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.
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.
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.
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.
H03M 7/30 - Compression; Expansion; Suppression of unnecessary data, e.g. redundancy reduction
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
5.
ADAPTIVE TRANSMISSION MANAGEMENT BASED ON LINK LATENCY
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.
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.
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.
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.
G01R 22/06 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods
G01R 22/10 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods using digital techniques
G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques
9.
DETERMINING NETWORK RELIABILITY USING MESSAGE SUCCESS RATES
Techniques for evaluating connections between nodes include 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.
Techniques for evaluating connections between nodes include a first node determining one or more first accumulated message success rates associated with transmitting messages from the first node to a target destination 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 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.
Techniques for evaluating connections between nodes in a mesh network include a first node listening across a plurality of listening windows for one or more messages transmitted by a second node during a time period; determining a number of messages received by the first node during the time period; computing, based on the number of messages received, a received message success rate associated with a 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 connection; and computing, based on at least one message received during the time period, a transmitted message success rate associated with the connection, wherein the transmitted message success rate indicates a probability of successfully transmitting messages from the first node to the second node via the connection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
18.
SECURE TRIMMING OF BLOCKCHAIN IN A RESOURCE-CONSTRAINED NETWORK
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.
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.
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 12/00 - Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
20.
IMPROVING FRAME COMPATIBILITY ACROSS NETWORK PROTOCOL VERSIONS
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 determining a first expected length of a value field included in a type-length-value (TLV) element within a first frame of a first packet received over the network, wherein the first expected length is based on a type field included in the TLV element. The technique also includes processing a first portion of the value field based on the expected length of the value field in accordance with a first specification for a first version of the network protocol, without processing a second portion of the value field beyond the expected length of the value field.
Device(s) and techniques determine if a gas regulator supplying gas at a regulated pressure to a gas meter (e.g., the gas meter of a house or business) within a gas distribution system has one or more lock-up failure events or venting events, wherein gas is vented to the atmosphere. In an example, a sensor obtains information indicating a relative position of a stop stem of a gas regulator and a diaphragm pin of the gas regulator. As pressure increases within the regulator, the diaphragm pin moves toward and/or touches the stop stem. The gas pressure increase may result from debris in the regulator that prevents a valve from fully closing. A signal may be sent from the regulator and/or associated gas meter. The signal may contain information based at least in part on data from the sensor, and which may indicate a lock-up failure event or a venting event by the gas regulator.
G05D 16/06 - Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible member yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
22.
DETERMINING BACKFLOW CONDITION IN WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
A data collection device and method for determining a backflow condition in a water distribution system. The data collection device receives a first data communication from a first node, the first data communication indicating a first possible backflow condition at the first node. The data collection device receives additional data communications from one or more second nodes, the additional data communications indicating backflow conditions at the second nodes. The data collection device aggregates and analyzes the first data value and the additional data values and determines that an actual backflow condition exists based on the aggregated data values and a known relationship between the first node and the second nodes. The data collection device may then perform action(s) in response to determining the backflow condition, such as reporting the backflow condition, requesting updated reporting from the nodes, closing appropriate valves, initiating pumps to increase water pressure, flushing the system, etc.
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.
A data collection device and method for determining an alternative event condition is presented. The method includes receiving a first data communication including a first data value from a first sensor and determining a first event condition based on the first data value being beyond a predetermined threshold. The method further includes receiving additional data communications including additional data values from one or more second sensors, aggregating the first data value and the additional data values, and determining that the determination of the first event condition is incorrect based on the aggregated data values and a known relationship between the first sensor and the one or more second sensors. The method additionally includes determining a second event condition based on the first data value and the additional data values being beyond the predetermined threshold. An action may then be performed in response to the determination of the second event condition.
Various embodiments disclose a computer-implemented method for sending a message associated with an outage event, comprising, at a first node in a network, receiving a key from a second node in the network, wherein the second node is adjacent to the first node; storing the key in a first memory, wherein the first memory is capable of operating in a low power mode; detecting an outage event; in response to detecting the outage event, operating a first processor in the low power mode; and via the first processor operating in the low power mode: generating a message, securing the message using the key, and sending the message to the second node.
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.
A high-voltage protection module (200) for a metrology device includes a metal-oxide varistor (MOV, 124) coupled across a mains power line, a resistor (126) electrically coupled to the MOV in series with the MOV, and a fuse (128) 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.
Various embodiments disclose a computer-implemented method for transmitting data between node devices in a mesh network comprising receiving, by a first node device within the mesh network that supports a first set of communication modes, a first information element that specifies a second set of communication modes supported by a second node device within the mesh network, determining, based on the first information element, a common set of communication modes that includes at least a default mode and a first mode, selecting, from the common set of communication modes, the first mode as a first preferred communication mode for data transmissions between the first node device and the second node device, and configuring a communication link between the first node device and the second node device according to the first mode.
A forecast engine is configured to analyze aerial and/or satellite images depicting a geographic area to identify the existence of solar panels within the geographic area at different times. Based on the installation time of each solar panel, the forecast engine estimates the solar power generation capacity of the solar panel. The forecast engine also analyzes meteorological data, including weather forecasts, to estimate a level of insolation at each solar panel within the geographic area across a range of times. The forecast engine can then determine the total amount of solar power generation within the given geographic area at a particular time using the solar power generation capacity of each solar panel and the level of insolation at each solar panel at the particular time.
Various embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for detecting electrical arcing in an electrical system. A powerline communications (PLC) application executing on a network communications device acquires, via a PLC modem, first voltage readings associated with an electrical circuit. The PLC application performs one or more operations based on the first voltage readings to determine that an electrical arcing condition is present within the electrical circuit. The PLC application performs a remedial operation in response to determining that the electrical arcing condition is present.
G01R 31/00 - Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
H02H 3/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection
H02H 3/20 - 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
H02H 3/24 - 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 undervoltage or no-voltage
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.
Disclosed are techniques to minimize the electricity consumption of battery powered devices during network discovery and other phases of network operation. Example techniques include efficiently listening for other mains powered and battery powered devices within communication range of the battery powered device by, for example, shortening its listening window depending on how close the time reference maintained by the battery powered device is estimated to be to the time reference used by the other mains powered and battery powered devices within communication range. Other techniques include slowing the rate of listening by the battery powered device when the battery powered device is unlikely to be able to receive discovery messages or is already connected to the network. Other techniques include using knowledge of the network to listen for discovery messages on a channel or channels on which other devices are likely to be transmitting.
Techniques for limiting forwarding of multicast communications are described herein. For example, the techniques intelligently forward data along paths of a network where members of a multicast group are located. As such, a node that does not lead to members of the multicast group may be configured to selectively and intelligently forward multicast messages it receives. This can reduce network communications, ultimately conserving processing, communication, and/or battery resources of the nodes and improving performance of the network.
An enclosure for a utility metering device is configured to reduce internal air temperatures. In an example, the utility metering device has a solar shield and/or filtered ventilation air passage(s). In the example, an enclosure is attached to a base. Opening(s) may be defined in the enclosure, to allow air to remove heat from the metering device by convection. The openings may be covered with filters, to prevent the entry of water, dust, insects, etc. A solar shield may cover at least an upper surface of the enclosure. An air pocket may be defined between the solar shield and at least the upper surface of the enclosure. Air from within the enclosure may be ventilated into the air pocket, and air from within the air pocket may be ventilated into the atmosphere. The ventilation removes heat from within the enclosure, while the solar shield rejects addition of heat energy.
A battery-powered device (BPD) node compresses certificate chains to generate compressed certificate chains. The BPD node includes a compression dictionary that indexes various data entries that occur across many certificate chains and/or repeat within a particular certificate chain. The BPD node compresses a given certificate chain by replacing data entries within the given certificate chain with indices to corresponding data entries in the compression dictionary. The indices are smaller in size than the corresponding data entries. A neighboring BPD node also includes the compression dictionary and decompresses a compressed certificate chain by replacing indices included in the compressed certificate chain with the indexed data entries stored in the compression dictionary. Performing certificate exchanges with compressed certificate chains reduces the amount of limited battery power that is depleted during certificate exchanges, thereby extending BPD node operational lifetime and helping to prevent the need for premature battery replacement.
G06F 21/00 - Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
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
A packet error rate estimator is configured to estimate packet error rate (PER). In an example, power or energy is calculated in one or more streams of I/Q samples over a period of time. The power or energy may be calculated for periods of time, e.g., bit-length periods of time, and a maximum value of bit-length power or energy may be selected over a packet-length period of time. The maximum power or energy associated with each stream of I/Q samples over the period of time may be compared to at least two threshold values. Each threshold value may be associated with an expected PER. Based at least in part on the comparing, and which of a plurality of threshold values were (or were not) exceeded, a PER may be estimated for each stream of I/Q samples. The PER may be used to select a channel plan with less radio frequency noise.
A method of creating an update for distribution to network endpoints (108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122), comprising under control of one or more processors configured with executable instructions: selecting a subset of files (132, 134, 136) to update a plurality of files stored in a memory device of a network endpoint (108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122) to be updated; generating a hash of the subset of files (132, 134, 136); creating a delta file (124) comprising the subset of files (132, 134, 136) and the hash of the subset of files; and sending, to the network endpoint (108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122), the subset of files (132, 134, 136), wherein the subset of files (132, 134, 136) is less than a number of the plurality of files stored in the memory device of the network endpoint (108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122).
A distributed energy resource (DER) device is coupled to a utility meter in a "behind-the-meter" configuration. The utility meter analyzes a commitment generated by the DER device to determine a specific operation performed by the DER device at a particular time. The utility meter analyzes metrology data to identify an "event" associated with the particular time and then attempts to map the identified event back to the DER device based on a library of events associated with different DER devices. The utility meter also attempts to map the identified event to the specific operation set forth in the commitment. If the utility meter can successfully map the identified event to both the DER device and to the specific operation set forth in the commitment, then the utility meter generates a validated commitment. The validated commitment can be used to facilitate an energy market settlement process.
An application management service may be used to determine which agents of an application need to be installed and/or licensed on one or more smart sensors. The application management service may determine which agents are associated with a given application and may determine which agents are currently installed and/or licensed on the one or more smart sensors. The application management service may determine which agents are not currently installed or licensed on the one or more smart sensors and that are associated with the application and may cause those agents to be installed or licensed on the one or more smart sensors.
G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
G06F 21/57 - Certifying or maintaining trusted computer platforms, e.g. secure boots or power-downs, version controls, system software checks, secure updates or assessing vulnerabilities
A solar-powered device (SPD) relay node is coupled to a remotely-located "leaf" node in order to provide the leaf node with network access. The SPD relay node routes network traffic to and from the leaf node via one or more different paths that traverse other SPD relay nodes that reside upstream of the SPD relay node. The SPD relay node determines a specific path across which to route the network traffic based on several different factors associated with the upstream SPD relay nodes, including battery level, solar generation rate, and link quality. The SPD relay node generates a routing metric for each upstream SPD relay node based on these different factors and then routes traffic across the upstream SPD relay nodes based on the routing metric and based on a priority level associated with the network traffic.
H04W 40/02 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
H04W 40/04 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on wireless node resources
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
H04W 40/20 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing based on geographic position or location
A node includes a firmware application that analyzes sensor data to detect and respond to events associated with the distribution of resources. During execution, the firmware application reads a configuration file that specifies a set of conditions and different actions that should be performed in response to different events associated with those conditions. The configuration file can be dynamically updated during execution of the firmware application to modify the set of conditions the firmware application evaluates and the different actions to be performed when occurrences of specific events are detected. Accordingly, the operational behavior of the node can be modified without needing the node to undergo a firmware update.
A solar-powered device (SPD) node operates as an access point for leaf nodes. The SPD node load balances network traffic received from leaf nodes across different backhaul networks. The SPD node determines a specific backhaul network across which to route the network traffic based on several different factors associated with the SPD node. Those factors include a current battery level, a current solar generation rate, and a current communication link status. The SPD access point also determines the specific backhaul network across which to route the network traffic based on characteristics of the different backhaul networks, including a network latency, among other characteristics.
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
G08C 17/00 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
H04L 12/703 - Route fault prevention or recovery, e.g. rerouting, route redundancy, virtual router redundancy protocol [VRRP] or hot standby router protocol [HSRP]
43.
SOLAR HYBRID BATTERY FOR POWERING NETWORK DEVICES OVER EXTENDED TIME INTERVALS
A node within a wireless network is powered by a solar hybrid battery system. The solar hybrid battery system includes a solar panel, a primary cell, and a secondary cell. The secondary cell includes only enough power storage to be capable of powering the node during the longest daily interval of darkness in the region where the node is deployed. The solar panel is sized relative to the secondary cell to be capable of fully recharging the secondary cell during the shortest daily interval of daylight in the region where the node is deployed, even under conditions of limited solar irradiance (e.g. due to clouds). The primary cell can charge the secondary battery if the node is shelved or malfunctioning to prevent the secondary cell from becoming overly depleted. The primary cell can also provide the node with additional power during times of peak demand or to perform status reports.
H02S 10/10 - PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power including a supplementary source of electric power, e.g. hybrid diesel-PV energy systems
H02S 10/20 - Systems characterised by their energy storage means
44.
BATTERY LIFE EXTENSION VIA CHANGES IN MESSAGE SIZE
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.
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
45.
BATTERY LIFE EXTENSION VIA CHANGES IN TRANSMISSION RATES
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.
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
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 of the one or more other network nodes. 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 including gate node(s) as entrances/exits to the lateral band. The method may further include determining, based on the supplemental routing information, a route to one or more of the other network nodes. A lateral band may facilitate a route through a chokepoint or other abnormal topological layout.
A metering device and method for assessing an incident detected by a safety monitoring system at a physical site at which the metering device is located, the method including: receiving at the metering device sensor layout information for safety monitoring system sensors, receiving a notification from the safety monitoring system including sensor data, determining an incident type and severity index(es) based on the sensor layout information and the sensor data, evaluating the severity index(es) against predetermined criteria, and taking an action based on the evaluation. The sensor data may include sensor identification as well as smoke intensities, temperatures, water pressure, and/or flood levels, etc., reported by the sensors. The actions taken may include disconnecting flow at the metering device, sending an instruction message to other metering device(s) to disconnect flow, and/or sending an alarm message to a device associated with a utility provider associated with the metering device.
G08B 25/08 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using communication transmission lines
G08B 19/00 - Alarms responsive to two or more different undesired or abnormal conditions, e.g. burglary and fire, abnormal temperature and abnormal rate of flow
48.
TECHNIQUES FOR GEOLOCATION AND CLOUD DETECTION WITH VOLTAGE DATA FROM SOLAR HOMES
A wireless mesh network includes a group of nodes configured to predict cloud movements based on voltage time series data. A node residing in the wireless mesh network records voltage fluctuations at a site where solar power is generated. The voltage fluctuations occur when an advancing cloud reduces solar irradiance at the site, thereby reducing solar power generation. The node correlates these voltage fluctuations with other voltage fluctuations recorded by other nodes at other sites where solar power is generated. The node computes a time offset between these voltage fluctuations that corresponds to the time needed for the cloud to advance between the different sites. Based on this time offset and the locations of the various nodes, the node estimates a wind vector. The wind vector can be used to perform near-term solar forecasting by predicting when the cloud will advance to other sites and reduce solar power generation.
A device and method for receiving a configuration setting update at a networked endpoint device. The method comprises: receiving a data packet from a head-end device, including one or more parameter updates including: a parameter identification, a designated parameter value for a parameter identified by the parameter identification, and a predetermined level assignment for the designated parameter value. The method further includes updating a record of two or more records of each parameter with its designated parameter value, the two or more records associated with differentiating level assignments defining a prioritized hierarchy of parameter values for the parameter at the endpoint device, where the updated record is associated with the predetermined level assignment. The method further includes running an application using a selected parameter value recorded at a highest priority level assignment of the differentiating level assignments for which parameter values are presently recorded at the endpoint device.
A smart sensor group management service may be used to establish groups of smart sensors that are associated with one or more common characteristics, such as a common application associated with the smart sensors. The group management service may establish multiple physical groups per application so that multiple entities may have access to managing the groups. The physical groups may be associated with a virtual group that facilitates management of the physical groups and may be accessible by the entities. The entities may perform different types of management operations using the group management service, such as creating groups, adding smart sensors to groups, removing smart sensors from groups, and adjusting settings of features of the applications that are associated with the groups.
Nodes included in a hybrid network establish cellular links infrequently and at staggered intervals. When a node establishes a cellular link, other nodes can transmit and receive data to a back office using that cellular link. In addition, the node can receive a request from the back office across the cellular link indicating that another node should respond to an on-demand read request. The node can then signal the other node via a wireless mesh network to establish a cellular link in order to respond to the on-demand read request. An advantage of the disclosed approach is that a battery powered node can communicate as often as needed with the back office without frequently establishing a cellular link and without maintaining a continuously active cellular link.
H04W 76/15 - Setup of multiple wireless link connections
H04W 76/16 - Setup of multiple wireless link connections involving different core network technologies, e.g. a packet-switched [PS] bearer in combination with a circuit-switched [CS] bearer
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
Techniques for operating cellular internet of things (IoT) devices under a public cellular carrier are disclosed. During an active connection, the cellular IoT device's radio-controlling application can collect radio metrics by tapping into the diagnostics interface of IoT device's cellular modem to collect data regarding accumulative signal strength, block/bit error rate, and/or round-trip latency for the session, etc. During the active connection, battery and environmental information as well as application-based information can be collected and sent to a remote computing device. In an example, the cellular IoT device can be given revised or refined values for use in timers, which may be used by the device to more efficiently use idle and/or power-save modes to reduce battery power consumption. Moreover, the use of the timers may be extended to devices distinct from the cellular modem, thereby increasing the utility of the timers and the functionality of the IoT device.
A cellular modem is configured for low power applications. In some instances, the cellular modem includes a transceiver, a processor to control the transceiver, a memory device in communication with the processor, and a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin, controlled by the processor. In an example, the cellular modem receives an appointed time for an upcoming communication and determines a time to activate a power supply. The determination may be based at least in part on the appointed time for the communication, so that the power supply is ready to supply power at a level consistent with use of the transceiver at the appointed time of the communication. At the determined time, a signal from the GPIO pin is used to activate the power supply, resulting in an increase in power supplied to the cellular modem in a just-in-time manner.
Techniques for connecting networks to facilitate distribution of data are described. For example, to distribute multicast data to members of a multicast group that span multiple networks, the techniques may identify a path between networks that each have a member of the multicast group, such as a shortest path between networks. The techniques may inform the networks on the path to establish a connection with an adjacent network. This may allow multicast data for a multicast group to be distributed to members of the multicast group that are located in separate networks.
Source routing techniques include sending data across several networks, while limiting source routing overhead. For example, the source routing techniques may use a first address format to route data to nodes along a routing path that are within a first network where a source node is located, and use a second address format to route the data to a node along the routing path that is within a second, different network. The node in the second network may similarly route the data through the second network using the first address format for nodes within the second network and, if needed, route the data to a node within a third network using the second address format. This may be repeated for any number of networks to reach a destination.
A forecast engine generates a clear-sky solar power generation level corresponding to a photovoltaic installation that resides within a geographical area. The clear-sky solar power generation level indicates an amount of electricity generated by the photovoltaic installation under clear-sky conditions. The forecast engine also generates a measurement device index corresponding to a measurement device that resides proximate to the photovoltaic installation. The measurement device index indicates an amount of cloud cover present at the location where the measurement device resides. The forecast engine then generates a solar power generation forecast for the geographical area based on the clear-sky solar power generation level and the measurement device index.
A wireless network includes a plurality of nodes configured to implement an improved discovery process to efficiently and reliably pair with one another with low power consumption. A given node divides time into slots and then performs discovery operations during designated discovery windows. The discovery windows occur periodically but at different times of day. During a given discovery window, nodes attempt discovery using a reduced set of channels that varies from one window to the next, thereby increasing the likelihood that nodes operate on the same channel. Nodes also implement a pairing protocol to coordinate pairing, potentially avoiding situations where all nodes attempt to pair simultaneously. The discovery process may be completed expeditiously, thereby conserving power and extending the operational lifetime of nodes which rely on battery power.
A wireless network includes a plurality of nodes configured to implement an improved discovery process to efficiently and reliably pair with one another with low power consumption. A given node divides time into slots and then performs discovery operations during designated discovery windows. The discovery windows occur periodically but at different times of day. During a given discovery window, nodes attempt discovery using a reduced set of channels that varies from one window to the next, thereby increasing the likelihood that nodes operate on the same channel. Nodes also implement a pairing protocol to coordinate pairing, potentially avoiding situations where all nodes attempt to pair simultaneously. The discovery process may be completed expeditiously, thereby conserving power and extending the operational lifetime of nodes which rely on battery power.
A wireless mesh network includes a plurality of nodes coupled together in parent-child relationships. A child node is configured to cascade listening rate changes upstream to a parent node to perform low-latency communications. The child node transmits an authentication message to the parent node indicating the listening rate change. The child node sets a timer and waits for an acknowledgement from the parent node. If the child node receives the acknowledgement, then the child node and the parent node change listening rate to permit low-latency communications. In addition, if the parent node loses network access, the parent node sets a timer and then waits to abandon the child node until after the timer elapses.
A wireless mesh network includes a child node coupled to a parent node. The parent node transmits time sync beacons that indicate a time slot number and a start time for a current time slot. The child node receives the time sync beacons and determines a delta between the current time slot number of the child node and the current time slot number of the parent node. The child node also computes an offset between a start time of the current slot of the child node and the start time of the current slot of the parent node. The child node reports the delta and the offset to the parent node. Based on the delta and the offset, the parent node determines when, and on what channel, the child node is predicted to be receiving transmissions, and then schedules transmissions to the child node accordingly.
A distributed ledger based utility system architecture may be configured to enable secure payments, data transmission, and meter configuration of smart sensors. The utility system architecture may be a tiered architecture including multiple nodes at different levels of the architecture where each level may contain a different portion of the distributed ledger. As information is added to the distributed ledger, each portion of the distributed ledger may be updated based on whether the information is relevant to that node. The information may include rate contract transactions, meter configuration data transactions, payment transactions, or the like.
Techniques for transmitting messages to send configuration information, and/or commands, to features, agents, applications and/or other aspects of endpoints and/or networked computing devices. In an example, server, a host of an analytics platform, or other computing device may send messages within a network to an endpoint that is remote from the computing device. In the example, a first message may be sent to a first agent operating on the endpoint, wherein the first message directs configuration of a first feature of the first agent. The computing device may receive consumption data from the endpoint, which may be monitored and/or analyzed by the analytics platform of the computing device. In the example, a second message may be sent to a second agent operating on the endpoint, wherein the second message has a parameter that allows free-format data, and wherein a command is encoded within the parameter. The endpoint may include a metrology unit and may be configured within an advanced metering infrastructure performing tasks associated with metering the consumption of electricity, gas and/or water.
Techniques for vehicle identification are described herein. In one example, vehicle identification information is obtained for a vehicle at a smart fueling station. Using the vehicle identification information, characteristics of the vehicle may be considered, and a fuel price can be set. Fuel can be dispensed to the vehicle according to the price as set. Payment may be made, such as by an automated system based on near field communications (NFC). The techniques used to identify the vehicle may utilize connections to the on-board diagnostic port (e.g., OBD II) of the vehicle, NFC and data encryption techniques.
G07F 13/02 - Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing of fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs by volume
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
G06Q 20/34 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
G06Q 20/14 - Payment architectures specially adapted for billing systems
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
B67D 7/04 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
Techniques for limiting forwarding of multicast communications are described herein. For example, the techniques intelligently forward data along paths of a network where members of a multicast group are located. As such, nodes that do not lead to members of the multicast group may be pruned from distribution of the data. This reduces network communications, ultimately conserving processing, communication, and/or battery resources of the nodes.
Techniques for bridging communication between multiple networks to facilitate distribution of multicast data are described herein. For example, the techniques may identify a particular node that is able to communicate with each network and instruct the particular node to act as a bridge between the networks. The particular node may forward data from either network to the other network. This may allow data for a multicast group to be distributed to members of the multicast group that are located in separate networks.
Methods and apparatus to detect leaks are disclosed. A disclosed leak probability analysis apparatus associated with a utility distribution system having sensors includes a receiver to receive spectral recording data associated with spectral recordings measured at the sensors, and a storage device to store the spectral recording data. The leak probability analysis apparatus also includes a processor to calculate spectral energies associated with the spectral recording data, calculate deviations of the spectral energies, normalize the spectral energies based on the respective deviations, and generate a leak probability distribution of the utility distribution system based on the normalized spectral energies.
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
Systems and methods for verifying that light absorption is caused by a targeted gaseous chemical compound. A first transmittance of light, either generated at, or filtered to, a first wavelength range and a second transmittance of light, either generated at, or filtered to, a second wavelength range are measured by first and second photon detectors. A ratio of the first and second measured transmittance is determined and that ratio is compared to a transmittance ratio associated with a targeted gaseous chemical compound to verify that the light absorption is caused by the targeted gaseous chemical compound.
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
68.
DEVICE AND BATTERY MANAGEMENT IN A CELLULAR NETWORK
Techniques for managing battery powered devices in a cellular network are described herein. In some instances, a receiving device, such as a data collector, may receive transmissions from a network endpoint, such as a utility meter. The messages may contain an indication of a power level used in the transmission. The receiving device may estimate a battery end-of-life date of the network endpoint, based at least in part on a known reporting schedule of the endpoint and the power level used in transmissions. The receiving device or the endpoint may revise the reporting schedule to modify the battery end-of-life date. In addition to modification of the reporting schedule, the endpoint power of transmission can be modified, based on RSSI and/or a transmission retry count.
Methods and apparatus to analyze recordings in leak detection are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a leak detection sensor to record a plurality of recordings and a memory. The example apparatus also includes a processor to convert one or more of the plurality of recordings to a corresponding one or more spectral representations, calculate a spectral average based, at least in part, on the one or more spectral representations, store the spectral average to the memory, and generate a data packet based, at least in part, on the spectral average. The example apparatus also includes a transceiver to transmit the data packet to another device.
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
70.
RADIO WITH DYNAMICALLY CONTROLLED CORRELATION THRESHOLD
In a radio using a plurality of channels defined in a radio frequency (RF) spectrum, a rate of false packet detections may be calculated for each of the plurality of channels using a plurality of respective correlation thresholds. The rate of false packet detections for each channel may be compared to a range of acceptable rates of false packet detections. The same or different ranges of acceptable rates of false packet detections may be used for each channel or each channel plan. Different correlation thresholds may be adjusted based at least in part on the comparisons. For example, if a rate of false packet detections exceeds a range of acceptable rates of false packet detections, the correlation threshold may be raised, or the reverse. A packet may be detected on different channels based on different adjusted correlation thresholds.
Techniques for determining a location of a leak in a water distribution system are described herein. In some examples, a remote leak detection service and/or a leak detection device may receive measurements from a pressure sensor, a contamination sensor, and a flow rate sensor positioned along the water distribution system. Based on a difference in time between a change in pressure detected by the pressure sensor and a subsequent change in contamination detected by the contamination sensor, the flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor, and dimensions of the water distribution system, the remote leak detection system may determine the location of the leak.
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
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
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.).
H04L 1/16 - 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
H04L 1/00 - Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
73.
MULTI-PIECE CURRENT SHUNT WITH CONDUCTIVE CHANNEL FOR UNIFORM CURRENT FLOW
A shunt (100) is composed of multiple pieces (102,104,106) with at least some of the pieces being connected by a conductive channel (108,110) that provides uniform flow of current. The conductive channel may be a recess, raised portion, stand alone component, or other channel that directs current to flow from one piece of the shunt to another piece in a uniform manner, resulting in an accurat current reading for the shunt. Further, the shunt may include multiple pieces that are composed of different materials.
G01R 1/20 - Modifications of basic electric elements for use in electric measuring instruments; Structural combinations of such elements with such instruments
G01R 19/00 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof
G01R 22/06 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods
A thermocouple device includes a shared conductor for a shunt measurement and a thermocouple measurement. For example, the thermocouple device may include a shared conductor that provides a signal to both calculate current of a shunt and calculate a temperature of the shunt. The thermocouple device may provide an efficient structure that accurately calculates current and temperature. In addition, the thermocouple device may use the temperature of the shunt to detect when a conductive path is overheating. The temperature of the shunt may also be used for other purposes.
G01K 7/08 - Measuring temperature based on the use of electric or magnetic elements directly sensitive to heat using thermoelectric elements, e.g. thermocouples the object to be measured forming one of the thermoelectric materials, e.g. pointed type
G01R 1/20 - Modifications of basic electric elements for use in electric measuring instruments; Structural combinations of such elements with such instruments
G01R 22/06 - Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods
75.
FREQUENCY-HOPPING DISCOVERY MECHANISM FOR COMMUNICATION IN WIRELESS NETWORKS
Techniques for discovering a device in a wireless network are described herein. For example, a first device may send a network discovery solicitation message to a second device to solicit a communication relationship (e.g., request connection to a parent). The network discovery solicitation may include one or more information elements that indicate a channel function associated with the first device and a listening window during which the first device will be listening for communications. The second device may use the channel function to frequency hop and send a network discovery message to the first device during the listening window. The network discovery message may include one or more information elements to establish a sampled schedule for the first device moving forward.
Techniques for communicating channel data regarding a channel plan are described herein. For example, a device may communicate a channel information element that includes a tag indicating a first operating context to which to apply channel data regarding a channel plan. The channel information element may also include a reference tag to indicate whether the channel data is contained in the channel information element or has been previously received and/or to identify a second operating context associated with previously received channel data. If the reference tag indicates that the channel data is contained in the channel information element, the channel data may be extracted from the channel information element and applied to the first operating context. If the reference tag indicates that the channel data has been previously received, the previously received channel data may be accessed and applied to the first operating context.
Techniques for communicating schedule data regarding a schedule are described herein. For example, a device may communicate a schedule information element that includes a tag indicating a first operating context to which to apply schedule data regarding a schedule. The schedule information element may also include a reference tag to indicate whether the schedule data is contained in the schedule information element or has been previously received and/or to identify a second operating context associated with previously received schedule data. If the reference tag indicates that the schedule data is contained in the schedule information element, the schedule data may be extracted from the schedule information element and applied to the first operating context. If the reference tag indicates that the schedule data has been previously received, the previously received schedule data may be accessed and applied to the first operating context.
Hub and agent techniques allow safe command execution and data retrieval through firewall(s). In an example, cloud-based server of a company communicates with a plurality of agent applications operating on a remote customer's site. Using hub-and-agent techniques, cloud-based systems are able to direct the agents to perform functions for, and add value to, on-premises servers at remote customer locations. Secure communications techniques are introduced, allowing the hub server in the cloud to securely communicate with, and receive data from, the agents operating behind a firewall at a remote, on-customer-premises server.
A sensor unit to detect fluid movement and/or leakage from a pipe may be attached to a mounting device that is attached to a pipe by a clamp. The mounting device may be configured to transmit vibrations from the pipe and clamp to the sensor. The sensor unit may be attached to the mount in a manner that may be performed rapidly and without tools, and which results in a connection that is not so tight as to damage the sensor, or so loose as to provide inadequate support. The sensor may be attached by connecting at least a portion of the sensor to at least a portion of the mount, using rotation of a key in a track and a latch to securely hold the sensor in the mounting device.
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
Techniques for the design and operation of an efficient battery-powered meter are described herein. A metrology unit of the meter may be at least partially located in the gas flow of a pipe, and measures gas flow rate data according to a static flow sensor. The metrology unit calculates raw gas-volume data using at least the flow rate data as input. The metrology unit measures gas temperature to produce gas temperature data, and adjusts the raw gas-volume data, based at least in part on the gas temperature data, to produce corrected gas-volume data. The metrology unit accumulates the corrected gas-volume data over multiple minutes, hours or even days, and then sends the accumulated corrected gas-volume data to an index unit of the meter. By accumulating the data over time, fewer data transmissions are required. The index unit may send the accumulated the accumulated corrected gas-volume data to a utility server.
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01F 15/075 - Integration to give total flow, e.g. using mechanically-operated integrating mechanism using electrically-operated integrating means
Techniques for the design and operation of an efficient battery-powered modular meter are described herein. A metrology unit of the meter measures gas flow rate data and calculates totalized gas-volume data having an accuracy that is within a threshold value. The metrology unit accumulates the corrected gas-volume data and then sends the accumulated gas-volume data to an index unit. The threshold value of the metrology unit accuracy may be selected to preclude the need for gas volume calculations by the index unit, so that the metrology unit may be functioning independently from the index unit. The metrology unit may also be configured in a separate enclosure. This results in a modular system design where the index unit may be serviced, replaced or certified without affecting the metrology unit of the meter.
G01F 15/04 - Compensating or correcting for variations in pressure, density, or temperature of gases to be measured
G01F 15/075 - Integration to give total flow, e.g. using mechanically-operated integrating mechanism using electrically-operated integrating means
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
82.
SECURE CUSTOMER KEY INJECTION FOR BUILD-TO-STOCK SYSTEMS
Techniques for manufacturing cryptographically-enabled network endpoints are described herein. In an example, an endpoint is provisioned with keys, which may include a revocation key, a command key, a recovery key and other cryptographic information. A buyer of the endpoint may send one or more keys to the manufacturer, and request that a handover package be sent by the manufacturer to the buyer. The manufacturer sends the handover package, which may include cryptographic information appropriately signed by the manufacturer. Upon receipt, the handover package is cryptographically processed by the buyer and portions are included in a takeover package sent to the endpoint. The endpoint may replace operational keys within the endpoint and switch its operation from use of manufacturer-produced credentials to use of buyer-produced credentials. Accordingly, the endpoint is provisioned for secure operation by the owner in an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) or Internet of Things environment.
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
A method of gas detection includes receiving, by a data collection device, reports of detected concentrations of a particular gas from one or more gas sensing devices having one or more associated gas sensors, receiving an alarm from a gas sensing device indicating a detected concentration greater than a predetermined threshold, and receiving concentration updates from the alarming device at a rate faster than that provided by its predetermined reporting schedule. The method may further include sending a command to one or more gas sensing devices nearby the alarming device to send concentration updates. The method may further include determining a location of a gas leak by triangulating the received updates from the alarming device and the nearby devices based on their locations and/or creating and displaying a gas concentration map based on the received updates from the alarming device and the nearby devices and their locations.
An example method of managing a resource includes receiving a request associated with one or more of at least one resource device from one or more other devices over a network; standardizing the request using standardization definitions that are universal across different types of resource devices and their associated drivers; providing the standardized request to one or more handler units associated with the one or more resource devices; receiving a response regarding the request from the one or more handler units; preparing a packaged response; and sending the packaged response to the one or more other devices that sent the request. The method may further include determining whether input information accompanying the request is valid, and if the input information accompanying the request is invalid, sending an error message to the sender of the request. Devices that incorporate such methodology are also disclosed.
Techniques for detecting high impedance conditions in an electrical grid are described herein. In one example, impedance is calculated for each of a plurality of locations within the electrical grid, such as at electrical meters. The impedances may be calculated as a change in voltage divided by a change in current, such as between sequential voltage/current measurements. Statistics may be maintained, including the calculated impedances. In three examples, statistics may be used to identify growth in impedance over multiple days, to identify growth in impedance over multiple hours, and to identify a meter for which impedance is higher than impedance for other meters attached to a single transformer. In a further example, instances of impedance over a threshold value may be identified, from among the maintained statistics. The instances of high impedance may be reported for reasons including cost and safety.
Techniques for identifying electrical theft are described herein. In an example, a secondary voltage of a transformer may be inferred by repeated voltage and current measurement at each meter associated with the transformer. A difference in measured voltage values, divided by a difference in measured current values, estimates impedance at the meter. The calculated impedance, together with measured voltage and current values, determine a voltage at the transformer secondary. Such voltages calculated by each meter associated with a transformer may be averaged, to indicate the transformer secondary voltage. A transformer having lower-than-expected secondary voltage is identified, based in part on comparison to the secondary voltages of other transformers. Each meter associated with the identified transformer may be evaluated to determine if the unexpected voltage is due to a load on the transformer. If a load did not result in the unexpected secondary voltage, power diversion may be reported.
Sealed end points and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example method includes disposing a first flange of a lid within a groove of a housing. The groove is defined by first and second walls of the housing and lid. The method also includes means for welding two stationary components while rotating a third component to weld the three components together. The second flange is positioned between the first flange and the first wall. The housing, the lid, and the collar include a thermoplastic material. The method includes securing the housing and the lid relative to one another and spin welding the housing, the lid, and the collar.
A formula-driven programming-environment is described, which may be used to provide an environment for applications to operate within a network node or other computing device. In one example, statements of a program may be interpreted to thereby execute formula-style commands within an address space defined and constrained in a memory device by the integrated development environment. The commands may obtain data, assign values to variables and access data from other node(s) by the interpretation of statements in the program and communicating over a network. The communicating may include queuing a message for transmission by the formula-driven programming-environment. The commands may provide named access or relative access to data in response to the interpretation of statements in the program. The commands may communicate with at least one application located on a remote computing device in response to the interpretation of statements in the program.
A power line configuration or topology may be determined by identifying metering nodes that have time-stamped voltage values that correlate with voltage values measured at a transformer or other metering nodes at substantially the same time. A correlation between the time-stamped voltage values may be calculated by, in some examples, comparing a difference of a first time-stamped voltage value of a meter and a second time-stamped voltage value of a transformer or the second metering node to a predetermined threshold. If the difference is below the threshold, the metering node may be determined to be connected to the transformer or second metering node by a power distribution line.
An electrical phase (e.g., a phase from among three-phase power) connected to an electrical meter may be determined. In one example of the techniques, changes in energy or power (e.g., a derivative or differences) may be determined based at least in part on measurements from each of a plurality of meters. Changes in energy or power may be determined based at least in part on electrical transmissions measured at each of the phases of a feeder. A meter may be selected from among the plurality of meters. For each of the plurality of electrical phases, the changes in energy or power measured by the meter may be compared or correlated to the changes in energy or power measured at the feeder. A phase that is connected to the meter may be determined, from among the plurality of electrical phases, based at least in part on the comparisons or correlations.
H02J 3/26 - Arrangements for eliminating or reducing asymmetry in polyphase networks
G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques
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
Infrared proximity sensor control of devices is described herein. One disclosed example apparatus includes an infrared proximity detection sensor disposed within a substantially environmentally-isolated zone of an electronic device, where the infrared proximity detection sensor is to detect an input sequence, and a processor to receive the input sequence, where the processor is programmed to interpret a command by comparing a defined sequence to the input sequence.
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to determine the location of endpoints of interest. An example method involves in response to detecting a transmission from the endpoint, determining whether the endpoint is an endpoint of interest. If the endpoint is the endpoint of interest, the example method involves sending a first command to the endpoint to increase a transmission rate of the endpoint, determining an estimated location of the endpoint using signal strengths of subsequent transmissions from the endpoint, and enabling the transmission rate of the endpoint to decrease.
Disclosed are techniques to minimize the electricity consumption of battery powered devices during network communications and performance of other functions. Example techniques include efficiently discovering other mains powered and battery powered devices within communication range of the battery powered device. In another example, techniques enable a battery powered device to serve as a relay for one or more other battery powered devices. In another example, techniques ensure that transmissions to and/or from battery powered devices are delivered efficiently and with low latency. In yet another example, techniques determine whether and under what conditions a battery powered device should migrate from one network to another. In the event of migration, example techniques minimize battery consumption associated with the migration.
H04W 40/22 - Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing using selective relaying for reaching a BTS [Base Transceiver Station] or an access point
Techniques for detecting electrical meter bypass theft are described herein. In one example, a time-series of voltage-changes and current-changes associated with electrical consumption measured at a meter are obtained. The time series may track associated voltage and current changes at short intervals (e.g., 5- minutes). The voltage and current changes may indicate a slight voltage change when an appliance is turned on or off. An analysis (e.g., a regression analysis) may be performed on the voltage-changes against the current-changes. Using the correlation from the analysis, it may be determined if the meter was bypassed.
Techniques for determining aspects of a topology of a smart grid are described herein, and particularly for determining if one or more electrical meters are connected to the same transformer. In one example, time-stamped voltage data is collected from at least two meters. The voltage data may indicate a slight transient change in voltage resulting from a consumer turning on or off an electrical load. In particular, the slight voltage changes may be sensed by all meters attached to a same transformer based on electrical load changes by any one of the customers on the same transformer. Using the time-stamped voltage data, a time-series of voltage-changes may be generated for each electrical meter. A correlation between the time-series of voltage-changes of pairs of meters may be calculated, to thereby determine an affinity between the meters, and particularly if they are connected to a same transformer.
Synchronization methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed. An example method includes storing, in memory of a device, schedule information indicating times at which the device is to listen for a sequential series of data frames, the schedule information further indicating a reference time at which transmission of the sequential series of data frames to the device is to be initiated; initiating a listening session at a first time of the schedule information according to a native clock of the device; identifying which of the data frames of the sequential series is received first during the listening session; and adjusting the native clock of the device based on the identified data frame.
Thermal flow sensors are disclosed. An example thermal flow sensor includes a chip substrate; a heater mounted to a first membrane on the chip substrate; and a temperature sensor mounted to a second membrane on the chip substrate, the second membrane being isolated from the first membrane by material of the chip substrate.
G01F 1/684 - Structural arrangements; Mounting of elements, e.g. in relation to fluid flow
G01F 1/68 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using thermal effects
A utility application store may be configured to present an interface displaying multiple applications that are available from the utility application store. By accessing the interface of the utility application store, a utility supplier may, with a single request, initiate installation or activation of an application on multiple utility meters or other smart sensors in a utility communication network. The utility application store may be configured to provide notification of the availability of applications for utility meters or other smart sensors, consumer computing devices, and/or utility supplier back office computing devices. The utility application store may include one or more distributed applications that include a first portion configured for execution by a utility meter and one or more other portions configured for execution by another computing device (e.g., a personal computer, mobile device, utility supplier back office server, cloud service, or the like).
A utility application store may be configured to present an interface displaying multiple applications that are available from the utility application store. By accessing the interface of the utility application store, a utility supplier may, with a single request, initiate installation or activation of an application on multiple utility meters or other smart sensors in a utility communication network. The utility application store may be configured to provide notification of the availability of applications for utility meters or other smart sensors, consumer computing devices, and/or utility supplier back office computing devices. The utility application store may include one or more distributed applications that include a first portion configured for execution by a utility meter and one or more other portions configured for execution by another computing device (e.g., a personal computer, mobile device, utility supplier back office server, cloud service, or the like).
A utility application store may be configured to present an interface displaying multiple applications that are available from the utility application store. By accessing the interface of the utility application store, a utility supplier may, with a single request, initiate installation or activation of an application on multiple utility meters or other smart sensors in a utility communication network. The utility application store may be configured to provide notification of the availability of applications for utility meters or other smart sensors, consumer computing devices, and/or utility supplier back office computing devices. The utility application store may include one or more distributed applications that include a first portion configured for execution by a utility meter and one or more other portions configured for execution by another computing device (e.g., a personal computer, mobile device, utility supplier back office server, cloud service, or the like).
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
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