DE102009040226A1 - Method for determining and managing of data of measuring devices e.g. house hold devices, involves retrieving data processed in server computer unit via communication network in client station with client computer unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining data from measuring devices (M) in measuring stations (MS). The data is processed into client-capable data in a server computer unit (S). The data processed in the server computer unit of the measuring stations is retrieved via a communication network (N) in a client station (CS) with a client computer unit (C). The data of the measuring devices is processed by a micro server in a server computer unit. The measuring devices are controlled by the micro server. An independent claim is also included for a distributing system for determining and managing of data of a measuring device.

Description

The The invention relates to a method and a distributed system for managing from data from a variety of gauges.

State of the art

From the DE 693 19 305 T2 For example, a communication network having a master unit and a plurality of slave units is known, wherein the master unit is arranged to send messages to and receive messages from the slave units. The recording of newly installed slave units is described.

A system in which data from at least one measuring device is determined, transmitted and processed with several server programs is from the WO 03/027840 A1 known.

A system in which data from a variety of measuring instruments are determined and transmitted to a central station and processed there is from the WO 2008/094277 A1 known. The central station comprises a user information system and a management module that controls the operating states of the measuring devices. When controlling the operating states of the measuring devices by means of a management module, the number of simultaneously controllable measuring devices is limited.

invention

It is desirable to develop a method and a corresponding distributed system for determining and managing data from a plurality of measuring devices, in which the number of measuring devices can be increased many times without changing the system structure. In particular, a large number of measuring devices (from around 10 ⁴ ) and frequent transmission of measured data (eg every 15 minutes) should be possible.

These Task is by a method according to the invention according to claim 1 and an inventive distributed system according to claim 12 solved. In the subclaims are advantageous embodiments of the invention.

at a method according to the invention for determining and manage data from a variety of gauges data in several measuring stations is made up of at least one Measuring device determined. The determined data of a measuring station become client-enabled in a server computing device Data processed and made available. The available provided data from the measuring stations are in at least one Client station with at least one client computer unit via a communication network is called up and further processed.

One Meter has one or more sensors for detection of data. Examples are consumption sensors for electricity, Gas and water. A measuring device is designed, for example, as an electricity meter. The gauges are as counters with at least a sensor and / or devices with other applications, z. B. as household appliances, with at least one sensor and possibly formed with at least one actuator. Ie. as a household appliance is a measuring device with other applications for the home area. The measuring devices, z. B. their operating conditions are by the server computer units controlled.

In a measuring station, z. As a household, there is a meter or several measuring devices in close proximity. Ie. a measuring station comprises a domestic area, z. One or less households. As a domestic area are z. Private households, workplaces or public Facilities called.

One Communication network is as a large-scale network trained on the participant also over large Distances can be connected and connected to each other. A communication network is preferably the Internet, i. H. the Data is collected through internet logs up to and including Level 7, using standardized Internet protocols up to and including level 7.

A Server computing unit comprises a processor and a server program, that provides services that are always in operation are available. A unit of processor and server program will be also called server. The used in the server computer unit Server is network capable, and that if as communication network the internet is used, internet capable. The server computer units manage the data obtained from the measuring instruments at by manipulating them into client-capable data and provide.

The Client computing unit includes a processor and a client program in which the client program is suitable, the services of a server program retrieve. A unit of processor and client program will too Called client. The client of the client computer unit is more necessary Way also networkable, and possibly Internet capable.

According to the invention, the client program of the client computer unit is adapted to service the server programs of all server computer units call.

at the process of the invention are characterized by a Client computer unit Data from a multiplicity of server computer units accessed. Unlike known server client models, at which many clients query a server asks in the inventive A client processes many servers. In particular, will be exclusive Requests from this client program allowed by the server programs.

This new server client model was in the priority application as "inverted server-client-model" and as "inverted server-client-model" Client-server model ". The following is the Name "inverted client-server model" used.

• – die Client-Rechnereinheit initiiert Anfragen, z. B. nach Daten,
• – wartet auf und erhält Antworten von den angefragten Server-Rechnereinheiten, erhält ggf. Alarm von entsprechenden Server-Rechnereinheiten und
• – interagiert ggf. mit Messgeräten oder weiteren Anwendungen über die entsprechende Server-Rechnereinheit.

In a method according to the inverted client-server model according to the invention, a client computer unit of a client station operates as follows:

• The client computer unit initiates requests, e.g. For example, for data,
• - waits for and receives replies from the requested server computer units, if necessary receives alarm from corresponding server computer units and
• - If necessary, interacts with measuring devices or other applications via the corresponding server computer unit.

• – sie stehen in Bereitschaft, d. h. sie initiieren weder Anfragen noch Aktivitäten, sie initiieren jedoch Alarm,
• – sie sind am Netzwerk angeschlossen und antworten nur auf Anfragen der Client-Rechnereinheit und
• – können über z. B. die Client-Rechnereinheit installiert, deinstalliert, mit aktuellen Versionen von Programmen oder mit neuen Programmen versehen werden.

The server computing units work in conjunction with the client computing device as follows:

• - they stand by, ie they do not initiate inquiries or activities, but they initiate an alarm,
• - They are connected to the network and respond only to requests from the client computer unit and
• - can over z. For example, the client computing device may be installed, uninstalled, updated with current versions of programs, or provided with new programs.

Essential is that the server machine units with an identifier of the corresponding Client computer unit are provided and only on requests of this authorized client computer unit respond.

Preferably In each server computer unit, the processing of the data at least one micro-server performed.

Especially is in the server computer units in large numbers existing possibly similar measuring stations the processing the data is performed by at least one micro-server. Individual measuring stations can, if necessary in addition, have alternative servers.

• – Erfassung von Daten der Messgeräte über unterschiedliche Protokolle und Techniken der Nahfeld-Kommunikation, auch Nahfeld-Telemetrie oder Inhaus-Telemetrie genannt,
• – ggf. Steuerung der Messgeräte,
• – Bearbeiten der ermittelten Daten, so dass sie netzwerkfähig, d. h. internetfähig, sind.

A micro-server, the z. B. is housed in a small electronic component, if necessary, performs the following to the above steps:

• Acquisition of data of the measuring devices by different protocols and techniques of near-field communication, also called near-field telemetry or in-house telemetry,
• - if necessary control of the measuring devices,
• - Editing the determined data so that they are network-capable, ie Internet-enabled.

One such micro-server also fulfills the function of an intermedial Multi-utility servers, iMUS, also interactive multi-utility server called. The use of micro-servers in an inventive Procedure allows a cost-effective and comfortable Method according to the inverted client-server model.

Preferably the measuring devices and, if necessary, additional devices are implemented the micro-server controlled.

Preferably Data from at least one as a simple household counter trained meter and determined by a micro-server edited and made available. In an inventive Procedure allows the use of micro-servers as well the use of simple household counter. Simple household counter are z. B. cost-effective electronic household meter.

In An embodiment of the invention will provide data from at least a trained as a household appliance measuring device determined by at least one sensor and by a micro-server edited and made available.

Next Data collection from sensors of household appliances in one embodiment of the invention, data for controlling to at least one trained as a household appliance meter with at least one actuator or an accessory with at least an actuator transmitted through a micro-server.

D. H. the use of micro-servers also enables data collection from sensors and a data transmission to actuators of other trained as household appliances measuring devices or additional devices.

preferably, The data obtained from the measuring instruments are transferred to the Server computer units when editing to client-capable Data created as XML documents.

Preferably, the Ser encrypted data ver encrypted computer units and decrypted in the client computer unit. This allows about z. As the Internet to create a so-called Virtual Private Network VPN and thus to allow secure communication between the client computer unit and the server computer units.

A Alternative encryption and thus a secure Communication, the functionality of a Virtual Private Network VPN is correct, z. For example, requests are used exclusively by one or very few server server units known client computer units to the server computer units posed. The server computer units recognize and process exclusively Inquiries of the known client computer unit.

Preferably These are available from the server machine units provided data by the client computer unit using a data module, z. B. retrieved using a system data contained repository.

Preferably Data is requested by at least one user module the client computer unit retrieved from the server computer units and forwarded to the user module. User modules, also applications called user program units, e.g. B. evaluation programs and archiving programs.

The User modules have one or more modules. The modules are z. B. as user modules to which a third party, d. H. an end user, access, as service modules, with which z. Eg the contractual relationships managed between electricity suppliers, suppliers and end users, as operating modules with which z. B. monitors trained as a meter and controlled, and / or as modules for other applications z. B. for the determination of data from trained as household appliances Measuring instruments and for controlling the measuring instruments or the accessories designed. An end user is z. B. a Energy consumers.

In In one embodiment of the invention, data of at least an end user for at least one, e.g. B. a user module comprehensive, user module queried, d. H. accessed.

In In one embodiment of the invention, data, e.g. B. for controlling, upon request of at least one control module comprising User module by the client computer unit to at least one Server computer unit forwarded. From the server computer unit are the data z. B. transmitted to an actuator of a household appliance, which is controlled by it.

In According to an embodiment of the invention, the data is at least a server computer unit accessed via a DSL connection.

To the Retrieving the data from server computing units via DSL connections In one embodiment, a fixed addressing of the server computer units used. In each case, the server computer units become fixed public IP addresses associated with the identifiers, i. H. with her symbolic name, to be stored in a table.

To the Retrieving the data from the server computing units is done in one preferred embodiment of a dynamically changing addressing of Server computer units used.

there The server computer units are each in a certain rhythm assigned changing public IP addresses. In a Embodiment will be the changing public IP addresses together with the identifiers on the initiative of the server computer units stored in a table of a Domain Name Service DNS.

In In another embodiment, the changing public IP addresses along with the identifiers at the initiative of the Server computing units using address management commands of the Session Initiation Protocol SIP in a table z. B. one Filed SIP registrars. These are DSL connections with the ability to use session-admission protocol address-management commands Used SIP. In particular, it is preferable for Retrieving the data from at least one server computer unit dynamically changing addressing via a DSL connection with the ability to address management commands of the Session Initiation Protocol SIP to be used.

special Advantage of this procedure is that already in many households and therefore in existing measuring stations or in the future purchased DSL connections with the above capability for addressing the server computer units, d. H. with the ability to address management commands of the Session Initiation Protocol SIP to use with can be used. A suitable DSL connection has a router z. B. also for IP phones on, with the ability to voice over IP VoIP and to use the Session Initiation Protocol SIP. The use special connections, such as separate DSL connections or GPRS / UMTS connections, is not in this process necessary. Also an elaborate programming of an existing DSL Routers for a Domain Name Service DNS will not work needed.

One Inventive distributed system for determining and manage data from a variety of gauges according to the first device claim is particular well suited, a method according to the invention perform. One described in the subclaims distributed system is particularly suitable, a corresponding inventive Perform procedure.

One Inventive distributed system for determining and manage data from a variety of gauges has several measuring stations, each with at least one measuring device and a server computing unit. The distributed system points at least one client station further comprising a client computer unit includes. The distributed system uses a communication network, preferably the Internet, whereby with the client computer unit the by the Server computer unit provided data about the communication network can be called up.

Preferably the server computer unit has at least one micro-server.

Preferably is at least one of the gauges attached to a micro-server is connected, as a simple household counter, especially as simple, electronic household meter, trained. Preferably, at least one of the measuring devices is on a micro-server is connected, as a household appliance formed with a sensor. Preferably, at least one the trained as a household appliance gauges or at least one accessory attached to a micro-server connected to an actor.

The Client station preferably has, z. B. Repository, Data module, on. The data module is assigned to the client computer unit and contains system data. Preferably, the data module can also contained data. Alternatively, the data module can also be located outside the client station.

One Inventive distributed system preferably at least one user module that communicates with the client computer unit connected is. In particular, user programs are the user modules connected to the client computer unit and communicate with the Client program.

In an embodiment of the invention, the client station additional user modules. Ie. in particular, one or more User modules arranged in the client station.

In Another embodiment is alternative or additional one or more user modules arranged separately and over the communication network or an alternative communication network connected to the client computer unit.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the Distributed system at least one end user, if necessary via the communication network polls one or more user modules, d. H. Can retrieve data. This includes at least one user module a user module for the end users. For example, end users are about that Communication network with the user module having the user module If necessary, make inquiries via its user programs the end user forwards to the client computer unit.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the distributed system at least one user module, which is a control module for measuring devices.

In An embodiment of the invention is at least one Server computer unit of the distributed system via a DSL connection with the ability to address management commands of the Session Initiation Protocol SIP to the communication system connected. Preferably, the DSL connection has a DSL router this ability up. Such a DSL router, z. B. a VoIP-enabled and SIP-capable DSL router is already present in many households and may be for the Addressing, for the assignment of the identifiers with the private IP addresses in the home area one Measuring station to the public IP addresses, with used become.

Drawings:

The Invention will be described by way of example in the figures of the drawing are shown schematically, further explained. Show it:

1 a block diagram of a first distributed system according to the invention;

2 a flow chart for the principle of data exchange in the distributed system according to the invention;

3a schematically the first inventive distributed system with multiple measuring stations and a client station;

3b this in 3a illustrated distributed system according to the invention, wherein the client station comprises a client computer unit, a data module (repository) and user modules;

3c this in 3b illustrated distributed system according to the invention with an alternative client station with four user modules;

4 a display of a format-interpreted XML document with status data of a measuring device;

5 a display of a format-interpreted XML document with measurement data of a measuring device,

6 a query and output of measurement data of an XML document at an end user;

7 a 24-hour consumption profile of an end user determined from measurement data;

8th a measuring station of the system according to the invention with a plurality of measuring devices and a server computer unit with a main micro-server and further micro-servers;

9 the measuring station of 8th indicating functions of the main micro-server;

10 a micro-server;

11 an alternative measuring station and a client station;

12 an embodiment of the in 11 measuring station shown, a client station and a user module;

13 an example of the procedure of registration of a measuring device;

14 an example of a determination of the data from the meter;

15 schematically a second distributed system according to the invention; and

16 the distributed system of the invention 15 in a refined version.

1 shows a block diagram of a first distributed system according to the invention for determining and managing data from a plurality of meters M according to the inverted client-server model. It has a plurality of measuring stations MS, each of which comprises at least one measuring device M and a server computer unit S. The server computer units S control the measuring devices M and are connected to a communication network N. In 1 three of many measuring stations MS with in each case one of a plurality of measuring devices M and a server computer unit S can be seen.

The distributed system according to the invention comprises at least one client station CS having a client computer unit C and a data module R, z. A repository containing system data. (The reference number of the client station CS is indicated in the figures of the priority application with ZS and possibly in the 3a . 3b . 8th . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 , and 13 that the 1 to 8th corresponding to the priority application, replaced by CS.)

The Client computer unit C is also connected to the communications network N connected. With the client computer unit C are the by the server computer units S of the measuring stations MS available Asked data via the communication network N available. The data module R is assigned to the client computer unit C and is z. B. as a database, in particular all to the operation contains necessary system data as a repository.

The Distributed system has at least one user module AP, which over in each case at least one user program P with the client computer unit C is connected.

In 1 is to see on the left side of a user module AP of several user modules AP whose application program P is directly connected to the client computer unit C. This user program P is arranged, for example, in the client station CS on the computer unit that contains the client computer unit C, and instead of being connected to the client program via the communication network N via an internal inter-process communication module.

1 shows two more of several user modules AP, which are arranged in separate user stations and their user programs P are connected via the communication network N with the client computer unit C of the client station CS.

The User modules AP include z. B. user modules, service modules, operating modules, and / or Modules for further applications, eg. B. control modules for Domestic appliances.

At least a user module AP can be queried by an end user U. Especially is at least one user module AP comprising a user module with a user program unit embodied as a user program unit P provided to a third party, z. B. an end user U, access can. Ie. These user modules AP are distributed to end users U Systems z. B. connected via the communication system N.

In 1 End users U are connected both to the user module AP connected directly to the client computer unit C and to one of the client computers via the communication system N unit C connected user modules AP connected. These user modules AP include user modules.

The other measurement stations MS, measuring devices M, user modules AP and end users U, not shown, are in 1 symbolized by "...". Between the, possibly via the communication network N, interconnected elements of the distributed system, a double-sided data exchange shown by double arrows is possible.

The Communication network N is the Internet.

at An alternative, not shown, is at least one end user U connected directly to one or more user modules AP.

at An alternative distributed system is one or more user modules AP about an alternative large-scale Communication network or via a local communication network or via internal interprocess communication modules with the client computer unit C connected.

For determining and managing the data from a plurality of measuring devices M, data in the measuring stations MS are respectively determined from at least one measuring device M. 2 shows a flow chart for the principle of data acquisition from a meter M in the distributed system according to the invention. In the course of time t, on the right edge of the 2 is shown as a timeline, exchange the server computer unit S and the one shown meter M again and again, z. For example, at regular intervals, data from. This data exchange is on the left side of the 2 to see. In each case, the server computer unit S receives in each case the current measured value of the measuring device M.

These determined data, z. As the measured values are in the server computer unit S of the measuring station MS processed to client-capable data and provided. The available provided data from the measuring stations MS are via the communication network N, the Internet, in the client station CS with the client computer unit C retrieved and further processed.

For example, to a request taking place at any time from a user program unit P of a user module AP, possibly via the communication network N, the client computer unit C calls the corresponding data provided by the server computer unit S via the communication network N and forwards it to the user program unit P of the user module AP. The queries of the client computer unit C are in the middle and the requests of the user program unit P on the right side of FIG 2 to see.

The provided by the server computer unit S If necessary, data will be transferred to an end user U via request a user module comprising user module AP from the client computer unit C is retrieved.

To the Identify and manage data from a variety of meters M, the, z. B. domestic, measuring stations MS assigned are, determine the server computer units S in parallel data the measuring devices M, edit them to client capable Data and provide it. Ie. already in the Server computer units S finds an administration of the determined Data instead.

In the server computer unit S become the regular, z. B. cyclically, data collected and retrieved by In addition, the client computing unit C is provided the server computer unit S dynamically determined data, for. B. currently obtained measurement data, such as consumption data, on request User module AP via a call by the client computer unit C available.

The provided by the server computer units S Data is retrieved by the client computer unit C and on processed. The further processing is z. B, a redirect to a user program unit P, on whose request the client computer unit C has retrieved the data.

at the processing of the data in the server computer units S to client-capable Data, the determined data are created as XML documents. The determined data, d. H. the XML documents are encrypted. After the call over the communication network N, d. H. above Internet protocols, eg. B. HTTP protocols, the encrypted Data in the client computer unit C decrypted.

The provided by the server computing units S Data is transmitted by the client computing unit C using one of Client computer unit C assigned data module R retrieved. The Data module R contains all system data of the elements of the distributed system, among other things, for review the authorization z. B. from requesting user modules AP or Determination of current Internet addresses z. B, from given symbolic Names of the server computer units S are used.

The 3a . 3b . 3c schematically show the first distributed system for determining and Manage data from a variety of meters M in another representation. The figures show 16 of many measuring stations MS, which include the measuring devices M, in this case in each case three measuring devices M, and a server computer unit S. The measuring devices M are z. B. as a counter for electricity (electric meter), designed for heat or gas. The server computer units S are connected to the communication network N with network node NP. The communication network N is the Internet.

shown is also the client station CS, which is a client computer unit C and a data module R, also called a central repository, includes. The client computer unit C is also connected to the communication network N connected to the client computer unit C by the server computer units S Data provided by the measuring instruments M are available.

In 3a is that in 7 Larger illustrated consumption profile of an end user U to see in connection with the client station CS. The consumption profile is an example of data determined by a corresponding server computer unit S and possibly transmitted via the client computer unit C with the aid of the repository R.

3b shows the client station CS, which also includes user modules AP. User modules AP are applications, eg. B. evaluation programs. A user module AP is designed as a consumer portal (user module VP), ie it is an application program to which a third party, for. B. an end user U can access trained. Access is only available to authorized programs and authorized consumers (end users) (triple A interface). Ie. at least one user module AP can be queried by at least one end user U.

3c shows an alternative client station CS with a client computer unit C, which is connected via a triple A interface with four user modules AP. In this alternative too, the user modules AP are arranged in the client station CS, the triple A interface symbolizing an internal connection (eg an internal interprocess communication module) via which the user modules AP can access the client computer unit C. The user program units of the user modules AP are in the 3b and 3c not shown.

User program units further not in the 3b and 3c shown user modules AP are, as mentioned, connected via the communication network N to the client station CS. The connection of the separate user modules AP via the communication network N with the client station CS is carried out according to the requirements of a triple A interface.

at Alternatively, all user modules AP are over the Communication network N connected to the client station CS.

Of the Data exchange between the measuring devices M and the server computer units S occurs via near field communication, i. H. above an in-house telemetry.

As mentioned, the server computer units S are over Network node NP to the communication network N, namely to the internet, connected. In principle, the server computer units S also connected to each other via the communication network N, as indicated by connecting lines. As the server computer units S no Internet addresses of other server computing units S known are and on the server computer units S also no corresponding Client program is installed, can and should be Server computer units S do not communicate with each other.

As also already mentioned, access to the client computer unit C is only possible to authorized programs of the user modules AP, ie authorized user program units P, and via these authorized end users U (consumers). In particular, the connection between the user modules AP, namely their user program units P, and the client computer unit C is automatically secured. In the case of requests from the user program units P, the backup takes place by checking the authenticity, the authorization and the billing based on the system data stored in the data module R. The review is, as already indicated, in the 3b and 3c symbolized by three A. The corresponding interface is called triple A interface (triple A: Authentication, Authorization, Accounting).

In the 3c shown four user modules AP are designed as user module VP (consumer portal), as a service module BSS (buisness support systems) as operating module OSS (operations support systems) and as a module AA for other applications. At least the user module AP designed as an operating module comprises at least one control module.

With a user module VP end users U z. B. individual, current and historical information about the measuring devices M of his household, ie its measuring station MS, provided. With a service module BSS z. For example, it manages the contractual relationships between electricity suppliers, suppliers, partners and end users U as well as the products and resources. With a Be drive module OSS z. B. monitors the meters M and possibly controlled. For example, with a control module of an operating module OSS in the form of remote maintenance installation data of the measuring devices M in the respective measuring station MS or aligned, ie forwarded to the server computer unit. An operating module OSS is z. B. associated with a meter operator. With a module AA for other applications z. B. queried and controlled other household appliances.

In An alternative is two or more user modules AP in Relate to each other and trade directly or via the Communication network N or another communication network Data from.

4 shows an example of a display of an XML document with status data of a measuring device M. The XML document was created by the corresponding server computer unit S from the data determined from the meter M and made available and z. B. on request of a user program unit P of a trained as an operating module OSS user module AP by the client computer unit C using the data module R to the user program unit P forwarded. To in 4 The XML document was edited by the user program unit P, ie 4 shows an already format-interpreted XML document.

5 shows a further example of a display of a format-interpreted XML document, namely an XML document with measurement data of a measuring device M, z. B. was forwarded to a trained as a service module BSS user module AP or trained as a user module user module AP.

A query and output of measurement data of an XML document by an end user U is in 6 to see. The underlying XML documents with measurement data of a measuring device M, z. As an electricity meter, were retrieved by the client computer unit C of the data-managing server computer unit S and trained as a user module VP user module AP, from which they were accessed by the end user U. The data was z. B. in the corresponding user program unit P processed, in this example, the power consumption of the last 7 days of 157.54 kWh compared with consumption areas and represented by a color display (here, for example yellow, for a consumption of 150 to 300 kWh ). The determination of the power consumption of the last 7 days is performed in this example in the corresponding server computer unit S and provided the determined value as an XML document. Ie. an administration of the determined data takes place both in the server computer unit S and in the user program unit AP of the corresponding user module AP.

7 shows, by way of example, a 24-hour consumption profile of an end user U determined from measurement data, which is split up into different load cases and thus to possible different collective agreements. The consumption profile is based on a long-term, z. B. annual, basic care, a, z. B. seasonal different, base load, a, z. As daily, peak load and divided into individual lessons. The measurement data for this example are determined by the corresponding server computer unit S and provided as XML documents. About the client computer unit C, the measurement data to the user program unit P of the corresponding user module AP, here z. B. to a service module BSS for billing consumption, passed and processed according to the various collective agreements.

at an alternative embodiment of the invention a data module R of a distributed system in addition to the system data from the server computer units S queried measurement data. At this Alternatively, data, namely the measurement data and, if necessary, processed measurement data, such as daily and weekly values or mean values also managed in the data module R. Here are, for. B. for billing required, measured data and / or processed measurement data from this unit of the data module R by the client computer unit C to the user program unit P of the corresponding user module AP shared.

8th shows one of the measuring stations MS of the first example of a distributed system according to the invention with a server computer unit S and with measuring devices M. The server computer unit S, as each of this example, at least one micro-server Sm, Si on. The measuring devices M are connected to the micro-server Sm, Si. At least one of the measuring devices M is designed as a simple household meter Z1, Z2 and at least one of the measuring devices M of the distributed system is designed as a household appliance A2 to A4 with at least one sensor and possibly at least one actuator. For example, at least one measuring device M as a household appliance A2 for the collection of data, eg. B. as a heat cost allocator.

When in the 8th shown measuring station MS, the server computer unit S a main micro-server Sm and three other micro-server Si on. Some of the measuring devices M of the measuring station MS are connected directly to the main micro-server Sm; z. B. the meter M for electricity, namely a simple, electronic household meter Z1 for Electricity, and that for gas, namely a simple, electronic household meter Z2 for gas.

Further Measuring devices M of the measuring station MS are connected to the micro-server Si connected and only about this to the main micro-server Sm connected. The other measuring devices M of the measuring station MS are considered more electrical or electronic counters A1 and / or home appliances A2, A3, A4 with sensors and If necessary, actuators are formed, specifically as a water meter A1, a heating cost allocator A2, a household appliance A3 to Measurement and control of health conditions, z. As the humidity, (health care) and a household appliance A4 for measuring and controlling devices in domestic Area, z. B. of blinds, (home care). In particular, the household appliances A3 and A4 have actuators.

Ie. preferred are simple measuring devices, eg. B. simple, electrical household meter Z1, Z2, connected directly to the main micro-server Sm and other measuring devices M, possibly locally remote measuring devices M as counter A1 and home appliances A2, A3, A4 measuring devices M, via micro- Server Si connected to the main micro-server Sm. This is also in 9 shown.

In an embodiment is at least one accessory, at least one actuator of the attachment to a the micro-server Si, Sm connected.

alternative is one or more of the measuring stations MS only with a micro-server Sm and equipped with simple measuring devices M.

In particular shows 8th (and describes the corresponding 4 the priority application), the training of the measuring station MS with a telemetry installed in the home, which is made possible by at least one as a multi-utility interactive server (also called intermedial multi-utility server iMUS) micro-server Sm, Si (Home iMUS Farm : Telemetry as in-house installation). Ie. at least the main micro-server Sm (main server), in this example, the three other micro-server Si (room server) are designed as an interactive multi-ultility server iMUS. The simple electronic household meters Z1, Z2 for electricity and gas are each connected to the main micro-server Sm via an M-bus formed by a double-core copper cable. The household appliances A1 to A4 are z. B. via wireless (wireless) M-buses of a local radio network, a frequency of z. B. 868 MHz, connected to the micro-servers Si (peripheral access communication). The other micro-server Si are z. B. via a wired communication system, eg. As Ethernet, in-house powerline communication (home plug), or a wireless communication system, eg. B. WLAN, connected to the main micro-server Sm. The main micro-server Sm is connected to the communication network N and connected to the client computer unit C via it. The connection of the main micro-server Sm and thus the server computer unit S to the communication network N, the Internet, via a DSL transmission service and / or a GPRS transmission service and / or a UMTS transmission service.

9 shows the structure of the main micro-server Sm of the measuring station MS of 8th , The main micro-server Sm comprises a computer unit CPU, z. B. Zilog F91 (high-performance eZ80 Acclaim ^TM, 8-bit microcontroller, up to 256 KB of reprogrammable Flash memory), a storage unit (flash memory), drivers for different electricity meters (including electronic household meter EIC), gas meters, heat meters (Minol ) as well as programs, eg As for querying electricity, query gas, heat query, storage daily, accumulation and control and network units (interface programs, interfaces), z. As Ethernet MAC (PPoE), TCP / IP, http (web server), etc .. About at least one connection of the main micro-server Sm with the communication network N and above with the client computer unit C of the client station CS z. B. a data amount of 400 to 800 KB per day are transmitted. 9 also shows the possibility of access to z. B. determined data by an end user U via the communication network N, the Internet (eg www). The micro-servers Sm, Si of the server computer unit S designed as interactive multi-utility servers serve as intermediaries between the in-home telemetry, ie the determination of data from the measuring devices M and possibly the control of the measuring devices M of the domestic area, and the client computer unit C acting via the communication network N, ie an information and communication technology (ICT). A maximum of 31 meters can be connected to these special micro-servers Sm, Si.

When Domestic telemetry or in-home telemetry will be here System with components and methods for data transmission between the server computer unit S, namely the micro-servers Sm Si and the measuring devices M, namely the counters Z1, Z2 via permanently installed cables and the other measuring devices M over wireless connections, called. The in-house telemetry includes the currently known systems, eg. B. for reading and taxes sensors having counters Z1, Z2 (classical telemetry of sensors), systems for heating cost distribution with as heat cost allocator designated detection devices and systems for monitoring and controlling other devices via actuators in the domestic area (telecommand of actuators in the household).

in the Operation will identify and edit the data in each Server computer unit S by at least one micro-server Sm, Si performed, through which the meters M also to be controlled.

The Data from the trained as a simple household counter Measuring devices M are processed by the main micro-server Sm. The data from further measuring devices M are provided by further micro-servers Si determined, possibly edited and in the main micro-server Sm if necessary further processed and made available.

at the processing of the determined from the measuring devices M data are created by the micro-server Sm, Si XML documents. The Micro-server Sm, Si encrypt the detected data. The data is decrypted in the client computer unit C.

Especially Data from simple, electronic household meters Z1 and Z2 determined for electricity and gas, the main micro-server Sm over the copper line M-Bus forwarded and through this client-capable Data processed and made available. From the water meter A1, the heating cost allocator A2 and household appliances A3 and A4 are also determined data. This data is about the wireless network is routed to the other micro-server Si. The micro-server Si conduct the determined data over the local network, z. As Ethernet, to the main micro-server Sm, in which they are client-capable Data processed and made available.

On in the main micro-server Sm of the server computer unit S for Data provided by the various measuring instruments M are on request at least one user module AP on the Internet from the client computer unit C using the data module R and forwarded to the application module AP. An authorized one End user U can over the Internet, via a corresponding User module AP and via the client station CS Retrieve data from the measuring instruments M and, if necessary, measuring instruments M control. The data is z. B. from the sensors of the simple Household counter Z1, Z2 and / or the counter A1 and / or household appliances A2 to A4 determined. The corresponding user module AP includes z. B. a user module and a control module. determined Data is transmitted at the request of the user module of the user module AP the client computer unit C is called. Data to be taxed on request of the control module to the server computer unit S and from the corresponding micro-servers Si of the server computer unit S z. B. forwarded to the actuators of the household appliances A3, A4.

alternative be determined data already in the other micro-servers Si edited and made available to client-capable data posed.

alternative is one or more of the measuring stations MS only with a micro-server Sm and possibly equipped with simple measuring devices M.

10 shows an electronic component with a micro-server Sm, Si the company Webolution. The width of this electronic component is 2 cm and its length 3 cm. The micro-server Sm, Si contained electronic component is z. B. mounted on the DIN rail in a meter box.

11 shows an alternative measuring station MS, in which the measuring devices M are connected directly to the micro-server Sm of the server computer unit S. In 11 It is shown that the server computer unit S can use an existing Internet connection (Router RT). This is in the 5 of the priority application. Also shows 11 a client station CS connected to the communication network N with a client computer unit C.

In particular, the shows 11 an alternative measuring station MS with three measuring devices M, which are designed as a counter Z. In this case, the measuring devices M are connected directly to a not-shown micro-server (iMUS) of the server computer unit S. The server computer unit S is connected via the router RT to the communication network N, the Internet. In 11 It is shown that this router RT is also used by an end user U assigned to the measuring station MS in order to exchange data via the communication network N. Ie. 11 shows that the server computer unit S an existing Internet connection, namely the router RT, can use.

57.9% German households have one Internet connection (and 95.2% via a landline, Source: Statistical Yearbook 2007, Federal Statistical Office). These Private internet connections can be used for an inventive distributed system for an energy and supply management, z. B. first only for automatic remote readout (AMR) and save costs. The one interactive multi-utility server (iMUS) server computing unit S collects the data of z. B. as a simple, electronic household meter Z (smart meters) trained measuring devices M and transmits the data on request via the communication network N, the Internet, to the client computer unit C. The router RT is as Wi-Fi router trained.

The measuring devices M are a gas meter Z, a water meter Z and a Electric meter Z.

12 shows an embodiment of the in 11 shown measuring station. The server computer unit S has a DSL connection and is connected via the router RT designed as a router to the communication network N, the Internet. The DSL connection, namely the router RT has the ability to use address management commands of the Session Initiation Protocol SIP.

Next the client station CS with the client computer unit C is a user module AP with an operating module OSS and a SIP registrar REG to the Communication network N connected. A SIP registrar is REG a database with appropriate programs for reading and writing SIP-relevant information.

The Data of the here designed as counter Z measuring instruments M are determined by the server computer unit S and as XML documents made available. To retrieve the data from the server computer unit S will be a dynamically changing addressing over the DSL connection used. In particular, the data from the Server computer unit S on the trained as a DSL router Routers, where address management commands, i. H. appropriate Protocol elements and functions, the Session Initiation Protocol SIP are used.

A registration of the server computer unit S with the counters Z and a retrieval of the data determined from the counters Z from the server computer unit S are in the 13 and 14 shown. For registration, the server computer unit S sends the SIP command REGISTER with its symbolic name MUS.z and its private IP address to the router RT, which maintains a port mapping table in which the private IP addresses are assigned to public IP addresses. The router RT forwards the SIP command REGISTER with the name MUS.z and the public IP address to the SIP registrar REG of the user module AP. The SIP registrar REG maintains a SIP address table in which the assigned assignment is stored.

at a request of a user module AP to data of a counter Z, which is available on the server computer unit S named MUS.z are set to the client computer unit C determines this first with the SIP command INVITE at the SIP registrar REG the public IP address of the server computer unit S, the SIP registrar REG sends these back with the SIP command OK. To this Address then forwards the client computer unit C. with the HTTP protocol the request for the data of the counter Z continues to the router RT, using the private IP address the server computer unit S to this passes. The requested XML documents containing the data of the counter Z, which is the server computer unit S has been made available and on the reverse way via the client computer unit C to requesting user module AP sent.

In an embodiment of this invention distributed systems, many of the measuring stations have MS server computing units S with, possibly already existing, DSL connections with the Ability to use Session Initiation Protocol address management commands To use SIP on. According to the invention is about These DSL connections are dynamic for retrieving the data changing addressing of the server computer units S used. This allows a simple realization of a dynamic changing addressing.

In the 15 and 16 that the 7 and 8th with explanations of the priority application, a second distributed system according to the invention is shown, wherein the distributed system and the corresponding method for determining and managing the data, with the exception of some alternative and / or supplementary features described below, correspond to the first distributed system and its method , In particular, the show 15 and 16 the architecture of subsystems of the distributed system based on the inverted client-server model using a measuring station MS and a client station CS. In 16 you can see the modules and their functions. The system according to the invention is suitable for carrying out an automatic remote meter reading (AMR) and other services in the domestic area of the measuring station MS (Home Services).

15 shows one of many distributed system measuring stations MS and an end user U, which are in close proximity z. B. in a household. The measuring station MS and the end user U are connected via the communication network N, namely the Internet, to the client station CS.

As in 16 In particular, the measuring station MS comprises four measuring devices M designed as simple household counters Z for electricity, water, gas and heat and a domestic appliance A for measuring and controlling the health-influencing Conditions in the household (health care), eg. B. for the measurement of vital data, such as humidity, and a household appliance A for measuring and controlling z. B.

Building equipment, such as blinds, (home care). The household appliances A have sensors and Ak open up.

The Server-computer unit S comprises at least one micro-server, which is used as an interactive multi-utility server (iMUS) and to which the measuring devices M are connected. Ie. the measuring station MS indicates through the various measuring devices M and the o. g. Micro-server made measuring and controlling system in which the data of the measuring devices M is determined and processed by the micro-server and provided and the measuring devices M and possibly additional devices controlled by the micro-server become. The networkable micro-server of the server computer unit S is connected to the communication network N and uses one DSL transmission service and / or a GPRS transmission service.

Of the End user U (home client) is connected to a computer unit U1, z. B. with a PC with a browser, with a display unit U2 and provided with a telephone unit U3, which has a local radio network IN, z. B. WLAN, are interconnected. The local Radio network IN is via a router RT, z. A wireless router, connected to the communication network N.

In the 15 shown client station CS has a client computer unit C (AMR client) with a system data contained data module R (repository). In the client station CS two user modules AP are arranged, which are connected to the client station CS and each other. One of the two user modules AP is connected to the communication network N.

As in 16 1, the client computer unit C has a receiving and transmitting unit C1 and a processing unit C2 for merging the data. The latter is connected to the data module R.

One the user modules AP, also known as the user platform, includes a Data unit for managing data DMS (data management system), a customer unit with customer data CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and an archive ARC, e.g. B. with form letters (lettershop). This first application module AP, namely the data unit DMS, is connected to the client computer unit C, with the data module R, connected.

The second user module connected to the communication network AP, also called Public Server (Public Server, Web Service), includes a trained as an operating and service module Module OSS / BSS, z. B. consumption statistics VS and online bills OR generates and provides its receiving and transmitting unit ES. The second user module AP also includes a user module VP a control module that provides a consulting service BS for the End user U provides.

The User module AP, z. B. his archive ARC, is with the second user module AP, z. B. connected to the user module VP.

Essential is that over the communication network N, namely about the Internet still an encryption, a so-called (virtual private) VP network VPN, is set. It will be the data is encrypted by the server computer unit S. and the client computer unit C decrypts.

A*

Geräteanpassung; Messen/Steuern, Verschlüsseln,

B*

Übertragung Client-Server Protokolle über IP,

C*

Messdienste, Geräteüberwachung, Datensammlung,

D*

Daten-, Kunden-, Energie- & Versorgungsmanagement,

E*

verbraucher-orientierte Dienste,

F*

Entertainment, Information & Telekommunikation,

die den Bausteinen A ff der 7 und 8 der Prioritätsanmeldung entsprechen.For the determination and management of the data from a plurality of measuring devices M, ie for the realization of an automatic remote meter reading (AMR) and other services in the domestic area of the measuring station MS (Home Services) are in the 15 and 16 the following services are given as building blocks:

A *

Equipment adjustment; Measuring / Controlling, Encrypting,

B *

Transfer client-server protocols over IP,

C *

Measuring services, device monitoring, data collection,

D *

Data, customer, energy & supply management,

e *

consumer-oriented services,

F *

Entertainment, Information & Telecommunications,

the building blocks A ff the 7 and 8th correspond to the priority application.

For determining and managing the data from a plurality of measuring devices M, the data are determined according to the invention in a plurality of measuring stations MS from at least one measuring device M. In particular, the data in many measuring stations are determined from a large number of measuring devices designed as simple household counters Z and household appliances A (eg approximately 10 ⁴ measuring devices). The determined data are processed in the server computer units S of the measuring stations MS to client-capable data and made available. The data-determining micro-server S of the server computer units work in parallel.

at the processing by the server computer unit S are the determined Data created as XML documents and according to the Encrypted rules of the VP network. In addition to data collection the server computer unit S performs device adjustments on the measuring devices M and transmits the actuators of trained as household appliances A gauges M data to control. This corresponds to the block A *.

The provided encrypted data from the measuring stations MS are via the communication network N, the Internet, in the client station CS with the client computer unit C using the data module R, using system data from the data module R, retrieved. As transmission protocols Internet protocols are used. The retrieved data will be further processed, z. B. decrypted, edited and archived. This corresponds to the block B *.

On Request a user program unit of a user module AP are by the client computer unit C data from at least one server computer unit S and to the user program unit of the user module AP forwarded.

For example On request of the module OSS / BSS of the second application module AP consumption data are transmitted and determined therefrom in the module OSS / BSS consumption statistics VS. Consumption data or other requested data becomes monitoring the measuring devices M used. This corresponds to the module C *.

ever according to the type of consumption data requested and according to the distribution The management of the data collected can be the consumption data from the data unit of the data module R or directly from the corresponding one Server computer unit S or transmitted from the first user module AP become.

On Inquiry of the administrative unit DMS of the first user module AP be z. B. measurement data of individual measuring devices M transmitted and processed in the administrative unit DMS. Measured data from the Administrative unit DMS, customer data from the customer unit CRM and Invoice forms from the archive ARC are z. In the first one Application module AP compiled. This corresponds to the module D *.

The Measurement data, customer data and invoice forms of the first user module Be AP, z. B. from the module OSS / BSS of the second user module AP, requested, processed to online invoices and sent to the end user U shipped. This corresponds to the block E *.

On Request of the end user U to the user module VP of the second user module AP are z. B. data from sensors as household appliances A trained meters M transmitted to the end user U. The data of the sensors, regularly and / or currently determined, edited by the server computer unit and will be made available to the request of the User module VP of the client computer unit C using the data module R queried and transmitted. This way the end user can also control the actuators of his household appliances A. For controlling the actuators of the household appliances A are the end user U z. B. to the desired position of the actuator. This information is in the control module of the user module VP in data for controlling the corresponding actor implemented. On request of the control module directs the client computer unit C the data for controlling the micro-server of Server computer unit S further, which is the actuator of the household appliance A served. This corresponds to the block F *.

In An embodiment of the invention serve the micro-servers Sm, Si is the relatively small domestic area, i. H. a Measuring station MS, with measuring devices M with different Consumption sensors (eg electricity, gas, water) as measuring and control systems. They also serve as intermediaries between near-field communications and as a server component of the entire system of data collection and Administration ("Data Aggregation & Repository"). This micro-server Sm, Si are used as "intermedial Multi Utility Server - iMUS".

It becomes a VPN-based inverted client-server system used for the high-performance fulfillment of its measuring and control tasks is inverted, i. H. many servers are going through queried a client. The measuring and control system is on the one hand for the automated measurement of meter data, on the other hand also for reading any sensors and controlling any actuator in a public internet-based connection and networking technology, d. H. it becomes read-out and Control of a variety of measuring instruments M used.

• 1) Auslesen der und ggf. Rückwirken auf den oder die angeschlossenen Messgeräte M, wie Elektrozähler, und auch „Multi-Utility Metering” – also Auslesen der und ggf. Rückwirken auf Messgeräte M anderer Energieformen und Verbrauchsmengen (Gas, Wärme, Wasser), d. h. Telemetrie ausschließlich im Nahbereich.
• 2) Konvertieren der ermittelten Daten und zur Verfügung stellen der ermittelten Daten, d. h. Konvertieren der Daten von der vielfältigen, teilweise proprietären Protokoll-Welt der Mess- und Steuertechnik auf die Standard-Protokoll-Welt des Internets; dazu gehören zum Beispiel als notwendige Netzwerk-Protokolle: ARP (Adress Resolution Protocol), ETHER (Ethernet Frame Handling) PPP (Point-To-Point Protocol mit LCP, CCP, PAP, CHAP), PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet), IPv4 (Internet Protocol mit ICMP, IGMP und Multicast Support), ROUTE (IP Routing Module), SOCKETS (TCP – Transport Control Protocol & UDP – Universal Datagram Protocol), USERAUTH (User-Name/Password Authorization Handling) und auch IPv6 und zum Beispiel als notwendige Anwendungsprotokolle: FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Server), UPNP (Universal Plug & Play Device Service mit SOAP/XML), SMTP (eMail Client), gegebenenfalls POP3 (eMail Retrieval Client), SOCK (Stream Socket Library), SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol mit SNMPTRAP), Syslog (System Logging over UDP) DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), RESOLVE (Domain Name Resolver), HTTPD (embedded Webserver/Hypertext Transport), gegebenenfalls auch NETCON (Telnet Console), PING (ICMP Echo Request Probe), SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol)
• 3) Über die regulären Aufgaben eines Protokollumsetzers („Protocol-Converter”, „Gateway”) hinaus, Bearbeiten der Daten, z. B. Speicherung der Daten bzw. Auswertung gemäß den in der Server-Applikation festgelegten Regeln (z. B. Aufstellung eins Tagesgangs oder Lastverteilung)
• 4) Bearbeiten der Daten, wie zeitliche Entzerrung zwischen Datenerzeugung und Datentransport (auch gegebenenfalls Ersatzwertbildung bei Zählerausfall)
• 5) Überwachung des gesamten im Haus (in der Messstation MS) befindlichen Mess- und Steuersystems auf betriebliche Stabilität und Manipulationssicherheit
• 6) Verschlüsselung der Kommunikation zwischen Messgeräten, wie Zählern und Mikro-Servern (falls notwendig) und zwischen Mikro-Servern Sm, Si und der Client-Rechnereinheit C bei Nutzung eines VPN über das Internet, d. h. Kommunikationsnetz N.

The micro-servers Sm, Si installed at the consumer (user), ie in a measuring station MS, carry out the following processes:

• 1) readout of and, if appropriate, reaction to the connected measuring device or devices M, such as electric meters, and also "multi-utility metering" - ie read-out of and, if appropriate, retroactivity to measuring devices M of other energy forms and consumption quantities (gas, heat, water), ie telemetry exclusively at close range.
• 2) converting the data obtained and providing the data obtained, ie converting the data from the diverse, partially proprietary protocol world of measurement and control technology to the standard protocol world of the Internet; These include, for example, necessary network protocols: ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), ETHER (Ethernet Frame Handling) PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol with LCP, CCP, PAP, CHAP), PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet), IPv4 ( Internet Protocol with ICMP, IGMP and Multicast Support), ROUTE (IP Routing Module), SOCKETS (TCP - Transport Control Protocol & UDP (Universal Datagram Protocol), USERAUTH (User-Name / Password Authorization Handling) and also IPv6 and, for example, as necessary application protocols: FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Server), UPNP (Universal Plug & Play Device Service with SOAP / XML) , SMTP (eMail client), optionally POP3 (eMail retrieval client), SOCK (Stream Socket Library), SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol with SNMPTRAP), Syslog (System Logging over UDP) DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), RESOLVE (Domain Name resolver), HTTPD (embedded web server / hypertext transport), possibly also NETCON (Telnet Console), PING (ICMP Echo Request Probe), SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol)
• 3) Beyond the regular tasks of a protocol converter ("Protocol Converter", "Gateway"), editing the data, eg. B. Storage of the data or evaluation in accordance with the rules defined in the server application (eg setting up one-day operation or load distribution)
• 4) Editing the data, such as temporal equalization between data generation and data transport (also possible replacement value generation in case of meter failure)
• 5) Monitoring of the entire measuring and control system in the house (in the measuring station MS) for operational stability and manipulation security
• 6) encryption of the communication between measuring devices, such as counters and micro-servers (if necessary) and between micro-servers Sm, Si and the client computer unit C when using a VPN over the Internet, ie communication network N.

These Server applications and network protocols are on the micro servers Sm, Si, d. H. on the so-called iMUS (intermedial Multi Utility Server) implemented.

Of the or the micro-server Sm, Si with each relatively small observation space for measuring energy and supply data of a measuring station MS, d. H. in an apartment or in a single or multiple dwelling could use a standard browser as a client computing device C are queried, with access rights for reasons of Privacy and data security yet to be considered separately would.

• 1) Verwaltung eines Datenmoduls (Repository R), welches sämtliche Gerätedaten (Identifikatoren, Parameter, Lokalisation (Orts- und Datenadresse), Zugangsrechte, ...) und Messdaten enthält
• 2) Bearbeiten der Daten, wie Entschlüsselung und Aufnahme der von den Mikro-Servern Sm, Si zur Verfügung gestellten Messdaten (abrechnungsrelevant und/oder informativ) in dieses Repository R
• 3) Weitergabe der bearbeiteten Daten an dazu berechtigte Anwendermodulen AP, d. h. Programme bzw. Institutionen zur Rechnungslegung, zur aufgearbeiteten Darstellung der Verbrauchsdaten an die Verbraucher in einem gesonderten Web-Service, zur übergeordneten statistischen Aufarbeitung von Energie- und Versorgungsdaten, zum Geräte-Management der in den Haushalten verbauten Mess- und Steuersysteme und nach Installation von geeigneten Sensoren und Aktoren für Applikationen in den Bereichen „Home Care”, „Facility Management” und gegebenenfalls „Health Care” z. B. zum Zwecke des „betreuten Wohnen”
• 4) Realisierung eines gemeinsamen Zeitbegriffs: die Verwendung von standardisierten Internet-Protokollen und die im statistischen Mittel extrem kurzen Übertragungszeiten auch in einem „best effort” VPN, welches allein durch das Verhalten der Client-Rechnereinheit C und möglicher Alarmmeldungen der Mikro-Server Sm, Si belastet wird, stellt sicher, dass die den Servern und Messeinrichtungen jeweils bekannte oder bekannt zu machende Zeit nur mit kleinen Abweichungen übereinstimmt. Jede Messung kann daher mit einem Zeitstempel versehen werden, der eine Systemzeit mit einer Genauigkeit mindestens im Bereich von Sekunden zeigt.

The client computer unit C, which can query all micro-servers Sm, Si as the only "trusted party", performs the following procedures:

• 1) Management of a data module (Repository R), which contains all device data (identifiers, parameters, location (location and data address), access rights, ...) and measurement data
• 2) Processing the data, such as decryption and recording of the measurement data provided by the micro-servers Sm, Si (billing-relevant and / or informative) in this repository R
• 3) Transfer of the processed data to authorized user modules AP, ie programs or institutions for accounting, for the processed presentation of consumption data to consumers in a separate web service, for the superordinate statistical processing of energy and supply data, for device management in the households installed measurement and control systems and after installation of suitable sensors and actuators for applications in the areas of "home care", "facility management" and, where appropriate, "health care" z. B. for the purpose of "assisted living"
• 4) Realization of a common concept of time: the use of standardized Internet protocols and the extremely short average transmission times in a "best effort" VPN, which is determined solely by the behavior of the client computer unit C and possible alarm messages of the micro-server Sm, Si is charged, ensures that the time known to the servers and measuring devices or known time coincides only with small deviations. Each measurement can therefore be provided with a time stamp showing a system time with an accuracy at least in the range of seconds.

With Help of the client computer unit C to user modules AP, z. B. the application platform delivered records, can not only be settled individually for each consumption Determine data to the energy producers / distributors or consumption fluctuations and base loads are plausible for the consumer, but from different accumulations such as short or long term Derive forecasts, accumulative and statistical calculations Create evaluations in the first place and if necessary also make performance- or tariff-dependent influence on devices.

The Invention optimally leaves a separate implementation the roles of those independent from an electrical utility Metering operators and metering service providers, as defined in the German Energy Industry Act proposed for the future. The system is in so far multi-client capable, as that z. B. different billing service providers or electrical utilities via "White Lists "only and exclusively give them access to the Measuring points or measured values of their customers can be.

An alternative method according to the invention and a corresponding distributed system enables the implementation of energy and supply management.

It enables automatic remote reading of measuring instruments M, in particular household meters (Automated Meter Reading - AMR), z. As in tariff customers, via micro-server Sm, Si. The micro-server Sm, Si enable further measurement and control tasks in the measuring stations MS in a larger area.

essential is the use of an inverted client-server model. From great advantage are the micro-server Sm and Si, as small electronic components are installed and the server programs wear. The server programs of the micro-server Sm, Si are of the authorized client program of the client computer unit C driven. The client program uses this in this example as a device and measurement data repository formed data module R of the client station CS and allows only authorized user modules AP (eg applications) an access.

The Definition of the corresponding tasks and technical requirements to the Virtual Private Network VPN is done by the vote the client computer unit C and the server computer units SI.

The Implementation of an inverted client-server model enables extremely high demands on data security and data integrity to be fair and the entire system custody or safety to be lessened by the appropriate institutions. By Authentication of only one possible client C at one large number of micro-servers Sm, Si, backed by Exchange of server- and therefore user-specific "shared secrets "as the basis of symmetrical or asymmetrical (public key at the server, private Key at the metering service) will be without major further technical effort realized a high level of security, the Communication across an all server and a client comprehensive VPN as a "demilitarized zone" guarantees that Integrity of source and sink of communication and prevents Manipulations even without additional investment and operational Effort for "intrusion detection" and "firewall" systems.

The Concept of an intermedial trained as a multi-utility server Micro-server Sm, Si at the place of the counter or measurements allowed the connection of new meter types by integration only a specific "driver" in this system. The service to be provided by the server - the "measuring" can still indiscriminately from the client - z. B. over HTTP requests - to be queried. Only the metering point operator, not the measuring service provider, must the specifics of the individual measuring points know and consider. In particular, therefore, too uses a parent, unified identifier regardless of meter type or vendor-specific Serial number. In the context of this invention, IPv6 addresses (128 bit), which initially only serves as an identifier of all physical components, when changing the VPN or extension from Home Networks "to the Internet Protocol version 6, also as destination addresses for standardized Internet services serve.

The Possibility of implementation of specific rules for storing data in the micro-server Sm, Si and the accuracy The system time also allows the implementation of electricity meters with the much lower degree of complexity of z. Eg water or heat meters. Electricity consumption and (daytime or producer-dependent) tariff need not in the Counter, but can be temporally and locally decoupled in special modules of the application platform to each other be related. A simple unit counter to be developed In combination with the invention represents a significant cost reduction for "Energy and Supply Management" in the Mass market

Of the modular structure of the overall system and the operational autonomy of Subsystems with standardized Internet protocols as interfaces not only allows cost reduction but also one extensive modularization of investigative and administrative procedures.

In measured data obtained at short intervals of time a value there, if this - as described by the Invention possible - clearly one time, one physical location, a data address and a point of delivery can be assigned and queried at short notice. The Invention allows using appropriate web portals provided by the client energy producers, the operators of clearing houses, the housing industry and municipal utilities and not least energy consultants for consumers based on these measurement data via to offer the Internet cost-effective services.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 69319305 T2 [0002]
• WO 03/027840 A1 [0003]
• - WO 2008/094277 A1 [0004]

Claims (23)

Method for determining and managing data from a variety of measuring devices (M), where in several Measuring stations (MS) in each case data from at least one measuring device (M) determined and client-capable in a server computer unit (S) Data is processed and made available and wherein in at least one client station (CS) with at least one Client computer unit (C) passing through the server computer units (S) the measuring stations (MS) provided data about a communication network (N) will be retrieved and further processed. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that in each server computer unit (S) the processing of the data the measuring devices (M) by at least one micro-server (Sm, Si) is performed. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that that the measuring instruments (M) and possibly additional equipment be controlled by the micro-server (Sm, Si). Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized that data from at least one as a simple household counter (Z1, Z2, Z) trained measuring device (M) and determined by a micro-server (Sm, Si) edited and available be put. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that data from at least one as a household appliance (A1, A2, A3, A4, A) with at least one sensor formed measuring device (M) determined and processed by a micro-server (Sm, Si) and the Will be provided. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that that data to control at least one as a household appliance (A3, A4, A) trained measuring device (M) with an actuator or at least one additional device with an actuator at least one micro-server (Sm, Si) are transmitted. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the from the measuring devices ascertained data in the server computer units (S) during processing to create client-capable data as XML documents. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the server computer units (S) the determined data is encrypted and in the client computer unit (C) are decrypted. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the server of the computer units (S) provided by the client computer unit (C) using a data module (R) are retrieved. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that data on request of at least a user module (AP) by the client computer unit (C) of at least one server computer unit (S) and retrieved to the User module (AP) are forwarded. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that that data from at least one end user (U) over at least a user module (AP) are retrieved. Method according to one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that data on request of at least one a control module comprehensive user module (AP) by the client computer unit (C) forwarded to at least one server computer unit (S) become. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that for retrieving the data from at least a server computer unit (S) a dynamically changing addressing is used, with addressing via a DSL connection with the ability to use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) address management commands to be used. Distributed system for determining and managing Data from a variety of measuring instruments (M) after one the above method, the multiple measuring stations (MS), the in each case at least one measuring device (M) and one server computer unit (S) and at least one client station (CS) comprising a client computing unit (C), wherein with the client computer unit (C) by the server computer units (S) of the measuring stations (MS) are available Asked data via a communication network (N) available are. Distributed system according to claim 14, characterized in that in that the server computer unit (S) has at least one micro-server (Sm, Si). Distributed system according to claim 15, characterized in that that at least one of the gauges (M) is easier than that Household counter (Z1, Z2, Z) is formed and connected to a Micro-server (Sm, Si) is connected. Distributed system according to claim 16, characterized in that that at least one of the measuring devices (M) as a household appliance (A1, A2, A3, A4, A) is formed with at least one sensor and connected to a micro-server (Sm, Si). Distributed system according to claim 17, characterized in that that at least one household appliance (A2, A3, A4, A) trained measuring device (M) or an additional device has at least one actuator and to a micro-server (Sm, Si) connected. Distributed system according to claim 14 characterized by a data module assigned to the client computer unit (C) (R). Distributed system according to claim 14 characterized by at least one connected to the client computer unit (C) User module (AP). Distributed system according to claim 20 by at least one application module (AP), which consists of at least one End user (U) is queriable. Distributed system according to claim 20 by at least one user module (AP), the at least one control module includes. Distributed system according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that at least one server computer unit (S) over a DSL connection with the ability Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Address Management Commands to use the communication system (N) is connected.