HRP20000745A2 - Method for transmitting and storing value and value store electric power meter using the same - Google Patents

Description

method of transferring and storing values and an electric COUNTER WITH STORED VALUE USING THE SAME

Description of the invention

Technical field

This invention relates to a new concept of an electric meter with value storage and, more specifically, to a value storage method by which the server of the electricity supplier or electricity reseller transmits the value through a water modem and stores the value in a storage value module (SVM) or IC card, and electric meter with prepayment or direct payment without reading.

Background

A conventional meter that measures the amount of consumed watts of electricity per hour and which must be read by the person in charge at certain periods has been used until now in all facilities where electricity is consumed, such as homes, offices and public buildings. That first generation of electric meters is managed in a very complex and expensive way, by which the reader must get to the meters in the facilities where they are installed and calculate the difference between the last reading and the current state, that is, the amount of consumption in a certain time. The supplier completes the consumption calculation, prints and sends the invoice to the consumer after computer processing including data entry and consumption budget, the consumer receives the invoice and pays. It is necessary to send the invoice once more to process arrears and debts.

As it is not uncommon for burglars to pose as readers, and the costs of reading make up a good part of the cost of electricity due to the higher costs of staff who read, a remote meter, which is a product of the second generation, is being considered as a new method of measurement, which is currently not used much. With a meter with remote measurement, it is possible to greatly reduce the cost of reading staff. However, every month it is necessary to computerize the amount consumed, send the invoice and calculate the arrears. Especially the remote electric meter control compared to the gas and water meter, which requires additional power, and communication lines such as telephone or radio avoid the supplier and the consumer. The reason for this is the increase in costs caused by the operation between the gas and water meter, the server of the remote measurement center and the installation and operation of communication equipment in accordance with the added communication function for remote measurement.

Therefore, it is possible to consider an electric meter with IC-card payment, which is a product of the third generation. An electric meter with IC-card payment can to some extent solve the problems of the first and second generation electric meters. However, the effectiveness of the electric meter with IC card payment depends on the way in which the new charging and calculation of the value information on the IC card is performed. In particular, unwanted cases can occur when the power is turned off due to the complete consumption of valuable information on the IC card.

Description of the invention

The first objective of the present invention is to provide value transfer and storage methods in which a server of an electricity supplier or reseller communicates with the stored value electric meters of individual subscribers, stores the value in a stored value module (SVM) within the stored value electric meter in accordance with the present invention information about the added credit value to the IC card and stores it there. Accordingly, suppliers or resellers create high added value for consumers by increasing the efficiency of management and significantly reducing the price of electricity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a value storage method for storing values on an IC card, making it possible to use the credit value information transmitted by modem from all meters in homes and factories, such as gas meters, water meters and heating calorimeters, which are installed and managed on an off-line basis.

A third object of the present invention is to provide an electric meter with value storage by which an electricity supplier or reseller can increase the efficiency of management by communicating with the host and the certifying agency via modem and transferring the credit value information to and storing the IC card. Thus, it is possible to reduce the price of electricity for consumers by significantly reducing the additional costs associated with electricity supply and by omitting the entry and recalculation of the amount of electricity in a certain period, using a server for printing bills, and dispatching and recalculating bills.

The fourth object of this invention is to provide an electric meter with value storage, by which it is possible to solve all the problems of the first, second and third generation meters, quickly and easily top up the value, and charge the added value on the IC card using the value charging channel. Accordingly, the electric meter with value storage can be applied to various meters such as those for gas and water and the calorimeter. Accordingly, it is possible to maximize the effectiveness of more businesses.

Accordingly, in order to achieve the above objectives, an electric meter with a value storage is provided for communicating with the server of the electricity supplier through a modem included in the electric meter, storing the value information in the value storage module inside the electric meter, calculating the value according to the amount of electricity consumption, and interrupting delivery when the credit value is completely spent.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of storing credit information in a store-of-value module in a store-of-value electric meter by communicating between a host and each terminal via a modem included in the electric store-of-value meter that is a terminal, comprising the steps of (a) the host generating the first random data, sending random data to the terminal, generating a time key via an algorithm that generates the key using the terminal's internal secret key, generating a first signature value via generating a signature algorithm for comparison during terminal verification, and a terminal receiving the first random data and generating a time key using the same method as a host; (b) a terminal that generates a second signature value via a signature generation algorithm and other random data and that sends other random data to the host; (c) the host that compares the first and second signature values and authenticates the terminal, the host that generates the third signature value and sends the third signature value and information on the amount of money when the terminal is authenticated and the terminal that receives the third signature value and information on the amount of money at the host, generating a fourth signature value, and authenticating the host by comparing the third and fourth signature values with each other, and (d) a terminal that increments the value by decoding the amount of money information and sends the value received by encrypting the balance, and an ID terminal that uses a decryption algorithm to the host and the receiving host the encrypted value, decoding the encrypted value, comparing the stored terminal ID with the decoded terminal ID, authenticating the terminal one more time, and saving the balance to an archive file when the authentication is complete.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is an electrical meter with value storage including a terminal with line input and output for measuring the amount of electrical energy consumed, comprising an operating part for electrical energy consumption that measures the voltage and current of electrical energy and calculates the electrical energy used, an electrical modem to perform data communication between the host and the terminal through a power line, a secure storage part that includes a secure access module (SAM) having a CPU and an encryption key as well as an encryption algorithm for storing values and a storage value module (SVM) for storing values, to prevent unauthorized use of value information and hacking, excluding a cryptographic attack, and requiring a SAM authorization process when requesting tokens from the SVM, with an "off/on" switch that interrupts the supply of electricity according to the balance of the SVM, and a token exchanger for value subtraction ost of the token from the value information from the SVM according to the amount of electricity consumed per unit of time, the SVM requiring a new token for the token container when the internal token is exhausted.

Preferably, the electric energy value storage meter further comprises an IC card reading and recording part to enable the use of other meters, such as those for water, gas and heating, by inserting the IC card into the electric meter, receiving value from the included host, recording the received value on the inserted IC-card, and reading the received value from the IC-card.

Preferably, the IC card reading and recording part is applied to water, gas and heating meters, using the IC card off state method, by recording the added value for things such as gas and water on the IC card through the electrical modem, which makes it possible to store the value of electricity on the IC-card, by switching on the communication input with eight terminals determined by ISO 7816 Part 2 and equipped with Vcc, Clk, DIO, Reset and Gnd for synchronous and asynchronous communication with the IC-card.

It is desirable that the stored value electricity meter also has an AC/DC converter to provide the operating voltage required for the electricity meter, a power consumption sensor that will sense that electricity is being used normally when the sensor output is at "O" and that the terminals are bypassed and the electricity is secretly used when the sensor output is at CT', and the buzzer to generate an audible alarm prompting the consumer to perform a value transfer and store when the last token is received, by requesting a new token from the SVM after the token exchanger's balance is exhausted.

Preferably, the operative part for the consumption of electricity consists of a shunt resistor for measuring the amount of AC current, a voltage divider for connecting two resistors in series and selecting a voltage range given by the ratio of the two resistors to adjust the AC voltage of the power line within the input voltage range of the voltmeter, analogously -digital converter for converting the AC current signal flowing through the switching resistor into a digital signal of 16 or 20 bits, and analog-digital converter for converting the AC voltage into a digital signal of 16 bits, where the voltage phase is compared with the current phase, and is calculated the angle by which the two phases are different from each other, and the output as a signal for the application of differential rates.

Preferably, the stored value electric meter further comprises an electric energy consumption table which is an electric energy cost mode table for differential application of electric energy rates in multiple steps such as 50%, 75%, 100%, 150% and 200%, according to the ratio electricity supply and demand based on real time including year, month, hour, minute and second.

It is desirable that the electric meter with value storage also includes a stable memory for storing a characteristic 3-byte identification number and recording the state of electricity use in a certain period of hours, days or months, for the purpose of remote monitoring of illegal or improper use of electricity, and performing the function of electronic sealing .

It is desirable that the electric meter with value storage also includes a display for visual display of the value balance, the transfer of the value state, the state of electricity consumption in real time and the cumulative state of electricity use.

A stored-value electric meter that can be a means of easy bill payment through the SET electronic commercial transaction process that uses the new generation of EMV '96 credit and direct payment cards, together with an IC card reader and recorder, further includes means such as a telephone .

It is desirable that the electric input and output terminals of the electric meter include a cover with a seal to prevent manipulation, as well as secret and improper use of electricity.

It is preferred that the electric meter with value storage further includes a blocking circuit to absorb lightning or excessive voltage surges through the supply line.

Preferably, the electric meter can request a voice message from the person in charge of the service through the speaker and the digital intercom keypad switch. The processes of transferring and storing the credit value are simplified through the person in charge of transmitting the voice message of the service to the subscriber.

Brief description of the drawing

The above-mentioned objectives and advantages of this invention will become clearer after a detailed description of the realization of the same in relation to the attached drawings, on which:

Drawing. 1. a flow chart illustrating a method of transferring and storing values in accordance with the present invention;

Drawing. 2. flow chart illustrating the flow of rectification commands in multi-step differential charging mode (electricity charging system change) by hours, days, months and ages, applied to an electric meter with value storage according to this invention;

Drawing. 3. a flow chart illustrating the processes of monitoring irregular electricity consumption such as conductivity and preventing illegal consumption by comparing the total energy used by electric meter subscribers according to the present invention, per unit of time, such as days, weeks or months, with the total amount of electricity energy consumed per unit of time;

Drawing. 4. schematic description of the signature generation method and encryption method applied to this invention;

Drawing. 5. block diagram showing the internal structure of the electric meter with value storage according to this invention;

Drawing. 6. presentation of the structure of the system in accordance with this invention for describing the flow of value information; and

Drawing. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the exterior plan of an electric meter with value storage in accordance with the present invention.

The best way to carry out the Invention

In the following, the method of value transfer and storage will be described in more detail in accordance with the preferred embodiment of this invention and the structure and operation of the electric meter with value storage without the need for visual reading of the meter used by the same.

This invention can be applied to an electric meter, a gas meter, a water meter and a heat meter, using direct payment or prepayment methods with budgeting methods mixed with the electronic wallet method. Here, for simplicity, this invention will be limited to an electric meter. Also, in all communication processes of transferring and storing values according to this invention, the basic encryption algorithm, triple-DES, is applied. Communication between the host server and the electric meter terminal is carried out as follows. First, the task of creating a common periodic key (Ks) is performed in the server and the terminal. The encryption triple-DES algorithm is applied via a periodic key. Also, when the signature creation task is necessary, MAC CBC using triple-DES is used. When the values are stored in the terminal of the electric meter, the value storage, the calculation mode electric table, the charger, and the time to be corrected are also stored. When the values are read from the electric meter terminal, the credit balance, day, month and year use details, budget mode electric table, charger and timer are read, thereby providing information to detect improper use.

First, before describing the method of transferring and storing values in accordance with this invention, examples of signature generation and the encryption algorithm for this will be described below, related to Fig.4.

After the task of creating the periodic key (Ks) has been completed in the server and the terminal, through the communication between the server and the electric meter according to this invention, the triple-DES encryption algorithm is applied via the periodic key (Ks). MAC CBC, using triple-DES, can be used for the signature generation task. In the following, the generation of the signature and the encryption algorithm will be described in more detail, related to Fig. 4.

To generate the signature, the magnitudes of the original data are multiplied by 64 bits by applying padding in step 1. These are d1,..., and DN from Chart 4. In the 2nd step, the value data (Dn) of 64 bits is F encrypted, using triple DES, according to the input key (K). Signature values are O1,..., and ON of the 3rd step. At that point, the values obtained by adding the corresponding value data (Dn) to the signature values (ON-1), except for the first signature value (d), F are encrypted.

For encryption, the magnitudes of the original data are multiplied by 64 bits by applying padding in step 1. These are d1,..., and dn. In step 2, the triple-DES algorithm is applied to the F encryption. Encrypted messages are O1,..., and he of the 3rd step.

The master key (KH) of the host, the internal secret key (KT) of each terminal, and the secret periodic key (Ks) used in the communication process, each with a magnitude of 128 bits, are used. The terminal internal key (KT) is generated from the master key (KH) of the host. The periodic key (Ks) is generated from the terminal secret key (KT). The master host key (KH) and terminal internal key (KT) are arbitrarily selected from various sets.

The terminal internal key (KT) is generated by encrypting the terminal ID using the triple-DES algorithm using the host's master key (KH). The secret key is stored in the terminal in the generation step and generated in the host in the initial phase of communication. Namely, KT = Encrypt (ID, KH).

The periodic key (Ks) is generated by encrypting the random numbers R, generated in the host using the triple-DES algorithm using the terminal internal key (KT) whenever communication is performed. All encryptions are performed using the periodic key (Ks) in the communication process. Namely, KS = Encrypt (R, KT).

In this invention, algorithms are adopted (1) value storage commands, (2) differential charging mode commands based on hours, days, months or ages, and (3) using days, weeks or months and a timer information check command (adopted irregularity check). This will be described with Crt. 1-3.

First, in connection with Crt. 1 to describe the flow of the value storage command.

STEP 10: The host generates the first random data (R1, R2 and n) and sends this first random data to the terminal. The periodic key is generated by the master generating algorithm using the terminal internal secret key (KT[n]). Namely, Ks = Encrypt (R1, KT[n]). For comparison during terminal verification, the first signature value S1h = Sig (R2, Ks) is generated by the signature generating algorithm. The terminal receives the first random data (R1, R2 and n) and generates a periodic key like the host using the terminal internal secret key (KT[n]). Namely, Ks = Encrypt (R1, KT[n]).

STEP 12: The terminal generates another signature value S1t = Sig (R2, Ks) using the algorithm that generates the signature, generates other random data R3, and sends S1t and R3 to the host.

STEP 14: The host can verify the terminal by comparing S1h and S1t. When the terminal is authenticated, the host generates a third signature value S2h = Sig (H+R3+EnAmnt, Ks) and sends S2h to the terminal with encrypted monetary information about the total amount (EnAmnt). Here, H is the leader representing the store of value command. The terminal generates the fourth signature value S2t = Sig (H+R3+EnAmnt, Ks) and authenticates the host by comparing S2h with S2t.

STEP 16: When the host is authenticated, the terminal increments the value, encrypts Balance + ID as M = Encrypt(Balance + ID, Ks), and sends the encrypted value M to the host. The host authenticates the terminal once again by decoding the encrypted value M as Balance'+ID'=Decrypt (M, Ks) and comparing ID' with ID. When the terminal is authenticated, the balance is stored in an archive file.

The flow of the control command of the differential billing method based on hours, days, months and ages (billing system) will be described in relation to Fig. 2

STEP 20: The host generates the first random data (R1, R2 and n) and sends the first random data to the terminal. The periodic key is generated by the key generation algorithm using the secret key (KT[n]). Namely, Ks=Encrypt (R1, KT[n]). For comparison during terminal verification, the first signature value S1h=Sig (R2, Ks) is generated by the signature generation algorithm. The terminal receives the first random data (R1, R2 and n) and generates a periodic key in the same way as the host using the internal secret terminal key (KT[n]). Namely, Ks=Encrypt (R1, KT[n]).

STEP 22: The terminal generates a second signature value S1t=Sig (R2, Ks) using the signature generation algorithm, generates other random data (R3) and sends S1t and R3 to the host.

STEP 24: The host can verify the terminal by comparing S1h and Sit. When the terminal is authenticated, the host generates the third signature value S2h=Sig (H+R3+Mode+Unit, Ks) and sends the third signature value to the terminal along with the mode and unit charge information. The terminal generates the fourth signature value S2t=Sig (H+R3+Mode+Unit, Ks) and authenticates the host by comparing S2h with S2t.

STEP 26: When the host is authenticated, the terminal converts the billing system, encrypts Balance+ID as M=Encrypt(Balance+ID, Ks) and sends the encrypted value M to the host. The host authenticates the terminal again by decoding the encrypted value M as Balance'+ID'=Decrypt(M, Ks) and comparing ID' to ID. When the terminal is authenticated, the balance is stored in an archive file.

Finally, the course of use in days, weeks or months and the command to check the timer information (used in the monitoring of improper use) will be described in more detail in relation to Fig.3.

STEP 30: The host generates the first random data (Rl, R2) and sends the first random data to the terminal. The periodic key is generated by an algorithm that generates the key using the internal terminal secret key (KT[n]). Namely, Ks=Encrypt (Rl, KT[n]). The first signature value Slh^Sig (R2, Ks) is generated by an algorithm that generates a signature for comparison during terminal authentication. The terminal receives the first random data (Rl, R2, and n) and generates a periodic key as done in the host using the terminal's internal secret key (KT[n]). Namely, KS=Encrypt (Rl, KT[n]).

STEP 32: The terminal generates the second signature value S1t=Sig (R2, Ks) algorithm which generates the signature, generates other random data (R3) and sends Sit and R3 to the host.

STEP 34: The host can verify the terminal by comparing S1h and S1t. When the terminal is authenticated, the host generates the third signature value S2h=Sig (H+R3+Time, Ks) and sends the third signature value to the terminal along with Time. The terminal generates the fourth signature value S2t=Sig (H+R3+Time, Ks) and authenticates the host by comparing S2h and S2t.

STEP 36: When the host is authenticated, the terminal encrypts the information file (Info) including usage details (Log), differential billing mode table (Mode TB), terminal time (Timer), balance (Balance) and ID.

Namely, the terminal encrypts Info* using M=Encrypt(Info, Ks) and sends the encrypted value M to the host. Here Info=Log+Mode TB+Balance+ID. The host authenticates the terminal again by decoding the encrypted value M using Info'=Decrypt(M, Ks) and comparing ID' and ID. When the terminal is authenticated, usage over days, weeks or months and timer information is recorded on an archive file and compared.

The value transfer and encrypted storage algorithm applied to this invention is described as above. In order to be applied to a real electric meter, it is necessary to consider the following issues.

The maximum number of electric meters with value storage that can be connected to one pole transformer is limited to 256. In one pole transformer for the conversion of 3.3KV to 220V supply voltage, one local unit for service and supervision (LS) manages 250 electric meters with a store of value. LSs with different serial numbers are connected to the other side of the various pole transformers. One regional service and monitoring unit (AS) connected to a maximum of 256 LSs can manage 65536 electric meters with value storage. When managing 256 LSs, one local server can manage up to 16,000,000 ASs in a tree structure. However, considering the performance and efficiency of the server, it is better that the maximum number of electric meters with value storage managed by the local server is limited. A 3-byte ID is given to the modem user on the main line, and the electricity meter modem (micom) for the case where the signal crosses the pole transformer to the other side of the 220V. A Micom with an encryption function protects the encryption algorithm and encryption key, prevents tampering, or can selectively use a Secure Access Module (SAM) which is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) type IC card. The calculation of the amount of electricity, the token container and the display can be performed using an additional microcontroller. At that moment, it is checked whether the LCD display control and the calculation of electricity usage is blocked while the electricity quantity meter communicates with the host. It is considered that there is a time limit for providing weather information to the electric meter. Namely, when it is assumed that it takes one second to transfer the time information to a family, it takes one hour to transfer the time information to 3,600 families. A real-time clock is placed in the electric meter and differential prices are applied according to time. The clock time is corrected and monitored all the time. Improper use of electricity is monitored or digital sealing is used in case of exploitation or hacking when the power line modem is connected to the PC.

Digital sealing is systematically carried out by assembling software and hardware. Digital sealing to monitor improper use of electricity is achieved by the method by which the terminal transmits to the server details of the amount of energy used at a certain time, for periods of an hour, day, week or year, as 2.44 kilobytes of information. The server records information in the database, compares the recorded information with the information to be transmitted at the next specified moment, and compares the results of the comparison with the total amount of electricity used in the same period. When the voltage is applied to the output terminal in the state when the switch turns off the electricity, it is determined that it is an illegal use of electricity. Accordingly, urgent information is delivered to the server.

The totality of details about the server's electricity use can be used as a basis for concluding agreements on more favorable prices in the new contract by applying a reserve ratio during the purchase of electricity by estimating the use of electricity for a period of days, months or time, based on the total amount of electricity used in the period of hours, days, months or ages.

When the circuit breaker interrupts the supply of electricity due to the fact that the stored credit value is exhausted, or overloaded, a special case, the use of electricity by connecting the energy source to the front of the meter, improper use of electricity, it is detected by the method of checking the existence of the amount of voltage.

The credit value is transferred and stored in the electricity meter, gas meter, water meter or calorimeter via a modem on the electricity line. The credit value of electricity is stored in the SVM, and the remaining values are stored each in its own place in the electronic wallet of the IC card.

Furthermore, the structure and operation of the electric meter will be described in more detail with regard to the above, and related to Fig. 5-7.

Drawing. 5 shows an electric meter that transmits and stores value information via a modem connected to a power line. In Fig. 5, switch l is an off/on type switch. for interruption of electricity supply. Shunt resistor 2 measures alternating current (AC) through a manganese (Mn) resistor of 0.1 m ohm. When the switch l is broken, the energy consumption sensor 3 senses the normal use when the output sensor is at "O", and that the terminals 1 s and 1 L are bypassed, so the electric power is illegally used when the output of the sensor is "l". Alarm 4 requires a new credit value token for the SVM after the balance of the token exchanger 10 is used up and generates an audible alarm, thereby leading the transfer of credit value and storage through the electricity user. The credit value/added value storage IC card 5 registers the card serial number (CSN) of the IC card subscriber to the management database using the master key of the electricity reseller operating the credit value storage electric meter according to the present invention and checks for the presence of a registered legal CSN- and when the server is required to transfer the credit value, thereby preventing the illegal use of electricity.

Voltage divider 6 adjusts the 117, 220, and 240V AC voltages to be within the analog-to-digital converter (V-ADC) input voltage range. The voltage range is selected by the ratio of two resistors connected in series. The V-ADC 7 is a circuit for converting an analog AC voltage signal into a 16-bit digital signal. The current analog/digital converter (I-ADC) 8 is a circuit for converting the AC current signal flowing through the shunt resistor 2 into a 16 or 20-bit digital signal. The operating circuit for electricity consumption 9 calculates electricity (Watt) by multiplying the digital signal of the V-ADC 7 with the digital signal of the I-ADC 8 and converts the result of the multiplication into a pulse number and a width signal. The power consumption operational circuit 9 compares the voltage phase with the current phase, calculates the angle by which the two phases are different, and outputs the difference between the phases as a signal, thereby applying differential charges to things currently using inductive loads. The token exchanger 10 reduces tokens according to the amount of electricity consumed per unit of time (Watt/hour), requires new tokens from the ten-unit token container when the tokens in the token exchanger 10 are used up, and then reduces new tokens according to the amount of energy consumption. If the ten-unit token tank is used up, 100 units of SVM tokens to be described later and the ten-unit token tank is refilled. Tokens requested for SVM 166 can be received through the authentication process of SAM 164. Table 11 of RTC and energy consumption performs a differential operation for charging electricity in multiple steps according to the state of electricity supply and demand of 50%, 75%, 100% , 150% and 200% based on real time clock with year, month, day, hour, minute and second (YYMMDDHHMMSS).

The IC card reader and recorder 12, in accordance with ISO 7816, is a communication output of eight terminals defined by ISO 7816 part two, including Vcc, Chik, DIO, Reset and Gnd for synchronous and asynchronous communication with the IC card. Multipurpose credit values for things like electricity, gas, water, hot water, thermal energy and pay TV are recorded on a single IC card by inserting the normally issued IC card into the electricity meter in the off/on mode. condition. After recording the value transferred from the gas service server via the electric meter for transferring and storing the value on the IC card, the IC card is taken out, inserted into the gas meter and the information about the value is transferred to the gas meter, thereby reducing the information about the value on the card according to the amount of used gas. Accordingly, the electric meter for transferring and storing values can operate in the off state.

The modem on the electrical line 13 performs data communication via the electrical line. Each modem is located at one of the 256 Power Line Modem ID addresses (PLMID). The AC/DC power source 14 provides the operating voltage necessary for the electric meter with value storage in accordance with the present invention. The three-bit ID, which is the internal number of the electric meter with value storage, is recorded on the ROM during manufacture. The non-volatile memory 15 which consists of a flash memory records the state of electricity consumption in a certain period, that is, the details of electricity consumption for 24 hours are found by recording the amount of electricity consumption on the electricity meter with value storage as 16-bit information every sixty seconds , details of weekly electricity consumption by adding up seven sums of daily electricity consumption, and details of monthly electricity consumption by adding up thirty sums of daily electricity consumption, monitors clandestine use of electricity or improper electricity consumption from a distance, and carries out electronic sealing. Encrypted conductor 16 including a central processing unit (CPU) 162, a secure access module (SAM) 164 for holding the encryption key and an encryption algorithm for credit value storage, and a store of value module (SVM) 166 for credit value storage prevent forgery and use of information about creditworthiness and hacking, and excludes cryptographic attack. The LCD 17 liquid crystal display shows the balance of the credit value, transmission status, electricity consumption in real time, and the accumulative state of electricity consumption so that the user can read it visually. The energy input and output terminal 18 consists of l s, 2s, 2L and l L for connecting the input and output lines of electricity with each other and a cover to prevent physical unauthorized changes. Arrester 19 is a circuit to absorb lightning and surge voltage.

An electric meter for measuring electricity of a special type is described above. However, the electric meter according to the present invention can measure electric energy of at least two types by switching on the voltage divider 6, V-ADC 7, I-ADC 8, switch 1 and resistor 2 according to the type of electric energy. That is, when the voltage divider, V-ADC, I-ADC, switch and shunt resistor are combined so that at least two power sources of different voltages can be selectively or simultaneously used, each amount of current is additionally measured and processed.

The operation of the value storage electric meter with the above structure is described as follows. According to the supplier or reseller of electricity, the credit value from the host is stored in the SVM 166 of each terminal via the modem on the electric line 13 using the credit value storage method, each electric meter calculates the charge according to the amount of electricity consumption managed by the operational circuit of electricity consumption 9, compares the calculated account with the balance of credit value information stored in the SVM 166, and calculates the charge through the token exchanger 10. When the balance in the SVM 166 is reduced to less than a certain amount, the user is notified of the balance status via an audible alarm. When the balance is insufficient, the credit value is transferred from the host to the SVM 166 via the above credit value storage method, or the power supply is cut off using switch 1. The credit value information can be stored in the SVM 166 through communication between the host and the terminal in electric meter with value storage according to this invention. However, it is possible to transfer information about the value of electricity stored in the IC-card 5 to the SVM and to store the transferred information in the SVM by inserting an electric, gas, water and caloric IC-card 5 for one family or facility in whose name a specific amount of money and recorded in an electric meter with value storage in accordance with this invention.

That is, the electric meter according to this invention displays information such as the amount of monthly consumption and the balance of the card on the LCD 17 installed inside using a certain amount of electricity in the value range recorded in the SVM, and sounds the alarm 4 when the balance lower than the certain amount remains on card. Accordingly, the user requests the server to transfer the credit value. The credit value is automatically charged from the previously agreed bank account or settled by credit card. The value of electricity is received online via the power line and stored in SVM 166. The value is reduced according to the scale of energy use.

Accordingly, the supplier or reseller of electricity can reduce costs by omitting the processes of meter reading, recording and calculation of used quantities, and writing and sending invoices. The energy bill is paid in advance. This eliminates the arrears collection process. In addition, it is possible to reduce the energy bill through interest on prepayment, the application of differential prices according to the time of electricity use, and through the difference between the purchase price of electricity and the sale price. An electricity seller can run a business with high added value.

In order to prevent the use of a fake card instead of a legal card issued by a supplier or reseller of electricity, SAM 164 for card verification is built into the electricity meter. When the card is inserted into the terminal, the terminal and the card authenticate each other. When information about the amount of money on the card is transferred to the terminal as a credit value, the terminal operates in accordance with the encryption process shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, the use of a fake card is prevented. Against a cryptographic attack by a hacker, for example, a method of destabilizing the encrypted key can be considered, thus disabling the terminal, as well as against disassembling an electric meter with value storage in order to forge a terminal or a card. However, the encryption algorithm and the encrypted key in the terminal only have a reduction key in which the credit value information is reduced according to the amount of energy consumed. Therefore, it is not possible to increase information about money or credit. In particular, in accordance with this invention, when the user/subscriber contacts the ARS server via telephone or digital intercom to request a transfer of credit value, the amount used is selectively settled via credit card or bank account. The value transfer process starts within the range where payment is guaranteed. The procedure can also be done online. In particular, it is possible to automatically transfer value under an automatic payment agreement to an account between a supplier or reseller and a financial institution, when the stored value falls to a certain level, as well as for people who have never used a computer or communication information network. In particular, in the case of a trade by payment order via the SET electronic trade process with a direct debit card, the cyber-operating server may place the trade details in a digital envelope (DE), which has the force of signed trade details. Therefore, the trade process cannot be denied or falsified.

The implementation process and conditions of the above-mentioned invention will be described in detail below.

1) Processes of generating, transferring and storing credit value

Information about the credit value is generated by communication and operation with the administrative database of the subscriber, using the master key (Mk) of the seller or reseller of electricity. The subscriber ID number, which requires a LAN-modem on the power line, is dialed through the area service and supervision (AS) and the local service and supervision (LS). When the request for the subscriber ID number and the communication are completed, the legality of the server and the terminal is verified by the verification procedure mentioned above. When verification is complete, the requested credit information is transmitted. The credit value information that is sent over the power line is stored in a store of value module (SVM).

2) Transfer and storage procedures of added value

The effectiveness of this invention is increased by adding a value-added transmission function that can be used in connection with electricity, gas, water, calorie and hot water meters that operate off-line via an IC card without a separate communication line. The generation and transfer of added value is carried out through the above-mentioned value generation and transfer procedures. The added value is stored on the IC card and not in the electric meter. With the added value information, for gas, water, hot water or thermal energy, stored in the IC card, it is possible to operate, inserted into the IC card of the off-line water and gas meter, which is compatible with the Korean-enabled IC card patent application no. 98-6947 and 98-6948 filed by the same applicant. Thus, management efficiency is maximized.

3) Consumption of credit score information

The credit value information stored in the SVM 166 is reduced by the token exchanger (TE) 10 according to the amount of energy consumption. The token is reduced per unit of time by a few milliwatts, a few watts or a few kilowatts. When the minimum unit token is exhausted, the credit value information is reduced by the new token request process.

4) Differential application of the energy consumption rate.

A method of using electricity that can differentially apply electricity rates in several steps according to the time zones of weekdays and weekends, times or months in which the used credit value is selected by the program and automatically applied. In the electricity consumption mode table 11, different rates may be differentially applied according to time zones and the characteristics of electricity supply and demand and electricity supply and use, for example, the Real Time Clock (RTC) applies rates of 100% on weekdays , a discount of 75% before and after working hours on weekdays, to 50% at midnight, an increase to 200% during working hours, and to 300% from 14:00 to 16:00 in the summer when the use of air conditioners greatly increases consumption. As the separate TE 10 is applied in connection with the same amount of electricity used, the stored credit value is applied differentially. Thus, electricity consumption becomes optimal in any time zone. Therefore, the efficiency of electricity supply and demand is maximized. That is why the electricity bill is also lower.

5) Balance check and automatic leveling

Information about the credit value on the SVM 166 is displayed on a liquid crystal display so that the user can check the balance at any time. When the credit value is used up, the token exchange notifies the user that the last tokens are in use by means of an audible alarm on an audible frequency. If the credit value is not recharged before the last token is exhausted, the power supply is interrupted by sending an interruption signal to a switch connected in series with the power line.

In order to meet the various above-mentioned procedures and implementation conditions, this invention can be used in connection with various gas and water meters when it is possible to transfer the added value to the IC-card based on the electric meter with the transfer and storage of the value with which it is not necessary to read the meter, based on the following structures and principles.

The electric meter with value storage according to this invention measures voltage (V) and current (A) in real time, calculates the amount of electricity (W) using the electricity consumption circuit, measures electricity consumption per unit of time, converts the stored value information in the exchanger token 10, and asks for new credit value information when the token runs out. Also, all the information needed by the user, such as the amount of remaining credit information and the state of power consumption, can be read on the liquid crystal display screen 17. When the last credit value is converted into a token form, the user is notified by an audible alarm. Accordingly, the credit value is replenished. When the internal credit information is exhausted, the power supply is cut off using switch 1.

In the mode table (MT) 11, by which it is possible to differentially apply power rates in at least five steps, the real time clock (RCT) differentially applies power rates at various rates such as 50%, 75%, 100%, 200% and 300%, according to the time zone, and reduces the information on the credit value. Namely, although the same electricity is used per unit of time, the credit value of SVM is differentially reduced since TE 10 applies multiple steps of electricity rates by the time program defined in the MT credit. Thus, electricity consumption becomes optimal in every time zone. Therefore, demand and supply of electricity are well balanced. The benefit of discounts according to the user's selective use is given by means of a multi-step electricity payment system. For example, a discount for the night time when the electricity supply is excessive can lower the reserve rate of the electricity supply of the energy supplier. When offices use air conditioners intensively in the summer, a premium energy price is charged and heat storage is introduced. Thus, it is possible to provide the benefit of a discount to a consumer of electricity such as a household or some facility.

The electric meter with value storage according to the present invention has an encrypted data structure conductor in which the CPU 162 and the internal memory cannot be read by a layman, to prevent forgery or cryptographic attack. The electric meter with storage of value consists of a secure access module (SAM) 164 into which a secret internal key (KT[n]), an encryption algorithm and a storage of value module (SVM) 166 can be introduced. If a hacker or someone who attacks the code breaks the electric meter in order not to falsify credit information, the encrypted key and the encrypted algorithm of SAM and SVM cannot be seen. SAM, SVM and the host computer's master key (Mk) are mutually authenticated. Thus, SAM and SVM can transmit and store credit information through the above procedures using the master key. SAM and SVM can store the credit value information as well as the added value on the IC card using the master key. When the IC card is inserted into the electric meter, a response signal is received to reset (ATR) by sending a reset signal to the card, the IC card and the terminal are mutually authenticated, the credit value information is exchanged through SVM and SAM, so the information on the credit value is calculated in accordance with the legal use of the IC-card. Information about the credit value is recorded with a separate encrypted key (Mk) of the publisher. Therefore, it is not possible to increase the credit value. These procedures are performed in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7816 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 8 and Part 10, and contains the physical standard, electrical signal, communication protocol and encryption procedure. At least two encryption keys are stored according to the manager's request. One encrypted key gets the latest information with a certain time interval. The encrypted key is used selectively. Thus, the unauthorized use of the credit value is prevented.

The transfer of credit value and added value and monitoring of the legal use of the value are performed via an electric modem. There is a sensor circuit of energy consumption and information about energy use is recorded on the non-volatile memory (NVM) 15 in order to monitor the unauthorized use of electricity and punish illegal use without the need to go to the place where the electricity meter is installed and check the lead or other seal there . Such a circuit can be periodically monitored by LS or AS, thus performing the function of electronic sealing without checking the physical condition of the seal.

An electric meter with value storage has its own serial number (SVPMSN) of 3 bytes. The electrical modem 13 communicates with the LS using the address 1/256 modem identification number (M-ID). When the server of the seller or reseller of electricity sees a value transfer request, it starts communication for a short time with the electric meter with the subscriber's value storage in accordance with the addressing procedure for selecting the subscriber's M-ID.

The subscriber requests the transfer of the credit value by contacting the ARS seller or reseller of electricity by phone or digital intercom 20 and keypad 21, choosing to settle by credit card or via a bank account, and choosing to pay the transferred credit value of electricity. The server that manages the credit value is then asked to transfer the credit value with the AN provided by the credit card company's server. The electricity seller server that manages the credit value calls the M-ID through AS and LS, transfers the credit value to the SVPM, and stores the transferred credit value by performing the above value storage procedures.

The LS then monitors the state of energy consumption of up to 256 stored-value electricity subscribers via an electrical modem connected to a 117 V/220 V power line at a maximum distance of 3 km. The LS then calls the SVPMs at addresses 1/256... n/256, checks and re-monitors the change state of the SVPM's internal real-time clock, monitors the rate system mode, checks the CSN cards, records the credit balance, checks for the presence of an unauthorized or improper use of electricity and extracts reports on electricity consumption during days, weeks or months and thus obtains the totality and estimates the demand for electricity. The results of the total sum and assessment are used as guidelines for negotiations on the price of purchased electricity and re-controlling the price of electricity supply.

In credit transfer and storage, meters that are not electric, that is, for gas, water, heating and hot water, consist of meters that work off-line using an IC card, without a special communication line because the installations of such an environment are inferior and the construction lines very complicated. When the added value information, which is transmitted through the value storage electric meter, is stored on the IC card, and the IC card is inserted into the water, gas or heat meters, the added value information is stored in each meter. Tokens are reduced using the same credit reduction procedures. When the credit value information is exhausted, the gas, water, heat and hot water supply cut-off valve closes. The efficiency of this invention is increased by the value-added transfer function where it is possible to use the electric meter for value transfer and storage together with the value-added service. Added value is generated and transferred using the same credit value generation and transfer procedures. The added value is stored on the IC card and not in the electric meter. Added value information for things like gas, water, hot water and heating is stored on the IC card by performing the above procedures, and can be transferred off-line to the IC card of water and gas meters that can hold IC cards according to Korean patent application no. 98-6947 and 98-6948.

In the following, according to Crt. 6 be described the request for the transfer of credit value and the procedures in the electric modem.

The subscriber IC card 52 is issued to those who wish to receive the IC card, using the IC card 51 of the master key of the system manager at the electricity reseller 50. After equalizing the credit value for things such as electricity, gas, water, hot water and heating via cash or credit card on the spot, the first credit value is stored on the IC card. The credit value of electricity on the IC card is stored in the electric meter by inserting the IC card into the electric meter with customer value storage 55. When the IC card is inserted into the gas, water, hot water and heating meters of the customer 55, the credit value is stored in each meter. After the first storage of credit value, further polishing of credit value/added value is done by the value transfer process using an electrical modem. Transfer and storage of value can be done by phone, Internet, P-ATM (EMV '96) and electric meter with value storage. The procedures for transferring and storing values are performed by creating the encrypted algorithm described above. The credit/value added transfer channel is as follows. Archive subscriber information is taken from the subscriber database at the electricity reseller host-server 50. Payment to the bank or VAN company is guaranteed by the user choosing between a credit card number, a direct debit card number and a bank account number. Information about the credit value is coded with the SAM master key. The ID of the subscriber electricity meter with value storage is called over the AS and LS networks. SAM and the master key are mutually authenticated. Then the credit/added value information is transferred. The local monitoring unit (LS) downloads data on electricity use in periods of hours, days, weeks or months from the electric meter with value storage, checks the state of electricity use and credit balance based on hours or days, resets the time, removes the mode and electricity use program, and supervises illegal or improper use of electricity. Also, the amount of money is calculated between the money budget system 54 of the electricity seller 53 and the electricity reseller 50 using a method similar to the procedures mentioned above.

7. Drawing is an exploded perspective view showing the external form of an electric meter with value storage in accordance with the present invention. The electric meter with value storage according to this invention includes an LCD display 17 on the upper part of the front surface and an input and output terminal 66 on the lower part of the front surface. The input and output terminal 66 is connected to the power line for the input and output of electricity and is covered by a protective cover 64 that prevents unauthorized use. The digital intercom 20 and the key pad 21 for requesting value transfer are located on the upper surface of the protective cover 64, which prevents unauthorized use. Also, on the side of the electric meter there is a slot 60 for inserting an IC card. The credit value is stored on the IC card and is read from the card when it is inserted into the slot 60. Part of the electric meter is also the unit for checking the sealing 62, for sealing the electric meter, which prevents unauthorized use/disassembly.

According to the above description, this invention is described only in connection with an electric meter with value storage via an electric modem. Mutually necessary information can be exchanged through communication with an electric modem between the server and the terminal. A general telephone line, a radio frequency communication line, or a cable TV line may be used instead of a power line.

As noted above, in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to reduce field staff costs by eliminating the meter reading process for things such as electricity, gas, water and heating, budget processing costs, bill printing and mailing, and postage collection.

It is also possible to reduce losses due to unpaid electricity bills and arrears, and to provide added value since the credit value is paid in advance by credit card or bank account. Thus, the energy supplier can provide high added value.

Industrial applicability

This invention describes a complex electric meter with which it is possible to solve the economic and safety problems of visiting and visual reading of a conventional remote electric meter.

Claims (17)

1. The method of storing credit information in the value storage module in the electric meter with value storage by communication between the host and the individual terminal through the electric modem that is included in the electric meter with value storage which is the terminal, consisting of the following steps. (a) the host generating the first random data, sending the first random data to the terminal, generating the periodic key using the key generating algorithm using the terminal's internal secret key, generating the first signature value using the signature generating algorithm for comparison during terminal authentication, and the terminal receiving the first random data and generates a periodic key using the same method as the host; (b) the terminal generating the second signature value using the signature generation algorithm and other random data and sending the other random data to the host; (c) the host that compares the first and second signature values and authenticates the terminal, the host that generates the third signature value and sends the third signature value to the terminal with information about the amount of money when the terminal is authenticated and the terminal that receives the third signature value and information about the amount of money from the host , generating the fourth signature value and authenticates the host by comparing the third and fourth signature values with each other; and (d) the value-enhancing terminal by decoding the amount of money information and sending the received value, encrypting the balance and terminal ID using an encryption algorithm, to the host and the host receiving the encrypted value, decoding the encrypted value, comparing the stored terminal TD with the decoded terminal ID, authenticating terminal once more, and saving the balance in the archive file when the verification is complete. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of converting the electric charging system and including the following sub-steps: (a1) the host generating the first random data, sending the first random data to the terminal, generating a periodic key using an algorithm that generates the key using the terminal's characteristic secret key, generating a first signature value using the signature generation algorithm for comparison during terminal authentication, and the terminal receiving the first random data and generates a periodic key using the same method as the host; (b1) a terminal that generates a second signature value using a signature generation algorithm and other random data, and sends the other random data to the host; (c1) the host that compares the first and second signature values and authenticates the terminal, the host that generates the third signature value and sends the third signature value to the terminal with mode information when the terminal is authenticated and the terminal that receives the third signature value and mode information from the host and generates the fourth signature value value; and (d1) the terminal that authenticates the host by comparing the third and fourth signature values with each other, and the terminal that converts the rate system, generating the encrypted value obtained by encrypting the mode information and the terminal ID that uses the encryption algorithm and sends the encrypted value to the host and the host that receives the encrypted value, decoding the encrypted value, comparing the stored terminal ID with the decoded terminal ID, authenticating the terminal one more time, and saving the balance to an archive file when the authentication is complete. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of command checking the use of information, including the following sub-steps: (a2) the host generating the first random data, sending the first random data to the terminal, generating the periodic key using the key generating algorithm using the characteristic secret terminal key, generating the first signature value using the signature generating algorithm for comparison during terminal authentication, and the terminal receiving the first random data and generates a periodic key using the same method as the host; (b2) a terminal that generates the second signature value using an algorithm that generates the signature and other random data and sends the other random data to the host; (c2) the host that compares the first and second signature values and authenticates the terminal, the host that generates the third signature value and sends the third signature value to the terminal with the time information when the terminal is authenticated and the terminal that receives the third signature value and time information from the host, generating the fourth signature value; and (d2) a terminal that authenticates the host by comparing the third and fourth signature values with each other, and a terminal that sends the obtained value by encrypting the usage details log file using an encryption algorithm, then sends the encrypted value to the host, and the host that receives the encrypted value, decoding the encrypted value, comparing the stored terminal ID with the decoded terminal ID, authenticating the terminal once more, and saving usage information over days, weeks, and months and the timer to an archive file when authentication is complete. 4. Electric meter with value storage that includes an electrical input and output terminal for measuring the amount of electrical energy used, including: - the operational part of electricity consumption for measuring the voltage and current of electricity and calculating the electricity used; - an electric modem for performing data communication between the host and the terminal via an electric line; - a secure storage part including a secure access module (SAM) that has a CPU and an encryption key and an encryption algorithm for value storage and a value storage module (SVM) to prevent unauthorized use of value information and hacking, excluding cryptographic attack, and requiring a procedure SAM verifications when requesting tokens from SVM; - off/on a switch for interrupting the supply of electricity in accordance with the balance result of the SVM; and - token exchanger to reduce tokens from the value information input from the SVM according to the amount of energy consumed per unit of time, where the SVM requires a new token for the token container when the internal token is exhausted. 5. The electric meter with value storage according to claim 4, which further comprises an IC card reading part and a recording part to enable the use of other meters such as those for water and gas and calorimeter, by inserting the IC card into the electric meter, receiving the value from the online host, recording the received value on the inserted IC card, and reading the received value from the IC card. 6. Electric meter with value storage according to claim 5, where the part for reading and recording on an IC card is applied to water, gas and heating meters, using the IC card method which operates in an off-line state by recording the added value for things like gas and water to an IC card via an electrical modem, which makes it possible to store the value of electricity on an IC card by plugging in a communication input consisting of eight terminals defined by ISO 7816 Part 2, having Vcc, Clk, DIO, Reset and Gnd for synchronous and asynchronous communication with the IC card. 7. Electric meter with value storage from claim 4, which further includes: - AC/DC converter to provide the operating voltage required for the electric meter; - energy consumption sensor for detecting that electricity is normally used when the sensor output is "O" or that the terminals are bypassed and electricity is illegally used when the sensor output is "l"; and - a buzzer to generate an audible alarm and instruct the user to transfer and store the value when the last token is received, so that it requests a new token from the SVM after the token exchange balance is exhausted. 8. Electric meter with value storage from claim 4, where the operating part for electricity consumption includes: - shunt resistor for measuring the amount of AC current; - a voltage divider to connect two resistors in series and select from the voltage radius obtained by the relationship between the two resistors to adjust the AC voltage of the electric line so that it is within the range of the input voltage of the voltmeter; - analog-digital converter for converting the AC current signal flowing through the resistor into a digital signal of 16 or 20 bits; and - analog-digital converter for converting AC voltage into a 16-bit digital signal, - where the voltage phase is compared with the current phase and the angle by which the two phases differ from each other is calculated, and then it is output as a signal for the application of differential rates. 9. Electric meter with value storage from claim 4, which further includes an electricity consumption table, which is actually an electricity price mode table for differential application of different electricity prices at exchange rates of 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, and 200%, according to the state of electricity supply and demand based on the hour of real time, consisting of year, month, hour, minute and second. 10. Electric meter with value storage from claim 4, comprising a stable memory that stores a characteristic 3-byte ID-number and records the state of electricity use in a certain period of hours, days or months for remote monitoring of unauthorized or improper use of electricity and having at the same time electronic sealing function. 11. Electric meter with value storage from claim 4, comprising an LCD display for visually displaying the value balance, the value transfer status, the status of electricity consumption in real time, and the status of the accumulative use of electricity. 12. The stored-value electric meter of claim 5, wherein the stored-value electric meter can be used for simple and easy payment through a SET electronic commerce transaction process, using the next generation of credit cards and direct payment cards EMV '96, mixed with a reader and IC card recorder, further comprising: - means such as telephone, Internet, P-ATM (AMV '96), and digital intercom for conducting audio communication with the competent person of the host-server or transmitting an audio message to help the user with things such as storage; and - keypad with which the user directly requests that the value be stored. 13. Electric meter with value storage from claim 4, where the electric input and output terminal of the electric meter includes a cover and a physical seal to prevent physical manipulation, and prevents illegal and improper use of electricity. 14. Electric meter with value storage according to claim 4, further comprising a stop circuit for absorbing lightning or sudden bursts of voltage on the power line of the supplier. 15. Electric meter with value storage from claim 4, where the electric line of the transformer for reducing 3.3 K V to the generally usable voltage of 110V/220V/240V further includes a current transformer for measuring the total amount of current, where the electric meter is connected to the local network service and supervision units (LS) that have electric modems for communication with up to 256 electric meters with value storage on the electric line, and to regional service and supervision units (AS) for managing up to 256 LSs. 16. The value-storage electric meter of claim 15, wherein the host further comprises a server of an electricity seller or reseller for issuing an IC card to a subscriber using an IC card having a master key, automatically transferring a value when the subscriber requests the value to be stored, monitoring and managing the legitimate use of value by the subscriber, summing up and analyzing the detailed status of the electricity at the subscriber, thus re-determining the price when purchasing electricity, where each server connected to a plurality of ASs manages and monitors the electric meter with the transmission and storage of the value and which can be connected to ASs and LSs in a tree structure, and stores the value in an electric meter with transmission and value storage. 17. The electric meter with value storage according to claim 15, further comprising a voltage divider, an analog-to-digital voltage converter, a current analog-to-digital converter, a switch and a shunt resistor, so that when at least two types of power sources selectively use different voltages or simultaneously use at least two types of voltage, it is possible to separately measure and operate with different amounts of current.