Abstract:
A meter reading system comprising a first sensor configured to obtain meter data from a first utility meter and transmit first signals of a first signal type on a first channel, a second sensor configured to receive the first signals on the first channel and transmit second signals of a second signal type on a second channel, and a first circuit. The first circuit configured to receive the second signals on the second channel and transmit third signals via radio frequency signals to a service provider.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     In a typical utility distribution system, a service provider distributes a resource to customers through a network of channels. Utility meters connected to the network of channels measure the amount of the resource, such as gas, water, or electricity, used by the customers. The customers include commercial customers and residential customers.  
         [0002]     In gas and water distribution systems, gas and water channels include pipes connected to each utility meter in the system. In a power distribution system, distribution channels include wires connected to each utility meter in the system. Wires in the network can be run through conduit, such as wires run underground and inside buildings.  
         [0003]     A utility meter is often placed at each customer&#39;s site to measure the amount of the resource used by the customer. The utility meter at a customer&#39;s site is read by the service provider to determine the amount of the resource used by the customer. The service provider, such as a gas utility, water utility or electric power utility, charges the customer based on the meter reading.  
         [0004]     To obtain a meter reading, a service provider employee can observe a display on the utility meter or, in an automated system, an automated meter reader can obtain a meter reading from the utility meter and provide the meter reading to the service provider. In one system, each automated meter reader wirelessly transmits meter readings to a service provider employee driving along the street in a computer-equipped vehicle or walking past the customer&#39;s sites. With an automated meter reader installed at each customer&#39;s site, collecting meter readings can be accomplished much faster and more economically.  
         [0005]     Automated meter readers are typically located next to the utility meters. If utility meters are located inside pits in the ground, wireless transmissions from automated meter readers may be absorbed by the soil and blocked. Also, if the pits are lined with concrete, wireless transmissions may be absorbed by the concrete and the soil, such that meter reading transmissions are blocked and unobtainable. In addition, pits are often covered and difficult to access for directly observing the displays on the utility meters.  
         [0006]     For these and other reasons there is a need for the present invention.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]     One aspect of the present invention provides a meter reading system comprising a first sensor configured to obtain meter data from a first utility meter and transmit first signals of a first signal type on a first channel, a second sensor configured to receive the first signals on the first channel and transmit second signals of a second signal type on a second channel, and a first circuit. The first circuit configured to receive the second signals on the second channel and transmit third signals via radio frequency signals to a service provider. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a utility distribution system environment.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a utility meter reading system environment.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart diagram illustrating the operation of one embodiment of a utility meter reading system.  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart diagram illustrating the operation of another embodiment of a utility meter reading system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0012]     In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a utility distribution system environment  20 . Utility distribution system environment  20  includes customer sites  22   a  and  22   b , a resource distribution channel  24 , a utility service provider vehicle  26 , and a utility meter reading system, indicated at  28 . Utility service provider vehicle  26  travels on a road  30  past customer sites  22   a  and  22   b.    
         [0014]     Customer site  22   a  includes a residential building  32   a , a utility meter pit  34   a , a customer site resource distribution channel  36   a , and a utility meter  38   a . Residential building  32   a  includes a first floor  40   a  and a ground floor or basement  42   a . Utility meter pit  34   a  includes a concrete floor and walls, indicated at  44   a . Customer site resource distribution channel  36   a  extends from utility meter pit  34   a  into basement  42   a  and throughout residential building  32   a . Utility meter  38   a  is located in utility meter pit  34   a  and coupled to resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channel  36   a.    
         [0015]     Customer site  22   b  includes a commercial building  32   b , a utility meter pit  34   b , a customer site resource distribution channel  36   b , and a utility meter  38   b . Commercial building  32   b  includes a first floor  40   b  and a ground floor or basement  42   b . Utility meter pit  34   b  includes a concrete floor and walls, indicated at  44   b . Customer site resource distribution channel  36   b  extends from utility meter pit  34   b  into basement  42   b  and throughout commercial building  32   b . Utility meter  38   b  is located in utility meter pit  34   b  and coupled to resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channel  36   b.    
         [0016]     Resource distribution channel  24 , customer site resource distribution channels  36   a  and  36   b , and utility meters  38   a  and  38   b  are part of a utility distribution system, such as a gas distribution system, a water distribution system, or a power distribution system. Resource distribution channel  24  delivers a resource provided by the utility distribution system to customer sites  22   a  and  22   b . The resource flows from resource distribution channel  24  to customer site resource distribution channel  36   a  and into residential building  32   a , where the resource is used by the customer. The resource flows from resource distribution channel  24  to customer site resource distribution channel  36   b  and into commercial building  32   b , where the resource is used by the customer.  
         [0017]     Utility meters  38   a  and  38   b  are coupled to resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channels  36   a  and  36   b  to measure the amount of the resource provided to customer sites  22   a  and  22   b . Utility meter  38   a  is coupled to resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channel  36   a  to measure the amount of the resource provided to customer site  22   a . Utility meter  38   b  is coupled to resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channel  36   b  to measure the amount of the resource provided to customer site  22   b.    
         [0018]     In a gas distribution system, resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channels  36   a  and  36   b  are gas pipes. Utility meters  38   a  and  38   b  are gas meters fluidically coupled to resource distribution channel  24 . Utility meter  38   a  is fluidically coupled to resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channel  36   a  to measure the amount of gas provided to customer site  22   a . Utility meter  38   b  is fluidically coupled to resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channel  36   b  to measure the amount of gas provided to customer site  22   b . The gas distribution system is operated by a service provider, such as a gas utility, to provide gas to customer sites  22   a  and  22   b  through resource distribution channel  24 .  
         [0019]     In a water distribution system, resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channels  36   a  and  36   b  are water pipes. Utility meters  38   a  and  38   b  are water meters fluidically coupled to resource distribution channel  24 . Utility meter  38   a  is fluidically coupled to resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channel  36   a  to measure the amount of water provided to customer site  22   a . Utility meter  38   b  is fluidically coupled to resource distribution channel  24  and customer site resource distribution channel  36   b  to measure the amount of water provided to customer site  22   b . The water distribution system is operated by a service provider, such as a water utility, to provide water to customer sites  22   a  and  22   b  through resource distribution channel  24 .  
         [0020]     In a power distribution system, resource distribution channel  24  includes conductive wires and customer site resource distribution channels  36   a  and  36   b  include conductive wires in conduit. Utility meters  38   a  and  38   b  are electric power meters electrically coupled to wires in resource distribution channel  24 . Utility meter  38   a  is electrically coupled to wires in resource distribution channel  24  and wires in customer site resource distribution channel  36   a  to measure the amount of electricity provided to customer site  22   a . Utility meter  38   b  is electrically coupled to wires in resource distribution channel  24  and wires in customer site resource distribution channel  36   b  to measure the amount of electricity provided to customer site  22   b . The power distribution system is operated by a service provider, such as an electric power utility, to provide electricity to customer sites  22   a  and  22   b  through the wires in resource distribution channel  24 .  
         [0021]     In one embodiment, utility meter reading system  28  includes meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b , dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48   b , customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b , and service provider wireless circuit  52 . Utility meter reading system  28  obtains resource usage data from customer sites  22   a  and  22   b  and provides the resource usage data to the utility service provider. Customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  wirelessly transmit resource usage data from customer sites  22   a  and  22   b , respectively, to service provider wireless circuit  52 . In one embodiment, customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  are in bi-directional communication with service provider wireless circuit  52 . In one embodiment, customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  communicate with service provider wireless circuit  52  via radio frequency signals.  
         [0022]     Meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b  obtain meter readings or meter reading data from utility meters  38   a  and  38   b . In one embodiment, meter reading sensor  46   a  is electrically coupled to utility meter  38   a  via meter reading conductive path  54   a , and meter reading sensor  46   b  is electrically coupled to utility meter  38   b  via meter reading conductive path  54   b . Meter reading sensor  46   a  obtains meter reading data from utility meter  38   a  via conductive path  54   a , and meter reading sensor  46   b  obtains meter reading data from utility meter  38   b  via conductive path  54   b . In one embodiment, meter reading sensor  46   a  is in bi-directional communication with utility meter  38   a , and meter reading sensor  46   b  is in bi-directional communication with utility meter  38   b . In other embodiments, meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b  obtain meter reading data from utility meters  38   a  and  38   b  in any suitable manner, such as wireless radio frequency transmissions or imaging of displays on utility meters  38   a  and  38   b . In one embodiment, meter reading sensor  46   a  includes an image sensor that acquires an image of the display on utility meter  38   a , and meter reading sensor  46   b  includes an image sensor that acquires an image of the display on utility meter  38   b.    
         [0023]     Meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b  process meter reading data and transmit meter reading signals to dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48   b . In one embodiment, meter reading sensor  46   a  is communicatively coupled to customer site distribution channel  36   a  to transmit meter reading signals via sonic signals. Also, meter reading sensor  46   b  is communicatively coupled to customer site distribution channel  36   b  to transmit meter reading signals via sonic signals. Customer site distribution channels  36   a  and  36   b  include any suitable distribution channel material, such as gas pipes in a gas distribution system, water pipes in a water distribution system, and conduit in a power distribution system. The sonic signals can be any suitable sonic signals. In one embodiment, the sonic signals are in the hearing frequency range, such as 20 Hz-20 KHz. In one embodiment, the sonic signals are in the ultrasonic frequency range, such as greater than 20 KHz. In one embodiment, the sonic signals are amplitude modulated signals. In one embodiment, the sonic signals are frequency modulated signals.  
         [0024]     Dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48   b  receive the meter reading signals from meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b , respectively. Dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48   b  process the received meter reading signals and transmit sensor signals to customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b . In one embodiment, dual channel sensor  48   a  is communicatively coupled to customer site distribution channel  36   a  to receive meter reading signals via sonic signals from meter reading sensor  46   a . Also, dual channel sensor  48   b  is communicatively coupled to customer site distribution channel  36   b  to receive meter reading signals via sonic signals from meter reading sensor  46   b.    
         [0025]     In one embodiment, meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b  are in bi-directional communication with dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48   b  via customer site distribution channels  36   a  and  36   b . Meter reading sensor  46   a  is in bi-directional communication with dual channel sensor  48   a  via customer site distribution channel  36   a , and meter reading sensor  46   b  is in bi-directional communication with dual channel sensor  48   b  via customer site distribution channel  36   b . In one embodiment, meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b  communicate with dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48   b  via other supplied channels, such as pipes or metal bars run in parallel with customer site distribution channels  36   a  and  36   b.    
         [0026]     Dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48   b  transmit sensor signals to customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b . In one embodiment, dual channel sensor  48   a  is electrically coupled to customer site wireless circuit  50   a  via conductive path  56   a , and dual channel sensor  48   b  is electrically coupled to customer site wireless circuit  50   b  via conductive path  56   b . Dual channel sensor  48   a  transmits sensor signals to customer site wireless circuit  50   a  via conductive path  56   a , and dual channel sensor  48   b  transmits sensor signals to customer site wireless circuit  50   b  via conductive path  56   b . In other embodiments, dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48  communicate with customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  in any suitable manner, such as wireless radio frequency transmissions.  
         [0027]     In one embodiment, dual channels sensors  48   a  and  48   b  are in bi-directional communication with customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  via conductive paths  56   a  and  56   b . Dual channel sensor  48   a  is in bi-directional communication with customer site wireless circuit  50   a  via conductive path  56   a . Dual channel sensor  48   b  is in bi-directional communication with customer site wireless circuit  50   b  via conductive path  56   b.    
         [0028]     Customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  receive the sensor signals from dual channels sensors  48   a  and  48   b , respectively. Customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  process the sensor signals and provide resource usage data to service provider wireless circuit  52 . In one embodiment, customer site wireless circuit  50   a  is located on the first floor  40   a  of residential building  32   a  to communicate with service provider wireless circuit  52  via radio frequency signals. Also, customer site wireless circuit  50   b  is located on the first floor  40   b  of commercial building  32   b  to communicate with service provider wireless circuit  52  via radio frequency signals.  
         [0029]     In one embodiment, service provider wireless circuit  52  is located in service provider vehicle  26 . As service provider vehicle  26  travels past customer sites  22   a  and  22   b  on road  30 , service provider wireless circuit  52  requests resource usage data from customer sites  22   a  and  22   b . Customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  receive the request and provide resource usage data from customer sites  22   a  and  22   b . Customer site wireless circuit  50   a  transmits resource usage data from customer site  22   a  and customer site wireless circuit  50   b  transmits resource usage data from customer site  22   b.    
         [0030]     In other embodiments, service provider wireless circuit  52  is located on any suitable mobile or non-mobile platform to retrieve resource usage data from customer sites  22   a  and  22   b . In one embodiment, service provider wireless circuit  52  is part of a hand held device that is carried by a service provider employee past customer sites  22   a  and  22   b  to retrieve resource usage data. In one embodiment, service provider wireless circuit  52  is mounted to a tower located within range of receiving radio frequency transmissions from customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  to receive resource usage data. In one tower embodiment, customer sites  22   a  and  22   b  are programmed to provide resource usage data at periodic intervals to service provider wireless circuit  52  located on the tower.  
         [0031]     In operation of one embodiment including bi-directional communications, service provider wireless circuit  52  transmits a meter reading request for resource usage data from one or both customer sites  22   a  and  22   b . The request from service provider circuit  52  is transmitted via radio frequency signals. Customer site wireless circuit  50   a  receives the request and transmits a meter reading request signal to dual channel sensor  48   a  via conductive path  56   a , and customer site wireless circuit  50   b  receives the request and transmits a meter reading request signal to dual channel sensor  48   b  via conductive path  56   b.    
         [0032]     Dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48   b  receive the request signals and transmit meter reading request signals to meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b . The meter reading request signals are transmitted via sonic signals. Dual channel sensor  48   a  receives a request signal and transmits a meter reading request signal to meter reading sensor  46   a  via customer site resource distribution channel  36   a . The meter reading request signal is transmitted via sonic signals that travel from residential building  32   a  to utility meter pit  34   a  along and through customer site distribution channel  36   a . Dual channel sensor  48   b  receives a request signal and transmits a meter reading request signal to meter reading sensor  46   b  via customer site resource distribution channel  36   b . The meter reading request signal is transmitted via sonic signals that travel from commercial building  32   b  to utility meter pit  34   b  along and through customer site resource distribution channel  36   b.    
         [0033]     Meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b  receive the meter reading request signals and in response provide meter reading data from utility meters  38   a  and  38   b , respectively. Meter reading sensor  46   a  processes the meter reading data from utility meter  38   a  and provides meter reading signals to dual channel sensor  48   a  via customer site distribution channel  36   a . The meter reading signals are transmitted as sonic signals that travel from utility meter pit  34   a  to residential building  32   a  via customer site distribution channel  36   a . Meter reading sensor  46   b  processes the meter reading data from utility meter  38   b  and provides meter reading signals to dual channel sensor  48   b  via customer site distribution channel  36   b . The meter reading signals are transmitted as sonic signals that travel from utility meter pit  34   b  to commercial building  32   b  via customer site distribution channel  36   b.    
         [0034]     Dual channel sensor  48   a  processes the received meter reading signals and provides sensor signals to customer site wireless circuit  50   a , and dual channel sensor  48   b  processes the received meter reading signals and provides sensor signals to customer site wireless circuit  50   b . Customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  transmit resource usage data to service provide wireless circuit  52  via radio frequency signals.  
         [0035]     In operation of another embodiment, meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b  obtain meter reading data from utility meters  38   a  and  38   b , respectively, and periodically provide the meter reading data to the utility service provider. Meter reading sensor  46   a  processes the meter reading data from utility meter  38   a  and provides meter reading signals to dual channel sensor  48   a . The meter reading signals are sonic signals that travel from utility meter pit  34   a  to residential building  32   a  via customer site distribution channel  36   a . Meter reading sensor  46   b  processes the meter reading data from utility meter  38   b  and provides meter reading signals to dual channel sensor  48   b . The meter reading signals are sonic signals that travel from utility meter pit  34   b  to commercial building  32   b  via customer site distribution channel  36   b.    
         [0036]     Dual channel sensor  48   a  processes the received meter reading signals and provides sensor signals to customer site wireless circuit  50   a , and dual channel sensor  48   b  processes the received meter reading signals and provides sensor signals to customer site wireless circuit  50   b . Customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  periodically transmit resource usage data to a service provider wireless circuit, such as a service provider wireless circuit located in a tower, via radio frequency signals.  
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a utility meter reading system environment  100 . Utility meter reading system environment  100  includes a resource distribution channel  102 , a utility meter  104 , a customer site resource distribution channel  106 , and a utility meter reading system, indicated at  108 . Utility meter reading system environment  100  is similar to utility distribution system environment  20  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0038]     Utility meter  104  is coupled to resource distribution channel  102  and to customer site resource distribution channel  106  to measure the amount of a resource provided to a customer&#39;s site. Resource distribution channel  102  supplies a resource from a utility distribution system to utility meter  104 . Resource distribution channel  102  is similar to resource distribution channel  24  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Utility meter  104  measures the amount of the resource provided through resource distribution channel  102  to customer site resource distribution channel  106 . Utility meter  104  is similar to each of the utility meters  38   a  and  38   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Utility meter  104  includes a display  110  that displays the amount of the resource provided to a customer&#39;s site via customer site resource distribution channel  106 .  
         [0039]     Customer site resource distribution channel  106  receives the resource from resource distribution channel  102  via utility meter  104 . Customer site resource distribution channel  106  provides the resource to a customer&#39;s site and is similar to each of the customer site resource distribution channels  36   a  and  36   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Resource distribution channel  102 , utility meter  104 , and customer site resource distribution channel  106  are part of a utility distribution system, such as a gas distribution system, a water distribution system, or a power distribution system.  
         [0040]     In a gas distribution system, resource distribution channel  102  and customer site resource distribution channel  106  are gas pipes. Utility meter  104  is a gas meter fluidically coupled to resource distribution channel  102  and to customer site resource distribution channel  106  to measure the amount of gas provided to a customer&#39;s site via customer site resource distribution channel  106 . The gas distribution system is operated by a service provider, such as a gas utility, to provide gas to customer sites through resource distribution channel  102 .  
         [0041]     In a water distribution system, resource distribution channel  102  and customer site resource distribution channel  106  are water pipes. Utility meter  104  is a water meter fluidically coupled to resource distribution channel  102  and to customer site resource distribution channel  106  to measure the amount of water provided to the customer&#39;s site via customer site resource distribution channel  106 . The water distribution system is operated by a service provider, such as a water utility, to provide water to customer sites through resource distribution channel  102 .  
         [0042]     In a power distribution system, resource distribution channel  102  includes conductive wires and customer site resource distribution channel  106  includes conductive wires in conduit. Utility meter  104  is an electric power meter electrically coupled to wires in resource distribution channel  102  and to wires in customer site resource distribution channel  106  to measure the amount of electricity provided to customer site via customer site resource distribution channel  106 . The power distribution system is operated by a service provider, such as an electric power utility, to provide electricity to customer sites through the wires in resource distribution channel  102 .  
         [0043]     In one embodiment, utility meter reading system  108  includes meter reading sensor  112 , dual channel sensor  114 , customer site wireless circuit  116 , and service provider wireless circuit  118 . Utility meter reading system  108  is similar to utility meter reading system  28  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Utility meter reading system  108  obtains meter reading data from utility meter  104  and provides resource usage data to the utility service provider.  
         [0044]     Meter reading sensor  112  includes a meter reading control circuit  120  and a meter reading sensor transducer  122 . Meter reading control circuit  120  is electrically coupled to utility meter  104  via conductive path  124  and to meter reading sensor transducer  122  via conductive path  126 . Meter reading sensor transducer  122  is communicatively coupled to customer site resource distribution channel  106 . Meter reading sensor  112  is similar to each of the meter reading sensors  46   a  and  46   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Meter reading sensor  112  obtains meter readings or meter reading data from utility meter  104 , processes the meter reading data, and transmits meter reading signals to dual channel sensor  114 .  
         [0045]     Dual channel sensor  114  includes a dual channel control circuit  128  and a dual channel sensor transducer  130 . Dual channel sensor transducer  130  is communicatively coupled to customer site resource distribution channel  106 . Dual channel control circuit  128  is electrically coupled to dual channel sensor transducer  130  via conductive path  132  and to customer site wireless circuit  116  via conductive path  134 . Dual channel sensor  114  is similar to each of the dual channel sensors  48   a  and  48   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Dual channel sensor  114  receives meter reading signals from meter reading sensor  112 , processes the received meter reading signals, and transmits sensor signals to customer site wireless circuit  116 .  
         [0046]     Customer site wireless circuit  116  includes a control circuit  136  and a wireless circuit  138 . Control circuit  136  is electrically coupled to dual channel control circuit  128  via conductive path  134  and to wireless circuit  138  via conductive path  140 . Also, wireless circuit  138  is electrically coupled to antenna  142 . Customer site wireless circuit  116  is similar to each of the customer site wireless circuits  50   a  and  50   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Customer site wireless circuit  116  receives sensor signals from dual channels sensor  114 , processes received sensor signals, and provides resource usage data to service provider wireless circuit  118  via wireless signals.  
         [0047]     Service provider wireless circuit  118  includes a control circuit  144  and a wireless circuit  146 . Wireless circuit  146  is electrically coupled to antenna  148 . Control circuit  144  is electrically coupled to wireless circuit  146  via conductive path  150 , and control circuit  144  is in communication with the service provider at  152 . Service provider wireless circuit  118  is similar to service provider wireless circuit  52  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Service provider wireless circuit  118  receives resource usage data via wireless signals from customer site wireless circuit  116  and provides the resource usage data to the service provider at  152 . The resource usage data indicates the amount of the resource used as measured by utility meter  104  and obtained by meter reading sensor  112 .  
         [0048]     In meter reading sensor  112 , meter reading control circuit  120  obtains meter reading data from utility meter  104  via conductive path  124 . In one embodiment, meter reading control circuit  120  receives electrical pulses from utility meter  104 . The electrical pulses represent the amount of the resource flowing into customer site resource distribution channel  106 . In one embodiment, meter reading control circuit  120  compiles the electrical pulses to obtain a compiled meter reading value. The compiled meter reading value can be any suitable value, such as an accumulated value that is not reset at each meter reading or an accumulated value that is reset at each meter reading.  
         [0049]     In one embodiment, meter reading control circuit  120  receives a compiled meter reading value directly from utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is transmitted periodically from utility meter  104  to meter reading control circuit  120 . In one embodiment, meter reading control circuit  120  communicates bi-directionally with utility meter  104  to request the compiled meter reading value from utility meter  104 , which responds with the compiled meter reading value. In any embodiment, the compiled meter reading value can be any suitable meter reading value, such as an accumulated value that is not reset at each meter reading or an accumulated value that is reset at each meter reading.  
         [0050]     Meter reading control circuit  120  transmits electrical signals to meter reading sensor transducer  122  via conductive path  126 . Meter reading sensor transducer  122  converts the electrical signals to sonic signals. The sonic signals are communicated to dual channel sensor  114  via customer site resource distribution channel  106 .  
         [0051]     In one embodiment, meter reading control circuit  120  transmits an electrical signal for each electrical pulse received from utility meter  104 . The electrical signal is received by meter reading sensor transducer  122 , which transmits a corresponding sonic meter reading signal to dual channel sensor  114 . In one embodiment, meter reading control circuit  120  transmits electrical signals that represent a compiled meter reading value. The electrical signals are received by meter reading sensor transducer  122 , which transmits corresponding sonic meter reading signals to dual channel sensor  114 . In one embodiment, meter reading control circuit  120  transmits electrical signals that represent the compiled meter reading value transmitted periodically by utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, meter reading control circuit  120  periodically transmits electrical signals that represent a meter reading value compiled by meter reading control circuit  120 .  
         [0052]     In one embodiment, meter reading control circuit  120  communicates bi-directionally with dual channel sensor  114 . Meter reading sensor transducer  122  receives sonic signals from dual channel sensor  114  via customer site resource distribution channel  106 . Meter reading sensor transducer  122  converts the received sonic signals to electrical signals that are transmitted to meter reading control circuit  120 .  
         [0053]     In one embodiment, dual channel sensor  114  transmits a sonic meter reading request signal to meter reading sensor transducer  122  that transmits a corresponding electrical meter reading request signal to meter reading control circuit  120 . Meter reading control circuit  120  responds to the request by transmitting a compiled meter reading value to meter reading sensor transducer  122 , which transmits corresponding sonic meter reading signals to dual channel sensor  114 . In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by utility meter  104  and retrieved from utility meter  104  via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by control circuit  120 . In one embodiment, signals received from dual channel sensor  114  include any suitable control signals, such as signals for closing valves coupled to meter reading control circuit  120 .  
         [0054]     In dual channel sensor  114 , dual channel sensor transducer  130  receives sonic signals, such as sonic meter reading signals, from meter reading sensor transducer  122  via customer site resource distribution channel  106 . Dual channel sensor transducer  130  converts the received sonic signals to electrical signals that are transmitted to dual channel control circuit  128  via conductive path  132 . Dual channel control circuit  128  receives the electrical signals from dual channel sensor transducer  130  and provides sensor signals to customer site wireless circuit  116  via conductive path  134 .  
         [0055]     In one embodiment, dual channel sensor transducer  130  receives sonic meter reading signals that represent the electrical pulses from utility meter  104 . Dual channel sensor transducer  130  converts the sonic signals to electrical signals that are provided to dual channel control circuit  128 . In one embodiment, dual channel control circuit  128  compiles the electrical signals to obtain a compiled meter reading value. The compiled meter reading value can be any suitable value, such as an accumulated value that is not reset at each meter reading or an accumulated value that is reset at each meter reading.  
         [0056]     In one embodiment, dual channel sensor transducer  130  receives sonic meter reading signals that represent a compiled meter reading value. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by utility meter  104  and transmitted periodically from utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by meter reading control circuit  120  and transmitted periodically.  
         [0057]     In one embodiment, dual channel sensor transducer  130  and dual channel control circuit  128  communicate bi-directionally with meter reading sensor  112  to request the compiled meter reading value. In bi-directional communication, dual channel control circuit  128  provides electrical signals to dual channel sensor transducer  130  via conductive path  132 . Dual channel sensor transducer  130  converts the electrical signals to sonic signals that are transmitted to meter reading sensor transducer  122  via customer site resource distribution channel  106 .  
         [0058]     In one embodiment, dual channel control circuit  128  provides an electrical meter reading request signal to dual channel sensor transducer  130 . Dual channel sensor transducer  130  converts the electrical meter reading request signal to a sonic meter reading request signal that is transmitted to meter reading sensor transducer  122 . Meter reading sensor  112  responds with a compiled meter reading value. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by utility meter  104  and retrieved from utility meter  104  via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by meter reading control circuit  120 . In one embodiment, signals transmitted by dual channel sensor  114  to meter reading sensor  112  include any suitable control signals, such as signals for closing valves coupled to meter reading control circuit  120 .  
         [0059]     Dual channel control circuit  128  transmits electrical sensor signals to customer site wireless circuit  116  via conductive path  134 . In one embodiment, dual channel control circuit  128  transmits sensor signals that represent the electrical pulses transmitted from utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, dual channel control circuit  120  transmits sensor signals that represent a compiled meter reading value.  
         [0060]     The compiled meter reading value can be any suitable compiled meter reading value. In one embodiment, dual channel control circuit  128  transmits sensor signals that represent the compiled meter reading value transmitted periodically by utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, dual channel control circuit  128  transmits sensor signals that represent the compiled meter reading value compiled by meter reading sensor  112  and transmitted periodically. In one embodiment, dual channel control circuit  128  periodically transmits sensor signals that represent a meter reading value compiled by the dual channel control circuit  128 .  
         [0061]     In one embodiment, dual channel control circuit  128  communicates bi-directionally with customer site wireless circuit  116 . Customer site wireless circuit  116  transmits a meter reading request signal to dual channel control circuit  128 . Dual channel control circuit  128  transmits a compiled meter reading value to customer site wireless circuit  116  in response to the request. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value was compiled by utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value was compiled by meter reading control circuit  120 . In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value was compiled by dual channel control circuit  128 . In one embodiment, signals transmitted by customer site wireless circuit  116  to dual channel sensor  114  include any suitable control signals, such as signals for closing valves coupled to meter reading control circuit  120 .  
         [0062]     In customer site wireless circuit  116 , control circuit  136  receives sensor signals from dual channel control circuit  128  via conductive path  134 . Control circuit  136  processes the sensor signals and transmits signals to wireless circuit  138  via conductive path  140 . Wireless circuit  138  receives the signals and transmits corresponding wireless signals via antenna  142 . The wireless signals are received by service provider wireless circuit  118 . In one embodiment, the wireless signals include resource usage data that is provided to the service provider. In one embodiment, the wireless signals are radio frequency signals.  
         [0063]     In one embodiment, control circuit  136  receives sensor signals that represent the electrical pulses from utility meter  104 . Control circuit  136  compiles the electrical pulse sensor signals to obtain a compiled meter reading value. The compiled meter reading value can be any suitable value, such as an accumulated value that is not reset at each meter reading or an accumulated value that is reset at each meter reading.  
         [0064]     In one embodiment, control circuit  136  receives sensor signals that represent a compiled meter reading value. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by utility meter  104  and transmitted periodically from utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by meter reading control circuit  120  and transmitted periodically. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by dual channel control circuit  128  and transmitted periodically.  
         [0065]     In one embodiment, control circuit  136  communicates bi-directionally with dual channel control circuit  128  to request the compiled meter reading value. In bi-directional communication, control circuit  136  transmits signals to dual channel control circuit  128  via conductive path  134 . In one embodiment, control circuit  136  provides a meter reading request signal to dual channel control circuit  128 . In response, dual channel control circuit  128  transmits sensor signals that represent a compiled meter reading value to control circuit  136 . In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by utility meter  104  and retrieved from utility meter  104  via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by meter reading control circuit  120  and retrieved from meter reading control circuit  120  via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by dual channel control circuit  128 . In one embodiment, signals transmitted by customer site wireless circuit  116  to dual channel sensor  114  include any suitable control signals, such as signals for closing valves coupled to meter reading control circuit  120 .  
         [0066]     Customer site wireless circuit  116  transmits wireless signals to service provider wireless circuit  118 . In wireless communications, control circuit  136  transmits signals to wireless circuit  138 , which transmits corresponding wireless signals via antenna  142  to service provider wireless circuit  118 . Control circuit  136  and wireless circuit  138  transmit wireless signals that represent resource usage data including a compiled meter reading value.  
         [0067]     The compiled meter reading value can be any suitable compiled meter reading value. In one embodiment, control circuit  136  and wireless circuit  138  transmit wireless signals that represent the compiled meter reading value transmitted periodically by utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, control circuit  136  and wireless circuit  138  transmit wireless signals that represent the compiled meter reading value compiled by meter reading control circuit  120  and transmitted periodically. In one embodiment, control circuit  136  and wireless circuit  138  transmit wireless signals that represent the compiled meter reading value compiled by dual channel control circuit  128  and transmitted periodically. In one embodiment, control circuit  136  and wireless circuit  138  periodically transmit wireless signals that represent a meter reading value compiled by control circuit  136 .  
         [0068]     In one embodiment, wireless circuit  138  is a transceiver and control circuit  136  and wireless circuit  138  communicate bi-directionally with service provider wireless circuit  118 . Service provider wireless circuit  118  transmits a meter reading request signal to wireless circuit  138 . Wireless circuit  138  receives the meter reading request signal via antenna  142  and transmits a corresponding meter reading request signal to control circuit  136  via conductive path  140 . Control circuit  136  transmits resource usage data including a compiled meter reading value to service provider wireless circuit  118  in response to the meter reading request signal.  
         [0069]     In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by utility meter  104  and retrieved via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by meter reading control circuit  120  and retrieved via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by dual channel control circuit  128  and retrieved via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by control circuit  136 . In one embodiment, signals transmitted by service provider wireless circuit  118  to customer site wireless circuit  116  include any suitable control signals, such as signals for closing valves coupled to meter reading control circuit  120 .  
         [0070]     In service provider wireless circuit  118 , wireless circuit  146  receives wireless signals via antenna  148  and transmits corresponding signals to control circuit  144  via conductive path  150 . Control circuit  144  transmits signals to the service provider at  152 . Wireless circuit  146  receives wireless signals via antenna  148  from wireless circuits, such as wireless circuit  138  in customer site wireless circuit  116 . In one embodiment, the wireless signals include resource usage data that is provided to the service provider. In one embodiment, the wireless signals are radio frequency signals.  
         [0071]     Service provider wireless circuit  118  receives wireless signals that represent resource usage data including a compiled meter reading value. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by utility meter  104  and transmitted periodically from utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by meter reading control circuit  120  and transmitted periodically. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by dual channel control circuit  128  and transmitted periodically. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by control circuit  136  and transmitted periodically.  
         [0072]     In one embodiment, wireless circuit  146  is a transceiver and wireless circuit  146  and control circuit  144  communicate bi-directionally with customer site wireless circuit  116  to request the compiled meter reading value. In bi-directional communications, control circuit  144  transmits signals to wireless circuit  146  via conductive path  150 . Wireless circuit  146  receives the signals and transmits corresponding wireless signals to customer site wireless circuit  116 .  
         [0073]     In one embodiment, control circuit  144  provides a meter reading request signal to wireless circuit  146 , which transmits a wireless meter reading request signal to customer site wireless circuit  116 . In response, customer site wireless circuit  116  transmits wireless signals that represent a compiled meter reading value to wireless circuit  146  and control circuit  144 .  
         [0074]     In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by utility meter  104  and retrieved from utility meter  104  via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by meter reading control circuit  120  and retrieved from meter reading control circuit  120  via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by dual channel control circuit  128  and retrieved from dual channel control circuit  128  via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is compiled by control circuit  136 . In one embodiment, signals transmitted by service provider wireless circuit  118  to customer site wireless circuit  116  include any suitable control signals, such as signals for closing valves coupled to meter reading control circuit  120 .  
         [0075]     Service provider wireless circuit  118  transmits signals to the service provider at  152 . Control circuit  144  transmits signals that represent resource usage data including a compiled meter reading value to the service provider at  152 . The compiled meter reading value can be any suitable compiled meter reading value. In one embodiment, control circuit  144  transmits signals that represent the compiled meter reading value transmitted periodically by utility meter  104 . In one embodiment, control circuit  144  transmits signals that represent the compiled meter reading value compiled by meter reading control circuit  120  and transmitted periodically. In one embodiment, control circuit  144  transmits signals that represent the compiled meter reading value compiled by dual channel control circuit  128  and transmitted periodically. In one embodiment, control circuit  144  transmits signals that represent a meter reading value compiled by control circuit  136  and transmitted periodically.  
         [0076]     In one embodiment, control circuit  144  communicates bi-directionally with the service provider. The service provider transmits a meter reading request signal to control circuit  144 . Control circuit  144  transmits resource usage data including a compiled meter reading value to the service provider at  152  in response to the request. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by utility meter  104  and retrieved via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by meter reading control circuit  120  and retrieved via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by dual channel control circuit  128  and retrieved via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, the compiled meter reading value is the value compiled by control circuit  136  and retrieved via a meter reading request signal. In one embodiment, signals transmitted by the service provider to service provider wireless circuit  118  include any suitable control signals, such as signals for closing valves coupled to meter reading control circuit  120 .  
         [0077]     Control circuits  120 ,  128 ,  136  and  144  can be any suitable control circuitry, such as microprocessors, microcontrollers or application specific integrated circuit control circuits. Also, control circuits  120 ,  128 ,  136  and  144  include suitable memory and programs for providing the requisite functions.  
         [0078]     In one embodiment, service provider wireless circuit  118  is located on a mobile platform, such as a service provider vehicle or a hand held device. As the mobile platform travels past customer site wireless circuit  116 , service provider wireless circuit  118  transmits a wireless meter reading request. Customer site wireless circuit  116  receives the request and provides resource usage data.  
         [0079]     In one embodiment, service provider wireless circuit  118  is located on a stationary or non-mobile platform, such as a tower. In one embodiment, the service provider wireless circuit  118  that is located on the non-mobile platform transmits a wireless meter reading request. Customer site wireless circuit  116  receives the request and provides resource usage data. In one embodiment, meter  104  or one of the control circuits  120 ,  128 , or  136  is programmed to periodically provide resource usage data to the service provider wireless circuit  118  that is located on the non-mobile platform. The compiled meter reading value can be periodically obtained from any suitable source, such as meter  104  or one of the control circuits  120 ,  128 , or  136  via a meter reading request signal.  
         [0080]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart diagram illustrating the operation of one embodiment of utility meter reading system  108 . In this embodiment, service provider wireless circuit  118 , customer site wireless circuit  116 , dual channel sensor  114 , and meter reading sensor  112  communicate bi-directionally. The meter reading value is compiled by meter reading sensor  112 .  
         [0081]     At  200 , the service provider initiates a meter reading and a meter reading request signal is received by control circuit  144 . In response, control circuit  144  provides a meter reading request signal to wireless circuit  146 , which transmits a wireless meter reading request signal via antenna  148  to customer site wireless circuit  116  at  202 . Wireless circuit  138  receives the meter reading request signal via antenna  142  at  204  and transmits a corresponding meter reading request signal to control circuit  136 . In response to the meter reading request signal, control circuit  136  provides a meter reading request signal to dual channel sensor  114 .  
         [0082]     At  206 , dual channel control circuit  128  receives the meter reading request signal and provides an electrical meter reading request signal to dual channel sensor transducer  130 . Dual channel sensor transducer  130  converts the electrical meter reading request signal to a sonic meter reading request signal that is transmitted to meter reading sensor  112  via customer site resource distribution channel  106 . At  208 , meter reading sensor transducer  122  receives the sonic meter reading request signal and transmits a corresponding electrical meter reading request signal to meter reading control circuit  120 . Meter reading control circuit  120  responds to the request by transmitting a compiled meter reading value to meter reading sensor transducer  122 . The compiled meter reading value is compiled by control circuit  120 . Meter reading sensor transducer  122  transmits sonic meter reading signals including the compiled meter reading value to dual channel sensor  114 .  
         [0083]     At  210 , dual channel sensor transducer  130  receives the sonic meter reading signals from meter reading sensor transducer  122  via customer site resource distribution channel  106 . Dual channel sensor transducer  130  converts the received sonic meter reading signals to electrical signals that are transmitted to dual channel control circuit  128 . Dual channel control circuit  128  receives the electrical signals from dual channel sensor transducer  130  and provides sensor signals including the compiled meter reading value to customer site wireless circuit  116 .  
         [0084]     At  212 , control circuit  136  receives the sensor signals including the compiled meter reading value. In response, control circuit  136  processes the sensor signals and transmits signals to wireless circuit  138 , which receives the signals and transmits corresponding wireless resource usage data signals via antenna  142 . The transmitted wireless resource usage data signals include the compiled meter reading value.  
         [0085]     At  214 , service provider wireless circuit  118  receives the wireless resource usage data signals including the compiled meter reading value. Wireless circuit  146  receives the wireless resource usage data signals via antenna  148  and transmits corresponding signals to control circuit  144 . Control circuit  144  transmits the resource usage data including the compiled meter reading value to the service provider.  
         [0086]     In other embodiments including bi-directional communications, the compiled meter reading value is obtained from another component, such as customer site wireless circuit  116 , dual channel sensor  114 , and utility meter  104 . The meter reading request is transmitted to the appropriate component and the compiled meter reading value is provided.  
         [0087]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart diagram illustrating the operation of another embodiment of utility meter reading system  108 . In this embodiment, a meter reading request signal is not used to initiate a meter reading. Instead, meter reading sensor  112  compiles the meter reading value and periodically initiates a meter reading.  
         [0088]     At  300 , meter reading sensor  112  initiates a meter reading. Meter reading control circuit  120  transmits electrical signals including the compiled meter reading value to meter reading sensor transducer  122 . The electrical signals are received by meter reading sensor transducer  122  and converted to sonic meter reading signals that include the compiled meter reading value. The sonic meter reading signals are transmitted to dual channel sensor  114  via customer site resource distribution channel  106 .  
         [0089]     At  302 , dual channel sensor transducer  130  receives the sonic meter reading signals and converts the received sonic signals to electrical signals that are transmitted to dual channel control circuit  128 . Dual channel control circuit  128  receives the electrical signals from dual channel sensor transducer  130  and provides sensor signals that include the compiled meter reading value to customer site wireless circuit  116 .  
         [0090]     At  304 , control circuit  136  receives the sensor signals that include the compiled meter reading value and transmits corresponding signals to wireless circuit  138 . Wireless circuit  138  receives the corresponding signals and transmits wireless resource usage data signals that include the compiled meter reading value via antenna  142 . At  306 , the wireless resource usage data signals are received by service provider wireless circuit  118 . Wireless circuit  146  receives the wireless resource usage data signals via antenna  148  and transmits corresponding signals to control circuit  144 . Control circuit  144  transmits the resource usage data including the compiled meter reading value to the service provider.  
         [0091]     In other embodiments, a periodic meter reading can be initiated by any suitable component, such as service provider wireless circuit  118 , customer site wireless circuit  116 , dual channel sensor  114 , and utility meter  104 . Also, the compiled meter reading can be obtained from any suitable component, such as customer site wireless circuit  116 , dual channel sensor  114 , meter reading sensor  112  and utility meter  104 , by providing a periodic meter reading request to the component that provides the compiled meter reading.  
         [0092]     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.