Relative time system

Abstract

A system, method and device are provided for obtaining, from each endpoint device, meter reading data where the meter reading data are recorded and managed based on a relative time clock in each endpoint device. The relative time clock may be a simple inexpensive clock that tracks minutes and triggers recording of meter reading data for a particular hour at the end of that hour. In that embodiment, a collection system sends an endpoint device a request that includes a requested time that is converted into a relative time so that the endpoint device can understand the request. Since each recorded interval is generated based on a relative time maintained by the clock in the endpoint device rather than an absolute (real) time, the endpoint device does not need to maintain accurate date/time or to read meter reading data from the utility meter based on a real date/time.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A computer-readable medium having computer-executable components for collecting meter reading data from an endpoint device, the computer-executable components comprising: a calculating component for calculating the consumption of a utility service over relative time meter readings; and a consumption collection component operative to: obtain an order request for an endpoint device; cause the calculating component to convert an order time into a relative time that is used by the endpoint device to retrieve a correct set of recorded intervals; generate a request including the converted relative time; transmit to the endpoint device the generated request; receive from the endpoint device a response to the transmitted request, wherein the response includes the correct set of recorded intervals; and process the response to extract data relevant to the order request. 
     
     
         22 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 21 , wherein the calculating component calculates an offset of interval numbers based on the current time of the collection system and the requested time. 
     
     
         23 . The computer-readable medium of  claim 21 , wherein the endpoint device generates each recorded interval according to a relative time clock.