CALL IN-BOUND REMOTE READING AND DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM

摘要

A call in-bound remote reading and data collection system (2) for the remote reading of utility meters, including a data processor (14) and a remotely located meter interface unit (MIU) (6) interconnected to at least one utility meter (8) to be read. The data pro cessor (14) collects, stores and processes data, and modem (12) interconnects the d ata processor (14) to conventional telephone lines (10) . The MIU (6) is interconnected to the telephone lines (10) and the data processor (14) to transmit scheduled meter readings to the data p rocessor (14) when a prespecified interval has elapsed. The MIU (6) is also interconn ected to transmit unscheduled or demand meter readings w hen the MIU (6) receives telephone line transmissions requesting such a reading. A modem (20) is used to interconnect the MIU (6) so it can communicate over the telephone lines (10). The MIU (6) includes a microproce ssor (32) that generally controls the operation of the M IU (6) and supervises the transfer of data between the data processor (14) and the MIU (6).