Modular object-based architecture for extensible master station software
US6401081B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/30
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Conventional AMR and DA/DSM systems typically suffer from a lack of extensibility due to the monolithic nature of the master station software. In contrast, this patent describes a system that is comprised of small modules connected using a component object model. This system allows straightforward extension in the areas of applications, communications, metering devices, and databases without requiring recompilation or relinking of the system. Furthermore, this system allows commercial applications such as spreadsheets, word processors, statistical packages, report generators, et cetera to be integrated directly with this system, and allows extension and customization of the system using such packages. Such a flexible open architecture is very attractive to utilities in that it allows easy extension by the utility or other third party developers without the involvement of the original authors of the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.