US 8,059,011 B2 · Outage notification system

Abstract

The present technology relates to protocols relative to utility meters associated with an open operational framework. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to protocol subject matter for advanced metering infrastructure, adaptable to various international standards, while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field. The present subject matter supports meters within an ANSI standard C12.22/C12.19 system while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field, all to permit cell-based adaptive insertion of C12.22 meters within an open framework. Cell isolation is provided through quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network. Additional features relate to Outage notification system features, and corresponding methodology and apparatus subject matters, both at the network and device level.

Claims21

Dependent claims

Methodology for enabling outage notifications in an advanced metering system mesh network, comprising:

establishing a network including a central facility and a plurality of end devices, at least some of which end devices comprise metrology devices;
configuring the network for bi-directional communications between the central facility and each of the plurality of end devices;
causing an end device experiencing power outage conditions to stop listening to network communications and to transmit a power outage message to neighbor end devices;
and
configuring the plurality of end devices so that neighbor end devices listening to network communications forward such power outage message to the central facility over the network,
whereby power outage data is reported to the central facility via the network using end devices listening to network communications, without requiring a direct communications link between the central facility and an end device experiencing power outage conditions.

3 more elements

An advanced metering system mesh network with power outage notification functionality, comprising:

a central facility;
and
a plurality of end devices, at least some of which end devices comprise metrology devices, with said central facility and said plurality of end devices being configured for bi-directional communications therebetween;
wherein said plurality of end devices are configured so that an end device experiencing power outage conditions stops listening to network communications and transmits a power outage message to neighbor end devices;
and
wherein said plurality of end devices are further configured so that neighbor end devices listening to network communications forward such power outage message to said central facility over said network,
whereby power outage data is reported to said central facility via said network using end devices listening to network communications, without requiring a direct communications link between said central facility and an end device experiencing power outage conditions.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Outage notification system

Life of this patent

Outage notification system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21