Method and apparatus for remotely accessing meter status information in a meter reading system
AssigneeMotorola, Inc.
InventorRonald L. Bane
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A meter reading system (10) for reading meter status information from meters (150) includes a meter reading device (15) for transmitting messages at a first data rate, i.e., a higher data rate, and at a second data rate, i.e., a lower data rate. Externally powered meter interface units (14) receive at least the messages transmitted at the higher data rate, and battery powered meter interface units (12) only receive the messages transmitted at the lower data rate.
Claims21
A communication system for reading information, comprising:
- a transmitting device for transmitting messages at a first data rate and messages at a second data rate;
- externally powered receiving devices for receiving at least the messages transmitted at the first data rate;
- and
- battery powered receiving devices for receiving only the messages transmitted at the second data rate.
A method for remotely accessing meter status information in a meter reading system comprising a meter reading device, battery powered meter interface units, and externally powered meter interface units, the method comprising the steps of:
- the meter reading device transmitting messages at a first data rate and at a second data rate;
- the externally powered meter interface units detecting at least the first data rate and receiving at least the messages transmitted at the first data rate in response to detecting the first data rate;
- and
- the battery powered meter interface units detecting only the second data rate, and not the first data rate, and receiving only the messages transmitted at the second data rate in response to detecting the second data rate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.