Web-Enabled Cellular Access for AMR Meter Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic meter reading (AMR) systems require a central office data collection system setup before demonstration, making it difficult for prospective customers to visualize the data collection process prior to installation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows meter data collection and transmission via a web-enabled wireless communication device, enabling demonstration of AMR capabilities without requiring engineering assistance, by addressing receivers through a wide area network, such as the Internet, and displaying data on a web site accessible via GSM or cellular networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central office data collection system is installed before demonstration, then the system can collect and process meter data, but the complexity and cost of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a portable receiver that copies the functionality of the central office data collection system. Instead of installing the complete central office system for demonstrations, a portable receiver is used to collect meter data and display it on mobile devices, creating a simplified copy that demonstrates core capabilities without full installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential data collection function from the complex central office system. The portable receiver isolates and portables only the meter data reception capability, separating it from the central office infrastructure requirements, allowing demonstrations without full system installation
2Loss of information
If a complete AMR system is installed for demonstration, then customers can see actual data collection, but labor and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable receiver creates a simplified copy of the data collection system that preserves the essential demonstration capability. It replicates the core function of collecting and displaying meter data without requiring the expensive central office infrastructure, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining demonstration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service demonstrations where sales personnel can independently demonstrate data collection capabilities using the portable receiver and mobile devices, without requiring expensive engineering personnel or complex installed systems. The portable unit is self-contained and easy to deploy
3Ease of operation
If meter data is displayed on handheld devices, then customer accessibility and convenience improve, but the requirement for web infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal web technologies (HTML, wireless web browsers) that are already built into mobile phones and PDAs. By displaying meter data through standard web pages accessible via any wireless device with a browser, the system achieves broad compatibility and ease of access without requiring device-specific software or complex custom infrastructure
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for collection of meter readings from meter reading and transmitting devices (12, 14) and for viewing on a web-enabled wireless communication device (28) comprises addressing at least one receiver (15) through the Internet (21) and obtaining a data file of meter data for a plurality of meter reading devices (12, 14) that have previously communicated with the receiver (15). The receiver (15) can then re-transmit the meter data through a wide area network such as the Internet (21) to a web site (10) operated by an organization marketing AMR systems. The meter data is then accessed and displayed at a customer demonstration site using a handheld wireless smart phone (28) which receives a web page (22) that is reduced in size for transmission through the cellular network to the smart phone (28).