KR100434655B1 - Automatic Meter Reading System - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a remote meter reading system, and in particular, the present invention includes an SCU connected to an electronic meter to receive and packetize meter reading data transmitted through an optical communication method, and transmit meter reading data upon external request; An MCU which is connected to the SCU wirelessly, collects meter reading data transmitted wirelessly, receives various data transmitted from the outside, and converts and relays the data according to a predetermined format; A mobile communication network connected to the MCU by wire or wirelessly, and including a base station, an exchanger, and an IWF (network interworking device), and exchanging data with the MCU through packet data communication or circuit data communication; It is connected to mobile communication network by wire, supports various protocols, minimizes the problems caused by communication equipment and line failure by acquiring raw meter data transmitted from electronic meter by remote dial-up modem and TCP / IP communication method. Initialize the modem automatically after meter reading to prevent the modem's hang-up status. If the data is damaged by the noise or communication distortion of the modem or line used in the process of acquiring the meter data, immediately A FEP for delivering an alarm message to an administrator; FEP_Wireless modem connected wirelessly to the mobile communication network, receiving the wireless data transmitted from the base station of the mobile communication network to transmit to the FEP, and relays the wireless data transmitted from the FEP to the mobile communication network; And interconnected with the FEP, database various data transmitted from the FEP, perform linkage function of sending and receiving customer information and metering data with the tariff management system, manage meter reading data received from the FEP, and establish a LAN network. It is connected to each computer of the administrator through the AMR server that transmits the data requested by the computer.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the meter reading data transmitted from the electronic meter using optical communication and RF communication is collected, and the collected meter reading data is transmitted to the remote meter reading server using a mobile communication network, so that the power consumption of each household is not visited by the meter reader. It is effective to check the remote location and to control the electronic meter remotely.

Description

Remote Meter Reading System {Automatic Meter Reading System}

The present invention relates to a remote meter reading system, and more particularly, by reading meter data transmitted from an electronic meter using optical communication, collecting through RF communication, and transmitting the collected meter data to a remote meter reading server using a mobile communication network. The present invention relates to a remote meter reading system that can remotely check the power consumption of each home and visit the electronic meter remotely without a visit.

In general, the conventional meter reading method for water, gas, electricity, etc. consists of a process of the meter readers visiting the meter, checking the meter value, recording the recorded data, and then recording the data and inputting the recorded content into a computer. . Therefore, if an error occurs in the course of performing this process, the problem of error occurring will lead to loss of the consumer or the state. In addition, these meters need to be checked and exchanged regularly, but since there is no information on when to replace them and regular inspections, the parts purchased for exchange and inspection are left unattended and waste a lot of money. Therefore, various methods of remote meter reading system have been developed to solve this problem.

For example, a method has been developed in which a meter reader visits a customer by using a handy terminal and inputs meter reading data on site. However, this method has the advantage of shortening the input process of the computerized data, but it is not effective due to the disadvantage that it does not contribute to the reduction of labor costs due to the meter reading directly enter the data by the meter reader. In addition, the meter reads the usage of various meters (electric meter, gas meter, water meter, etc.) installed in the consumer, and uses the system for remote meter reading by using a wired / wireless communication medium. Doing. In the remote meter reading system, a wired / wireless modem is used for data exchange between a meter and a mobile communication network or a PSTN. However, since a conventional wired / wireless modem only plays a role of relaying data exchange between each other, a wired / wireless modem is used. There is a problem that can not accurately determine the operating state of the.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the first object of the present invention is to collect the meter data of a plurality of electronic meters using RF communication, and to move the collected meter data The present invention provides a remote meter reading system that transmits to a remote meter reading server using a communication network to remotely check the power consumption of each home without visiting a meter reader and to control the electronic meter at a remote spot.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a remote meter reading system for collecting meter reading data of an electronic meter existing outside the repeater area through any RF wireless modem existing in the area of the repeater and transmitting it to a remote meter reading server.

1 is a service diagram showing the overall configuration of a remote meter reading system according to the present invention,

2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration module of the SCU and MCU according to the present invention,

3 is a functional block diagram of an FEP according to the present invention;

4 is a functional block diagram for explaining a module-specific function of an AMR server;

5 is a flowchart illustrating a meter data collection process of the MCU according to the present invention;

6 is a flowchart illustrating a meter data transmission process of the SCU according to the present invention.

♣ Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawing ♣

101, 103, 105, 110: SCU

102, 104, 106, 112: Electronic Meter

120: MCU 130: mobile communication network

140: FEP 150: FEP_Wireless Modem

160: AMR server 170: DB

180: LAN network 190: personal computer

The present invention for achieving the above object is to digitally measure the electricity consumption of the consumer to store in the internal memory, and when received the meter reading data transmission command to a remote meter reading system using an electronic meter for transmitting the meter data stored in the internal memory An SCU comprising: an SCU connected to an electronic meter to receive and packetize meter data transmitted through an optical communication method, and to transmit meter data upon external request; An MCU which is connected to the SCU wirelessly, collects meter reading data transmitted wirelessly, receives various data transmitted from the outside, and converts and relays the data according to a predetermined format; A mobile communication network connected to the MCU by wire or wirelessly, and including a base station, an exchanger, and an IWF (network interworking device), and exchanging data with the MCU through packet data communication or circuit data communication; It is connected to mobile communication network by wire, supports various protocols, minimizes the problems caused by communication equipment and line failure by acquiring raw meter data transmitted from electronic meter by remote dial-up modem and TCP / IP communication method. Initialize the modem automatically after meter reading to prevent the modem's hang-up status. If the data is damaged by the noise or communication distortion of the modem or line used in the process of acquiring the meter data, immediately A FEP for delivering an alarm message to an administrator; FEP_Wireless modem connected wirelessly to the mobile communication network, receiving the wireless data transmitted from the base station of the mobile communication network to transmit to the FEP, and relays the wireless data transmitted from the FEP to the mobile communication network; And interconnected with the FEP, database various data transmitted from the FEP, perform linkage function of sending and receiving customer information and metering data with the tariff management system, manage meter reading data received from the FEP, and establish a LAN network. It is characterized in that it comprises an AMR server connected to each computer of the administrator through the computer to transmit the data requested by the computer.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a remote meter reading system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a service diagram showing the overall configuration of a remote meter reading system 100 according to the present invention, the remote meter reading system 100 is an electronic meter (102, 104, 106, 112), RF wireless modem (SCU) (101, 103, 105, 110, repeater (MCU) 120, mobile communication network 130, FEP (Front End Processor) 140, FEP_wireless modem 150, remote metering server (AMR server) 160, It is configured to include a database 170, a LAN network 180 and a personal computer 190.

The electronic meters 102, 104, 106, and 112 digitally measure the electricity usage of the consumer and store it in the internal memory.When the meter reading data transmission command is received, the electronic meter 102, 104, 106, and 112 is used together with the meter data (ie, the electricity usage) stored in the internal memory. It sends a unique ID of the customer. Electronic meters (102, 104, 106, 112) should be separately installed in single-phase two-wire circuits to enable effective power metering and recording of data for each time zone. Wireless and power line remote meter reading by attaching a removable modem to the instrument This should be possible.

The SCUs 101, 103, 105, and 110 use the respective electronic meters 102, 104, 106 and 112 and the electricity meter data (periodical instructions, current guidelines, etc.) acquired using the optical communication (infrared communication) method in compliance with the IEC1107 standard. It serves to transmit to the MCU (120). At this time, the data transmitted to the MCU 120 is transmitted by a wireless polling method using three channels of power business frequency 463.4125, 463.4250, 463.4375MHz narrowband (8.5KHz). Generated by the SCU (101, 103, 105, 110). All packets using the Manchester coding scheme are indicated with "0" as "10" and "1" as "01" with a 50% duty ratio. The communication distance is preferably 1Km or more based on the LOS and the communication success rate is preferably maintained to be 80% or more.

Data communication between the SCUs 101, 103, 105 and 110 and the electronic meters 102, 104, 106 and 112 is based on the "Data exchange for meter reading, tariff and load control Direct local data exchange" standard of IEC 1107. It has a wavelength of 800 ~ 1000nm, has a structure that is not affected by the ambient light intensity up to 1600lux, and adopts an optical communication method having a physical insulation structure with an electronic meter.

The communication protocol between the SCUs 101, 103, 105, and 110 and the electronic meters 102, 104, 106, and 112 maintains a communication speed of 9600 bps, the start bit (1 bit), data bit (7 bit), parity bit ( 1 bit) and stop bit (1 bit). In addition, the SCU (101, 103, 105, 110) can communicate with a PC program using an interface cable, and when the SCU (101, 103, 105, 110) is initialized, the ID of the repeater, its own ID and Frequency can be set and modified. Therefore, the SCUs 101, 103, 105, and 110 used in the present invention have the following characteristics.

First, since the wireless output level is 100mW, it is possible to communicate with the wireless repeater installed within the 1Km (LOS standard) area at the open site, and it provides a wide communication range because it supports the BCH error correction function and the relay function.

Second, it is possible to communicate immediately when power is applied without separate communication cable, and it is easy to replace due to failure, function change, and expansion, and it is easy to combine due to the design of the instrument that meets the electronic meter (102, 104, 106, 112) standard. Detachable.

Third, the fuse is used at the input of the surge protection power input to the communication line by using the wireless and optical communication, so it is strong against electric shock.

Fourth, the adjacent SCU (eg, 105) provides a relay function so as to communicate with the SCU 110 installed in the shadowed area (area that cannot communicate with the repeater).

Fifth, when power is applied to each SCU (101, 103, 105, 110) it can be easily determined whether the corresponding SCU (101, 103, 105, 110) is a communication area through a repeater and a loopback test.

MCU 120 is a device having a relay function and a conversion function for transmitting and receiving a variety of data of the electronic meter through a remote metering modem (SCU) using a wireless communication to a remote metering server network linked to the network, a mobile communication network It is located between the FEP 140 installed in the 130 and the SCUs 101, 103, 105, and 110 installed in the subscriber's electronic meter to acquire the data read by wireless communication and the data received from the FEP 140 to the SCU. It transmits and relays the data received from each SCU (101, 103, 105, 110) to the FEP (140).

Data communication between the SCUs 101, 103, 105, and 110 and the MCU 120 exchanges data with each other in an unsolicited manner using an extended carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) protocol.

The SCU 110 shown in FIG. 1 exists outside the area of the MCU 120 and may collect metering data of the out-of-area SCU 110 through any SCU (eg, 105) present in its area. have. Thus, any SCU (eg, 105) should include the ability to relay various data from another SCU (eg, 110) to the MCU 120. The internal configuration of the MCU 120 and the functions of the software will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

The mobile communication network 130 includes a base station 132 and 138, an exchange 134, and an inter-working function (IWF) 136, and communicates with the MCU 120 through packet data communication or circuit data communication. Data is exchanged with each other, packet data communication with the FEP 140 is performed through the IWF 136, and circuit data communication with the FEP wireless modem 150 is performed through the base station 138. Here, the IWF supports a wireless data transmission / reception protocol interworking with TAF (Terminal Adapter Fuction), which is a data service communication protocol function.

Circuit data communication consists of establishing and maintaining a data transmission channel in a wireless section between the MCU 120 or the FEP_wireless modem 150 and the base stations 132 and 138, the wired base station 132, and the exchange 134 and the IWF 136. When a call is set up for a channel that transmits data to the wireless modem (120 or 150) up to), even if there is no data to be transmitted between the terminal and the host, the wireless modem and the channel in the wired network are not terminated. 120, 150) and the network service connecting the network linkage system.

On the other hand, packet data communication is automatically canceled after a certain period of time if there is no data to be transmitted after the primary call is established, and when data to be delivered is generated again, the channel settings in the wireless and wired networks are similar to when a new call occurs without the user being aware. Is reset. For this reason, it is different from circuit data communication that the channel of the radio section can be efficiently used according to the traffic.

The FEP 140 is interconnected with the IWF 136 of the mobile communication network 130 and has the expandability to mount up to four communication processing modules that can accommodate up to 16 dial-up lines. It supports IP, SLIP, PPP, Async Protocol, and minimizes the problems caused by communication equipment and line failure by acquiring raw meter data from various electronic meters using remote dial-up modem and TCP / IP communication.

In addition, by monitoring the status of each port, it is possible to determine the cause of the problem accurately and promptly, and to initialize the modem automatically after the meter is executed to prevent the modem's hang-up state in advance and acquire the meter data. When the data is damaged by the noise or communication distortion of the modem or line used in the PC, it immediately sends an alarm message to the administrator. In addition, the AMR server 160 receives the initial information such as the repeater number, SCU number, meter reading period, and instrument unique number from the AMR server 160 and automatically sets the meter reading data from the MCU 120 through the mobile communication network AMR. Send to server 160.

FEP_Wireless modem 150 is interconnected with the base station 138 of the mobile communication network 130, and receives the wireless data transmitted from the base station 138 and forwarded to the FEP 140 or transmitted from the FEP 140 A relay role for transmitting wireless data to the mobile communication network 130 is performed.

The AMR server 160 is interconnected with the FEP 140, and manages the database 170. The AMR server 160 performs transmission / reception linkage function of customer information and meter reading data with the billing system of the IBM main computer, and the FEP 140. Manages meter reading data received from In addition, it is connected to each computer 190 of the administrator through the LAN network 180 (that is, the internal switching network) serves to transmit the data requested by the computer 190.

2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration module of the SCU 101 and the MCU 120 according to the present invention, the SCU 101 includes an RF module 107, MCU module 108 and optical communication module 109 The MCU 120 includes an MPU module 121, a mobile communication module 122, and a wireless communication module 123. Here, the SCU 101 is any one of the plurality of SCU (101, 103, 105, 110) and the configuration and operation is the same, so only one is illustrated.

The SCU 101 is designed using an 8051 processor, and all functions necessary for communication are implemented in software except for an external EEPROM for storing parameters necessary for communication.

The RF module 107 of the SCU 101 is a part that provides a function necessary to enable a wireless communication method with the MCU 120. The RF module 107 transmits and receives FSK-modulated packet data to be transmitted by using a previously authorized wireless channel.

The MCU module 108 manages all operations related to the initialization and operation of the SCU 101. The MCU module 108 performs a series of processes necessary for analyzing packet data received from the MCU 120 and collecting specific electronic meter data. To transmit the result to the MCU (120).

The optical communication module 109 is a module for communicating with an electronic meter and is an infrared optical communication module compliant with IEC1107. By using the optical module has eliminated the unnecessary connection cable between the electronic meter and the SCU (101) and provides a function to prevent electrical shock that can be input to the communication line.

The microprocessor unit (MPU) module 121 of the MCU 120 uses 64 KB of SRAM, and maintains information during a power failure by using a super capacitor, and uses a backup battery to notify the power failure notification. To perform. In addition, after receiving the relay information and the meter reading command from the FEP 140 to perform wireless communication with the SCU 101, the metering data is collected and transmitted to the FEP 140 in the form of packet data.

The mobile communication module 122 is used to receive various information and commands transmitted from the FEP 140 before the meter reading to the MCU 120 through the circuit communication. After the reading of the meter, the mobile communication module 122 collects the metering data collected by the MCU 120. Performs a function of transmitting to the FEP 140 through communication.

The wireless communication module 123 is used to perform communication between the MCU 120 and the SCU 101, and corrects an error by applying the BCHs 31, 21, and 5. All data transmitted on the radio link is converted through Manchester coding, and the duty cycle is converted to 50% of the information signals constituting all data frames, with "0" being "10" and "1" being "01". . The MCU 120 has a surge protection function through an external antenna and is preferably manufactured to be easily mounted on the distribution pole.

The software used in the MCU 120 is largely divided into a circuit mode, a packet mode, an RF mode, a debug mode, and an on-site metering menu mode.

Circuit mode receives and processes commands such as environment setting and initialization of MCU 120, SCU ID list registration, ID addition and deletion, loopback test, meter reading, modem reset, Load Profile, and change of electronic meter information. Perform the function.

Packet mode collects the meter data received from the SCU 101 and transmits the packet to the FEP 140 such as full meter reading, individual meter reading, meter data retransmission, full loopback, initial driving notification, load profile information, MCU power failure notification, and the like. Do this.

The RF mode converts corresponding commands and data for communication with the SCU 101, and the BCH (31, 21, 5) algorithms performed for each frame provide a 2-bit error detection and correction function. Here, the BCH (31,21,5) algorithm is code length 31, information bit 21, minimum distance 5, and the polynomial G (X) = X ¹⁰ + X ⁹ + X ⁸ + X ⁶ + X ⁵ + X ³ +1. The MCU 120 performs a 1: 1 direct metering with the designated SCU 101, but in order to read the SCU 110 in a shaded area where direct metering cannot be performed, the relay ID is automatically retrieved to secure a path. The relay meter is performed through a relay capable SCU (eg, 105).

The MCU 120 receives the SCU ID list registration command from the FEP 140 at the initial installation and automatically registers it, and performs a full loopback test to secure the relay ID for the SCU of the shadow area that cannot be directly read. . SCU ID can be added and deleted manually, and if you set the metering period in the environment setting of the MCU (120), it automatically performs monthly or daily meter reading for all SCU registered in the MCU (120).

The debug mode communicates with the MCU 120 through the RS-232C interface cable to test the SCU's normal operation by wireless communication, and provides an environment setting function for setting and changing the MCU ID, the use frequency, and the SCU ID. .

3 is a functional block diagram of the FEP 140 according to the present invention. The FEP 140 is operated by PowerAMR, which is a software capable of processing a remote meter reading task, and can accommodate up to 64 lines. It is possible to measure up to 6,000 electronic meters by connecting with TCP / IP and respond flexibly to customer increase. Since different communication methods can be set for each port, it is possible to accommodate an electronic meter supporting a plurality of different communication methods in one FEP 140.

The software that operates the FEP 140 (ie, PowerAMR) includes the dial processing module 310, the communication processing module 320, the data management module 330, the schedule processing module 340, the failure management module 350, and the packet. Includes a daemon module 360.

The dial processing module 310 is connected to the communication converter 370 by TCP / IP, and a plurality of electronic meters connected to a dial-up modem or a wireless modem (ABB, GE, LSIS, Daehan Cable, Iljin) A module that provides a function of acquiring raw meter reading data from an electronic meter by configuring a communication path with a model manufactured by Electric, Kumho Metertech, etc., and up to 64 dial processing modules 310 can be driven dynamically. The modem is initialized automatically after the meter reading is executed to prevent the hang-up state of the modem.

The communication processing module 320 is a module that communicates with the communication processing module of the FEP software (that is, PowerAMR) in a TCP / IP manner, and transmits data acquired and interpreted from the dial processing module or the packet daemon module 360 to TCP / IP. It transmits to the AMR server 160 in a manner. In addition, the communication processing module 320 determines whether the PowerAMR 395 successfully acquires data, requests retransmission when an error occurs, matches data between the PowerAMR 395 and the FEP 140, and uses different electronic meter protocols. Convert, process, interpret, convert to the same protocol to communicate with the AMR server 160.

The data management module 330 is a module for acquiring, analyzing, and storing the meter reading data of the electronic meter. The data management module 330 supports data acquisition and analysis according to the electronic meter, and at the time of transmission to ensure the reliability of the data when acquiring data from the electronic meter. CRC and BCC are generated. Upon reception, CRC and BCC error check determines whether there is an error in the data acquired, and requests retransmission when an error occurs. To speed up data read / write, DAO (Date Access Object) method is used to process data quickly. It includes the ability to match the database of various electronic meters to improve data reliability.

The schedule processing module 340 can vary up to 24 hours with the basic meter reading cycle as 1 hour, and accommodates up to 6,000 electronic meters on a maximum of 64 lines that can be automatically read regularly in the case of regular meter reading days. In the polling method, meter reading scheduling for data acquisition may be different for each customer, and a processing schedule for occurrence of data acquisition error of an electronic meter may be simultaneously operated. The customer-specific meter schedule schedule data is constructed by receiving or partially receiving initial information such as a line number, a meter period, a meter manufacturer, and a number from the PowerAMR 395 at the start of the FEP 140 to establish a dial-up meter path. The schedule change of the PowerAMR 395 may be applied to the schedule processing module 340 in real time or may be arbitrarily changed by an administrator.

The failure management module 350 is a module that converts communication and other devices that do not support the SNMP protocol as network devices that support the SNMP protocol. The communication status of the electronic meter connected for each port of the communication converter 370 may be checked on the management screen of the PowerRMS 380, which is a resource management software on the AMR server 160. Therefore, the operation state and resource information of the FEP 140, the operation state and resource information of the wireless modem using the failure management module 350 can be transmitted to the PowerRMS 380 to perform effective management. IP allocation in the failure management module 350 is automatically assigned at the time of initial registration of the schedule.

The packet daemon module 360 is a daemon processor that receives meter reading data in cooperation with TCP / IP. The packet daemon module 360 communicates with the SCU at a set cycle using a packet method. In order to communicate with multiple SCUs at the same time, the dynamic replication method can be used to minimize the bottleneck of communication to reduce the loss of meter reading data.

4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the function of each module of the AMR server 160. The AMR server software includes a client module (PA-CLT) 410, a server module (PA-SVR) 420, and a communication processing module ( PA-FEPC) 430, Master Management Module (PA-MST) 440, Schedule Management Module (PA-SCHD) 450, DB Management Module (PA-DBMS) 460, Meter Reading Management Module (PA- MDPR) 470 and Instrument Control Module (PA-MCPR) 480.

The client module 410 and the server module 420 are client / server software dedicated to remote meter reading. The module module 410 and the server module 420 are developed as a GUI environment so that a user can easily use meter reading data, various statistical data queries, and instrument control commands. Basic tool to use.

The PA-FEPC 430 is a communication processing module that interlocks with the FEP 140 to accurately and quickly acquire meter reading data and efficiently realize load control. The communication with the FEP 140 is operated as a daemon process in the form of a server, and in order to minimize the bottleneck of the server due to the expansion of the FEP 140, a dynamic processor generation technique is used to solve the time difference between the communication processing and the data processing. It is implemented to immediately process the request of the FEP (140). In addition, it ensures reliable communication through the request for interpretation and retransmission of the CRC, and performs communication using a single protocol acquired by the FEP 140 from various electronic meters.

The PA-MST 440 is a master management module that constructs and manages a basic master of remote meter reading by using the basic information of the corresponding electricity meter obtained from an electronic meter. Customer master information is newly created or updated to keep it up to date, and newly registered or updated details are preferably stored for at least one year so that the history can be managed.

The PA-SCHD 450 is a schedule management module that manages a metering schedule. The PA-SCHD 450 may input, inquire, modify, and delete a meter manufacturer, a meter number, a meter reading period, a periodic meter reading date, a meter reading priority, and the like. In addition, when there is a data request from the FEP 140, only the entire data or new data that is not synchronized may be selected and transmitted, and when the meter reading data received from the FEP 140 is different from the schedule DB, it is changed in real time. The data is retrieved and sent to the FEP 140 to keep the data consistent.

The PA-DBMS 460 is a module for storing and processing high-level data used for efficiently managing data. In order to use the database properly and effectively, the administrator requires considerable knowledge and experience. In order to prevent the loss of important data due to improper command processing, the DB management module 460 can backup, delete, and recreate the data. By providing GUI necessary parts for basic operation of the system, it supports the operator to easily manage the remote meter reading DB. In addition, the effective period of the data is set for efficient data processing and management, and the automatic deletion function is provided at the end of the period so that the proper capacity is always maintained. It also prevents missing pulse data in order to maintain the logical consistency of meter reading data, and supports continuous meter reading by automatically updating data when the instrument or modem is changed.

The PA-MDPR 470 stores and processes the data, stores the pulse data that has undergone the error verification process of the communication processing module 430, and the processed hourly, daily, and monthly aggregate data in a database, and through a code conversion function. It is a meter reading management module that provides intermediate meter reading, periodic meter reading data, etc. as information for fee calculation. If a problem occurs during the data processing or abnormality of the reading data occurs, the operator is notified immediately and operated to take the necessary action immediately.In the case of regular reading, the meter is read automatically on the day using the control code of the customer number. If the meter reading fails due to a failure, operate it to update the metering DB by automatically re-reading when the cause of the failure is removed. In addition, it analyzes the power failure of the instrument during pulse reading, periodic meter reading, or failure code of the instrument, and provides information on the cause of the failure so that the person in charge of the instrument can take immediate action.

The PA-MCPR 480 is an instrument control module that can remotely clear the time set function and the failure of the instrument when the pulse time of the electronic meter is different from the specified time or the current time error occurs. This allows the administrator to perform the desired task remotely without visiting the site.

Hereinafter, the operation relationship for the remote meter reading system according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a meter data collection process of the MCU according to the present invention. First, the MCU checks the relay_ID field of a specific SCU to be read (S505). The Relay_ID field of the SCU must be set to a valid value, and a valid Relay_ID field value is 0 to 1000. If any SCU ID is written in the Relay_ID field, the meter reading data may be collected by the relay meter reading. The MCU determines whether the Relay_ID is in the initial state (ie, '0') (S510), and if the initial state is present, requests the meter data directly to the corresponding SCU (S510). Next, the MCU waits for a predetermined time, and determines whether there is a response to the meter data from the SCU (S515). If there is no response, the MCU re-requests the meter data to the corresponding SCU (S535), and if there is a response, stores the meter data. (S520).

At the time of rereading (S535), it is determined once again whether there is a response to the reading data from the corresponding SCU (S540), and if there is a response, the reading data is stored (S520), and if there is no response, the next SCU registered is determined (S525). If there is, check the relay ID again (S505), and if there is no registered SCU, the meter reading result and information is notified to the AMR server (S530).

If there is a relay ID (S505) it performs a relay meter reading (S545), and when there is no response from the corresponding SCU (S550) it performs a relay re-metering (S555). Similarly, if the relay rereads a response, it stores the meter reading data (S520). If there is no response, it checks whether there is a next SCU registered (S525).

In general, since a specific SCU existing outside the MCU area has an ID value similar to that of an adjacent SCU existing in the MCU area, the relay loopback is attempted to an SCU having an ID smaller than the ID value of the specific SCU requiring the relay meter reading. . In this way, the ID of the SCU existing outside the MCU area is collected and the ID of the SCU that has successfully relayed is entered in the relay meter reading field and used for meter reading. Therefore, the SCU that is not read may perform relay reading with a relay ID designated by the administrator according to the request of the AMR server, or induce the administrator to visit the site and solve the problem.

In general, when the remote metering system is operated with the periodic metering as minimum of 1 hour, the metering for one SCU takes about 3 seconds. Therefore, when there is a maximum subscriber 1000 in one MCU, the meter reading time is 3000 seconds (that is, 1000 units x 3 seconds). There is a time of approximately 600 seconds until the periodic meter is reported to the AMR server, so this time can be used to check the relay meter and the meter field. For example, assuming that the relay meter is less than 5% of the total SCU, the time required for the relay meter is 6 seconds, which is twice that of the direct meter, and 300 seconds (that is, 50 × 6 seconds). The time required is less than 5% of the total SCU, so 300 seconds (ie 50 × 6 seconds) is required. Therefore, meter reading is possible within 1 hour.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a meter data transmission process of the SCU according to the present invention. First, the SCU determines whether the frame for the meter data request is received from the MCU (S610) and waits if the frame is not received. When the SCU receives the frame, the SCU analyzes the MCU ID and the SCU ID inserted into the frame (S620). . If both the MCU ID and the SCU ID match, it is recognized as a frame sent to the SCU, and if it does not match, the corresponding frame is discarded.

Next, the SCU analyzes the relay_ID and the direction to determine whether the corresponding frame is a direct reading frame or a relay reading frame (S630). As a result of the determination, if the direct reading frame (that is, the Relay_ID field value is '0'), the corresponding electronic meter is read and the reading data is transmitted. When the electronic meter is required to read the meter data from the SCU, the current date, current time, and current month's total accumulated active power, current month A's accumulated active power, current month B's accumulated active power, previous month's total active power, and previous month A's accumulated active power In addition, the meter reading data including the cumulative effective power amount of the previous month B time zone is transmitted to the SCU.

Next, the SCU transmits a frame including the meter data received from the electronic meter to the MCU (S650). As a result of the determination in step S630, if it is not a direct reading frame (that is, a relay reading frame), the SCU distinguishes and transmits the relay frame (S660). For example, in the case of Frame 1 (MCU to Relay SCU), the relay SCU includes the relay ID value of the received frame in the SCU_ID of the frame to be transmitted, and modifies the direction to "Relay SCU to SCU" and transmits it. In case of Frame 2 (Relay SCU to SCU), the ID value of the relay SCU is included in SCU_ID of the frame to be transmitted, and its ID value is included in Relay_ID, and the direction is modified to "SCU to Relay SCU". In accordance with the command of the received frame, the information field of the frame to be transmitted includes the meter reading data or the loopback data. In the case of frame 3 (SCU to Relay SCU), the relay SCU modifies and transmits only the direction portion to "Relay SCU to MCU".

When the MCU operates for the first time, the operator must perform server information setting, SCU registration, loopback test, and meter reading. That is, it connects to MCU in circuit mode, sets server information (e.g., server IP address, port, MCU ID, meter reading period, etc.), registers all SCUs to be managed by MCU, performs batch loopback test, and performs relay ID. Secure and perform batch reading.

The result of performing the batch loopback test and the batch meter reading is stored in the server by packet communication, so the operator can check whether the meter reading for all SCUs registered in the MCU has been normally performed. If there is an SCU that fails the meter reading, if the cause of failure is communication (eg, time out), the SCU must be processed by another method, and the processing is outside the scope of the present invention, and the present invention performs a loopback test. After that, the meter is considered to be able to communicate with all registered SCUs.

The above description is only for explaining one embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be variously changed within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the shape and structure of each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention may be modified.

As described above, according to the remote meter reading system according to the present invention, the meter reading data transmitted from the electronic meter is collected using output RF communication (for example, optical communication), and the meter reading data is collected using a mobile communication network. By transmitting to the remote control, the power consumption of each household can be checked remotely without visiting the meter, and the control of the electronic meter can be remotely performed.

Claims (11)

In the remote meter reading system using an electronic meter that digitally measures the amount of electricity consumed by the consumer and stores it in the internal memory, and transmits the meter data stored in the internal memory when a meter reading data transmission command is received. Receives and packetizes the metering data connected to the electronic meter and transmitted in an optical communication method, wirelessly transmits the metering data when requested externally, and reads metering data from an SCU located in a shaded area not directly connected to the MCU wirelessly. SCU for receiving and wirelessly transmitting again; A MCU configured to wirelessly connect the SCU and the relay SCU to collect the meter data transmitted wirelessly, and to receive and transmit various types of data transmitted from the outside to convert and relay the data according to a predetermined format; A mobile communication network connected to the MCU in a wired or wireless manner and including a base station, an exchanger, and an IWF (network interworking device) and exchanging data with the MCU through packet data communication or circuit data communication; It is connected to the mobile communication network by wire, supports various protocols, and acquires raw metering data transmitted from the electronic meter through a remote dial-up modem and TCP / IP communication method, thereby minimizing problems due to communication equipment and line failure. After the meter is executed, the modem is automatically initialized to prevent the modem from hanging up, and the data is damaged by the noise or communication distortion of the modem or line used in the process of acquiring the meter data. An FEP that immediately forwards an alert message to the administrator if it is; FEP, which is connected to the mobile communication network wirelessly, receives the radio data transmitted from the base station of the mobile communication network, transmits the wireless data to the FEP, and performs a relay role of transmitting the wireless data transmitted from the FEP to the mobile communication network. Wireless modem; And Interconnected with the FEP, database various data transmitted from the FEP, perform transmission and reception of the customer information and the metering data with the charge management system, and manage the metering data received from the FEP; And an AMR server connected to each computer of an administrator through a LAN network to transmit data requested by the computer. The method of claim 1, wherein the SCU An RF module for FSK-modulating and transmitting packet data to be transmitted using a wireless communication method with the MCU; MCU module which manages all operations related to the initialization and operation of the SCU, analyzes packet data received from the MCU, collects data of a specific electronic meter, and transmits the result to the MCU. ; And And an optical communication module for performing communication with the electronic power system using an infrared optical communication method in compliance with IEC 1107. delete The method of claim 1, wherein the MCU The relayed loopback is performed by executing a relay loopback for an SCU existing outside its own area through the SCU capable of directly reading all the SCUs registered in the MCU to read the SCUs in the shadow area where direct reading cannot be performed. Remote metering system, characterized in that to secure the ID of the SCU, and to provide a relay meter to the SCU of the shadow area that can not be directly read. The method of claim 1, wherein the SCU and MCU Telemetering system, characterized in that for transmitting data in an unsolicited data communication using the extended CSMA protocol. The method of claim 1, wherein the MCU After the SRAM is used, the super capacitor is used to maintain information during a power failure, a backup battery is used to notify the power failure notification, and the wireless communication with the SCU is performed by receiving repeater information and a metering command from the FEP. An MPU module for collecting data and transmitting the metering data in a packet data format to the FEP; A mobile communication module which receives various information and commands transmitted from the FEP to the MCU before reading the circuit, and transmits the reading data collected by the MCU to the FEP through packet communication after the reading of the reading is completed; And Used to perform wireless communication between the MCU and the SCU, a wireless communication module for correcting an error by applying BCHs (31, 21, 5), and converting all data transmitted on the wireless link through Manchester coding to communicate. Remote meter reading system comprising a. The method of claim 1, wherein the MCU A circuit mode for receiving and processing the environment setting and initialization of the MCU, SCU ID list registration, ID addition and deletion, individual meter reading (site), modem reset, and change of the electronic meter information; A packet mode that collects the reading data received from the SCU and transmits a packet about all readings, individual readings, retransmission of reading data, full loopback, load profile, and MCU power failure notification to the FEP; RF mode for converting the corresponding command and data for communication with the SCU, performing each frame to provide an error detection and correction function; And It includes a debug mode that communicates with the MCU through an RS-232C interface cable to test the normal operation of the SCU by wireless communication, and provides an environment setting function for setting and changing the MCU ID, the use frequency, and the SCU ID. , Remote inspection system, characterized in that for checking the maintenance of the SCU using the mobile communication network in the field for maintenance. The method of claim 1, wherein the MCU Direct meter reading with the designated SCU, search for the relay ID to find the SCU of the shadow area that cannot be read directly, and secure the path, and then through the relay capable SCU existing within its own area, Implemented to perform relay meter reading for existing SCU, and registers SCU ID list registration command from the FEP during initial installation, and performs relay loop ID for the SCU of the shadow area where direct meter reading cannot be performed by performing a full loopback test. Remote metering system, characterized in that to secure. The method of claim 1, wherein the SCU and the MCU Remote meter reading system, characterized in that the wireless communication. The method of claim 1, wherein the FEP is A dial processing module for providing a function of acquiring raw meter data from the electronic meter by configuring a communication path with various electronic meters connected to a communication conversion apparatus through a TCP / IP and a dial-up modem or a wireless modem; Communicate with the communication processing module of the FEP software by TCP / IP method, transfer the data acquired and interpreted from the dial processing module to the AMR server by TCP / IP method, and determine whether data is acquired by the FEP software. A communication processing module for requesting retransmission when an error occurs to match data between the FEP software and the FEP, converting, processing, and interpreting protocols of various electronic meters, converting the same protocols, and communicating with the AMR server; CRC and BCC are generated at the time of transmission in order to ensure the reliability of the data when the data is acquired from the electronic meter, and at the time of reception, it is determined whether there is an error of the data acquired by the CRC and BCC error check, and retransmission is requested when an error occurs. A data management module which processes data using a Date Access Object method and allows data to be exchanged by mutually matching with databases of various electronic meters; Set the default meter reading period by time, set meter reading schedule for each customer by periodic polling method, operate processing schedule for data acquisition error occurrence of the electronic meter, FEP software when FEP starts A schedule processing module for receiving a batch or partial reception of initial information about a line number, a meter reading period, an instrument manufacturer, and a number from the terminal to establish a dial-up meter reading path; A failure management module for converting a protocol to support a specific protocol and managing an operation state and resource information of the FEP, an operation state and resource information of a wireless modem; And And a packet daemon module configured to receive the meter data in association with the TCP / IP and communicate with the SCU at a set period using a packet method. The method of claim 1, wherein the AMR server A server module interconnected with the client module to support meter reading data inquiry, various statistical data inquiry, and instrument control commands in a GUI environment; A communication processing module for acquiring the meter data in association with the FEP and resolving the time difference between the communication processing and the data processing using a generation method of a dynamic processor in order to minimize the bottleneck of the server due to the expansion of the FEP; A master management module for storing and storing a database of customer information and constructing and managing a basic master of a remote meter using basic information of a corresponding electricity meter acquired from the electronic meter; Enter, inquire, modify, and delete information on the manufacturer, meter number, meter reading interval, periodic meter reading date, and metering priority, and, upon request of data from the FEP, select and send all data or new data that is not synchronized. A schedule management module configured to manage various metering schedules to search for data to be changed in real time and transmit the measured data to the FEP when the metering data received from the FEP is different from a schedule DB; A DB management module that stores necessary data and provides GUI-based basic operations related to backup, deletion, and regeneration of the data; The data is stored and processed, and the pulse data which has undergone the error verification process of the communication processing module and the processed hourly, daily and monthly aggregate data are stored in a database, and the intermediate reading and periodic reading data are charged through a code conversion function. Meter reading management module for providing information for calculation; And And a meter control module for remotely controlling a time set function and a failure of the meter when a pulse time of the electronic meter is different from a prescribed time or an error occurs in the current time.