Utility device management
US8670946B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S40/124
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing utility device operations. In one aspect, a utility apparatus includes a processing apparatus that manages data processing tasks for the utility apparatus. The utility apparatus also includes a communications apparatus, coupled to the processing apparatus, that is configured to transmit and receive data over a network. A metrology apparatus is coupled to the processing apparatus, the metrology apparatus being configured to measure and provide meter data that includes at least a measure of utilized utility services. A network apparatus is also coupled to the processing apparatus, the network apparatus being configured to coordinate communication between devices that belong to a home area network. A utility identification module interface is coupled to the processing apparatus, the utility identification module having an interface that removably receives a utility identification module.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.