Patent ID: 7209049

Claim:
A distributed meter reading system for use with multiple endpoints forming at least a portion of a utility distribution infrastructure, wherein each of the multiple endpoints collects information associated with at least consumption of a utility or other resource, the system comprising: a portable computing device including: a processor; an operating system executed by the processor; an application configured for managing utility consumption information collected by the multiple endpoints, wherein the application accesses capabilities of the processor and executes in association with the operating system; and a storage component for storing aspects of the managed information, wherein the storage component is coupled to the processor; wherein the portable computing device does not communicate independently with the multiple endpoints; a portable interface device configured to operate independently of the portable computing device, the interface device including: an endpoint communication component configured to communicate with at least some of the multiple endpoints in a vicinity of the interface device; and at least one user interaction component; and a short-range wireless link for establishing communication between the portable computing device and the interface device, wherein the portable computing device and the interface device are coupled exclusively via the wireless link, and wherein the portable computing device and the portable interface device operate together as a meter reading unit.