Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations
US6172616A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S40/00
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A wide area communications network communicating data from a plurality of network service modules through a plurality of remote cell nodes and intermediate data terminals to a central data terminal. The wide area communicates network collects network generated by a plurality of physical devices such as gas, water or electricity meters, located within a geographical area. The wide area communications network is a layered network have a hierarchical communications topology. 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.