Optical communication system for utility meters

(19)

(11)

EP 0 974 946 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	13.04.2005 Bulletin 2005/15

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	26.01.2000 Bulletin 2000/04

(21)	Application number: 99114445.2

(22)	Date of filing: 22.07.1999

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁷: G08C 23/04, G08C 19/22

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
	Designated Extension States:
	AL LT LV MK RO SI

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Priority:

23.07.1998 GB 9815945
23.07.1998 GB 9815943

(71)	Applicant: Siemens Metering Limited
	Oldbury, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8FZ (GB)

(72)	Inventor:
	Hamer, Mark Littleborough, Lancashire OL15 OEE (GB)

(74)	Representative: Humphrey-Evans, Edward John
	Humphrey-Evans Intellectual Property Services Limited 1 Hawkes Close Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2SZ Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2SZ (GB)

(54)	Optical communication system for utility meters

(57) 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.

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