AMR Network Load Balancing via Staggered Response Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current utility metering systems face challenges in efficiently collecting data from a large number of meters in an open operational framework, particularly in managing network traffic and ensuring interoperability among different metrology devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an advanced metering system with load balancing capabilities, utilizing the ANSI C12.22 protocol for open protocol communications, allows for efficient data collection by broadcasting requests with specified response parameters, including start and end offsets, enabling metrology devices to respond randomly within a defined period, thereby optimizing network usage and avoiding data spikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data collection requests are sent to a large number of meters simultaneously, then data collection efficiency is improved, but network overload and data spikes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection process by dividing meters into different groups or zones and staggering their response times. Meters are assigned different response windows (e.g., first group responds at T1, second group at T2, etc.), which segments the simultaneous data traffic into manageable time slots, preventing network overload while maintaining high data collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by establishing repeating cycles of data collection where requests are sent in periodic intervals and meters respond in periodic response windows. This periodic structure creates predictable traffic patterns that prevent network overload while ensuring continuous data collection from all meters in the network
2Speed
If all meters respond to data requests at the same time, then data collection speed is improved, but network traffic spikes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making meter response times variable rather than static. Each meter is assigned a dynamic response time within a specified window, allowing the system to adaptively distribute traffic loads. This dynamic approach maintains fast data collection speed while preventing harmful traffic spikes through flexible response timing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time parameter of meter responses by assigning different response time windows to different meters or meter groups. By varying the response time parameter across the network, the system achieves rapid data collection while distributing traffic evenly, thereby preventing network traffic spikes
3Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous metrology devices are integrated into a single network, then system versatility is improved, but interoperability challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a standardized data collection framework that works across heterogeneous metrology devices. The system uses universal protocols and common response patterns that different device types can all follow, enabling diverse meters to be integrated into a single network without increasing interoperability complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the standardized communication protocol and network management system) that mediates between heterogeneous devices and the central collection system. This intermediary translates various device-specific protocols into a common format, enabling versatile device integration while managing interoperability complexity through standardization
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methodology and corresponding apparatus subject matters for providing improved efficiency in the collection of data from a large number of metrology devices associated with an Automated Meter reading (AMR) network. AMR network operation produces randomly spaced transmissions from individual nodes in the network. When an AMR system wishes to retrieve data from a large number of points over an AMR network, a broadcast or multicast request is transmitted to appropriate nodes. A time window is defined either in such request or in the devices themselves such that start and end offsets from the time of the request are received by the node. The start offset provides a quiet period to insure request delivery to all the appropriate nodes. The end offset provides a time by which the requested data must be returned. Responses are sent randomly within the window established by the start and stop offset times.