Endpoint Device Time Interval Adjustment for Meter Reading Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated meter reading systems face challenges in synchronization due to time differences among time zones, daylight savings, and leap year adjustments, leading to potential meter reading errors caused by time drift in endpoint devices, which can overburden reader devices, especially in systems with a small number of reader devices collecting data from a large number of endpoints.
Innovation Solution
The endpoint device adjusts the number of time intervals for calculating meter reading data based on the difference between its time and the collection system time, allowing for accurate data transmission without requiring real-time synchronization, and does so independently of synchronization with the collection system, ensuring that the data is not updated for previously logged readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reader device performs multiple message exchanges with endpoint devices to determine time drift and generate accurate timestamps, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computational burden on reader devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The endpoint device independently adjusts its own time intervals based on its local time drift, eliminating the need for the reader device to perform complex time synchronization calculations. Each endpoint device uses its own recorded time intervals and applies the necessary adjustments locally, serving itself rather than requiring centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The endpoint device pre-calculates and stores multiple time intervals in advance, allowing it to independently adjust these intervals when time drift is detected. By having the time interval data prepared and stored beforehand, the endpoint device can quickly apply adjustments without requiring real-time complex computations from the reader device.
2Measurement precision
If real-time synchronization is implemented among endpoint devices and reader devices, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple message exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
Each endpoint device independently manages its own time synchronization by adjusting its recorded time intervals based on local time drift, eliminating the need for continuous two-way communication and message exchanges between endpoint devices and reader devices. This self-service approach maintains accuracy without the time cost of repeated synchronization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
Time interval data is pre-recorded and stored by endpoint devices before time drift occurs. When adjustments are needed, the device uses these pre-stored intervals combined with its current time drift information to quickly calculate corrected timestamps, avoiding the need for lengthy real-time synchronization message exchanges.
3Device complexity
If the endpoint device uses a simple timing device without real time synchronization, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to time drift
Solution Approach 1:
The endpoint device records time intervals in advance and stores them for later use. When time drift is detected or when data is requested, the device uses these pre-recorded intervals combined with its current time to calculate accurate timestamps. This preliminary recording approach maintains simplicity while achieving the necessary precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the endpoint device receives information about its time drift from the reader device or collection system, and uses this feedback to adjust its time interval calculations. This feedback loop allows simple timing devices to maintain accuracy by continuously refining their timestamps based on observed time deviations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and device are provided for reducing consumption calculation errors caused due to time drift in an endpoint device. In one embodiment, the endpoint device transmits consumption data in response to a request for consumption data. The request generally includes a time period of the consumption data. The endpoint device adjusts the set of intervals based on the extent of the difference between the collection system time and the endpoint device time to obtain the most accurate intervals. The process for adjusting intervals can be implemented independently from time synchronization between the endpoint and collection systems. Further, the process for adjusting intervals does not result in updating the meter reading data that have been already logged and stored in the endpoint device.