Remote reading method of gauge data

Abstract

Disclosed is a remote reading method of gauge data in which gauge data is obtained by a customer's computer, and the obtained data is transmitted to a gauge data collection computer of a utility service provider such as a provider of gas, electricity, water, or hot water via a network. In a meter reading system provided with the gauge data collection computer, a plurality of customers' computers, and a plurality of meters, the method comprises the steps of (a) allowing each of the customers' computers to read the gauge data from the corresponding one of the meters at a designated time, and to store the read data in its memory, and (b) allowing each of the customers' computers to transmit the stored data to the gauge data collection computer at a predetermined time after the designated date, differently from predetermined times regarding other customers' computers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.