Dynamic Third-Party Network Access for AMR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote data collection methods for automatic meter reading (AMR) are inefficient due to high costs and suboptimal use of network resources, as they often require proprietary networks or pre-existing networks that are not optimized for meter reading, leading to long payback periods and high tariffs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where access to a third-party data communications network is dynamically governed based on spare capacity, allowing remote data collection only when network usage is below peak levels, with signals indicating authorized zones and data quantities, enabling efficient data transfer and prioritization of meter readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a proprietary network is installed solely for reading meters, then remote data collection can be achieved, but the cost of maintaining and installing the network is not recovered from savings made in automatic meter reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the third-party network to serve dual purposes: its primary function for general telecommunications and a secondary function for automatic meter reading. The network operator allows AMR data collection during off-peak periods when network capacity is underutilized, thereby recovering some costs from AMR operations while maintaining the network's primary service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting network access parameters based on time of day, network load conditions, and pricing tiers. The system monitors network capacity and dynamically authorizes or denies AMR data collection requests based on current network state, optimizing resource allocation between primary and secondary functions.
2Ease of manufacture
If a pre-existing network is used for meter reading, then installation costs are reduced, but the network provider does not extract sufficient revenue to offer low enough tariffs for making automated meter reading cost effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by scheduling meter reading operations during off-peak periods when network usage is lowest. The system periodically monitors network capacity and authorizes AMR data collection only when spare capacity is available, thereby utilizing otherwise wasted network resources for additional revenue while maintaining service quality during peak periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making network access conditions variable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts authorization decisions, data transmission parameters, and pricing tariffs based on real-time network load conditions, allowing the network operator to optimize revenue extraction while maintaining cost-effectiveness for AMR operations.
3Loss of time
If meter readings are taken at preselected times, then network usage is managed, but the readings do not take into account the current level of network usage at that time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network operator continuously monitors network capacity and load conditions, then uses this information to dynamically adjust AMR data collection authorization. The system receives feedback on network state and adapts its decisions in real-time, allowing flexible response to changing network conditions rather than relying on fixed schedules.
Data Source
AI summary
The remote collection of data for the account of an entity (2) uses a data communications network (26) operated by a third party (28) with respect to the entity. It is characterised in that the access to said data communication network (26) by the entity for remote data collection is governed dynamically by said third party (28) as a function of the spare data-carrying capacity of the communications network. The third party (28) may thus grant the entity (2) access to the communications network (26) when the level of the third party's own data traffic on said network is below a determined threshold value, corresponding to an occupation below peak capacity. The approach finds applications notably in the field of automatic meter reading (AMR), where the network operator, e.g. a cellular telephone operator, is a third party with respect to the utilities company (2), and the collected data is meter reading data from remote meters (14a-14g) sent via GPRS interfaces (16a-16d).