Fixed network for an automatic utility meter reading system

摘要

A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.

主权项

1. A method of validating operation of a meter interface unit (MIU) installed by a technician as part of a utility meter reading system comprising a communications network and at least one bidirectional communications device operable to transmit and receive data over said network, said technician having a portable communications device operable to receive communications from said network, said method comprising:
transmitting data from said MIU over said communications network of said utility meter reading system; receiving said data at a bidirectional communications device of said utility meter reading system; broadcasting by said bidirectional communications device over said network the received data and additional data comprising one of the signal-to-noise ratio or received signal strength indicator of the signal from the MIU containing the received data; and receiving said broadcast data by said portable communications device of said technician; thereby confirming that data transmitted by said MIU was received by a bidirectional communications device of said utility meter reading system.