Time-Divided Communications in Metering Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Automated Meter Reading (AMR) systems are limited in facilitating timely two-way communications with endpoint devices, as they typically require waiting intervals to issue commands or perform two-way communications, due to power conservation measures that deactivate the transmitter and limit remote device messaging.
Innovation Solution
Implementing time-divided communication methods where endpoint devices transmit standard meter reading messages within a predefined frequency band, then activate their receivers to listen for messages from remote devices after a predetermined time, allowing for command reception without retransmitting additional standard meter readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the receiver is deactivated to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but the ability to receive commands from remote devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is activated periodically at specific time intervals rather than continuously, allowing the endpoint device to conserve power while still being able to receive commands during its active listening windows. This periodic activation resolves the contradiction by balancing power savings with command reception capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The endpoint device transmits standard meter reading messages at predetermined times, and the system is configured to listen for commands during specific time windows following these transmissions. This preliminary action of establishing a communication pattern allows the device to know when to activate the receiver, resolving the contradiction between power conservation and command reception.
2Use of energy by moving object
If collectors wait for intervals to issue commands, then power consumption at the endpoint is reduced, but communication timing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol dynamically adjusts the timing of receiver activation based on when standard meter reading messages are transmitted. Rather than using fixed waiting intervals, the system activates the receiver at optimal times following message transmissions, reducing both power consumption and communication delays simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The endpoint device uses feedback from its own transmission timing to determine when to activate the receiver. By listening for commands at specific intervals after transmitting standard meter reading messages, the system creates a feedback loop that optimizes both power consumption and response time, resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
3Ease of operation
If additional standard meter reading messages are transmitted to enable command reception, then command communication capability is improved, but communication efficiency and power consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The standard meter reading message transmission serves multiple functions: it provides the required meter data communication and simultaneously acts as a trigger to activate the receiver for command reception. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate messages solely for enabling command communication, thereby improving communication efficiency while maintaining two-way capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of meter reading transmission with the function of enabling command reception by configuring the receiver to activate during or after standard message transmissions. This combining of functions allows the system to achieve two-way communication capability without requiring additional dedicated messages, thus maintaining communication efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, system, and related apparatus for performing time-divided communications in a metering environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, an endpoint (e.g., ERT) is provided that implements a method for communicating messages with a remote device. Generally, the method includes causing the endpoint to transmit a standard meter reading message within a predefined frequency band. Then, after waiting a predetermined amount of time, a receiver on the endpoint is activated to listen for a message transmitted by the remote device. While the receiver on the endpoint is activated, the endpoint may receive a command from the remote device without being required to transmit an additional standard meter reading message.