Remote Metering Data Collection Using Segmented Read Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for remote data collection, such as automatic meter reading, face challenges in minimizing network traffic density and costs, leading to increased errors and inefficiencies due to high communication demands during data collection processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine elemental usage values by obtaining readings at specific intervals within a measurement period, with further data read periods of equal length and a first data read period longer by the elemental period, allowing for efficient data transmission and reduced network usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If meters are read frequently via network to obtain detailed statistical data, then measurement precision and system monitoring capability are improved, but network traffic density increases causing higher costs and more data errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection process into two distinct phases: a long first data read period for initial meter reading, and multiple shorter further data read periods for subsequent readings. This segmentation allows the system to obtain detailed statistical data while distributing network traffic over time, reducing peak network density and associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic data collection where readings are taken at regular intervals (first data read period followed by multiple further data read periods). This periodic action pattern enables systematic data gathering while spacing out network communications to reduce traffic density and improve reliability.
2Measurement precision
If data is collected in small time periods to obtain detailed usage statistics, then measurement precision is improved, but network usage costs and communication density increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data collection process into one long first data read period and multiple shorter further data read periods. This segmentation strategy allows detailed usage statistics to be gathered across extended periods while reducing the frequency of individual network communications, thereby lowering overall network traffic volume and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data collection during the longer first data read period before subsequent shorter reading periods. This preliminary action establishes a baseline that reduces the need for frequent subsequent readings, thereby reducing overall network traffic while maintaining measurement precision.
3Productivity
If frequent network communications are used for meter reading, then data collection completeness is improved, but error rates increase due to data collision and network density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data collection into distinct temporal phases (first data read period followed by further data read periods), which distributes network traffic over time. This segmentation reduces simultaneous network communications, minimizing data collision and transmission errors while maintaining complete data collection through systematic sequential readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic data reading intervals to collect complete data while spacing out network communications. This periodic action pattern ensures data collection completeness through systematic sampling while reducing peak network density and associated transmission errors.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining, for each of one or more elemental periods (Δx; such as 1 hour) in a measurement period (x), an elemental usage value (e.g. amount of electricity, water, gas or oil consumed), each elemental usage value indicating the amount of usage of a resource by an entity (e.g. is a building, part thereof, or some geographical unit or area) and being associated with the respective elemental period (Δx), each elemental period (Δx) being of the same length and the measurement period x being an integer multiple of the elemental period (Δx), the method comprising: obtaining a plurality of measured usage values (a0...ay; (a1-a0)...(ay-ay-1)) in succession, each measured usage value relating to a respective one of a plurality of successive data read periods (01:00-01:00...02:00-01:00), the data read periods including a first data read period (01:00-01:00) and a plurality of further data read periods (01:00-24:00...02:00-01:00); and determining said elemental usage values from the obtained measured usage values; wherein the further data read periods (01:00-24:00...02:00-01:00) are of equal length (z) and the first data read period (01:00-01:00) is longer (z+Δx) than the further data read periods (01:00-24:00...02:00-01:00) by said elemental period (Δx). The method preferably comprises: obtaining said plurality of measured usage values (a0...ay; (a1-a0)...(ay-ay-1)) includes: obtaining a first reading (a0) at the start of the first data read period (01:00-01:00); obtaining a second reading (a1) at the end of the first data read period; for each of the plurality of further data read periods (01:00-24:00...02:00-01:00), obtaining a respective reading (a2...ay) at the end of the further data read period. The measured usage values (a0...ay; (a1-a0)...(ay-ay-1)) or readings are suitably converted to digital form and transmitted over a wire-based or wireless network. A metering unit for performing the method is also disclosed. A data processing system for determining a measured usage values (a0...ay; (a1-a0)...(ay-ay-1)) associated with each of one or more elemental periods, for each of one or more remote entities, using such metering units, is also disclosed.