Bi-directional Mobile Utility Meter Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated meter reading systems are limited to collecting data from utility meters and lack the capability for bi-directional communication, requiring manual intervention for tasks like resetting peak consumption values, which is inefficient and non-automated.
Innovation Solution
A system and method enabling bi-directional communication sessions between a mobile device and utility meters, allowing for data collection and command execution, such as resetting peak consumption, through a mobile radio transceiver device establishing communication sessions with meter units, using acquisition messages, command messages, and acknowledgments to perform operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated meter reading systems are used, then data collection from utility meters is achieved, but the system lacks bi-directional communication capability requiring manual intervention for operations like resetting peak consumption values
Solution Approach 1:
The meter unit is equipped with a radio transceiver that enables it to autonomously communicate with mobile devices, receive commands, and execute operations such as resetting peak consumption values without requiring manual intervention at the meter location. The system performs self-service operations through automated bi-directional communication.
Solution Approach 2:
A mobile device with radio transceiver functionality serves as an intermediary between the utility company's control system and the remote meter units. This intermediary enables automated command transmission and data retrieval, eliminating the need for manual meter reading and operation while maintaining system control.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is used for resetting peak consumption values, then command execution is possible, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device transmits reset commands to the meter unit in advance during scheduled communication sessions, allowing the meter to automatically reset peak consumption values without waiting for manual intervention. This preliminary automated action eliminates the time loss associated with manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations at the meter (such as physical button presses or dial adjustments) with electronic command transmission via radio communication. The mobile device sends digital commands that the meter unit's processor executes automatically, substituting mechanical manual operations with automated electronic control.
3Reliability
If unacknowledged communication is used, then communication speed is faster, but reliability of command execution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol incorporates acknowledgment messages where the meter unit confirms receipt and execution of commands sent by the mobile device. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable command execution by verifying that each instruction was successfully received and processed, maintaining high reliability while managing complexity through structured communication sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for conducting bi-directional communication sessions with sensing and control devices, such as utility meters, from a mobile device. A system for conducting bi-directional communication sessions with utility meters from a mobile device includes a mobile device capable of acquiring a communication session with a meter unit connected to a utility meter, a vehicle in which the mobile device is located, and a plurality of meter units connected to a plurality of utility meters. The meter units are capable of receiving and executing commands to obtain data and perform actions on the utility meters. The actions include a peak consumption value reset of the utility meter. Each command message includes a token that enables the endpoint radio transceiver devices to determine the commanded one or more operations have been performed.