Self-Populating Database for Automatic Meter Reading Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic meter reading (AMR) systems require time-consuming manual setup and labor-intensive processes for installing central office data collection systems and associating meter transmitters with receivers, leading to high installation costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for collecting meter data through a wide area network, where meter data is automatically organized into a self-populating database, allowing for easier setup by addressing receivers via a network address and storing data with identifiers, enabling retrieval by address, device ID, or time, thus reducing labor and installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual listing and association of transmitters with receivers is performed, then the database can be populated with meter data, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic population of the database by having receivers self-identify and self-register with the central office. When a receiver transmits its identifier, the system automatically creates the association between receiver and transmitter without requiring manual intervention to list and associate devices, thus populating the database autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is pre-configured with a unique identifier before deployment. Upon first transmission to the central office, this pre-existing identifier is automatically captured and used to establish the receiver-transmitter association, eliminating the need for manual listing during installation
2Reliability
If manual listing and association of transmitters with receivers is performed, then the database can be populated with meter data, but labor and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic self-registration process eliminates the need for manual data entry and association tasks, reducing labor requirements and installation costs while ensuring complete and accurate database population
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of listing and associating devices is replaced with an automated electronic system that captures receiver identifiers and automatically populates the database through electronic communication protocols
3Ease of operation
If a self-populating database system is implemented, then installation is simplified and labor costs are reduced, but automated data collection and organization infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The central office receiver is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving meter data from transmitters, automatically registering new receivers through self-identification, populating the database, and managing data retrieval operations, thereby simplifying installation despite the automated infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and a system for collection of meter readings from the field and for providing a self-populating database for storing and retrieving the meter data. A network data collection computer operating according to a stored computer program reads in data from the receivers and detects the meter reading devices that are sending data through a respective receiver. If not previously detected, the network data collection computer allocates space in the database for the data and stores the meter data and indexes it by the receiver and meter reading device from which it was received, and by the date and time of reception at the network data collection system. This data can then be retrieved and displayed or printed out by these parameters in database reports.