초록 ▼

An automatic meter reading system utilizes repeater technology to access hard to read meters within a fixed network structure. The components of the radio system that are needed for two-way communications are employed without adding significant cost to the meter. Using this approach, each meter in t

An automatic meter reading system utilizes repeater technology to access hard to read meters within a fixed network structure. The components of the radio system that are needed for two-way communications are employed without adding significant cost to the meter. Using this approach, each meter in the network has the ability to repeat messages as required.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A utility meter for use in an automatic meter reading (AMR) network, comprising:(a) a radio frequency (RF) transceiver;(b) metering means; and(c) a controller operatively coupled to said RF transceiver and said metering means, said meter being programmed to receive a message from a

[ We claim:] [1.] A utility meter for use in an automatic meter reading (AMR) network, comprising:(a) a radio frequency (RF) transceiver;(b) metering means; and(c) a controller operatively coupled to said RF transceiver and said metering means, said meter being programmed to receive a message from an AMR node via said RF transceiver and, depending on the content of said message, to respond to said node or repeat said message by sending a modified message in a format that is receivable by another meter in said AMR network;wherein said meter is operable to receive messages transmitted with a first prescribed signal type and a first data rate, to transmit responsive messages with a second prescribed signal type and a second data rate, and to repeat messages with said first prescribed signal type, and wherein said second data rate is substantially higher than said first data rate.