Prioritized GDT Meter Reading Transmission in AMR Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems lack a configurable and fault-tolerant method to prioritize Gas Day Take (GDT) meter readings, leading to unacceptable delays and packet loss due to competition for limited network resources during heavy traffic or adverse network conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to prioritize the transmission and processing of GDT meter readings by encoding them with elevated priority, allowing them to be forwarded to the host computer before other readings, using a reporting window with increased transmission frequency and configurable parameters to ensure reliability and minimize latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GDT meter readings are transmitted using standard packetized data transmission without priority allocation, then network resource sharing is maintained, but transmission latency increases and packet loss occurs under heavy network traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning a specific priority level (e.g., priority 6) to GDT meter reading packets, distinguishing them from other metering communications. This localized differentiation ensures that GDT packets receive preferential treatment in queue management and resource allocation, resolving the contradiction by improving reliability and reducing latency for critical GDT transmissions without affecting the overall network resource sharing mechanism for non-critical traffic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the priority parameter of GDT packets from the standard range (0-5) to an enhanced range (6-15), fundamentally altering how these packets are treated by network devices. This parameter change enables GDT readings to bypass standard queueing delays and receive immediate processing, directly addressing the latency and reliability issues while maintaining compatibility with existing network infrastructure
2Reliability
If GDT readings compete with other metering communications for limited network resources, then network resource efficiency is maintained, but packet success rate decreases under adverse network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by marking GDT packets with elevated priority values (6-15) that distinguish them from regular metering traffic. This local differentiation ensures that GDT packets are selectively favored in resource allocation decisions, improving packet success rate for critical readings while maintaining efficient resource sharing for non-critical traffic, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and overall network productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing AMR systems use fixed priority allocation for meter readings, then system simplicity is maintained, but configurability and fault tolerance for specific reading types like GDT are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the priority parameter range from standard (0-5) to enhanced (6-15) specifically for GDT readings, providing configurability without requiring complete system redesign. This parameter extension allows flexible priority allocation for different reading types while maintaining compatibility with existing AMR system architecture, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring elevated priority values (6-15) for GDT packets at the source. This pre-assignment of priority parameters ensures that GDT readings automatically receive preferential treatment without requiring real-time configuration decisions or complex runtime adjustments, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing added system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to improving the collection of GDT meter readings. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for prioritizing the transmission and process of GDT meter readings in an AMR system. In particular, the method includes capturing a GDT meter reading that quantifies the consumption of a utility service at a utility meter. Then, during a reporting window, one or more packets of the GDT meter reading having a data item that identifies the enhanced priority level of the data is transmitted from the utility meter. When a collector receives the transmission, the elevated priority allocated to the transmission is identified. As a result, the collector causes the GDT meter reading to be forwarded to a host computer prior to the processing and transmission of other meter readings.