초록 ▼

An automated meter reading (AMR) server having an open, distributed architecture that collects, loads, and manages system-wide data collected from energy meters and routes the data automatically to upstream business systems. The AMR server includes a repository of metering data, and additionally pro

An automated meter reading (AMR) server having an open, distributed architecture that collects, loads, and manages system-wide data collected from energy meters and routes the data automatically to upstream business systems. The AMR server includes a repository of metering data, and additionally provides timely access to information by including collection, storage, validation, estimation, editing, publishing and securing of meter consumption and interval data. The AMR server obtains data from meters equipped with modems via standard telephone lines or public RF networks. The data is converted from the format of the meter/communications infrastructure to a format usable by the AMR server and the repository. The data is converted from the AMR-compatible form to a format of a specific upstream business system prior to transmission. The data may also be validated in accordance with the upstream business system requirements. The AMR server provides for on-line users, interfacing with multiple dissimilar platforms and meter firmware, maintenance of system availability, data recovery, access to multiple legacy systems, and access by common set of Application Program Interfaces.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An automated meter reading server that collects telemetry data from remote customer locations and processes said telemetry data for use by end users and upstream business systems, said automated meter reading server comprising:a data repository to store said telemetry dat

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An automated meter reading server that collects telemetry data from remote customer locations and processes said telemetry data for use by end users and upstream business systems, said automated meter reading server comprising:a data repository to store said telemetry data;at least one external interface to communicate with systems external of said automated meter reading server; anda multi-layered distributed software architecture comprising:application and infrastructure subsystems, said application and infrastructure subsystems comprising services, distributed throughout said automated meter reading server, that cooperate to accomplish predefined business functionalities;middleware software, said middleware software being provided to facilitate scalability, transaction processing, and mapping of objects to said data repository; andapplication frameworks, said application frameworks facilitating access to said data repository and the creation of processes compliant with said middleware software,wherein said business functionalities determine processes by which said automated meter reading server receives data from downstream collection points, processes said telemetry data, and manipulates said data repository.