Wireless area network communications module for utility meters
US6778099B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/30
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A communications module that permits remote meter reading of a utility meter via a wireless modem that communicates using data packet networks along a communications system, such as ARDIS. The communications module is a microprocessor-based transmitter/receiver which receives data collection requests from a system server, initiates data collection from a utility meter, and reports the data back to a host computer system residing, for example, at a central office. Preferably, session-based communication using the meter protocol is implemented between the communications module and the meter, and packet switching is used between the communications server and the communications module through the network.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.