Hybrid bi-directional communication system for monitoring a power delivery system

摘要

The present invention is directed to a communication system that can be utilized in the reading and reporting of data from utility meters such as power usage monitoring meters in which a control station transmits signals to a utility meter. The communication system features a central transmitting/receiving station (CTS) for relaying a first signal generated by the control station to a utility meter and for relaying a second signal to the control station, a first response unit for processing and transmitting the first and second signals and a second response unit associated with the utility meter for wirelessly transmitting the second signal to the first response unit in response to the first signal. The first signal comprises command signals to provide a reading to the utility meter and the second signal includes data representing the meter reading, wherein the first response unit has at least one utility meter associated therewith.