| 摘要 |
<p>A utility metering device (2) is provided which permits the use of the meter device (2) to provide point of metering information on the cost of consumption of the utility and to permit the selection of the least expensive option for that utility dependent on time. The metering device (2) includes a meter reader (6) which may be integral with the device. The device has at least one interface (11) through at least one communiations medium permitting the flow of information to and from the device (2). Control instructions contained in a microcontroller (3) perform pre-programmed calculations based on matrices (13) of information within cells (14) within the matrices (13) stored in a memory means (4). Such calculations generate further matrices (13) of information. Programmed instructions are included to permit alteration in the operation of the device (2) based on the information stored or generated by the microcontroller (3).</p> |
