Itron Gmbh

Itron Electricity Metering, Inc.

Brian Keith Seal

Brent Martin

Stephen M Simmons

Eric Norrod

The present technology involves a method and apparatus for detecting and reporting magnetic fields in the proximity of a utility meter as an approach to determining tampering of such meter. The sensitivity level of the magnetic field sensors may be adjustable allowing either remote or local sensitivity adjustments to a magnetic field sensor to compensate for variations in the electromagnetic environments of different meter installation sites. Alternatively, the output of each magnetic field sensor may be connected to the input of an adjustable threshold circuit. When the output voltage of the magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a magnetic event signal is generated. Threshold adjustments to the adjustable threshold circuit may be performed locally at the meter site or remotely from a station. The output of each magnetic field sensor may be monitored by a locally or remotely programmable magnetic sensor output monitor. Such magnetic sensor output monitor generates a magnetic event signal when a predetermined number of magnetic sensors have been activated.

Magnetic field sensing for tamper identification

A metering data preservation and storage methodology, including steps for protecting data during periods in which power is lost to the meter, is provided. In particular, a methodology for using non-volatile flash memory structures is used in association with various volatile memory structures for the storage and preservation of metering data acquired from a solid-state utility meter. The methodology includes the use of the volatile memory structures for the temporary storage and alteration of the measured and calculated metering data so as to avoid an effective reduction in the lifespan of the non-volatile memory structure which can only be written, erased and rewritten to a finite number of times. Further, such usage reduces costs associated with the maintenance and incorporation of such memory types in the meter. The methodology further includes the use of the non-volatile flash memory as a permanent storage medium for the acquired metering data during power loss to the meter.

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Westminister, SC, United States of America

Brian Keith Seal