System for remote, interactive communication with a metal under ambient sunlight conditions

Claim 2

Apparatus for effecting communication between a meter having a control circuit providing meter data as output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising: meter transmiter means mounted with said meter, responsive to said control circuit for transmitting said meter data to said communicator, including: modulator means responsive to said control circuit output signals for deriving binary signals corresponding therewith exhibiting predetermined frequency and transmission rate, emitter means responsive to said binary signals for effecting transmission thereof as signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum and exhibiting said predetermined frequency; and receiver means mounted with said communicator, including: photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said signal emissions thereupon to derive a binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency and further responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof; detector circuit means responsive to said photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said binary characterized output while excluding said d.c. characterized output to provide an amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency, said detector circuit means including an amplification stage having an input coupled with said photoresponsive receiving means and an output and having a gain defining first feedback path coupled between said output and input for predetermined amplification of said binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency, said amplification stage having a second feedback path coupled between said input and output and responsive substantially only to the generation of said d.c. characterized output for effecting the diversion thereof from said output; and demodulator means responsive to said amplified binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals in correspondence therewith.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 in which: said modulator means derives said binary signals by frequency shift keying between frequencies selected as about 24 Kilohertz and 40 Kilohertz; and said transmission rate is about 19.2 Kilobits per second.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said second feedback path is configured to derive unity gain performance with respect to said d.c. characterized output.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said second feedback path includes an optoisolator having a photo-emitting component coupled with said amplification stage output.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said photoresponsive receiving means includes a photodiode coupled with said amplification stage for performance in a photovoltaic mode in response to said impingement of radiation at said select region of the spectrum.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 1 in which said photoresponsive receiving means is a photodiode configured having an angle of radiation acceptance of about 10° measured from its optical axis to its half power point.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 1 further including indicator means responsive to the signal level of said detector circuit means amplified binary characterized output for providing a perceptible output representing said signal level, so as to optimize reception of said signal emissions by said photoresponsive receiving means by hand manipulation of said communicator.

Claim 9

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising: communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals, including: modulator means responsive to said meter control signals for deriving binary signals corresponding therewith exhibiting predetermined frequency and transmission rate, and emitter means responsive to said binary signals for effecting transmission thereof as signal emissions exhibiting said predetermined frequency within a select region of the spectrum; and receiver means mounted with said meter, including: photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said signal emissions thereupon to derive a binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, blocking means positioned adjacent said photoresponsive receiving means for substantially restricting the direct access of said impinging radiation to radiation from sources located below a horizontal plane extending from the vicinity of said photoresponsive receiving means; detector circuit means responsive to said photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said binary characterized output while excluding said d.c. characterized output to provide an amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency; and demodulator means responsive to said amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 10

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising: communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals, including: modulator means responsive to said meter control signals for deriving binary signals corresponding therewith exhibiting predetermined frequency and transmission rate, and emitter means responsive to said binary signals for effecting transmission thereof as signal emissions exhibiting said predetermined frequency within a select region of the spectrum; and receiver means mounted with said meter, including: photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said signal emissions thereupon to derive a binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, blocking means positioned adjacent said photoresponsive receiving means for substantially restricting the direct access of said impinging radiation to radiation from sources located below a horizontal plane extending from the vicinity of said photoresponsive receiving means; detector circuit means responsive to said photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said binary characterized output while excluding said d.c. characterized output to provide an amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency; and demodulator means responsive to said amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 8 which said photoresponsive receiving means is selected having an angle of radiation acceptance substantially larger than the beam angle of said emitter means.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 8 in which: said select region of the spectrum is the infrared region; and said modulator means derives said binary signals by frequency shift keying between frequencies selected as about 90 KiloHertz and 150 KiloHertz.

Claim 13

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, said meter photoresponsive receiving means including a photodiode mounted within said meter rearwardly of said forwardly disposed faceplate; said faceplate being configured having an opening aligned with said photodiode and shaped to substantially restrict the direct access of said impinging radiation to radiation from sources located below a horizontal plane extending from the topmost portion of said photodiode, meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 14

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, said meter photoresponsive receiving means including a photodiode mounted within said meter rearwardly of said forwardly disposed faceplate; said faceplate being configured having an opening aligned with said photodiode and shaped to substantially restrict the direct access of said impinging radiation to radiation from sources located below a horizontal plane extending from the topmost portion of said photodiode, meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 15

The apparatus of claim 11 in which: said predetermined data transmission rate of said meter transmitter means and said communicator transmitter means is about 19.2 Kilobits per second; said first and second frequencies are selected, respectively, as about 24 KHz and 40 KHz; and said third and fourth frequencies are selected, respectively, as about 90 KHz and 150 KHz.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 11 in which: the duty cycle for transmission of said first binary frequency shift keyed signals is 50%; and the duty cycle for transmission of said second binary frequency shift keyed signals is 25%.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 11 further including indicator means responsive to the signal level of said communicator detector circuit means amplified first binary characterized output for providing a perceptible output representing said signal level, so as to optimize reception of said signal emissions by said communication photoresponsive receiving means by hand manipulation of said communicator.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 11 in which said meter emitter means is selected having a beam angle substantially larger than the angle of radiation acceptance of said communicator photoresponsive receiving means.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 15 in which said meter emitter means beam angle is about 50° between half power points and said communicator photoresponsive receiving means acceptance angle measured from its optical axis to its half power point is about 10°.

Claim 20

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising: communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals, including: modulator means responsive to said meter control signals for deriving binary signals corresponding therewith exhibiting predetermined frequency and transmission rate, and emitter means responsive to said binary signals for effecting transmission thereof as signal emissions exhibiting said predetermined frequency within a select region of the spectrum; and receiver means mounted with said meter, including: photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said signal emissions thereupon to derive a binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, detector circuit means responsive to said photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said binary characterized output while excluding said d.c. characterized output to provide an amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency, said detector circuit means including an amplification stage having an input coupled with said photoresponsive receiving means and an output and having a gain defining first feedback path coupled between said output and input for predetermined amplification of said binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency, said amplification stage having a second feedback path coupled between said input and output and responsive substantially only to the generation of said d.c. characterized output for effecting the diversion thereof from said output; and demodulator means responsive to said amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 21

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising: communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals, including: modulator means responsive to said meter control signals for deriving binary signals corresponding therewith exhibiting predetermined frequency and transmission rate, and emitter means responsive to said binary signals for effecting transmission thereof as signal emissions exhibiting said predetermined frequency within a select region of the spectrum; and receiver means mounted with said meter, including: photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said signal emissions thereupon to derive a binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, detector circuit means responsive to said photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said binary characterized output while excluding said d.c. characterized output to provide an amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency, said detector circuit means including an amplification stage having an input coupled with said photoresponsive receiving means and an output and having a gain defining first feedback path coupled between said output and input for predetermined amplification of said binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency, said amplification stage having a second feedback path coupled between said input and output and responsive substantially only to the generation of said d.c. characterized output for effecting the diversion thereof from said output; and demodulator means responsive to said amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 22

The apparatus of claim 17 in which said second feedback path is configured to derive unity gain performance with respect to said d.c. characterized output.

Claim 23

The apparatus of claim 17 in which said second feedback path includes an optoisolator having a photo-emitting component coupled with said amplification stage output.

Claim 24

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising: communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals, including: modulator means responsive to said meter control signals for deriving binary signals corresponding therewith exhibiting predetermined frequency and transmission rate, and emitter means responsive to said binary signals for effecting transmission thereof as signal emissions exhibiting said predetermined frequency within a select region of the spectrum; and receiver means mounted with said meter, including: photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said signal emissions thereupon to derive a binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, said photoresponsive receiving means including a photodiode mounted within said meter rearwardly of said forwardly disposed faceplate; said faceplate being configured having an opening aligned with said photodiode and shaped to substantially restrict the direct access of said impinging radiation to radiation from sources located below a horizontal plane extending from the topmost portion of said photodiode, detector circuit means responsive to said photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said binary characterized output while excluding said d.c. characterized output to provide an amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said predeterminded frequency; and demodulator means responsive to said amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 25

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising: communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals, including: modulator means responsive to said meter control signals for deriving binary signals corresponding therewith exhibiting predetermined frequency and transmission rate, and emitter means responsive to said binary signals for effecting transmission thereof as signal emissions exhibiting said predetermined frequency within a select region of the spectrum; and receiver means mounted with said meter, including: photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said signal emissions thereupon to derive a binary characterized output exhibiting said predetermined frequency and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, said photoresponsive receiving means including a photodiode mounted within said meter rearwardly of said forwardly disposed faceplate; said faceplate being configured having an opening aligned with said photodiode and shaped to substantially restrict the direct access of said impinging radiation to radiation from sources located below a horizontal plane extending from the topmost portion of said photodiode, detector circuit means responsive to said photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said binary characterized output while excluding said d.c. characterized output to provide an amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said predeterminded frequency; and demodulator means responsive to said amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 26

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, blocking means positioned adjacent said meter photoresponsive receiving means for substantially restricting the direct access of said impinging radiation to radiation from sources located below a horizontal plane extending from the vicinity of said meter photoresponsive receiving means; meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 27

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, blocking means positioned adjacent said meter photoresponsive receiving means for substantially restricting the direct access of said impinging radiation to radiation from sources located below a horizontal plane extending from the vicinity of said meter photoresponsive receiving means; meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 28

The apparatus of claim 21 in which: said meter photoresponsive receiving means is selected having an angle of radiation acceptance substantially larger than the beam angle of said communicator emitter means.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 22 in which the half angle of radiation acceptance of said meter photoresponsive receiving means measured from its optical axis to half power point is about 30°; and the beam angle between half power points of said communicator emitter means is about 18°.

Claim 30

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator filter means for excluding signals exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies from said first amplified binary characterized output, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator filter means for excluding signals exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies from said first amplified binary characterized output; meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 31

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator filter means for excluding signals exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies from said first amplified binary characterized output, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator filter means for excluding signals exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies from said first amplified binary characterized output; meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 32

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, meter filter means for excluding signals exhibiting said first and second frequencies from said second amplified binary characterized output, meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 33

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, meter filter means for excluding signals exhibiting said first and second frequencies from said second amplified binary characterized output, meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 34

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, said communicator detector circuit means including a communicator amplification stage having an input coupled with said communicator photoresponsive receiving means and an output and having a gain defining first feedback path coupled between said input and output for predetermined amplification of said first binary characterized output, said communicator amplification stage having a second feedback path coupled between said input and output and responsive substantially only to the generation of said first d.c. characterized output for effecting the diversion thereof, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 35

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator control circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, said communicator detector circuit means including a communicator amplification stage having an input coupled with said communicator photoresponsive receiving means and an output and having a gain defining first feedback path coupled between said input and output for predetermined amplification of said first binary characterized output, said communicator amplification stage having a second feedback path coupled between said input and output and responsive substantially only to the generation of said first d.c. characterized output for effecting the diversion thereof, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 36

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator contol circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, said meter detector circuit means comprising a meter amplification stage having an input coupled with said meter photoresponsive receiving means and an output and having a gain defining first feedback path coupled between said input and output for predetermined amplification of said second binary characterized output, said meter amplification stage having a second feedback path coupled between said input and said output and responsive substantially only to the generation of said second d.c. characterized output for effecting the diversion thereof; and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.

Claim 37

Apparatus for carrying out communication between a meter having a forwardly disposed faceplate and a meter control circuit responsive to control inputs and further providing meter data as serial output signals, and a hand maneuverable communicator having a communicator control circuit for providing meter control signals and for recording received said meter data, said meter and communicator being locatable within an environment of direct and indirect sun generated radiation, comprising in combination: meter transmitter means mounted with said meter for transmitting said meter data to said communicator at a predetermined data transmission rate including: meter modulator means responsive to said serial output signals for deriving first binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at first and second frequencies, emitter means responsive to said first binary frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as first signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator transmitter means mounted with said communicator for transmitting said meter control signals at a predetermined data transmission rate including: communicator modulator means responsive to said communicator contol circuit provided meter control signals for deriving second binary, frequency shift keyed signals corresponding therewith at third and fourth frequencies, and communicator emitter means responsive to said binary, frequency shift keyed signals for effecting transmission thereof as second signal emissions within a select region of the spectrum; communicator receiver means mounted with said communicator including: communicator photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said first signal emissions to derive a first binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a first d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, communicator detector circuit means responsive to said communicator photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said first binary characterized output while excluding said first d.c. characterized output to provide a first amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said first and second frequencies, and communicator modulator means responsive to said amplified first binary characterized output for deriving microprocessor compatible signals for effecting said recordation; and meter receiver means mounted with said meter, including: meter photoresponsive receiving means responsive to the impingement of said second signal emissions to derive a second binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, and responsive to said sun generated indirect radiation within said select region of the spectrum to derive a second d.c. characterized output of level corresponding with the intensity thereof, meter detector circuit means responsive to said meter photoresponsive receiving means outputs for amplifying said second binary characterized output while excluding said second d.c. characterized output to provide a second amplified binary characterized output exhibiting said third and fourth frequencies, said meter detector circuit means comprising a meter amplification stage having an input coupled with said meter photoresponsive receiving means and an output and having a gain defining first feedback path coupled between said input and output for predetermined amplification of said second binary characterized output, said meter amplification stage having a second feedback path coupled between said input and said output and responsive substantially only to the generation of said second d.c. characterized output for effecting the diversion thereof; and meter demodulator means responsive to said second amplified binary characterized output for deriving said meter control inputs.