Patent ID: 7626511

Claim:
A utility meter interface unit configured to connect in a one-way automatic meter reading network, the utility meter interface unit comprising: transmitter circuitry configured to transmit a first plurality of narrow band signals at a first, limited power level for reception by a drive-by receiver and configured to transmit second pluralities of frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum signals at a second limited power level that is greater than the first power level by at least one order of magnitude for reception by a receiver in a fixed network; and wherein the transmitter circuitry is configured to transmit the narrow band frequency signals at first intervals of less than one minute over a plurality of hours, except when interrupted for transmitting one of the second pluralities of frequency-hopping spread-spectrum signals at a second interval which is longer than the first interval by at least one order of magnitude; wherein the first plurality of narrow band signals and one of the second pluralities of frequency hopping signals are each transmitted during respective intervals within a single operational sequence; and wherein transmitting the narrow band signals for reception by a drive-by receiver at the first intervals more frequently than the spread spectrum signals transmitted for reception by a receiver in a fixed network at the second intervals provides communication for drive-by receivers while conserving power in the utility meter interface unit.