Patent ID: 8436744
Filing Date: 2013-05-07
Classification: G01D,Y02B,Y04S

Abstract:
1. In a metering system that includes a utility meter and a collector configured to exchange data, a method of prioritizing the collection of GDT meter readings, the method comprising: at the utility meter, capturing a GDT meter reading that quantifies the consumption of a utility service; allocating with a data item the captured GDT meter reading an enhanced priority level relative to other transmissions from the meter; during a reporting window, transmitting a packet containing the GDT meter reading and the data item that identifies the enhanced priority level of the GDT meter reading transmission; and at the collector, receiving the transmission of the GDT meter reading, identifying the elevated priority allocated to the transmission, and causing the GDT meter reading to be forwarded from the collector to a host computer prior to the processing and transmission of other meter readings.