Itron

About: Itron is a company organization based out in Liberty Lake, Washington, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Automatic meter reading & Node (networking). The organization has 502 authors who have published 570 publications receiving 9331 citations.

Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations

Abstract: A wide area communications network communicating data from a plurality of network service modules through a plurality of remote cell nodes and intermediate data terminals to a central data terminal. The wide area communicates network collects network generated by a plurality of physical devices such as gas, water or electricity meters, located within a geographical area. The wide area communications network is a layered network have a hierarchical communications topology. The central data terminal controls network operation. Intelligence exists at all layers of the network, thereby easing the workload of the central data terminal. The intelligence attributed to each module is a function of the application of that module.

Communications protocol for remote data generating stations

Abstract: A method for communicating data between a central data terminal, a plurality of intermediate data terminals, a plurality of remote cell nodes, and a plurality of network service modules, using a plurality of frames with each frame having a plurality of channels. The plurality of intermediate data terminals transmit IDT-synchronization signals to the plurality of remote cell nodes on a first channel of the frame. The plurality of remote cell nodes transmit RCN-synchronization signals to the plurality of network service modules on a second channel of the frame. The network service modules transmit data from a plurality of physical devices, using radio waves, as NSM-packet signals to the plurality of remote cell nodes using a fourth channel of the frame. The plurality of remote cell nodes store the incoming NSM-packet signals and, responsive to a first polling signal transmitted in a third channel of the frame from a particular intermediate data terminal, transmit the NSM-packet signals to the intermediate data terminal as RCN-packet signals on a fifth channel of the frame. The intermediate data terminal in turn stores the RCN-packet signals received from the plurality of remote cell nodes and, responsive to a second polling signal transmitted from the central data terminal on a sixth channel of the frame, transmits the RCN-packet signals as an IDT-packet signal on a seventh channel of the frame to the central data terminal.

System and method for energy usage curtailment

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for performing energy usage management within a network (10). The system may include an energy management system (14), such as a thermostat device (24), that may be associated with an energy consuming entity (22), such as a residence. A server (12) may be remotely located from the energy consuming entity (22) and may perform one or more energy curtailment management operations within the network (10). The server (12) may be in communication with the energy management system (14) over the network (10). One or more software applications may be stored thereon for remotely controlling the energy management system (14) in accordance with a particular energy curtailment management operation. Additionally, a database (21) may be associated with the server (21) for storing curtailment event information relating to the network (10). A signal may be transmitted by the server (12) to the thermostat device (24) to alter an offset temperature setting of the thermostat device (24) thereby remotely controlling the operation of thermostat device (24). The thermostat (24) device may also include a networking software application (30) for enabling the remote monitoring and controlling of the thermostat device (24).

HVAC Communication System

Abstract: A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor. The communication signals are RF modulated signals between 5 and 50 MHz so as to take advantage of and pass across parasitic capacitances found inherent in transformers or other coils disposed within HVAC loads.