Abstract: A mobile data collection system may perform or facilitate monitoring and management of mobile automatic meter reading (MAMR) activities via out of route meter read identification and graphical route playback. In identifying out of route endpoints, the mobile data collection system receives an indication of each of the endpoints included in a predetermined meter reading route. The mobile data collection system executes the route detecting endpoints and collecting location information relating to out of route endpoints that are not included in the predetermined route. Location information identifying the out of route endpoints is then presented to a user. In facilitating graphical route playback, the mobile data collection system collects information as it progresses through the route. The collected information may then be used in a graphical playback of the route, which shows the mobile data collection system dynamically traveling through the route (e.g., on a map) and reading endpoints.

Abstract: A mobile data collection system may perform or facilitate monitoring and management of mobile automatic meter reading (MAMR) activities via out of route meter read identification and graphical route playback. In identifying out of route endpoints, the mobile data collection system receives an indication of each of the endpoints included in a predetermined meter reading route. The mobile data collection system executes the route detecting endpoints and collecting location information relating to out of route endpoints that are not included in the predetermined route. Location information identifying the out of route endpoints is then presented to a user. In facilitating graphical route playback, the mobile data collection system collects information as it progresses through the route. The collected information may then be used in a graphical playback of the route, which shows the mobile data collection system dynamically traveling through the route (e.g., on a map) and reading endpoints.

Abstract: A method for enabling a single antenna and a single GPS or other receiver to transmit GPS data to multiple software applications is disclosed herein. A GPS satellite transmits GPS data to a GPS receiver through an antenna. The GPS data travels to a GPS splitter, where the GPS data is transmitted to a GPS utility data collection application and to another GPS application. The software applications can be on a single or on multiple computers. The GPS signals may also be split into multiple streams internal to a single computer.

Abstract: A mobile data collection system with voice capabilities is provided. The mobile data collection system can be a system for automatically or semi-automatically collecting data regarding consumption of a public utility, but can also be a system for collecting other types of data. The system may include a speech synthesis component configured to provide audio output to an operator, the output including audible signals corresponding to prerecorded human speech or artificial human speech. For example, the prerecorded human speech or artificial human speech may include statements for informing an operator about collection of utility data or about a current state of the mobile utility data collection system. The system may also include a voice recognition component configured to process incoming human speech commands. For example, the voice recognition component may be configured for use in generating computer-readable instructions for controlling at least some operations of the system.

Abstract: A mobile data collection system may perform or facilitate monitoring and management of mobile automatic meter reading (MAMR) activities via out of route meter read identification and graphical route playback. In identifying out of route endpoints, the mobile data collection system receives an indication of each of the endpoints included in a predetermined meter reading route. The mobile data collection system executes the route detecting endpoints and collecting location information relating to out of route endpoints that are not included in the predetermined route. Location information identifying the out of route endpoints is then presented to a user. In facilitating graphical route playback, the mobile data collection system collects information as it progresses through the route. The collected information may then be used in a graphical playback of the route, which shows the mobile data collection system dynamically traveling through the route (e.g., on a map) and reading endpoints.

Abstract: A mobile data collection system may perform or facilitate monitoring and management of mobile automatic meter reading (MAMR) activities via out of route meter read identification and graphical route playback. In identifying out of route endpoints, the mobile data collection system receives an indication of each of the endpoints included in a predetermined meter reading route. The mobile data collection system executes the route detecting endpoints and collecting location information relating to out of route endpoints that are not included in the predetermined route. Location information identifying the out of route endpoints is then presented to a user. In facilitating graphical route playback, the mobile data collection system collects information as it progresses through the route. The collected information may then be used in a graphical playback of the route, which shows the mobile data collection system dynamically traveling through the route (e.g., on a map) and reading endpoints.

Abstract: A mobile data collection system with voice capabilities is provided. The mobile data collection system can be a system for automatically or semi-automatically collecting data regarding consumption of a public utility, but can also be a system for collecting other types of data. The system may include a speech synthesis component configured to provide audio output to an operator, the output including audible signals corresponding to prerecorded human speech or artificial human speech. For example, the prerecorded human speech or artificial human speech may include statements for informing an operator about collection of utility data or about a current state of the mobile utility data collection system. The system may also include a voice recognition component configured to process incoming human speech commands. For example, the voice recognition component may be configured for use in generating computer-readable instructions for controlling at least some operations of the system.

Abstract: A method for enabling a single antenna and a single GPS or other receiver to transmit GPS data to multiple software applications is disclosed herein. A GPS satellite transmits GPS data to a GPS receiver through an antenna. The GPS data travels to a GPS splitter, where the GPS data is transmitted to a GPS utility data collection application and to another GPS application. The software applications can be on a single or on multiple computers.

Abstract: A method and system for locating data collection points in a mobile data collection system includes receiving geographic location information for multiple data collection points used in collecting, for example, utility consumption information. In one embodiment, the geographic location information may be in the form of an endpoint location file that a utility company may provide to an operator of a mobile data collection system for the purpose of completing a meter reading route. The geographic location information may include complete or incomplete address information and complete or incomplete geographic location coordinate information (e.g., GPS coordinates). If the geographic location coordinate information for at least one utility data collection point is incomplete, the mobile data collection system may then compute complete geographic location coordinate information.

Abstract: A mobile data collection system may perform or facilitate monitoring and management of mobile automatic meter reading (MAMR) activities via out of route meter read identification and graphical route playback. In identifying out of route endpoints, the mobile data collection system receives an indication of each of the endpoints included in a predetermined meter reading route. The mobile data collection system executes the route detecting endpoints and collecting location information relating to out of route endpoints that are not included in the predetermined route. Location information identifying the out of route endpoints is then presented to a user. In facilitating graphical route playback, the mobile data collection system collects information as it progresses through the route. The collected information may then be used in a graphical playback of the route, which shows the mobile data collection system dynamically traveling through the route (e.g., on a map) and reading endpoints.