초록 ▼

A system for remote automatic monitoring and recording of utility meter readings which comprises an electronic meter reader (EMR) for accumulating meter counts from a plurality of utility meters, a data concentrator which collects accumulated meter counts from the EMR, a telephone interface for plac

A system for remote automatic monitoring and recording of utility meter readings which comprises an electronic meter reader (EMR) for accumulating meter counts from a plurality of utility meters, a data concentrator which collects accumulated meter counts from the EMR, a telephone interface for placing a first data call from the EMR to the data concentrator over an available telephone line, a billing computer connected to the data concentrator, and a modem for placing a second data call including the accumulated meter counts from the data concentrator to the billing computer utilizing standard telephone service. The EMR connects the EMR to three telephone lines, and determines whether each of the plurality of telephone lines is available for placing a data call. The data concentrator sends configuration data to the EMR at the conclusion of a data call. The configuration data includes a telephone number for the data concentrator, and a time delay period before placing a subsequent data call from the EMR to the data concentrator. The EMR places the accumulated meter counts in data packets and transmits the packets to the data concentrator. The meter counts may also be transferred from the EMR to the data concentrator over a data link.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for remote automatic monitoring and recording of utility meter readings comprising:an electronic meter reader (EMR) for accumulating meter counts from a plurality of utility meters, said EMR including:a telephone interface which connects said EMR to a plurality o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for remote automatic monitoring and recording of utility meter readings comprising:an electronic meter reader (EMR) for accumulating meter counts from a plurality of utility meters, said EMR including:a telephone interface which connects said EMR to a plurality of standard landline telephone lines;means for determining whether each of said plurality of standard landline telephone lines is available for placing a data call; andmeans for selecting an available telephone line from said plurality of standard landline telephone lines;a data concentrator which collects accumulated meter counts from said EMR;means for automatically placing a first data call from said EMR to said data concentrator over said selected available telephone line, said first data call including said accumulated meter counts;a billing computer connected to said data concentrator; andmeans for placing a second data call from said billing computer to said data concentrator, said second data call collecting said accumulated meter counts.