Programmable AMR Transmitter for Fixed and Mobile Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic meter reading (AMR) systems face challenges in providing long-term system capabilities at a minimum cost, particularly in balancing transmission power and frequency to accommodate both mobile and fixed network applications, while conserving battery life and minimizing interference.
Innovation Solution
The AMR transmitter is programmable to adjust transmission power, modulation type, and frequency based on the physical environment and application type, allowing for efficient operation in both drive-by and fixed network scenarios, with parameters settable at the factory or customer site, utilizing a CPU and RF modulation section for versatile network compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If transmission power is increased to extend communication distance, then signal coverage is improved, but battery life is reduced and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter dynamically adjusts transmission power based on the detected network type. For fixed networks, it operates at high power (up to 1000mW) to achieve long-distance communication (1/4 mile to 1 mile). For mobile drive-by networks, it switches to low power (1mW to 100mW) for short-distance transmission, thereby extending battery life while maintaining adequate signal coverage for each specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operational parameters including transmission power level, modulation type, and data transmission frequency based on the configured network mode. This parameter adaptation allows the same hardware to optimize performance for both fixed and mobile networks, resolving the contradiction between transmission distance and energy consumption.
2Length of stationary object
If transmission power is increased to reach distant fixed receivers, then signal coverage is improved, but interference with other RF signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter dynamically selects appropriate transmission power levels based on network type. Fixed networks use high power (1000mW) for long-distance coverage, while mobile networks use low power (1mW-100mW) for short-distance communication. This dynamic adjustment ensures sufficient signal strength for each application while minimizing unnecessary RF interference in the environment.
3Device complexity
If a single transmitter design is used for both mobile and fixed networks, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different network requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transmitter design that can operate in both mobile drive-by networks and fixed networks. The single device incorporates programmable parameters including transmission power, modulation type, and data transmission frequency, allowing it to adapt to different network requirements through software configuration rather than hardware changes. This achieves versatility without increasing physical device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability to different network types by changing operational parameters rather than hardware architecture. The transmitter can be programmed with different power levels, modulation schemes, and transmission frequencies to suit either mobile or fixed network requirements, maintaining a single unified design while providing network-specific optimization.
4Reliability
If data transmission frequency is increased to improve data availability, then system reliability is improved, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter dynamically adjusts data transmission frequency based on network type and operational requirements. For mobile drive-by networks, it uses higher transmission frequencies to ensure data availability during vehicle passage. For fixed networks, it reduces transmission frequency since receivers are continuously present, thereby conserving battery life while maintaining adequate data availability for each specific application.
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
This solution enables cost savings for utility customers by allowing a single transmitter to serve multiple network types, extending battery life, and optimizing signal coverage over varying distances, thus enhancing the overall system's longevity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency modulation section for modulating meter data signals into radio signals for transmission
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and circuitry for programming an AMR transmitter to operate in different modes. The device can be programmed as to any one or all of the following parameters: transmission power according to the physical environment of the installation; power level and modulation type for drive-by or fixed network application; and frequency of data transmission to conserve battery life. A laptop computer or other type of programming device communicates through an optical IR port to enter these parameters.