A mobile or wearable computing device comprises a camera, a processor coupled to the camera and configured with computer-executable instructions that cause the processor to activate the camera to capture an image and process the image so as to identify measurement data being displayed on an analog measurement instrument which is within the image captured by the camera, wherein the processing includes: identifying a type of the analog measurement instrument, identifying features of the analog measurement instrument, extract the measurement data displayed on the analog instrument based on the identified type and features of the analog instrument measurement, convert the extracted data into converted digital information, and obtain supplemental information from a database related to the analog instrument. The device also includes a display coupled to the processor upon which the digital information and supplemental information is displayed to a wearer of the smart glasses.

A broadband access system, comprising a broadband access hub device (hub device) and broadband access premise devices (premise devices) wirelessly coupled the hub device to provide broadband services to multiple user equipment (UEs), is described. The hub device may access broadband services on a fiber optic broadband network and wirelessly provide access to the broadband services to the premise devices. The premise device may wirelessly communicate with the hub device and communicate with user equipment (UEs) for providing access to the broadband services through the hub device. The premise device may be attached to an electric utility meter, and a power interface module of the premise device may supply electrical power to the premise device from the electric utility meter. Additionally, the first communication module of the premise device may be external to the premise device and be mounted remotely from the premise device.

A smart metering device being part of an advanced metering infrastructure is provided. The smart metering device might comprise one or more sub devices such as: metering devices, actuator devices, sensor devices etc. The smart metering device includes a valve arranged to limit the delivery of a utility to the consumer. Moreover the smart metering devices includes a communication device including a transmitter and a receiver for wireless communication with a collector, utilizing a listen after talk mechanism to perform a two-way communication to the head end system through a collector. The presented invention is especially beneficial for battery supplied smart metering devices. The advanced metering infrastructure will provide a given service level for communication between the meter and the head end system. The service level will be changed dynamically in order to meet the adequate service level at all times.

A monitoring system that is configured to monitor a property is disclosed. In one aspect, the monitoring system includes a sensor that is located at the property and that is configured to generate sensor data. The monitoring system further includes a voltage sensor that is configured to generate voltage data by measuring voltage at an electrical outlet located at the property. The monitoring system further includes a monitor control unit that is configured to receive the sensor data; receive the voltage data; determine an action of an electrical device that is located in the property or that is located at a neighboring property in a vicinity of the property; determine whether the electrical device is located at the property or at the neighboring property in the vicinity of the property; and perform a monitoring system action.

A retrofit module provides wireless communication capability to legacy utility meters. A smart cover or other retrofit module may be used to upgrade existing legacy meters. The retrofit module may communicate with the utility meter via a local connection. The retrofit module may be able to receive meter data, such as usage information, and send data or instructions to the meter, such as firmware updates. The retrofit module may wirelessly receive and transmit data used for billing, payment, usage monitoring, and/or other functionality to a user device across a local wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). Internet-connected user devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, laptops, etc. are ubiquitous. The retrofit module may utilize such user devices as internet gateways to send and receive data between the utility meter and various network-connected resources (e.g., utility account resources, payment processing resources, etc.).

A high-resolution index (HRI) detector module for use with a meter including an HRI wheel therein having a modulator thereon is provided. The HRI detector module includes a plurality of capacitive sensors positioned on a printed circuit board (PCB). The plurality of capacitive sensors is configured to detect a change in capacitance caused by the modulator of the HRI wheel when the modulator enters into an electric field generated by the plurality of capacitive sensors. Related systems are also provided.

An optical meter reader apparatus for reading data from a meter includes a housing; a housing extension connected to the housing, the housing extension having a flat face; a first slot formed on the flat face; a second slot formed on the flat face; and an optical communication module located within the housing and the housing extension and configured to exchange information with the meter using infrared waves.

The present invention describes a smart metering device being part of an advanced metering infrastructure. The smart metering device might comprise one or more sub devices such as: metering devices, actuator devices, sensor devices etc. The smart metering device includes a valve arranged to limit the delivery of a utility to the consumer. Moreover the smart metering devices includes a communication device including a transmitter and a receiver for wireless communication with a collector, utilizing a listen after talk mechanism to perform a two way communication to the head end system through a collector. The presented invention is especially beneficial for battery supplied smart metering devices. The advanced metering infrastructure will provide a given service level for communication between the meter and the head end system. The service level will be changed dynamically in order to meet the adequate service level at all times.

There are provided systems and methods for monitoring a property using a system of sensor units in one or more premises on the property that can interface with respective utilities entering the premises or being generated by appliances on the premises with a minimal of effort and without requiring modification of the utility's equipment or the appliance. The systems and methods are connectable to a cloud-based monitoring, analytics and notification system via a long range network connection directly from one or more of the sensor units. The system of sensors can also incorporate primary and secondary units with at least one primary unit capable of communicating directly to the cloud-based system/server via a long-range connection with the secondary units sending data to the cloud via the primary unit by communicating at the property via a short-range communication connection. There are also provided various sensor units for specifically monitoring water flow and water leakage, flooding, sump pump operability, levels within water softeners and other fluid containing vessels, electrical power usage, furnace operations, among others as described herein.

An output system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a magnet disposed on an axis of a pointer of a gauge, first and second magnetic sensors that are each configured to have a sensitivity axial direction, and an output unit configured to output indicated value information generated based on detection values of the magnetic sensors. Also, first and second directions are set to intersect each other on the axis of the pointer, and the first magnetic sensor is disposed such that the sensitivity axial direction thereof extends in the first direction, and the second magnetic sensor is disposed such that the sensitivity axial direction thereof extends in the second direction.