SYNCHRONIZING AND CONTROLLING SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS, SUCH AS FOR UTILITY METER-READING DATA COLLECTION AND PROCESSING

摘要

A system and method for coordinating software downloads and executions, such as in a utility meter collection environment, employs a central server or head-end processor (110) that is coupled to communicate with a network of collection units, such as cell control units (108). A process, such as a state machine, tracks the status of software on the CCUs or groups of CCUs to coordinate software downloads and loading of the software on the CCUs, including adding new or past software versions.