Utility Meter Reporting Network Using ISM and Wi-Fi Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current utility meter data collection methods, relying on wireless technology, face challenges such as signal obstruction and the need for additional ISM communication capabilities, which increase costs and complexity, especially when using existing equipment like cellular telephones with integrated Wi-Fi and GNSS capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A utility meter reporting network utilizing ISM radio transceivers in the 902-928 MHz frequency range for end-point devices, with repeaters and gateway devices equipped with ISM and Wi-Fi transceivers, allowing data to be collected and forwarded via wireless links, and utilizing existing equipment like cellular telephones with Wi-Fi capabilities to retrieve data from gateway devices, thereby reducing costs and enhancing signal reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless technology is used for utility meter data collection, then data collection speed and reliability are improved, but signal obstruction problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary device that receives data from handheld devices and forwards it to the utility office. This mediator allows data to be collected even when direct communication between the meter and utility office is blocked, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the wireless data collection speed improvement.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing equipment like cellular telephones with Wi-Fi is used, then installation costs are reduced, but additional ISM communication capabilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is designed with multiple communication interfaces including ISM transceiver, Wi-Fi transceiver, and cellular telephone capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single device to handle various communication protocols, enabling existing equipment like cellular telephones to be used without additional ISM capabilities while maintaining cost effectiveness.
3Reliability
If pole-mounted transceivers are used to forward data, then data collection reliability is improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base station consolidates multiple functions including data reception from handheld devices, data forwarding to the utility office, and wireless communication capabilities into a single unit. This eliminates the need for separate pole-mounted transceivers while maintaining reliable data forwarding, thereby reducing system complexity and installation costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility meter reporting network is disclosed. In one embodiment, an end-point reporting device is configured to collect utility usage data and to convey the utility usage data to a gateway device via a first Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio communication link using a first ISM transceiver operable in the 902 MHz to 928 MHz range. The network further comprises a gateway device comprising a second ISM transceiver for receiving the utility usage data from the end point and a wireless transceiver which is configured to send the utility usage data via an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 compliant wireless communication link. The network further comprises a utility office which receives the utility usage data from said gateway device via said IEEE 802.11 compliant wireless communication link.