Variable rate monitoring in flow-based metering systems

Abstract

Certain aspects and features include techniques for reporting resource flow at a metering device. In an example, a metering device measures resource flow by measuring pressure or flow rate. The metering device sets a reporting rate to a default reporting rate. The metering device transmits, to an external device at the reporting rate, a communication indicative of the measured resource flow. The metering device detects seismic activity at the metering device. The metering device determines that the seismic activity exceeds a seismic threshold. The metering device, in response to determining that the seismic activity exceeds the seismic threshold, adjusts the reporting rate to an event reporting rate and begins an event time period. The metering device transmits, to the external device during the event time period at the event reporting rate, the communication indicative of the measured resource flow.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to flow-based resource allocation systems, and more particularly, to metering systems that can dynamically adjust a flow rate reporting frequency based on seismic activity or flow rate. BACKGROUND

[0002] Flow-based metering devices are used to measure consumption of resources such as gas and water, as well as resource consumption by external devices such as head-end systems. In some cases, the metering devices can be installed in geographic locations that have a risk of seismic activity. But seismic activity can damage distribution pipelines, for example, by causing gas pipeline ruptures, creating a risk of fire or explosion. Thus, there is a need for metering devices that are able to detect seismic activity. SUMMARY

[0003] Certain aspects and features include techniques for reporting resource flow at a metering device. In an example, a metering device measures resource flow by measuring one or more of pressure or flow rate. The metering device sets a reporting rate to a default reporting rate. The metering device transmits, to an external device, a communication indicating the measured resource flow at the reporting rate. The metering device detects seismic activity at the metering device. The metering device determines that the seismic activity exceeds a seismic threshold. The metering device adjusts the reporting rate to an event reporting rate and begins an event time period in response to determining that the seismic activity exceeds the seismic threshold. The metering device transmits, to the external device, the communication indicating the measured resource flow at the event reporting rate during the event time period.

[0004] In another example, a metering device measures resource flow. The metering device measures one or more of pressure or flow rate. While operating in a default mode, the metering device performs operations. The operations include setting a reporting rate to a default reporting rate. The operations further include transmitting, to an external device, a communication indicating the measured resource flow at the reporting rate. The operations further include detecting seismic activity at the metering device. The operations further include determining that the seismic activity exceeds a seismic threshold. The operations further include beginning operating in an event mode in response to determining that the seismic activity exceeds the seismic threshold. While operating in the event mode, the metering device adjusts the reporting rate to an event reporting rate and transmits, to the external device, the communication indicating the measured resource flow at the event reporting rate.

[0005] In another example, a metering device includes a radio configured to communicate with an external device, a seismic sensor configured to measure movement of the metering device in one or more dimensions, a flow rate sensor configured to measure one or more of a flow rate or a pressure, and a processor. The processor is configured to perform operations. The operations include receiving a measurement of resource flow from the flow rate sensor by measuring one or more of the pressure or the flow rate. The operations further include setting a reporting rate to a default reporting rate. The operations further include causing the radio to transmit a communication indicating the measured resource flow to the external device at the reporting rate. The operations further include receiving a measurement of seismic activity at the metering device from the seismic sensor. The operations further include determining that the measurement of seismic activity exceeds a seismic threshold. The operations further include adjusting the reporting rate to an event reporting rate and starting an event time period in response to determining that the measurement of seismic activity exceeds the seismic threshold. The operations further include causing the radio to transmit a communication indicating the measured resource flow to the external device at the event reporting rate during the event time period.

[0006] Reference to these illustrative examples is not intended to limit or define the disclosure, but to provide examples to aid understanding of the disclosure. Additional examples and further description are provided in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure are better understood when read with reference to the following DETAILED DESCRIPTION, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network of metering systems according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary metering system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for reporting resource flow according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is an event flow diagram depicting example reporting resource flow according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary computing device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to improved flow-based metering systems, such as gas meters. In particular, the disclosed metering systems can detect seismic activity and / or resource flow, and dynamically adjust a reporting rate at which resource flow rates are reported to external devices, such as head-end systems. In this way, utility companies can more quickly respond to damaged distribution pipelines caused by seismic events, such as earthquakes.

[0014] Further, the disclosed metering systems can implement low power consumption when responding to such events. Metering systems are typically battery powered, and thus typically communicate infrequently to maintain metering system power consumption as low as possible. The disclosed techniques involve communicating with a network or head-end as necessary, for example on a more frequent basis after a seismic event, but also facilitate returning to lower power consumption over time or when directed by the head-end.

[0015] In a simplified example, a metering system measures gas flow rate, and reports gas flow rate to an external device on a periodic basis, for example at a default resource flow reporting rate. If the metering system detects seismic activity, for example by an accelerometer or seismometer detecting activity greater than a threshold, the metering system reports resource flow at an event reporting rate, which can be higher than the default reporting rate for an event time period. During the event time period, if the measured resource flow exceeds a flow rate threshold, which for example indicates that an earthquake has damaged the gas pipeline and caused a leak, the gas meter adjusts the reporting rate to an abnormal reporting rate. The abnormal reporting rate can be higher than the event reporting rate.

[0016] Thus, using information received from one or more metering systems, a head-end can determine that a seismic event has occurred, and whether the distribution network has suffered any damage. The utility company can then take appropriate action, such as remotely disconnecting one or more end-user premises from the distribution network, or dispatching an engineer to address the damage.

[0017] Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network of metering systems according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 1 A distribution environment 100 is depicted, which includes metering systems 101-104, end-user premises 111-114, a gas pipeline 120, a damaged gas pipeline 125, a head-end 140, and one or more of network connections 130-133.

[0018] In Figure 1In the depicted example, gas line 120 provides gas to meters 101-104, which in turn provide gas to end-user premises 111-114, respectively. While meters 101-104 are gas meters, aspects of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources (such as water) for which flow rate can be measured. Meters 101-104 can be located outside or inside their respective premises.

[0019] Meters 101-104 measure flow rate or flow rate (e.g., volume per unit time) and / or pressure. Pressure can indicate flow rate. For example, decreasing pressure can indicate that more gas is flowing. Each of meters 101-104 has a gas input and a gas output. For example, when gas flows from input 101a through meter 101 to output 101b, meter 101 records the flow rate. Similarly, when gas flows from input 102a through meter 102 to output 102b, meter 102 records the flow rate; when gas flows from input 103a through meter 103 to output 103b, meter 103 records the flow rate; and when gas flows from input 104a through meter 104 to output 104b, meter 104 records the flow rate.

[0020] As reference Figure 2 As further discussed, each meter 101-104 may be equipped with sensing and communication capabilities. For example, in addition to a battery and a processor, each meter 101-104 may include a sensor to measure flow rate or pressure and a seismic sensor to measure seismic activity.

[0021] like Figure 1 As depicted in FIG, meters 101-104 and headend 140 are interconnected via network connections 130-133. The topology formed by network connections 130-133 is independent of the topology formed by gas pipeline 120. As depicted, meter 101 is connected to meter 104 via connection 130, which in turn is connected to headend 140 via connection 131. Meter 102 is connected to headend 140 via connection 132. Meter 103 is connected to headend 140 via connection 133. Network connections 130-133 can be wired or wireless. Meters 101-104 can form a mesh network such that communications between headend 140 and meters 101-104 can be relayed through intermediary nodes. For example, as depicted, meter 104 acts as an intermediary node connecting meter 101 and headend 140. Additionally, a given node can have multiple intermediary nodes between it and headend 140. In other examples, a given meter may be connected to the headend via a cellular network to the headend 140 .

[0022] Each meter 101-104 can detect seismic activity and gas flow rates. Using meter 103 as an example, under normal or default operation, meter 103 periodically reports resource flow at a default rate. Reporting can include transmitting resource flow over a communication channel, for example, to an external device of resource flow over one of the network connections. When seismic activity is detected (e.g., as indicated by measured seismic activity greater than a threshold), meter 103 reports resource flow at an event reporting rate, which can be higher than the default reporting rate. Meter 103 continues to do so at the event reporting rate for an event time period.

[0023] Gas leaks can be detected using high flow alerts. If, during the event time period, the metering device checks whether the measured resource flow exceeds a flow threshold, for example, caused by a damaged gas line 125. Damaged gas line 125 is shown between meter 103 house 113, but can be connected to output 103b anywhere. Meter 103 adjusts the reporting rate to an anomaly reporting rate, which can be higher than the event reporting rate. Meter 103 transmits communications indicating the measured resource flow at the anomaly reporting rate for an anomaly time period. Upon receiving the increased measured resource flow, headend 140 can take action. Action can include sending a message to meter 103 to disconnect house 113 from gas line 120.

[0024] Headend 140 can provide configuration information to meters 101-104. Configuration information can include one or more of a default rate, an event time period, an event rate, an anomaly rate, and an anomaly time period. Each of meters 101-104 can be configured with different configuration information.

[0025] In an aspect, meters 101-104 can communicate with each other over network connections. For example, if meter 102 detects seismic activity, it can alert nearby meters, for example, meter 103. In response, meter 103 can begin operating in event mode. Similarly, if meter 103 detects abnormal flow (e.g., caused by damaged gas line 125), meter 103 can alert nearby meters, which in turn can begin operating in anomaly mode and report resource flow at the anomaly rate. Additionally or alternatively, if headend 140 receives an indication of a seismic event or an abnormal flow event from a particular meter, headend 140 can cause other meters within a geographic area to operate in event mode or anomaly mode accordingly.

[0026] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary metering system according to an aspect of the disclosure. Figure 2A metering system 200 is depicted that includes one or more of a metering sensor 202, a radio 203, a computing system 204, a seismic sensor 205, a battery 206, an antenna 207, a spindle 220, an input 230, and an output 240. In Figure 2 In the depicted example, the metering system 200 operated by battery power provided by the battery 206 detects and reports flow rates measured between the input 230 and the output 240, detects seismic activity via the seismic sensor 205 and / or increased flow rates, and adjusts the reporting rate accordingly.

[0027] The seismic sensor 205 is a sensing device that can measure seismic activity, or more generally movement of the Earth’s surface. The seismic sensor 205 can output a measurement that includes individual measurements of movement in one or more dimensions, e.g., (x, y, and / or z). Examples of suitable sensing devices are seismographs, accelerometers, and other kinds of vibration sensors. The seismic sensor 205 outputs an electrical signal indicative of movement or vibration. The computing system 204 receives the electrical signal, and when the electrical signal indicates movement consistent with seismic activity, the computing system 204 can take action. The seismic sensor 205 is mounted inside or outside of the metering system 200. In some cases, the seismic sensor 205 can be located in a housing separate from the metering system 200 and can communicate wirelessly with the metering system 200.

[0028] In some cases, the computing system 204 executes a trained machine learning model. The machine learning model can be trained by providing different sensor outputs with ground truth values (e.g., labeled as corresponding to a seismic event or not corresponding to a seismic event). The training can be done before the metering system 200 is deployed and / or can be updated over time. For example, the computing system 204 can provide sensor data received from the seismic sensor 205 to the machine learning model. In turn, the model outputs a determination of whether the movement is representative of seismic activity or another kind of movement, such as movement caused by a passing truck.

[0029] In some cases, the metering system 200 is a standalone meter, fitted with mechanical hardware to route resources through the meter. In other cases, the metering system 200 can be attached to a legacy meter that was not originally designed for electronic measurement of resource consumption or communication capabilities, e.g., by interfacing with a mechanical index. In this way, the metering system 200 provides more sophisticated metering capabilities than were previously available by interfacing with a mechanical index.

[0030] The metering system 200 includes one or more sensors that can measure the flow rate or pressure of a resource, such as a gas or water. In some cases, a magnet can be attached to the spindle 220, and the metering sensor 202 can be a magnetic sensor, such as a bipolar Hall effect sensor, a bipolar magnetoresistive sensor, a tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor, or any linear analog bipolar magnetic sensor. Other non-magnetic methods can be used. As the resource passes through the metering system 200, the spindle 220 rotates. The metering sensor 202 measures resource consumption and provides an electrical signal indicative of the consumption (e.g., an electrical pulse that occurs with each rotation). Rotation of the spindle 220 can indicate that a particular volume (e.g., a cubic foot) of the resource has been consumed. This signal can be detected and recorded by the computing system 204. Examples of the computing system 204 are general purpose processors, signal processors, and controllers.

[0031] The computing system 204 can perform various functions, including resource detection, seismic activity detection, and flow rate and pressure calculations. The computing system 204 receives the electrical signal from the metering sensor 202 and determines the flow rate and / or pressure. The metering system 200 can communicate with external devices, such as a headend system and other meters, via the radio 203. The radio 203 can communicate wirelessly via the antenna 207 or via a wired connection (not depicted). For example, the radio 203 can receive a message from the computing system 204 and transmit the message to the headend system.

[0032] The metering system 200 can also use flow rate detection separate from seismic activity detection. For example, flow rate detection can be useful to identify gas leaks that are not caused by seismic activity. The non-seismic flow rate threshold can be the same as or different from the flow rate threshold. Existing flow rate detection can operate in conjunction with seismic detection. For example, during the default period, if the flow rate threshold is exceeded, the metering system 200 can report the flow rate to an external device or trigger an alarm. The metering system 200 can continue to operate in the default mode. In another example, if the non-seismic flow rate threshold is exceeded during the event mode, the metering system 200 can take actions consistent with how an exceeded non-seismic flow rate threshold would be handled, or move to an exception mode consistent with handling a detection of an exceeded seismic flow rate threshold.

[0033] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 300 for reporting resource flow, according to an aspect of the disclosure. The process 300 is discussed with respect to the metering system 200 and the computing system 204 for purposes of illustration. However, the process 300 can be implemented on other meters. Moreover, while the blocks 301-310 are discussed in sequence, not all of the blocks are always performed, and in some cases the process 300 can include additional functionality.

[0034] At block 301, the process 300 involves measuring resource flow. For example, the metering sensor 202 measures resource flow between the input 230 and the output 240 as the spindle 220 turns.

[0035] At block 302, the process 300 involves setting the reporting rate to a default reporting rate. For example, if the default reporting rate is one day, then every day, the metering system 200 transmits resource flow information to a headend system. The resource flow can be instantaneous, based on a period of time (e.g., the period of the reporting rate), or a statistic such as an average. In some cases, reporting at the default reporting rate can be referred to as operating in a default mode.

[0036] Obtaining consumption or flow rate information can occur synchronously or asynchronously with reporting to an external device. In one aspect, the metering system 200 buffers multiple samples of flow rate information, for example, from different times during a day, and sends the multiple samples at a particular periodicity, for example, once a day. This approach can reduce power consumption. Event reporting rate and anomaly reporting rate can cause the metering system 200 to stop buffering and report in real-time or near real-time.

[0037] At block 303, the process 300 involves detecting seismic activity at the metering device. The seismic sensor 205 accesses data including measurements of movement of the metering device in one or more dimensions. If seismic activity is detected, the process 300 moves to block 304. Otherwise, if seismic activity is not detected, the process 300 returns to block 301.

[0038] At block 304, the process 300 involves determining whether the seismic activity exceeds a seismic threshold. By using a seismic threshold, the metering system 200 can eliminate vibrations from a truck driving by a residence where a seismic meter is installed. Determining whether the activity is greater than the seismic threshold can involve comparing movement activity in one or more dimensions (e.g., x, y, or z) to one or more corresponding movement thresholds.

[0039] Continuing the example, the computing system 204 determines whether the seismic data received from the seismic sensor 205 is greater than the seismic threshold. If the detected seismic activity is greater than the seismic threshold, the process 300 moves to block 305. Otherwise, if the detected seismic activity is less than the seismic threshold, the process 300 returns to block 301.

[0040] At block 305, the process 300 involves adjusting the reporting rate to an event reporting rate. In some cases, reporting at the event reporting rate can be referred to as operating in an event mode. Continuing the example, the computing system 204 adjusts the reporting rate to the event reporting rate. An example of an event reporting rate is one minute. The event reporting rate can be higher than the default reporting rate.

[0041] At block 306, the process 300 involves starting an event time period. An example of a typical event time period is fifteen minutes, although other durations are possible. Continuing the example, the metering system 200 starts the event time period.

[0042] At block 307, the process 300 involves transmitting a communication indicating the measured resource flow to an external device at an event reporting rate during the event time period. Thus, continuing the example, the metering system 200 reports the flow rate at the event flow rate. When the event time period expires, the process 300 returns to block 301 (not shown).

[0043] In some cases, for example, if the utility company confirms that there is a leak, the utility company can send a message to the metering system 200 to stop reporting at the event rate. Thus, during the event time period, if the metering system 200 receives a command to stop, the metering system 200 returns to the default mode. Further, the metering system 200 can determine that the measured movement is below a movement threshold (or detected seismic activity is below a seismic threshold) and return to the default reporting mode and / or report the resource flow at the default rate.

[0044] At block 308, the process 300 involves determining whether the resource flow exceeds a flow threshold. If the resource flow exceeds the flow threshold, the metering system 200 continues to block 309. If the resource flow does not exceed the flow threshold, the metering system 200 returns to block 307 and continues to monitor the resource flow.

[0045] In a residential environment, the flow rate threshold can be set at two to three times the peak flow (as determined by the expected maximum gas usage, such as for winter heating). For example, a typical home can have an average consumption of 200 cubic feet per day, with a peak consumption of ten times the average consumption (e.g., 2000 cubic feet per day). Thus, an example of a flow rate threshold is 5000 cubic feet of gas per day. This flow rate can be scaled over a shorter evaluation period. For example, 5000 cubic feet per day is approximately equal to 3.5 cubic feet per minute. Other flow rate thresholds are possible.

[0046] At block 309, the process 300 involves adjusting the reporting rate to an anomaly reporting rate. If the resource flow rate exceeds the threshold, the metering system 200 reports the resource flow at the anomaly reporting rate. In some cases, the anomaly reporting rate is higher than the event reporting rate. An example of an anomaly reporting rate is thirty seconds.

[0047] At block 310, the process 300 involves transmitting, to the external device, communications indicative of the measured resource flow at an exception reporting rate for an exception time period. An example of an exception time period is twenty-four hours. When the exception time period expires, the process 300 then returns to block 301. The exception time period is optional and is not used in some cases. For example, upon detecting resource flow greater than the flow threshold, the metering system 200 can maintain the event reporting rate. When the resource flow returns to below the flow threshold, the metering system 200 can return to the event mode or the default mode.

[0048] In some cases, the utility can send a message to the metering system 200 to stop reporting at the exception reporting rate, for example, if the utility confirms the existence of a leak. Thus, during the exception time period, if the metering system 200 receives a command to stop, the metering system 200 returns to the default mode.

[0049] In some cases, another seismic event can be identified during the exception time period. For example, after an earthquake, there can be additional small earthquakes. In this case, if the metering system 200 detects additional seismic activity, the metering system 200 can return to the event mode and start a new event reporting period. The reporting rate returns to the event reporting rate.

[0050] In an aspect, the metering system 200 measures a resource flow rate. The metering system 200 can transmit, to the external device, communications indicative of the measured resource flow at a default reporting rate. If the metering system 200 detects that the resource flow rate has exceeded a flow threshold, the metering system 200 can adjust the reporting rate to an exception reporting rate (bypassing the event reporting rate and the event mode). The metering system 200 can send a message to the utility reporting the adjusted flow rate. The metering system 200 transmits, to the external device, communications indicative of the measured resource flow at the exception reporting rate for an exception time period. Upon receiving a command to reset reporting, for example, from the utility, the metering system 200 can reset the reporting rate to the default reporting rate and end the exception time period. When the resource flow returns to below the flow threshold, the metering system 200 can then return to the event mode or the default mode.

[0051] Figure 4 is an event flow diagram depicting an example reporting resource flow according to an aspect of the disclosure. Figure 4 Signal flow 400 is depicted, which represents an example of signal flow between the metering system 200 and the headend 140 in the context of an earthquake and a flow event.

[0052] More specifically, the metering system 200 begins by reporting resource traffic at a default rate at event 401. The metering system 200 continues to do so at the default rate, as illustrated by events 402 and 403. The metering system 200 then determines that a seismic event has occurred, as illustrated by event 404. Accordingly, the metering system 200 sets the resource traffic reporting rate to an event rate, and sets an event time period, as shown by event 405.

[0053] The metering system 200 then reports resource traffic at the event reporting rate, as illustrated by events 406 and 407. As illustrated by event 408, the event time period expires, and the metering system 200 returns to the default reporting mode. The metering system 200 reports resource traffic at the default rate, as illustrated by event 409.

[0054] At event 410, while in the default mode, the metering system 200 detects a seismic event. At event 411, the metering system 200 sets the resource traffic reporting rate to an event rate. As shown by events 412 and 413, the metering system 200 reports resource traffic at the event rate. At event 414, the metering system 200 identifies a traffic event, where the traffic event indicates resource traffic greater than a threshold. In response, the metering system 200 reports setting the resource flow rate to an anomaly rate, and begins an anomaly time period, as shown by event 415. As shown by events 416 and 417, the metering system 200 reports resource traffic at the anomaly rate.

[0055] Figure 5 An example computing device is illustrated in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The computing device 500 is an example of the computing system 204. The computing device 500 can implement the functionality described herein, such as the software functionality of the metering system 200 or the headend 140. The computing device 500 includes a processor 502 communicatively coupled to one or more memory devices 505. The processor 502 executes computer executable program code 530 stored in the memory device 505, accesses data 520 stored in the memory device 505, or both. Examples of the processor 502 include a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), or any other suitable processing device. The processor 502 can include any number of processing devices or cores, including a single processing device. The functionality of the computing device can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0056] The memory device 505 includes any suitable non-transitory computer- readable medium for storing data, program code, or both. The computer-readable medium can include any electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage device capable of providing computing device with computer-readable instructions or other program code. Non-limiting examples of computer-readable medium include flash memory, ROM, RAM, ASIC, or any other medium from which a processing device can read instructions. The instructions can include processor-specific instructions generated by a compiler or an interpreter from code written in any suitable computer-programming language including, for example, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, Java, or scripting languages.

[0057] The computing device 500 can also include a plurality of external or internal devices such as input or output devices. For example, the computing device 500 is shown as having one or more input / output (“I / O”) interfaces 508. The I / O interfaces 508 can receive input from input devices or provide output to output devices. One or more buses 506 are also included in the computing device 500. The buses 506 communicatively couple one or more components of the computing device 500.

[0058] The computing device 500 executes program code 530 that configures the processor 502 to perform one or more operations described herein. For example, the program code 530 causes the processor to perform the operations described in the Figure 3

[0059] The computing device 500 also includes a network interface device 510. The network interface device 510 includes any device or group of devices adapted to establish a wired or wireless data connection to one or more data networks. The computing device 500 can use the network interface device 510 to communicate with one or more other computing devices that implement this computing device or other functionality via a data network.

[0060] The computing device 500 can also include a display device 512. The display device 512 can be an LCD, LED, touchscreen, or other device operable to display information about the computing device 500. For example, the information can include the operating status of the computing device, network status, and the like.

[0061] General

[0062] While the subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, can readily produce alterations, variations, and equivalents thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the disclosure has been presented for purposes of example, and not limitation, and that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific aspects disclosed, but includes modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the specific aspects disclosed, as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.​

Claims

1. A method for reporting resource flow at a metering device, the method comprising: measuring said resource flow of said resource by measuring one or more of a pressure or a flow rate of said resource through said metering device; setting a reporting rate to a default reporting rate; wherein the reporting rate indicates a time interval for communicating with an external device; transmitting, to the external device at the default reporting rate, a communication indicating the measured resource flow; detecting seismic activity at metering equipment; Determining that seismic activity exceeds the earthquake threshold; In response to determining that seismic activity exceeds a seismic threshold: starting a predetermined event time period, wherein the predetermined event time period has a predetermined length and begins after determining that the seismic activity exceeds the seismic threshold; adjusting a reporting rate to an event reporting rate, the event reporting rate being different from the default reporting rate; transmitting, during the predetermined event time period, at the event reporting rate to the external device, communications indicating the measured resource traffic; as well as In response to determining that the predetermined event time period has ended, transmitting a communication indicating the measured resource flow to the external device at the default reporting rate.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the seismic activity at the metering device comprises: accessing sensor data comprising measurements of movement of a metrology device in one or more dimensions; as well as The measure of movement is determined to be greater than a movement threshold.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the measured resource flow is a measure of gas flow through the metering device. The method of claim 1 , wherein the event reporting rate is higher than a default reporting rate.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: During the predetermined event time period, determining that resource traffic exceeds a traffic threshold; as well as In response to determining that the resource traffic exceeds the traffic threshold: Adjust the reporting rate to the exception reporting rate; wherein the anomaly reporting rate and the event reporting rate are different; as well as During the abnormal time period, additional communications indicating the measured resource traffic are transmitted to the external device at the abnormal reporting rate. 6 . The method of claim 5 , further comprising resetting the reporting rate to a default reporting rate and ending the predetermined event time period or the abnormal time period in response to receiving a command to reset the reporting rate. The method of claim 5 , wherein the event reporting rate is greater than the default reporting rate, and wherein the exception reporting rate is greater than the event reporting rate.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: accessing additional sensor data including additional measurements of movement in one or more dimensions; as well as In response to identifying additional seismic events from the additional measurements of the movement, the predetermined event time period is set to expire and the reporting rate is reset to a default reporting rate.

9. A method for reporting resource flow at a metering device, the method comprising: measuring said resource flow of said resource by measuring one or more of a pressure or a flow rate of said resource through said metering device; When operating in default mode: setting a reporting rate to a default reporting rate; wherein the reporting rate indicates a time interval for communicating with an external device; transmitting, to the external device at the default reporting rate, a communication indicating the measured resource flow; detecting seismic activity at metering equipment; Determining that seismic activity exceeds the earthquake threshold; and In response to determining that seismic activity exceeds a seismic threshold: Start operating in event mode; When operating in event mode: starting a predetermined event time period, wherein the predetermined event time period has a predetermined length; adjusting a reporting rate to an event reporting rate; the event reporting rate being different from the default reporting rate; transmitting, during the predetermined event time period, at the event reporting rate to the external device, communications indicating the measured resource traffic; as well as responsive to determining that the predetermined event time period has ended, transmitting a communication indicating the measured resource flow to the external device at the default reporting rate, Wherein, the method further comprises: operating in an event mode during said predetermined event time period; Upon expiration of the predetermined event time period, operating in a default mode.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: When operating in event mode: Determining that resource traffic exceeds a traffic threshold; and In response to determining that the resource flow exceeds the flow threshold, commencing operation in an exception mode; When operating in exception mode: Adjust the reporting rate to the exception reporting rate; wherein the anomaly reporting rate and the event reporting rate are different; and During the abnormal time period, additional communications indicating the measured resource traffic are transmitted to the external device at the abnormal reporting rate. The method of claim 10 , wherein the event reporting rate is greater than the default reporting rate, and wherein the exception reporting rate is greater than the event reporting rate.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: accessing additional sensor data including additional measurements of movement in one or more dimensions; as well as In response to identifying additional seismic events from the additional measurements of the movement, the predetermined event time period is set to expire and the default reporting rate is returned to.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: When resource traffic returns below the traffic threshold, adjust the reporting rate to the default reporting rate and return to event mode.

14. A measuring device comprising: a radio configured to communicate with an external device; a seismic sensor configured to measure movement of the metrology device in one or more dimensions; a flow rate sensor configured to measure a resource flow rate by measuring one or more of a resource flow rate or a pressure of the resource passing through the metering device; A processor is configured to perform operations, the operations comprising: receiving a measurement of the resource flow from a flow rate sensor by measuring one or more of the resource flow rate or the pressure of the resource; setting a reporting rate to a default reporting rate; wherein the reporting rate indicates a time interval for communicating with an external device; causing the radio to transmit, at a reporting rate, to an external device, a communication indicating a measurement of the flow of said resource; receiving a measurement of seismic activity at the metrology device from a seismic sensor; Determining that measurements of seismicity exceed earthquake thresholds; In response to determining that the measurement of seismicity exceeds a seismic threshold: starting a predetermined event time period, wherein the predetermined event time period has a predetermined length and begins after determining that the seismic activity exceeds the seismic threshold; adjusting a reporting rate to an event reporting rate that is different from the default reporting rate; and causing a radio to transmit, during the predetermined event time period, a communication indicating a measurement of the resource flow to the external device at the event reporting rate; and In response to determining that the predetermined event time period has ended, transmitting a communication indicating the measurement of the resource traffic to the external device at the default reporting rate.

15. The metrology apparatus of claim 14, wherein the seismic sensor is an accelerometer.

16. The metrology device of claim 14, wherein receiving measurements of seismic activity at the metrology device from seismic sensors comprises: accessing sensor data from the seismic sensor, the sensor data comprising measurements of movement of the metrology device in one or more dimensions; as well as The measure of movement is determined to be greater than a movement threshold.

17. The metering device of claim 14, wherein the measured resource flow is a measure of gas flow through the metering device.

18. The metering apparatus of claim 14, the operations further comprising: determining, during the predetermined event time period, that a measure of resource flow exceeds a flow threshold; as well as In response to determining that the measured resource traffic exceeds a traffic threshold: adjusting a reporting rate to an exception reporting rate, wherein the exception reporting rate is higher than the event reporting rate; and During the abnormal time period, additional communications indicating the measured resource traffic are transmitted to the external device at the abnormal reporting rate.

19. The metering device of claim 18, the operations further comprising resetting the reporting rate to the default reporting rate and ending the predetermined event time period or the abnormal time period upon receiving a command to reset the reporting rate.

20. The metrology device of claim 18, the operations further comprising resetting the reporting rate to the default reporting rate and ending one or more of the predetermined event time period or anomaly time period upon determining that the measure of seismic activity is below a seismic threshold.

21. The metering apparatus of claim 14, the operations further comprising: accessing additional sensor data including additional measurements of movement in one or more dimensions; as well as In response to identifying additional seismic events from the additional measurements of the movement, the predetermined event time period is set to expire and the reporting rate is reset to a default reporting rate.

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