EP 0974946 A2 20000126 - Optical communication system for utility meters
Title (en)
Optical communication system for utility meters
Title (de)
Optisches-übertragungssystem für Verbrauchzählern
Title (fr)
System de communication optique pour compteurs de consommation
Publication
Application
Priority
- GB 9815945 A 19980723
- GB 9815943 A 19980723
Abstract (en)
The present invention relates to an improved optical communication system for gas or electricity meters. The system comprises a transmitter and a receiver disposed on a utility meter, and a further transmitter and receiver disposed on a receiver unit. The utility meter transmitter is arranged to transmit a data signal and a further signal to the receiver unit, with the further signal having a pulse width greater than a pulse width of the data signal. The receiver unit further comprises a separation means for separating the data signal and the further signal based on pulse width. The further signal may contain calibration information or be used to link the meter to external equipment. The present invention advantageously allows for a reduction in component parts while enhancing the functionality of the meter. <IMAGE>
IPC 1-7
IPC 8 full level
G08C 23/04 (2006.01)
CPC (source: EP)
G08C 23/04 (2013.01); G08C 2201/51 (2013.01)
Designated contracting state (EPC)
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
DOCDB simple family (publication)
EP 0974946 A2 20000126; EP 0974946 A3 20050413; GB 2339986 A 20000209; GB 9917108 D0 19990922
DOCDB simple family (application)
EP 99114445 A 19990722; GB 9917108 A 19990722