Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Radio messages delivering utility consumption data may be transmitted by endpoints. Each endpoint may contain a meter, such as an electric, natural gas and/or water meter. A portable unit (such as, for example, a handheld meter reading unit) may traverse a route among the endpoints and obtain the consumption data. Endpoints may send messages, periodically and/or in response to a command. Such messages may provide flags or other data indicating a condition of the endpoint. The flags or other data may be interpreted by computer code or logic within the portable unit to determine the condition of the endpoint, if a conditional command is indicated, and if so, which conditional command. Having selected an appropriate conditional or “reflex” command, the portable unit may transmit the conditional command to the endpoint and record data contained in a reply.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim