GB2478315A - Energy management - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for managing the supply of energy to remote devices, such as recharging mobile phones 101. An energy supply control apparatus 102 in addition to a management system 103, 105 manages and authenticates account information of remote devices 101. A method for managing the supply of energy to a device 101, comprises authenticating a billing account associated with a device 101 to be supplied with energy by sending an authentication request message to an authentication processing unit over a network 104 and controlling the supply of energy to the device 101 responsive to receipt of an authentication response message from the authentication processing unit. The energy usage of the device 101 is then monitored and billing information associated with the energy usage of the device 101 is transferred to a billing processing unit over the network 104 to update the billing account.

Description

I

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

The present invention relates to an apparatus, system, and method for controlling the supply of energy to a device. In particular, an aspect of the present invention provides a means for authenticating whether energy can be supplied to a device and providing billing information associated with the corresponding energy usage of the device.

Portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, handheld games consoles, and mp3 players are commonly used by many people in the developed world. These devices are primarily designed to allow people to have access to telephone, internet, music, and games functions when away from a fixed point power supply, normally by the provision of a battery. It is common that users of such devices are not always able to ensure that the device they are using has sufficient power to last the duration of the period they are away from a fixed point power supply.

Consequently, when the battery of such a device is exhausted, the user is not always in a position to recharge the battery.

There are continual efforts to overcome this problem by designing improved battery technology, such that the power lifetime provided to such devices is increased. In recent years nickel cadmium (NiCd) type batteries have been superseded by nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and at present lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries provide the best performance characteristics. However, with lithium cobalt oxide variants and the safer lithium phosphate generation of batteries, energy densities have begun to plateau.

In addition to improving battery technology, advancements have taken place to reduce the energy usage of devices. For example, much development has gone into reducing the power consumption of display technologies and processors because these have historically been quite power hungry components of such devices.

While it is likely that battery technology will allow battery life to be increased and the power consumption of components will be reduced consumers are continually demanding faster and more powerful technology, which generally results in overall increases in power consumption. Hence, the improvements in technology are not necessarily increasing the length of time batteries will supply power.

There is, therefore, a growing demand for charging points to be made available in order to allow devices to be recharged by users when they are away from home or work and are otherwise unable to recharge their device.

A common solution to this problem is provided by coffee shops, bars, airports, hotel lounges, conference lobbies, libraries and other public areas. Such public areas will often provide electrical charging points for patrons to use in order to charge their electrical devices. Consequently, users can charge their device while drinking a coffee in a coffee shop, or while waiting in an airport. Such charging facilities are usually provided such that no cost is incurred by the patron that is charging their device. Most establishments, such as coffee shops, offer this service in order to attract customers into their establishment, and also provide customers with a good reason to stay within their establishment for long periods of time, i.e. the long periods often required to charge electronic devices.

While providing free" charging points to owners of mobile devices does provide a means for devices to be charged, the availability of such charging points is likely to diminish with increases in energy prices. Non-renewable energy resources such as fossil fuels are becoming shorter in supply, and it is predicted that they could even exhaust in just over 50 years.

There have been attempts to overcome the problem of fossil fuels running out by the use of renewable energy resources. However, at present renewable energy resources are relatively untried and are potentially ineffective without considerable engineering innovation. Even the power supply infrastructure is currently against renewable resources because the existing topology is not arranged to cope with the distributed power creation provided by renewable energy sources.

Due to the ever-increasing price of electrical energy it seems less likely that free energy points will be provided in the future. In addition, the depletion of fossil fuels will cause an increase in the use of electric cars and electric motorcycles. It is inevitable that an infrastructure will be required in order to allow for such electric cars and electric motorcycles to be charged by owners of these vehicles when away from home.

At present there is no proper infrastructure in place for dealing with the charging of portable and moveable electrical devices such as mobile phones, laptops and electric cars, to name a few.

The above-problem has not been given much thought to date. However, one solution to the problem that has been proposed, and developed, is that of Public Mobile Phone Charging Points. These "charging stations" are lockable cabinets having various different mobile phone charging adaptors within. A user can then obtain a key for a locker and then, once open, connect their mobile phone to one of the adaptors for charging. Coins are inserted in order to pay for the electricity used.

Such "charging stations" go some of the way to overcome some of the problems of a need to charge electrical devices while away from home or work, while also allowing users to pay, therefore, providing a solution to the problems associated with "free" electrical charging points. However, "charging stations" do not provide a solution that will work on a large scale when devices such as electric cars become more prominent.

The present invention aims to mitigate at least some of the aforementioned problems of

the prior art. -

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for managing the supply of energy to a device, the method comprising: authenticating a billing account associated with a device to be supplied with energy by sending an authentication request message to an authentication processing unit over a network; controlling the supply of energy to the device responsive to receipt of an authentication response message from the authentication processing unit; monitoring the energy usage of the device; and transferring billing information associated with the energy usage of the device to a billing processing unit over the network.

Preferably, controlling the supply of energy further comprises selectively supplying energy to the device responsive to receipt of the authentication response message.

Advantageously, the authentication response message from the verification unit indicates whether the authentication has been successful.

Conveniently, the method further comprises sending the authentication request message and transferring the billing information over the network via the device.

Preferably, the billing information includes information that identifies the device and indicates the energy usage of the device.

Advantageously, the step of authenticating the billing account further comprises receiving billing account information comprising a current account balance of the billing account associated with the device.

Conveniently, the billing account information is received from the device.

Preferably, the step of monitoring the energy usage of the device further comprises updating the current account balance of the device in accordance with the energy usage.

Advantageously, the step of transferring billing information comprises sending information indicating the current account balance to the billing processing unit.

Conveniently, the step of transferring billing information is performed when the device has finished using the supply of energy.

Preferably, the method further comprises sensing whether the load of the device has been removed to determine whether the device has finished using the supply of energy.

Advantageously, the method further comprises receiving a disconnection message from the device indicating that the device has finished using the supply of energy.

Conveniently, the aforementioned method is for supply of energy in the form of electricity.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an energy supply control apparatus, for managing the supply of energy to a device, the apparatus comprising: an authentication unit arranged to authenticate a billing account associated with a device to be supplied with energy by sending an authentication request message to an authentication processing unit via a network, and control the supply of energy to the device responsive to receipt of an authentication response message from the authentication processing unit; an energy usage monitor arranged to monitor the energy usage of the device; and a billing unit arranged to transfer billing information associated with the energy usage of the device to a billing processing unit via the network.

Preferably, the energy supply control apparatus further comprises a switching arrangement arranged to selectively supply energy to the device responsive to the control signal.

Advantageously, the authentication response message indicates whether authentication has been successful.

Conveniently, the authentication unit and the billing unit communicate over the network via the device.

Preferably, the billing information includes information identifying the device and indicating the energy usage of the device.

Advantageously, the authentication unit is arranged to receive billing account information comprising a current account balance of the billing account associated with the device.

Conveniently, the authentication unit is arranged to receive the billing account information from the device.

Preferably, the monitor is arranged to update the current account balance of the device in accordance with the energy usage.

Advantageously, the billing unit is arranged to send information indicating the current account balance to the billing processing unit.

Conveniently, the billing unit is arranged to transfer the billing information when the device has finished using the supply of energy.

Preferably, the energy supply control apparatus further comprises a load sensor arranged to sense when a load associated with the device has been disconnected from the energy supply apparatus to determine whether the device has finished using the supply of energy and notify the billing unit accordingly in order to initiate the transfer of the billing information.

Advantageously, the energy supply control apparatus further comprises a device communication unit arranged to receive a disconnection message from the device indicating that the device has finished using the supply of energy and notify the billing unit accordingly in order to initiate the transfer of the billing information.

Conveniently, the apparatus is arranged for supplying energy in the form of electricity.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for managing energy account information of remote devices, the method comprising: receiving an authentication request from an energy supply control apparatus over a network, the authentication request indicative of a device, associated with the management apparatus, requesting to obtain a remote energy connection with the electricity supply control apparatus; sending an authentication response to the electricity supply control apparatus over the network in order to authenticate the device; receiving billing information from the electricity supply control apparatus over the network, the billing information indicative of an energy usage of the device; and updating the billing account in response to the received billing information.

Preferably the method further comprises determining whether to allow the device to obtain a remote energy connection with the energy supply control apparatus and including a result of the determination in the authentication response.

Advantageously, the method further comprises updating the database with billing information associated with other devices associated with the billing account.

Conveniently, the method further comprises sending at least a portion of the billing information of the billing account to a central energy server over the network.

Preferably, the method further comprises updating a database with billing information associated with a plurality of billing accounts.

Advantageously, the method further comprises providing billing information associated with a billing account for issue to a client associated with the billing account.

Conveniently, the method further comprises obtaining billing information from the billing account and including the billing information in the authentication request.

Preferably, the method is for managing electricity account information associated with remote electricity use by remote devices.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a management system for managing energy account information of remote devices, the apparatus comprising: an authentication processing unit arranged to: receive an authentication request from an energy supply control apparatus over a network, the authentication request indicative of a device, associated with the management apparatus, requesting to obtain a remote energy connection with the energy supply control apparatus, the associated energy usage to be billed to a billing account of the management system; and send an authentication response to the energy supply control apparatus over the network in order to authenticate the device; and a billing processing unit arranged to: receive billing information from the energy supply control apparatus over the network, the billing information indicative of an energy usage of the device; and update the billing account in response to the received billing information.

Preferably, the authentication processing part is further arranged to determine whether to allow the device to obtain a remote energy connection with the energy supply control apparatus and including a result of the determination in the authentication response.

Advantageously, the authentication processing unit and the billing processing unit are provided as an integrated apparatus.

Conveniently, the management apparatus is a home server.

Preferably, the home server is arranged to update the billing account with billing information associated with other devices associated with the billing account of the home server.

Advantageously, the home server is arranged to update the billing account with billing information associated with billing information generated according to an energy usage of a home connected to the home server.

Conveniently, the home server is arranged to send at least a portion of the billing information of the billing account to a central energy server.

Preferably, the management apparatus is a central energy server having an associated database on which the billing account is stored.

Advantageously, the central energy server is arranged to update the database with billing information associated with a plurality of billing accounts.

Conveniently, the management apparatus is arranged to provide billing information associated with a billing account for issue to a client associated with the billing account.

Preferably, the authentication processing part is arranged to obtain billing information from the billing account and include the billing information in the authentication request.

Advantageously, the system is arranged for managing electricity account information associated with remote electricity use by remote devices.

In accordance with the aforementioned aspects of the present invention there is also provided a carrier medium carrying computer readable code for controlling a suitable computer to carry out each of the aforementioned methods.

In accordance with the aforementioned aspects of the present invention there is also provided a carrier medium carrying computer readable code for configuring a suitable computer as an apparatus as described above.

Embodiments of the present invention simplify the way in which energy is paid for remotely. One embodiment of the invention achieves this by allowing for remote energy usage to be sent to a home energy account and charged with the home energy bill. In a further embodiment energy tokens are obtained and charged to the home energy account.

Embodiments of the present invention improve the usability of remote energy supplies.

This can be achieved in accordance with the present invention by allowing for the payment of remotely used energy to take place with a standard energy bill, or in advance of the use of the energy. Consequently, users are able to begin using the energy with minimum set-up requirements.

Embodiments of the present invention help improve the infrastructure provided for remote energy use. Since the present invention improves the ease at which remotely used energy is billed, the present invention provides a suitable model for expanding the remote energy supply infrastructure while also allowing for the energy to be paid for, and the system not abused.

Embodiments of the present invention reduce the cost of using energy remotely. By allowing for the cost of the remotely used energy to be billed along with the home energy billing account the user can pay a remote energy charge in line corresponding to their home energy tariff. Furthermore, users are able to select the best energy tariff for these usage requirements, thereby saving money overall.

Embodiments of the present invention simplify people's overall energy payments. This is achieved at least in those embodiments of the present invention where the remote energy usage is combined with home electricity usage because only a single energy bill need be issued.

Embodiments of the present invention shall hereinafter be described, as examples of the invention only, with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates an electricity supply control apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 illustrates an operation of the home server in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 illustrates an antecedent authentication process in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates a billing procedure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates an authentication process in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a billing procedure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates a system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates an authentication procedure in a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 illustrates a billing procedure Of a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 illustrates a system of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 12 illustrates an authentication and billing procedure of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Throughout this specification like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus to be installed within shops, cafes and public spaces in order to provide a means for users to electrically charge their electronic devices. While the present invention is mainly concerned with the electrical recharging of electronic devices it will also be appreciated that the apparatus disclosed herein is also able to be used for powering other devices for use when away from the home or workplace.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a way in which a user of a portable electronic device can use their power remotely. For example, they can tap into the "reservoir" of energy that is paid for at home or at work when away from home or work.

Figure 1 shows a system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, an electricity supply control apparatus 102 is provided to allow a user to connect a mobile device 101 thereto in order to charge the mobile device 101. In Figure 1 the device is depicted as a mobile phone.

However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is capable of operating with any suitable electrical device.

When the device 101 connects to the electricity supply control apparatus 102 the electricity supply control apparatus 102 determines the identification of the device 101.

The electricity supply control apparatus 102 then contacts a home server 103 associated with the device 101 across a network 104 in order to authenticate the device 101 for billing purposes. If the device 101 is successfully authenticated electricity is supplied through the electricity supply control apparatus 102. The electricity supply control apparatus 102 then monitors the electricity usage.

When the device 101 finishes using the electricity supply the electricity supply control apparatus 102 sends billing information associated with the electricity usage to the home server 103. The home server 103 periodically sends further billing information to a central electricity server 105, which includes billing information associated with energy usage of the house or apartment to which the home server 103 is attached, in addition to the billing information associated with any corresponding mobile devices such as device 101. The central electricity server 105 is then able to issue bil!s to the user.

Each component of this first embodiment of the present invention shall now be described in more detail.

The electricity supply control apparatus 102 is a device which is arranged to control the supply of electricity to a mobile device, which is electrically connected thereto. Figure 2 provides a detailed illustration of the electricity supply control apparatus.

In this embodiment of the present invention the electricity supply control apparatus 102 is arranged to receive an electrical supply at input 11. The electricity supply control apparatus 102 then provides an output 12 to a plug-point 13, such as a standard 3-pin plug socket used in the UK. In alternative embodiments different types of connectors are supplied such as USB connectors or adaptors specific for the device to be connected. Furthermore, the plug-point 13 is incorporated within the electricity supply control apparatus 102 in alternative embodiments of the invention.

The control apparatus 102 is arranged to selectively allow electricity to pass through to the plug socket dependent upon whether or not the device 101 is successfully authenticated.

A switching means 14 is provided in order to allow electricity to be selectively supplied to the output 12. The switching means 14 is controlled by a processor 15, which performs the authentication. In particular, the electricity supply control apparatus 102 firstly communicates with the connected mobile device through a first communication port (COM1) 16a. In this embodiment of the present invention the first communication port 16a is a Bluetooth connection, however, alternative means such as a cabled connection or cellular communications based connection could be utilised. Through the first communication port 16a the electricity supply control apparatus 102 determines the identity of the mobile device 101. The identity or mobile device identification includes at least information identifying the mobile device and its associated home server.

In alternative embodiments, the mobile device identification may be a mobile phone number of the device, a serial number, or a specific protocol for device identification.

The associated home server being determined by reference to a home server reference table, which may be stored in the memory of each electricity supply control apparatus 102 or at an external server.

Furthermore, the mobile device may be identified by identification of the user. For example, the user of the device may be identified personally, through a pass code or through biometric means (e.g. using a fingerprint scanner on the mobile device) either in addition to, or in place of, specific device identification.

The processor 15 stores the mobile device identification and any other necessary information in the RAM 17. The processor then uses the information identifying the home server 103 and device 101 in order to connect through the second communication port 16b through the internet 104 to the home server 103 in order to authenticate the device 101. A message is then received back from the home server 103 indicating whether or not the electricity usage of the device 101 can be billed to the home server; that is a positive or negative authentication message is received.

In the event that the device is successfully authenticated the electricity supply control apparatus 102,witches the switching means 14 such that device 101 is able to draw current from the socket. In this embodiment of the present invention the switching means is a switch, similar to those well known in the art, which has suitable power characteristics in order to allow for switching of the electricity supply. Furthermore, the switching of the switch is preferably controllable by way of a control signal, such as an electrical impulse or the like.

Once the device has been successfully authenticated and electricity is able to flow, the control apparatus 102 is able to monitor the electricity usage of the device connected thereto using current monitor 18 in conjunction with processor 15 and RAM 17.

The monitoring of the power usage incorporates use of current meter and volt meter in order to determine the power in a manner well known in the art. The current detection is carried out using a standard induction process. However, any suitable current monitoring means could be utilised. A standard volt meter is used to determine the voltage. The processor is then arranged to process the detected current and voltage, utilising this information to determine how these detected values relate to electricity or power usage. The electricity usage is continually stored and updated within the RAM.

In this embodiment of the invention the electricity supply control apparatus 102 determines that the device 101 is no longer connected by detecting that zero load or open circuit is present and no current is being drawn. The processor 15 takes into account variation of the current drawn by the device 101 during use in order to more accurately determine when the device 101 has been disconnected. In alternative embodiments, the device 101 can inform the electricity supply control apparatus 102 via the Bluetooth connection that it no longer requires a supply.

Once the device has finished using the electricity supply provided through the control apparatus 102, the control apparatus issues billing information such that the user of the device is billed for the electricity used. In this embodiment of the invention, the billing information is sent from the electricity supply control apparatus 102 to the home server 103. The billing information includes information pertaining to the electricity used along with identification of the device 101.

While in this embodiment of the present invention the billing information is sent at the end of each charging session, in alternative embodiments a continuous stream or regular stream of billing information could be sent across the network to the home server 103. In particular, providing a continuous stream ensures that the energy usage is billed for and may allow for different tariffs to be applied during the period of energy usage. Such tariffs may change dependent upon the time of day, or the amount of energy used. In addition, such an approach would allow for billing to still take place even if someone is attempting to fraudulently manipulate the device.

The processor 15 of the electricity supply control apparatus 102, therefore, effectively acts as an authentication unit for authenticating a billing account associated with a device, and also, at least partly, as an electricity usage monitor because it converts the detected power consumption into useful information. In addition, the processor 15 provides billing functionality and acts as a billing unit. In alternative embodiments of the present invention these functionalities could be provided by separate units or processors, however, it is simpler to implement these features in a single processor provided with an associated random access memory.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, not described in detail herein, the switching means 14, and the current monitor 18 do not form part of the electricity supply control apparatus 102. While such an electricity supply control apparatus could be implemented as a specific piece of hardware, it could also be implemented by any suitable computer, receiving power monitoring information from an external monitor and sending switching signals to a switching apparatus. This arrangement would allow for a general computer to perform the processing and for the switching apparatus 14 and electricity monitor to be integrated within a plug socket 13.

In further embodiments the full functionality is carried out by a computer. For example, the power is supplied to a device via a USB connection, or the like, and the switching means is provided to switch the USB connection on/off. The power consumption detection could then be implemented via a combination of hardware and software incorporated within the computer.

It will be appreciated that additional components may be provided with the electricity supply control apparatus that have not been illustrated. For example, it may be desirable to provide an operator display and control interface. In addition, a more permanent memory system may be required for storing of information.

The operation of the home server 103, which may take the form of a Smart Meter or the like, shall now be described in detail with reference to Figure 3. It will be appreciated that while this embodiment of the invention relates to a home server, this device could be implemented in an office or industrial setting, Essentially, a home server is an apparatus generally attached to a home or particular building associated with a user of that building. The home server provides electricity monitoring and management functionalities relating to the electricity use of the home/building and any associated devices. It may, therefore, be beneficial to consider the home server as a type of management server arranged to provide authentication and billing services.

The home server 103 is provided with a first communication port 21, which provides a connection to the network 104, which in this embodiment of the invention is the Internet. Through the network 104 the home server 103 is able to communicate with the electricity supply control apparatus 102 and the central electricity server 105.

An electricity monitor is provided to monitor the electricity usage of the home or building associated with the home server 103. A processor 23 is provided to update a billing information table of the memory 24 regarding the energy usage of the home associated with the home server 103.

The memory stores a list of registered remote devices. They are devices registered with the home server 103, which are authorised to use its pool of electricity remotely. It may be necessary to include user interface functionality in the home server 103 in order to allow for these devices to be registered to the home server. However, it is preferable that the registration process is carried out by the device communicating directly with the home server 103 through the communication port 21. In alternative embodiments, the registration process is carried out via the central electricity server in order to provide additional levels of security to ensure that incorrect or even fraudulent registration is not carried out.

The security of the communications between the device and server can be enforced by encoding these messages using standard cryptographic functions. For reference, standard controls for data communication systems can be found in ISO/IEC 7498-2 / ITU-T X.800, Data Communication Networks: Open System Interconnection (OSI); Security, Structure and Applications-Security Architecture for Open Systems Interconnection for CCITT Applications, Geneva, 1991. Such security provision would be applied in accordance with the information set out in W. Ford. Computer communications security: principles, standard protocols and techniques. Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, NJ, USA, 1994. Furthermore, additional specifications for implementing security controls with industrial strength can be found in ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 274.

Subcommittee 27 (IT Security techniques) of the Joint Technical Committee 1, (Information technology) of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (I EC).

The security of messages could be further increased by adding further security measures. For example, the authenticity of messages sent between a mobile device and a home server or home smart meter can be enforced by digitally signing such messages message with a private key that is securely bound with the mobile device (e.g. SIM card) and by securely authorising this cryptographic function (e.g. with the user entering a secure PIN).

When the home server 103 receives an authentication message from the electricity supply control apparatus 102 the processor 23 determines whether or not the device 101 is associated with the home server 103 by referring to information stored in the memory 24. The memory 24 stores a list of all devices that are associated with the home server 103. The processor 23 then generates an authentication reply message, which is sent via the network 104 to the electricity supply control apparatus 102.

When the home server 103 receives billing information from the electricity supply control apparatus 102, which indicates a remote electricity usage of the device 101, the processor updates a billing information table in the memory 24 accordingly.

On a periodic basis, such as once a month, the processor 23 determines the total energy usage of the home to which it is connected and all of the associated devices and sends this information to central electricity server 105, via the network 104, for billing. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the present invention an electricity usage associated with the home server 103 is read manually by the owner or a representative of the electricity board.

The billing information table is capable of storing the individual usage of different devices in addition to a total electricity usage. In this embodiment of the present invention each of the separate energy usages associates with the home and devices are sent to the central electricity server 105 in order to provide the central electricity server 105 with the maximum amount of information. However, it may only be necessary in alternative embodiments to send the total electricity usage.

It will be appreciated that the processor performs the functionality of both an authentication processing part, in order to authenticate remote devices for remote electricity use, and a billing processing part for sending billing information relating to the energy usage. While only one processor and one unit is depicted for carrying out these different functionalities it will be appreciate that these functionalities could be carried out by different processors and even different units. Furthermore, the different units could be distributed over a network. For example, the billing processing could be performed by the home server, and the authentication by a separate authentication server or even the central electricity server.

In addition, the home current monitoring functionality is carried out by a separate unit in alternative embodiments of the present invention. This, therefore, allows for the functionality of the home server to be performed by a suitable general purpose computer.

The central electricity supply server 105 is a computer system of the electricity supplier that supplies the home server 103. The central server 105 is therefore able to communicate, over the network 104, with the home servers for each of its customers.

The central electricity supply server therefore provides a control and management means for all its associated clients. Effectively, the central electricity supply server can act as a type of management server.

The central electricity supply server 105 stores billing information or electricity usage information from each of its associated home servers in a database. A bill can then be generated from the information in this database to be sent to the client associated with the home server 103 or automatically debited from the account of the client associated with the home server 103.

The database of the central electricity supply server 105 may store information related to the energy usage of a home and one or more devices associated with the home separately. This allows for different billing tariffs to be applied to different usage. For example, home usage could have a different tariff to remote use, while use by an electric vehicle could have a further tariff.

As mentioned above, such different tariffs are processed in the home server 103 in alternative embodiments, however, in this embodiment such processing is performed in the central electricity server 105 in order to allow for the simple implementation of tariff changes.

Figure 4 illustrates a flow for the authentication process. The mobile device 101 connects to the plug socket 13 associated with electricity supply control apparatus 102.

At the same time, or shortly after, the mobile device informs the electricity supply control apparatus 102 of its identity with a connection request message. The electricity supply control apparatus 102 uses this information to communicate with the home server 103 and authenticate the identity of the device 101. The home server 103 then sends to the electricity supply control apparatus 102 a message indicating the result of the authentication. If the device 101 is successfully authenticated electricity is supplied to the mobile device 101 through the electricity supply control apparatus 102.

The authentication result is supplied at the same time, however, in alternative embodiments of the invention, this step is not required.

Figure 5 illustrates a procedure for disconnecting a device 101 from the electricity supply control apparatus 102 and for the subsequent billing. The mobile device 101 is either unplugged or sends a message via Bluetooth to the electricity supply control apparatus 102 such that the electricity supply control apparatus 102 can determine that the remote supply of electricity has ended. The electricity supply control apparatus 102 then sends billing information to the home server 103, which acknowledges receipt of the billing information to the electricity supply control apparatus 102. The home server 103 then sends a billing update to the central electricity server 105. The billing update is sent periodically, and will include billing information relating to each of the registered remote devices, as well as billing information pertaining to the electricity usage of the home to which the home server is connected.

The second embodimen of the present invention is very similar to that of the first embodiment, and it can be assumed that those parts of the invention not described in respect of the second embodiment are the same as the first embodiment. In particular, the second embodiment is structuraLly the same as the first embodiment and therefore reference is made to Figures 1 to 3.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in respect of both the authentication process and the billing process. Each of these processes shall now be described in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

With reference to Figure 6, when the mobile devib 101 connects to the electricity supply control apparatus 102 an authentication process is carried out to determine whether to supply electricity to the device 101. Hence, firstly a connection request message is sent by the device 101 to the electricity supply control apparatus 102. The electricity supply control apparatus 102 determines the identity of the mobile device as is discussed in respect of the first embodiment.

Then, in accordance with the mobile device identity, the electricity supply control apparatus 102 communicates with the central electricity server 105, via the network 104, in order to authenticate the device 101.

The central electricity server 105 includes an authentication table including information relating mobile devices with home servers. The authentication table may include information such as whether or not the associated user has been paying their bills on time, and make a determination regarding the authentication accordingly.

In order to authenticate device 101 electricity supply control apparatus 102 sends an authentication request to central electricity server 105. The central electricity server then sends an authentication response to the electricity supply control apparatus 102, which either states that the device 101 is or is not authenticated.

If the device 101 is authenticated, electricity is supplied to the device 101. An authentication result message may also be sent to the device 101 in order to inform it that the electricity is being supplied, however, this is not necessary as the device may be able to detect this if it is connected to the electricity supply.

Now with reference to Figure 7 the disconnection procedure in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention shall be described.

The mobile device 101 disconnects from the electricity supply control apparatus 102, which is determined by the electricity supply control apparatus 102 as discussed in respect of the first embodiment. The electricity supply control apparatus 102 then sends the billing information, associated with the electricity usage of the device 101, to the central electricity server 105. This information is acknowledged by the central electricity server. The central electricity server 105 is then able to associate this billing information with a particular account within its database.

The home server 103 periodically sends billing information to the central electricity server 105 indicative of an energy usage of the home associated with the home server 103. The central electricity server 105 then associates this billing information with the relevant account.

The central electricity server 105 therefore receives all billing information from all devices and associates the billing information with a billing account. A bill will be sent to the client associated with the billing account on a periodic basis.

The second embodiment of the present invention is therefore able to reduce the complexity of the home server 103, as the home server only deals with monitoring and sending billing information associated with the house or building to which it is connected.

In a third embodiment of the present invention the electricity supply control apparatus need not have the facilities to connect to a network. Instead, the authentication process and billing process are performed by the mobile device. The embodiment of the present invention shall now be explained with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10. It can be assumed that those parts of the invention not described in detail in respect of the third embodiment are the same as the previously described embodiments.

The system depicted in Figure 8 differs from that of Figure 1 only in that the electricity supply control apparatus 202 is arranged to only communicate with the mobile device 201. The mobile device 201 is then arranged to perform the authentication and billing procedures through a network 204.

Figure 9 illustrates the authentication procedure in this third embodiment of the present invention. Firstly, the mobile device 201 sends an authentication request message to the electricity supply control apparatus 202. This message may be sent over a wireless medium such as Bluetooth, or over a cable connection. In response to this authentication request message the electricity supply control apparatus 202 sends the mobile device 201 a message including information indicating its identity.

The mobile device 201 then sends an authentication code request message to a central electricity server 205 over a network, which may be a cellular network or the Internet. This request message includes information relating to the mobile device 201 making the request, and information relating to the electricity supply control apparatus 202 that the mobile device 201 is attempting to connect to.

The central electricity server 205 firstly verifies that the mobile device 201 is registered to a billing account, in accordance with information stored within a database of the central electricity server. In addition, the central electricity server 205 determines whether or not the billing account has sufficient funds, or that a regular billing scheme is in place and being paid. If the central electricity server 205 verifies the authenticity of the mobile device 201 the central electricity server 205 obtains an authentication or access code for the electricity supply control apparatus 202. This code is accessed from the database of the central electricity server. It is possible that an external database could be accessed by the central electricity server for this purpose, particularly given that various electricity companies may need access to this information.

The mobile device 201 then receives the authentication code and sends it on to the electricity supply control apparatus 202. The electricity supply control apparatus 202 then determines whether or not the authentication code it has in its memory matches the authentication code it has received from the mobile device 201. If the authentication codes match, the electricity supply control apparatus 202 then supplies power. Optionally, the electricity supply control apparatus 202 may also send the mobile device an acceptance message to inform it that power is available.

Figure 10 illustrates the billing procedure of this third embodiment of the present invention. When the mobile device finishes using the electricity supply provided through the electricity supply control apparatus 202 the billing procedure starts. The electricity supply control apparatus 202 will either detect the disconnection of the mobile device 201 or the mobile device 201 will send a disconnection message, as discussed in respect of the first embodiment.

The electricity supply control apparatus 202 will tlen send the mobile device 201 the billing information relating to the mobile devices electricity usage. The mobile device then sends this billing information on to the central electricity server 205. The central electricity server 205 then updates its database in respect of the billing account to which the mobile device is registered.

The central electricity server 205 then acknowledges that the billing information has been updated, this information is then sent back to the electricity supply control apparatus.

In order to improve the reliability of the system, once the charging session has finished, and during the billing process, the central server generates a new access code and sends the new access code via the mobile device 201 to the electricity supply control apparatus 202. The new access code is also stored in the memory of the central electricity server 205 in place of the previous access code. The electricity supply control apparatus 202 then updates its memory to remove the previous access code and replace it with the new access code. This method ensures that each electricity supply control apparatus 202 always has a new access code so that the authentication of the billing account has to be carried out.

If there is a home server corresponding to the same billing account as the mobile device 201, then the home server 203 will periodically send updates in respect of its energy usage. A combined bill with be sent out to the client in respect of the billing account, periodically.

This embodiment of the present invention therefore means that the electricity supply control apparatus need not be network connected, therefore, reducing the cost requirements of the electricity supply control apparatus. This concept of providing the network connection for the energy supply control apparatus through the device itself can be applied to the other embodiments of the invention described herein.

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention it is possible for a user of a mobile device to purchase energy tokens' for use with an electricity supply control apparatus.

Figure 11 illustrates a system in accordance with this fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In particular, a mobile device 301 is able to communicate with its associated home server 303 via the network 304. The mobile device 301 is able to obtain energy tokens from the home server. Effectively, the energy tokens correspond to a specific amount of energy usage, which the mobile device 301 is then able to use remotely.

The home server 303 adds the cost of the mobile energy tokens to its billing database.

The mobile device 301 is then able to use the energy tokens in order to remotely use the energy offered by an electricity supply control apparatus 302.

The specific processes involved in this embodiment of the present invention shall now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 12.

Firstly, the mobile device 301 obtains energy tokens. Energy tokens are data, provided in a specific format, which indicate a pre-paid energy usage allowance registered to the mobile device.

In this embodiment of the invention the mobile device obtains these tokens from the home server through the network 304. However, it will be appreciated that the mobile device 301 could communicate directly with the home server, rather than through the network 304. Furthermore, the mobile device could obtain the tokens from an intermediate vendor, and the value of the tokens then be billed to the home server. It will also be appreciated, like in previous embodiments, the billing of the tokens could be made directly to a central electricity server 305, or alternatively a specific remote energy use account could be sF up for the device, which its energy usage is charged to.

In this embodiment of the present invention the tokens are stored on the mobile device 301. It will be appreciated that a card or such like could be provided which the tokens are stored on. In such embodiments the card, associated with the device, is loaded' by the home server.

As shown in Figure 12, the mobile device sends a connection request to the electricity supply control apparatus 302. This request includes information identifying the device and also identifying the energy token balance associated with the device. The electricity supply control apparatus 302 then sends an authentication request message across the network 304 to the home server 303 associated with the device. This message is sent in order to check the validity of the tokens. An authentication response is then returned to the electricity supply control apparatus 302 from the home server in order to indicate whether or not the tokens are valid.

in response toa positive authentication the electricity supply control apparatus 302 allows for electricity to be supplied to the mobile device. While electricity is being supplied, the electricity usage is monitored and then subtracted from the tokens provided. The electricity supply control apparatus therefore stores a current value for the energy token balance in its memory, and continuously updates this current balance value.

If the electricity supply control apparatus 302 determines that there is an insufficient amount of tokens remaining in order to supply electricity the electricity supply will be stopped and a token update balance will be sent to the mobile device. In order to increase security the current token balance can also be communicated back to the home server 303 in order to prevent fraudulent manipulation of the token balance of the mobile device. It may also be preferable to provide a separate verification server to provide further level of security. In such a case the tokens would be verified with information stored on the verification server.

If the device 301 sends a disconnection message to the electricity supply control apparatus, or it is determined that the device 301 has finished using the supply of eléctric', the electricity supply control apparatus 302 sends a current token balance to the mobile device 301. The mobile device can then set up another remote electricity usage session, with the same or a different electricity supply control apparatus, in the future, using the remaining tokens.

The home server 303 is billed for the tokens when the tokens are bought' by the mobile device. The home server 303 can then add these tokens onto its billing memory and send a central bill either to the client or to a central electricity server on a periodic basis.

Instead of buying tokens associated with the mobile device, the mobile device could set up a billing account with a remote server. The billing account could either be topped up with funds in advance, or a direct debiting system could be set-up. The mobile device is then able to connect to an electricity supply control apparatus and charge its energy usage back to the billing account. If a fixed amount of funds are provided in the account, the current fund value would have to be provided to the electricity supply control apparatus to allow it to monitor whether there are sufficient funds to continue supplying electricity.

In the above discussion of various embodiments of the present invention the electricity supply control apparatus charges for use of the electricity it supplies by sending billing information indicating an electricity usage of the device. We shall now discuss how the electricity supply control apparatus ensures that the electricity that it supplies is also not charged to its account due to the electricity passing through an associated meter.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as part of the above-mentioned billing procedures a message is sent to the central electricity server in order to inform the central electricity server of the remote energy that it has supplied. An account corresponding to the central electricity server is then updated to subtract the amount of electricity used by the remote device. Consequently, the owner of the central electricity server is not charged for this remote energy use.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention it may not be necessary to send a separate message to the central electricity server, but instead this information could be embedded, either within another message to the central electricity server, or could be sent to the central electricity server via the home server.

The embodiments of the present invention described above all relate to systems for remote electricity use. It will be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to many types of remote energy supply. In particular, wireless energy supply, through induction, radiowave, microwave, or optical means, could be supplied by an energy supply control apparatus, similar to the electricity supply control apparatus described above. It will also be appreciated that energy supplies such as other home utilities, e.g. gas and electricity, could be supplied and billed remotely, in accordance with the present invention. Furthermore, other sources of energy, fuels or the like could be remotelçi supplied and billed to a users account in accordance with the present invention. In particular, it is not beyond the remit of a person skilled in the art to adapt the above-described embodiments to work for each these technologies.

It will be appreciated that in each of the embodiments described above each component of the described system may communicate using a suitable medium.

Examples of such mediums include the Internet, cellular based systems, Bluetooth, Wireless LAN, direct cabled connections or any other wired or wireless communication form.

The device to be connected to electrical supply control apparatus has generally been described as being a mobile phone. However, it will be appreciated that the device could be any electrical device that needs to either be charged or needs to run off an electrical supply. For example, the device could be a laptop computer, a portable audio/video player, an electric car, or any other electrical item such as a hairdryer.

While all of the above devices are portable in nature the present invention need not be limited to devices designed to be portable, but may instead be used with any electrical device. Furthermore, in the event that the energy being supplied in accordance with the present invention is not electricity, the device could be any device suitable for receiving that type of energy.

Each of the functionalities of the invention can in whole, or in part, be implemented by the combination of a processor and associated memory, or by a standard computer system. Furthermore, functions described herein as being implemented as part of single unit may be provided separately, communicatively coupled across a network.

The present invention can be implemented in dedicated hardware, using a programmable digital controller suitably programmed, or using a combination of hardware and software.

Alternatively, the present invention can be implemented by software or programmable computing apparatus. This includes any computer, or such like. The code for each process in the methods according to the invention may be modular, or may be arranged in an alternative way to perform the same function.

The present invention, therefore, encompasses a carrier medium carrying machine readable instructions or computer code for controlling a programmable controller, computer or number of computers as the apparatus of the invention. The carrier medium can comprise any storage medium such as a floppy disk, CD ROM, DVD ROM, hard disk, magnetic tape, or programmable memory device, or a transient medium such as an electrical, optical, microwave, RF, electromagnetic, magnetic or acoustical signal. An example of such a signal is an encoded signal carrying a computer code over a communications network, e.g. a TCP/IP signal carrying computer code over an IP network such as the Internet, or an intranet, or a local area network.

While the present invention has been described in terms of what are at present its preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made to the preferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

Claims (48)

1. CLAIMS: 1. A method for managing the supply of energy to a device, the method comprising: authenticating a billing account associated with a device to be supplied with energy by sending an authentication request message to an authentication processing unit over a network; controlling the supply of energy to the device responsive to receipt of an authentication response message from the authentication processing unit; monitoring the energy usage of the device; and transferring billing information associated with the energy usage of the device to a billing processing unit over the network.
2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the supply of energy further comprises selectively supplying energy to the device responsive to receipt of the authentication response message.
3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the authentication response message from the verification unit indicates whether the authentication has been successful.
4. 4. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising sending the authentication request message and transferring the billing information over the network via the device.
5. 5. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the billing information includes information that identifies the device and indicates the energy usage of the device.
6. 6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of authenticating the billing account further comprises receiving billing account information comprising a current account balance of the billing account associated with the device.
7. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the billing account information, is received from the device.
8. 8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the step of monitoring the energy usage of the device further comprises updating the current account balance of the device in accordance with the energy usage.
9. 9. The method according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the step of transferring billing information comprises sending information indicating the current account balance to the billing processing unit.
10. 10. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of transferring billing information is performed when the device has finished using the supply of energy.
11. 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising sensing whether the load of the device has been removed to determine whether the device has finished using the supply of energy.
12. 12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising receiving a disconnection message from the device indicating that the device has finished using the supply of energy.
13. 13. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method is for supply of energy in the form of electricity.
14. 14. An energy supply control apparatus, for managing. the supply of energy to a device, the apparatus comprising: an authentication unit arranged to authenticate a billing account associated with a device to be supplied with energy by sending an authentication request message to an authentication processing unit via a network, and control the supply of energy to the device responsive to receipt of an authentication response message from the authentication processing unit; an energy usage monitor arranged to monitor the energy usage of the device; and a billing unit arranged to transfer billing information associated with the energy usage of the device to a billing processing unit via the network.
15. 15. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a switching arrangement arranged to selectively supply energy to the device responsive to the control signal.
16. 16. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the authentication response message indicates whether authentication has been successful.
17. 17. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the authentication unit and the billing unit communicate over the network via the device.
18. 18. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the billing information includes information identifying the device and indicating the energy usage of the device.
19. 19. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the authentication unit is arranged to receive billing account information comprising a current account balance of the billing account associated with the device.
20. 20. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the authentication unit is arranged to receive the billing account information from the device.
21. 21. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the monitor is arranged to update the current account balance of the device in accordance with the energy usage.
22. 22. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 20, wherein the billing unit is arranged to send information indicating the current account balance to the billing processing unit.
23. 23. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the billing unit is arranged to transfer the billing information when the device has finished using the supply of energy.
24. 24. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: a load sensor arranged to sense when a load associated with the device has been disconnected from the energy supply apparatus to determine whether the device has finished using the supply of energy and notify the billing unit accordingly in order to initiate the transfer of the billing information.
25. 25. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: a device communication unit arranged to receive a disconnection message from the device indicating that the device has finished using the supply of energy and notify the billing unit accordingly in order to initiate the transfer of the billing information.
26. 26. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the apparatus is arranged for supplying energy in the form of electricity.
27. 27. A method for managing energy account information of remote devices, the method comprising: receiving an authentication request from an energy supply control apparatus over a network, the authentication request indicative of a device, associated with the management apparatus, requesting to obtain a remote energy connection with the electricity supply control apparatus; sending an authentication response to the electricity supply control apparatus over the network in order to authenticate the device; receiving billing information from the electricity supply control apparatus over the network, the billing information indicative of an energy usage of the device; and updating the billing account in response to the received billing information.
28. 28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising determining whether to allow the device to obtain a remote energy connection with the energy supply control apparatus and including a result of the determination in the authentication response.
29. 29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, further comprising updating the database with billing information associated with other devices associated with the billing account.
30. 30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising sending at least a portion of the billing information of the billing account to a central energy server over the network.
31. 31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising updating a database with billing information associated with a plurality of billing accounts.
32. 32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising providing billing information associated with a billing account for issue to a client associated with the bifling account.
33. 33. The method according to claim 27, further comprising obtaining billing information from the billing account and including the billing information in the authentication request.
34. 34. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the method is for managing electricity account information associated with remote electricity use by remote devices.
35. 35. A management system for managing energy account information of remote devices, the apparatus comprising: an authentication processing unit arranged to: receive an authentication request from an energy supply control apparatus over a network, the authentication request indicative of a device, associated with the management apparatus, requesting to obtain a remote energy connection with the energy supply control apparatus, the associated energy usage to be billed to a billing account of the management system; and send an authentication response to the energy supply control apparatus over the network in order to authenticate the device; and a billing processing unit arranged to: receive billing information from the energy supply control apparatus over the network, the billing information indicative of an energy usage of the device; and update the billing account in response to the received billing information.
36. 36. The management system according to claim 35, wherein the authentication processing part is further arranged to determine whether to allow the device to obtain a remote energy connection with the energy supply control apparatus and including a result of the determination in the authentication response.
37. 37. The management system according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the authentication processing unit and the billing processing unit are provided as an integrated apparatus.
38. 38. The management system according to claim 35, 36, or 37, wherein the management apparatus is a home server.
39. 39. The management system according to claim 38, wherein the home server is arranged to update the billing account with billing information associated with other devices associated with the billing account of the home server.
40. 40. The management system according to claim 36 or 39, wherein the home server is arranged to update the billing account with billing information associated with billing information generated according to an energy usage of a home connected to the home server.
41. 41. The management system according to claim 38 to 40, wherein the home server is arranged to send at least a portion of the billing information of the billing account to a central energy server.
42. 42. The management system according to claim 35, 36, or 37, wherein the management apparatus is a central energy server having an associated database on which the billing account is stored.
43. 43. The management system according to claim 42, wherein the central energy server is arranged to update the database with billing information associated with a plurality of billing accounts.
44. 44. The management system according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the management apparatus is arranged to provide billing information associated with a billing account for issue to a client associated with the billing account.
45. 45. The management system according to claim 35, wherein the authentication processing part is arranged to obtain billing information from the billing account and include the billing information in the authentication request.
46. 46. The management system according to any one of claims 35 to 45, wherein the system is arranged for managing electricity account information associated with remote electricity use by remote devices.
47. 47. A carrier medium carrying computer readable code for controlling a suitable computer to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 to 13 and 27 to 34.
48. 48. A carrier medium carrying computer readable code for configuring a suitable computer as the apparatus of any of claims 14 to 26 and 35 to 46.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS: 1. A method for managing the supply of energy to a device, the method comprising: authenticating a billing account associated with a device to be supplied with energy by sending an authentication request message to an authentication processing unit over a network; controlling the supply of energy to the device responsive to receipt of an authentication response message from the authentication processing unit; monitoring the energy usage of the device; and transferring, over the network, billing information associated with the energy usage of the device to a billing processing unit of a smart meter associated with a user of the device.S..... * S2. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling the supply of energy SS* S5 * further comprises selectively supplying energy to the device responsive to receipt of the authentication response message. ** *3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the authentication response * SI message from the authentication processing unit indicates whether the authentication has been successful.4. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising sending the authentication request message and transferring the billing information over the network via the device.5. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the billing information includes information that identifies the device and indicates the energy usage of the device.6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the authentication response message further comprises billing account information comprising a current account balance of the billing account associated with the device.7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the billing account information is received from the device.8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the step of monitoring the energy usage of the device further comprises updating the current account balance of the device in accordance with the energy usage.9. The method according to claim 8 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the step of transferring billing information comprises sending information indicating the current account balance to the billing processing unit.10. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of transferring billing information is performed when the device has finished using the supply of energy. *SS. * 15* S....* S 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising sensing whether the load of the device has been removed to determine whether the device has finished using the supply of energy.12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising receiving a disconnection *:*.; message from the device indicating that the device has finished using the supply of energy.13. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the method is for supply of energy in the form of electricity.14. An energy supply control apparatus, for managing the supply of energy to a device, the apparatus comprising: a processor arranged to obtain authentication of a billing account associated with a device to be supplied with energy by sending an authentication request message to an authentication processing unit via a network, and control the supply of energy to the device responsive to receipt of an authentication response message from the authentication processing unit; an energy usage monitor arranged to monitor the energy usage of the device; and a billing unit arranged to transfer billing information associated with the energy usage of the device, via the network, to a billing processing unit of a smart meter associated with a user of the device.15. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a switching arrangement arranged to selectively supply energy to the device responsive to the control signal.16. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the authentication response message indicates whether authentication has been successful.17. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the processor and the billing unit communicate over the network via the device. * S18. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the billing information includes information identifying the device and indicating the energy usage of the device. S. S* .. 20 * S. *:*.; 19. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the processor is arranged to receive billing account information comprising a current account balance of the billing account associated with the device.20. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the processor is arranged to receive the billing account information from the device.21. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the monitor is arranged to update the current account balance of the device in accordance with the energy usage.22. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 20, wherein the billing unit is arranged to send information indicating the current account balance to the billing processing unit.23. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the billing unit is arranged to transfer the billing information when the device has finished using the supply of energy.24. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: a load sensor arranged to sense when a load associated with the device has been disconnected from the energy supply apparatus to determine whether the device has finished using the supply of energy and notify the billing unit accordingly in order to initiate the transfer of the billing information.25. The energy supply control apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising: a device communication unit arranged to receive a disconnection message from the device indicating that the device has finished using the supply of energy and notify the billing unit accordingly in order to initiate the transfer of the billing information.* **...* 26. The energy supply control apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the apparatus is arranged for supplying energy in the form of electricity.* 27. A method for managing energy account information of remote devices, the 20 method comprising: receiving an authentication request from an energy supply control apparatus over a network, the authentication request indicative of a device, associated with the management system, requesting to obtain a remote energy connection with the electricity supply control apparatus; sending an authentication response to the electricity supply control apparatus over the network in order to authenticate the device; receiving, at a billing processing unit of a smart meter associated with a user of the device, billing information from the electricity supply control apparatus over the network, the billing information indicative of an energy usage of the device; and updating, at the billing processing unit, the billing account in response to the received billing information.28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising determining whether to allow the device to obtain a remote energy connection with the energy supply control apparatus and including a result of the determination in the authentication response.29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, further comprising updating the database with billing information associated with other devices associated with the billing account.30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising sending at least a portion of the billing information of the billing account to a central energy server over the network.31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising updating a database with billing information associated with a plurality of billing accounts.32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising providing billing information associated with a billing account for issue to a client associated with the billing account.*****. * *33. The method according to claim 27, further comprising obtaining billing information from the billing account and including the billing information in the authentication request.*:*. 20 34. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the method is for managing electricity account information associated with remote electricity use by remote devices.35. A management system for managing energy account information of remote devices, the system comprising: an authentication processing unit arranged to: receive an authentication request from an energy supply control apparatus over a network, the authentication request indicative of a device, associated with the management system, requesting to obtain a remote energy connection with the energy supply control apparatus, the associated energy usage to be billed to a billing account of the management system; and send an authentication response to the energy supply control apparatus over the network in order to authenticate the device; and a billing processing unit of a smart meter associated with a user of the device, the billing processing unit arranged to: receive billing information from the energy supply control apparatus over the network, the billing information indicative of an energy usage of the device; and update the billing account in response to the received billing information.36. The management system according to claim 35, wherein the authentication processing part is further arranged to determine whether to allow the device to obtain a remote energy connection with the energy supply control apparatus and including a result of the determination in the authentication response.37. The management system according to claim 35, wherein the smart meter includes the authentication processing unit. *... * 15* S. *.* * 38. The management system according to claim 37, wherein the authentication processing unit and the billing processing unit are provided as an integrated apparatus. ** 39. The management system according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the 20 smart meter is arranged to update the billing account with billing information associated *J with other devices associated with the billing account of the smart meter.40. The management system according to any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein the smart meter is arranged to update the billing account with billing information associated with billing information generated according to an energy usage of a home connected to the smart meter.41. The management system according to claim 38 to 40, wherein the smart meter is arranged to send at least a portion of the billing information of the billing account to a central energy server.42. The management system according to claim 41, wherein the central energy server has an associated database on which the billing account is stored.43. The management system according to claim 42, wherein the central energy server is arranged to update the database with billing information associated with a plurality of billing accounts.44. The management system according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the central energy server is arranged to provide billing information associated with a billing account for issue to a client associated with the billing account.45. The management system according to claim 35, wherein the authentication processing part is arranged to obtain billing information from the billing account and include the billing information in the authentication request.46. The management system according to any one of claims 35 to 45, wherein the system is arranged for managing electricity account information associated with remote electricity use by remote devices.I47. A carrier medium carrying computer readable code for controlling a computer to carry out the method of any one of claims Ito 13 and 27 to 34.48. A carrier medium carrying computer readable code for configuring a computer as the apparatus of any of claims 14 to 26 and 35 to 46.