Itron, Inc.

United States of America

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1.

Intelligent Data Contextualization

      
Application Number 18537610
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-12-12
First Publication Date 2024-04-25
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Christman, Curtis

Abstract

Techniques for contextualizing utility visualization patterns in a utility infrastructure environment are described herein. A utility meter data dashboard associated with a type of event may be displayed. A selection of a portion of a first utility visualization displayed in the utility meter data dashboard is received, the portion being associated with a subset of utility data. One or more previously used utility visualizations may be determined from among a plurality of additional utility visualizations. One or more candidate utility visualizations associated with the type of event may be determined from among the previously used utility visualizations. A ranked list of one or more candidate utility visualizations may be displayed. A second utility visualization may be displayed based at least in part on a selection from the ranked list.

IPC Classes  ?

2.

MESSAGING AMONG MESSAGE GROUPS IN A MESH NETWORK

      
Application Number 17933007
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-09-16
First Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Parkkila, Tommi Petteri
  • Rockey, Matthew

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for messaging among message groups associated with agents executing on nodes of a mesh network. A messaging application executing on a node of the mesh network receives a request from an agent executing on the first node to join a message group; verifies that a policy permits the agent to join the message group; adds the agent to the message group; receives, from the agent, content for a message for the message group; and transmits the message to a second messaging application of a second node of the mesh network for delivery to an agent that is executing on the second node and that is included in the message group. In various embodiments, the messaging application receives, from another node of the mesh network, a second message for the message group, and delivers content from the second message to the agent.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
  • H04L 51/212 - Monitoring or handling of messages using filtering or selective blocking
  • H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks

3.

MESSAGING AMONG MESSAGE GROUPS IN A MESH NETWORK

      
Application Number 17933011
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-09-16
First Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Parkkila, Tommi Petteri
  • Rockey, Matthew

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for messaging among message groups associated with agents executing on nodes of a mesh network. A messaging application executing on a node of the mesh network receives content for a first message from an agent executing on the first node, the first message being for a first message group; and transmits a composite message to a second messaging application executed by a second node of the mesh network, the composite message including the first message and a second message for a second message group.

IPC Classes  ?

4.

ENCRYPTION KEY MANAGEMENT IN MESH NETWORKS

      
Application Number 17934072
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-09-21
First Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Parkkila, Tommi Petteri
  • Krishnabhat, Dathathreya
  • Rockey, Matthew

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for managing encryption keys at nodes in a mesh network. In various embodiments, a method includes receiving, by a first node in a network, a first message from a second node; determining, by the first node, that a first key usable by the first node to decrypt the first message is outdated based on a comparison of a first key version identifier associated with the first key and a second key version identifier associated with a second key, where the second key was used to encrypt the first message, and the second key version identifier is received from the second node with the first message; and in response to determining that the first key is outdated, transmitting, by the first node to a key management service, a first request for an updated version of the first key to replace the first key.

IPC Classes  ?

5.

ENCRYPTION KEY MANAGEMENT IN MESH NETWORKS

      
Application Number 17934074
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-09-21
First Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Parkkila, Tommi Petteri
  • Krishnabhat, Dathathreya
  • Rockey, Matthew

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for managing encryption keys at nodes in a mesh network. In various embodiments, a method includes, while in a key failure detection time period associated with a first key, detecting, by a node in a mesh network, a decryption failure using the first key; in response to detecting the decryption failure using the first key, incrementing, by the node, a failure count for the first key; and in response to determining that the failure count is at least a threshold count and a key update time period has been entered, transmitting, by the node to a key management service, a request for an update to the first key.

IPC Classes  ?

6.

MESSAGING AMONG AGENTS IN A MESH NETWORK

      
Application Number 17933017
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-09-16
First Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Parkkila, Tommi Petteri
  • Rockey, Matthew

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for messaging among agents executing on nodes a mesh network. In various embodiments, a method includes receiving, by a messaging application executing on a node of a mesh network, content for a message from an agent executing on the node; verifying, by the messaging application, that a policy permits delivery of the message; and transmitting, by the messaging application, the message to another messaging application executing on another node of the mesh network.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 51/212 - Monitoring or handling of messages using filtering or selective blocking
  • H04L 51/216 - Handling conversation history, e.g. grouping of messages in sessions or threads
  • H04L 51/226 - Delivery according to priorities
  • H04L 51/42 - Mailbox-related aspects, e.g. synchronisation of mailboxes

7.

SECURE MESSAGING FOR OUTAGE EVENTS

      
Application Number 18517948
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-11-22
First Publication Date 2024-03-14
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Singh, Kalvinder Pal
  • Johnson, Darin Byron
  • Kiss, Zoltan Peter

Abstract

Various embodiments disclose a method including detecting, by a first node in a mesh network while the first node is operating in a normal power mode, an outage event; in response to detecting the outage event, switching to operating the first node and a first memory of the first node in a low power mode, wherein the first memory is capable of switching between operating in the normal power mode and in the low power mode where an amount of power used by the first memory is reduced; and while operating the first node and the first memory in the low power mode: generating, by the first node, a first message; securing, by the first node using a key retrieved from the first memory, the first message; and sending, by the first node, the first message to a second node in the mesh network.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 12/033 - Protecting confidentiality, e.g. by encryption of the user plane, e.g. user’s traffic
  • G06F 1/3234 - Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
  • G06F 1/3287 - Power saving characterised by the action undertaken by switching off individual functional units in the computer system
  • H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
  • H04L 41/06 - Management of faults, events, alarms or notifications
  • H04L 41/28 - Restricting access to network management systems or functions, e.g. using authorisation function to access network configuration
  • H04W 12/047 - Key management, e.g. using generic bootstrapping architecture [GBA] without using a trusted network node as an anchor

8.

ADAPTIVE TRANSMISSION MANAGEMENT BASED ON LINK LATENCY

      
Application Number 18501806
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-11-03
First Publication Date 2024-03-07
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bartier, Jerome
  • Monier, Fabrice
  • Khaled, Yacine

Abstract

Various embodiments disclose a method comprising determining, by a first node, a first link latency associated with a second node based on a time period between consecutive slots in a unicast listening schedule for the second node; in response to the first node detecting a failure in transmitting a first frame to the second node, determining, by the first node based on the first link latency, a first backoff time; and in response to determining that the first backoff time has elapsed, retransmitting, by the first node, the first frame to the second node.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 74/08 - Non-scheduled access, e.g. random access, ALOHA or CSMA [Carrier Sense Multiple Access]
  • H04L 1/08 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by repeating transmission, e.g. Verdan system
  • H04L 43/0852 - Delays

9.

TECHNIQUES FOR RELEASE ASSISTANCE INDICATION ASSERTION

      
Application Number 18503924
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-11-07
First Publication Date 2024-02-29
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Maes, Ii, Richard Donald
  • Dusenberry, Robert Vernon
  • Benson, Eric S.

Abstract

Techniques for transmitting data include one or more processors of a computing device included in a network device identifying data to be transmitted; and while a data session window is open: transmitting, using a transmitter of the network device, the data to a transceiver that is included in the network device and is separate from the one or more processors, wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit the data outside of the network device; and in response to determining that there is no additional data to be transmitted, (a) delaying for a period of time, and (b) after the period of time, instructing the transceiver to end the data session window early and transition to a lower power state.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
  • G06F 13/38 - Information transfer, e.g. on bus
  • G06F 13/40 - Bus structure

10.

CERTIFICATE CHAIN COMPRESSION TO EXTEND NODE OPERATIONAL LIFETIME

      
Application Number 18504019
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-11-07
First Publication Date 2024-02-29
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Barnes, Keith
  • Haeska, Garten
  • Brace, Howard
  • Singh, Kalvinder

Abstract

A node in a mesh network compresses certificates by receiving a compression dictionary including at least a static portion, the compression dictionary storing associations between entries in certificates and indices in corresponding compressed certificates; in response to identifying a first entry in a first certificate that does not have an association in the compression dictionary, storing, by the node, a first association in the compression dictionary between the first entry and a first index; compressing, based on the first association and at least one second association stored in the static portion of the compression dictionary, the first certificate to generate a first compressed certificate; and transmitting the first compressed certificate and the compression dictionary to a neighboring node.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
  • H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols

11.

UNICAST TRANSMISSIONS IN MESH NETWORK NODES

      
Application Number 18501454
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-11-03
First Publication Date 2024-02-22
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for communicating within a network. The technique includes receiving, by a first node in a mesh network at a first receive time, a first beacon from a second node in the mesh network, the first beacon including a first network time associated with the second node; determining, by the first node, a first transmission time of a first unicast message to the second node based on (a) the first receive time, (b) the first network time, and (c) a unicast interval between consecutive unicast listening times on the second node; and transmitting, by the first node, the first unicast message to the second node at the first transmission time.

IPC Classes  ?

12.

Efficient compression of sensor data

      
Application Number 17889718
Grant Number 11906330
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-17
First Publication Date 2024-02-20
Grant Date 2024-02-20
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Narayanaswamy, Gokulmuthu

Abstract

Techniques for efficient compression of sensor data are described herein. In an example, metrology data is received from a metrology device, the metrology data comprising one or more of: voltage (V) data; current (A) data; resistive power (W) data; and volt-amps reactive power (VAR) data. The metrology data is processed, wherein the processing comprises: performing peak-detection on the metrology data, to create data-signals comprising: a timestamped peak-values data-signal; and a peak-removed data-signal. Median-filtering is performed on the peak-removed data-signal, wherein a median-filtered data-signal is created. Level-shift detection is performed on the median-filtered data-signal, wherein a timestamped level-shift data-signal is created. The data is sent to a server. The data may include the timestamped peak-values data-signal and the timestamped level-shift data-signal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01D 4/00 - Tariff metering apparatus
  • G01R 22/06 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods
  • G01R 29/04 - Measuring form factor, i.e. quotient of root-mean-square value and arithmetic mean of instantaneous value; Measuring peak factor, i.e. quotient of maximum value and root-mean-square value

13.

Utility restriction compliance monitoring and mitigation

      
Application Number 17901961
Grant Number 11898883
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-02
First Publication Date 2024-02-13
Grant Date 2024-02-13
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Kann, James Lee

Abstract

Techniques for obtaining and processing utility consumption data (e.g., gas, water, electricity, etc.) of a utility network to determine if a violation has occurred with respect to a restriction schedule associated with a service site. By way of example, a number of utility restriction schedules associated with a number of service sites may be generated that indicate, for example, a type of restricted activity and/or event (e.g., irrigation), seasons and/or which days activity is allowed or not allowed, duration activity is allowed, and/or mitigation to take place if a violation is detected. A device (e.g., a smart utility meter, a router, etc.) may monitor utility consumption and detect a particular usage activity (e.g., irrigation) via data disaggregation. The device may compare the activity to the restriction schedule for that particular service site and perform automatic mitigation if a violation is detected.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01D 4/00 - Tariff metering apparatus
  • G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply

14.

TIME-MULTIPLEXING OF MULTIPLE LISTENING SCHEDULES AND PHYSICAL LAYER MODES IN A MESH NETWORK

      
Application Number 18484072
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-10-10
First Publication Date 2024-02-01
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Monier, Fabrice
  • Bartier, Jerome
  • Khaled, Yacine
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Maallem, Khalid
  • De Vals, Samuel

Abstract

Various embodiments disclose techniques for time-multiplexing multiple listening schedules and physical layer modes that include a first node listening, using a first physical layer mode, for a first network discovery signal; in response to not detecting the first network discovery signal, listening, using a second physical layer mode, for a second network discovery signal; and in response to detecting the second network discovery signal transmitted by a second node using the second physical layer mode, establishing a connection with the second node using the second physical layer mode.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 48/00 - Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
  • H04W 48/10 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using broadcasted information
  • H04L 5/00 - Arrangements affording multiple use of the transmission path
  • H04B 1/7143 - Arrangements for generation of hop patterns
  • H04W 72/0446 - Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
  • H04B 1/7183 - Synchronisation

15.

TECHNIQUES FOR RELEASE ASSISTANCE INDICATION ASSERTION

      
Application Number 18483797
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-10-10
First Publication Date 2024-02-01
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Maes, Ii, Richard Donald
  • Dusenberry, Robert Vernon
  • Benson, Eric S.

Abstract

Techniques for transmitting data include a network device receiving a message, the message comprising data to be transmitted from the network device; storing the message in a buffer of the network device. During an open data session window, the network device: extracts the message from the buffer; and transmits, using a transmitter of the network device, at least data included in the message to a transceiver of the network device. The transceiver is configured to transmit the data outside of the network device. In response to determining that a header of the message includes a last message indicator, the network device: delays for a period of time; and after the period of time, instructs the transceiver to end the data session window early and transition to a lower power state.

IPC Classes  ?

16.

Intelligent data contextualization

      
Application Number 17948617
Grant Number 11880380
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-20
First Publication Date 2024-01-23
Grant Date 2024-01-23
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor Christman, Curtis

Abstract

Techniques for contextualizing utility visualization patterns in a utility infrastructure environment are described herein. A utility meter data dashboard associated with a type of event may be displayed. A selection of a portion of a first utility visualization displayed in the utility meter data dashboard is received, the portion being associated with a subset of utility data. One or more previously used utility visualizations may be determined from among a plurality of additional utility visualizations. One or more candidate utility visualizations associated with the type of event may be determined from among the previously used utility visualizations. A ranked list of one or more candidate utility visualizations may be displayed. A second utility visualization may be displayed based at least in part on a selection from the ranked list.

IPC Classes  ?

17.

Meter-to-Transformer Connectivity Correction

      
Application Number 18369686
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-18
First Publication Date 2024-01-04
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Stellarum, Brendan
  • Nilssen, Erik

Abstract

The disclosure describes techniques for providing meter-to-transformer connectivity information and/or correction, using voltage-correlation, distance, and/or address data. In an example, a meter generates a time-series of voltage-changes. Transformers geographically close enough to the meter are assigned a time-series of voltage-changes. Pearson's Correlation Coefficient (PCC) values of the meter with respect to individual transformers are determined. A reference PCC value of the meter is set to be an average of a largest and a second largest PCC value from among the PCC values of the meter. Voltage-correlation confidence rating (VCCR) values for the meter with respect to each transformer that is within the threshold distance from the meter are calculated using the PCC. Based at least in part on the VCCR values for the meter with respect to each transformer that is within the threshold distance from that meter, a probability of the meter being connected to each transformer is determined.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
  • G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques
  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply

18.

METROLOGY DEVICE INCLUDING A HIGH-VOLTAGE PROTECTION MODULE

      
Application Number 18466694
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-13
First Publication Date 2024-01-04
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Grey, Steven Alexander
  • Tewari, Dipankar L.
  • Maddi, Jaihind Reddy

Abstract

A high-voltage protection module for a metrology device includes a metal-oxide varistor (MOV) coupled across a mains power line, a resistor electrically coupled to the MOV in series with the MOV, and a fuse electrically coupled to the MOV and the resistor in series, the resistor being located between the fuse and the MOV. The fuse opens upon an overvoltage event disengaging alternating current (AC) power from the mains power line to the metrology device.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 3/22 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to excess voltage of short duration, e.g. lightning
  • G01D 4/02 - Tariff metering apparatus - Details

19.

RELAY FOR COUPLING REMOTELY-LOCATED LEAF NODES TO A WIRELESS NETWORK

      
Application Number 18469020
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-18
First Publication Date 2024-01-04
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Edwards, Bruce
  • Shah, Kunal Pankaj

Abstract

A method performed by a first node includes determining respective routing metrics for individual nodes in a set of nodes, wherein higher values for a respective routing metric for a respective node of the set of nodes indicate a higher suitability for forwarding network traffic using the respective node of the set of nodes; receiving a first network packet; in response to determining that the first network packet is a low priority packet, selecting a second node from the set of nodes based on the second node having a respective routing metric below a threshold value; and forwarding the first network packet to the second node.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 40/10 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on wireless node resources based on available power or energy
  • H04W 40/12 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on transmission quality or channel quality
  • H02S 40/30 - Electrical components
  • H04B 7/155 - Ground-based stations
  • H04L 47/24 - Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS

20.

INPUT OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION

      
Application Number 17853049
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-06-29
First Publication Date 2024-01-04
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Lancaster, Andrew
  • Tewari, Dipankar L.

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and system for providing an input overvoltage protection are disclosed. A voltage monitor may monitor input voltage to an electricity meter and output a reference voltage associated with, or based at least in part on, the input voltage. A ground switch may electrically connect a first ground to a second ground allowing current to flow from the second ground to the first ground and charge a bulk capacitor up to a predetermined level when the reference voltage is less than or equal to a threshold voltage, and electrically disconnect the first ground from the second ground and prevent from charging the bulk capacitor higher than the predetermined level when the reference voltage is greater than the threshold voltage.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/20 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for electronic equipment
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • G01R 19/165 - Indicating that current or voltage is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values
  • G01R 15/04 - Voltage dividers
  • G01R 22/06 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods

21.

TARGETED PARENT SELECTION FOR BATTERY-POWERED DEVICES

      
Application Number 18457766
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-08-29
First Publication Date 2023-12-21
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Monier, Fabrice
  • Uhling, Thomas F.

Abstract

Targeted parent selection for nodes within a network include, filtering, by a node in a mesh network using one or more first network optimization criteria, a set of potential parent nodes to generate a subset of potential parent nodes; selecting, by the node using one or more second network optimization criteria, a target parent node from the subset of potential parent nodes; and transmitting, by the node, a connection request to the target parent node.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 28/06 - Optimising, e.g. header compression, information sizing
  • H04W 40/04 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on wireless node resources
  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
  • H04W 76/10 - Connection setup
  • H04W 40/12 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on transmission quality or channel quality

22.

LOAD-SIDE VOLTAGE SENSING IN A POWER METER

      
Application Number 18451623
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-08-17
First Publication Date 2023-12-07
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Lancaster, Andrew
  • Sanner, Stephen Ross

Abstract

A load-side voltage detection module for a metrology device includes a plurality of first resistors electrically coupled to a first load-side terminal, the first resistors being in series, a plurality of second resistors electrically coupled to a second load-side terminal, the second resistors being in series, a voltage divider electrically coupled between a first line-side terminal and a second line-side terminal, the voltage divider creating a reference voltage for the load-side voltage detection module, and a pulse generator to generate a pulse based on detection of voltage, the pulse indicating a voltage on at least one of the first load-side terminal or the second load-side terminal, above at least one threshold.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 22/06 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods
  • H02J 3/06 - Controlling transfer of power between connected networks; Controlling sharing of load between connected networks
  • G01R 35/04 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus covered by the other groups of this subclass of instruments for measuring time integral of power or current
  • G01D 4/00 - Tariff metering apparatus

23.

TECHNIQUES FOR QUANTIFYING BEHIND-THE-METER SOLAR POWER GENERATION

      
Application Number 18446102
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-08-08
First Publication Date 2023-12-07
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor Glaister, Brian

Abstract

Techniques for evaluating electricity distribution infrastructures include a method comprising: determining, by a computing device, respective positions for individual solar panels included in a plurality of solar panels located within a geographical region; determining, by the computing device based on the respective positions and meteorological data for the geographical region, respective predicted solar power generation levels for the individual solar panels; determining, by the computing device based on the respective predicted solar power generation levels for the individual solar panels, a solar power generation estimate for the geographical region; and determining, by the computing device based on the solar power generation estimate for the geographical region and one or more properties of an electricity distribution infrastructure for the geographical region, one or more infrastructure modifications for the electricity distribution infrastructure.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 50/00 - Monitoring or testing of PV systems, e.g. load balancing or fault identification
  • G01W 1/00 - Meteorology
  • G06F 17/18 - Complex mathematical operations for evaluating statistical data
  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply

24.

TIME SYNCHRONIZATION OF MESH NETWORK NODES

      
Application Number 18446115
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-08-08
First Publication Date 2023-11-30
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad

Abstract

Techniques for performing time synchronization within a network include a method comprising: determining, by a first node, a receive time at which a periodic beacon from a second node is expected to be received based on timing information associated with the second node; determining, by the first node, a first listening window for the periodic beacon based on the receive time and one or more of a drift uncertainty associated with an anticipated drift in a correction of a timing error between the first node and the second node or a jitter uncertainty associated with timing jitter in the first node or the second node; and listening, by the first node, for the periodic beacon during the first listening window.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04J 3/06 - Synchronising arrangements
  • H04L 43/087 - Jitter
  • H04L 43/106 - Active monitoring, e.g. heartbeat, ping or trace-route using time related information in packets, e.g. by adding timestamps

25.

FREQUENCY-BASED DISTRIBUTED LOAD DISCONNECT

      
Application Number 18230259
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-08-04
First Publication Date 2023-11-23
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Driscoll, Timothy James
  • Narayanaswamy, Gokulmuthu

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and system for disconnecting loads from the electrical grid based on a power line frequency are disclosed. An electricity meter may monitor a power line frequency of a source power line connected to the electricity meter, and in response to determining that the power line frequency is lower than a disconnect threshold frequency, may open an internal switch and disconnect a load side output of the electricity meter from the source power line.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/20 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for electronic equipment
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • G01R 23/15 - Indicating that frequency of pulses is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values, by making use of non-linear or digital elements

26.

Downlink Event Allocation in a Network

      
Application Number 18230268
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-08-04
First Publication Date 2023-11-23
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bartier, Jerome
  • Barnes, Keith
  • Uhling, Thomas
  • Khaled, Yacine
  • Maallem, Khalid

Abstract

Techniques for allocating event offsets within a period of transmission are described. A mains-powered device (MPD) may act as a “parent” to one or more battery-powered devices (BPDs). The MPD may assign “event offsets” to each BPD. The event offset is a time by which the BPD's timeslot is “offset” from the start of a periodic cycle of transmissions by the MPD. Thus, each event offset indicates a time that the BPD must be “awake,” i.e., operating its radio receiver and/or performing other functionality. A BPD may spend a substantial fraction of its time in a “sleep” mode, wherein less power is used and fewer functions are performed than during a period of that BPD's event offset. Another BPD may have a different event offset. Communications by the MPD with each child BPD may be substantially uniformly distributed over the period. To increase efficiency, groups of BPDs may receive multicasts.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements
  • H04W 72/121 - Wireless traffic scheduling for groups of terminals or users

27.

SECURED AUTHORIZATION FOR DEMAND RESPONSE

      
Application Number 17743308
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-05-12
First Publication Date 2023-11-16
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bradbury, Connie
  • Damm, Benjamin N.
  • Glasenapp, Aaron
  • Barbour, Thomas J.
  • Reeves, Iii, Donald Lloyd

Abstract

Various embodiments set forth a method comprising validating, by a first computing system in a secured computing environment, a demand event generated by an operator, where the operator is authenticated to generate demand events within the secured computing environment and the demand event corresponds to a set of endpoints operating outside the secured computing environment, generating, by the first computing system, an authorization permit associated with the demand event, and sending, from the first computing system to a second computing system outside of the secured computing environment, (i) an indicator of the demand event, and (ii) the authorization permit, where the demand event is usable by the second computing system to generate a demand event command for the set of endpoints, and the authorization permit is usable by the set of endpoints to validate the demand event command

IPC Classes  ?

28.

Group Acknowledgement Message Efficiency

      
Application Number 18341604
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-06-26
First Publication Date 2023-11-09
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas
  • Barnes, Keith

Abstract

Techniques for acknowledging communications from multiple devices are described herein. For example, a device may broadcast a group acknowledgement message indicating that communications from multiple devices have been received by the device. Each acknowledgement in the group acknowledgement message may include a device identifier for a device that sent a communication (e.g., a Medium Access Control (MAC) address of the device, a hash of the MAC address of the device, etc.) and a communication identifier for the communication (e.g., a sequence number of the communication, a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) code for the communication, etc.).

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 5/00 - Arrangements affording multiple use of the transmission path
  • H04L 1/1607 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by using return channel in which the return channel carries supervisory signals, e.g. repetition request signals - Details of the supervisory signal
  • H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements

29.

MESSAGING BASED ON TRUST LEVELS AND RESOURCE LIMITATIONS IN A MESH NETWORK

      
Application Number 18349247
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-07-10
First Publication Date 2023-11-09
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Singh, Kalvinder Pal
  • Johnson, Darin Byron
  • Kiss, Zoltan Peter

Abstract

Techniques for messaging based on trust levels and resource limitations in a mesh network include receiving, by a first node of a mesh network, a message; determining, by the first node, a security key type based on a resource parameter associated with a neighbor node included in the mesh network; securing, by the first node, the message using a security key of the security key type; and transmitting, by the first node, the secured message to the neighbor node. The resource parameter associated with the neighbor node comprises at least one of an amount of memory used to decrypt the secured message at the neighbor node, an amount of power used to decrypt the secured message at the neighbor node, or an indication of an amount of power remaining at the neighbor node.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 9/08 - Key distribution
  • H04L 12/18 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
  • H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks

30.

TECHNIQUES FOR FORECASTING SOLAR POWER GENERATION

      
Application Number 18349222
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-07-10
First Publication Date 2023-11-02
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Monforte, Frank
  • Sukenik, Andrew

Abstract

Techniques for forecasting solar power generation include determining, by a computing device, one or more configuration parameters of a photovoltaic (PV) installation; selecting, by the computing device based on the one or more configuration parameters, a prototype PV installation from a plurality of prototype PV installations; generating, by the computing device, a clear-sky solar power generation level for the selected prototype PV installation; and scaling, by the computing device, the clear-sky solar power generation level for the selected prototype PV installation to generate an estimated clear-sky solar power generation level for the PV installation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02S 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
  • G01R 21/133 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique
  • G01W 1/00 - Meteorology

31.

NETWORK PROTOCOL FOR BATTERY POWERED DEVICES WITHIN A WIRELESS NETWORK

      
Application Number 18349286
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-07-10
First Publication Date 2023-11-02
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Monier, Fabrice

Abstract

A network system includes a main network implementing a conventional network protocol and a subtree of battery-powered nodes implementing a custom network protocol. The main network and the subtree are managed according to different subtree parameters. When a root node receives a request by a battery-powered node to join the subtree, the root node determines whether to allow the battery-powered node to join based on the subtree parameters for the subtree before sending a response to the battery-powered node.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 45/48 - Routing tree calculation
  • H04W 48/16 - Discovering; Processing access restriction or access information
  • H04W 40/24 - Connectivity information management, e.g. connectivity discovery or connectivity update
  • H04W 40/02 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing

32.

Frequency-based distributed load disconnect

      
Application Number 17709110
Grant Number 11799286
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-30
First Publication Date 2023-10-05
Grant Date 2023-10-24
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Driscoll, Timothy James
  • Narayanaswamy, Gokulmuthu

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and system for disconnecting loads from the electrical grid based on a power line frequency are disclosed. An electricity meter may monitor a power line frequency of a source power line connected to the electricity meter, and in response to determining that the power line frequency is lower than a disconnect threshold frequency, may open an internal switch and disconnect a load side output of the electricity meter from the source power line.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 7/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm
  • H02H 7/20 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from norm for electronic equipment
  • G01R 23/15 - Indicating that frequency of pulses is either above or below a predetermined value or within or outside a predetermined range of values, by making use of non-linear or digital elements
  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements

33.

Data Compression Techniques for Efficient Network Management

      
Application Number 17709329
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-03-30
First Publication Date 2023-10-05
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Prajapati, Sunilkumar Jagdishbhai

Abstract

Techniques for data compression for efficient network management are described herein. In one example, group(s) of bytes are formed from among input bytes to be compressed. The groups are formed by including bytes having at least a certain number (e.g., three) zero-valued most significant bits (MSBs). A byte of input data having several zero-valued MSBs may be in several groups. A group having the largest product (number of bytes in the group times number of zero-valued MSBs in all bytes in the group) may be selected. A compressed-bytes array may be formed with data of the selected group of bytes, wherein the number of zero-valued MSBs originally present in all of the bytes of the group of bytes has been removed (to compress the array). An uncompressed-bytes array may be formed with bytes of the input bytes of data not in the selected group of bytes. An address-bit array may be formed to indicate the array in which data associated with each of the input bytes of data is stored.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 69/04 - Protocols for data compression, e.g. ROHC
  • H04L 69/324 - Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
  • H03M 7/30 - Compression; Expansion; Suppression of unnecessary data, e.g. redundancy reduction

34.

Data compression techniques for efficient network management

      
Application Number 17709316
Grant Number 11882201
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-30
First Publication Date 2023-10-05
Grant Date 2024-01-23
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor Prajapati, Sunilkumar Jagdishbhai

Abstract

Techniques for data compression for efficient network management are described herein. In one example, for each byte of input data, either: (1) a value of that byte is added to a first-instance array if the value of that byte has not yet been seen in the input data; or (2) an index value is added to an index array, wherein the index value points to the appropriate location in the first-instance array. An “address-bit array” is created with one bit for each byte of the input data. Each bit in the address-bit array indicates whether information of a corresponding byte of the input data was put into the first-instance array or the index array. When the input data file is smaller, the index values in the index array tend to be mostly small valued bytes. Accordingly, the number of zero-valued most significant bits (MSBs) present in all bytes may be stripped from the index array, thereby compressing the input data. The number of zero-valued MSBs stripped from all bytes in the index array may be indicated in a packet header.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 69/04 - Protocols for data compression, e.g. ROHC

35.

Networked Utility Services and Vehicle Charging Stations

      
Application Number 18204357
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-05-31
First Publication Date 2023-09-28
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Verma, Dinkar Kumar
  • Kathe, Srikanth
  • Subramanian, Ratnavel Nambirajan
  • Krishnan, Badri Narayan
  • Jaiswal, Madhurima

Abstract

Networked utility services handle data-flow in a system to operate electrical vehicle charging stations. In an example, first and second utility companies may operate in first and second respective areas. A user may have a residence in the first area and may have an electric vehicle at a vehicle charging station in the second area. The user may provide identification at the vehicle charging station in the second area, and the user's vehicle may be charged at that location using electricity from the second utility. Data including the user's identification and the electricity consumed in the charging may be sent to the first utility serving the area including the user's residence. The first utility may bill the user for the electricity used to charge the user's vehicle at the remote vehicle charging station. The charging station, both utilities and/or other parties may share in the receipts.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply
  • G06Q 20/08 - Payment architectures
  • B60L 53/66 - Data transfer between charging stations and vehicles
  • G06Q 20/20 - Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
  • G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists

36.

TECHNIQUES FOR RELEASE ASSISTANCE INDICATION ASSERTION

      
Application Number 18324412
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-05-26
First Publication Date 2023-09-21
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Maes, Ii, Richard Donald
  • Dusenberry, Robert Vernon
  • Benson, Eric S.

Abstract

Techniques for transmitting data include one or more processors of a computing device included in a network device identifying data to be transmitted, wherein the computing device includes the one or more processors, a queue, and a transmitter, and wherein the network device includes the computing device and a transceiver that is configured to transmit data outside of the network device; adding the data to the queue; and during an open data session window: transmitting, via the transmitter and to the transceiver, data extracted from the queue; and in response to determining that an amount of data in the queue is below a threshold, (a) delaying for a period of time, and (b) after the period of time, instructing the transceiver to end the open data session window early and transition to a lower power state.

IPC Classes  ?

37.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT OF BATTERY-POWERED DEVICES

      
Application Number 17691907
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-03-10
First Publication Date 2023-09-14
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Edwards, Bruce
  • Strasser, Robert Joseph

Abstract

Various embodiments set forth a method comprising determining, by a first computing device powered by a rechargeable battery and a non-rechargeable battery, whether to change operation of the first computing device from a first operating state to a second operating state based on one or more of a state of the rechargeable battery, a state of the non-rechargeable battery, or a state of a communication mode of the first computing device; and in response to determining that operation of the first computing device should change to the second operating state, increasing, by the first computing device, an interval between communications with one or more second computing devices using the communication mode.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
  • G01R 31/382 - Arrangements for monitoring battery or accumulator variables, e.g. SoC

38.

Disaggregation of Gas Load to Determine Meter or Service Under-Sizing

      
Application Number 18195202
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-05-09
First Publication Date 2023-08-31
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Cornwall, Mark K.
  • Kann, James Lee
  • Clevenger, Peter

Abstract

Techniques determine if a gas service (e.g., piping and/or meter) is under-sized for the customer's needs. In one example, flowrate information corresponding to gas usage at a service site over a first period of time is obtained. The flowrate information is disaggregated to determine an expected flowrate associated with each of two or more appliances having generally fixed-rates of gas consumption. Flowrate information is again obtained, corresponding to a second period of time. The second flowrate information is compared to one or more combinations (i.e., summations) of the expected flowrates associated with each of the two or more appliances. Based on the comparison, it may be determined that the service site is not appropriately sized. In an example, failure to detect two fixed-rate of gas-consumption appliances operating at their respective fixed-rates at the same time may indicate that the service cannot provide gas at a sufficient flowrate.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01F 1/00 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
  • F23K 5/00 - Feeding or distributing other fuel to combustion apparatus

39.

ACTOR-BASED DATA PROCESSING

      
Application Number 18140401
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-04-27
First Publication Date 2023-08-24
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Creasey, Wayne
  • Kring, Thomas

Abstract

A method includes receiving data packets from a stream partition of a plurality of stream partitions, processing the data packets with a plurality of stream processors to generate multiple table entries, transmitting the multiple table entries in batches to a plurality of staging tables, the plurality of staging tables being provided for a respective one of the plurality of stream partitions, and receiving the batches at a target table communicatively coupled to the plurality of staging tables, the batches being transmitted from the plurality of staging tables. The plurality of staging tables are updated in first batches at a first frequency and the target table is updated in second batches at a second frequency, the second frequency being different than the first frequency.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 16/22 - Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures
  • G06F 16/21 - Design, administration or maintenance of databases
  • H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
  • H04W 76/11 - Allocation or use of connection identifiers

40.

TECHNIQUES FOR FORECASTING SOLAR POWER GENERATION

      
Application Number 18301171
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-04-14
First Publication Date 2023-08-10
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Monforte, Frank
  • Sukenik, Andrew

Abstract

Techniques for forecasting solar power generation include a computing device determining a clear-sky solar power generation level for a photovoltaic installation; receiving, from a first measurement device, measurement data indicating an amount of cloud cover at a first location of the first measurement device, wherein the first measurement device and the photovoltaic installation are located in a same geographical area; and generating a solar power generation forecast for the photovoltaic installation based on the clear-sky solar power generation level and the measurement data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply
  • G01W 1/10 - Devices for predicting weather conditions
  • G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
  • G01W 1/12 - Sunshine-duration recorders
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks

41.

NETWORK PROTOCOL FOR BATTERY POWERED DEVICES WITHIN A WIRELESS NETWORK

      
Application Number 18296850
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-04-06
First Publication Date 2023-08-03
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Monier, Fabrice

Abstract

A network system implements a network protocol for devices and nodes withing a wireless network. A first node within a subtree of nodes in the wireless network performs a method including receiving a discovery request from a second node included in the wireless network, determining that an address associated with the second node is not included in a first address list that includes addresses of nodes along a node path between the first node and a root node of the subtree of nodes, and sending, in response to the determining, a response to the discovery request.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 40/24 - Connectivity information management, e.g. connectivity discovery or connectivity update
  • H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition

42.

Disaggregation of Gas Load to Determine Gas Appliance Performance

      
Application Number 18114780
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-02-27
First Publication Date 2023-07-13
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Cornwall, Mark K.
  • Kann, James Lee
  • Clevenger, Peter

Abstract

Techniques determine if an appliance having a fixed-rate of gas-consumption is degrading over time. In one example, a flowrate of gas at a service site is obtained. The flowrate of gas is disaggregated to obtain a flowrate of gas corresponding to an appliance having a generally fixed-rate of gas-consumption. The flowrate of gas of the appliance is compared to historical gas consumption by the appliance. Based at least in part on the comparing, it may be determined that performance of the appliance has changed over time. For example, the gas consumption of a hot water tank may increase due to mineral build-up in the bottom of the tank. Responsive to the determined degradation of the appliance, warnings may be sent, repairs may be made, and/or appliance(s) may be replaced.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 67/125 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
  • G01D 4/00 - Tariff metering apparatus
  • G01F 25/10 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume of flowmeters

43.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY DATA COLLECTION SERVICE

      
Application Number 18112426
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-02-21
First Publication Date 2023-06-29
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Ting, Michael

Abstract

An energy efficiency data collection system architecture may be configured to enable efficient and accurate collection of energy efficiency data associated with users and/or sites associated with users and generation of profiles associated with the users based on the energy efficiency data. An energy efficiency data collection service may receive location information, image data, and user-input data from an application operating on a mobile device associated with a user. The energy efficiency data collection service may generate profiles based on the information received from the application and may provide incentives to the users in response to participating in an energy efficiency data collection survey.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply
  • G06F 16/587 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using geographical or spatial information, e.g. location
  • G06F 16/13 - File access structures, e.g. distributed indices
  • G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
  • H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
  • H04W 4/20 - Services signalling; Auxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel
  • G06Q 10/0631 - Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations

44.

Efficient Collaboration between Meters under the Same Transformer

      
Application Number 17553442
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-12-16
First Publication Date 2023-06-22
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Driscoll, Timothy James
  • Narayanaswamy, Gokulmuthu
  • Sonderegger, Robert Carl
  • Dann, Michael Hogan

Abstract

In an electrical grid, several electricity meters may be associated with the same transformer, and may measure electricity sold to respective customers. In an example, one electricity meter executes manager software, while the other electricity meters execute agent software. One or more applications operated on each electricity meter, and control metrology devices, data processing, operation of radio(s) and/or a powerline communications modem, aspects of electrical phase determination, etc. The agent software operating on each electricity meter may relay messages from applications operating on that electricity meter to other (possibly similar) applications operating on other electricity meters. Each message sent by each instantiation of agent software may include a networking score of that electricity meter. The manager software may additionally communicate with a data collector and/or main office server(s). The manager software may select a replacement meter from among those connected to the same transformer to assume the role of executing manager software.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 21/133 - Arrangements for measuring electric power or power factor by using digital technique
  • G01R 22/06 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods

45.

EFFICIENT TRANSMISSION OF COMPRESSED CERTIFICATES IN A LOW BANDWIDTH MESH ENVIRONMENT

      
Application Number 17541193
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-12-02
First Publication Date 2023-06-08
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Singh, Kalvinder Pal
  • Kiss, Zoltan Peter
  • Johnson, Darin Byron

Abstract

Various embodiments set forth a method comprising receiving, at a server node from a client node, a client compression dictionary that includes one or more first mappings between one or more first index values and one or more data entries included in a certificate cache of the client node; identifying, in response to receiving the client compression dictionary and based on the client compression dictionary, one or more certificates that should be transmitted to the client node; and transmitting, from the server node to the client node, the one or more identified certificates.

IPC Classes  ?

46.

Peer selection for data distribution in a mesh network

      
Application Number 18151102
Grant Number 11968252
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-01-06
First Publication Date 2023-05-18
Grant Date 2024-04-23
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Bartier, Jerome
  • Monier, Fabrice
  • De Vals, Samuel

Abstract

Various embodiments disclose a method performed by a first node device in a mesh network that includes identifying a plurality of neighbor node devices that have one or more blocks of a dataset; determining quality scores for respective node devices of the plurality of neighbor node devices; selecting, based on the quality scores, a second node device from the plurality of neighbor node devices; and sending, to the second node device, a first request to receive at least one block of the one or more blocks.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
  • H04L 67/1008 - Server selection for load balancing based on parameters of servers, e.g. available memory or workload

47.

Adaptive transmission management based on link latency

      
Application Number 17527020
Grant Number 11825518
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-15
First Publication Date 2023-05-18
Grant Date 2023-11-21
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bartier, Jerome
  • Monier, Fabrice
  • Khaled, Yacine

Abstract

Various embodiments disclose a method comprising receiving, at a first node, a listening schedule associated with a second node; determining, by the first node, a link latency associated with the second node based on the listening schedule; in response to the first node detecting a frame transmission failure for a frame being transmitted by the first node to the second node, determining, by the first node based on the link latency, a backoff time; and in response to the first node determining that the backoff time has elapsed, the first node retransmitting the frame from the first node to the second node. In some embodiments, the method also includes determining a frame lifetime value associated with the second node based on the link latency; and in response to determining that a time period corresponding to the frame lifetime value has elapsed, dropping the frame.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 74/08 - Non-scheduled access, e.g. random access, ALOHA or CSMA [Carrier Sense Multiple Access]
  • H04L 43/0852 - Delays
  • H04L 1/08 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received by repeating transmission, e.g. Verdan system
  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks

48.

Time-multiplexing of multiple listening schedules and physical layer modes in a mesh network

      
Application Number 17527051
Grant Number 11812374
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-15
First Publication Date 2023-05-18
Grant Date 2023-11-07
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Monier, Fabrice
  • Bartier, Jerome
  • Khaled, Yacine
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Maallem, Khalid
  • De Vals, Samuel

Abstract

Various embodiments disclose a method that includes: attempting to detect, with a first transceiver associated with a first node, a network discovery signal, wherein the attempting is performed according to (a) a first listening schedule associated with a first physical layer mode and (b) a second listening schedule associated with a second physical layer mode; detecting, with the first transceiver, the network discovery signal during a slot associated with the first listening schedule; and in response to detecting the network discovery signal, establishing, with the first node, a connection between the first node and the second node using the first physical layer mode.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 48/10 - Access restriction or access information delivery, e.g. discovery data delivery using broadcasted information
  • H04W 48/00 - Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
  • H04L 5/00 - Arrangements affording multiple use of the transmission path
  • H04B 1/7143 - Arrangements for generation of hop patterns
  • H04W 72/0446 - Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
  • H04B 1/7183 - Synchronisation

49.

DETECTING ELECTRICAL ARCING IN HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL WIRING

      
Application Number 18151075
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-01-06
First Publication Date 2023-05-11
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Borisov, Vladimir
  • Pichot, Matthieu

Abstract

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for detecting electrical arcing in an electrical system. The techniques include a network device receiving first voltage or current readings associated with a first power cycle, receiving second voltage or current readings associated with a second power cycle, determining that an electrical arcing condition is present by comparing the first voltage or current readings with the second voltage or current readings, and performing a remedial operation in response to determining that the electrical arcing condition is present.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02H 1/00 - EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS - Details of emergency protective circuit arrangements
  • H02H 3/46 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to frequency deviations
  • H02H 3/28 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection responsive to phase angle between voltages or between currents involving comparison of the voltage or current values at two spaced portions of a single system, e.g. at opposite ends of one line, at input and output of apparatus

50.

Enforcing access to endpoint resources

      
Application Number 18092042
Grant Number 11888748
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-12-30
First Publication Date 2023-05-04
Grant Date 2024-01-30
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Brown, Scott Dale
  • Keats, Andrew
  • Rockey, Matthew
  • Estes, Jason

Abstract

Techniques are directed to controlling access to resources on a message bus of a network communication device. The techniques may include, by the network communication device, processing a message bus access policy file uniquely corresponding to a process. The message bus access policy file may include a certificate securely associating the message bus access policy file with the process. The techniques may further include, by the network communication device, based at least in part on the processing the message bus access policy file, exposing one or more resources of the network communication device to the process on the message bus, in a manner corresponding to at least one resource access permission indication contained within the message bus access policy file.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 47/20 - Traffic policing
  • H04L 47/125 - Avoiding congestion; Recovering from congestion by balancing the load, e.g. traffic engineering
  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system

51.

REAL-TIME VALIDATION OF DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCE DEVICE COMMITMENTS

      
Application Number 18078866
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-12-09
First Publication Date 2023-04-13
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Scheidler, Lucas
  • Patterson, Tim

Abstract

A computing device receives a commitment generated by a distributed resource device, the commitment indicating a type of the distributed resource device and a time interval when the distributed resource device modified usage of a resource at a location; receives an event corresponding to a pattern of usage of the resource at the location during the time interval; identifies an event model that is associated with a pattern of usage of the resource that matches the pattern of usage of the resource at the location during the time interval, the event model being included in a library of event models that associate different patterns of usage of the resource with corresponding types of distributed resource devices; and validates the commitment in response to determining that at least a type of distributed resource device associated with the event model corresponds to the type of distributed resource device indicated by the commitment.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply
  • G06Q 10/0639 - Performance analysis of employees; Performance analysis of enterprise or organisation operations
  • G06N 20/00 - Machine learning
  • G06Q 20/38 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols - Details thereof
  • G06Q 10/067 - Enterprise or organisation modelling

52.

Coordinated acoustic leak detection sensor sampling

      
Application Number 17497493
Grant Number 11788919
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-08
First Publication Date 2023-04-13
Grant Date 2023-10-17
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kann, James Lee
  • Cole, Philip Alan

Abstract

A leak detection sensor may be capable of dynamically adjusting a sampling time for acoustic data based on monitored fluid flow. The leak detection sensor monitors leak detection information associated with a fluid in a fluid transporting medium over a predetermined time interval, where the leak detection information comprises flow and pressure of the fluid in the fluid transporting medium, and processing the leak detection data monitored at the sampling time in the predetermined time interval, where the sampling time is determined based at least in part on the monitored flow of the fluid.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
  • F17D 5/06 - Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss using electric or acoustic means
  • G01M 3/28 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for valves

53.

Electrical phase identification using a clustering algorithm

      
Application Number 17732505
Grant Number 11860210
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-28
First Publication Date 2023-03-30
Grant Date 2024-01-02
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Du, Yingjuan
  • Stellarum, Brendan

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and system for identifying electrical phases connected to electricity meters are disclosed. Voltage time series data of electricity meters are collected over a preselected collection time period, and three initial kernels representing three line-to-neutral phases are generated based on voltage correlations of meter-to-meter combinations. Three new kernels are then generated based on correlation values calculated for each of the three initial kernels with each electricity meter, and electricity meters are clustered into three groups based on average correlation values associated with each electricity meter. Six new kernels representing six phases are then formed based on the average correlation value associated with each electricity meter, and a predicted phase is assigned to each electricity meter based on correlation values of the electricity meter with each of the six new kernels based on the voltage time series data.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 29/18 - Indicating phase sequence; Indicating synchronism
  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques
  • H02J 3/12 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load

54.

FRAME COMPATIBILITY ACROSS NETWORK PROTOCOL VERSION

      
Application Number 17979558
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-11-02
First Publication Date 2023-02-16
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Monier, Fabrice
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Uhling, Thomas

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for processing packets transmitted within a network in accordance with a network protocol. The technique includes a network device in a mesh network receiving a type-length-value (TLV) element, determining, based on a type field of the TLV element, an expected length of a value field of the TLV element, and processing the value field up to the expected length.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 69/22 - Parsing or analysis of headers
  • H04L 69/16 - Implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP]
  • H04L 69/12 - Protocol engines

55.

DETERMINING NETWORK RELIABILITY USING MESSAGE SUCCESS RATES

      
Application Number 17402245
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-08-13
First Publication Date 2023-02-16
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for evaluating connections between nodes in a mesh network. The technique includes determining, at a first node, one or more first accumulated message success rates associated with transmitting messages from the first node to a target destination within the mesh network via an established parent node and with receiving messages from the target destination via the established parent node; determining, based on the one or more first accumulated message success rates, that a search for a different parent node should be performed; identifying a plurality of potential parent nodes; computing, for each potential parent node, one or more second accumulated message success rates associated with transmitting messages from the first node to a target destination within the mesh network via the potential parent node and with receiving messages from the target destination via the potential parent node; and based on the second accumulated message success rates, selecting a new parent node from the plurality of potential parent nodes or maintaining the established parent node

IPC Classes  ?

56.

Loose Wire Detection Based On Metrology Data

      
Application Number 17403746
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-08-16
First Publication Date 2023-02-16
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Nanjundaiah, Arunkumar
  • Johny, Linto Vadakkan
  • Palethadka, Santhosh
  • Verma, Dinkar Kumar

Abstract

Techniques for determining a potential electrical threat by a utility meter are described herein. A metrology unit of the meter is configured to receive electrical data associated with electrical usage at a location The meter is configured to determine, based on the electrical usage at the location and/or previous electrical data, abnormalities indicative of an unstable connection, such as a loose wire connecting a load to a power supply. The meter may employ a machine learned model or other algorithm to identify the loose wire or unstable connection and is configured to disconnect power to the location and/or send a message to an alarm device at the location and/or to a computing device remote from the location. In this way, the metrology unit can be used to mitigate potential electrical threats, such as fire, due to an unstable connection such as a loose connection.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 22/06 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods
  • G01R 31/54 - Testing for continuity
  • G01R 31/55 - Testing for incorrect line connections
  • G01R 31/58 - Testing of lines, cables or conductors

57.

Determining network reliability using message success rates

      
Application Number 17402211
Grant Number 11924077
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-13
First Publication Date 2023-02-16
Grant Date 2024-03-05
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for evaluating connections between nodes in a mesh network. The technique includes listening, at a first node and across a plurality of listening windows, for one or more messages transmitted by a second node during a first period of time; determining a number of messages received by the first node during the first period of time; computing, based on the number of messages received by the first node, a received message success rate associated with a first connection between the first node and the second node, wherein the received message success rate indicates a probability of successfully receiving, at the first node, messages transmitted by the second node via the first connection; and computing, based on at least one message received during the first period of time, a transmitted message success rate associated with the first connection, wherein the transmitted message success rate indicates a probability of successfully transmitting messages from the first node to the second node via the first connection.

IPC Classes  ?

58.

DETERMINING NETWORK RELIABILITY USING MESSAGE SUCCESS RATES

      
Application Number 17402231
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-08-13
First Publication Date 2023-02-16
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for evaluating connections between nodes in a mesh network. The technique includes identifying a plurality of potential parent nodes for a first node included in the mesh network; computing, for each potential parent node, one or more accumulated message success rates associated with transmitting messages from the first node to a target destination within the mesh network via the potential parent node and with receiving messages from the target destination via the potential parent node; and selecting, from the plurality of potential parent nodes and based on the accumulated message success rates, a parent node for the first node.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 12/26 - Monitoring arrangements; Testing arrangements
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure

59.

DETERMINING NETWORK RELIABILITY USING MESSAGE SUCCESS RATES

      
Application Number 17961446
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-10-06
First Publication Date 2023-02-16
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne

Abstract

Techniques for determining network reliability using message success rates include a first node in a mesh network computing a transmitted message success rate associated with a connection from the first node to a second node, wherein the second node is a neighbor node to the first node; computing, based on a first accumulated transmitted message success rate and the transmitted message success rate, a second accumulated transmitted message success rate for a route from the first node to a target destination using the second node, wherein the first accumulated transmitted message success rate is received from the second node and is associated with intermediary connections between the second node and the target destination; selecting, based on the second accumulated transmitted message success rate, the second node from a plurality of neighbor nodes; and transmitting a message to the target destination via the second node.

IPC Classes  ?

60.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

      
Application Number 17851565
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-06-28
First Publication Date 2023-02-09
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Neuenschwander, Victoria
  • Byers, Tyler
  • Ting, Michael

Abstract

A method and system for managing electric vehicle (EV) distributed energy resource(s) (DER) are disclosed. A DER analytics engine may receive electricity consumption data of a plurality of sites from corresponding electricity meters of the plurality of sites, detect EV charging information based at least in part on the electricity consumption data, obtain EV telematics data of EVs associated with the EV charging information, reconcile the EV charging information and the EV telematics data, and generate, based on the reconciled EV charging information and the EV telematics data, models for at least one of continuous EV load prediction, electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE detection), and/or optimization for at least one of aggregated load, load per feeder, or maximum revenue for time-of-use tiers.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60L 53/62 - Monitoring or controlling charging stations in response to charging parameters, e.g. current, voltage or electrical charge
  • G07C 5/00 - Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
  • G05B 13/04 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric involving the use of models or simulators

61.

Peer selection for data distribution in a mesh network

      
Application Number 17527070
Grant Number 11575739
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-15
First Publication Date 2023-02-07
Grant Date 2023-02-07
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Bartier, Jerome
  • Monier, Fabrice
  • De Vals, Samuel

Abstract

Various embodiments disclose a method that includes sending, by a first node to a plurality of neighbor nodes, a query associated with a dataset, wherein the dataset includes multiple blocks; receiving, at the first node from a set of the plurality of neighbor nodes, one or more responses to the query; based on a first quality ranking of individual nodes in the set, selecting, by the first node, a second node from the set; and sending, by the first node, a first request to the second node for at least one block of the multiple blocks.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
  • H04L 67/1008 - Server selection for load balancing based on parameters of servers, e.g. available memory or workload

62.

Downlink event allocation in a network

      
Application Number 17878342
Grant Number 11871345
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-01
First Publication Date 2023-01-19
Grant Date 2024-01-09
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bartier, Jerome
  • Barnes, Keith
  • Uhling, Thomas
  • Khaled, Yacine
  • Maallem, Khalid

Abstract

Techniques for allocating event offsets within a period of transmission are described. A mains-powered device (MPD) may act as a “parent” to one or more battery-powered devices (BPDs). The MPD may assign “event offsets” to each BPD. The event offset is a time by which the BPD's timeslot is “offset” from the start of a periodic cycle of transmissions by the MPD. Thus, each event offset indicates a time that the BPD must be “awake,” i.e., operating its radio receiver and/or performing other functionality. A BPD may spend a substantial fraction of its time in a “sleep” mode, wherein less power is used and fewer functions are performed than during a period of that BPD's event offset. Another BPD may have a different event offset. Communications by the MPD with each child BPD may be substantially uniformly distributed over the period. To increase efficiency, groups of BPDs may receive multicasts.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements
  • H04W 72/121 - Wireless traffic scheduling for groups of terminals or users
  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks

63.

Hub and spoke publish-subscribe

      
Application Number 17378526
Grant Number 11805188
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-07-16
First Publication Date 2023-01-19
Grant Date 2023-10-31
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Woodland, Bernard M.
  • White, Eric Donald

Abstract

Techniques for hub and spoke publish-subscribe are described herein. In some examples, an outgoing-data database comprising addresses of remote device hubs on respective remote devices is maintained. First data is received from a first process operating on the device. The first data is sent to a first remote hub associated with a first remote device and associated with an entry in the outgoing-data database. An incoming-data database is maintained to associate processes operating on the device with data to which the processes subscribe. Second data is received from a second device hub associated with a second device. It is determined—by reference to the incoming-data database—that the second data is data subscribed-to by a second process operating on the device. The second data is sent to the second process.

IPC Classes  ?

64.

Network Edge Detection and Notification of Gas Pressure Situation

      
Application Number 17939856
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-09-07
First Publication Date 2023-01-05
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kann, James Lee
  • Penz, Janet
  • Polk, Katrina

Abstract

Techniques for detecting a high gas pressure situation within a gas delivery system (e.g., for natural gas delivery to homes and businesses) are described. In one example, a device measures gas pressure. If a pressure over a threshold value is detected, a nearby device is messaged. The nearby device either confirms the over-pressure condition or indicates it may be more localized. If the condition is present within an area of the gas delivery system and/or within a group of devices within the gas delivery system, protective measures may be taken, such as closing valves providing gas to a number of service sites.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G08B 21/16 - Combustible gas alarms
  • G01M 3/22 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for valves
  • G08B 27/00 - Alarm systems in which the alarm condition is signalled from a central station to a plurality of substations

65.

Battery life extension via changes in transmission rates

      
Application Number 17939868
Grant Number 11899068
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-07
First Publication Date 2023-01-05
Grant Date 2024-02-13
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Cornwall, Mark K
  • Kann, James Lee

Abstract

Disclosed are techniques to conserve battery of an endpoint device. Example techniques include adjusting the size of messages transmitted by an endpoint device and/or adjusting the transmission rate of an endpoint device. In some configurations, the one or more criteria are used by an endpoint device to determine what data fields to include within a message and/or adjust a transmission rate associated with the transmission of messages by the endpoint device. For instance, the one or more criteria may include the battery level of the device, the time of year, whether the data has already been transmitted by the endpoint device, whether the data has been acknowledged as received by another device, whether the endpoint device has been instructed by another device to reduce the message size and/or adjust the transmission rate, and the like.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 31/36 - Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
  • G01R 31/382 - Arrangements for monitoring battery or accumulator variables, e.g. SoC
  • G06F 1/3212 - Monitoring battery levels, e.g. power saving mode being initiated when battery voltage goes below a certain level
  • G06F 9/30 - Arrangements for executing machine instructions, e.g. instruction decode
  • H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells

66.

NETWORK EDGE DETECTION AND NOTIFICATION OF GAS PRESSURE SITUATION

      
Application Number 17900818
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-08-31
First Publication Date 2022-12-29
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Kann, James Lee
  • Penz, Janet
  • Polk, Katrina

Abstract

Techniques for detecting and remediating a low gas pressure situation within a gas delivery system are described. In one example, a smart gas metering device measures gas pressure. The first device determines that the gas pressure value is less than a first threshold value, indicating a low gas pressure condition. The first smart metering device reports this condition to a second smart metering device, which may be nearby. In response, the first smart metering device receives gas pressure information from the second smart gas metering device. The first smart gas metering device then reports one of two conditions to a headend device, such as a main office server. In a first possibility, the report indicates a low gas pressure event confined to the first device. Alternatively, the report indicates a low gas pressure event within a distribution area comprising the first device and the second device.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01F 15/063 - Indicating or recording devices for remote indication using electrical means
  • G01D 4/00 - Tariff metering apparatus

67.

Data sharing in a mesh network

      
Application Number 17304471
Grant Number 11792889
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-22
First Publication Date 2022-12-22
Grant Date 2023-10-17
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Damm, Benjamin
  • White, Eric Donald
  • Parkkila, Tommi Petteri

Abstract

Techniques are provided for ad-hoc authenticated group discovery and data sharing in a mesh network. A group of devices is created without leaving a security gap due to the open communication needed to establish the discovery of the devices forming the group. The group can be authenticated autonomously following network discovery of the devices. Instead of requiring global pre-assigned keys for authentication, the devices in the group are authenticated with signatures and certificate passing thereby providing strong security. The efficiency of data sharing between the devices of the network, such as a mesh network, can also be increased. One or more devices may act as a bridge device between devices of a same group that are not in direct wireless communication with each other to reduce re-broadcasts within the mesh network.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
  • H04W 88/06 - Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode terminals
  • H04W 12/06 - Authentication
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols
  • H04L 67/51 - Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services

68.

Bluetooth low energy (BLE) advertising packet security

      
Application Number 17349781
Grant Number 11849327
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-16
First Publication Date 2022-12-22
Grant Date 2023-12-19
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Weber, Isaiah Michael
  • Holmdahl, Bret Gregory

Abstract

Secure pairing of computing devices, such as a field tool and a battery-powered device (BPD), may include generating by the BPD a challenge message including a randomly-generated challenge, and receiving at the field tool a challenge message from the BPD via a Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) advertisement message. The challenge message can include a randomly-generated challenge and can be issued in a scannable undirected advertising message. The challenge key can be calculated via a secure hash algorithm (SHA) to obtain a response solution. The response solution can be sent by the field tool to the advertising device in response to the challenge message. The response solution can be verified by the BPD using a cryptographic message authentication code such as an HMAC, and the BPD sends a confirmation message to the field tool indicating that the response solution is verified as correct.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 9/06 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols the encryption apparatus using shift registers or memories for blockwise coding, e.g. D.E.S. systems
  • H04W 12/50 - Secure pairing of devices
  • H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
  • H04W 12/106 - Packet or message integrity
  • H04W 12/03 - Protecting confidentiality, e.g. by encryption
  • H04W 12/06 - Authentication
  • H04W 12/041 - Key generation or derivation
  • H04W 4/23 - Services signalling; Auxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel for mobile advertising

69.

Techniques for release assistance indication assertion

      
Application Number 17348613
Grant Number 11830354
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-15
First Publication Date 2022-12-15
Grant Date 2023-11-28
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Maes, Ii, Richard Donald
  • Dusenberry, Robert Vernon
  • Benson, Eric S.

Abstract

Techniques for transmitting data include identifying data to be transmitted; and in response to a data session window being open: transmitting the data to a transceiver via a transmitter; determining whether there is additional data to be transmitted and determining whether the transmitter has transmitted the data to the transceiver; and in response, instructing the transceiver to end the data session window early and transition to a lower power state.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
  • G06F 13/38 - Information transfer, e.g. on bus
  • G06F 13/40 - Bus structure

70.

Techniques for release assistance indication assertion

      
Application Number 17348618
Grant Number 11675733
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-15
First Publication Date 2022-12-15
Grant Date 2023-06-13
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Maes, Ii, Richard Donald
  • Dusenberry, Robert Vernon
  • Benson, Eric S.

Abstract

Techniques for transmitting data include identifying data to be transmitted, adding the data to a queue, and in response to a data session window being open: extracting the data from the queue; transmitting the extracted data to a transceiver via a transmitter; monitoring an amount of data in the queue and determining that the transmitter has transmitted the extracted data to the transceiver; and in response, instructing the transceiver to end the data session window early and transition to a lower power state.

IPC Classes  ?

71.

Techniques for release assistance indication assertion

      
Application Number 17348622
Grant Number 11818658
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-15
First Publication Date 2022-12-15
Grant Date 2023-11-14
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Maes, Ii, Richard Donald
  • Dusenberry, Robert Vernon
  • Benson, Eric S.

Abstract

Techniques for transmitting data include receiving a message, storing the message in a buffer, and in response to a data session window being open: extracting the message from the buffer; transmitting at least data included in the message to a transceiver via a transmitter; determining that a header of the message includes a last message indicator and determining that the transmitter has transmitted the data to the transceiver; and in response, instructing the transceiver to end the data session window early and transition to a lower power state.

IPC Classes  ?

72.

Optimized parent and path selection for battery powered devices within a wireless network

      
Application Number 17888448
Grant Number 11871343
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-15
First Publication Date 2022-12-08
Grant Date 2024-01-09
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Osterloh, Christopher Lloyd
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Uhling, Thomas

Abstract

Techniques for path selection in a network include a first node in a mesh network receiving, from a second node in the mesh network, a first battery life metric for a path through the mesh network, determining a value representing a remaining battery life of the first node, calculating a second battery life metric based on at least one of the first battery life metric for the path or the value representing the remaining battery life for the first node, and transmitting, to a third node in the mesh network, the second battery life metric.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements
  • H04W 40/10 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on wireless node resources based on available power or energy

73.

Resolving beacon transmission conflicts in mesh network nodes

      
Application Number 17325868
Grant Number 11902956
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-20
First Publication Date 2022-11-24
Grant Date 2024-02-13
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing time synchronization within a network. The technique includes detecting a first scheduling conflict between a first transmission time associated with a first periodic beacon from a first node in the network and a second transmission time associated with a second periodic beacon from a second node in the network. The technique also includes determining a first alternate transmission time associated with the first periodic beacon based on a position of the first node in the network and the first transmission time. The technique further includes transmitting the first periodic beacon at the first transmission time, and transmitting an alternate periodic beacon at the first alternate transmission time.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 72/12 - Wireless traffic scheduling
  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks

74.

Resolving beacon transmission and receipt conflicts in mesh network nodes

      
Application Number 17325878
Grant Number 11882599
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-20
First Publication Date 2022-11-24
Grant Date 2024-01-23
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing time synchronization within a network. The technique includes detecting a first scheduling conflict between a first transmission time associated with a first periodic beacon from a first node in the network and a first listening window associated with receiving a second periodic beacon from a second node in the network. The technique also includes determining a first alternate transmission time for the second periodic beacon based on a second transmission time associated with the second periodic beacon and a position of the second node in the network and calculating a second listening window associated with transmission of the second periodic beacon from the second node at the first alternate transmission time. The technique further includes listening for the second periodic beacon during the second listening window.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 72/12 - Wireless traffic scheduling
  • H04W 74/08 - Non-scheduled access, e.g. random access, ALOHA or CSMA [Carrier Sense Multiple Access]
  • H04W 40/24 - Connectivity information management, e.g. connectivity discovery or connectivity update
  • H04W 56/00 - Synchronisation arrangements
  • H04W 72/0446 - Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
  • H04W 72/1263 - Mapping of traffic onto schedule, e.g. scheduled allocation or multiplexing of flows
  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks

75.

Time synchronization of mesh network nodes

      
Application Number 17325892
Grant Number 11764891
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-20
First Publication Date 2022-11-24
Grant Date 2023-09-19
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing time synchronization within a network. The technique includes receiving, from a first node in the network and at a first receive time, a first periodic beacon that includes a first network time associated with the first node. The technique also includes determining a second receive time at which a second periodic beacon from the first node is to be received based on the first network time and the first receive time. The technique further includes calculating a first listening window for the second periodic beacon based on the second receive time, a first jitter uncertainty, and a first drift uncertainty, and listening for the second periodic beacon during the first listening window.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04J 3/06 - Synchronising arrangements
  • H04L 12/26 - Monitoring arrangements; Testing arrangements
  • H04L 43/087 - Jitter
  • H04L 43/106 - Active monitoring, e.g. heartbeat, ping or trace-route using time related information in packets, e.g. by adding timestamps

76.

Unicast transmissions in mesh network nodes

      
Application Number 17326203
Grant Number 11824634
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-20
First Publication Date 2022-11-24
Grant Date 2023-11-21
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for communicating within a network. The technique includes receiving, from a first node in the network and at a first receive time, a first periodic beacon that includes a first network time associated with the first node. The technique also includes determining a first transmission time of a first unicast message to the first node based on the first network time and a unicast interval between consecutive unicast listening times on the first node. The technique further includes transmitting the first unicast message to the first node at the first transmission time.

IPC Classes  ?

77.

Electrical phase computation using RF media

      
Application Number 17817283
Grant Number 11722168
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-03
First Publication Date 2022-11-24
Grant Date 2023-08-08
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chiummiento, Philippe
  • Pichot, Matthieu
  • Descamps, Guillaume
  • Monier, Fabrice

Abstract

A method includes computing electrical phase of electrical metering devices including obtaining data indicating zero-crossing times at first and second metering devices. A time difference between the zero-crossing times may be determined. In a first example, the time difference may be based at least in part on calculations involving a first value of a first free-run timer on a first metering device, a second value of a second free-run timer on a second metering device, the time of reception of a packet, and a latency defined by a time taken for the packet to propagate through at least one layer of at least one of the first metering device and the second metering device. A phase difference between the first zero-crossing and the second zero-crossing may be determined, based at least in part on the determined time difference.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04J 3/06 - Synchronising arrangements
  • H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
  • H04B 3/54 - Systems for transmission via power distribution lines
  • H04B 1/7073 - Synchronisation aspects
  • H04W 72/0446 - Resources in time domain, e.g. slots or frames
  • H04L 7/033 - Speed or phase control by the received code signals, the signals containing no special synchronisation information using the transitions of the received signal to control the phase of the synchronising-signal- generating means, e.g. using a phase-locked loop
  • H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
  • H04L 7/00 - Arrangements for synchronising receiver with transmitter

78.

Targeted parent selection for battery-powered devices

      
Application Number 17318634
Grant Number 11770738
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-12
First Publication Date 2022-11-17
Grant Date 2023-09-26
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Monier, Fabrice
  • Uhling, Thomas F.

Abstract

In various embodiments, a system within a wireless network comprises a set of battery-powered device (BPD) nodes within the wireless network, and a joining BPD node that identifies, in a subset of BPD nodes, a set of potential parent nodes, filters the set of BPD nodes based on network optimization criteria to identify a target parent node, and transmits a request message to establish a communications link with the target parent node as a child node, where the target parent node in the set of BPD nodes executes instructions to receive the request message from the joining BPD node, evaluate data associated with the joining BPD node with acceptance criteria, and upon determining that the joining BPD node meets the acceptance criteria, establish the communications link with the joining BPD node, where, upon the communications link being established, the joining BPD node is a child to the target parent node.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 28/06 - Optimising, e.g. header compression, information sizing
  • H04W 40/04 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on wireless node resources
  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
  • H04W 76/10 - Connection setup
  • H04W 40/12 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on transmission quality or channel quality

79.

LTE Modem eDRx Paging Opportunity Management

      
Application Number 17556905
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-12-20
First Publication Date 2022-11-17
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas
  • Barnes, Keith

Abstract

Techniques for sharing resources between a radio access technology (RAT) modem (e.g., an LTE modem) and a processor-based radio (e.g., a software-defined radio) are described. In an example, operation of the RAT modem establishes an extended discontinuous reception mode (eDRX) cycle with a cellular system. The RAT modem sends eDRX scheduling information, that is based at least in part on the eDRX cycle, to the processor-based radio. Operation of the processor-based radio identifies paging opportunities (POs) of the eDRX cycle, based at least in part on the eDRX scheduling information. Operation of the processor-based radio manages usage of shared resources (e.g., transmit and receive amplifiers, digital signal processing elements, memory devices, elements of physical layer(s), and/or antenna(s), etc.). The managing may be based at least in part on the identified POs. The managing avoids conflicts between the RAT modem and the processor-based radio over the shared resources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 68/02 - Arrangements for increasing efficiency of notification or paging channel
  • H04W 76/28 - Discontinuous transmission [DTX]; Discontinuous reception [DRX]
  • H04W 72/12 - Wireless traffic scheduling

80.

LTE Modem eDRx Paging Opportunity Management

      
Application Number 17556918
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-12-20
First Publication Date 2022-11-17
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas
  • Barnes, Keith

Abstract

Techniques for sharing resources between a radio access technology (RAT) modem (e.g., an LTE modem) and a processor-based radio (e.g., a software-defined radio) are described. In an example, operation of the RAT modem establishes an extended discontinuous reception mode (eDRX) cycle with a cellular system. The RAT modem sends eDRX scheduling information, that is based at least in part on the eDRX cycle, to the processor-based radio. Operation of the processor-based radio identifies paging opportunities (POs) of the eDRX cycle, based at least in part on the eDRX scheduling information. Operation of the processor-based radio manages usage of shared resources (e.g., transmit and receive amplifiers, digital signal processing elements, memory devices, elements of physical layer(s), and/or antenna(s), etc.). The managing may be based at least in part on the identified POs. The managing avoids conflicts between the RAT modem and the processor-based radio over the shared resources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 76/28 - Discontinuous transmission [DTX]; Discontinuous reception [DRX]
  • H04W 68/02 - Arrangements for increasing efficiency of notification or paging channel
  • H04W 72/12 - Wireless traffic scheduling

81.

Network protocol for battery powered devices within a wireless network

      
Application Number 17245420
Grant Number 11641615
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-04-30
First Publication Date 2022-11-03
Grant Date 2023-05-02
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Monier, Fabrice

Abstract

A network system includes a main network implementing a conventional network protocol and a BPD subtree implementing a custom network protocol. The main network comprises a plurality of MPD nodes, the conventional network protocol being configured for MPD nodes. The BPD subtree comprises a plurality of BPD nodes, the custom network protocol being configured for BPD nodes. The custom network protocol defines smaller and simpler subtrees relative to the conventional network protocol. As a result, the custom network protocol defines less complex functions relative to the conventional network protocol, including functions for discovery, messaging, and loop management. A root node of the BPD subtree is connected with an MPD node of the main network and one or more descendant nodes of the BPD subtree. The root node implements the conventional network protocol and the custom network protocol.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 40/24 - Connectivity information management, e.g. connectivity discovery or connectivity update
  • H04W 24/02 - Arrangements for optimising operational condition

82.

Network protocol for battery powered devices within a wireless network

      
Application Number 17245544
Grant Number 11711297
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-04-30
First Publication Date 2022-11-03
Grant Date 2023-07-25
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne
  • Brace, Howard Neal
  • Jamil, Imad
  • Monier, Fabrice

Abstract

A network system includes a main network implementing a conventional network protocol and a BPD subtree implementing a custom network protocol. The main network comprises a plurality of MPD nodes, the conventional network protocol being configured for MPD nodes. The BPD subtree comprises a plurality of BPD nodes, the custom network protocol being configured for BPD nodes. The custom network protocol defines smaller and simpler subtrees relative to the conventional network protocol. As a result, the custom network protocol defines less complex functions relative to the conventional network protocol, including functions for discovery, messaging, and loop management. A root node of the BPD subtree is connected with an MPD node of the main network and one or more descendant nodes of the BPD subtree. The root node implements the conventional network protocol and the custom network protocol.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04L 45/48 - Routing tree calculation
  • H04W 48/16 - Discovering; Processing access restriction or access information
  • H04W 40/24 - Connectivity information management, e.g. connectivity discovery or connectivity update
  • H04W 40/02 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing

83.

Determining network reliability using message success rates

      
Application Number 17402221
Grant Number 11483224
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-13
First Publication Date 2022-10-25
Grant Date 2022-10-25
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Uhling, Thomas F.
  • Barnes, Keith Wayne

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for evaluating connections between nodes in a mesh network. The technique includes computing a second accumulated uplink message success rate based on a first accumulated uplink message success rate and a second accumulated downlink message success rate based on a first accumulated downlink message success rate. The first accumulated uplink message success rate indicates a probability of successfully transmitting messages from a second node to a target destination and the second accumulated uplink message success rate indicates a probability of successfully transmitting messages from the first node to the target destination via a direct connection from the first node to the second node. The first accumulated downlink message success rate indicates a probability of successfully receiving messages transmitted by the target destination at the second node and the second accumulated downlink message success rate indicates a probability of successfully receiving messages transmitted by the target destination at the first node via the direct connection.

IPC Classes  ?

84.

Metrology device support system

      
Application Number 17850749
Grant Number 11729931
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-27
First Publication Date 2022-10-13
Grant Date 2023-08-15
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Nelson, Iii, Kirby Kimble

Abstract

A metrology device includes a housing, a lower support structure, a PCB coupled to the lower support structure, and a cover coupled to the lower support structure and the housing. The housing supports the cover in three coordinate directions. The lower support structure includes a first pillar that supports the PCB and mechanically couples with the cover. The first pillar causes the PCB to stand off from the lower support structure and causes the cover to stand off from the PCB. The metrology device also includes a second pillar that extends from the lower support structure to a base to cause the lower support structure to stand off from the base. The cover has a non-circle shape, and a cross section of the housing at a same elevation of the housing as an elevation of the cover within the housing is a circle.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01D 11/30 - Supports specially adapted for an instrument; Supports specially adapted for a set of instruments
  • H05K 5/02 - Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus - Details
  • H05K 5/03 - Covers
  • G01D 4/00 - Tariff metering apparatus
  • G01D 11/24 - Housings

85.

Time synchronization using trust aggregation

      
Application Number 17843307
Grant Number 11595405
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-17
First Publication Date 2022-10-06
Grant Date 2023-02-28
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Woodland, Bernard M.

Abstract

A method for synchronizing time may include receiving initial time information including an initial timestamp from a first device, adjusting a clock of the device with the initial time information, storing the initial time information as an earliest possible time, receiving additional time information, including a second timestamp, from a second device, and evaluating the additional time information. When the evaluated additional time information includes information that is unacceptable, the method may further include adjusting the clock with the second timestamp, and replacing the earliest possible time with the second timestamp. When the evaluated additional time information includes information that is acceptable, the method may further include adjusting the clock with the additional time information, and replacing the earliest possible time with the additional time information. The initial time information and additional time information may be respectively determined based on reconciled time data received from two or more proximate devices.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 1/06 - Clock generators producing several clock signals
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

86.

Server-assisted routing in network communications

      
Application Number 17846459
Grant Number 11711296
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-22
First Publication Date 2022-10-06
Grant Date 2023-07-25
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Woodland, Bernard M.

Abstract

A network node device and method of determining a communication route to one or more other network nodes through a network. The method includes sending current routing information to a network management server (NMS), and receiving new or supplemental routing information from the NMS, this supplemental routing information determined by the NMS based on the current routing information of the network node and the other network node(s). The supplemental routing information may include lateral route information identifying designated routing nodes that form lateral band(s) of nodes that span the network. Each lateral band may include gate node(s) as entrances/exits to the lateral band. The method further includes determining, based on the supplemental routing information, a route to one or more of the other network nodes, which may include an optimal path and/or alternate path(s) from the network node to one or more of the other network nodes.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 15/173 - Interprocessor communication using an interconnection network, e.g. matrix, shuffle, pyramid, star or snowflake
  • H04L 45/42 - Centralised routing
  • H04L 45/24 - Multipath
  • H04L 45/48 - Routing tree calculation

87.

Enforcing access to endpoint resources

      
Application Number 17213145
Grant Number 11570111
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-25
First Publication Date 2022-10-06
Grant Date 2023-01-31
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Brown, Scott Dale
  • Keats, Andrew
  • Rockey, Matthew
  • Estes, Jason

Abstract

Techniques are directed to controlling access to resources on a message bus of a network communication device. The techniques may include, by the network communication device, processing a message bus access policy file uniquely corresponding to a process. The message bus access policy file may include a certificate securely associating the message bus access policy file with the process. The techniques may further include, by the network communication device, based at least in part on the processing the message bus access policy file, exposing one or more resources of the network communication device to the process on the message bus, in a manner corresponding to at least one resource access permission indication contained within the message bus access policy file.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 47/20 - Traffic policing
  • H04L 47/125 - Avoiding congestion; Recovering from congestion by balancing the load, e.g. traffic engineering
  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system

88.

PARAMETERIZED DISTRIBUTED INTELLIGENCE AGENTS

      
Application Number 17213149
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-03-25
First Publication Date 2022-09-29
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Brown, Scott Dale
  • Keats, Andrew
  • Estes, Jason

Abstract

An agent, of a distributed intelligence application, generates feature data for a feature. A baseline configuration of parameters is processed, associated with the distributed intelligence application, to determine a first set of parameters. The baseline configuration of parameters and a modified configuration of parameters are processed to determine a second set of parameters. The modified configuration is associated with the distributed intelligence application and indicates a difference from the baseline configuration. A snapshot of dynamic data is processed according to an algorithm using the first set of parameters to determine a first result and using the second set of parameters to determine a second result. The first result and the second result are each provided with a respective indication of the configuration used to generate the result.

IPC Classes  ?

89.

Granular control of water distribution system pressure

      
Application Number 17209028
Grant Number 11965320
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-22
First Publication Date 2022-09-22
Grant Date 2024-04-23
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor Kann, James Lee

Abstract

Techniques for controlling water pressure at a plurality of water customer service sites are described. In an example, a first plurality of water service sites having water pressure values greater than a first threshold value are identified. A second plurality of water service sites having pressure values less than a second threshold value are identified. Valves controlling water flow to respective customer service sites within the first and second pluralities of water service sites are adjusted. The adjustments increase water pressure in the second plurality of water service sites to a pressure above a minimal target pressure. The adjustment maintains the water pressure of the first plurality of service sites above the minimal target pressure. In an example, groups of water service sites are associated with respective water mains and/or water pressure sensors. Information shared between groups may assist in adjusting water valves within the water system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • E03B 7/07 - Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons, valves, in the pipe systems
  • E03B 7/02 - Public or like main pipe systems
  • G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
  • G05D 16/20 - Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means

90.

Techniques for preserving battery life in poor signal conditions using cellular protocol information

      
Application Number 17750186
Grant Number 11917546
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-20
First Publication Date 2022-09-08
Grant Date 2024-02-27
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dusenberry, Robert Vernon
  • Maes, Ii, Richard Donald

Abstract

Techniques for preserving battery life in poor signal conditions include an electronic device determining a coverage enhancement (CE) parameter associated with a link between the electronic device and a base station for a first point in time; determining, based on the CE parameter, that a signaling metric associated with the link for the first point in time is equal to or below a corresponding threshold; and in response to determining that the signaling metric is equal to or below the corresponding threshold, delaying transmission of one or more messages from the electronic device over the link until a second point in time that is later than the first point in time.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements
  • H04W 24/08 - Testing using real traffic
  • H04W 72/542 - Allocation or scheduling criteria for wireless resources based on quality criteria using measured or perceived quality
  • G16Y 10/35 - Utilities, e.g. electricity, gas or water
  • G16Y 30/00 - IoT infrastructure
  • G16Y 20/30 - Information sensed or collected by the things relating to resources, e.g. consumed power

91.

Actor-based data processing

      
Application Number 17179315
Grant Number 11669508
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-18
First Publication Date 2022-08-18
Grant Date 2023-06-06
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Creasey, Wayne
  • Kring, Thomas

Abstract

A system includes a stream partition manager configured to receive data packets input from a plurality of actors, the actors including virtual representations of physical devices, and partition the data packets into a number of stream partitions based at least in part on one or more criteria. The system further includes a plurality of stream processors communicatively coupled to the stream partition manager. Individual stream processors of the plurality of stream processors being configured to receive data packets from a stream partition of the number of stream partitions, process the data packets to generate multiple table entries, and transmit the multiple table entries in batches. The system further includes a target table communicatively coupled to the plurality of stream processors. The target table is configured to receive and store the batches received from the individual stream processors.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 16/22 - Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures
  • G06F 16/21 - Design, administration or maintenance of databases
  • H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
  • H04W 76/11 - Allocation or use of connection identifiers

92.

DETECTING HOT SOCKET CONDITIONS IN UTILITY ELECTRICITY METERS

      
Application Number 17735457
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-05-03
First Publication Date 2022-08-18
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Borisov, Vladimir
  • Pichot, Matthieu

Abstract

Techniques for detecting hot socket conditions in utility electricity meters include acquiring, by an electricity meter, first signal readings of one or more first signals associated with a first type of communications between the electricity meter and one or more first devices; acquiring, by the electricity meter, second signal readings for one or more second signals associated with a second type of communications between the electricity meter and one or more second devices, the second type of communications being different from the first type of communications; performing, by the electricity meter, one or more operations on the first signal readings and the second signal readings to determine whether a hot socket condition is present; and performing, by the electricity meter, a remedial operation in response to determining that the one or more operations indicate that the hot socket condition is present.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply
  • G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques

93.

Techniques for multi-data rate communications

      
Application Number 17719161
Grant Number 11950324
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-12
First Publication Date 2022-07-28
Grant Date 2024-04-02
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor Sturek, Donald Eugene

Abstract

Techniques for multi-data rate communications include receiving, by a first node device within a mesh network, an information element that specifies one or more communication modes supported by a second node device within the mesh network; selecting, by the first node device, a first communication mode from the one or more communication modes, wherein a first metric value determined for the first communication mode based on the information element is lower than a second metric value determined for a default communication mode by a threshold value; and configuring, by the first node device, a communication link between the first node device and the second node device according to the first communication mode.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
  • H04W 40/02 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
  • H04W 40/24 - Connectivity information management, e.g. connectivity discovery or connectivity update
  • H04W 88/06 - Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode terminals

94.

Meter-to-transformer connectivity correction

      
Application Number 17150169
Grant Number 11874304
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-01-15
First Publication Date 2022-07-21
Grant Date 2024-01-16
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Stellarum, Brendan
  • Nilssen, Erik

Abstract

The disclosure describes techniques for providing meter-to-transformer connectivity information and/or correction, using voltage-correlation, distance, and/or address data. In an example, a meter generates a time-series of voltage-changes. Transformers geographically close enough to the meter are assigned a time-series of voltage-changes. Pearson's Correlation Coefficient (PCC) values of the meter with respect to individual transformers are determined. A reference PCC value of the meter is set to be an average of a largest and a second largest PCC value from among the PCC values of the meter. Voltage-correlation confidence rating (VCCR) values for the meter with respect to each transformer that is within the threshold distance from the meter are calculated using the PCC. Based at least in part on the VCCR values for the meter with respect to each transformer that is within the threshold distance from that meter, a probability of the meter being connected to each transformer is determined.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
  • G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques
  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply

95.

SOLAR HYBRID BATTERY FOR POWERING NETWORK DEVICES OVER EXTENDED TIME INTERVALS

      
Application Number 17695677
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-03-15
First Publication Date 2022-06-30
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor Edwards, Bruce

Abstract

A network device for installation at a geographic location includes a rechargeable power cell configured to store a first amount of energy sufficient to power the network device during a longest night of a year at the geographic location without the rechargeable power cell being fully depleted and a solar panel configured to generate a second amount of energy sufficient to, during any given cloudy day at the geographic location, power the network device and fully recharge the rechargeable power cell.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02J 7/35 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells
  • H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
  • H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering

96.

Secure trimming of blockchain in a resource-constrained network

      
Application Number 17138705
Grant Number 11762844
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-12-30
First Publication Date 2022-06-30
Grant Date 2023-09-19
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor White, Eric Donald

Abstract

Based at least in part on a determination of an amount of remaining storage available in a device being relative to a particular level, a device trims at least a portion of the blockchain from the device including by making storage allocated to the portion of the blockchain available. The device recalculates the blockchain without the portion of the blockchain that has been trimmed from the device. Further, the device sends a message to another device participating in the blockchain, the message including at least the hash for the recalculated blockchain devices.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 16/23 - Updating
  • H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks

97.

Forming a blockchain in low-bandwidth, resource-constrained network

      
Application Number 17138657
Grant Number 11588620
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-12-30
First Publication Date 2022-06-30
Grant Date 2023-02-21
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor White, Eric Donald

Abstract

A device selects a plurality of other devices to participate in a blockchain based at least in part on observed behavior of a communication link between the device and each of the other devices. The device, based at least in part on the selecting, participates in the blockchain with at least some of the plurality of other devices.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04L 9/06 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols the encryption apparatus using shift registers or memories for blockwise coding, e.g. D.E.S. systems
  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
  • H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols

98.

Secure blockchain data recovery

      
Application Number 17138725
Grant Number 11720540
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-12-30
First Publication Date 2022-06-30
Grant Date 2023-08-08
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor White, Eric Donald

Abstract

A first device participating in a blockchain receives an indication of an error in the blockchain being maintained by the first device. The first device determines a defective block of the blockchain and receives a replacement for the defective block from a second device. The first device determines a recalculated blockchain that includes the replacement for the defective block.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 16/00 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
  • G06F 16/23 - Updating
  • H04L 9/00 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
  • H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
  • H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks

99.

Meter text detection and recognition

      
Application Number 17139645
Grant Number 11663837
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-12-31
First Publication Date 2022-06-30
Grant Date 2023-05-30
Owner Itron, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Aiello, Roberto
  • Boik, John

Abstract

Techniques for meter text detection and recognition are described herein. In an example, an application receives a first image, depicting information displayed by the meter, from an imaging device. One or more qualities of the first image may be assessed, such as focus or lighting. A setting of the imaging device may be adjusted. The adjusting may be based at least in part on the assessed quality of the first image and one or more characteristics of an optical character recognition (OCR) algorithm. Accordingly, the settings of the image-capture device are tuned to the needs of the OCR algorithm. A second image may be captured, depicting information displayed by the meter, using the imaging device adjusted according to the adjusted setting. The OCR algorithm may be applied to the second image to obtain an alphanumeric value associated with the second image. The alphanumeric value is obtained from the OCR algorithm.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06K 9/32 - Aligning or centering of the image pick-up or image-field
  • G06Q 50/06 - Electricity, gas or water supply
  • G06V 20/62 - Text, e.g. of license plates, overlay texts or captions on TV images
  • G06V 10/24 - Aligning, centring, orientation detection or correction of the image
  • G06N 3/04 - Architecture, e.g. interconnection topology
  • G01D 4/00 - Tariff metering apparatus

100.

Techniques for preserving battery life in poor signal conditions using cellular protocol information

      
Application Number 17127463
Grant Number 11638215
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-12-18
First Publication Date 2022-06-23
Grant Date 2023-04-25
Owner ITRON, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dusenberry, Robert Vernon
  • Maes, Ii, Richard Donald

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for operating an electronic device within a cellular environment. The technique includes determining a coverage enhancement (CE) parameter and one or more radio frequency (RF) link parameters associated with a link between the electronic device and a cellular base station at a first point in time. The technique also includes computing a first estimate for a signal condition associated with the link based on the CE parameter and the one or more RF link parameters. The technique further includes determining that the signal condition is not adequate based on the first estimate and delaying transmission of one or more messages from the electronic device over the link until a second point in time that is later than the first point in time.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 52/02 - Power saving arrangements
  • H04W 24/08 - Testing using real traffic
  • H04W 72/12 - Wireless traffic scheduling
  • G16Y 10/35 - Utilities, e.g. electricity, gas or water
  • G16Y 30/00 - IoT infrastructure
  • G16Y 20/30 - Information sensed or collected by the things relating to resources, e.g. consumed power
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