Kumar, Navaneet (Cary, NC, US)
Kelley, Raymond (Raleigh, NC, US)
Rudran, Dileep (Cary, NC, US)
Scoggins, Sean M. (Raleigh, NC, US)

Plaque It! Sponsored by: Flash of Genius

11/020694

02/05/2008

12/22/2004

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Elster Electricity, LLC (Raleigh, NC, US)

455/405

709/224, 340/870.020, 345/440, 345/419, 707/104.100

H04M11/00

455/457, 455/405, 709/224, 707/104.1, 345/419, 455/406

3455815	SORPTION PROCESS	July, 1969	Saltzberg et al.	340/163
3858212	MULTI-PURPOSE INFORMATION GATHERING AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM	December, 1974	Tompkins et al.	343/100CS
3878512	Data transmitting system	April, 1975	Kobayashi et al.	340/168R
3973240	Power line access data system	August, 1976	Fong	340/151
4031513	RF data exchange system	June, 1977	Simciak	340/152T
4056107	Crop residue deflector means	November, 1977	Todd et al.	130/27
4066964	Communication system	January, 1978	Costanza et al.	325/55
4132981	Self-powered system for measuring and storing consumption of utility meter	January, 1979	White	340/203
4190800	Electrical load management system	February, 1980	Kelly, Jr. et al.	325/37
4204195	Meter terminal unit for use in automatic remote meter reading and control system	May, 1980	Bogacki	340/151
4218737	Revenue metering system for power companies	August, 1980	Buscher et al.	364/493
4250489	Distribution network communication system having branch connected repeaters	February, 1981	Dudash et al.	340/147
4254472	Remote metering system	March, 1981	Juengel et al.	364/900
4319358	Information transmission	March, 1982	Sepp	375/1
4321582	Data retrieval system and method	March, 1982	Banghart	340/310
4322842	Broadcast system for distribution automation and remote metering	March, 1982	Martinez	370/204
4328581	Adaptive HF communication system	May, 1982	Harmon et al.	371/8
4361851	System for remote monitoring and data transmission over non-dedicated telephone lines	November, 1982	Asip et al.	358/84
4361890	Synchronizing system	November, 1982	Green, Jr. et al.	375/1
4396915	Automatic meter reading and control system	August, 1983	Farnsworth et al.	340/870.03
4405829	Cryptographic communications system and method	September, 1983	Rivest et al.	178/22.14
4415896	Computer controlled energy monitoring system	November, 1983	Allgood	340/870.03
4466001	Polling system for multiple terminal units	August, 1984	Moore et al.	340/825.08
4504831	Utility usage data and event data acquisition system	March, 1985	Jahr et al.	340/870.03
4506386	Battery saver for a paging receiver or the like _	March, 1985	Ichikawa et al.	455/343
4513415	Broadcast synchronization and supervision system	April, 1985	Martinez	370/92
4525861	Zoned data communications system for communicating message signals between portable radios and a host computer	June, 1985	Freeburg	455/33
4600923	Remote meter display unit	July, 1986	Hicks et al.	340/870.02
4608699	Simulcast transmission system	August, 1986	Batlivala et al.	375/216
4611333	Apparatus for despreading a spread spectrum signal produced by a linear feedback shift register (LFSR)	September, 1986	McCallister et al.	375/1
4614945	Automatic/remote RF instrument reading method and apparatus	September, 1986	Brunius et al.	340/870.03
4617566	Addressable-port, daisy chain telemetry system with self-test capability	October, 1986	Diamond	340/870.11
4628313	Apparatus and method for remotely monitoring a utility meter by use of a liquid crystal display	December, 1986	Gombrich et al.	340/870.02
4631538	Single frequency multitransmitter telemetry system	December, 1986	Carreno	340/870.18
4638298	Communication system having message repeating terminals	January, 1987	Spiro	340/827
4644321	Wireless power line communication apparatus	February, 1987	Kennon	340/310
4653076	Timing signal correction system for use in direct sequence spread signal receiver	March, 1987	Jerrim et al.	375/115
4672555	Digital ac monitor	June, 1987	Hart et al.	700/276
4680704	Optical sensor apparatus and method for remotely monitoring a utility meter or the like	July, 1987	Konicek et al.	364/525
4688038	Remote meter-reader device for gas meters, and the like	August, 1987	Giammarese	340/870.02
4692761	Adaptive communication network and method	September, 1987	Robinton	340/825
4707852	Utility usage data and event data acquisition system	November, 1987	Jahr et al.	379/107
4713837	Communication network	December, 1987	Gordon	379/93
4724435	Bi-directional data telemetry system	February, 1988	Moses et al.	340/870.13
4728950	Magnetic sensor apparatus for remotely monitoring a utility meter or the like	March, 1988	Hendrickson et al.	340/870.31
4734680	Detection system with randomized transmissions	March, 1988	Gehman et al.	340/539
4749992	Utility monitoring and control system	June, 1988	Fitzmeyer et al.	340/870.02
4757456	Device and method for utility meter reading	July, 1988	Benghiat	364/464
4769772	Automated query optimization method using both global and parallel local optimizations for materialization access planning for distributed databases	September, 1988	Dwyer	364/300
4783748	Method and apparatus for remote measurement	November, 1988	Swarztrauber et al.	364/483
4792946	Wireless local area network for use in neighborhoods	December, 1988	Mayo	370/338
4799059	Automatic/remote RF instrument monitoring system	January, 1989	Grindahl et al.	340/870.03
4804938	Distribution energy management system	February, 1989	Rouse et al.	340/310
4811011	Automatic metering apparatus	March, 1989	Sollinger	340/870.02
4827514	Method and apparatus to detect and recover a pseudo-random sequence	May, 1989	Ziolko et al.	380/48
4833618	System for automatically reading utility meters from a remote location	May, 1989	Verma et al.	364/483
4839645	Weather data transmitting system	June, 1989	Lill	340/870.17
4841545	Synchronous tracking device for direct spread spectrum receiver	June, 1989	Endo et al.	375/1
4860379	Data communications system	August, 1989	Schoeneberger et al.	455/5
4862493	Electronic remote data recorder for electric energy metering	August, 1989	Venkataraman et al.	379/107
4868877	Public key/signature cryptosystem with enhanced digital signature certification	September, 1989	Fischer	380/25
4884021	Digital power metering	November, 1989	Hammond et al.	324/142
4912722	Self-synchronous spread spectrum transmitter/receiver	March, 1990	Carlin	375/1
4922518	Selective dissemination of information	May, 1990	Gordon et al.	379/57
4939726	Method for routing packets in a packet communication network	July, 1990	Flammer et al.	370/94.1
4940974	Multiterminal communication system and method	July, 1990	Sojka	340/825.08
4940976	Automated remote water meter readout system	July, 1990	Gastouniotis et al.	340/870.02
4958359	Communication apparatus	September, 1990	Kato	375/1
4964138	Differential correlator for spread spectrum communication system	October, 1990	Nease et al.	375/1
4965533	Direct digital synthesizer driven phase lock loop frequency synthesizer	October, 1990	Gilmore	331/18
4972507	Radio data protocol communications system and method	November, 1990	Lusignan	455/51
5007052	Method for routing packets by squelched flooding	April, 1991	Flammer	370/85.6
5018165	Communication system using spread spectrum and leaky transmission line	May, 1991	Sohner et al.	375/1
5022046	Narrowband/wideband packet data communication system	June, 1991	Morrow, Jr.	375/1
5032833	Adaptive network routing for power line communications	July, 1991	Laporte	340/825.02
5053766	Telemetering system for electrical power consumed by various users	October, 1991	Ruiz-del-Portal et al.	340/870.02
5053774	Transponder arrangement	October, 1991	Schuermann et al.	342/44
5056107	Radio communication network for remote data generating stations	October, 1991	Johnson et al.	375/1
5067136	Wireless alarm system	November, 1991	Arthur et al.	375/1
5079715	Electronic data recorder for electric energy metering	January, 1992	Venkataraman et al.	364/481
5079768	Method for frequency sharing in frequency hopping communications network	January, 1992	Flammer	370/94.1
5086292	Tamper detection device for utility meter	February, 1992	Johnson et al.	340/637
5086385	Expandable home automation system	February, 1992	Launey	364/188
5090024	Spread spectrum communications system for networks	February, 1992	Vander Mey et al.	375/1
5111479	Spread spectrum receiver and carrier sense circuit therefor	May, 1992	Akazawa	375/1
5115433	Method and system for routing packets in a packet communication network	May, 1992	Baran et al.	370/94.3
5115448	Spread spectrum receiver	May, 1992	Mori	375/1
5129096	System which routes radio transmissions to selected repeaters for retransmission	July, 1992	Burns	455/18
5130987	Method for synchronizing a wide area network without global synchronizing	July, 1992	Flammer	370/103
5132985	Spread spectrum receiver	July, 1992	Hashimoto et al.	375/1
5136614	Spread spectrum communication system	August, 1992	Hiramatsu et al.	375/1
5142694	Reporting unit	August, 1992	Jackson et al.	455/67.1
5151866	High speed power analyzer	September, 1992	Glaser et al.	364/483
5155481	Two and three wire utility data communications system	October, 1992	Brennan, Jr. et al.	340/870.02
5160926	Display transducer apparatus	November, 1992	Schweitzer, III	340/870.02
5166664	Warning method and apparatus and parallel correlator particularly useful therein	November, 1992	Fish	340/539
5177767	Spread-spectrum communication system	January, 1993	Kato	375/1
5179376	Substation load distribution monitor system	January, 1993	Pomatto	340/870.02
5189694	Telemetry access arrangement	February, 1993	Garland	379/106
5194860	Radio telemetry systems with channel selection	March, 1993	Jones et al.	340/370.02
5197095	System for remote transfer and collection of data, in particular from meters	March, 1993	Bonnett	379/107
5204877	Spread spectrum modulating device	April, 1993	Endo et al.	375/1
5214587	Device for monitoring utility usage	May, 1993	Green	364/464.04
5225994	Control and supervisory system for power distribution equipment	July, 1993	Arinobu et al.	364/492
5228029	Cellular TDM communication system employing offset frame synchronization	July, 1993	Kotzin	370/95.1
5229996	Split-window time alignment	July, 1993	Bäckström et al.	370/100.1
5239575	Telephone dial-inbound data acquisition system with demand reading capability	August, 1993	White et al.	379/107
5239584	Method and apparatus for encryption/authentication of data in energy metering applications	August, 1993	Hershey et al.	380/28
5243338	Two and three wire utility data communications system	September, 1993	Brennan, Jr. et al.	340/870.02
5252967	Reader/programmer for two and three wire utility data communications system	October, 1993	Brennan et al.	340/870.02
5260943	TDM hand-off technique using time differences	November, 1993	Comroe et al.	370/95.1
5270704	Autonomous pulse reading and recording system	December, 1993	Sosa Quintana et al.	340/870.02
5280498	Packet data communication system	January, 1994	Tymes et al.	375/1
5280499	Spread spectrum communication system	January, 1994	Suzuki	375/1
5285469	Spread spectrum wireless telephone system	February, 1994	Vanderpool	375/1
5287287	Power consumption rate display device	February, 1994	Chamberlain et al.	364/483
5289497	Broadcast synchronized communication system	February, 1994	Jacobson et al.	375/1
5295154	Radio frequency local area network	March, 1994	Meier et al.	375/1
5307349	TDMA network and protocol for reader-transponder communications and method	April, 1994	Shloss et al.	370/85.2
5311541	Frequency agile radio	May, 1994	Sanderford, Jr.	375/1
5311542	Spread spectrum communication system	May, 1994	Eder	375/1
5315531	Energy monitoring system for a plurality of local stations with snapshot polling from a central station	May, 1994	Oravetz et al.	364/550
5319679	Method and apparatus for recovering data from a radio signal	June, 1994	Bagby	375/106
5329547	Method and apparatus for coherent communication in a spread-spectrum communication system	July, 1994	Ling	375/1
5345225	Tamper detection system for load management device	September, 1994	Davis	340/635
5359625	Spread spectrum communication system particularly-suited for RF network communication	October, 1994	Vander Mey et al.	375/1
5377222	Frequency agile radio	December, 1994	Sanderford, Jr.	375/1
5381462	Utility monitor communications systems	January, 1995	Larson et al.	379/107
5383134	Data transmission device, system and method	January, 1995	Wrzesinski	364/514
5384712	Energy monitoring system for a plurality of local stations with snapshot polling from a central station	January, 1995	Oravetz et al.	364/550
5387873	Method of synchronizing two signals	February, 1995	Muller et al.	327/155
5390360	R.F. communication system interrogation apparatus and method	February, 1995	Scop et al.	455/34.2
5406495	Substation load distribution monitor system	April, 1995	Hill	364/483
5416917	Heterogenous database communication system in which communicating systems identify themselves and convert any requests/responses into their own data format	May, 1995	Adair et al.	395/500
5420799	Circuit breaker - associated backpack unit for lower-link communication with a PC computer monitoring system and energy monitoring system using a plurality of such backpack units	May, 1995	Peterson et al.	364/483
5428636	Radio frequency local area network	June, 1995	Meier	375/202
5430759	Low-power frequency-hopped spread spectrum reverse paging system	July, 1995	Yokev et al.	375/202
5432507	Method and network for operating a distribution network	July, 1995	Mussino et al.	340/870.03
5432815	Data modulator-demodulator apparatus of a spread spectrum communication system	July, 1995	Kang et al.	375/200
5438329	Duplex bi-directional multi-mode remote instrument reading and telemetry system	August, 1995	Gastouniotis et al.	340/870.02
5448230	Remote data acquisition and communication system	September, 1995	Schanker et al.	340/870.03
5448570	System for mutual synchronization and monitoring between base stations	September, 1995	Toda et al.	370/95.3
5450088	Transponder arrangement	September, 1995	Meier et al.	342/51
5452465	Supervisor control and data acquisition system and method of operation	September, 1995	Geller et al.	395/800
5455533	Transducer circuit with adjustable output impedance	October, 1995	Köllner	327/484
5455544	Low power consumption binary phase-shift-keyed (BPSK) modulator using reflective electronic switching techniques	October, 1995	Kechkaylo	332/103
5455569	Link layered communications network and method	October, 1995	Sherman et al.	340/825.02
5455822	Method and apparatus for establishing spread spectrum communication	October, 1995	Dixon et al.	370/18
5457713	Spread spectrum alignment repositioning method	October, 1995	Sanderford, Jr. et al.	375/206
5461558	Method and apparatus having time dependent sleep modes	October, 1995	Patsiokas et al.	364/145
5463657	Detection of a multi-sequence spread spectrum signal	October, 1995	Rice	375/200
5473322	Apparatus and method for sensing tampering with a utility meter	December, 1995	Carney	340/870.02
5475742	System for remote data collection, process for operating this system and associated collection device	December, 1995	Gilbert	379/106
5475867	Distributed supervisory control and data acquisition system	December, 1995	Blum	455/53.1
5479442	Spectrum spread receiver and spectrum spread transmitter-receiver including same	December, 1995	Yamamoto	375/206
5481259	Method for reading a plurality of remote meters	January, 1996	Bane	340/870.03
5488608	Method and system for routing packets in a packet communication network using locally constructed routing tables	January, 1996	Flammer, III	370/85.13
5491473	System for remote data collecting, method implemented in this system and data collector device	February, 1996	Gilbert	340/870.01
5493287	Method of remotely reading a group of meters	February, 1996	Bane	340/825.52
5495239	Method and apparatus for communicating with a plurality of electrical metering devices and a system control center with a mobile node	February, 1996	Ouellette	340/870.02
5497424	Spread spectrum wireless telephone system	March, 1996	Vanderpool	380/34
5499243	Method and apparatus for coordinating transfer of information between a base station and a plurality of radios	March, 1996	Hall	370/85.8
5500871	Spread spectrum communication transmitter an LSI therefor	March, 1996	Kato et al.	375/208
5511188	Networked facilities management system with time stamp comparison for data base updates	April, 1996	Pascucci et al.	395/600
5519388	Method and apparatus for active temperature compensation in a radiowave transmitter	May, 1996	Adair, Jr.	340/870.02
5521910	Method for determining a best path between two nodes	May, 1996	Matthews	370/54
5522044	Networked facilities management system	May, 1996	Pascucci et al.	395/200.06
5524280	Method of acquiring a channel in a general frequency reuse system	June, 1996	Douthitt et al.	455/62
5525898	Programmable multi-channel load profile recorder and method of recording electrical energy metering quantities therein	June, 1996	Lee, Jr. et al.	324/142
5526389	Spread spectrum open loop data recovery processor	June, 1996	Buell et al.	375/200
5528507	System for utility demand monitoring and control using a distribution network	June, 1996	McNamara et al.	364/483
5528597	Autonomous synchronization of base stations in a digital wireless radiotelephone network	June, 1996	Gerszberg et al.	370/95.3
5539775	Modulated spread spectrum in RF identification systems method	July, 1996	Tuttle et al.	375/200
5541589	Power meter data acquisition and control system	July, 1996	Delaney	340/870.02
5544036	Energy management and home automation system	August, 1996	Brown, Jr. et al.	364/145
5546424	Spread spectrum communication system	August, 1996	Miyake	375/206
5548527	Programmable electrical energy meter utilizing a non-volatile memory	August, 1996	Hemminger et al.	364/492
5548633	Data collection network apparatus and method	August, 1996	Kujawa et al.	379/93
5553094	Radio communication network for remote data generating stations	September, 1996	Johnson et al.	375/200
5555508	Programmable electrical energy meter and methods therefor	September, 1996	Munday et al.	364/492
5559870	Method and apparatus for providing information to a subscriber over an electronic network	September, 1996	Patton et al.	379/107
5566332	Method and combination for minimizing data conversions when data is transferred between a first database storing data in a first format and a second database storing data in a second format	October, 1996	Adair et al.	395/600
5570084	Method of loose source routing over disparate network types in a packet communication network	October, 1996	Ritter et al.	340/825.05
5572438	Engery management and building automation system	November, 1996	Ehlers et al.	364/492
5574657	Electronic rate meter controller and method	November, 1996	Tofte	364/510
5590179	Remote automatic meter reading apparatus	December, 1996	Shincovich et al.	379/107
5592470	Broadband wireless system and network architecture providing broadband/narrowband service with optimal static and dynamic bandwidth/channel allocation	January, 1997	Rudrapatna et al.	370/320
5594740	Wireless communications application specific enabling method and apparatus	January, 1997	LaDue	379/59
5602744	Universal send/receive utility usage data gathering system	February, 1997	Meek et al.	364/464.22
5617084	Apparatus for communicating utility usage-related information from a utility usage location to a utility usage registering device	April, 1997	Sears	331/176
5619192	Apparatus and method for reading utility meters	April, 1997	Ayala	340/870.02
5619685	Run-time dynamically adaptive computer process for facilitating communication between computer programs	April, 1997	Schiavone	395/500
5621629	Switching power supply for use in an electronic energy meter having a wide range of input voltages	April, 1997	Hemminger et al.	363/56
5627759	Electrical energy meters having real-time power quality measurement and reporting capability	May, 1997	Bearden et al.	364/483
5631636	Method of reducing power consumption in a remote meter reading system	May, 1997	Bane	340/825.69
5636216	Method for translating internet protocol addresses to other distributed network addressing schemes	June, 1997	Fox et al.	370/402
5640679	Method and an apparatus for handing off mobile station from a first to a second channel in a mobile communication system	June, 1997	Lundqvist et al.	455/33.2
5659300	Meter for measuring volumetric consumption of a commodity	August, 1997	Dresselhuys et al.	340/870.02
5668803	Protocol for packet data communication system	September, 1997	Tymes et al.	370/312
5668828	Enhanced frequency agile radio	September, 1997	Sanderford, Jr. et al.	375/202
5673252	Communications protocol for remote data generating stations	September, 1997	Johnson et al.	370/449
5684472	Method and apparatus for remotely accessing meter status information in a meter reading system	November, 1997	Bane	340/870.02
5684799	Full service network having distributed architecture	November, 1997	Bigham et al.	370/397
5691715	Method and apparatus for detecting fraudulent power line communications signal	November, 1997	Ouellette	340/870.09
5692180	Object-oriented cell directory database for a distributed computing environment	November, 1997	Lee	395/610
5696501	Method and apparatus for performing the register functions for a plurality of metering devices at a common node	December, 1997	Ouellette et al.	340/870.02
5696765	Configurable hybrid medium access control for cable metropolitan area networks	December, 1997	Safadi	370/436
5696903	Hierarchical communications system using microlink, data rate switching, frequency hopping and vehic	December, 1997	Mahany	395/200.58
5699276	Utility meter providing an interface between a digital network and home electronics	December, 1997	Roos	364/514A
5714931	Personalized security system	February, 1998	Petite et al.	340/539
5715390	Method and apparatus for providing upgrades in electricity meters	February, 1998	Hoffman et al.	395/188.01
5717604	Network monitoring system for tracking, billing and recovering licenses	February, 1998	Wiggins	364/514C
5719564	Utility meter reading system	February, 1998	Sears	340/870.02
5745901	Workflow initiated by graphical symbols	April, 1998	Entner et al.	707/103
5748104	Wireless remote telemetry system	May, 1998	Argyroudis et al.	340/870.11
5748619	Communication network providing wireless and hard-wired dynamic routing	May, 1998	Meier	370/278
5751914	Method and system for correlating a plurality of events within a data processing system	May, 1998	Coley et al.	395/51
5751961	Integrated internet system for translating logical addresses of internet documents to physical addresses using integrated service control point	May, 1998	Smyk	395/200.47
5754772	Transaction service independent HTTP server-to-transaction gateway	May, 1998	Leaf	395/200.33
5754830	Server and web browser terminal emulator for persistent connection to a legacy host system and method of operation	May, 1998	Butts et al.	395/500
5757783	Method and apparatus for routing ATM cells in an AD-ATM LAN	May, 1998	Eng et al.	370/315
5768148	Man machine interface for power management control systems	June, 1998	Murphy et al.	364/492
5778368	Real-time embedded software respository with attribute searching apparatus and method	July, 1998	Hogan et al.	707/10
5787437	Method and apparatus for shared management information via a common repository	July, 1998	Potterveld et al.	707/103
5790789	Method and architecture for the creation, control and deployment of services within a distributed computer environment	August, 1998	Suarez	395/200.32
5790809	Registry communications middleware	August, 1998	Holmes	395/200.58
5801643	Remote utility meter reading system	September, 1998	Williams et al.	340/870.02
5805712	Apparatus and method for providing secured communications	September, 1998	Davis	380/50
5808558	Remote universal send/receive utility usage data gathering system	September, 1998	Meek et al.	340/870.01
5809059	Method and apparatus for spread spectrum channel assignment	September, 1998	Souissi et al.	375/202
5822521	Method and apparatus for assigning policy protocols in a distributed system	October, 1998	Gartner et al.	395/200.6
5850187	Integrated electronic tag reader and wireless communication link	December, 1998	Carrender et al.	340/10.42
5862391	Power management control system	January, 1999	Salas et al.	395/750.01
5872774	Mobile station assisted timing synchronization in a CDMA communication system	February, 1999	Wheatley, III et al.	370/335
5874903	RF repeater for automatic meter reading system	February, 1999	Shuey et al.	340/870.02
5875183	Mobile communication system	February, 1999	Nitadori	370/328
5875402	Time-synchronous communication system	February, 1999	Yamawaki	455/502
5884184	Supervised cellular reporting network	March, 1999	Sheffer	455/521
5892758	Concentrated subscriber wireless remote telemetry system	April, 1999	Argyroudis	370/335
5896382	Method and apparatus for communicating information between a headend and subscriber over a wide area network	April, 1999	Davis et al.	370/401
5897607	Automatic meter reading system	April, 1999	Jenney et al.	702/62
5898387	Modular meter based utility gateway enclosure	April, 1999	Davis et al.	340/870.02
5907491	Wireless machine monitoring and communication system	May, 1999	Canada et al.	364/468.15
5907540	Radio data communication apparatus having a relay function and radio data communication method and system using the same	May, 1999	Hayashi	370/315
5910799	Location motion sensitive user interface	June, 1999	Carpenter et al.	345/333
5923269	Energy meter with multiple protocols for communication with local and wide area networks	July, 1999	Shuey et al.	340/870.02
5926103	Personalized security system	July, 1999	Petite	340/825.19
5926531	Transmitter for accessing pay-type telephones	July, 1999	Petite	379/144
5943375	Method to indicate synchronization lock of a remote station with a base station	August, 1999	Veintimilla	375/355
5944842	Method and apparatus for data encoding and communication over noisy media	August, 1999	Propp et al.	714/701
5953319	Wide area mobile communication networks with multiple routing mode options	September, 1999	Dutta et al.	370/238
5959550	Remote meter reading system	September, 1999	Giles	340/870.02
5960074	Mobile tele-computer network for motion picture, television and tv advertising production	September, 1999	Clark	379/310
5963146	Wide area communications network for remote data generating stations	October, 1999	Johnson et al.	340/870.1
5974236	Dynamically reconfigurable communications network and method	October, 1999	Sherman	395/200.51
5986574	System and method for communication between remote locations	November, 1999	Colton	340/870.02
6000034	Security system and method for revenue class electricity meter	December, 1999	Lightbody et al.	713/202
6028522	System for monitoring the light level around an ATM	February, 2000	Petite	340/641
6034988	Spread spectrum apparatus and method for network RF data communications having extended communication channels	March, 2000	VanderMey et al.	375/202
6035201	Radio telephone channel selection	March, 2000	Whitehead	455/455
6041056	Full service network having distributed architecture	March, 2000	Bigham et al.	370/395
6061604	RF base repeater for automated residence management system	May, 2000	Russ et al.	700/90
6067029	Power check meter	May, 2000	Durston	340/870.03
6073169	Automatic meter reading system employing common broadcast command channel	June, 2000	Shuey et al.	709/217
6073174	Remote access systems	June, 2000	Montgomerie et al.	709/224
6078251	Integrated multi-meter and wireless communication link	June, 2000	Landt et al.	340/10.41
6078785	Demand reporting of electricity consumption by radio in relays to a base station, and demand relays wattmeters so reporting over a wide area	June, 2000	Bush	455/7
6078909	Method and apparatus for licensing computer programs using a DSA signature	June, 2000	Knutson	705/59
6088659	Automated meter reading system	July, 2000	Kelley et al.	702/62
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Kincaid, Lester G.

Shedrick, Charles

Woodcock Washburn LLP

What is claimed:

1. A method for providing a geographic view of nodes in a wireless network, comprising: receiving geographic location data and operating status data for the nodes in the wireless network comprising a collector and a plurality of meters that communicate wirelessly with the collector, each of the meters having a wireless communication path to the collector that is either a direct path or an indirect path through one or more intermediate meters that serve as repeaters, the wireless communication paths between each meter and the collector defining a layout of the network, the geographic location data comprising a digital land parcel for each node; associating each node with a corresponding geographic location by computing a center point of the node's digital land parcel and associating the node with the computed center point; and rendering a geographic view of the nodes overlaying an aerial photograph, the geographic view displaying each of the nodes at their corresponding geographic location on the aerial photograph, the geographic view further displaying the operating status data directly within the geographic view without first requiring interaction with an item in the geographic view.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the geographic location data comprises receiving longitude coordinates and latitude coordinates.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving node connection data; and displaying in the geographic view at least one connection between the nodes.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein displaying in the geographic view the at least one connection between the nodes comprises displaying in the geographic view a connection path from a meter to a collector.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving node connection data; and displaying in the geographic view an orphaned node that is not connected to any of the other nodes.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the operating status data directly within the geographic view comprises displaying communications success rates for the nodes directly within the geographic view.

7. The method of claim 6, comprising displaying each of the nodes in a color corresponding to its communications success rate.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the operating status data directly within the geographic view comprises displaying in the geographic view a visual alert adjacent to a location of a communications event occurrence to indicate the occurrence.

9. The method of claim 8, comprising displaying in the geographic view the visual alert corresponding to at least one member of a group comprising a node tampering incident, a node health related alarm, a low battery indication, a maintenance indication, a disconnection, a reconnection, a power outage, a power restoration, and a communications problem.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying in the geographic view a plurality of sub-networks within the network layout, each sub-network displayed in a corresponding color.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising displaying a plurality of sub-networks each comprising nodes that are associated with a particular network component.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving historical network information; and displaying in the geographic view the historical network information.

13. The method of claim 1, comprising rendering the geographic view according to geographic information systems standards.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a query to display network information in accordance with a specified criteria; and displaying the network information in accordance with the specified criteria.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising rendering a geographic view that displays a tampered node at a new location that is different from a previous location at which the tampered node was displayed in a previously rendered geographic view.

16. A computer readable medium having computer executable instructions for performing the steps recited in claim 1.

17. A system for providing a geographic view of a network layout, comprising: a wireless local area network with a plurality of nodes comprising a collector and a plurality of meters that communicate wirelessly with the collector, each of the meters having a wireless communication path to the collector that is either a direct path or an indirect path through one or more intermediate meters that serve as repeaters, the wireless communication paths between each meter and the collector defining a layout of the network; a geographic view rendering tool that receives geographic location data and operating status data for the nodes the geographic location data comprising a digital land parcel for each node, associates each node with a corresponding geographic location by computing a center point of the node's digital land parcel and associating the node with the computed center point, and renders the geographic view overlaying an aerial photograph displaying the nodes at their corresponding geographic locations on the aerial photograph, the geographic view further displaying the operating status data directly within the geographic view without first requiring interaction with an item in the geographic view.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the geographic location data comprises longitude coordinates and latitude coordinates.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the geographic view displays network information collected from the wireless local area network.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the network information comprises node communications paths between nodes.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the geographic view displays a connection path from a meter to a collector.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the operating status data comprises communication success rates for the nodes.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the geographic view displays the nodes in colors corresponding to their associated communications success rates.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the operating status data comprises data indicating an occurrence of a communications event.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the geographic view displays a visual alert adjacent to a location of the communications event occurrence to indicate the occurrence.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the communications event is at least one member of a group comprising a node tampering incident, a node health related alarm, a maintenance indication, a disconnection, a reconnection, a power outage, a power restoration, and a communications problem.

27. The system of claim 19, wherein the geographic view displays a plurality of sub-networks within the network layout, each sub-network displayed in a corresponding color.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein each sub-network comprises nodes that are associated with a particular network component.

29. The system of claim 19, wherein the network information is historical network information.

30. The system of claim 17, wherein the geographic view is rendered according to geographic information systems standards.

31. The system of claim 17, wherein the geographic view rendering tool can be queried to display the geographic view in accordance with a specified criteria.

32. The system of claim 17, wherein the geographic view displays a tampered node at a new location that is different from a previous location at which the tampered node was displayed in a previously rendered geographic view.

33. The system of claim 20, wherein the node communications paths changes dynamically, and the geographic view displays dynamic changes to the node communications paths.

34. The system of claim 33, further comprising a network management system that polls network elements to track the dynamic changes to the node communications paths.

35. The system of claim 33, further comprising a network management system that is notified by network elements of the dynamic changes to the node communications paths.

36. The system of claim 17, wherein the operating status data changes dynamically, and the geographic view displays dynamic changes to the operating status data.

37. The system of claim 36, further comprising a network management system that polls network elements to track the dynamic changes to the operating status data.

38. The system of claim 36, further comprising a network management system that is notified by network elements of the dynamic changes to the operating status data.

39. The method of claim 3, further comprising: receiving updated node connection data comprising data regarding dynamic changes to node communications paths; and displaying in the geographic view the dynamic changes to the node communications paths.

40. The method of claim 39, further comprising: polling, by a network management system, network elements to track the dynamic changes to the node communications paths.

41. The method of claim 39, further comprising: receiving at a network management system from a network element a notification of the dynamic changes to the node communications paths.

42. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving updated operating status data comprising dynamic changes to the operating status data; and displaying in the geographic view the dynamic changes to the operating status data.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising: polling, by a network management system, network elements to track the dynamic changes to the operating status data.

44. The method of claim 42, further comprising: receiving at a network management system from a network element a notification of the dynamic changes to the operating status data.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wireless networks for collecting data, and more particularly, to systems and methods of geographically visualizing fixed wireless network layouts and performance characteristics for such networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The collection of meter data from electrical energy, water, and gas meters has traditionally been performed by human meter-readers. The meter-reader travels to the meter location, which is frequently on the customer's premises, visually inspects the meter, and records the reading. The meter-reader may be prevented from gaining access to the meter as a result of inclement weather or, where the meter is located within the customer's premises, due to an absentee customer. This methodology of meter data collection is labor intensive, prone to human error, and often results in stale and inflexible metering data.

Some meters have been enhanced to include a one-way radio transmitter for transmitting metering data to a receiving device. A person collecting meter data that is equipped with an appropriate radio receiver need only come into proximity with a meter to read the meter data and need not visually inspect the meter. Thus, a meter-reader may walk or drive by a meter location to take a meter reading. While this represents an improvement over visiting and visually inspecting each meter, it still requires human involvement in the process.

An automated means for collecting meter data involves a fixed wireless network. Devices such as, for example, repeaters and gateways are permanently affixed on rooftops and pole-tops and strategically positioned to receive data from enhanced meters fitted with radio-transmitters. Typically, these transmitters operate in the 902-928 MHz range and employ Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology to spread the transmitted energy over a large portion of the available bandwidth.

Data is transmitted from the meters to the repeaters and gateways and ultimately communicated to a central location. While fixed wireless networks greatly reduce human involvement in the process of meter reading, such systems require the installation and maintenance of a fixed network of repeaters, gateways, and servers. Identifying an acceptable location for a repeater or server and physically placing the device in the desired location on top of a building or utility pole is a tedious and labor-intensive operation. Furthermore, each meter that is installed in the network needs to be manually configured to communicate with a particular portion of the established network. When a portion of the network fails to operate as intended, human intervention is typically required to test the effected components and reconfigure the network to return it to operation.

Thus, while existing fixed wireless systems have reduced the need for human involvement in the daily collection of meter data, such systems require substantial human investment in planning, installation, and maintenance and are relatively inflexible and difficult to manage. Therefore, there is a need for systems and methods for providing a geographic visualization of the wireless network layout and network information to simplify the maintenance and future planning of the network.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to systems and methods of providing a geographic view of nodes in a wireless network as well as network information. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a geographic view rendering tool receives geographic locations data for the nodes and renders a geographic view displaying the nodes at their corresponding geographic locations. The geographic locations data may include, for example, a set of longitude and latitude coordinates or a center point of a digital land parcel.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the geographic view may be displayed overlaying a digital map such that the geographic view displays an accurate position of each node on the digital map. The digital map may be, for example, an aerial photograph, a topographic map, an elevation map, a street map, or a land parcel.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the geographic view rendering tool receives network information and renders the geographic view displaying the network information. The network information may include, for example, node connections data, communication success rates for the nodes, and occurrences of communications events at the nodes. The network information may be shown by displaying the nodes and/or their connections in a variety colors and icons. A query may be submitted requesting that network information be displayed based on a specified criteria, and the geographic view may be rendered accordingly.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the view may be manipulated to display one or more sub-networks. Each such sub-network may include, for example, a group of nodes that are all associated with a particular network component such as, for example, a collector, transformer, feeder or substation. The sub-networks may be distinguished, for example, by color coding the connections between the nodes with each sub-network.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings exemplary constructions of the invention; however, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless system for collecting data from remote devices;

FIG. 2 expands upon the diagram of FIG. 1 and illustrates a system in which the present invention is embodied;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary process of producing a geographic view of a network layout;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary geographic view;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary geographic view selected for a particular sub-network; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary geographic view overlaying a aerial photograph.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary systems and methods for gathering meter data are described below with reference to FIGS. 1-5. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the description given herein with respect to those figures is for exemplary purposes only and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of potential embodiments.

Generally, a plurality of meter devices, which operate to track usage of a service or commodity such as, for example, electricity, water, and gas, are operable to wirelessly communicate with each other. A collector is operable to automatically identify and register meters for communication with the collector. When a meter is installed, the meter becomes registered with the collector that can provide a communication path to the meter. The collectors receive and compile metering data from a plurality of meter devices via wireless communications. A communications server communicates with the collectors to retrieve the compiled meter data.

FIG. 1 provides a diagram of an exemplary metering system 110 . System 110 comprises a plurality of meters 114 , which are operable to sense and record usage of a service or commodity such as, for example, electricity, water, or gas. Meters 114 may be located at customer premises such as, for example, a home or place of business. Meters 114 comprise an antenna and are operable to transmit data, including service usage data, wirelessly. Meters 114 may be further operable to receive data wirelessly as well. In an illustrative embodiment, meters 114 may be, for example, a electrical meters manufactured by Elster Electricity, LLC.

System 110 further comprises collectors 116 . Collectors 116 are also meters operable to detect and record usage of a service or commodity such as, for example, electricity, water, or gas. Collectors 116 comprise an antenna and are operable to send and receive data wirelessly. In particular, collectors 116 are operable to send data to and receive data from meters 114 . In an illustrative embodiment, meters 114 may be, for example, an electrical meter manufactured by Elster Electricity, LLC.

A collector 116 and the meters 114 that are registered to the collector 116 define a subnet/LAN 120 of system 110 . As used herein, meters 114 and collectors 116 maybe considered as nodes in the subnet 120 . For each subnet/LAN 120 , data is collected at collector 116 and periodically transmitted to a data collection server 206 . The data collection server 206 stores the data for analysis and preparation of bills. The data collection server 206 may be a specially programmed general purpose computing system and may communicate with collectors 116 wirelessly or via a wire line connection such as, for example, a dial-up telephone connection or fixed wire network.

Generally, collector 116 and meters 114 communicate with and amongst one another using any one of several robust wireless techniques such as, for example, frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) and direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS). As illustrated, meters 114 a are “first level” meters that communicate with collector 116 , whereas meters 114 b are higher level meters that communicate with other meters in the network that forward information to the collector 116 .

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a system 200 in which the present invention may be embodied. The system 200 includes a network configuration system 202 , a network management system (NMS) 204 and a data collection server 206 that together manage one or more subnets/LANs 120 and their constituent nodes. The NMS 204 tracks changes in network state, such as new nodes registering/unregistering with the system 200 , node communication paths changing, etc. This information is collected for each subnet/LAN 120 and are detected and forwarded to the network configuration system 202 and data collection server 206 .

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, communication between nodes and the system 200 is accomplished using the LAN ID, however it is preferable for customers to query and communicate with nodes using their own identifier. To this end, a marriage file 208 may be used to correlate a customer serial number and LAN ID for each node (e.g., meters 114 a ) in the subnet/LAN 120 . A device configuration database 210 stores configuration information regarding the nodes. For example, in the metering system 110 , the device configuration database may the time of use (TOU) program assignment for the meters 114 a communicating to the system 200 . A data collection requirements database 212 contains information regarding the data to be collected on a per node basis. For example, a user may specify that metering data such as load profile, demand, TOU, etc. is to be collected from particular meter(s) 114 a . Reports 214 containing information on the network configuration may be automatically generated or in accordance with a user request.

The network management system (NMS) 204 maintains a database describing the current state of the global fixed network system (current network state 220 ) and a database describing the historical state of the system (historical network state 222 ). The current network state 220 contains data regarding current meter to collector assignments and other network information for each subnet/LAN 120 . The historical network state 222 is a database from which the state of the network at a particular point in the past can be reconstructed. The NMS 204 is responsible for, amongst other things, providing reports 214 about the state of the network. The NMS 204 may be accessed via an API 220 that is exposed to a user interface 216 and a Customer Information System (CIS) 218 . Other external interfaces may be implemented in accordance with the present invention. In addition, the data collection requirements stored in the database 212 may be set via the user interface 216 or CIS 218 .

The data collection server 206 collects data from the nodes (e.g., collectors 116 ) and stores the data in a database 224 . The data includes metering information, such as energy consumption and may be used for billing purposes, etc. by a utility provider.

The network configuration system 202 , network management system 204 and data collection server 206 communicate with the nodes in each subnet/LAN 120 via a communication system 226 . The communication system 226 may be a Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum radio network, a mesh network, a Wi-Fi (802.11) network, a Wi-Max (802.16) network, a land line (POTS) network, etc., or any combination of the above and enables the system 200 to communicate with the metering system 110 .

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary process of producing a geographic view of a network layout. Client 146 may submit a geographic view request 320 via user interface 216 . The request 320 may be transferred over network 144 , which may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. To enable request 320 to be placed over the Internet, the user interface 216 may be a browser-based interface that may be accessed via a web browser at client 146 .

The request 320 is received by network management system 204 , which, upon receiving the request, retrieves network information 322 from current and/or historical network state databases 220 and 222 . Upon its compilation, the network information 322 is forwarded to graph rendering tool 310 . The network information 322 may include, for example, node connections data, communication success rates for the nodes, and occurrences of communications events at the nodes. A communications event may be, for example, a node tampering incident, a node health related alarm, a low battery indication, a maintenance indication, a disconnection, a reconnection, a power outage, a power restoration, or a communications problem.

In addition to the network information 322 , geographic location data 324 is also provided to the rendering tool 310 via network configuration system 202 . The geographic location data 324 may include longitude and latitude coordinates for the nodes. Otherwise, if digital land parcels are available for the area, the geographic location data 324 may include digital data 324 a such as the center point of a digital land parcel at which a node is located. The geographic location data 324 may be provided by a user via client 146 or by a third party such as, for example, a geo-coding service or tool. Upon receiving the geographic location data 324 , the rendering tool 310 associates each node with a corresponding geographic location.

Generally, rendering tool 310 uses network information 322 , geographic location data 324 , and digital data 326 to render geographic view 328 , which displays each node in the network layout at its corresponding geographic location. In addition to displaying the nodes, geographic view 328 may also display the network information 322 . For example, geographic view 328 may display connections between the nodes, including paths between various network elements. Specifically, geographic view 328 may display a path from each meter to its registered collector. Additionally, geographic view 328 may distinguish “orphaned” nodes which are not connected to any other node in the network. Such orphaned nodes may be displayed with a uniquely shaped icon. For example, connected nodes may be displayed with a circular icon, while orphaned nodes may be displayed with a triangular icon.

Geographic view 328 may also display a number of sub-networks within the network layout. Each sub-network may include a group of nodes that are all associated with a particular network component such as, for example, a collector, transformer, feeder or substation. The sub-networks may be distinguished by color coding the connections between the nodes within each sub-network. Geographic view 328 may also display communication success rates for the nodes. For example, the icon for each node may be color coded according to its corresponding communications success rate. Geographic view 328 may also display visual alerts to indicate the occurrence of a communications event. For example, when an event occurs at a particular node within a specified time period, a plus (“+”) icon may be displayed adjacent to the node.

In addition to current network information, geographic view 328 may be rendered based on historical network information stored in database 222 and also historical digital maps or other topographical information. Geographic view 328 may be displayed in accordance with geographic information systems (GIS) standards, thereby enabling the view to integrate well with third party tools that support rich GIS functionality. For example, such tools may be used to easily identify meters within a specified distance from another meter. The integration also allows the manipulation of a large display area, zooming in and out as necessary to examine the details.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary geographic view 400 . View 400 includes a display selection bar 410 , which enables various network elements and network information to be displayed. For example, selecting the collector check box within bar 410 causes collectors to be displayed within view 400 . As shown, the collectors are displayed with a large circle icon. Additionally, connected meters are displayed with dot icons, while orphaned meters are displayed with plus shaped icons. The meter level check box of selection bar 410 is selected, which causes view 400 the size of each of each meter's icon to correspond to its associated meter level. Specifically, meters with the lowest corresponding meter level zero are displayed with the small dot, while meters with the highest corresponding meter level four are displayed with the large dot. Alternatively, the communications success rate check box could be selected, which would cause the size of each meter's icon to correspond to its associated communications success rate. Additionally, the color of each meter, rather than the size, may change according to various attributes.

View 400 includes three collectors, the “ 2664 ” collector, the “ 2665 ” collector, and the “ 2666 ” collector. Each collector has a corresponding sub-network, which includes all meters that are registered to the collector. The connections between the meters within each sub-network are color coded. For example, connections between the meters in the “ 2664 ” sub-network may be displayed in yellow, connections between the meters in the “ 2665 ” sub-network may be displayed in blue, and connections between the meters in the “ 2666 ” sub-network may be displayed in red. View 400 may be manipulated to show more or less detailed views of the network layout. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a close up view of the 2666 collector sub-network. The close up view of FIG. 5 may be selected, for example, by clicking on the 2666 collector with an attached mouse. Additionally, the view may be adjusted to focus on the path of an individual meter to the 2666 collector by, for example, clicking on the individual meter with the mouse.

Geographic view 328 may be displayed overlaying a digital map such as, for example, an aerial photograph, a topographic map, an elevation map, a street map, or a land parcel. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates geographic view 328 overlaying an aerial photograph. As shown, the aerial photograph shows man-made and geographical structures surrounding network elements. Displaying geographic view 328 in a “map view” overlaying a digital map provides a number of advantages with respect to network management. For example, if a meter is communicating poorly, the map view may be used to quickly and easily determine the cause of the problem. Specifically, an aerial photograph such as shown in FIG. 6 may be used to determine whether there is a man-made or geographic obstruction in the path of the meter. Additionally, by facilitating the assessment of relative and/or absolute distances among various network elements, the map view may be used to determine whether the problem is a function of distance. If the meter is located in close proximity to the collector or to a repeater, then the problem is probably not related to distance, and the map view may then be used to determine whether a tamper condition or a meter hardware problem is responsible. The map view may also be used to identify a cluster of nodes that are experiencing a similar problem, such as, for example, a power outage.

The map view is also useful to identify instances of meter theft or vandalism. In particular, the map view may be used to identify a meter that is stolen and then installed at a different location. For example, if an outlying meter is originally connected to a collector through several intermediate nodes, and is later directly connected or connected through fewer intermediate nodes, then this can be easily determined from the map view. Specifically, the map view may show an unexpected long line from the meter to the collector or to a new repeater node. Likewise, if a meter is moved further from a collector, then the map view may change to show a connection through several new repeaters. Furthermore, if the meter is moved so far away that it registers with a new collector, then the map view may change to show a long connection from the previous meter location to the new collector, thereby making the tamper self-evident.

Rendering tool 310 may be queried to generate a view 328 that includes network information based in specified criteria, and the view 328 may be rendered accordingly. For example, if a meter is stolen and then installed elsewhere, then the malfunction may be identified by querying for connections that are no longer than a specified distance. Additionally, the query may request meters that have communication characteristics that are significantly different from those of other meters located in close proximity.

Geographic view 328 may be used to facilitate the future planning and management of the network layout. For example, geographic view 328 may be used to easily and rapidly identify when several meters in close proximity to one another are experiencing communications problems. It may be then determined that new collectors and/or repeaters are needed in close proximity to those meters. Also, if an existing deployment of meters is to be expanded, then geographic view 328 may be used to identify locations at which new collectors and/or repeaters should be located. Specifically, geographic view 328 may be used to determine, based on maximum number of hops and the distances involved, whether an existing collector network would be capable of supporting the new meters at the new locations. Additionally, if new collectors and/or repeaters are needed, geographic view 328 may be used to determine their expected ranges.

While systems and methods have been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modification and variations may be made without departing from the principles described above and set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims as describing the scope of disclosed embodiments.