CA2184286C - Remote meter reading power reduction method - Google Patents
Remote meter reading power reduction method Download PDFInfo
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- CA2184286C CA2184286C CA002184286A CA2184286A CA2184286C CA 2184286 C CA2184286 C CA 2184286C CA 002184286 A CA002184286 A CA 002184286A CA 2184286 A CA2184286 A CA 2184286A CA 2184286 C CA2184286 C CA 2184286C
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- Prior art keywords
- interface unit
- meter interface
- meter
- time period
- mode
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- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C17/00—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
- G08C17/02—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/06—Receivers
- H04B1/16—Circuits
- H04B1/1607—Supply circuits
- H04B1/1615—Switching on; Switching off, e.g. remotely
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2209/00—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems
- H04Q2209/60—Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for transmitting utility meters data, i.e. transmission of data from the reader of the utility meter
Abstract
A remote meter reading system (10) includes a remotely accessible meter interface unit (12).
The meter interface unit (12) is operable in an acti-vated mode and in an inactivated mode. The meter interface unit (12) is periodically activated to mon-itor a communication channel to detect whether there is communication activity (410). When com-munication activity is detected (430), the meter in-terface unit (12) is operated in a message monitor-ing mode to monitor the communication channel (450, 460). When a message addressed to the me-ter interface unit (12) is detected during the moni-toring period (470), the meter interface unit (12) is placed in an activated mode for an extended time period to process communication signals (485). If no communication activity is detected when pe-riodically activated (430), or if no message ad-dressed to meter interface is detected during the monitoring period (470), the meter interface unit (12) is placed in an inactivated mode (440).
The meter interface unit (12) is operable in an acti-vated mode and in an inactivated mode. The meter interface unit (12) is periodically activated to mon-itor a communication channel to detect whether there is communication activity (410). When com-munication activity is detected (430), the meter in-terface unit (12) is operated in a message monitor-ing mode to monitor the communication channel (450, 460). When a message addressed to the me-ter interface unit (12) is detected during the moni-toring period (470), the meter interface unit (12) is placed in an activated mode for an extended time period to process communication signals (485). If no communication activity is detected when pe-riodically activated (430), or if no message ad-dressed to meter interface is detected during the monitoring period (470), the meter interface unit (12) is placed in an inactivated mode (440).
Description
"Remote Meter Reading Power Reduction Method"
Technical Field This invention relates in general to remote meter reading, and more particular, to power m~n~gement in a remote meter reading system.
There has been a strong interest on the part of utility companies, and simil~r entities, to take advantage of modern technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency in the meter re~ing applications.
Traditionally, meters, such as electric, water, and gas meters, have been manually read by physically locating a person at each meter. However, recent developments have provided for meters which can be remotely accessed from a central location through wire or wireless communication links. Oftentimes, these remotely accessible meters 2 0 have battery powered meter interface devices which can access the meter status information, and which can communicate this information to a remotely situated meter re~-ling device. In such cases, issues associated with power consumption m~n~gement are an important concern in a remote meter re~ing system.
In a typical environment, a meter re~ling system includes a large number of meter installations. Low maintenance meters are desirable to facilitate operating efficiency and to reduce maintenance costs.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a meter interface device which can operate for an extended period of time without requiring frequent 3 0 maintenance for battery replacement and the like. Such maintenance requirements may be reduced by increasing battery capacity or by reducing power consumption. The more viable option of reducing power consumption is usually pursued. For example, the meter interface device may be disabled when there is no ongoing communication with a 3 5 meter re~ing device. A trade off is usually made between the availability of the device for communications and the amount of power 2~8~12~6 2 consumption savings which can be achleved-. A meter interface device employing the power consumption saving technique described may have a poor response time if comm11nic~tions availability is not adequate. The impact of poor meter response time is m~gnif1çd when there is a large number meters to be read. Thus, there must be an acceptable procedure for ensuring that the meter interface device is available when needed.
There exists a need for a meter interface device which can respond to inquiries for meter status inform~tion in a time çfficiçnt manner. Yet, the meter interface device must provide for power consumption 1 0 m~n~Fement in order to increase device availability while reducing power supply related maintenance and associated costs.
Blqef Des~ption of 1 he D dwil~
FIG. 1 is a representation of a remote meter reading system, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagr~m of a meter interface unit, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a meter re~tling device, in accordance with the present invention.
2 0 FIG 4 is a flow chart of procedures for reducing power consumption for the meter interface unit of FIG. 2, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of alternative procedures for reducing power consumption for the meter interface unit of FIG. 2, in accordance with 2 5 the present invention.
De~i~ ;.;~ionof1heI~. f~.~lEnil~1;-....L
Generally, the present invention provides a method of reducing power consumption in a remote meter reading system. The meter 3 0 reading system typically includes a remote meter reading device, and a group of remotely located meter interface units, and also includes communication link capability between the meter reading device and the remotely located meter interface units. According to the present invention, the meter interface units can alternate between an activated 3 5 mode and a power saving inactivated mode. While in an inactivated mode there is no communication capability. However, the meter WO 95/24027 2 ~ 8 4 2 8 6 PCT/US95/02453 _. 3 interface units are periodically activated to enable communications capabilities, and during such period, the meter inter~ace units monitor for communication sign~lfi initiated by the meter re~(ling device. When a particular meter interface unit detects a mess~e addressed to it 5 during the monitoring period, the meter interface unit enters an activated mode for an exten(le-l time period. The activated mode may be extended in response to specific comm~nti~ from the meter reading device, and for other purposes.
The present invention can be better understood with references to 1 0 FIGs. 1-4. FIG. 1 is a representation of a remote meter re~-linF system 10 in accordance with the present invention. The system includes at least one meter re~ling device 15, and a group of remotely located meter interface units 12. The meter reading device 15 is situated such that it is in within communication range of the group of meter interface units 12.
1 5 Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagr~n of a meter interface unit 12 is shown in accordance with the present invention. The meter interface unit 12 provides an interface for re~-ling a meter, such as an electricity meter, a water meter, a gas meter, and other simil~r devices. Additionally, the meter interface unit 12 provides remote access to the functions of each 2 0 meter. The meter interface unit 12 includes a controller 26, a communication portion 21, a meter interface portion 29, and power control portion 27. The meter interface portion 29 provides access to the functions of an electrically coupled meter. The power control portion 27 controls the power supply to the meter interface unit 12 and facilitates the 2 5 operation of power consumption m~n~gement.
The communication portion 21 includes a memory block 28, a radio frequency (RF) signal processinF block 24, and an antenna 22. The communication portion 21 is capable of receiving and transmitting communication sign~l~ over a communication channel, such as a RF
3 0 channel, using well-known principles. The controller 26 uses logic and other information from the electrically coupled memory block 28 to control the overall operation of the meter interface unit 12. The controller 26 is electrically coupled to the RF block 24 which includes a receiver 242 and a transmitter 244. The RF block 24 is electrically coupled to the 35 antenna 22. For receive operations, communication sign~l~ are received by the antenna 22 and are selectively processed by the receiver 242.
W095/24027 ~ 2 8 6 PCTNS95/02453 .~imil~rly, for transmit operations, communication sign~l~ are processed by the transmitter 244 and r~ te~ through the antenna 22. The memory block 28 has storage capabilities and can store information received by the meter interface unit 12. ;
The meter interface unit 12, including the communication portion 21, iS operable in an inactivated mode to reduce power consumption. The communication portion 21 iS periodically operable in an activated mode to monitor a communication channel for channel activity. The communication portion 21 iS activated by power supplied under the 1 0 control of the power control portion 27. The power control portion 27 responds to a periodic interrupt æign~l, or activation sign~l, supplied by an electrically coupled timer 23. Upon receipt of that activation signal, the power control portion 27 supplies power to the commllnic~tion unit from an electrically coupled battery 25.
1 5 The meter interface unit 12 iS responsive to messages received over a monitored communication channel. The message may include specific comm~nds which require a response from the meter interface unit 12.
These comm~nds include wake-up requests, inactivate requests, and meter reading requests, among others. The meter interface unit 12 2 0 responds to a wake-up request by operating in an activated mode for an extended time period. An inactivate request places the meter interface unit 12 in an inactivated power reduction mode. In response to a meter reading request, the meter interface;.unit 12 communicates with a coupled meter through the meter interface portion 29 to extract status 2 5 information for the meter.
Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a meter reading device 15 is shown in accordance with the present invention. The meter reading device 15 has communications capability ~imil~r to those described with respect to the meter interface unit 12. Accordingly, the meter reading 3 0 device 15 has a controller 36, a memory block 38, and a RF portion 34, including a receiver 342 and transmitter 344, for providing two-way communications through an antenna 32. The memory block 38 provides storage capability for the meter re~-ling device 15. Data is stored in the memory block 38 for facilitating the operation of the meter reading device 3 5 15. This data may include a list of addresses, or unit identifiers for a group meter interface units 12, and/or other inform~tion needed to WO 95/24027 2 I 8 ~ 2 8 6 PCI/US95/02453 -facilitate the meter reading system 10. Data may be pre-programmed in the meter re~ing device 15, or the data may comprise-information received via the receiver 342. The meter re~ine device 15 is capable of initi~ting commllnic~tio-n with the group of remotely situated meter 5 interface units 12 over one or more communication channels, such as over radio frequency channels. The meter re~tling device 15 initiates comml-nic~tion~ by tr~ncmitting commands addressed to a specific or target meter interface unit 12.
Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart of procedures for reducing power 1 0 consumption for the meter interface unit 12, in accordance with the present invention. The meter interface unit 12 is ordinarily in an inactivated mode when it is not communicating or monitoring for communication sign~l~ From an inactivated mode, the meter interface unit 12 is periodically activated in response to an interrupt signal 1 5 generated by the timer, step 410. While activated, the meter interface unit 12. monitors a communication channel for a first time period to detect whether there is comm-lnic~t.ion activity, step 420, 430. The first time period is typically of short duration, such as for several milliseconds. In the preferred embodiment, comm--nic~tion activity is 2 0 detected by monitoring for a carrier sign~l . Alternatively, the communication ~h~nnel is monitored for signal transitions at predetermine data rates which indicate the presence of data on the communication channel. Other means of detecting communication activity may be employed. For example, a coded squelch signal or other 2 5 decodable signal may be used. If no communication activity is detected within the first time period, the meter interface unit 12 is placed in inactivated mode and power consumption reduced, step 440.
When communication activity is detected within the first time period, the meter interface unit 12 begins to operate in a message 3 0 monitoring mode on the communication channel, step 450. The meter interface unit 12 monitors the communication channel for a second time period to detect whether there is a message addressed to the meter interface unit 12, step 460, 470. If a message addressed to the meter interface unit 12 is not ~etected within the second time period, the meter 3 5 interface unit 12 returns to an inactivated power saving mode, step 440.
If a message addressed to the meter interface unit 12 is detected, the meter interface unit 12 is placed into an activated mode for a third time period such that the unit 12 is available to process communication sign~l~, step 485. Note that while in the activated mode, the meter interface unit 12 has full commllnic~tion capability and may receive and 5 respond to commllnic~t.iQn si~n~l~ from the meter re~in~ device 15, or may initiate commllnic~tions with the meter reading device 15. Thus, the meter interface unit 12 may respond to meter reading requests by providing meter status information, including usage information, the date and time the meter was last read, and current power level or battery 1 0 charge level. There is an implied extension of the time period for r~m~ining in activated or wake-up mode upon the receipt of any message addressed to the meter interface unit 12. Furthermore, the message may be a message to ç~rten~ activated mode, i.e., a wake-up request.
Additionally, the wake-up request may contain a value indicating the 1 5 duration of ~xten~ion required, or the e~ten~ion time period may be predetermined and progr~mmed within the unit 12. Upon receipt of a wake-up request, the meter interface unit 12 is placed in an activated mode for some additional time period, step 490.
Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart of alternate procedures for 2 0 reducing power consumption in the meter interface unit 12. As before, the meter interface unit 12 is periodically activated in response to an interrupt signal generated by the timer, step 510. While activated, the meter interface unit 12 monitors a communication channel for a first time period of short duration to detect whether there is communication 2 5 activity, step 520. When commllnic~tion activity is detected, step 530, the unit 12 is activated for an extended second time period, step 550. If no communication activity is detected within the first time period, the meter interface unit 12 is placed in inactivated mode and power consumption reduced, step 540. VVhen in activated mode, the meter interface unit 12 is 3 0 responsive to wake-up requests, meter reading requests, inactivate requests, and other commands as described earlier.
The present invention provides a method for reducing power consumed by a meter interface unit 12 in a meter reading system 10 while m~king the unit 12 available for communis~tion~. In one 3 5 embodiment, the unit 12 is incrementally brought up to full communications capability, thus offering flexibility in power WO 95/24027 2 ~ 8 4 2 8 6 PCT/US95/02453 consumption m~n~gement~ and unit 12 availability. The resultant reduction in power consumed can extend the battery life for a battery powered meter interface unit 12 which can ultim~tel.y reduce the maintenance cost for the entire meter reading system 10.
VVhat is claimed is:
Technical Field This invention relates in general to remote meter reading, and more particular, to power m~n~gement in a remote meter reading system.
There has been a strong interest on the part of utility companies, and simil~r entities, to take advantage of modern technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency in the meter re~ing applications.
Traditionally, meters, such as electric, water, and gas meters, have been manually read by physically locating a person at each meter. However, recent developments have provided for meters which can be remotely accessed from a central location through wire or wireless communication links. Oftentimes, these remotely accessible meters 2 0 have battery powered meter interface devices which can access the meter status information, and which can communicate this information to a remotely situated meter re~-ling device. In such cases, issues associated with power consumption m~n~gement are an important concern in a remote meter re~ing system.
In a typical environment, a meter re~ling system includes a large number of meter installations. Low maintenance meters are desirable to facilitate operating efficiency and to reduce maintenance costs.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a meter interface device which can operate for an extended period of time without requiring frequent 3 0 maintenance for battery replacement and the like. Such maintenance requirements may be reduced by increasing battery capacity or by reducing power consumption. The more viable option of reducing power consumption is usually pursued. For example, the meter interface device may be disabled when there is no ongoing communication with a 3 5 meter re~ing device. A trade off is usually made between the availability of the device for communications and the amount of power 2~8~12~6 2 consumption savings which can be achleved-. A meter interface device employing the power consumption saving technique described may have a poor response time if comm11nic~tions availability is not adequate. The impact of poor meter response time is m~gnif1çd when there is a large number meters to be read. Thus, there must be an acceptable procedure for ensuring that the meter interface device is available when needed.
There exists a need for a meter interface device which can respond to inquiries for meter status inform~tion in a time çfficiçnt manner. Yet, the meter interface device must provide for power consumption 1 0 m~n~Fement in order to increase device availability while reducing power supply related maintenance and associated costs.
Blqef Des~ption of 1 he D dwil~
FIG. 1 is a representation of a remote meter reading system, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagr~m of a meter interface unit, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a meter re~tling device, in accordance with the present invention.
2 0 FIG 4 is a flow chart of procedures for reducing power consumption for the meter interface unit of FIG. 2, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of alternative procedures for reducing power consumption for the meter interface unit of FIG. 2, in accordance with 2 5 the present invention.
De~i~ ;.;~ionof1heI~. f~.~lEnil~1;-....L
Generally, the present invention provides a method of reducing power consumption in a remote meter reading system. The meter 3 0 reading system typically includes a remote meter reading device, and a group of remotely located meter interface units, and also includes communication link capability between the meter reading device and the remotely located meter interface units. According to the present invention, the meter interface units can alternate between an activated 3 5 mode and a power saving inactivated mode. While in an inactivated mode there is no communication capability. However, the meter WO 95/24027 2 ~ 8 4 2 8 6 PCT/US95/02453 _. 3 interface units are periodically activated to enable communications capabilities, and during such period, the meter inter~ace units monitor for communication sign~lfi initiated by the meter re~(ling device. When a particular meter interface unit detects a mess~e addressed to it 5 during the monitoring period, the meter interface unit enters an activated mode for an exten(le-l time period. The activated mode may be extended in response to specific comm~nti~ from the meter reading device, and for other purposes.
The present invention can be better understood with references to 1 0 FIGs. 1-4. FIG. 1 is a representation of a remote meter re~-linF system 10 in accordance with the present invention. The system includes at least one meter re~ling device 15, and a group of remotely located meter interface units 12. The meter reading device 15 is situated such that it is in within communication range of the group of meter interface units 12.
1 5 Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagr~n of a meter interface unit 12 is shown in accordance with the present invention. The meter interface unit 12 provides an interface for re~-ling a meter, such as an electricity meter, a water meter, a gas meter, and other simil~r devices. Additionally, the meter interface unit 12 provides remote access to the functions of each 2 0 meter. The meter interface unit 12 includes a controller 26, a communication portion 21, a meter interface portion 29, and power control portion 27. The meter interface portion 29 provides access to the functions of an electrically coupled meter. The power control portion 27 controls the power supply to the meter interface unit 12 and facilitates the 2 5 operation of power consumption m~n~gement.
The communication portion 21 includes a memory block 28, a radio frequency (RF) signal processinF block 24, and an antenna 22. The communication portion 21 is capable of receiving and transmitting communication sign~l~ over a communication channel, such as a RF
3 0 channel, using well-known principles. The controller 26 uses logic and other information from the electrically coupled memory block 28 to control the overall operation of the meter interface unit 12. The controller 26 is electrically coupled to the RF block 24 which includes a receiver 242 and a transmitter 244. The RF block 24 is electrically coupled to the 35 antenna 22. For receive operations, communication sign~l~ are received by the antenna 22 and are selectively processed by the receiver 242.
W095/24027 ~ 2 8 6 PCTNS95/02453 .~imil~rly, for transmit operations, communication sign~l~ are processed by the transmitter 244 and r~ te~ through the antenna 22. The memory block 28 has storage capabilities and can store information received by the meter interface unit 12. ;
The meter interface unit 12, including the communication portion 21, iS operable in an inactivated mode to reduce power consumption. The communication portion 21 iS periodically operable in an activated mode to monitor a communication channel for channel activity. The communication portion 21 iS activated by power supplied under the 1 0 control of the power control portion 27. The power control portion 27 responds to a periodic interrupt æign~l, or activation sign~l, supplied by an electrically coupled timer 23. Upon receipt of that activation signal, the power control portion 27 supplies power to the commllnic~tion unit from an electrically coupled battery 25.
1 5 The meter interface unit 12 iS responsive to messages received over a monitored communication channel. The message may include specific comm~nds which require a response from the meter interface unit 12.
These comm~nds include wake-up requests, inactivate requests, and meter reading requests, among others. The meter interface unit 12 2 0 responds to a wake-up request by operating in an activated mode for an extended time period. An inactivate request places the meter interface unit 12 in an inactivated power reduction mode. In response to a meter reading request, the meter interface;.unit 12 communicates with a coupled meter through the meter interface portion 29 to extract status 2 5 information for the meter.
Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a meter reading device 15 is shown in accordance with the present invention. The meter reading device 15 has communications capability ~imil~r to those described with respect to the meter interface unit 12. Accordingly, the meter reading 3 0 device 15 has a controller 36, a memory block 38, and a RF portion 34, including a receiver 342 and transmitter 344, for providing two-way communications through an antenna 32. The memory block 38 provides storage capability for the meter re~-ling device 15. Data is stored in the memory block 38 for facilitating the operation of the meter reading device 3 5 15. This data may include a list of addresses, or unit identifiers for a group meter interface units 12, and/or other inform~tion needed to WO 95/24027 2 I 8 ~ 2 8 6 PCI/US95/02453 -facilitate the meter reading system 10. Data may be pre-programmed in the meter re~ing device 15, or the data may comprise-information received via the receiver 342. The meter re~ine device 15 is capable of initi~ting commllnic~tio-n with the group of remotely situated meter 5 interface units 12 over one or more communication channels, such as over radio frequency channels. The meter re~tling device 15 initiates comml-nic~tion~ by tr~ncmitting commands addressed to a specific or target meter interface unit 12.
Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart of procedures for reducing power 1 0 consumption for the meter interface unit 12, in accordance with the present invention. The meter interface unit 12 is ordinarily in an inactivated mode when it is not communicating or monitoring for communication sign~l~ From an inactivated mode, the meter interface unit 12 is periodically activated in response to an interrupt signal 1 5 generated by the timer, step 410. While activated, the meter interface unit 12. monitors a communication channel for a first time period to detect whether there is comm-lnic~t.ion activity, step 420, 430. The first time period is typically of short duration, such as for several milliseconds. In the preferred embodiment, comm--nic~tion activity is 2 0 detected by monitoring for a carrier sign~l . Alternatively, the communication ~h~nnel is monitored for signal transitions at predetermine data rates which indicate the presence of data on the communication channel. Other means of detecting communication activity may be employed. For example, a coded squelch signal or other 2 5 decodable signal may be used. If no communication activity is detected within the first time period, the meter interface unit 12 is placed in inactivated mode and power consumption reduced, step 440.
When communication activity is detected within the first time period, the meter interface unit 12 begins to operate in a message 3 0 monitoring mode on the communication channel, step 450. The meter interface unit 12 monitors the communication channel for a second time period to detect whether there is a message addressed to the meter interface unit 12, step 460, 470. If a message addressed to the meter interface unit 12 is not ~etected within the second time period, the meter 3 5 interface unit 12 returns to an inactivated power saving mode, step 440.
If a message addressed to the meter interface unit 12 is detected, the meter interface unit 12 is placed into an activated mode for a third time period such that the unit 12 is available to process communication sign~l~, step 485. Note that while in the activated mode, the meter interface unit 12 has full commllnic~tion capability and may receive and 5 respond to commllnic~t.iQn si~n~l~ from the meter re~in~ device 15, or may initiate commllnic~tions with the meter reading device 15. Thus, the meter interface unit 12 may respond to meter reading requests by providing meter status information, including usage information, the date and time the meter was last read, and current power level or battery 1 0 charge level. There is an implied extension of the time period for r~m~ining in activated or wake-up mode upon the receipt of any message addressed to the meter interface unit 12. Furthermore, the message may be a message to ç~rten~ activated mode, i.e., a wake-up request.
Additionally, the wake-up request may contain a value indicating the 1 5 duration of ~xten~ion required, or the e~ten~ion time period may be predetermined and progr~mmed within the unit 12. Upon receipt of a wake-up request, the meter interface unit 12 is placed in an activated mode for some additional time period, step 490.
Referring to FIG. 5, a flowchart of alternate procedures for 2 0 reducing power consumption in the meter interface unit 12. As before, the meter interface unit 12 is periodically activated in response to an interrupt signal generated by the timer, step 510. While activated, the meter interface unit 12 monitors a communication channel for a first time period of short duration to detect whether there is communication 2 5 activity, step 520. When commllnic~tion activity is detected, step 530, the unit 12 is activated for an extended second time period, step 550. If no communication activity is detected within the first time period, the meter interface unit 12 is placed in inactivated mode and power consumption reduced, step 540. VVhen in activated mode, the meter interface unit 12 is 3 0 responsive to wake-up requests, meter reading requests, inactivate requests, and other commands as described earlier.
The present invention provides a method for reducing power consumed by a meter interface unit 12 in a meter reading system 10 while m~king the unit 12 available for communis~tion~. In one 3 5 embodiment, the unit 12 is incrementally brought up to full communications capability, thus offering flexibility in power WO 95/24027 2 ~ 8 4 2 8 6 PCT/US95/02453 consumption m~n~gement~ and unit 12 availability. The resultant reduction in power consumed can extend the battery life for a battery powered meter interface unit 12 which can ultim~tel.y reduce the maintenance cost for the entire meter reading system 10.
VVhat is claimed is:
Claims (10)
1. A method of reducing power consumption in a remote meter reading system, the meter reading system comprising a remotely accessible meter interface unit, the meter interface unit being operable in an activated mode and in an inactivated mode for power consumption reduction, the method comprising the steps of:
periodically activating the meter interface unit to monitor a communication channel for a first time period to detect whether there is communication activity;
operating in a message monitoring mode when communication activity is detected within the first time period, including the steps of:
monitoring the communication channel for a second time period to detect a message addressed to the meter interface unit;
placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a third time period to process communication signals when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is detected within the second time period;
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is not detected within the second time period;
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when communication activity is not detected within the first time period; and operating the meter interface unit in a power reduction mode when in an inactivate mode.
periodically activating the meter interface unit to monitor a communication channel for a first time period to detect whether there is communication activity;
operating in a message monitoring mode when communication activity is detected within the first time period, including the steps of:
monitoring the communication channel for a second time period to detect a message addressed to the meter interface unit;
placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a third time period to process communication signals when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is detected within the second time period;
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is not detected within the second time period;
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when communication activity is not detected within the first time period; and operating the meter interface unit in a power reduction mode when in an inactivate mode.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of periodically activating the meter interface unit of the meter from an inactivated mode, includes the step of:
activating the meter interface unit upon receiving a signal from a timer.
activating the meter interface unit upon receiving a signal from a timer.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of periodically activating the meter interface unit to monitor a communication channel for a first time period to detect whether there is communication activity, includes the step of:
monitoring the communication channel to detect a carrier signal.
monitoring the communication channel to detect a carrier signal.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of periodically activating the meter interface unit to monitor a communication channel for a first time period to detect whether there is communication activity, includes the step of:
monitoring the communication channel for signal transitions at predetermined data rates which indicate the presence of data on the communication channel.
monitoring the communication channel for signal transitions at predetermined data rates which indicate the presence of data on the communication channel.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of operating in a message monitoring mode when communication activity is detected within the first time period, includes the step of:
placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a fourth time period when a message to extend activation mode is addressed to the meter interface unit within the third time period.
placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a fourth time period when a message to extend activation mode is addressed to the meter interface unit within the third time period.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
reducing the power consumption of the meter when the meter interface unit is in an inactivated mode.
reducing the power consumption of the meter when the meter interface unit is in an inactivated mode.
7. A method of providing power management for a remotely accessible meter having a meter interface unit, comprising:
periodically activating the meter interface unit of the meter upon a signal from a timer;
monitoring the communication channel for a first time period to detect communication activity;
when communication activity is detected within the first time period, placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a second time period; and when communication activity is not detected within the first time period, placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode and reducing power consumption.
periodically activating the meter interface unit of the meter upon a signal from a timer;
monitoring the communication channel for a first time period to detect communication activity;
when communication activity is detected within the first time period, placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a second time period; and when communication activity is not detected within the first time period, placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode and reducing power consumption.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of operating in a message monitoring mode when communication activity is detected within the first time period, includes the step of:
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode for a third time period when a message to inactivate is addressed to the meter interface unit within the second time period.
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode for a third time period when a message to inactivate is addressed to the meter interface unit within the second time period.
9. A method of reducing power consumption for a remotely accessible meter having a meter interface unit, the method comprising the steps of:
periodically activating the meter interface unit to monitor a communication channel for a first time period to detect whether there is communication activity;
operating in a message monitoring mode when communication activity is detected within the first time period, including the steps of:
monitoring the communication channel for a second time period to detect a message addressed to the meter interface unit;
placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a third time period when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is detected within the second time period;
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode for a fourth time period when a message to inactivate is addressed to the meter interface unit within the second time period; and placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is not detected within the second time period;
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when communication activity is not detected within the first time period; and reducing the power consumption of the meter when the meter interface unit is in an inactivated mode.
periodically activating the meter interface unit to monitor a communication channel for a first time period to detect whether there is communication activity;
operating in a message monitoring mode when communication activity is detected within the first time period, including the steps of:
monitoring the communication channel for a second time period to detect a message addressed to the meter interface unit;
placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a third time period when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is detected within the second time period;
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode for a fourth time period when a message to inactivate is addressed to the meter interface unit within the second time period; and placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is not detected within the second time period;
placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when communication activity is not detected within the first time period; and reducing the power consumption of the meter when the meter interface unit is in an inactivated mode.
10. A remotely accessible meter operable in reduced power consumption mode, comprising:
a meter interface unit having a wireless transmitter and having an inactivated mode;
timer means for providing a periodic activation signal to the meter interface unit to place the meter interface unit in an activated mode;
means for monitoring the communication channel for a first time period to detect communication activity when the meter interface unit is in an activated mode;
means for operating in a message monitoring mode when communication activity is detected within the first time period, comprising:
means for monitoring the communication channel for a second time period to detect a message addressed to the meter interface unit;
means for placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a third time period to receive communication signals when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is detected within the second time period;
means for placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is not detected within the second time period; and means for placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when communication activity is not detected within the first time period;
means for reducing the power consumption of the meter when the meter interface unit is in an inactivated mode.
a meter interface unit having a wireless transmitter and having an inactivated mode;
timer means for providing a periodic activation signal to the meter interface unit to place the meter interface unit in an activated mode;
means for monitoring the communication channel for a first time period to detect communication activity when the meter interface unit is in an activated mode;
means for operating in a message monitoring mode when communication activity is detected within the first time period, comprising:
means for monitoring the communication channel for a second time period to detect a message addressed to the meter interface unit;
means for placing the meter interface unit in an activated mode for a third time period to receive communication signals when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is detected within the second time period;
means for placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when a message addressed to the meter interface unit is not detected within the second time period; and means for placing the meter interface unit in an inactivated mode when communication activity is not detected within the first time period;
means for reducing the power consumption of the meter when the meter interface unit is in an inactivated mode.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US20546594A | 1994-03-04 | 1994-03-04 | |
| US08/205,465 | 1994-03-04 | ||
| PCT/US1995/002453 WO1995024027A1 (en) | 1994-03-04 | 1995-02-28 | Remote meter reading power reduction method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2184286A1 CA2184286A1 (en) | 1995-09-08 |
| CA2184286C true CA2184286C (en) | 2000-06-06 |
Family
ID=22762296
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002184286A Expired - Fee Related CA2184286C (en) | 1994-03-04 | 1995-02-28 | Remote meter reading power reduction method |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5631636A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0748493A4 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1934595A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2184286C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995024027A1 (en) |
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- 1995-02-28 CA CA002184286A patent/CA2184286C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-02-28 EP EP95911977A patent/EP0748493A4/en not_active Withdrawn
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1996
- 1996-08-14 US US08/698,217 patent/US5631636A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2184286A1 (en) | 1995-09-08 |
| EP0748493A1 (en) | 1996-12-18 |
| WO1995024027A1 (en) | 1995-09-08 |
| EP0748493A4 (en) | 1997-03-12 |
| US5631636A (en) | 1997-05-20 |
| AU1934595A (en) | 1995-09-18 |
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