CA1215469A - Portable billing machine - Google Patents
Portable billing machineInfo
- Publication number
- CA1215469A CA1215469A CA000291706A CA291706A CA1215469A CA 1215469 A CA1215469 A CA 1215469A CA 000291706 A CA000291706 A CA 000291706A CA 291706 A CA291706 A CA 291706A CA 1215469 A CA1215469 A CA 1215469A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- meter
- information
- customer
- data
- utility
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/04—Billing or invoicing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/02—Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F3/023—Arrangements for converting discrete items of information into a coded form, e.g. arrangements for interpreting keyboard generated codes as alphanumeric codes, operand codes or instruction codes
- G06F3/0232—Manual direct entries, e.g. key to main memory
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q50/00—Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
- G06Q50/06—Electricity, gas or water supply
Abstract
PORTABLE BILLING MACHINE
Abstract of the Disclosure A portable meter-billing machine, for issuing bills to the customers of public utilities such as town gas and electricity which are supplied to the consumers through meters at the consumer's premises, comprises a portable carrying case for the official meter reader to carry to successive premises, the case being provided with a keyboard for entering the new meter reading at the premises of each successive consumer and housing a data memory storing the previous meter-readings of the respective consumers, a program memory storing a billing program and tariff data, a microprocessor and a bill printer controlled by the microprocessor in accordance with the billing program.
The machine is responsive to a new meter reading for a consumer being entered on the keyboard to prepare billing data from the previous meter reading stored for that consumer and the stored billing program and tariff data and to print a corresponding bill for that consumer. The data memory has an input/output terminal for writing data into the data memory and for reading data out of that memory.
Abstract of the Disclosure A portable meter-billing machine, for issuing bills to the customers of public utilities such as town gas and electricity which are supplied to the consumers through meters at the consumer's premises, comprises a portable carrying case for the official meter reader to carry to successive premises, the case being provided with a keyboard for entering the new meter reading at the premises of each successive consumer and housing a data memory storing the previous meter-readings of the respective consumers, a program memory storing a billing program and tariff data, a microprocessor and a bill printer controlled by the microprocessor in accordance with the billing program.
The machine is responsive to a new meter reading for a consumer being entered on the keyboard to prepare billing data from the previous meter reading stored for that consumer and the stored billing program and tariff data and to print a corresponding bill for that consumer. The data memory has an input/output terminal for writing data into the data memory and for reading data out of that memory.
Description
!
This lnvention relates to a portable meter- ¦
billing machine, Eor issuing bills to the customers of public utilities such as gas and electricity.
This invention is particularly applicable to public utilities such as gas and electricity which are supplied to consumers through meters at the consumer's premises, the meters being periodically read and a bill then issued to each consumer. In a present typical system, the files of a central computer hold customer information from which a billing program produces meter reading sheets. These sheets are then put into books, usually in walk-order, for the meter readers. The meter reader reads the meter at each of the premises and completes the corresponding sheet, if the customer is in, or leaves a card by way of notification if no access is obtained. The completed sheets are returned, usually via several clerical processes, to the computer section where their data is read into the computer. The billing program then produces a bill which is despatched by post to the customer. The payments return by post, via showrooms or by the Giro system. In most cases the payments are checked, batched and totalled at least twice before being entered into the computer.
It will be noted that this system involves substantial manual intervention from the initial step of raising a meter reading sheet to the final step of record-ing payments.
The present invention provides a portable meter-billing machine, comprising a portable carrying-case provided with a ~eyboard to enter the respective new meter
This lnvention relates to a portable meter- ¦
billing machine, Eor issuing bills to the customers of public utilities such as gas and electricity.
This invention is particularly applicable to public utilities such as gas and electricity which are supplied to consumers through meters at the consumer's premises, the meters being periodically read and a bill then issued to each consumer. In a present typical system, the files of a central computer hold customer information from which a billing program produces meter reading sheets. These sheets are then put into books, usually in walk-order, for the meter readers. The meter reader reads the meter at each of the premises and completes the corresponding sheet, if the customer is in, or leaves a card by way of notification if no access is obtained. The completed sheets are returned, usually via several clerical processes, to the computer section where their data is read into the computer. The billing program then produces a bill which is despatched by post to the customer. The payments return by post, via showrooms or by the Giro system. In most cases the payments are checked, batched and totalled at least twice before being entered into the computer.
It will be noted that this system involves substantial manual intervention from the initial step of raising a meter reading sheet to the final step of record-ing payments.
The present invention provides a portable meter-billing machine, comprising a portable carrying-case provided with a ~eyboard to enter the respective new meter
-2~
73'{~
reading at the respective premises of each of a succession of consurners, said carrying-case housing a data memory stor-ing the previous meter-readings of the respective consumers, a program memory storing a billing program and tariff data, a microprocessor and a bill printer controlled by the micro-processor in accordance with the stored billing program, the machine being responsive to the new meter reading for a consumer being entered to prepare billing data from the previous meter reading stored for that consumer and the stored billing program and tariff data and to print a corresponding bill for that consumer.
This machine enables the meter reader to provide the customer with a bill the instant after the meter is read. If no access can be gained to the customer's premises, then an estimated bill may be produced from an estimated reading if this is stored, for each consumer, in the data memory. If the customer wishes, he may pay the reader on the spot and the payment may be recorded in the data memory.
The central or mainframe computer is still used and data from this is transferred, indirectly, to the portable billing machine in respect~ say, of a day's calls.
Data captured by the portable billing machine during the day is transferred, eventually, back to the mainframe computer.
The main ability of the portable billing machine is to provide the customer with an instant bill. The meter ~5~
reader is not required to master any new ~;kills or *o make any complex calculation9 himself. The portable machine has sufficient data storage capacity and calculating ability to be able to take account of difi`ering tariff structures and details applicable to the different customers. It is also able to control its own printer and retain information for subsequent transfer to the mainframe computer. This fundamental change in the billing cycle considerably reduces the clerical functions normally associated with meter reading, bill production and distribution.
Accordingly, the delay in issuing a bill is reduced, reducing the number of debtors and reducing interest charges. A direct cost saving derives ~rom a reduction in the clerical functions and postageO Al~o, any inves-tment in the mainframe computer is protected, whilst requireme~ts for data input to and output from the mainframe computer are much reduced.
An embodiment of portable meter-billing machine will now be described, by wa~ of example only, with reference to the accompa~ying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portable machine; and Figure 2 is a systems diagram of the machineO
The machine comprises a single, rectansular casing in three parts lj 2, 30 Lower front ~nd rear parts 1 and 2 house a bank 4 of interchangenble re-chargeable batteries at the bottom and a sories 5 of parallel, vertical electronic circuit boards nbove the batteries.
The upper end of the casing is coltlpleted by the part 3 which incorporates a thermal printer 6 9 extending substantially the width of the casing along the front. The part 3 also includes, at the top of the machine, a keyboard 7 having both numerical and function keys. Numeric and function displays 9 are also provided~
The machine is relatively thin and rectangular in shape, and constructed as a carrying case and a typical weight might be 2-4 kg. Fixing points o are pro~ided on opposite sides for a carrying strap ancl an optional handle (not shown? is pro~ided.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the functio~al elements of the machine. A microprocessor is pro~ided, together ~ith a solid state data store, or other form of store (e.g. cassette, disc), for example of 44K ch.
capacity, an RAM working store and an RAM/ROM program store. The numeric and function keyboards and numeric an~ function displays are shown, likewise circuits for controlling the printer paper movementl head movement, and printing function. An external interface ~or loading data into the machine or wnloading data from the machine is also provided.
The daily use of the machine is as follows.
Firstly, the da~'s data is loaded into th~ machine, typicall~
for each consumer: sequence number 7 customer number, meter number, previous reading, previous rcading date, maximum expected reading, minimum expècted reading, estimated reading, tariff, customer's name nnd address7 maximum bill ~alue, any special instructions and other charges. The billing program and standard data, such as tari~f structure, tari~ rate and VAT, are stored within the machine.
~ 5 --.. . . . . . .
The meter reader is supplied with a walk list giving the street and number of each of the premises to be ~isited, together with respective sequence numbers. The meter reader may work in the order set by the walk list or may work in any other order, consulting the list for the sequence number to be keyed at each address that he visits.
The reader is required at each of the premises to press a "next reading" key a, whereupon the machine prints standard inormation such as name and address of the customer, together with any special instructionsO
If he gains entry, he then keys in the meter reading, checks this on the machine's visual display and presses an '~Accept" key b. The machine checks whether the reading is be-tween the expected maximum and minimum limits.
If it is not, -the machine displays "re-enter" and the meter reader again enters the reading and presses the "Accept" ke~. If the reading is still outside the limits the machine displays "check meter number". If the operator finds this in order he presses the "Accept"
key again, or otherwise an "Abandon" key c in response to which the information is stored for subsequent transfer to the mainframe computer to initîate a follow-upO
Where the meter is a cred;t meter, then the value of the gas, say, is calculated by the machine and a bill is issuedO If the meter is one of a set t or where the bill is to he sent to a different addross, then a bill is prepared and issued overprinted "for in~ormation only", the relevant data being stored. Budget plan customers can be dealt with similarly, or the current .. ,.. ~_ .. ...... ...... . . . . . . . . . ... . . ..
7;C~1 balance can be pre-loaded into the machille and an account issued indicating the present balance, The bill in all cases includes any other charges such as hire purchase.
If the meter reader is unable to ~ain entry at any of the premises, he presses a "no entry" key d~
whereupon the machine prints an estimated bill to be left through the door~
The machine can also deal with pre-payment type meters. After the reader keys in the meter reading, the machine displays "Enter Cash". After counting the collected cash 9 the reader keys in the value, checks it on the display and presses the "Accept" key. Again, a "Re-enter" facility is provided if an apparent discrepancy occurs. Finally, the bill will be printed, taking into account the cash collected.
The machine deals ~ith situations where credit customers wish to settle their bill on the spot with the meter reader. Thus 9 the machine displays "Cash or Credit?" once the bill is calculated. One of the "Cash'1 9 "Cheque" or "Credit" keys e, f, g is then pressed and the machine displays "Enter cash paid". The meter reader keys in the amount paid 9 checks the visual di-splay and presses the tlAcceptl' key. In the case of a cheque payment 9 the cheque number may be keyed in. Finallyi the machine prints the bill ~ith "paid with thanks" across the payment counterfoil.
The machine includes also a search facility for access to any selected one of the data items stored in the machine. Thus, a "Search" key h is pre~sed and the sequence number keyed in, follo~ed by pressinK the "Accept"
, .. .. ... .... .. . . . ... .. . .. .. .. .
~ 3 key.
For loading and unloading data, a transcriber is used. Data from the main~rame computer is transferred to the transcriber by a telecommunications link or by magnetic tape. The transcriber converts this basic data into codes acceptable to the billing machinc and a* the same time stores it on a magnetic disc attached to the transcriber.
The transcriber is used in association with a visual display unit (VDU)o A supervisor in charge of allocating work to different meter readers can examine each file (or workload) of data on this VDU. The supervisor can re-arrange the walk order, by manipulating the sequence numbersg be~ore loading the individual billing machines. The VDU is used as the central operational point for loading and unloadins dataO
Where the meter reader works from home, the above supervisory transcriber is arranged to prepare a loaded cassette and includes the necessary tape deck.
The individual meter reader then has a mains operated "home transcriber", having a tape deck and also a power supply for charging the batteries of the billing machine.
The meter reader is delivered or picks up one or more cassettes for each day's work, together with the walk lists. The home transcriber is connected 1;o the billing machine and operated to transfer the data on the cassette into the billins machineO The re~erse proccdure is employed for unloading data and returning it to the main_ frame computer.
Preferably the printer of the billiil~ machine ~Z~LS ,-j~
is arranged to print on the bill a coded mark (such as a system of bars) iclentifying the customer and the amount due. This coded mark is such that it may be read ~y a light pen. to facilitatc dealing with incoming payments 9 and read into a store~
It will be appreciated that the central, mainframe computer may be replaced by several smaller machines.
In a modification, the data memory does not store the estimated reading for each meter, but instead the stored program includes a facility for the machine itself to calculate the estimated reading from the other data which is stored for the respective meter.
73'{~
reading at the respective premises of each of a succession of consurners, said carrying-case housing a data memory stor-ing the previous meter-readings of the respective consumers, a program memory storing a billing program and tariff data, a microprocessor and a bill printer controlled by the micro-processor in accordance with the stored billing program, the machine being responsive to the new meter reading for a consumer being entered to prepare billing data from the previous meter reading stored for that consumer and the stored billing program and tariff data and to print a corresponding bill for that consumer.
This machine enables the meter reader to provide the customer with a bill the instant after the meter is read. If no access can be gained to the customer's premises, then an estimated bill may be produced from an estimated reading if this is stored, for each consumer, in the data memory. If the customer wishes, he may pay the reader on the spot and the payment may be recorded in the data memory.
The central or mainframe computer is still used and data from this is transferred, indirectly, to the portable billing machine in respect~ say, of a day's calls.
Data captured by the portable billing machine during the day is transferred, eventually, back to the mainframe computer.
The main ability of the portable billing machine is to provide the customer with an instant bill. The meter ~5~
reader is not required to master any new ~;kills or *o make any complex calculation9 himself. The portable machine has sufficient data storage capacity and calculating ability to be able to take account of difi`ering tariff structures and details applicable to the different customers. It is also able to control its own printer and retain information for subsequent transfer to the mainframe computer. This fundamental change in the billing cycle considerably reduces the clerical functions normally associated with meter reading, bill production and distribution.
Accordingly, the delay in issuing a bill is reduced, reducing the number of debtors and reducing interest charges. A direct cost saving derives ~rom a reduction in the clerical functions and postageO Al~o, any inves-tment in the mainframe computer is protected, whilst requireme~ts for data input to and output from the mainframe computer are much reduced.
An embodiment of portable meter-billing machine will now be described, by wa~ of example only, with reference to the accompa~ying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portable machine; and Figure 2 is a systems diagram of the machineO
The machine comprises a single, rectansular casing in three parts lj 2, 30 Lower front ~nd rear parts 1 and 2 house a bank 4 of interchangenble re-chargeable batteries at the bottom and a sories 5 of parallel, vertical electronic circuit boards nbove the batteries.
The upper end of the casing is coltlpleted by the part 3 which incorporates a thermal printer 6 9 extending substantially the width of the casing along the front. The part 3 also includes, at the top of the machine, a keyboard 7 having both numerical and function keys. Numeric and function displays 9 are also provided~
The machine is relatively thin and rectangular in shape, and constructed as a carrying case and a typical weight might be 2-4 kg. Fixing points o are pro~ided on opposite sides for a carrying strap ancl an optional handle (not shown? is pro~ided.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the functio~al elements of the machine. A microprocessor is pro~ided, together ~ith a solid state data store, or other form of store (e.g. cassette, disc), for example of 44K ch.
capacity, an RAM working store and an RAM/ROM program store. The numeric and function keyboards and numeric an~ function displays are shown, likewise circuits for controlling the printer paper movementl head movement, and printing function. An external interface ~or loading data into the machine or wnloading data from the machine is also provided.
The daily use of the machine is as follows.
Firstly, the da~'s data is loaded into th~ machine, typicall~
for each consumer: sequence number 7 customer number, meter number, previous reading, previous rcading date, maximum expected reading, minimum expècted reading, estimated reading, tariff, customer's name nnd address7 maximum bill ~alue, any special instructions and other charges. The billing program and standard data, such as tari~f structure, tari~ rate and VAT, are stored within the machine.
~ 5 --.. . . . . . .
The meter reader is supplied with a walk list giving the street and number of each of the premises to be ~isited, together with respective sequence numbers. The meter reader may work in the order set by the walk list or may work in any other order, consulting the list for the sequence number to be keyed at each address that he visits.
The reader is required at each of the premises to press a "next reading" key a, whereupon the machine prints standard inormation such as name and address of the customer, together with any special instructionsO
If he gains entry, he then keys in the meter reading, checks this on the machine's visual display and presses an '~Accept" key b. The machine checks whether the reading is be-tween the expected maximum and minimum limits.
If it is not, -the machine displays "re-enter" and the meter reader again enters the reading and presses the "Accept" ke~. If the reading is still outside the limits the machine displays "check meter number". If the operator finds this in order he presses the "Accept"
key again, or otherwise an "Abandon" key c in response to which the information is stored for subsequent transfer to the mainframe computer to initîate a follow-upO
Where the meter is a cred;t meter, then the value of the gas, say, is calculated by the machine and a bill is issuedO If the meter is one of a set t or where the bill is to he sent to a different addross, then a bill is prepared and issued overprinted "for in~ormation only", the relevant data being stored. Budget plan customers can be dealt with similarly, or the current .. ,.. ~_ .. ...... ...... . . . . . . . . . ... . . ..
7;C~1 balance can be pre-loaded into the machille and an account issued indicating the present balance, The bill in all cases includes any other charges such as hire purchase.
If the meter reader is unable to ~ain entry at any of the premises, he presses a "no entry" key d~
whereupon the machine prints an estimated bill to be left through the door~
The machine can also deal with pre-payment type meters. After the reader keys in the meter reading, the machine displays "Enter Cash". After counting the collected cash 9 the reader keys in the value, checks it on the display and presses the "Accept" key. Again, a "Re-enter" facility is provided if an apparent discrepancy occurs. Finally, the bill will be printed, taking into account the cash collected.
The machine deals ~ith situations where credit customers wish to settle their bill on the spot with the meter reader. Thus 9 the machine displays "Cash or Credit?" once the bill is calculated. One of the "Cash'1 9 "Cheque" or "Credit" keys e, f, g is then pressed and the machine displays "Enter cash paid". The meter reader keys in the amount paid 9 checks the visual di-splay and presses the tlAcceptl' key. In the case of a cheque payment 9 the cheque number may be keyed in. Finallyi the machine prints the bill ~ith "paid with thanks" across the payment counterfoil.
The machine includes also a search facility for access to any selected one of the data items stored in the machine. Thus, a "Search" key h is pre~sed and the sequence number keyed in, follo~ed by pressinK the "Accept"
, .. .. ... .... .. . . . ... .. . .. .. .. .
~ 3 key.
For loading and unloading data, a transcriber is used. Data from the main~rame computer is transferred to the transcriber by a telecommunications link or by magnetic tape. The transcriber converts this basic data into codes acceptable to the billing machinc and a* the same time stores it on a magnetic disc attached to the transcriber.
The transcriber is used in association with a visual display unit (VDU)o A supervisor in charge of allocating work to different meter readers can examine each file (or workload) of data on this VDU. The supervisor can re-arrange the walk order, by manipulating the sequence numbersg be~ore loading the individual billing machines. The VDU is used as the central operational point for loading and unloadins dataO
Where the meter reader works from home, the above supervisory transcriber is arranged to prepare a loaded cassette and includes the necessary tape deck.
The individual meter reader then has a mains operated "home transcriber", having a tape deck and also a power supply for charging the batteries of the billing machine.
The meter reader is delivered or picks up one or more cassettes for each day's work, together with the walk lists. The home transcriber is connected 1;o the billing machine and operated to transfer the data on the cassette into the billins machineO The re~erse proccdure is employed for unloading data and returning it to the main_ frame computer.
Preferably the printer of the billiil~ machine ~Z~LS ,-j~
is arranged to print on the bill a coded mark (such as a system of bars) iclentifying the customer and the amount due. This coded mark is such that it may be read ~y a light pen. to facilitatc dealing with incoming payments 9 and read into a store~
It will be appreciated that the central, mainframe computer may be replaced by several smaller machines.
In a modification, the data memory does not store the estimated reading for each meter, but instead the stored program includes a facility for the machine itself to calculate the estimated reading from the other data which is stored for the respective meter.
Claims (59)
1. A portable meter-billing machine, comprising a portable carrying-case provided with a keyboard to enter the respective new meter reading at the respective premises of each of a succession of consumers, said carrying-case housing a data memory storing the previous meter-readings of the respective consumers, a program memory storing a billing program and tariff data, a microprocessor and a bill printer controlled by the microprocessor in accordance with the stored billing program, the machine being responsive to the new meter reading for a consumer being entered to prepare billing data from the previous meter reading stored for that consumer and the stored billing program and tariff data and to print a corresponding bill for that consumer.
2. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 1, in which said data memory stores an expected maxi-mum reading and an expected minimum reading for each of said consumers and said machine is arranged to check whether each new meter reading lies between the respective expected maximum and minimum readings.
3. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 1, in which said data memory stores an estimated reading for each of said consumers and said keyboard includes a key operable to cause the machine to prepare billing data, and to print a corresponding bill based on the stored estimated reading.
4. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 1, in which the keyboard includes a key successively operable to recall data relating to the successive consumers in a sequence, the keyboard being receptive to the new meter reading for each consumer once the data relating to that consumer has been recalled.
5. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 1, in which the keyboard includes a search key operable for recalling data relating to a chosen consumer, the keyboard being receptive to the new meter reading for the chosen consumer once the data relating to that consumer has been recalled.
6. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, in which the data memory stores the name and address of each of said consumers and the machine is arranged to print that name and address once the data relating to that consumer has been recalled.
7. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, in which the keyboard is receptive to the amount of a cash payment being keyed in to cause the printer to record the cash payment on the bill which is printed.
8. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a visual display.
9. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2 arranged for said data memory to store captured data relating to said consumers, for subsequent read out through an input/output terminal of the machine.
10. A method of producing printed bills using a machine as claimed in claim 1, comprising writing data into said data memory through said input/output terminal, said data compris-ing the previous meter readings of a plurality of consumers, writing a billing program and tariff data into said program store, making a new meter reading at the premises of each consumer, keying the new meter reading into the keyboard of the machine and causing the machine to prepare billing data from the new meter reading, from the previous meter reading stored for that consumer and from the stored billing program and tariff data and to print a corresponding bill for that consumer.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10, comprising causing the machine to check that each new meter reading lies between expected maximum and minimum readings stored by the data memory for the respective consumer.
12. A method as claimed in claim 10 or 11, comprising causing the machine to print the name and address of each consumer, from data stored in the memory store, before a new meter reading is keyed into the machine.
13. A method as claimed in claim 10 or 11, in which the data memory stores captured data, further comprising the step of reading out the data which is captured relating to the plurality of consumers, through the input/output terminal.
14. A portable billing machine, comprising:
(a) a housing;
(b) keyboard means mounted on said housing, said keyboard means including a plurality of switches;
(c) microprocessor means arranged within said housing, said microprocessor means being connected with said keyboard means for operation thereby;
(d) data memory means connected with said micro-processor means for storing customer meter readings;
(e) program memory means for storing billing program and tariff data;
(f) bill printing means mounted on said housing for operation by said microprocessor means; and (g) display means mounted on said housing and oper-able by said microprocessor means;
(h) said keyboard means being operable to control the operation of said microprocessor means, said data memory means and said program memory means for displaying informa-tion on said display means for the operation of said printer means under control of said microprocessor means to print a bill for a customer; said bill being prepared in dependence upon the previous meter reading of said customer as stored in said data memory means and as selected by said keyboard switches, the billing program and individual customers tariff data as stored in said program memory means, and from information input into said microprocessor means by said operator via said keyboard means.
(a) a housing;
(b) keyboard means mounted on said housing, said keyboard means including a plurality of switches;
(c) microprocessor means arranged within said housing, said microprocessor means being connected with said keyboard means for operation thereby;
(d) data memory means connected with said micro-processor means for storing customer meter readings;
(e) program memory means for storing billing program and tariff data;
(f) bill printing means mounted on said housing for operation by said microprocessor means; and (g) display means mounted on said housing and oper-able by said microprocessor means;
(h) said keyboard means being operable to control the operation of said microprocessor means, said data memory means and said program memory means for displaying informa-tion on said display means for the operation of said printer means under control of said microprocessor means to print a bill for a customer; said bill being prepared in dependence upon the previous meter reading of said customer as stored in said data memory means and as selected by said keyboard switches, the billing program and individual customers tariff data as stored in said program memory means, and from information input into said microprocessor means by said operator via said keyboard means.
15. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 14, in which said data memory stores an expected maximum reading and an expected minimum reading for each of said consumers and said machine is arranged to check whether each new meter reading lies between the respective expected maximum and minimum readings.
16. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 14, in which said data memory stores an estimated reading for each of said consumers and said keyboard includes a key operable to cause the machine to prepare billing data, and to print a corresponding bill based on the stored esti-mated reading.
17. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 14, in which the keyboard includes a key, successively operable to recall data relating to the successive consumers in a sequence, the keyboard being receptive to the new meter reading for each consumer once the data relative to that consumer has been recalled.
18. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 14 in which the keyboard includes a search key operable for recalling data relating to a chosen consumer, the keyboard being receptive to the new meter reading for the chosen consumer once the data relating to that consumer has been recalled.
19. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 17 in which the data memory stores the name and address of each of said consumers and the machine is arranged to print that name and address once the data relating to that consumer has been recalled.
20. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 14, in which the keyboard is receptive to the amount of a cash payment being keyed in to cause the printer to record the cash payment on the bill which is printed.
21. A portable meter-billing machine as claimed in claim 14, arranged for said data memory to store captured data relating to said consumers, for subsequent read out through said input/output terminal.
22. The method of assimilating utility meter data at the meter locations using a portable computer capable of being manually carried to the site of a given meter, said portable computer having an output storage means and having the capability of updating, printing and presenting various of said customer profileinformation for said meter customers before and after receiving current customerprofile information, the invention comprising, accumulating on an input information electronic storage means customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers, said profile information including the customer identify and account information, placing said input information electronic storage means in said portable computer, actuating said computer to segregate and to visually present from the customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers stored in said input information electronic storage means at least the meter number and customer identity information of a given meter customer, imposing into said computer the current meter reading of said given meter customer at the site of the meter being read, actuating said computer to calculate the charge for utility based upon the previous meter reading and said current meter reading, actuating said computer to print a bill for said meter customer at the site of said meter based upon said calculation and imposing on said output information storage means the updated customer profile information, and depositing said bill at the service address of said given meter customer.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein said aforementioned steps are repeated for all of the customers on said input information storage means.
24. The method of claim 22 wherein said customer profile information includes average quantities of utility usage of prior periods, comparing said average quantities of utility usage with the utility usage for the period being read so that substantial variation between the average quantities of utility usage and utility usage determined for the period being read can be ascertained, and signaling the existence of substantial variations so that the accuracy of the utility usage for the period being read can be verified.
25. The method of claim 22 wherein the updated customer profile information on said output information storage means is transmitted to a central depository of customer information.
26. A device for assimilating utility meter data at the meter location, using a portable computer means the invention comprising, a computer housing, computer circuitry input information electronic storage means and output information electronic storage means operatively connected to said computer circuitry, said input information electronic storage means containing customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers, printout means operatively connected to said computer circuitry, and manual control means for actuating said computer circuitry and for putting raw data into said computer means, said manual control means including a visible message output board connected to said computer circuitry whereby the operator can visually observe certain of the information contained in said computer as said information is imposed on an output board, said control means including means for segregating and visually presenting on said output board customer profile information for one meter customer from the customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers stored on said input information electronic storage means.
27. The device of claim 26 wherein a shoulder harness is secured to said computer housing for carrying the same.
28. The device of claim 26 wherein said information storage means are tapes.
29. A portable utility billing apparatus for enabling a utility meter reader to: (1) obtain information concerning utility meters of a plurality of utility customers on a selected route including current meter value information from those meters that can be read; (2) record the current meter value information;
(3) calculate actual customer utility charges for those meters that can be read and estimated customer utility charges for those meters that could no be read;
(4) print customer bills with the actual or estimated calculated customer charges thereon; and (5) deliver the bills to selected route customers; said apparatus characterized by:
a portable support to be carried by the meter reader, a mass data storage receiving means mounted on the support for receiving a mass data storage device containing previous meter value information and generalcustomer/meter information and estimated current meter value information;
a numeric display means for visually displaying information to the utility meter reader;
a memory means containing utility rate tables and an instructional control program;
a data entry means for enabling the utility meter reader to enter the current meter value information;
an arithmetic calculating means for receiving the previous meter value information, the utility rate tables; the current meter value information and the estimated current meter value information;
a bill printing means for printing a customer bill with the customer charges thereon;
an electrical battery means mounted on the support as a source of electrical energy;
a control means responsive to the instructional control program operatively connected to various means to utilize electrical energy from the electrical battery means for (1) reading the general customer meter information from the mass storage device and displaying such general customer/meter reader in readingthe meters; (2) entering the current meter value information from the data entrymeans for those meters that are read and displaying the current meter value information on the numeric display; (3) writing the current meter value information into the mass data storage device to record the same; (4) operating the arithmetic calculating means to (a) calculate the actual customer charges for those meters that are read and (b) calculate the estimated customer charges for those meters that are not read; (5) writing the actual and estimated calculated customer charges into the mass data storage means; and (6) operating the bill printing means to prepare customer bills with the actual and estimated customer charge printed thereon to enable the meter reader to deliver the printed customer bills to the customers.
(3) calculate actual customer utility charges for those meters that can be read and estimated customer utility charges for those meters that could no be read;
(4) print customer bills with the actual or estimated calculated customer charges thereon; and (5) deliver the bills to selected route customers; said apparatus characterized by:
a portable support to be carried by the meter reader, a mass data storage receiving means mounted on the support for receiving a mass data storage device containing previous meter value information and generalcustomer/meter information and estimated current meter value information;
a numeric display means for visually displaying information to the utility meter reader;
a memory means containing utility rate tables and an instructional control program;
a data entry means for enabling the utility meter reader to enter the current meter value information;
an arithmetic calculating means for receiving the previous meter value information, the utility rate tables; the current meter value information and the estimated current meter value information;
a bill printing means for printing a customer bill with the customer charges thereon;
an electrical battery means mounted on the support as a source of electrical energy;
a control means responsive to the instructional control program operatively connected to various means to utilize electrical energy from the electrical battery means for (1) reading the general customer meter information from the mass storage device and displaying such general customer/meter reader in readingthe meters; (2) entering the current meter value information from the data entrymeans for those meters that are read and displaying the current meter value information on the numeric display; (3) writing the current meter value information into the mass data storage device to record the same; (4) operating the arithmetic calculating means to (a) calculate the actual customer charges for those meters that are read and (b) calculate the estimated customer charges for those meters that are not read; (5) writing the actual and estimated calculated customer charges into the mass data storage means; and (6) operating the bill printing means to prepare customer bills with the actual and estimated customer charge printed thereon to enable the meter reader to deliver the printed customer bills to the customers.
30. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein the data entry means is characterized by designated keyswitches corresponding to specific reasons why the meter could not be read in which the designated keyswitches may be operated by the meter reader to enter objective information as to why the meter could not be read and wherein the control means is further characterized by writing the objective information into the mass data storage device.
31. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein the general customer/meter information contained in the mass data storage device is further characterized by bill delivery location information to assist the meter reader in delivering the bill to a prescribed location and wherein the data entry means is further characterized by a keyswitch designated to be operated bythe meter reader to change the prescribed bill delivery location and to enable the meter reader to enter the changed bill delivery location information and wherein the control means is further characterized by writing the changed bill delivery location information into the mass data storage device.
32. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein the general customer/meter information contained in the mass data storage device is further characterized by customer sequence information to assist the meter reader in following the route in a present customer sequence and wherein the data entry means if further characterized by a keyswitch designated to be operated bythe meter reader to change the customer sequence information and to enable the meter reader to enter a new customer sequence and wherein the control means further writes the new customer sequence information into the mass data storage device.
33. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein the data entry means is further characterized by a keyswitch designated to be operated by the meter reader when the printed bill is not delivered to the customer and wherein the control means is further characterized by writing the objective information into the mass data storage device.
34. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 29 wherein the data entry means is further characterized by a keyboard for enabling the utilitymeter reader to enter the current meter value; in which the keyboard is characterized by:
(1) an arithmetic section containing a first set of keyswitches corresponding to arithmetic characters to enable the meter reader to enter current meter value information;
(2) a change/update data section containing a second set of keyswitches corresponding to selected general customer/meter information to enable the meterreader to enter the changed or updated general customer/meter information in themass data storage device should the information be incorrect of out of date;
(3) an unable to read meter section containing a third set of keyswitches with each keyswitch in the third set corresponding to a specific reason why the meter could not be read to enable the meter reader to enter objective information as to why a specific meter could not be read into the mass storage device.
(1) an arithmetic section containing a first set of keyswitches corresponding to arithmetic characters to enable the meter reader to enter current meter value information;
(2) a change/update data section containing a second set of keyswitches corresponding to selected general customer/meter information to enable the meterreader to enter the changed or updated general customer/meter information in themass data storage device should the information be incorrect of out of date;
(3) an unable to read meter section containing a third set of keyswitches with each keyswitch in the third set corresponding to a specific reason why the meter could not be read to enable the meter reader to enter objective information as to why a specific meter could not be read into the mass storage device.
35. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein the general customer/meter information in the mass data storage device is further characterized by customer sequence information to assist the meter reader to follow the route in a preset customer sequence and wherein the second set of keyswitches includes a keyswitch designated to be operated by the meter reader to enter the changed customer sequence information in the mass data storage device to reflect a new customer sequence.
36. A portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein the keyboard is further characterized by an apparatus implementation section having a fourth set of keyswitches with each keyswitch in the fourth set corresponding to specific apparatus implementation functions.
37. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein the apparatus implementation section is characterized by a keyswitch corresponding to a print override function to enable the meter reader to operate the keyswitch to permit continued operation of the apparatus even though the apparatus is unable to print the bill.
38. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 37 wherein the control means is characterized by being responsive to the operation of the print override keyswitch and writing corresponding information into the mass data storage means indicating that the print override keyswitch has been operated.
39. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein the general customer meter information in the mass data storage device is further characterized by bill delivery location information to assist the meter reader in delivering the bill to a prescribed location and wherein the second set of keyswitches includes a keyswitch designated to be operated by the meter reader to enter the changed bill delivery location information in the mass data storage device to reflect a new location.
40. A portable utility billing apparatus for enabling a utility meter reader to: (1) read utility meters of a plurality of utility customers on a selected route and obtain current meter value information concerning such customers; (2) record the current meter value information; (3) calculate customer utility charges; (4) print customer bills with the calculated customer charges thereon;
and (5) deliver the bills to the selected route customers; said apparatus characterized by:
a portable support to be carried by the meter reader;
a mass data storage receiving means mounted on the support for receiving a mass data storage device containing previous meter value information and general customer information;
a numeric display means for visually displaying information to the utility meter reader;
a non-volatile, electrically alterable memory means capable of being reprogrammed by the apparatus sequence instruction program, in which the electrically alterable memory contains utility rate tables;
a data entry means for enabling the utility meter reader to enter the current meter value information;
an arithmetic calculating means for receiving the previous meter value information, the utility rate tables, and the current meter value information and calculating the customer charges therefrom;
a bill printing means for printing a customer bill with the customer charges thereon;
a control means operatively connected to the electronically alterable memory means for: (1) reading the general customer information from the mass storage device and displaying such general customer information on the numeric display means to assist the meter reader in reading the meters; (2) entering thecurrent meter value information from the data entry means and displaying the current meter value information on the numeric display; (3) writing the current meter value information into the mass data storage device to record the same;
(4) operating the arithmetic calculating means to calculate the customer chargesbased upon the utility rate tables, current meter value, information and previous meter value information; (5) writing the calculated customer charges into the mass data storage means; and (6) operating the bill printing means to prepare the customer bills with the customer charge printed thereon to enable the meter reader to deliver the printed bills to the customers.
and (5) deliver the bills to the selected route customers; said apparatus characterized by:
a portable support to be carried by the meter reader;
a mass data storage receiving means mounted on the support for receiving a mass data storage device containing previous meter value information and general customer information;
a numeric display means for visually displaying information to the utility meter reader;
a non-volatile, electrically alterable memory means capable of being reprogrammed by the apparatus sequence instruction program, in which the electrically alterable memory contains utility rate tables;
a data entry means for enabling the utility meter reader to enter the current meter value information;
an arithmetic calculating means for receiving the previous meter value information, the utility rate tables, and the current meter value information and calculating the customer charges therefrom;
a bill printing means for printing a customer bill with the customer charges thereon;
a control means operatively connected to the electronically alterable memory means for: (1) reading the general customer information from the mass storage device and displaying such general customer information on the numeric display means to assist the meter reader in reading the meters; (2) entering thecurrent meter value information from the data entry means and displaying the current meter value information on the numeric display; (3) writing the current meter value information into the mass data storage device to record the same;
(4) operating the arithmetic calculating means to calculate the customer chargesbased upon the utility rate tables, current meter value, information and previous meter value information; (5) writing the calculated customer charges into the mass data storage means; and (6) operating the bill printing means to prepare the customer bills with the customer charge printed thereon to enable the meter reader to deliver the printed bills to the customers.
41. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 40 wherein the mass data storage device is further characterized by a magnetic tape containing current utility rate table information and wherein the control means further electronically alters the electrically alterable memory means to reflect the current utility rate table information if the utility rate tables in the memory means are not current.
42. A portable utility billing apparatus for enabling a utility meter reader to: (1) read utility meter of a plurality of utility customers on a selected route and obtain current meter value information concerning such customers; (2) record the current meter value information; (3) calculate customer utility charges; (4) print customer bills with the calculate customer charges thereon;
and (5) deliver the bills to the selected route customers; said apparatus characterized by:
a portable support to be carried by the meter reader;
a magnetic tape device mounted on the support having a single removable mass data magnetic tape corresponding to a route;
wherein the single mass data magnetic tape has a plurality of sequentially spaced customer data fields following a route preamble data field in which each customer data field includes a first segment containing previous meter value information and general customer/meter information and a second segment for receiving current meter value information and calculated customer charges;
a numeric display means for visually displaying information to the utility meter reader;
a memory means containing utility rate tables and an instructional control program;
a data entry means for enabling the utility meter reader to enter the current meter value information;
an arithmetic calculating means for receiving the previous meter value information, the utility rate tables and the current meter value information and for calculating the customer charges;
a bill printing means mounted on the support for printing a customer bill with the customer charges thereon;
an electric battery means mounted on the support as a source of electrical energy;
control means responsive to the instructional program and operatively connected to various means to utilize electrical energy from the electrical battery means for: (1) reading the general customer/meter information from the first segments of the customer data fields and displaying such general customer/
meter information on the numeric display means to assist the meter reader information on the numeric display means to assist the meter reader in reading the meters; (2) entering the current meter value information from the data entry means and displaying the current meter value information on the numeric display;
(3) writing the current meter value information on to the second segments of the customer data fields to record the same; (4) operating the arithmetic calculating means to calculate the customer charge based upon the utility rate tables, current meter value, information and previous meter value information;
(5) writing the calculated customer charges onto the second segments of the customer data fields; and (6) operating the bill printing means to prepare customer bills with the customer charge printed thereon to enable the meter reader to deliver the printed customer bills to the customers.
and (5) deliver the bills to the selected route customers; said apparatus characterized by:
a portable support to be carried by the meter reader;
a magnetic tape device mounted on the support having a single removable mass data magnetic tape corresponding to a route;
wherein the single mass data magnetic tape has a plurality of sequentially spaced customer data fields following a route preamble data field in which each customer data field includes a first segment containing previous meter value information and general customer/meter information and a second segment for receiving current meter value information and calculated customer charges;
a numeric display means for visually displaying information to the utility meter reader;
a memory means containing utility rate tables and an instructional control program;
a data entry means for enabling the utility meter reader to enter the current meter value information;
an arithmetic calculating means for receiving the previous meter value information, the utility rate tables and the current meter value information and for calculating the customer charges;
a bill printing means mounted on the support for printing a customer bill with the customer charges thereon;
an electric battery means mounted on the support as a source of electrical energy;
control means responsive to the instructional program and operatively connected to various means to utilize electrical energy from the electrical battery means for: (1) reading the general customer/meter information from the first segments of the customer data fields and displaying such general customer/
meter information on the numeric display means to assist the meter reader information on the numeric display means to assist the meter reader in reading the meters; (2) entering the current meter value information from the data entry means and displaying the current meter value information on the numeric display;
(3) writing the current meter value information on to the second segments of the customer data fields to record the same; (4) operating the arithmetic calculating means to calculate the customer charge based upon the utility rate tables, current meter value, information and previous meter value information;
(5) writing the calculated customer charges onto the second segments of the customer data fields; and (6) operating the bill printing means to prepare customer bills with the customer charge printed thereon to enable the meter reader to deliver the printed customer bills to the customers.
43. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in Claim 42 further characterized by an apparatus identification circuit for producing apparatus identification information, that uniquely identifies the apparatus and wherein the control means further writes the apparatus identification information onto the second segments of the magnetic tape to enable a utility company to read the information from the magnetic tape and identify the apparatus used by the meter reader to service each customer.
44. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 42 wherein the data entry means is further characterized by designated keyswitches corresponding to specific reasons why the meter could not be read in which the designated keyswitches may be operated by the meter reader to enter objective information as to why the meter could not be read and wherein the control means is further characterized by writing the objective information on the single mass data magnetic tape in the second segment of the corresponding data field.
45. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 42 wherein the general customer/information contained in the first segment of the customer data field is further characterized by bill delivery information to assist the meter reader in delivering the bill to a prescribed location and wherein the data entry means is further characterized by a keyswitch designated to be operated by the meter reader to change the prescribed bill delivery location and to enable the meter reader to enter the changed bill delivery location information and wherein the control means is further characterized by writing the changed bill delivery location information on the single mass data magnetic tape in the second segment of the corresponding customer data field
46. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 42 wherein the general customer/meter information contained in the first segments of the customer data field is further characterized by customer sequence information to assist the meter reader in following the route in a preset customer sequence and wherein the data entry means is further characterized by a keyswitches designated to be operated by the meter reader to change the customer sequence information and to enable the meter reader to enter a new customer sequence and wherein the control means is further characterized by writing the new customer sequence information onto the single mass data magnetic tape in the second segment of the corresponding customer data field.
47. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 42 wherein the data entry means is further characterized by a designated keyswitch for the meter reader to operated when the printed bill is not delivered to the customer and wherein the control means is further characterized by writing information onto the single mass data magnetic tape in the second segment of the corresponding customer data field indicating that the printed bill was not delivered to the customer.
48. The portable utility billing apparatus as defined in claim 40 wherein the memory means is an electrically alterable read only memory (EAROM) means.
49. A portable computing-printing device comprising:
A. an electronic manpack having:
1. A microprocessor based computer comprising a data bus connected therein to receive and send information and to control input/output devices, to make calculations and process data, and to output such processed data to a printer, a visual display unit and an electronic storage means;
2. an input means on which digital information is recordable and is retrievable therefrom;
3. an input/output means for receiving and storing information and adapted to retain said information for later retrieval;
4. a printer sub-system connected to receive alphanumeric information and control signals from said microprocessor based computer and to print the data received from said microcomputer;
5. control logic and associated circuitry interfacing the various elements of said microprocessor based computer with said input and output means, a controller unit, and said printer; and 6. a lightweight battery; and B. a controller unit;
said controller unit having a plurality of keys thereon adapted to enter information into said microprocessor based computer, to recall information from said microprocess based computer and to direct said device to perform various data processing and printing operators.
A. an electronic manpack having:
1. A microprocessor based computer comprising a data bus connected therein to receive and send information and to control input/output devices, to make calculations and process data, and to output such processed data to a printer, a visual display unit and an electronic storage means;
2. an input means on which digital information is recordable and is retrievable therefrom;
3. an input/output means for receiving and storing information and adapted to retain said information for later retrieval;
4. a printer sub-system connected to receive alphanumeric information and control signals from said microprocessor based computer and to print the data received from said microcomputer;
5. control logic and associated circuitry interfacing the various elements of said microprocessor based computer with said input and output means, a controller unit, and said printer; and 6. a lightweight battery; and B. a controller unit;
said controller unit having a plurality of keys thereon adapted to enter information into said microprocessor based computer, to recall information from said microprocess based computer and to direct said device to perform various data processing and printing operators.
50. The device of claim 49 which also includes a display on which requested information is made visible.
51. The device of claim 49 in which said unit is hand-held unit.
52. The device of claim 51 in which hand-held unit includes the display on which requested and instructional information is made visible.
53. The device of claim 49 in which said manpack is adapted to be strapped onto a person's body.
54. The device of claim 49 in which said input and input/output means each comprise a magnetic tape.
55. The device of claim 49 in which said input and input/output means each comprise a solid state memory device.
56. The device of claim 49 in which said input and input/output means each comprise printed matter.
57. A method for assimilating utility meter data at the meter location, comprising:
accumulating on an input information electronic storage means customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers, said profile information including the customer identify and account information, placing said input information electronic storage means in a portable computer capable of being manually carried to the site of a given meter, said portable computer having an output information storage means and having the capacity of upgrading, printing and presenting various of said customer profile information for said meter customers before and after receiving current customer profile information, actuating said computer to segregate and to visually present from the customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers stored on said input information electronic storage means at least the meter number and customer identify information of a given meter customer, imposing into said computer the current meter reading of said given meter customer at the site of the meter being read, actuating said computer to calculate the charge for utility usage based upon the previous meter reading and said current meter reading, actuating said computer to print a bill for said meter customer at the site of said meter based upon said calculation and imposing on said output information storage means the updated customer profile information, and depositing said bill at the service address of said given meter customer.
accumulating on an input information electronic storage means customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers, said profile information including the customer identify and account information, placing said input information electronic storage means in a portable computer capable of being manually carried to the site of a given meter, said portable computer having an output information storage means and having the capacity of upgrading, printing and presenting various of said customer profile information for said meter customers before and after receiving current customer profile information, actuating said computer to segregate and to visually present from the customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers stored on said input information electronic storage means at least the meter number and customer identify information of a given meter customer, imposing into said computer the current meter reading of said given meter customer at the site of the meter being read, actuating said computer to calculate the charge for utility usage based upon the previous meter reading and said current meter reading, actuating said computer to print a bill for said meter customer at the site of said meter based upon said calculation and imposing on said output information storage means the updated customer profile information, and depositing said bill at the service address of said given meter customer.
58. The method of claim 57 wherein said aforementioned steps are repeated for all of the customers on said input information storage means,
59. A device for assimilating utility meter data at the meter location, comprising:
a portable computer means comprising a computer housing, computer circuitry, input information electronic storage means operatively connected to said computer circuitry, input information electronic storage means containing customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers printout means operatively connected to said computer circuitry, and manual control means for actuating said computer circuitry and for putting raw data into said computer means, said manual control means including visible message output board connected to said computer circuitry whereby the operator can visually observe certain of the information contained is
a portable computer means comprising a computer housing, computer circuitry, input information electronic storage means operatively connected to said computer circuitry, input information electronic storage means containing customer profile information for a plurality of meter customers printout means operatively connected to said computer circuitry, and manual control means for actuating said computer circuitry and for putting raw data into said computer means, said manual control means including visible message output board connected to said computer circuitry whereby the operator can visually observe certain of the information contained is
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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|---|---|---|---|
| GB49283/76 | 1976-11-25 | ||
| GB49283/76A GB1593385A (en) | 1976-11-25 | 1976-11-25 | Portable meter-billing machine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1215469A true CA1215469A (en) | 1986-12-16 |
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| CA000291706A Expired CA1215469A (en) | 1976-11-25 | 1977-11-24 | Portable billing machine |
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| CA (1) | CA1215469A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1593385A (en) |
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1976
- 1976-11-25 GB GB49283/76A patent/GB1593385A/en not_active Expired
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1977
- 1977-11-24 CA CA000291706A patent/CA1215469A/en not_active Expired
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1984
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1985
- 1985-11-14 US US06/797,767 patent/US4674056A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB1593385A (en) | 1981-07-15 |
| HK1184A (en) | 1984-01-13 |
| US4674056A (en) | 1987-06-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |