Removable Meter Unit Automatic Configuration via Location Tag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meter systems require manual updating of location-specific information and configuration when meter units are replaced, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in data management.
Innovation Solution
A meter apparatus with a permanently affixed tag providing unique identification information to a removable meter unit, allowing for automatic association with a physical location and configuration information, enabling efficient and reliable updating of meter data in a data manager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual updating of meter information is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to time consumption and potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The meter unit automatically performs configuration and location association without manual intervention. The system uses the meter unit's own identifier and location data to autonomously update the database, eliminating the need for manual operations while reducing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the meter unit sends its identifier and location information to the database manager, which then automatically updates the configuration. This feedback loop enables automatic information exchange and eliminates manual updating processes.
2Reliability
If manual configuration of meter units is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to human errors in data entry
Solution Approach 1:
The meter unit autonomously provides its own identifier and location information to the database manager without manual data entry. This self-service approach eliminates human errors in configuration while maintaining system simplicity through automated self-identification and self-configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic processes. The meter unit's electronic identifier and location data are automatically transmitted and processed by the database manager, substituting manual data entry with electronic automation to improve reliability.
3Loss of time
If manual updating of location-specific information is performed, then system complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the meter unit's identifier and location data before the actual update operation. The meter unit automatically provides this information in advance, enabling rapid database updates without time-consuming manual data collection and entry processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter unit sends feedback information containing its identifier and location data to the database manager, which automatically processes the update. This feedback mechanism eliminates the time required for manual information gathering and data entry, significantly reducing update time while maintaining system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A meter apparatus and method of operating a removable meter apparatus are described. The meter apparatus includes a tag associated with unique tag identification information and configured to be permanently affixed to a location housing at a unique physical location, and includes a removable meter unit configured to mate with the location housing and receive the tag identification from the tag and report the tag identification to a data manager configured to associate an identifier of the removable meter unit with the tag identification and unique physical location, and associate configuration information for the physical location with the removable meter unit and the tag identification. The unique physical location can comprise a single-space parking location.