Patent ID: 6633825
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A utility meter, comprising:a) a source of commodity consumption information; b) a timing circuit operable to generate timing signals; c) a communication circuit operable to receive externally generated reference time values; and d) a controller operably coupled to said source of commodity consumption information to receive commodity consumption information therefrom, operably coupled to said timing circuit to receive timing signals therefrom, and operably coupled to said communication circuit to obtain the externally generated reference time values therefrom, the controller operable to: generate metering information based at least in part on said commodity consumption information; generate a first real-time value based at least in part on an externally generated first reference time value; derive a subsequent second real-time value, based at least in part on the first real-time value, the timing signals, and a calibration value; obtain an externally generated second reference time value; determine a rate adjustment based at least in part on a difference between said second real-time value and said second reference time value; and generate a subsequent real-time value based at least in part on said timing signals, the calibration value, and the rate adjustment.