Transmitting utility usage data via a network interface device
AssigneeQwest Communications International Inc.
InventorsSteven M. Casey, Charles I. Cook, Bruce A. Phillips
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Tools and techniques for transmitting utility usage data. In some cases, the tools receive utility usage data provided by a utility meter and transmit that data for reception by a utility provider. In particular cases, the utility usage data may be received at a network interface device. The network interface device might, in some instances, include a broadband modem, such as a digital subscriber line modem, which can be used to transmit the utility usage data to the utility provider.
Claims22
A system for transmitting data about utility usage, the system comprising:
- a power line;
- a utility meter in communication with the power line and configured to provide utility usage data;
- a network interface device in communication with the utility meter, the network interface device comprising:
- a digital subscriber line (“DSL”) modem in communication with a local loop of a public switched telephone network;
- and
- an isolation device for providing an interface between the power line and the DSL modem;
- and
- a DSL distribution point in communication with the local loop;
- wherein the network interface device is configured to:
- receive, at the isolation device, the utility usage data from the utility meter;
- and
- transmit the utility usage data to the DSL distribution point via the local loop, such the utility usage data can be transmitted from the DSL distribution point to a utility provider, to allow the utility provider to monitor and bill utility usage based on the utility usage data.
A system for transmitting data about utility usage, the system comprising:
- a first transport medium
- a utility meter configured to provide utility usage data and in communication with the first transport medium;
- a network interface device in communication with the first transport medium and a second transport medium, the network interface device configured to:
- receive the utility usage data via the first transport medium;
- and
- transmit the utility usage data via the second transport medium for reception by a utility provider, to allow the utility provider to monitor utility usage.
A network interface device in communication with one or more first transport media and a second transport medium, the network interface device being configured to:
- receive utility usage data from one or more utility meters via the one or more first transport media;
- and
- transmit the utility usage data via the second transport medium for reception by a utility provider, to allow the utility provider to monitor utility usage.
A method of transmitting utility usage data, the method comprising:
- providing communication between a network interface device and one or more first transport media;
- providing communication between the network interface device and a second transport medium;
- receiving, at the network interface device, utility usage data from one or more utility meters via the one or more first transport media;
- and
- transmitting the utility usage data from the network interface device, via the second transport medium and for reception by a utility provider, to allow the utility provider to monitor utility usage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.