Handheld Programmer for Electronic Meter Registers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring and reading electronic utility meters require a laptop with a DB9 serial port and often necessitate the presence of a computer, and rely on magnet swipes for display cycling, lacking flexibility in field installations.
Innovation Solution
A handheld programmer device with wireless infrared communication, powered by a battery, allowing configuration and data transfer via a personal computer using USB, enabling key-based commands for cycling displays, transferring data, and configuring electronic meter registers without a computer or wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an interface box with wired serial connection is used to configure the electronic register, then data transfer between computer and register is achieved, but the requirement for DB9 serial port and computer presence limits field installation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired serial connection system with an infrared wireless communication system. The handheld programmer uses infrared transmitters and receivers to communicate with the electronic register without requiring physical cable connections or DB9 serial ports, thereby resolving the compatibility issue with modern laptops and improving field installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld programmer serves as an intermediary device between the computer and the electronic register. It receives configuration data from the computer via USB, stores it internally, and then transmits it wirelessly to the register using infrared communication, eliminating the need for direct wired connections.
2Ease of operation
If a magnet swipe is used to cycle the display on the electronic register, then display cycling is achieved, but the function is limited and requires physical access to the meter location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnet swipe operation with electronic infrared command transmission. The handheld programmer sends wireless infrared commands to the electronic register to cycle the display, eliminating the need for physical magnet swipes and enabling remote operation without requiring physical access to the meter location.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld programmer provides multiple functions including display cycling, configuration data transfer, and status data retrieval through a single unified interface. This multi-functional device replaces the limited magnet swipe capability with comprehensive remote control abilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and easy installation and configuration of electronic meter registers in the field, eliminating the need for a DB9 serial port and computer presence, while providing flexibility in operations like display cycling and data retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
A handheld programmer device with wireless infrared communication
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld, key-operated programmer device (10) for transferring data to and from an electronic meter register. Communication between the device (10) and the electronic register takes place over a wireless optical interface (20). The device (10) is configured through a USB port (14) using a personal computer. Operations between the device (10) and the meter register include cycling the meter register display, clearing a totalizer, resetting alarm conditions, and retrieving stored configuration data. A swipe with a magnet is no longer necessary to cycle through the display. The device is battery-powered and can be embodied in a key fob.