Patent Application
20060038700
The invention relates generally to radio frequency (RF) communications in fixed network meter reading systems. More particularly, the invention relates to forwarding data transmissions received from encoder/receiver/transmitter (ERT) modules for use with remote meter devices.
Meter reading systems in which a data collection, or reader, device communicates with a plurality of remote meter devices are used by utilities and other companies to improve the efficiency of the meter reading process and reduce the opportunity for erroneous readings. These systems often communicate wirelessly, using radio frequency (RF) signals to collect data and transmit information. A meter reading system can comprise a fixed network, in which a single central reader device or plurality of fixedly mounted and stationary intermediate “frequency hopping” devices communicate with endpoint meter devices. In other configurations, meter reading systems comprise mobile networks, in which vehicle or handheld mobile reader devices move throughout a system's geographic area to communicate with endpoint meter devices.
Endpoint meter devices typically comprise a utility consumption meter, for example a meter that locally monitors electricity, water, or gas consumption, and associated communication circuitry. The communication circuitry can be integrated into the meter but is often a distinct external device communicatively coupled to the meter. Such an external device usually incorporates an independent power supply. Because of space and cost constraints, an autonomous battery supply is often used to power the communication circuitry.
Examples of meter devices and related communications means are described in the following patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,387 is directed to a utility meter assembly and remote module and mounting apparatus and assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,052 is directed to a loop antenna configuration for printed wire board applications. The antenna can be used with an interface unit that provides a wireless data link with a residential electric utility meter. U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,685 is directed to a passive radiator. The passive radiator is included in an ERT for monitoring the consumption of a metered commodity.
While battery power supplies for communication circuitry as described above take up minimal space, any cost savings may be mitigated by the need to locally service the external device to change out depleted batteries. Therefore, battery consumption saving techniques are implemented in the communication circuitry. Devices can be programmed to “bubble up” at particular times in order to send and receive communications without having to remain powered on to do so during random times. Reducing the power required to transmit communications can also reduce battery consumption. Because this can negatively affect communications capabilities and reduce system read reliability, transmission signal strength must be boosted through other means and methods.
There is, therefore, a need in the industry for a meter reading system and communicative devices that addresses the meter device battery life and transmission signal strength shortcomings associated with conventional meter reading systems and devices while providing accurate and reliable communications capabilities.
The invention disclosed herein substantially meets the aforementioned needs of the industry. In particular, a sleeve repeater apparatus for forwarding meter data is disclosed for implementation within automatic meter reading (AMR) systems and provides data collection and relay capabilities that are more efficient, cost-effective, and communicatively robust than prior art solutions.
In one embodiment, the sleeve repeater apparatus comprises a meter sleeve mount adapted to interface with an endpoint meter device. The sleeve repeater apparatus includes an external electrically isolated antenna electrically coupled to interval sleeve repeater circuitry via patch coupling circuitry and ground coupling circuitry. The mount comprises a meter ring mount adapted to mount in a wide variety of meter locations. The meter ring mount is further adapted to receive or retain an antenna dome adapted to enclose and protect the external antenna. In another related embodiment, the repeater apparatus comprises an internal antenna, housed within the meter sleeve mount.
In operation, the repeater apparatus is operable to collect data from nearby ERT modules and to relay the data to an intermediate network collector for subsequent passage to a head-end. The intermediate collector opens communication sessions at regular intervals, listening for data from one or more repeaters, and processes returned data according to default or custom parameters configured at the head-end for each ERT module. In one embodiment, the repeater passes data directly to the head-end.
In another embodiment, the sleeve repeater apparatus of the invention is adapted to operate as a forwarding transceiver. The repeater can collect multiple ERT radio transmissions within geographical and communicative proximity, along with transmissions from other forwarding transceivers, and forward all of the information received to remote transceivers in radio range. In one embodiment, this process continues from one transceiver to the next until the identified collection point for the ERT information is reached. Transceivers will include safeguards to prevent circular re-broadcasting of ERT information and will apply elapsed timing methods to the information to ensure that the most recent ERT data is retained at the final collection point. Circular re-broadcasting protection may include single bit manipulation within the ERT message, total protocol change or frequency changes in band of operation or within the existing band.
The sleeve repeater apparatus of the invention thereby meets the aforementioned needs of the industry and provides numerous advantages over the prior art. The repeater expands the coverage footprint of each intermediate collector to increase the number of ERT modules supported in a given AMR system. The repeater also reduces the total number of intermediate collectors required to achieve optimal system coverage in a network. Further, the repeater contributes to reducing a utility's backhaul communications costs by contributing to the reduction of the number of required intermediate collectors. Embodiments of the sleeve repeater apparatus disclosed and described herein thereby provide a more cost effective fixed network AMR system solution and add desired flexibility for AMR system network layout.
The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Various embodiments of the sleeve concentrator apparatus of the invention provide a more inexpensive periodic synchronization of meter device endpoints operating within AMR systems while minimizing device battery consumption. The invention can be more readily understood by reference to
Referring to
In one embodiment as shown in
In one alternative embodiment shown in
Referring to
In operation, repeater 10 functions as an AMR system network component that collects data from nearby ERT endpoint modules 14 and from other repeaters 10 and passes data to either a collector that in turn communicates the data to the head-end in one embodiment, or directly to the head-end in another embodiment. Collectors open communication sessions at regular intervals to listen for data from repeater 10. Repeater 10 thereby expands radio coverage and increases the area covered by a single collector. Repeaters further reduce AMR system cost by reducing the number of comparatively more expensive collectors required to achieve desired radio communication coverage. This also increases system flexibility with regard to fixed network solutions and network layout.
In a related embodiment, repeater 10 can be configured to operate as a concentrator so as to provide data storage and data management capability where needed in the system in place of one of the sleeve repeaters described above and so as to periodically test its surroundings for data packets transmitted by endpoint 14. In one embodiment, Repeater 10 is always on but will periodically reset and reload. Repeater 10 also volunteers statistical information, for example how many packets have been received in a given period of time, device local temperature, power levels of transmission to the head-end. Repeater 10 identifies valid data packets by a preamble. In one embodiment, data packets are fixed length, or alternatively variable length, and repeater 10 and ERT endpoint 14 communicate in the 900 MHz radio band or alternatively as a frequency translator to 1.4 GHz or other appropriate radio frequencies. After receiving a data packet, repeater 10 acts based upon the packet. For example, repeater 10 validates and confirms the data and then resends the data with a spare bit set such that a subsequent repeater 10 can differentiate original messages from repeated messages. A system of endpoints 14 thereby transmits data to repeaters 10, which in turn relay data to other repeaters 10 and eventually the head-end.
In one embodiment, an AMR system can include intermediate pole mount repeaters rather than sleeve repeaters as described above with reference to
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof; therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The claims provided herein are to ensure adequacy of the present application for establishing foreign priority and for no other purpose.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/603,752, filed Aug. 23, 2004, and entitled, “SLEEVE REPEATER AND POLE MOUNTED REPEATER FOR FORWARDING METER DATA.” The identified provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60603752 | Aug 2004 | US |
