Automatic remote meter reading system and method employing selectable line interface

Abstract From the Canadian patent

An automatic metering information collection system and method in which a remotely controllable line multi-interface at a customer's local multi- interfacing multiport switch responds to an interface selection message from a metering information collection computer at a utility service provider location to connect the hybrid digital/analog customer telephone line to a selected one of a plurality of available interfaces compatible with the type of interface employed by the meter until the metering information is conveyed to the collection computer and then automatically returns the customer's line to a default interface used by the other types of telephonic equipment on the customer's line.