Consumption Meter Error-Correction Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission systems for consumption meters lack flexibility in supporting both mobile and fixed collection schemes, as they often require separate infrastructure and are costly to maintain, and do not efficiently adapt to varying communication ranges.
Innovation Solution
A device and system that encodes data messages into two parts: a payload and error-correcting information, allowing the payload to be received independently at a short range and the entire message to be received at a longer range, using turbo coding or LDPC codes for error correction, enabling a single transmitter to support dual collection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single data message with error correction is transmitted for long-range reception, then the communication range is extended, but the message length increases and requires more transmission time
Solution Approach 1:
The data message is segmented into two independent parts: a first part containing payload that can be received independently within a first communication range, and a second part containing error-correcting information for extended range reception. This segmentation allows receivers to obtain useful data quickly at short range while enabling extended range communication when the complete message is received.
2Device complexity
If a mobile collector system is used for data collection, then the system remains simple and inexpensive, but data collection requires physical passage within communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is designed to support multiple collection modes universally: it can function as a simple mobile collector system when receivers operate within the first communication range, or as an extended range system when receivers utilize the second communication range with error correction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate infrastructure for different collection schemes.
3Extent of automation
If fixed collectors with communication networks are deployed, then automated data collection is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the same transmitter to serve both mobile and fixed collector configurations. The error correction capability enables the system to dynamically adjust its effective communication range based on receiver position and conditions, allowing fixed collectors to be deployed flexibly without requiring dense infrastructure.
4Length of stationary object
If error-correcting information is added to extend communication range, then the reception range is increased, but the data message length increases requiring more transmission resources
Solution Approach 1:
The message is divided into payload and error-correcting information parts, allowing receivers to potentially extract useful data from the payload portion alone if received within the first communication range, improving transmission efficiency by avoiding the need to receive and process the entire extended message for all applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and a system for transmitting data messages which can be received by different types of receivers. A device and system are disclosed where data transmissions are based on data messages (2) comprising two parts, a first part (20) being encoded in accordance with a communication protocol, such as the wireless MBus protocol, and a second part (21) which comprises error-correcting information for enabling a receiver device to correct errors in the data message (2), such as parity information related to turbo coding. The first part (20) forms an independent sub data message which can be received independently of the content of the second part (21). The sub data message can be received as is within a first communication range (6), and the entire data message can by virtue of the error correction information, and subsequent error correction, be received within a second longer communication range (7).