Rf meter reading system

Abstract

The automatic meter reading (AMR) systems and methods of the present invention facilitate meter reading utilizing one-way and two-way communication with utility meter endpoint devices while at the same time providing an operating regime that conserves energy for long battery life and utilizes the available airwaves for AMR communications efficiently. Embodiments of the invention are applicable in AMR systems employing handheld and/or vehicle-based mobile readers, fixed readers, and combinations thereof. Moreover, embodiments of the invention facilitate smooth transition from mobile AMR systems to fixed systems, and provide for automatic AMR system performance monitoring and automatic adaptability to maintain or improve performance.

1 - 157 . (canceled) 
     
     
         158 . A method in a reader used in an automatic meter reading (AMR) system, the method comprising:
 receiving a one-way communication from an endpoint;   initiating a two-way communication with the endpoint in response to receiving the one-way communication; and   during the two-way communication, sending an instruction to the endpoint, the instruction configured to adjust a bubble-up operation parameter in the endpoint.   
     
     
         159 . The method of  claim 158 , wherein the bubble-up operation parameter includes at least one of:
 scheduling a period of increased bubble-up activity of the endpoint during the two way communication,   putting the endpoint in a sleep mode for a specified time duration, and   slowing a default bubble-up rate.   
     
     
         160 . The method of  claim 159 , wherein slowing the default bubble-up rate further includes at least one of:
 increasing transmission power level, and   responding to a specified reading time by temporarily increasing a bubble-up rate.   
     
     
         161 . A method in a reader used in an automatic meter reading (AMR) system, the method comprising:
 receiving a message from an endpoint at a particular frequency;   determining whether the particular frequency is suitably centered within a predefined communication channel associated with the message;   initiating two-way communication with the endpoint; and   during the two-way communication, sending an instruction to the endpoint, the instruction specifying a frequency correction for the endpoint to implement.   
     
     
         162 . A method in a reader used in an automatic meter reading (AMR) system for assessing communication reliability, the method comprising
 measuring channel clarity; and   making a decision affecting future communication with at least one endpoint based on the measured channel clarity.