) | 1998-10-30 | 2002-07-23 | Schlumberger Resource Management Services, Inc. | Utility meter interface unit |
KR100440916B1 (en) * | 1998-12-29 | 2004-09-18 | 서창전기통신 주식회사 | Power meter reading method in remote meter reading system |
JP3339443B2 (en) * | 1999-01-18 | 2002-10-28 | 日本電気株式会社 | Data storage device with security function |
US6351223B1 (en) | 1999-02-01 | 2002-02-26 | Midway Services, Inc. | System and method for reading and transmitting water meter data utilizing RF signals |
US6674764B1 (en) * | 1999-02-24 | 2004-01-06 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Communications system and method with telemetry device identification capabilities |
US6747571B2 (en) * | 1999-03-08 | 2004-06-08 | Comverge Technologies, Inc. | Utility meter interface system |
US6304191B1 (en) | 1999-03-30 | 2001-10-16 | American Meter Co. | Uni-directional protocol |
US6512463B1 (en) | 1999-03-30 | 2003-01-28 | American Meter Co. | Bi-directional protocol |
US6658108B1 (en) * | 1999-04-09 | 2003-12-02 | Premisenet Incorporated | System and method for distributing power over a premises network |
US6380851B1 (en) | 1999-05-12 | 2002-04-30 | Schlumberger Resource Management Services, Inc. | Processing and presenting information received from a plurality of remote sensors |
US6487264B1 (en) | 1999-05-12 | 2002-11-26 | Xetron Corporation | RF modem apparatus |
US6421535B1 (en) | 1999-05-12 | 2002-07-16 | Xetron Corporation | Superregenerative circuit |
US6452986B1 (en) * | 1999-05-17 | 2002-09-17 | Cellnet Data Systems, Inc. | Detector tolerant of frequency misalignment |
US6477558B1 (en) | 1999-05-17 | 2002-11-05 | Schlumberger Resource Management Systems, Inc. | System for performing load management |
US6181258B1 (en) | 1999-05-17 | 2001-01-30 | Cellnet Data Systems, Inc. | Receiver capable of parallel demodulation of messages |
US6677862B1 (en) | 1999-05-17 | 2004-01-13 | Schlumbergersema Inc. | Transmitter tolerant to crystal variations |
US6163276A (en) * | 1999-05-17 | 2000-12-19 | Cellnet Data Systems, Inc. | System for remote data collection |
US6300881B1 (en) | 1999-06-09 | 2001-10-09 | Motorola, Inc. | Data transfer system and method for communicating utility consumption data over power line carriers |
US6714000B2 (en) * | 1999-06-14 | 2004-03-30 | Genscape, Inc. | Method for monitoring power and current flow |
US6794991B2 (en) | 1999-06-15 | 2004-09-21 | Gastronics′ Inc. | Monitoring method |
US20030025612A1 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2003-02-06 | Holmes John K. | Wireless end device |
US7061398B2 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2006-06-13 | Bs&B Safety Systems Limited | Two-way wide area telemetry |
US6940838B1 (en) | 1999-08-19 | 2005-09-06 | Invertix Corporation | Wireless telephone network optimization |
US6967974B1 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2005-11-22 | Andrzej Partyka | Transmission of urgent messages in telemetry system |
US7315257B2 (en) * | 1999-10-16 | 2008-01-01 | Datamatic, Ltd. | Automated meter reader having high product delivery rate alert generator |
US6710721B1 (en) * | 1999-10-16 | 2004-03-23 | Datamatic Inc. | Radio frequency automated meter reading device |
US20060028355A1 (en) * | 1999-10-16 | 2006-02-09 | Tim Patterson | Automated meter reader having peak product delivery rate generator |
WO2001035366A1 (en) * | 1999-10-27 | 2001-05-17 | American Innovations, Ltd. | System and method for remotely reading utility meters |
US6876991B1 (en) | 1999-11-08 | 2005-04-05 | Collaborative Decision Platforms, Llc. | System, method and computer program product for a collaborative decision platform |
AU2595601A (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2001-07-03 | Cellnet Data Systems, Inc. | A meter to internet pathway |
US6885309B1 (en) * | 2000-06-01 | 2005-04-26 | Cellnet Innovations, Inc. | Meter to internet pathway |
US6411219B1 (en) | 1999-12-29 | 2002-06-25 | Siemens Power Transmission And Distribution, Inc. | Adaptive radio communication for a utility meter |
US6346875B1 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2002-02-12 | General Electric Company | GHM aggregator |
US6894975B1 (en) | 2000-01-15 | 2005-05-17 | Andrzej Partyka | Synchronization and access of the nodes in a communications network |
US6731223B1 (en) * | 2000-01-15 | 2004-05-04 | Andrzej Partyka | Meshed telemetry system |
US8019836B2 (en) | 2002-01-02 | 2011-09-13 | Mesh Comm, Llc | Wireless communication enabled meter and network |
US6535797B1 (en) | 2000-02-01 | 2003-03-18 | Spectrum Engineering Corporation | Electrical distribution system and method of monitoring and/or controlling same |
US6998962B2 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2006-02-14 | Current Technologies, Llc | Power line communication apparatus and method of using the same |
US7248158B2 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2007-07-24 | Current Technologies, Llc | Automated meter reading power line communication system and method |
US6856820B1 (en) * | 2000-04-24 | 2005-02-15 | Usa Technologies, Inc. | In-vehicle device for wirelessly connecting a vehicle to the internet and for transacting e-commerce and e-business |
US6853894B1 (en) * | 2000-04-24 | 2005-02-08 | Usa Technologies, Inc. | Global network based vehicle safety and security telematics |
US7502672B1 (en) | 2000-04-24 | 2009-03-10 | Usa Technologies, Inc. | Wireless vehicle diagnostics with service and part determination capabilities |
EP1390578A2 (en) * | 2000-04-25 | 2004-02-25 | Airak, Inc. | System and method for distributed monitoring using remote sensors |
US6670810B2 (en) | 2000-04-25 | 2003-12-30 | Airak, Inc. | System and method for distributed monitoring of surroundings using telemetry of data from remote sensors |
US6925105B1 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2005-08-02 | Andrzej Partyka | Overhead reduction in system for intermittent transmission |
US6933857B2 (en) * | 2000-05-05 | 2005-08-23 | Charles A. Foote | Method and system for airborne meter communication |
WO2001091428A2 (en) | 2000-05-23 | 2001-11-29 | Actineon Inc. | Programmable communicator |
US8363744B2 (en) | 2001-06-10 | 2013-01-29 | Aloft Media, Llc | Method and system for robust, secure, and high-efficiency voice and packet transmission over ad-hoc, mesh, and MIMO communication networks |
US6492897B1 (en) * | 2000-08-04 | 2002-12-10 | Richard A. Mowery, Jr. | System for coupling wireless signals to and from a power transmission line communication system |
US6760464B2 (en) * | 2000-10-11 | 2004-07-06 | Digimarc Corporation | Halftone watermarking and related applications |
US6674806B1 (en) * | 2000-09-19 | 2004-01-06 | Kohji Toda | Transmitting and receiving system for digital communication on electric power-lines |
EP1323327A2 (en) * | 2000-09-21 | 2003-07-02 | James Robert Orlosky | Automated meter reading, billing, and payment processing system |
US7209495B2 (en) | 2000-09-28 | 2007-04-24 | Andrzej Partyka | Urgent messages and power-up in frequency hopping system for intemittent transmission |
US6671636B2 (en) | 2000-11-20 | 2003-12-30 | Utility Collection Systems, Llc | Apparatus, method and article of manufacture for utility monitoring |
EP1213905B1 (en) * | 2000-12-06 | 2011-08-17 | Siemens AG | Location dependent data collection |
WO2002046852A1 (en) * | 2000-12-07 | 2002-06-13 | Aqua Conservation Systems, Inc. | Recording and processing utility commodity usage |
US6946972B2 (en) * | 2001-01-25 | 2005-09-20 | Smartsynch, Inc. | Systems and methods for wirelessly transmitting data from a utility meter |
US6847300B2 (en) * | 2001-02-02 | 2005-01-25 | Motorola, Inc. | Electric power meter including a temperature sensor and controller |
EP1371219A4 (en) * | 2001-02-14 | 2006-06-21 | Current Tech Llc | Data communication over a power line |
US6819292B2 (en) * | 2001-03-09 | 2004-11-16 | Arad Measuring Technologies Ltd | Meter register |
WO2002077581A1 (en) * | 2001-03-22 | 2002-10-03 | Fernando Milanes Garcia-Moreno | Electronic method and system for instant creation and storage of consumption histograms in drinkable water tapping points |
MXPA01002994A (en) * | 2001-03-22 | 2004-07-30 | Fernando Milanes Garciamoreno | Electronic and mechanical system for automated or discretional metering of drinking water supply. |
DE10132971B4 (en) | 2001-03-28 | 2006-09-07 | Techem Service Ag & Co. Kg | Method and device for reading consumption values from consumption data acquisition devices |
CA2704041C (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2013-09-03 | M&Fc Holding, Llc | Enhanced wireless packet data communication system, method, and apparatus applicable to both wide area networks and local area networks |
US6842433B2 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2005-01-11 | Wideray Corporation | System and method for communicating information from a computerized distributor to portable computing devices |
US20040056771A1 (en) * | 2001-05-14 | 2004-03-25 | Gastronics' Inc. | Apparatus and method for wireless gas monitoring |
US6400161B1 (en) * | 2001-05-23 | 2002-06-04 | Donald Joseph Geisel | Material segregation and density analyzing apparatus and method |
US6943668B2 (en) | 2001-06-26 | 2005-09-13 | General Electric Company | Apparatus and method for reconfiguring a power line communication system |
US20030013430A1 (en) * | 2001-07-11 | 2003-01-16 | Palm, Inc. | Wireless messaging registration system and method |
US6573826B2 (en) * | 2001-07-25 | 2003-06-03 | Yuan-Sheng Pan | Wireless communication system by using electric power line as data link network |
US7346463B2 (en) | 2001-08-09 | 2008-03-18 | Hunt Technologies, Llc | System for controlling electrically-powered devices in an electrical network |
US20050162283A1 (en) * | 2001-08-17 | 2005-07-28 | Salazar Cardozo Ruben E. | Fixed-network system for automatic meter reading having a one-way local area network |
JP2003152752A (en) * | 2001-08-29 | 2003-05-23 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Data transmission/reception method |
KR20030018801A (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2003-03-06 | 이긍재 | Rf transmitter system of instrumentation data |
US6782351B2 (en) | 2001-09-11 | 2004-08-24 | Purechoice, Inc. | Air quality monitoring and space management system coupled to a private communications network |
US7009530B2 (en) | 2001-09-13 | 2006-03-07 | M&Fc Holding, Llc | Modular wireless fixed network for wide-area metering data collection and meter module apparatus |
US7385524B1 (en) | 2001-09-21 | 2008-06-10 | James Robert Orlosky | Automated meter reading, billing and payment processing system |
WO2003027683A2 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2003-04-03 | Bae Systems Information And Electronic Systems Integration Inc | Aircraft electrostatic discharge test system |
DE10152554B4 (en) * | 2001-10-19 | 2007-11-22 | Hydrometer Electronic Gmbh | Data link radio network |
US20030110302A1 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2003-06-12 | Telemetric Corporation | Apparatus and method for bridging network messages over wireless networks |
US20030179149A1 (en) * | 2001-11-26 | 2003-09-25 | Schlumberger Electricity, Inc. | Embedded antenna apparatus for utility metering applications |
EP1461789A4 (en) * | 2001-12-10 | 2010-10-06 | Bae Systems Information | Electric field sensor |
AU2002308900A1 (en) * | 2001-12-10 | 2003-06-23 | Sergei Ivanovich Surnov | Method and device for controlling energy consumption by a great number of consumers |
WO2003055198A2 (en) * | 2001-12-19 | 2003-07-03 | Abb Research Ltd. | Monitoring and control of field electrical power equipment |
CA2478644A1 (en) * | 2002-03-06 | 2003-09-18 | Automatika, Inc. | Conduit network system |
US6999087B2 (en) * | 2002-03-12 | 2006-02-14 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | Dynamically adjusting sample density in a graphics system |
US6801865B2 (en) * | 2002-03-21 | 2004-10-05 | Engage Networks, Inc. | Meter monitoring and tamper protection system and method |
US6856257B1 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2005-02-15 | Gellnet Innovations, Inc. | Data collection and metering system |
US11337047B1 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2022-05-17 | M2M Solutions Llc | System and method for remote asset management |
GB0211644D0 (en) | 2002-05-21 | 2002-07-03 | Wesby Philip B | System and method for remote asset management |
KR20030091434A (en) * | 2002-05-28 | 2003-12-03 | 주식회사 제토스 | Data communication method using PN code on wireless telemetry system |
US7035207B2 (en) | 2002-06-05 | 2006-04-25 | Eka Systems, Inc | System and method for forming, maintaining and dynamic reconfigurable routing in an ad-hoc network |
US7119713B2 (en) * | 2002-06-27 | 2006-10-10 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Dynamic self-configuring metering network |
US20040113810A1 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2004-06-17 | Mason Robert T. | Data collector for an automated meter reading system |
TWI295530B (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2008-04-01 | Canon Kk | Wireless communication apparatus and method |
US6885302B2 (en) * | 2002-07-31 | 2005-04-26 | Itron Electricity Metering, Inc. | Magnetic field sensing for tamper identification |
US7084783B1 (en) | 2002-08-13 | 2006-08-01 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Electronic meter with enhanced thermally managed communications systems and methods |
CA2433314C (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2007-03-27 | Firemaster Oilfield Services Inc. | Apparatus system and method for gas well site monitoring |
US20040077347A1 (en) * | 2002-08-30 | 2004-04-22 | Ronald Lauber | Modular analog wireless data telemetry system adapted for use with web based location information distribution method and method for developing and disseminating information for use therewith |
AU2003288909A1 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2004-04-08 | Racom Products, Inc. | Method for wireless data system distribution and disseminating information for use with web base location information |
US7054642B1 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2006-05-30 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Apparatus and method for providing reduced cost cellular service |
US7006831B2 (en) | 2002-09-27 | 2006-02-28 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Apparatus and method for providing dynamic communications network traffic control |
CZ2005317A3 (en) | 2002-10-21 | 2006-04-12 | Microheat Inc. | Device for cleaning and method of cleaning or removing ice from vehicle elements |
US7440735B2 (en) * | 2002-10-23 | 2008-10-21 | Rosemount Inc. | Virtual wireless transmitter |
US7504964B2 (en) * | 2002-11-04 | 2009-03-17 | Neptune Technology Group, Inc. | Communications and features protocol for a measuring water meter |
US7444401B1 (en) * | 2002-11-18 | 2008-10-28 | Arkion Systems Llc | Method and apparatus for inexpensively monitoring and controlling remotely distributed appliances |
US6996215B2 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2006-02-07 | Macconnell John Walter | Telemetry system and method |
US20060152344A1 (en) * | 2002-12-07 | 2006-07-13 | Mowery Richard A Jr | Powerline Communication Network Handoff |
US7436321B2 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2008-10-14 | Current Technologies, Llc | Power line communication system with automated meter reading |
US7493646B2 (en) | 2003-01-30 | 2009-02-17 | United Video Properties, Inc. | Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders |
US20070013547A1 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2007-01-18 | Boaz Jon A | Automated meter reading system, communication and control network from automated meter reading, meter data collector, and associated methods |
US7304587B2 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2007-12-04 | Energy Technology Group, Inc. | Automated meter reading system, communication and control network for automated meter reading, meter data collector program product, and associated methods |
US7400264B2 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2008-07-15 | Energy Technology Group, Inc. | Automated meter reading system, communication and control network for automated meter reading, meter data collector, and associated methods |
DE10310422A1 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2004-09-23 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Method for networking regulation and / or control functions for a motor vehicle |
US7417557B2 (en) * | 2003-05-07 | 2008-08-26 | Itron, Inc. | Applications for a low cost receiver in an automatic meter reading system |
US20040243525A1 (en) * | 2003-05-07 | 2004-12-02 | Brian Forrester | System and method for disconnecting utility services |
US20040225626A1 (en) * | 2003-05-07 | 2004-11-11 | Brian Forrester | Automated meter reading installation system and method |
US7230972B2 (en) | 2003-05-07 | 2007-06-12 | Itron, Inc. | Method and system for collecting and transmitting data in a meter reading system |
US6883449B2 (en) * | 2003-06-09 | 2005-04-26 | Fabtex Graphics Inc. | Process and components for applying appliques |
US20050030015A1 (en) * | 2003-07-22 | 2005-02-10 | Airak, Inc. | System and method for distributed monitoring of surroundings using telemetry of data from remote sensors |
US7145438B2 (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2006-12-05 | Hunt Technologies, Inc. | Endpoint event processing system |
US7236765B2 (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2007-06-26 | Hunt Technologies, Inc. | Data communication over power lines |
US7742393B2 (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2010-06-22 | Hunt Technologies, Inc. | Locating endpoints in a power line communication system |
US7180412B2 (en) | 2003-07-24 | 2007-02-20 | Hunt Technologies, Inc. | Power line communication system having time server |
US7376118B2 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2008-05-20 | Itron, Inc. | System and method for optimizing contiguous channel operation with cellular reuse |
US20050086182A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-04-21 | Christopher Nagy | Optimized bubble up receiver AMR system |
US20070169075A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2007-07-19 | David Lill | Synchronizing and controlling software downloads, such as for utility meter-reading data collection and processing |
US7289887B2 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2007-10-30 | Smartsynch, Inc. | Systems and methods for remote power management using IEEE 802 based wireless communication links |
US20050055432A1 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2005-03-10 | Smart Synch, Inc. | Systems and methods for remote power management using 802.11 wireless protocols |
CN100480637C (en) * | 2003-11-04 | 2009-04-22 | 内普丘恩技术集团公司 | Communications and features protocol for a measuring water meter |
US8090857B2 (en) * | 2003-11-24 | 2012-01-03 | Qualcomm Atheros, Inc. | Medium access control layer that encapsulates data from a plurality of received data units into a plurality of independently transmittable blocks |
JP2005158161A (en) * | 2003-11-26 | 2005-06-16 | Mitsumi Electric Co Ltd | Objective lens driving apparatus |
US7315162B2 (en) * | 2004-03-18 | 2008-01-01 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Reducing power consumption of electrical meters |
US7227350B2 (en) * | 2004-03-18 | 2007-06-05 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Bias technique for electric utility meter |
US7262709B2 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2007-08-28 | Elster Electricity, Llc | System and method for efficient configuration in a fixed network automated meter reading system |
US7187906B2 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2007-03-06 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Method and system for configurable qualification and registration in a fixed network automated meter reading system |
US7239250B2 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2007-07-03 | Elster Electricity, Llc | System and method for improved transmission of meter data |
US20050259580A1 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2005-11-24 | Christopher Osterloh | Fixed network utility data collection system and method |
US20050251401A1 (en) * | 2004-05-10 | 2005-11-10 | Elster Electricity, Llc. | Mesh AMR network interconnecting to mesh Wi-Fi network |
US20050251403A1 (en) * | 2004-05-10 | 2005-11-10 | Elster Electricity, Llc. | Mesh AMR network interconnecting to TCP/IP wireless mesh network |
CA2565515C (en) * | 2004-05-12 | 2013-09-17 | Raytheon Company | Event alert system and method |
US7142106B2 (en) * | 2004-06-15 | 2006-11-28 | Elster Electricity, Llc | System and method of visualizing network layout and performance characteristics in a wireless network |
GB2415544B (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2006-11-29 | Motorola Inc | RF communication device and method of using it and antenna and antenna construction for use in the device and method |
US7283916B2 (en) | 2004-07-02 | 2007-10-16 | Itron, Inc. | Distributed utility monitoring, such as for monitoring the quality or existence of a electrical, gas, or water utility |
US7343255B2 (en) * | 2004-07-07 | 2008-03-11 | Itron, Inc. | Dual source real time clock synchronization system and method |
US20060007016A1 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-01-12 | Centerpoint Energy, Inc. | Utilities and communication integrator |
US8026830B2 (en) * | 2004-09-02 | 2011-09-27 | Boh Technology, L.L.C. | Methods and systems for meter reading and high speed data transfer |
US7505734B2 (en) * | 2004-09-10 | 2009-03-17 | Nivis, Llc | System and method for communicating broadcast messages in a mesh network |
US7702594B2 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2010-04-20 | Elster Electricity, Llc | System and method for automated configuration of meters |
US7170425B2 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2007-01-30 | Elster Electricity, Llc | System and method for creating multiple operating territories within a meter reading system |
US7176807B2 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2007-02-13 | Elster Electricity, Llc | System for automatically enforcing a demand reset in a fixed network of electricity meters |
US7742430B2 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2010-06-22 | Elster Electricity, Llc | System for automated management of spontaneous node migration in a distributed fixed wireless network |
US8072945B2 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2011-12-06 | Aes Corporation | Link layered networks |
JP3944502B2 (en) * | 2004-10-01 | 2007-07-11 | 株式会社日立産機システム | Circuit breaker |
US7583202B2 (en) * | 2004-10-19 | 2009-09-01 | Echelon Corporation | Method and apparatus for an electric meter |
US7327998B2 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2008-02-05 | Elster Electricity, Llc | System and method of providing a geographic view of nodes in a wireless network |
US7360413B2 (en) * | 2004-12-29 | 2008-04-22 | Water Cents, Llc | Wireless water flow monitoring and leak detection system, and method |
US8144028B2 (en) * | 2005-01-24 | 2012-03-27 | Daniel Measurement And Control, Inc. | Method and system of obtaining data from field devices |
US20060167591A1 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2006-07-27 | Mcnally James T | Energy and cost savings calculation system |
US7228234B2 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2007-06-05 | Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. | Weather data quality control and ranking method |
US7227462B2 (en) * | 2005-03-09 | 2007-06-05 | Quentin Spencer | Extremely fast polling method for determining the presence of individual electric meters on a power line |
US20060219863A1 (en) * | 2005-03-11 | 2006-10-05 | Burch Jefferson B | Obtaining data from a utility meter using image-based movement tracking |
US20060206433A1 (en) * | 2005-03-11 | 2006-09-14 | Elster Electricity, Llc. | Secure and authenticated delivery of data from an automated meter reading system |
US20060224335A1 (en) * | 2005-03-29 | 2006-10-05 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Collecting interval data from a relative time battery powered automated meter reading devices |
US7627453B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2009-12-01 | Current Communications Services, Llc | Power distribution network performance data presentation system and method |
US7298288B2 (en) * | 2005-04-29 | 2007-11-20 | Itron, Inc. | Automatic adjustment of bubble up rate |
DE202005009115U1 (en) | 2005-05-21 | 2006-10-05 | Diehl Stiftung & Co.Kg | Network of sensor elements |
US7717294B2 (en) * | 2005-06-20 | 2010-05-18 | South-Tek Systems | Beverage dispensing gas consumption detection with alarm and backup operation |
US8559443B2 (en) | 2005-07-22 | 2013-10-15 | Marvell International Ltd. | Efficient message switching in a switching apparatus |
US8175190B2 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2012-05-08 | Qualcomm Atheros, Inc. | Managing spectra of modulated signals in a communication network |
US8553706B2 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2013-10-08 | Coppergate Communications Ltd. | Flexible scheduling of resources in a noisy environment |
JP2009504017A (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2009-01-29 | コネクサント システムズ, インコーポレイテッド | Bandwidth management in power line networks |
US8737420B2 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2014-05-27 | Sigma Designs Israel S.D.I. Ltd. | Bandwidth management in a powerline network |
DE102005036255B4 (en) * | 2005-08-02 | 2009-02-26 | Prof. Dr. Horst Ziegler und Partner GbR (vertretungsberechtigter Gesellschafter: Prof. Dr. Horst Ziegler 33100 Paderborn) | Data transmission system and method for operating a data transmission system |
US7786893B2 (en) * | 2005-09-01 | 2010-08-31 | Technologies To Be, Inc. | Battery saving two-way communication circuit and system and method for automatic meter reading |
US7495578B2 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2009-02-24 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Multipurpose interface for an automated meter reading device |
US20070057813A1 (en) * | 2005-09-09 | 2007-03-15 | Cahill-O'brien Barry | RF meter reading network with wake-up tone calibrated endpoints |
CA2559142A1 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2007-03-12 | Acuity Brands, Inc. | Light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers with enhanced diagnostics capabilities |
EP1924826A1 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2008-05-28 | Sauro Bianchelli | Device and method for automatic measuring consumed gas by calculating periodic movement of operation inner mechanism of meters |
US7880604B2 (en) * | 2005-09-20 | 2011-02-01 | Selflink, Llc | Self-configuring emergency event alarm system with autonomous output devices |
US7308369B2 (en) * | 2005-09-28 | 2007-12-11 | Elster Electricity Llc | Ensuring automatic season change demand resets in a mesh type network of telemetry devices |
US7817063B2 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2010-10-19 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | Method and system for remotely monitoring and controlling field devices with a street lamp elevated mesh network |
US8515348B2 (en) * | 2005-10-28 | 2013-08-20 | Electro Industries/Gauge Tech | Bluetooth-enable intelligent electronic device |
US8620623B2 (en) * | 2005-11-14 | 2013-12-31 | Globaltrak, Llc | Hierarchical and distributed information processing architecture for a container security system |
US20070147268A1 (en) * | 2005-12-23 | 2007-06-28 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Distributing overall control of mesh AMR LAN networks to WAN interconnected collectors |
US7870263B2 (en) * | 2005-12-27 | 2011-01-11 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Carrier interoperability for critical services |
US7424328B2 (en) * | 2006-01-03 | 2008-09-09 | De Silvio Louis F | Apparatus and method for wireless process control |
US7769149B2 (en) * | 2006-01-09 | 2010-08-03 | Current Communications Services, Llc | Automated utility data services system and method |
US20080012724A1 (en) * | 2006-01-30 | 2008-01-17 | Corcoran Kevin F | Power line communications module and method |
US7830874B2 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2010-11-09 | Itron, Inc. | Versatile radio packeting for automatic meter reading systems |
US20070183318A1 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2007-08-09 | Matthew Johnson | Outage notification, such as fixed network positive outage notification |
US20070183369A1 (en) * | 2006-02-03 | 2007-08-09 | Bruce Angelis | System for verifying restored outages, such as in the field outage restoration of public utilities using automatic meter reading (AMR) |
US7545285B2 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2009-06-09 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Load control unit in communication with a fixed network meter reading system |
US7427927B2 (en) * | 2006-02-16 | 2008-09-23 | Elster Electricity, Llc | In-home display communicates with a fixed network meter reading system |
US8690117B2 (en) | 2006-05-04 | 2014-04-08 | Capstone Metering Llc | Water meter |
WO2007131169A2 (en) | 2006-05-04 | 2007-11-15 | Capstone Mobile Technologies, Llc | System and method for remotely monitoring and controlling a water meter |
US8184549B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2012-05-22 | Embarq Holdings Company, LLP | System and method for selecting network egress |
US8717911B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2014-05-06 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for collecting network performance information |
US8289965B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2012-10-16 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for establishing a communications session with an end-user based on the state of a network connection |
US7948909B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2011-05-24 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for resetting counters counting network performance information at network communications devices on a packet network |
US8194643B2 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2012-06-05 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for monitoring the connection of an end-user to a remote network |
US8000318B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2011-08-16 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for call routing based on transmission performance of a packet network |
US9094257B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2015-07-28 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for selecting a content delivery network |
US8488447B2 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2013-07-16 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for adjusting code speed in a transmission path during call set-up due to reduced transmission performance |
WO2008012801A2 (en) | 2006-07-24 | 2008-01-31 | Microheat Inc. | Vehicle surfaces cleaning and de-icing system and method |
US8619600B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2013-12-31 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for establishing calls over a call path having best path metrics |
US8189468B2 (en) | 2006-10-25 | 2012-05-29 | Embarq Holdings, Company, LLC | System and method for regulating messages between networks |
US8107366B2 (en) * | 2006-08-22 | 2012-01-31 | Embarq Holdings Company, LP | System and method for using centralized network performance tables to manage network communications |
WO2008024387A2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2008-02-28 | Embarq Holdings Company Llc | System and method for synchronizing counters on an asynchronous packet communications network |
US8549405B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2013-10-01 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for displaying a graphical representation of a network to identify nodes and node segments on the network that are not operating normally |
US8144587B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-03-27 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for load balancing network resources using a connection admission control engine |
US7684332B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2010-03-23 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for adjusting the window size of a TCP packet through network elements |
US7843831B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2010-11-30 | Embarq Holdings Company Llc | System and method for routing data on a packet network |
US8199653B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-06-12 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for communicating network performance information over a packet network |
US8238253B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-08-07 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for monitoring interlayer devices and optimizing network performance |
US8125897B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-02-28 | Embarq Holdings Company Lp | System and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance with user datagram protocol network performance information packets |
US8750158B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2014-06-10 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for differentiated billing |
US8407765B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2013-03-26 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for restricting access to network performance information tables |
US8040811B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2011-10-18 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for collecting and managing network performance information |
US8576722B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2013-11-05 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for modifying connectivity fault management packets |
US8307065B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-11-06 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for remotely controlling network operators |
US8274905B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-09-25 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for displaying a graph representative of network performance over a time period |
US8130793B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-03-06 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for enabling reciprocal billing for different types of communications over a packet network |
US8531954B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2013-09-10 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for handling reservation requests with a connection admission control engine |
US8228791B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-07-24 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for routing communications between packet networks based on intercarrier agreements |
US8743703B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2014-06-03 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for tracking application resource usage |
US8537695B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2013-09-17 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for establishing a call being received by a trunk on a packet network |
US8098579B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-01-17 | Embarq Holdings Company, LP | System and method for adjusting the window size of a TCP packet through remote network elements |
US8194555B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-06-05 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for using distributed network performance information tables to manage network communications |
US8224255B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-07-17 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for managing radio frequency windows |
US8064391B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2011-11-22 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for monitoring and optimizing network performance to a wireless device |
US8015294B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2011-09-06 | Embarq Holdings Company, LP | Pin-hole firewall for communicating data packets on a packet network |
US8223655B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-07-17 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for provisioning resources of a packet network based on collected network performance information |
US8223654B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2012-07-17 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | Application-specific integrated circuit for monitoring and optimizing interlayer network performance |
US7808918B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2010-10-05 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for dynamically shaping network traffic |
US9479341B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 | 2016-10-25 | Centurylink Intellectual Property Llc | System and method for initiating diagnostics on a packet network node |
US7843391B2 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2010-11-30 | Itron, Inc. | RF local area network antenna design |
WO2008105848A2 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2008-09-04 | Raytheon Company | System and method for public health surveillance and response |
US7795877B2 (en) * | 2006-11-02 | 2010-09-14 | Current Technologies, Llc | Power line communication and power distribution parameter measurement system and method |
US8073384B2 (en) | 2006-12-14 | 2011-12-06 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Optimization of redundancy and throughput in an automated meter data collection system using a wireless network |
US7692539B2 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2010-04-06 | Rosemount Inc. | Automated mechanical integrity verification |
CN101652824A (en) | 2007-01-09 | 2010-02-17 | 功率监视器公司 | The method and apparatus that is used for smart circuit breaker |
US8665777B2 (en) * | 2007-01-12 | 2014-03-04 | Dna Global Solutions | Dynamic routing from space |
US20080180275A1 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2008-07-31 | Cimarron Systems, Llc | Communication System For Multi-Tiered Network |
US8064826B2 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2011-11-22 | Broadcom Corporation | Intra-device RF bus and control thereof |
US8739148B2 (en) * | 2007-02-09 | 2014-05-27 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Automated meter reading system |
US20080204953A1 (en) | 2007-02-26 | 2008-08-28 | Elster Electricity Llc. | System and method for detecting the presence of an unsafe line condition in a disconnected power meter |
DE102007013729A1 (en) * | 2007-03-22 | 2008-09-25 | EMH Elektrizitätszähler GmbH & Co. KG | Electronic electricity meter |
US7973673B2 (en) * | 2007-04-02 | 2011-07-05 | Itron, Inc. | Automated meter reader direct mount endpoint module |
US8320302B2 (en) | 2007-04-20 | 2012-11-27 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Over the air microcontroller flash memory updates |
US8111692B2 (en) | 2007-05-31 | 2012-02-07 | Embarq Holdings Company Llc | System and method for modifying network traffic |
US8260470B2 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2012-09-04 | Consert, Inc. | System and method for selective disconnection of electrical service to end customers |
US8527107B2 (en) * | 2007-08-28 | 2013-09-03 | Consert Inc. | Method and apparatus for effecting controlled restart of electrical servcie with a utility service area |
US7715951B2 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2010-05-11 | Consert, Inc. | System and method for managing consumption of power supplied by an electric utility |
US8996183B2 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2015-03-31 | Consert Inc. | System and method for estimating and providing dispatchable operating reserve energy capacity through use of active load management |
US8700187B2 (en) * | 2007-08-28 | 2014-04-15 | Consert Inc. | Method and apparatus for actively managing consumption of electric power supplied by one or more electric utilities |
US8542685B2 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2013-09-24 | Consert, Inc. | System and method for priority delivery of load management messages on IP-based networks |
US8145361B2 (en) * | 2007-08-28 | 2012-03-27 | Consert, Inc. | System and method for manipulating controlled energy using devices to manage customer bills |
US20090115626A1 (en) * | 2007-11-02 | 2009-05-07 | Raj Vaswani | Electronic meter for networked meter reading |
US20090125351A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-05-14 | Davis Jr Robert G | System and Method for Establishing Communications with an Electronic Meter |
WO2009067261A1 (en) | 2007-11-25 | 2009-05-28 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for transmitting and receiving information on a neighborhood area network |
NZ586190A (en) | 2007-12-26 | 2013-05-31 | Elster Electricity Llc | A utility meter network wherein meters can transmit electrical and other readings to a collector by using other meters as repeaters |
WO2009108144A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-09-03 | Badger Meter, Inc. | Providing a self-populating database for the network collection of meter data |
US8140276B2 (en) | 2008-02-27 | 2012-03-20 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | System and method for streetlight monitoring diagnostics |
US9202383B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 | 2015-12-01 | Power Monitors, Inc. | Method and apparatus for a voice-prompted electrical hookup |
US8068425B2 (en) | 2008-04-09 | 2011-11-29 | Embarq Holdings Company, Llc | System and method for using network performance information to determine improved measures of path states |
US8525692B2 (en) | 2008-06-13 | 2013-09-03 | Elster Solutions, Llc | Techniques for limiting demand from an electricity meter with an installed relay |
US8188886B2 (en) | 2008-07-30 | 2012-05-29 | Badger Meter, Inc. | Method and system for controlling path redundancy in the acquisition of utility meter data |
US9202362B2 (en) * | 2008-10-27 | 2015-12-01 | Mueller International, Llc | Infrastructure monitoring system and method |
US20100188257A1 (en) * | 2009-01-29 | 2010-07-29 | Itron, Inc. | In-home display |
US8436744B2 (en) * | 2009-01-29 | 2013-05-07 | Itron, Inc. | Prioritized collection of meter readings |
US8891338B2 (en) | 2009-01-29 | 2014-11-18 | Itron, Inc. | Measuring the accuracy of an endpoint clock from a remote device |
US20100265095A1 (en) * | 2009-04-20 | 2010-10-21 | Itron, Inc. | Endpoint classification and command processing |
US8203463B2 (en) | 2009-02-13 | 2012-06-19 | Elster Electricity Llc | Wakeup and interrogation of meter-reading devices using licensed narrowband and unlicensed wideband radio communication |
WO2010100392A1 (en) * | 2009-03-06 | 2010-09-10 | Utility Metering Services Limited | Utility meter and method of operation |
US20100262395A1 (en) * | 2009-04-08 | 2010-10-14 | Manu Sharma | System and Method for Determining a Phase Conductor Supplying Power to a Device |
US20100262393A1 (en) * | 2009-04-08 | 2010-10-14 | Manu Sharma | System and Method for Determining a Phase Conductor Supplying Power to a Device |
AU2010245273B2 (en) | 2009-05-08 | 2014-07-03 | Landis+Gyr Technology, Inc. | System and method for estimating and providing dispatchable operating reserve energy capacity through use of active load management |
MX2011012383A (en) | 2009-05-22 | 2011-12-16 | Mueller Int Llc | Infrastructure monitoring devices, systems, and methods. |
US20100138348A1 (en) * | 2009-06-12 | 2010-06-03 | Microsoft Corporation | Providing resource-related information using a standardized format |
US8594738B2 (en) | 2009-09-01 | 2013-11-26 | Qwest Communications International Inc. | System, method and apparatus for automatic location-based silencing of wireless transceivers |
US8731538B2 (en) * | 2009-09-01 | 2014-05-20 | Qwest Communications International Inc. | System, method, and apparatus for automatic scheduled silencing of wireless transmitters |
US8781462B2 (en) | 2009-09-28 | 2014-07-15 | Itron, Inc. | Methodology and apparatus for validating network coverage |
KR101463664B1 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2014-12-04 | 콘서트 아이엔씨. | Apparatus and method for controlling communications to and from utility service points |
US8773108B2 (en) | 2009-11-10 | 2014-07-08 | Power Monitors, Inc. | System, method, and apparatus for a safe powerline communications instrumentation front-end |
US9294298B2 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2016-03-22 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Network system and method of controlling network system |
US9828757B2 (en) | 2010-01-27 | 2017-11-28 | Ip Sensing, Inc. | Distributed control system for a vacuum sewer system |
CA2788327A1 (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2011-08-04 | Elster Solutions, Llc | Clearing redundant data in wireless mesh network |
US8855102B2 (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2014-10-07 | Elster Solutions, Llc | Wireless communications providing interoperability between devices capable of communicating at different data rates |
US8330669B2 (en) | 2010-04-22 | 2012-12-11 | Itron, Inc. | Remote antenna coupling in an AMR device |
EP2582886B1 (en) | 2010-06-16 | 2019-11-27 | Mueller International, LLC | Infrastructure monitoring devices, systems, and methods |
US10060957B2 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2018-08-28 | Power Monitors, Inc. | Method and apparatus for a cloud-based power quality monitor |
EP3324153A1 (en) | 2010-07-29 | 2018-05-23 | Power Monitors, Inc. | Method and apparatus for a demand management monitoring system |
US8310403B2 (en) * | 2010-08-25 | 2012-11-13 | General Electric Company | Antenna attachment scheme for mounting an antenna to a meter |
FI20106105A0 (en) | 2010-10-25 | 2010-10-25 | Osakeyhtioe Lamit Fi | A sensor system to improve the energy performance of a building |
US8907810B2 (en) | 2010-12-02 | 2014-12-09 | Masco Corporation | Water usage monitoring system |
US20120169510A1 (en) * | 2011-01-04 | 2012-07-05 | General Electric Company | Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing security services utilizing a smart utility meter |
RU2453913C1 (en) * | 2011-01-31 | 2012-06-20 | Открытое акционерное общество "Ижевский радиозавод" | Metering method and information analysis system for metering energy resources |
US8842712B2 (en) | 2011-03-24 | 2014-09-23 | Gregory C. Hancock | Methods and apparatuses for reception of frequency-hopping spread spectrum radio transmissions |
CA2870452C (en) | 2011-04-15 | 2020-03-10 | Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc. | System and method for single and multi zonal optimization of utility services delivery and utilization |
US8833390B2 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2014-09-16 | Mueller International, Llc | Valve meter assembly and method |
CA2874132A1 (en) | 2011-06-09 | 2013-01-17 | Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc. | System and method for grid based cyber security |
WO2013020053A1 (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2013-02-07 | Power Tagging Technologies, Inc. | System and methods for synchronizing edge devices on channels without carrier sense |
US8855569B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2014-10-07 | Mueller International, Llc | Systems and methods for dynamic squelching in radio frequency devices |
US8660134B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2014-02-25 | Mueller International, Llc | Systems and methods for time-based hailing of radio frequency devices |
US8930455B2 (en) | 2011-12-22 | 2015-01-06 | Silver Spring Networks, Inc. | Power outage detection system for smart grid using finite state machines |
WO2013167165A1 (en) * | 2012-05-07 | 2013-11-14 | Nokia Siemens Networks Oy | Utility meter box |
US9228853B1 (en) * | 2012-06-25 | 2016-01-05 | Neptune Technology Group Inc. | Method of computing quantity of unaccounted for water in water distribution |
US20140077950A1 (en) * | 2012-09-17 | 2014-03-20 | Erick Rudaitis | Cover access notification device |
US9294825B2 (en) | 2012-10-08 | 2016-03-22 | General Electric Company | System and method for utility meter activation |
US10097240B2 (en) * | 2013-02-19 | 2018-10-09 | Astrolink International, Llc | System and method for inferring schematic and topological properties of an electrical distribution grid |
AU2014235054B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-11-02 | Mueller International, Llc | Systems for measuring properties of water in a water distribution system |
US9438312B2 (en) | 2013-06-06 | 2016-09-06 | Astrolink International Llc | System and method for inferring schematic relationships between load points and service transformers |
WO2014197883A1 (en) * | 2013-06-06 | 2014-12-11 | Transparent Technologies Inc. | Wireless utility metering devices, systems, and methods |
AU2014277983B2 (en) | 2013-06-13 | 2018-07-05 | Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc. | Non-technical losses in a power distribution grid |
JP2016521962A (en) | 2013-06-13 | 2016-07-25 | アストロリンク インターナショナル エルエルシー | Estimate the feed lines and phases that power the transmitter |
US9915688B2 (en) * | 2013-12-09 | 2018-03-13 | Dataflyte, Inc. | Airborne data collection |
DE102014102007B4 (en) | 2014-02-18 | 2015-11-26 | Techem Energy Services Gmbh | A method and system for transmitting data from terminals located in a property to a central computing device |
US9494249B2 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2016-11-15 | Mueller International, Llc | Mechanical stop for actuator and orifice |
US9641382B2 (en) * | 2014-07-21 | 2017-05-02 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Fast network formation after network power restoration |
US20160048827A1 (en) * | 2014-08-18 | 2016-02-18 | Doorga Inc. | Method, system, and device for enabling micro-proximity location, detection and services |
US9565620B2 (en) | 2014-09-02 | 2017-02-07 | Mueller International, Llc | Dynamic routing in a mesh network |
US9693428B2 (en) | 2014-10-15 | 2017-06-27 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | Lighting control with automated activation process |
US9781814B2 (en) | 2014-10-15 | 2017-10-03 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | Lighting control with integral dimming |
CA2964393A1 (en) | 2014-10-30 | 2016-05-06 | Dominion Energy Technologies, Inc. | System, method, and apparatus for grid location |
US10079765B2 (en) | 2014-10-30 | 2018-09-18 | Astrolink International Llc | System and methods for assigning slots and resolving slot conflicts in an electrical distribution grid |
US11009922B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2021-05-18 | Electro Industries/Gaugetech | Wireless intelligent electronic device |
US9897461B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2018-02-20 | Electro Industries/Gauge Tech | Intelligent electronic device with expandable functionality |
US11041839B2 (en) | 2015-06-05 | 2021-06-22 | Mueller International, Llc | Distribution system monitoring |
WO2017019801A1 (en) | 2015-07-29 | 2017-02-02 | Enco Electronic Systems, Llc | Method and apparatus for detecting leaks in a building water system |
WO2017053960A1 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-30 | Fsa Technologies, Inc. | Flow control system and method |
US10389639B1 (en) | 2016-01-30 | 2019-08-20 | Innovium, Inc. | Dynamic weighted cost multipathing |
US10355981B1 (en) | 2016-03-02 | 2019-07-16 | Innovium, Inc. | Sliding windows |
US10340589B2 (en) | 2016-06-10 | 2019-07-02 | Aclara Technologies Llc | Capacitively coupled external antenna system and method for electric meters |
USD835241S1 (en) | 2016-07-27 | 2018-12-04 | Enco Electronic Systems, Llc | Flow meter housing |
DE102016014375B4 (en) * | 2016-12-03 | 2018-06-21 | Diehl Metering Systems Gmbh | Method for improving the transmission quality between a data collector and a plurality of autonomous measuring units and communication system |
US11075847B1 (en) | 2017-01-16 | 2021-07-27 | Innovium, Inc. | Visibility sampling |
BE1025379B1 (en) * | 2017-11-08 | 2019-02-01 | E-Maze Bvba-Besloten Vennootschap Met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid | WIRELESS SYSTEM FOR MONITORING ENERGY FLOWS |
US10584473B2 (en) | 2017-12-08 | 2020-03-10 | Legend Energy Advisors | Controlling a vacuum sewer system |
RU2682404C1 (en) * | 2018-01-10 | 2019-03-19 | Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "КУРС" | Energy resources smart accounting system with the “pulse plc” pulse recording meter and its operation method |
CH714695A1 (en) | 2018-02-19 | 2019-08-30 | Landis & Gyr Ag | Apparatus, system and method for controlling electrical loads. |
US10506653B1 (en) | 2018-05-30 | 2019-12-10 | Neptune Technology Group Inc. | Selection and use of different wireless networks by meter reading devices |
US11201395B2 (en) | 2019-09-09 | 2021-12-14 | Honeywell International Inc. | Camouflaged single branch dual band antenna for use with power meter |
CN111694827B (en) * | 2020-05-31 | 2023-04-07 | 重庆大学 | Classification interpolation method and system for missing values of power equipment state monitoring data |
US11725366B2 (en) | 2020-07-16 | 2023-08-15 | Mueller International, Llc | Remote-operated flushing system |
US11576181B2 (en) | 2020-08-10 | 2023-02-07 | International Business Machines Corporation | Logical channel management in a communication system |
US11784932B2 (en) | 2020-11-06 | 2023-10-10 | Innovium, Inc. | Delay-based automatic queue management and tail drop |
US11621904B1 (en) * | 2020-11-06 | 2023-04-04 | Innovium, Inc. | Path telemetry data collection |
Family Cites Families (63)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1819589A (en) * | 1926-01-02 | 1931-08-18 | Rca Corp | Means for elimination of fading on short wave lengths |
US3114900A (en) * | 1960-12-08 | 1963-12-17 | Gen Electric | Automatic incremental metering |
US3705385A (en) * | 1969-12-10 | 1972-12-05 | Northern Illinois Gas Co | Remote meter reading system |
US3860872A (en) * | 1970-02-05 | 1975-01-14 | Pye Ltd | Multiple receiver selection system |
US3772656A (en) * | 1971-02-01 | 1973-11-13 | Olivetti & Co Spa | Data communication system between a central computer and data terminals |
US3786423A (en) * | 1972-01-24 | 1974-01-15 | Northern Illinois Gas Co | Apparatus for cumulatively storing and remotely reading a meter |
US3858212A (en) * | 1972-08-29 | 1974-12-31 | L Tompkins | Multi-purpose information gathering and distribution system |
US4040046A (en) * | 1974-02-20 | 1977-08-02 | Northern Illinois Gas Company | Remote data readout system for transmitting digital data over existing electrical power lines |
US3944723A (en) * | 1974-12-05 | 1976-03-16 | General Electric Company | Station for power line access data system |
US4013962A (en) * | 1975-08-14 | 1977-03-22 | Motorola, Inc. | Improved receiver selecting (voting) system |
US4190800A (en) * | 1976-11-22 | 1980-02-26 | Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. | Electrical load management system |
US4327362A (en) * | 1978-10-23 | 1982-04-27 | Rockwell International Corporation | Meter rotor rotation optical sensor |
US4388690A (en) * | 1979-10-11 | 1983-06-14 | Ael Microtel Limited | Automatic meter reading transponder |
US4361851A (en) * | 1980-01-04 | 1982-11-30 | Asip William F | System for remote monitoring and data transmission over non-dedicated telephone lines |
FR2477925A1 (en) * | 1980-03-13 | 1981-09-18 | Fives Cail Babcock | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE COOLING OF THE COLORED PRODUCT IN A CONTINUOUS CASTING PLANT |
US4337466A (en) * | 1980-09-02 | 1982-06-29 | Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated | Tamper protection for an automatic remote meter reading unit |
US4814979A (en) | 1981-04-01 | 1989-03-21 | Teradata Corporation | Network to transmit prioritized subtask pockets to dedicated processors |
US4427968A (en) * | 1981-04-09 | 1984-01-24 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Distribution network communication system with flexible message routes |
US4707852A (en) * | 1981-10-09 | 1987-11-17 | Systems And Support, Incorporated | Utility usage data and event data acquisition system |
US4495596A (en) * | 1982-06-10 | 1985-01-22 | Rockwell International Corporation | Data accumulator and transponder with power back-up for time of day clock |
US4661804A (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1987-04-28 | Sentrol, Inc. | Supervised wireless security system |
US4597105A (en) * | 1982-11-12 | 1986-06-24 | Motorola Inc. | Data communications system having overlapping receiver coverage zones |
US4589075A (en) * | 1983-02-23 | 1986-05-13 | Buennagel James A | Remote load data acquisition and control system for a power network |
US4707679A (en) * | 1984-10-22 | 1987-11-17 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Magnetic tamper detector |
US4780910A (en) * | 1984-12-12 | 1988-10-25 | Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. | Display for a remote receiver in an electrical utility load management system |
US4839642A (en) * | 1985-01-22 | 1989-06-13 | Northern Illinois Gas Company | Data transmission system with data verification |
US4881070A (en) * | 1985-06-21 | 1989-11-14 | Energy Innovations, Inc. | Meter reading methods and apparatus |
US4692761A (en) * | 1985-06-21 | 1987-09-08 | Robinton Products, Inc. | Adaptive communication network and method |
JPS6258744A (en) * | 1985-09-09 | 1987-03-14 | Fujitsu Ltd | Polling system |
US4724435A (en) * | 1985-11-06 | 1988-02-09 | Applied Spectrum Technologies, Inc. | Bi-directional data telemetry system |
US4804957A (en) * | 1985-11-27 | 1989-02-14 | Triad Communications, Inc. | Utility meter and submetering system |
US4734680A (en) * | 1986-02-06 | 1988-03-29 | Emhart Industries, Inc. | Detection system with randomized transmissions |
US4799059A (en) * | 1986-03-14 | 1989-01-17 | Enscan, Inc. | Automatic/remote RF instrument monitoring system |
US4815106A (en) * | 1986-04-16 | 1989-03-21 | Adaptive Networks, Inc. | Power line communication apparatus |
CA1277033C (en) * | 1986-04-30 | 1990-11-27 | Johann Sollinger | Automatic metering apparatus |
US4749992B1 (en) * | 1986-07-03 | 1996-06-11 | Total Energy Management Consul | Utility monitoring and control system |
US4783623A (en) * | 1986-08-29 | 1988-11-08 | Domestic Automation Company | Device for use with a utility meter for recording time of energy use |
JPS6387838A (en) * | 1986-09-30 | 1988-04-19 | Nec Corp | Supervisory system for communication network |
US4804938A (en) * | 1986-10-24 | 1989-02-14 | Sangamo Weston, Inc. | Distribution energy management system |
GB2203920B (en) * | 1987-04-23 | 1990-05-16 | Iberduero Sa | Telemetering system for electrical power consumed by various users |
US4799062A (en) * | 1987-04-27 | 1989-01-17 | Axonn Corporation | Radio position determination method and apparatus |
US4902965A (en) * | 1987-06-15 | 1990-02-20 | Bodrug John D | Consumption meter for accumulating digital power consumption signals via telephone lines without disturbing the consumer |
GB8726933D0 (en) * | 1987-11-18 | 1987-12-23 | Cadell T E | Telemetry system |
US5079715A (en) * | 1987-12-28 | 1992-01-07 | Krishnan Venkataraman | Electronic data recorder for electric energy metering |
US4940976A (en) * | 1988-02-05 | 1990-07-10 | Utilicom Inc. | Automated remote water meter readout system |
US5014213A (en) * | 1988-04-20 | 1991-05-07 | Domestic Automation Company, Inc. | System for use with polyphase utility meters for recording time of energy use |
US4952928A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1990-08-28 | B. I. Incorporated | Adaptable electronic monitoring and identification system |
US5067136A (en) * | 1988-11-02 | 1991-11-19 | Axonn Corporation | Wireless alarm system |
US5032833A (en) * | 1989-04-27 | 1991-07-16 | Schlumberger Industries, Inc. | Adaptive network routing for power line communications |
US5280498A (en) * | 1989-06-29 | 1994-01-18 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Packet data communication system |
US5166664A (en) * | 1989-08-15 | 1992-11-24 | David Fish | Warning method and apparatus and parallel correlator particularly useful therein |
US5086292A (en) * | 1989-10-31 | 1992-02-04 | Iris Systems Inc. | Tamper detection device for utility meter |
US5056107A (en) * | 1990-02-15 | 1991-10-08 | Iris Systems Inc. | Radio communication network for remote data generating stations |
US5553094A (en) * | 1990-02-15 | 1996-09-03 | Iris Systems, Inc. | Radio communication network for remote data generating stations |
US5132968A (en) * | 1991-01-14 | 1992-07-21 | Robotic Guard Systems, Inc. | Environmental sensor data acquisition system |
US5264828A (en) * | 1991-04-04 | 1993-11-23 | Parksafe, Inc. | Personal security alarm system |
US5239575A (en) * | 1991-07-09 | 1993-08-24 | Schlumberger Industries, Inc. | Telephone dial-inbound data acquisition system with demand reading capability |
US5377232A (en) * | 1992-01-09 | 1994-12-27 | Cellnet Data Systems, Inc. | Frequency synchronized bidirectional radio system |
US5381136A (en) * | 1993-03-19 | 1995-01-10 | Northern Illinois Gas Company | Remote data collection and monitoring system for distribution line |
US5448230A (en) * | 1993-06-25 | 1995-09-05 | Metscan, Incorporated | Remote data acquisition and communication system |
US5490087A (en) | 1993-12-06 | 1996-02-06 | Motorola, Inc. | Radio channel access control |
US5504896A (en) | 1993-12-29 | 1996-04-02 | At&T Corp. | Method and apparatus for controlling program sources in an interactive television system using hierarchies of finite state machines |
US5696501A (en) * | 1994-08-02 | 1997-12-09 | General Electric Company | Method and apparatus for performing the register functions for a plurality of metering devices at a common node |
-
1994
- 1994-07-07 US US08/271,545 patent/US5553094A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1995
- 1995-05-31 US US08/454,678 patent/US5963146A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-04-22 US US09/296,359 patent/US6172616B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2000
- 2000-10-13 US US09/687,785 patent/US6373399B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-09-21 US US09/960,800 patent/US6653945B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-12-19 US US10/024,977 patent/US20030001754A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (158)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8982856B2 (en) | 1996-12-06 | 2015-03-17 | Ipco, Llc | Systems and methods for facilitating wireless network communication, satellite-based wireless network systems, and aircraft-based wireless network systems, and related methods |
US20100017465A1 (en) * | 1996-12-06 | 2010-01-21 | Brownrigg Edwin B | Wireless network system and method for providing same |
US8625496B2 (en) | 1996-12-06 | 2014-01-07 | Ipco, Llc | Wireless network system and method for providing same |
US20100039984A1 (en) * | 1996-12-06 | 2010-02-18 | Brownrigg Edwin B | Systems and methods for facilitating wireless network communication, satellite-based wireless network systems, and aircraft-based wireless network systems, and related methods |
US8000314B2 (en) | 1996-12-06 | 2011-08-16 | Ipco, Llc | Wireless network system and method for providing same |
US8233471B2 (en) | 1996-12-06 | 2012-07-31 | Ipco, Llc | Wireless network system and method for providing same |
US6889174B2 (en) * | 1997-04-16 | 2005-05-03 | A.L. Air Data, Inc. | Remotely controllable distributed device monitoring unit and system |
US7113893B2 (en) | 1997-04-16 | 2006-09-26 | A.L. Air Data, Inc. | Lamp monitoring and control unit and method |
US20040181372A1 (en) * | 1997-04-16 | 2004-09-16 | A.L. Air Data | Remotely controllable distributed device monitoring unit and system |
US8064412B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2011-11-22 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring conditions |
US9571582B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2017-02-14 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling remote devices |
US8013732B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2011-09-06 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling remote devices |
US8410931B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2013-04-02 | Sipco, Llc | Mobile inventory unit monitoring systems and methods |
US9129497B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2015-09-08 | Statsignal Systems, Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring conditions |
US7697492B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2010-04-13 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling remote devices |
US8964708B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2015-02-24 | Sipco Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling remote devices |
US8223010B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2012-07-17 | Sipco Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring vehicle parking |
US20020125998A1 (en) * | 1998-06-22 | 2002-09-12 | Petite Thomas D. | System and method for monitoring and controlling remote devices |
US9430936B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2016-08-30 | Sipco Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling remote devices |
US20090243840A1 (en) * | 1998-06-22 | 2009-10-01 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling remote devices |
US9691263B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2017-06-27 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring conditions |
US8212667B2 (en) | 1998-06-22 | 2012-07-03 | Sipco, Llc | Automotive diagnostic data monitoring systems and methods |
US8924587B2 (en) | 1999-03-18 | 2014-12-30 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for controlling communication between a host computer and communication devices |
US8924588B2 (en) | 1999-03-18 | 2014-12-30 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for controlling communication between a host computer and communication devices |
US8930571B2 (en) | 1999-03-18 | 2015-01-06 | Sipco, LLP | Systems and methods for controlling communication between a host computer and communication devices |
US7650425B2 (en) | 1999-03-18 | 2010-01-19 | Sipco, Llc | System and method for controlling communication between a host computer and communication devices associated with remote devices in an automated monitoring system |
US20060259254A1 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2006-11-16 | Swarztrauber Sayre A | System and method for on-line monitoring and billing of power consumption |
US7539581B2 (en) | 2000-02-29 | 2009-05-26 | Quadlogic Controls Corp. | System and method for on-line monitoring and billing of power consumption |
US20090099801A9 (en) * | 2000-02-29 | 2009-04-16 | Swarztrauber Sayre A | System and method for on-line monitoring and billing of power consumption |
US6853958B1 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2005-02-08 | Integrex | System and method for collecting and disseminating household information and for coordinating repair and maintenance services |
US20050043059A1 (en) * | 2000-08-09 | 2005-02-24 | Petite Thomas D. | Systems and methods for providing remote monitoring of electricity consumption for an electric meter |
US8090549B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2012-01-03 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Apparatus and methods for multi-channel metering |
US7596459B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2009-09-29 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Apparatus and methods for multi-channel electric metering |
US8452555B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2013-05-28 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Apparatus and methods for multi-channel metering |
US20100156664A1 (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2010-06-24 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Apparatus and Methods for Multi-Channel Electric Metering |
US8666357B2 (en) | 2001-10-24 | 2014-03-04 | Sipco, Llc | System and method for transmitting an emergency message over an integrated wireless network |
US9282029B2 (en) | 2001-10-24 | 2016-03-08 | Sipco, Llc. | System and method for transmitting an emergency message over an integrated wireless network |
US10687194B2 (en) | 2001-10-24 | 2020-06-16 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for providing emergency messages to a mobile device |
US9615226B2 (en) | 2001-10-24 | 2017-04-04 | Sipco, Llc | System and method for transmitting an emergency message over an integrated wireless network |
US10149129B2 (en) | 2001-10-24 | 2018-12-04 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for providing emergency messages to a mobile device |
US8489063B2 (en) | 2001-10-24 | 2013-07-16 | Sipco, Llc | Systems and methods for providing emergency messages to a mobile device |
US8171136B2 (en) | 2001-10-30 | 2012-05-01 | Sipco, Llc | System and method for transmitting pollution information over an integrated wireless network |
US9515691B2 (en) | 2001-10-30 | 2016-12-06 | Sipco, Llc. | System and method for transmitting pollution information over an integrated wireless network |
US20100250054A1 (en) * | 2001-10-30 | 2010-09-30 | Sipco, Llc | System And Method For Transmitting Pollution Information Over An Integrated Wireless Network |
US9111240B2 (en) | 2001-10-30 | 2015-08-18 | Sipco, Llc. | System and method for transmitting pollution information over an integrated wireless network |
US7446673B2 (en) * | 2002-10-30 | 2008-11-04 | Ch2M Hill, Inc. | Intelligent wireless multicast network |
US20070018851A1 (en) * | 2002-10-30 | 2007-01-25 | Veco Gas Technology, Inc. | Intelligent wireless multicast network |
US20090275331A1 (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2009-11-05 | Wireless Intellect Labs Pte Ltd | System and method for accessing mobile data devices |
AU2004254461B2 (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2010-05-20 | Wireless Intellect Labs Pte Ltd | System and method for accessing mobile data devices |
CN100388259C (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2008-05-14 | 无线智能试验有限公司 | System and method for accessing mobile data devices |
FR2857446A1 (en) * | 2003-07-10 | 2005-01-14 | Md3E Sa | Pulse detector for e.g. electric gas meter, has recorder that stores information from conditioner, battery that supplies energy for detector operation, and interface that transmits information to server |
US20060056370A1 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2006-03-16 | Hancock Martin A | Data integrity in a mesh network |
US20060066455A1 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2006-03-30 | Hancock Martin A | Grouping mesh clusters |
US7321316B2 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2008-01-22 | Power Measurement, Ltd. | Grouping mesh clusters |
US7251570B2 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2007-07-31 | Power Measurement Ltd. | Data integrity in a mesh network |
US20050052288A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-10 | Osterloh Christopher L. | Sequence inversion keyed countdown timer utilized within a utility meter system |
US7372372B2 (en) | 2003-09-05 | 2008-05-13 | Itron, Inc. | Sequence inversion keyed countdown timer utilized within a utility meter system |
US20050078631A1 (en) * | 2003-09-26 | 2005-04-14 | Cornwall Mark K. | Processing gain for wireless communication, such as in automatic data collection systems for public utility data collection |
US7346030B2 (en) | 2003-09-26 | 2008-03-18 | Itron, Inc. | Processing gain for wireless communication, such as in automatic data collection systems for public utility data collection |
US20070241931A1 (en) * | 2003-10-30 | 2007-10-18 | Veco Gas Technology, Inc. | Wireless automation systems and processes for wells |
US20050193432A1 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2005-09-01 | Whitehead Institute For Biomedical Research | Xenograft model of functional normal and malignant human breast tissues in rodents and methods thereof |
US7802015B2 (en) | 2004-01-26 | 2010-09-21 | Tantalus Systems Corp. | Communications system of heterogeneous elements |
US20050172024A1 (en) * | 2004-01-26 | 2005-08-04 | Tantalus Systems Corp. | Communications system |
US8031650B2 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2011-10-04 | Sipco, Llc | System and method for monitoring remote devices with a dual-mode wireless communication protocol |
US7756086B2 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2010-07-13 | Sipco, Llc | Method for communicating in dual-modes |
US8446884B2 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2013-05-21 | Sipco, Llc | Dual-mode communication devices, methods and systems |
US8379564B2 (en) | 2004-03-03 | 2013-02-19 | Sipco, Llc | System and method for monitoring remote devices with a dual-mode wireless communication protocol |
US7412338B2 (en) | 2004-03-18 | 2008-08-12 | Power Measurement Ltd. | Radio frequency device within an energy sensor system |
US20050206530A1 (en) * | 2004-03-18 | 2005-09-22 | Cumming Daniel A | Solar powered radio frequency device within an energy sensor system |
US8395528B2 (en) | 2004-03-30 | 2013-03-12 | Itron, Inc. | Frequency shift compensation, such as for use in a wireless utility meter reading environment |
US20110200123A1 (en) * | 2004-08-04 | 2011-08-18 | Sayre Swarztrauber | Method and system for radio-frequency signal coupling to medium tension power lines with auto-tuning device |
US20080094188A1 (en) * | 2004-08-04 | 2008-04-24 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Method and system for radio-frequency signal coupling to medium tension power lines with auto-tuning device |
US7948363B2 (en) | 2004-08-04 | 2011-05-24 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Method and system for radio-frequency signal coupling to medium tension power lines with auto-tuning device |
US8183988B2 (en) | 2004-08-04 | 2012-05-22 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Method and system for radio-frequency signal coupling to medium tension power lines with auto-tuning device |
CN100499314C (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2009-06-10 | 株式会社东芝 | Server, system and method supplied by wide-area instrumenation of electric power system |
US9860820B2 (en) | 2005-01-25 | 2018-01-02 | Sipco, Llc | Wireless network protocol systems and methods |
US9439126B2 (en) | 2005-01-25 | 2016-09-06 | Sipco, Llc | Wireless network protocol system and methods |
US10356687B2 (en) | 2005-01-25 | 2019-07-16 | Sipco, Llc | Wireless network protocol systems and methods |
US11039371B2 (en) | 2005-01-25 | 2021-06-15 | Sipco, Llc | Wireless network protocol systems and methods |
EP1686673A1 (en) * | 2005-01-27 | 2006-08-02 | Hojgaard Sound IS | Acoustic detection of power network failures |
EP1880375A2 (en) * | 2005-05-04 | 2008-01-23 | Power Measurement Ltd | Grouping mesh clusters |
EP1880375A4 (en) * | 2005-05-04 | 2010-07-28 | Power Measurement Ltd | Grouping mesh clusters |
WO2007094837A3 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2008-05-02 | Quadlogic Controls Corp | Apparatus and methods for multi-channel metering |
CN101351803B (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2010-11-17 | 阔德逻辑控制公司 | Apparatus and methods for multi-channel metering |
US20070194949A1 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2007-08-23 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Systems and methods for electricity metering |
US8026628B2 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2011-09-27 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Systems and methods for electricity metering |
US8417471B2 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2013-04-09 | Quadlogic Controls Corporation | Systems and methods for electricity metering |
US7583203B2 (en) | 2005-11-28 | 2009-09-01 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Programming electronic meter settings using a bandwidth limited communications channel |
US20070124262A1 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2007-05-31 | Elster Electricity, Llc | Programming electronic meter settings using a bandwidth limited communications channel |
US20070200697A1 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2007-08-30 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Radio communication apparatus |
US7760675B2 (en) * | 2006-02-08 | 2010-07-20 | Seiko Instruments Inc. | Radio communication apparatus |
US8350717B2 (en) * | 2006-06-05 | 2013-01-08 | Neptune Technology Group, Inc. | Fixed network for an automatic utility meter reading system |
US20090102681A1 (en) * | 2006-06-05 | 2009-04-23 | Neptune Technology Group, Inc. | Fixed network for an automatic utility meter reading system |
EP2175675A3 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2011-06-01 | Iltron, Inc. | Radio cell size management |
US20100176967A1 (en) * | 2007-01-04 | 2010-07-15 | Scott Cumeralto | Collecting utility data information and conducting reconfigurations, such as demand resets, in a utility metering system |
US9658081B2 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2017-05-23 | Silver Spring Networks, Inc. | Methods and system for utility network outage detection |
US20110077790A1 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2011-03-31 | Raj Vaswani | Methods and system for utility network outage detection |
US20130176143A1 (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2013-07-11 | Telecom Ip Limited | Monitoring method, system and device |
US20090027190A1 (en) * | 2007-07-25 | 2009-01-29 | Power Monitors, Inc. | Method and apparatus for a low-power radio broadcast alert for monitoring systems |
US20090153357A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-06-18 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Gas meter having ultra-sensitive magnetic material retrofitted onto meter dial and method for performing meter retrofit |
US8334787B2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2012-12-18 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Gas meter having ultra-sensitive magnetic material retrofitted onto meter dial and method for performing meter retrofit |
US8332055B2 (en) | 2007-11-25 | 2012-12-11 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Energy use control system and method |
US8138934B2 (en) | 2007-11-25 | 2012-03-20 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for false alert filtering of event messages within a network |
US20090136042A1 (en) * | 2007-11-25 | 2009-05-28 | Michel Veillette | Application layer authorization token and method |
US8171364B2 (en) | 2007-11-25 | 2012-05-01 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for power outage and restoration notification in an advanced metering infrastructure network |
US8725274B2 (en) | 2007-11-25 | 2014-05-13 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Energy use control system and method |
US8144596B2 (en) | 2007-11-25 | 2012-03-27 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Communication and message route optimization and messaging in a mesh network |
US20090135716A1 (en) * | 2007-11-25 | 2009-05-28 | Michel Veillette | Communication and message route optimization and messaging in a mesh network |
US20090138777A1 (en) * | 2007-11-25 | 2009-05-28 | Michel Veillette | System and method for power outage and restoration notification in an advanced metering infrastructure network |
US8370697B2 (en) | 2007-11-25 | 2013-02-05 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for power outage and restoration notification in an advanced metering infrastructure network |
US20090138713A1 (en) * | 2007-11-25 | 2009-05-28 | Michel Veillette | Proxy use within a mesh network |
US20100026517A1 (en) * | 2008-01-04 | 2010-02-04 | Itron, Inc. | Utility data collection and reconfigurations in a utility metering system |
US9621457B2 (en) | 2008-09-04 | 2017-04-11 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for implementing mesh network communications using a mesh network protocol |
US8699377B2 (en) | 2008-09-04 | 2014-04-15 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for implementing mesh network communications using a mesh network protocol |
US8289182B2 (en) | 2008-11-21 | 2012-10-16 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Methods and systems for virtual energy management display |
US8787246B2 (en) | 2009-02-03 | 2014-07-22 | Ipco, Llc | Systems and methods for facilitating wireless network communication, satellite-based wireless network systems, and aircraft-based wireless network systems, and related methods |
WO2010096663A2 (en) * | 2009-02-20 | 2010-08-26 | Aclara Power-Line Systems, Inc. | Wireless broadband communications network for a utility |
WO2010096663A3 (en) * | 2009-02-20 | 2010-12-16 | Aclara Power-Line Systems, Inc. | Wireless broadband communications network for a utility |
US20100231413A1 (en) * | 2009-03-11 | 2010-09-16 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Process, device and system for mapping transformers to meters and locating non-technical line losses |
US9189822B2 (en) | 2009-03-11 | 2015-11-17 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Process, device and system for mapping transformers to meters and locating non-technical line losses |
US8319658B2 (en) | 2009-03-11 | 2012-11-27 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Process, device and system for mapping transformers to meters and locating non-technical line losses |
US8577510B2 (en) | 2009-05-07 | 2013-11-05 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Voltage conservation using advanced metering infrastructure and substation centralized voltage control |
US20100286840A1 (en) * | 2009-05-07 | 2010-11-11 | Powell Phillip W | Voltage conservation using advanced metering infrastructure and substation centralized voltage control |
US8437883B2 (en) | 2009-05-07 | 2013-05-07 | Dominion Resources, Inc | Voltage conservation using advanced metering infrastructure and substation centralized voltage control |
US20110145882A1 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-16 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute | Multi-channel digital tv transmission system and method |
US9084120B2 (en) | 2010-08-27 | 2015-07-14 | Trilliant Networks Inc. | System and method for interference free operation of co-located transceivers |
US9013173B2 (en) | 2010-09-13 | 2015-04-21 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | Process for detecting energy theft |
US8832428B2 (en) | 2010-11-15 | 2014-09-09 | Trilliant Holdings Inc. | System and method for securely communicating across multiple networks using a single radio |
US9282383B2 (en) | 2011-01-14 | 2016-03-08 | Trilliant Incorporated | Process, device and system for volt/VAR optimization |
US8970394B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2015-03-03 | Trilliant Holdings Inc. | Aggregated real-time power outages/restoration reporting (RTPOR) in a secure mesh network |
US8856323B2 (en) | 2011-02-10 | 2014-10-07 | Trilliant Holdings, Inc. | Device and method for facilitating secure communications over a cellular network |
US9041349B2 (en) | 2011-03-08 | 2015-05-26 | Trilliant Networks, Inc. | System and method for managing load distribution across a power grid |
US20130021956A1 (en) * | 2011-07-20 | 2013-01-24 | Elster Solutions, Llc | Synchronized comunication for mesh connected transceiver |
US9001787B1 (en) | 2011-09-20 | 2015-04-07 | Trilliant Networks Inc. | System and method for implementing handover of a hybrid communications module |
US9419888B2 (en) | 2011-12-22 | 2016-08-16 | Itron, Inc. | Cell router failure detection in a mesh network |
CN102592431A (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2012-07-18 | 深圳市国电科技通信有限公司 | Meter reading system and method thereof |
CN103021152A (en) * | 2012-11-22 | 2013-04-03 | 国网电力科学研究院 | Beidou data transmission method based on confirmation mode |
US9553453B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-01-24 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Management of energy demand and energy efficiency savings from voltage optimization on electric power systems using AMI-based data analysis |
US9367075B1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-06-14 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Maximizing of energy delivery system compatibility with voltage optimization using AMI-based data control and analysis |
US9847639B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-12-19 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Electric power system control with measurement of energy demand and energy efficiency |
US9582020B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-02-28 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Maximizing of energy delivery system compatibility with voltage optimization using AMI-based data control and analysis |
US9887541B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-02-06 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Electric power system control with measurement of energy demand and energy efficiency using T-distributions |
US10274985B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-04-30 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Maximizing of energy delivery system compatibility with voltage optimization |
US9354641B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-05-31 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Electric power system control with planning of energy demand and energy efficiency using AMI-based data analysis |
US9325174B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-04-26 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Management of energy demand and energy efficiency savings from voltage optimization on electric power systems using AMI-based data analysis |
US10386872B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-08-20 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Electric power system control with planning of energy demand and energy efficiency using AMI-based data analysis |
US10476273B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-11-12 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Management of energy demand and energy efficiency savings from voltage optimization on electric power systems using AMI-based data analysis |
US10666048B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2020-05-26 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Electric power system control with measurement of energy demand and energy efficiency using t-distributions |
US9678520B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-06-13 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Electric power system control with planning of energy demand and energy efficiency using AMI-based data analysis |
US11550352B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2023-01-10 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Maximizing of energy delivery system compatibility with voltage optimization |
US10768655B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2020-09-08 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Maximizing of energy delivery system compatibility with voltage optimization |
US10775815B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2020-09-15 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Electric power system control with planning of energy demand and energy efficiency using AMI-based data analysis |
US10784688B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2020-09-22 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Management of energy demand and energy efficiency savings from voltage optimization on electric power systems using AMI-based data analysis |
US9563218B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-02-07 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | Electric power system control with measurement of energy demand and energy efficiency using t-distributions |
US11132012B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-09-28 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Maximizing of energy delivery system compatibility with voltage optimization |
US11353907B2 (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2022-06-07 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Systems and methods for stabilizer control |
US10732656B2 (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2020-08-04 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Systems and methods for stabilizer control |
US11755049B2 (en) | 2015-08-24 | 2023-09-12 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | Systems and methods for stabilizer control |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6172616B1 (en) | 2001-01-09 |
US5963146A (en) | 1999-10-05 |
US6653945B2 (en) | 2003-11-25 |
US6373399B1 (en) | 2002-04-16 |
US5553094A (en) | 1996-09-03 |
US20020158774A1 (en) | 2002-10-31 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6172616B1 (en) | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations | |
EP0596913B1 (en) | Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations | |
US5056107A (en) | Radio communication network for remote data generating stations | |
US5673252A (en) | Communications protocol for remote data generating stations | |
CA2126507C (en) | Remote data acquisition and communication system | |
EP0629098B1 (en) | Domestic meter and utility supply system | |
US7304587B2 (en) | Automated meter reading system, communication and control network for automated meter reading, meter data collector program product, and associated methods | |
CA2190836C (en) | Communications protocol for remote data generating stations | |
US6014089A (en) | Method for transmitting data using a digital control channel of a wireless network | |
US6369719B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for collecting and transmitting utility meter data and other information via a wireless network | |
CA2482190C (en) | Data collection and metering system | |
US6954646B2 (en) | Data communication radio network | |
CA2602289C (en) | Using a fixed network wireless data collection system to improve utility responsiveness to power outages | |
US20070013547A1 (en) | Automated meter reading system, communication and control network from automated meter reading, meter data collector, and associated methods | |
US20080180275A1 (en) | Communication System For Multi-Tiered Network | |
KR20100077040A (en) | A method and apparatus for wireless remote telemetry using ad-hoc networks | |
NZ590453A (en) | Using a start of frame delimiter following a header with a preamble to identify a data rate of a packet | |
WO2001035366A1 (en) | System and method for remotely reading utility meters |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINIS Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ITRON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:013496/0918 Effective date: 20030303 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ITRON, INC., WASHINGTON Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:014822/0081 Effective date: 20040701 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINIS Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ITRON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:014830/0587 Effective date: 20040701 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ITRON, INC., WASHINGTON Free format text: TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:019466/0451 Effective date: 20070418 |