Mobile Collector Node Communication with Unknown Network ID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Advanced Meter Reading (AMR) systems allow only one-way communication, limiting utility providers' ability to collect detailed data or send commands to utility devices, while replacing these systems with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) networks is costly.
Innovation Solution
A modified AMR system enables a mobile collector to listen for beacons from multiple nodes, determine the targeted node based on utility device ID, and initiate temporary two-way communication by sending a response after a predefined delay, allowing for data collection and command transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional AMR system is used, then the system cost is low, but the communication capability is limited to one-way only
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between one-way AMR mode and temporary two-way AMI mode. The node transitions from passive beacon transmission to active two-way communication when a mobile collector initiates contact, allowing the system to adapt its communication capabilities based on operational needs without permanent infrastructure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The communication parameters are changed temporarily when a mobile collector hails a node. The node transitions from receiving only beacons to sending and receiving messages on specific communication channels, effectively changing the system's operational mode from one-way to two-way communication without hardware modification
2Adaptability or versatility
If an AMI network is deployed, then two-way communication is enabled, but the replacement cost is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a temporary copy of AMI two-way communication functionality within the existing AMR framework. By using the same hardware infrastructure but enabling bidirectional message passing through software-controlled protocols, the system replicates AMI capabilities without physical network replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile collector serves multiple functions: it acts as a data collection device in traditional AMR mode and as a temporary communication partner enabling two-way interaction when needed. This multi-functionality allows a single system to provide both one-way and two-way communication capabilities
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the mobile collector listens for beacons from multiple nodes, then the targeted node can be located, but the time to process multiple beacons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile collector pre-processes beacons by extracting and storing the utility device ID from each beacon's payload. This preliminary action allows the collector to quickly match received beacons against its target list without re-parsing entire beacon data structures during the matching phase, reducing processing time
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes listening, at a mobile collector, for beacons from a plurality of nodes to locate and communicate with a targeted node, each beacon comprising a utility device identification (ID) and communication channel information; receiving, by the mobile collector, the beacon from the targeted node of the plurality of nodes; and determining, by the mobile collector, that the beacon was received from the targeted node based on the utility device ID included in the beacon.