Relay Radio Device Automates Meter Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic gas meter reading systems, especially the handy terminal communication system, face inefficiencies as the time required for meter reading increases proportionally with the number of slave radio devices, and the introduction of a relay radio device does not sufficiently shorten this time due to the need for manual approach and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
An automated meter reading system incorporating a slave radio device, a relay radio device, and a master radio device with specific functional sections for time setting, data acquisition, and transmission/receiving, allowing for efficient communication and data collection through a three-phase process of time setting, meter reading, and batch response, where the relay radio device requests and stores data from slave radio devices based on set time information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a relay radio device is used to collect meter-reading data from multiple slave radio devices, then the communication range is extended and system coverage is improved, but the time required for meter-reading is not sufficiently shortened because the meter reader must still manually approach the relay device
Solution Approach 1:
The relay radio device is configured to automatically request and collect meter-reading data from multiple slave radio devices in advance based on predetermined time information, so that data collection occurs before the meter reader arrives, eliminating the need for manual approach to individual meters
Solution Approach 2:
The relay radio device autonomously performs data collection operations by automatically requesting meter-reading data from slave devices according to set time schedules, without requiring manual intervention or presence of the meter reader at each device location
2Reliability
If the meter reader approaches each slave radio device individually to collect meter-reading data, then direct communication is ensured, but the time required for meter-reading increases proportionally with the number of slave radio devices
Solution Approach 1:
The relay radio device serves as an intermediary between multiple slave radio devices and the master radio device, centralizing the data collection process so that the meter reader communicates with only one device (the relay) rather than approaching each slave device individually
Solution Approach 2:
The relay radio device combines multiple meter-reading data collection operations into a single centralized communication point, allowing the meter reader to collect data from multiple slave devices through one unified interface rather than multiple separate approaches
Data Source
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AI summary
A handy terminal sets time information for a relay radio device, and the relay radio device applies meter-reading operation to a slave radio device based on the received time information. The relay radio device stores meter-reading data acquired from the slave radio device in a storage section. The handy terminal radio-transmits an acquiring request of the meter-reading data stored in the storage section to the relay radio device, and the relay radio device transmits the meter-reading data to the handy terminal.