KR20230168665A - Advanced Metering Infrastructure for Electric Meter by Low Power - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a low-power power meter remote meter reading system, wherein a meter reading device wired to the power meter stores power quantity information for the relevant power meter according to the COSEM communication protocol at each preset period, and the user terminal operates during a meter reading period that matches the cycle. This relates to a low-power watt hour remote meter reading system that can generate and provide meter reading information in a manner that does not follow the COSEM communication protocol when requesting meter reading information.

Description

Low-power electric meter remote meter reading system {Advanced Metering Infrastructure for Electric Meter by Low Power}

The present invention is a low-power power meter remote meter reading system, wherein a meter reading device wired to the power meter stores power quantity information for the relevant power meter according to the COSEM communication protocol at each preset period, and the user terminal operates during a meter reading period that matches the cycle. This relates to a low-power watt hour remote meter reading system that can generate and provide meter reading information in a manner that does not follow the COSEM communication protocol when requesting meter reading information.

A remote meter reading system (Advanced Metering Infrastructure, AMI) is a system that reads the usage of electricity meters installed in each consumer through wired or wireless transmission media without a meter reader visiting in person. As the smart grid system is established, remote meter reading is becoming more common. The number of customers adopting the system is increasing.

However, in the case of consumers located in rural areas, island and mountainous areas, or areas where communication infrastructure is not established, many consumers are not equipped with a remote meter reading system, so a meter reader visits the consumer at regular intervals and checks the power usage using an automatic meter reading system ( The amount of power is being metered using Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). Specifically, out of approximately 22 million electricity meters managed by KEPCO, approximately 10 million electricity meters are being read using an automatic meter reading system that manually reads power usage by meter readers.

In addition, electricity meters installed at customers located in mountainous islands are often located in places that are difficult or dangerous for meter readers to access, making it difficult for meter readers to access the location where the meter is installed and read the power usage. .

Meanwhile, Patent Document 1 is a “electricity meter capable of wireless remote meter reading,” which is comprised of a metering/RF one-chip module that measures the amount of power used for supplied power, displays the metering data, and transmits it wirelessly to a remote center. A power meter capable of wireless remote meter reading is being launched.

However, the power meter according to Patent Document 1 transmits data directly to the server that manages the power meter in an environment where a wireless communication network is established. As described above, the power meter is located in an environment where a wireless communication network is not established and is difficult for meter readers to access. Additionally, there is no disclosure of technical ideas for allowing meter readers to easily read electricity meters that are not equipped with wireless communication functions.

Domestic registered patent KR 10-0850630 B1

The present invention is a low-power power meter remote meter reading system, wherein a meter reading device wired to the power meter stores power quantity information for the relevant power meter according to the COSEM communication protocol at each preset period, and the user terminal operates during a meter reading period that matches the cycle. The purpose is to provide a low-power meter reading system that can generate and provide meter reading information in a manner that does not follow the COSEM communication protocol when requesting meter reading information.

In order to solve the above problems, a low-power watt-hour meter remote meter reading system is connected wired to the watt-hour meter and includes a meter-reading device that communicates wirelessly with a user terminal, wherein the watt-hour meter is connected to the meter-reading device. A COSEM server transmits pre-stored power quantity information to the meter reading device upon request from a COSEM client, wherein the meter reading device receives the pre-stored power quantity information from the COSEM server according to a COSEM communication protocol with the COSEM server. COSEM client receiving; A power quantity information storage unit that makes a request to the COSEM client according to a preset cycle, receives the pre-stored power quantity information, and stores the period power quantity information given the information for the corresponding period inside the meter reading device; a meter reading information generator that generates meter reading information corresponding to the electric power quantity information for the meter reading period using the periodic power quantity information, based on a meter reading period for which the user terminal requests meter reading information; And a user terminal interface that receives the meter reading period for the power meter whose power quantity is to be read from the user terminal by a protocol other than COSEM, and transmits meter reading information, which is power quantity information for the relevant meter reading period, to the user terminal. Provides a low-power watt hour remote meter reading system, including:

In one embodiment of the present invention, the meter reading information generator verifies whether the identification information for the power meter for which the user terminal has requested meter reading information matches the identification information given to the periodic power quantity information stored for the power meter. It may further include an information verification unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the meter reading information generator, when the meter reading period matches the cycle for one or more cycle power information, information on the cycle included in the meter reading period stored inside the meter reading device is provided. A first cycle power amount information request step of retrieving one or more given cycle power amount information; and a first meter reading information generation step of generating meter reading information by integrating the one or more periodic power quantity information.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the meter reading information generator, when the meter reading period and the cycle for one or more cycle power information do not match, information about the cycle included in the meter reading period stored inside the meter reading device. A second cycle power amount information request step of retrieving one or more cycle power amount information provided; COSEM power quantity that requests the COSEM client to provide COSEM power quantity information, which is power quantity information for the remaining period that does not correspond to the cycle for the one or more periodic power quantity information during the meter reading period, according to the COSEM communication protocol with the COSEM server. Information request stage; A second meter reading information generation step of generating meter reading information by integrating the one or more periodic power quantity information and the COSEM power quantity information may be performed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the meter reading device sets the broadcasting cycle for wireless connection between the meter reading device and the user terminal to the first broadcast cycle during periods corresponding to holidays and nights, and sets the broadcasting cycle to the first broadcast cycle on weekdays other than meter reading days. In a period corresponding to the week, the broadcasting cycle for the wireless connection between the meter reading device and the user terminal is set to a second broadcasting cycle that is more frequent than the first broadcasting cycle, and in a period corresponding to the week of the meter reading day, the meter reading device It may further include a communication type setting unit that sets the broadcasting cycle for the wireless connection of the user terminal to a third broadcasting cycle that is more frequent than the first broadcasting cycle and the second broadcasting cycle.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the low-power watt hour remote meter reading system includes a device search step of searching for one or more meter reading devices located within a communicable distance with the user terminal; An integrated meter reading request step of receiving, from the user terminal, identification information and an inspection period for the power meter for which the user terminal wishes to read the power amount, among one or more meter reading devices discovered in the device search step. ; and an integrated meter reading information transmission step of transmitting meter reading information generated by each of one or more meter reading devices for which the user terminal has requested meter reading information to the user terminal.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, power quantity information about the power meter is stored in the meter reading device at each preset cycle, and when the period matches the meter reading period for measuring the power quantity, meter reading information is generated without following the COSEM communication protocol. Thus, it can be transmitted to the user terminal.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, power quantity information about the power meter is stored in the meter reading device at each preset period, and if the period does not match the meter reading period for measuring the power quantity, communication according to the COSEM communication protocol is performed once. This can be performed to generate meter reading information and transmit it to the user terminal.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the power consumed for wireless connection between the meter reading device and the user terminal is reduced by setting the broadcasting cycle differently for each period corresponding to holidays and nights, weekdays other than the meter reading day, and weekdays on the meter reading day. It can be minimized.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal can collectively receive meter reading information generated by each of the plurality of meter reading devices from a plurality of meter reading devices located within a communication distance.

Figure 1 shows the components of a low-power watt hour remote meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a process for storing power quantity information in a meter reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a process for generating meter reading information in different ways depending on whether the meter reading period and cycle match according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a process for generating meter reading information without following the COSEM communication protocol when the meter reading period and cycle match according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows a process of generating meter reading information by minimizing communication according to the COSEM communication protocol when the meter reading period and cycle do not match according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows broadcasting cycles set differently by the communication type setting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 shows a broadcasting cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a process of comprehensively receiving meter reading information from a plurality of meter reading devices located within a communication distance from a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 shows a screen displayed on a user terminal to comprehensively receive meter reading information from a plurality of meter reading devices according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments and/or aspects are now disclosed with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to facilitate a general understanding of one or more aspects. However, it will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details. The following description and accompanying drawings set forth in detail certain example aspects of one or more aspects. However, these aspects are illustrative and some of the various methods in the principles of the various aspects may be utilized, and the written description is intended to encompass all such aspects and their equivalents.

Additionally, various aspects and features may be presented by a system that may include multiple devices, components and/or modules, etc. It is also understood that various systems may include additional devices, components and/or modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in connection with the drawings. It must be understood and recognized.

As used herein, “embodiments,” “examples,” “aspects,” “examples,” etc. may not be construed to mean that any aspect or design described is better or advantageous over other aspects or designs. . The terms '~part', 'component', 'module', 'system', 'interface', etc. used below generally refer to computer-related entities, such as hardware, hardware, etc. A combination of and software, it can mean software.

Additionally, the terms “comprise” and/or “comprising” mean that the feature and/or element is present, but exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements and/or groups thereof. It should be understood as not doing so.

Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named a first component without departing from the scope of the present invention. The term and/or includes any of a plurality of related stated items or a combination of a plurality of related stated items.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, are generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It has the same meaning as Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless clearly defined in the embodiments of the present invention, have an ideal or excessively formal meaning. It is not interpreted as

Figure 1 shows the components of a low-power watt hour remote meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a low-power electric power meter remote meter reading system includes a meter reading device (2) that is wiredly connected to the electric power meter (1) and communicates wirelessly with the user terminal (3), The power meter (1) includes a COSEM server (11) that transmits pre-stored power quantity information to the meter reading device (2) upon request from the COSEM client (21) of the meter reading device (2), and the meter reading device (2). 2) is a COSEM client (21) that receives the pre-stored power quantity information from the COSEM server (11) according to the COSEM communication protocol with the COSEM server (11); A power quantity information storage unit that makes a request to the COSEM client (21) according to a preset cycle, receives the pre-stored power quantity information, and stores the period power quantity information given the information for the period inside the meter reading device (2). (22); a meter reading information generator 23 that generates meter reading information corresponding to the electric power quantity information for the meter reading period using the periodic power quantity information, based on the meter reading period for which the user terminal 3 requests meter reading information; And by a protocol other than COSEM, the meter reading period for the power meter (1) whose power amount is to be read is received from the user terminal (3), and the meter reading information, which is power quantity information for the meter reading period, is sent to the user terminal ( It may include a user terminal interface unit 24, which transmits to 3).

In addition, the meter reading device 2 sets the broadcasting cycle for wireless connection between the meter reading device 2 and the user terminal 3 to the first broadcast cycle during periods corresponding to holidays and nights, and the meter reading date is set to the first broadcast cycle. In a period corresponding to a weekday rather than a weekday, the broadcasting cycle for the wireless connection between the meter reading device 2 and the user terminal 3 is set to a second broadcasting cycle that is more frequent than the first broadcasting cycle, and during the meter reading day week. In the corresponding period, the broadcasting cycle for the wireless connection between the meter reading device (2) and the user terminal (3) is set to a third broadcasting cycle that is more frequent than the first broadcasting cycle and the second broadcasting cycle. It may further include a shape setting unit (25).

In addition, the meter reading information generator 23 is configured to match the identification information for the power meter (1) for which the user terminal (3) requested meter reading information and the identification information given to the periodic power quantity information stored for the power meter (1). It may further include an identification information verification unit 26 that verifies whether or not the device is present.

The watt hour meter (1) is a device that measures and records the amount of electricity of the consumer where the watt hour meter (1) is installed. Specifically, the watt hour meter (1) is capable of measuring one or more data among active power, reactive power, apparent power, and peak. It can be an E-type, AE-type, G-type, or standard electronic power meter (1).

Preferably, the power meter (1) may be an electronic power meter (1) that is not equipped with a communication function that can monitor the power amount for the corresponding customer and communicate wirelessly with the control server. In other words, in a narrow sense, the power meter (1) refers to an electronic power meter (1) using an automatic meter reading system that requires a meter reader to visit the location where the power meter (1) is installed in order to measure the power quantity in a conventional system.

With the introduction of the remote meter reading system, the number of consumers equipped with electricity meters (1) that can communicate directly with the control server and transmit the amount of electricity used by the customer is increasing. However, the electricity meters installed in many households still communicate directly with the control server. Since there is no communication function available, a meter reader visits the customer at regular intervals and manually reads the amount of electricity for the customer.

In addition, customers where these electricity meters (1) are installed are often located in islands and mountainous areas or in places that are difficult for meter readers to access due to obstacles, etc., so a lot of human resources are required for electricity meter reading.

The low-power watt hour remote meter reading system of the present invention provides a method for efficiently and easily reading the watt hour meter 1, which requires a meter reader to personally visit and read the power amount.

Meanwhile, the power meter 1 is connected by wire to the meter reading device 2 and may include a COSEM server 11 capable of transmitting power quantity information measured by the power meter 1 according to the COSEM communication protocol. . Preferably, when the COSEM server 11 receives a request for power quantity information from the COSEM client 21 of the meter reading device 2, the COSEM server 11 may transmit the power quantity information at that point in time to the COSEM client 21.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the COSEM server 11 and the COSEM client 21 are connected by wire and can transmit and receive data between them through RS485 serial communication.

The meter reading device (2) is a component that is wiredly connected to the power meter (1) and can communicate wirelessly with the meter reader's user terminal (3), and provides power quantity information to the power meter (1) at preset intervals. It can be saved internally upon request. In addition, when the user terminal 3 requests meter reading information according to a specific meter reading period, the meter reading device 2 can generate meter reading information according to the meter reading period using the power amount information and transmit it to the user terminal 3. there is. Specifically, the meter reading device 2 includes a COSEM client 21, a power quantity information storage unit 22, a meter reading information generation unit 23, a user terminal interface unit 24, and an identification information verification unit 26, The above process can be performed.

As described above, the COSEM client 21 is wiredly connected to the COSEM server 11 of the power meter 1, and can request power quantity information from the COSEM server 11 and receive the corresponding data according to the COSEM communication protocol. there is.

Specifically, the COSEM client 21 communicates with the COSEM server 11 in response to a request for power amount information for the corresponding power meter 1 from the power amount information storage unit 22 or the meter reading information generation unit 23. You can request power quantity information and receive the data by performing the following:

Preferably, as the COSEM client 21 receives a request for power quantity information from the power quantity information storage unit 22 at each preset period, the COSEM client 21 stores the periodic power quantity information, which is the power quantity information for the period, in the database inside the meter reading device 2. It can be saved at (26). In addition, when the COSEM client 21 receives a request for power quantity information at a specific meter reading point from the meter reading information generation unit 23, the COSEM client 21 can receive COSEM power quantity information, which is the power quantity information at that point in time, and store it in the database 26. there is.

The power quantity information storage unit 22 may request power quantity information from the COSEM client 21 and store it in the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2. Specifically, the power quantity information storage unit 22 may request periodic power quantity information, which is power quantity information for the corresponding period, from the COSEM client 21 at each preset period.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the preset cycle may be one month. That is, as the power quantity information storage unit 22 requests periodic power quantity information from the COSEM client 21 on a date corresponding to the beginning of each month, the COSEM client 21 requests power quantity information from the COSEM server 11 This can be transmitted again to the power quantity information storage unit 22, and the power quantity information storage unit 22 can assign period information for the period (month) to the power quantity information and store it in the database 26.

Meanwhile, when the power quantity information storage unit 22 stores the periodic power quantity information in the database 26, identification information for the corresponding power meter 1 can be provided. Specifically, the power quantity information storage unit 22 may assign identification information about the power meter 1 that transmitted the power quantity information to the power quantity information received from the COSEM client 21 and store it in the database 26. The identification information is determined by the identification information verification unit 26 to determine whether the 'electric power meter (1) for which the user terminal (3) requested meter reading information' and 'the electric power meter (1) for power quantity information stored in the database 26' are the same. Can be used to verify.

As a result, the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2 contains a plurality of information on the cycle and identification information for the electricity meter 1 wirelessly connected to the meter reading device 2. Periodic power information can be stored.

Meanwhile, as described above, the COSEM client 21 and the COSEM server 11 communicate according to the COSEM communication protocol, so the series of processes in which the periodic power amount information is stored inside the meter reading device 2 is performed at each preset period. It can be performed according to the COSEM communication protocol.

The meter reading information generator 23 can generate meter reading information for the power meter 1 for which the user terminal 3 has requested meter reading information. Specifically, the meter reading information generating unit 23 may generate meter reading information for a specific meter reading period when the user terminal 3 requests meter reading information for a specific meter reading period.

Preferably, the meter reading information generating unit 23 may generate meter reading information in different ways depending on whether the meter reading period coincides with the period for the periodic power amount information stored in the database 26.

As the meter reading information generating unit 23 receives a request for meter reading information, which is the amount of power information for a specific meter reading period, from the user interface unit capable of performing wireless communication with the user terminal 3, It is possible to verify whether the period information for the relevant meter reading period and period power information matches.

Accordingly, when the meter reading period and the period for the periodic power information match, the meter reading information generator 23 can generate meter reading information using the periodic power information previously stored in the database 26.

As described above, the database 26 stores one or more periodic power quantity information stored at preset periods, and when the meter reading period matches the period for the one or more periodic power quantity information, the meter reading information generator 23 ) can generate meter reading information for the relevant meter reading period by integrating the cycle power information given to the period included in the relevant meter reading period.

In this way, when the meter reading period and the period for the 1 or more periodic power information coincide, the meter reading information generator 23 generates the meter reading information using the periodic power quantity information stored in the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2. can be created. That is, in this case, meter reading information may be generated in such a way that communication according to the COSEM communication protocol is not performed between the COSEM client 21 of the meter reading device 2 and the COSEM server 11 of the electricity meter 1.

In normal cases, the meter reader can read the electricity quantity for consumers every month, and accordingly, the meter reading period for the meter reading information requested by the meter reader may be the electricity quantity information for a specific month. As described above, the meter reading device 2 can store periodic power quantity information, which is the power quantity information for the corresponding power meter 1, every month, which is a preset cycle, and when the user terminal 3 requests meter reading information for a specific month. , Meter reading information can be generated using the periodic power information previously stored in the meter reading device (2) and transmitted to the user terminal (3).

Meanwhile, if the meter reading period and the cycle for the one or more cycle power information do not match, the meter reading information generator 23 generates 'cycle power quantity information given a cycle included in the meter reading period' and 'the cycle for the cycle. Meter reading information for the relevant meter reading period can be generated using ‘COSEM power quantity information’, which is power quantity information for the period not included.

Specifically, the meter reading information generation unit 23 requests the COSEM client 21 for COSEM power quantity information, which is power quantity information for a specific period in which the periodic power quantity information is not stored during the meter reading period, and the COSEM client 21 sends the COSEM server ( 11), and by performing communication according to the COSEM communication protocol, COSEM power quantity information for the specific period can be requested.

As a result, the meter reading information generation unit 23 uses the periodic power quantity information previously stored in the database 26 as power quantity information for the period in which the periodic power quantity information is stored during the meter reading period for which the user terminal 3 requests meter reading information. , the power quantity information for the period in which the periodic power quantity information is not stored can be generated using the COSEM power quantity information newly received from the COSEM server 11.

In this way, when the user terminal 3 requests meter reading information for the 'meter reading period including the period in which the periodic power information is not stored,' the COSEM client 21 of the meter reading device 2 and the COSEM of the electricity meter 1 Meter reading information can be generated in a way that communication according to the COSEM communication protocol is performed once between the servers 11.

When a meter reader needs to read electricity quantity information for a specific meter reading period due to a case such as the head of the household moving, the meter reading information for that meter reading period can be generated in this manner.

The user terminal interface unit 24 performs wireless communication with the user terminal 3, receives a request from the user terminal 3 to transmit meter reading information for a specific meter reading period, and receives meter reading information generated for the meter reading period. Can be transmitted to the user terminal 3.

Specifically, the user terminal interface unit 24 receives identification information and a meter reading period for the power meter 1 to be read from the user terminal 3, and sends the meter reading information generated accordingly to the user terminal 3. Can be sent.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal interface unit 24 may further include a separate communication module (not shown) capable of performing short-range wireless communication such as BLE, WiFi, and ZIGBEE. Additionally, the user terminal interface unit 24 may attempt a wireless connection with the user terminal 3 according to a preset broadcasting cycle.

The communication type setting unit 25 can set a broadcasting cycle for wireless connection between the user terminal interface unit 24 and the user terminal 3. Specifically, the communication type setting unit 25 can set a broadcasting cycle during which the communication module (not shown) of the user terminal interface unit 24 attempts a wireless connection with the user terminal 3.

Preferably, the communication type setting unit 25 can set the broadcasting cycle differently depending on holidays, weekdays other than meter reading days, meter reading days, and day and night.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the broadcasting cycle is set to a frequent cycle during the day on meter reading days when the meter reader is likely to read the meter, and the broadcasting cycle is set to a rare cycle at night and on holidays when the meter reader is less likely to read the meter, thereby providing a meter reading system with low power. can be operated.

The identification information verification unit 26 can verify whether the 'electric power meter (1) for which the user terminal (3) requested meter reading information' and 'the electric power meter (1) for power quantity information stored in the database 26' are the same. there is. As described above, the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2 may store power quantity information for the power meter 1 connected to the meter reading device 2 by wire, and in the process of storing the power quantity information, the power meter Identification information for (1) may be given.

The identification information verification unit 26 verifies whether the power quantity information previously stored in the database 26 is the power quantity information for the power meter 1 for which the user terminal 3 has requested meter reading information, and the corresponding customer arbitrarily selects the power meter ( By replacing 1), incorrect metering of power for the relevant customer can be prevented.

In one embodiment of the present invention, if the 'electricity meter 1 for which the user terminal 3 requested meter reading information' and the 'electricity meter 1 for electric energy information stored in the database 26' are not the same, the database ( Instead of using the power quantity information previously stored in 26), meter reading information can be generated by requesting new power quantity information for the meter reading period for which the user terminal 3 requested meter reading information from the electric power meter 1.

Meanwhile, the meter reading device 2 may be operated with device operating power corresponding to a portion of the incoming electricity supplied to the watt hour meter 1. In other words, the power required to operate the meter reading device 2 can be borne by the customer where the power meter 1 is installed. The present invention proposes a method for efficiently operating a low-power remote meter reading system by minimizing the operating power of the meter reading device (2).

The user terminal 3 is a terminal that can be carried by a meter reader who wishes to read the electricity meter 1, and can perform short-distance wireless communication with the meter reading device 2 using BLE, WiFi, ZIGBEE, etc. Specifically, a series of processes of inputting the identification information and meter reading period for the power meter (1) whose power quantity is to be read and transmitting it to the meter reading device (2), and receiving the meter reading information, are performed using a separate device installed in the user terminal (3). It can be performed in the application. Preferably, the user terminal 3 may be a smartphone-type terminal that supports a short-range wireless communication function and can install the application.

Figure 2 shows a process for storing power quantity information in the meter reading device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 2 shows a series of processes in which periodic power quantity information, which is power quantity information for that period, is stored in the meter reading device 2 at each preset period according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step S10, the COSEM server 11 of the watt hour meter 1 can measure and store the watt hour information of the customer where the watt hour meter 1 is installed. As described above, the watt hour meter (1) may not be equipped with a communication function that can communicate directly with an external control server, so the meter reader must manually read the amount of electricity for the watt hour meter (1). .

In step S11, the power quantity information storage unit 22 of the meter reading device 2 may request power quantity information from the COSEM client 21 of the meter reading device 2 at preset intervals. As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the preset cycle may be one month. That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the power quantity information storage unit 22 may request power quantity information from the COSEM client 21 on a date corresponding to the beginning of each month.

In steps S12 and S13, the COSEM client 21 requests power quantity information from the COSEM server 11 and transmits the power quantity information previously stored in the COSEM client 21 to the COSEM server 11. Specifically, the COSEM client and the COSEM server 11 are connected by wire and can communicate with each other according to the COSEM communication protocol.

In step S14, the COSEM client 21 may transmit the power quantity information received from the COSEM client 21 to the power quantity information storage unit 22.

In step S15, the power quantity information storage unit 22 may add information about the corresponding period to the power quantity information received from the COSEM client 21. As described above, the power quantity information storage unit 22 can receive power quantity information from the COSEM client 21 by performing step S11 at each preset period, and the power quantity information storage unit 22 stores the power quantity information in the corresponding power quantity information. Information about the cycle can be given. Additionally, the power quantity information provided with information about the period by the power quantity information storage unit 22 may be called periodic power quantity information.

In this way, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the monthly power consumption for the corresponding consumer may be stored in the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2.

In step S16, the power quantity information storage unit 22 may assign identification information for the corresponding power meter 1 to the power quantity information received from the COSEM client 21. Specifically, the identification information may be information given according to the power meter 1 that transmitted the power quantity information.

In step S17, the power amount information storage unit 22 may store the periodic power amount information in the database 26. Specifically, the power quantity information storage unit 22 can store information about the period and period power quantity information with identification information in the database 26.

In this way, steps S11 to S17 are repeatedly performed at each preset cycle, and periodic power quantity information, which is power quantity information for the power meter 1 connected by wire to the meter reading device 2, is stored in the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2. It can be.

Figure 3 shows a process for generating meter reading information in different ways depending on whether the meter reading period and cycle match according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, as the meter reading device 2 receives a request for meter reading information for a specific meter reading period from the user terminal 3, whether to perform communication according to the COSEM communication protocol is determined and meter reading information is generated. It can be. Specifically, the user terminal 3 may request meter reading information from the meter reading device 2, including information on a specific meter reading period for which meter reading is desired.

When the user terminal (3) requests meter reading information for a meter reading period that matches the preset period in which periodic power information is stored, the COSEM server (11) of the power meter (1) and the COEM client of the meter reading device (2) communicate with each other. Meter reading information may be generated without communication according to the COSEM communication protocol.

On the other hand, when the user terminal 3 requests meter reading information for a meter reading period that does not match the preset period in which periodic power information is stored, the COSEM server 11 of the electric power meter 1 and the meter reading device 2 Meter reading information can be generated by communicating once between COEM clients according to the COSEM communication protocol.

In FIGS. 4 and 5 below, each case of FIG. 3 will be described in detail.

Figure 4 shows a process for generating meter reading information without following the COSEM communication protocol when the meter reading period and cycle match according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the meter reading information generation unit 23, when the meter reading period matches the period for one or more periodic power information, generates the data in the meter reading period stored inside the meter reading device 2. A first cycle power amount information request step of retrieving one or more cycle power amount information to which information about the included cycle is given; and a first meter reading information generation step of generating meter reading information by integrating the one or more periodic power quantity information.

Figure 4(a) shows a case where the meter reading period for the meter reading information requested by the user terminal 3 and the period for the periodic power amount information match. Specifically, the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2 may store cycle power amount information every month, which is a preset cycle, and in (a) of FIG. 4, the cycles for each of January, February, and March are shown in (a) of FIG. 4. It is expressed as a plurality of cycle power information provided.

Meanwhile, the user terminal 3 can request meter reading information for a specific meter reading period from the meter reading device 2, and in Figure 4 (a), the user terminal 3 can request meter reading information for a specific meter reading period, such as January and February. This represents a case where meter reading information for the meter reading period corresponding to the month and month of March was requested.

In this way, the period (January, February, and March) for one or more periodic power information previously stored in the database 26 of the meter reading device 2 and the meter reading period requested by the user terminal 3 (January, If February and March) match, the meter reading device 2 may generate meter reading information without following the COSEM communication protocol.

Figure 4 (b) shows a process in which the meter reading device 2 generates meter reading information without following the COSEM communication protocol.

In step S20, the user terminal interface unit 24 may receive a request from the user terminal 3 for meter reading information for a specific meter reading period (January, February, and March) during which the amount of power is to be measured.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal interface unit 24 may further receive identification information about the corresponding power meter 1 from the user terminal 3.

In step S21, the user terminal interface unit 24 may transmit the meter reading period and identification information received from the user terminal 3 to the meter reading information generation unit 23 to request meter reading information for the relevant meter reading period.

In step S22, the meter reading information generation unit 23 determines whether the meter reading period received from the user terminal 3 interface matches the cycle of one or more periodic power quantity information previously stored in the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2. You can judge whether or not. As shown in (a) of FIG. 4, when the meter reading period and the period for the one or more periodic power amount information coincide, the following step S23 may be performed.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, in step S22, the identification information verification unit 26 provides information about 'the power meter 1 for which the user terminal 3 has requested meter reading information' and 'the power quantity information stored in the database 26. A process of verifying whether the power meters 1' are the same may be further performed. Specifically, the identification information verification unit 26 determines whether the identification information for the power meter (1) for which the user terminal (3) has requested meter reading information or the identification information directly transmitted by the user terminal (3) is provided to the power meter (1). By verifying whether the identification information given to the pre-stored periodic power information matches, it is possible to prevent meter reading information from being incorrectly read.

Step S23 is the first cycle power information request step, and in this step, the meter reading information generator 23 can retrieve cycle power amount information for the cycle included in the meter reading period from the database 26. Specifically, the meter reading information generation unit 23 may load one or more cycle power amount information to which information on the cycle included in the meter reading period is provided from the database 26.

For example, in Figure 4 (a), the meter reading period for the meter reading information requested by the user terminal 3 means power quantity information for January, February, and March, so the meter reading information generation unit 23 It is possible to retrieve cycle power information with cycles for each of January, February, and March.

Step S24 is the first meter reading information generation step, and in this step, the meter reading information generator 23 can generate meter reading information for the meter reading period. Specifically, the meter reading information is compressed information generated by integrating one or more periodic power quantity information for the cycle including the meter reading period, and may be generated with a capacity smaller than the sum of the data sizes for each of one or more periodic power quantity information. .

For example, in (a) of FIG. 4, the meter reading information may be information generated by compressing and integrating periodic power amount information with periods for each of January, February, and March.

In step S25, the meter reading information generating unit 23 transmits the generated meter reading information to the user interface unit, and again in step S26, the user interface unit transmits the meter reading information received from the meter reading information generating unit 23 to the user terminal 3. can do.

In this way, when the user terminal 3 requests meter reading information for a specific meter reading period, and the meter reading period matches the period for one or more cycle power information previously stored in the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2 In this way, meter reading information may be generated inside the meter reading device (2) and transmitted to the user terminal (3).

That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, rather than individually transmitting one or more periodic power quantity information for the meter reading period to the user terminal 3, the meter reading information in which the corresponding information is integrated is transmitted, thereby reducing power consumption according to data transmission and reception. and data usage can be reduced.

Meanwhile, in FIG. 4, a series of processes in which meter reading information is generated and transmitted includes the meter reading information generation unit 23, identification information verification unit 26, and user terminal interface unit 24, which are internal components of the meter reading device 2. was carried out in That is, in this case, meter reading information was generated without communication according to the COSEM communication protocol between the COSEM server 11 of the electricity meter 1 and the COSEM client 21 of the meter reading device 2.

As such, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the meter reading period coincides with the period for one or more periodic power quantity information, an efficient low-power remote meter reading system can be built by not performing communication according to the COSEM communication protocol. You can.

Figure 5 shows a process of generating meter reading information by minimizing communication according to the COSEM communication protocol when the meter reading period and cycle do not match according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the meter reading information generator 23 generates the meter reading period stored inside the meter reading device 2 when the meter reading period and the cycle for one or more periodic power information do not match. A second cycle power amount information request step of retrieving one or more cycle power amount information to which information about the cycle included in is given; In accordance with the COSEM communication protocol with the COSEM server 11, the COSEM client 21 requests COSEM power quantity information, which is power quantity information for the remaining period that does not correspond to the cycle for the one or more periodic power quantity information during the meter reading period. COSEM power quantity information request step to do so; A second meter reading information generation step of generating meter reading information by integrating the one or more periodic power quantity information and the COSEM power quantity information may be performed.

Figure 5(a) shows a case where the meter reading period for the meter reading information requested by the user terminal 3 and the period for the periodic power information do not match. Specifically, the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2 may store cycle power amount information every month, which is a preset cycle, and in (a) of FIG. 5, the cycle for each of January, February, and March is shown. It is expressed as a plurality of cycle power information provided. Meanwhile, for the period from April 1 to April 15, the cycle including the period has not ended, so the power quantity information for the period (April 1 to April 15) is in the database (26) It cannot be stored internally.

Meanwhile, the user terminal 3 can request meter reading information for a specific meter reading period from the meter reading device 2, and in Figure 5(a), the user terminal 3 can request meter reading information for a specific meter reading period, such as January and February. This represents a request for meter reading information for the meter reading period corresponding to month, March, and April 1 to April 15.

In this way, the period (January, February, and March) for one or more periodic power information previously stored in the database 26 of the meter reading device 2 and the meter reading period requested by the user terminal 3 (January, If the months (February, March, and April 1 to April 15) do not match, the meter reading device 2 can generate meter reading information by performing communication according to the COSEM communication protocol once.

Figure 5(b) shows a process in which the meter reading device 2 generates meter reading information by performing communication according to the COSEM communication protocol once.

In step S30, the user terminal interface unit 24 receives meter reading information for a specific meter reading period (January, February, March, and April 1 to April 15) for which the amount of power is to be measured from the user terminal 3. may be requested.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal interface unit 24 may further receive identification information about the corresponding power meter 1 from the user terminal 3.

In step S31, the user terminal interface unit 24 may transmit the meter reading period and identification information received from the user terminal 3 to the meter reading information generation unit 23 to request meter reading information for the relevant meter reading period.

In step S32, the meter reading information generation unit 23 determines whether the meter reading period received from the user terminal 3 interface matches the cycle of one or more periodic power quantity information previously stored in the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2. You can judge whether or not. As shown in (a) of FIG. 5, when the meter reading period and the period for the one or more periodic power information do not match, the following step S33 may be performed.

Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, in step S32, the identification information verification unit 26 determines the 'electric power meter 1 for which the user terminal 3 has requested meter reading information' and 'the electric power quantity information stored in the database 26. A process of verifying whether the power meters 1' are the same may be further performed. Specifically, the identification information verification unit 26 determines whether the identification information for the power meter (1) for which the user terminal (3) has requested meter reading information or the identification information directly transmitted by the user terminal (3) is provided to the power meter (1). By verifying whether the identification information given to the pre-stored periodic power information matches, it is possible to prevent meter reading information from being incorrectly read.

Step S33 is the second cycle power information request step, and in this step, the meter reading information generator 23 can retrieve cycle power amount information for the cycle included in the meter reading period from the database 26. Specifically, the meter reading information generation unit 23 may load one or more cycle power amount information to which information on the cycle included in the meter reading period is provided from the database 26.

For example, in (a) of Figure 5, the meter reading period for the meter reading information requested by the user terminal 3 means power quantity information for January, February, March, and April 1 to April 15. Therefore, the meter reading information generating unit 23 can retrieve the periodic power amount information given the period for each of January, February, and March included in the relevant meter reading period.

Step S34 is a COSEM power quantity information request step, and in this step, the meter reading information generation unit 23 provides the COSEM client 21 with power quantity information for the remaining period that does not correspond to a cycle for one or more cycle power quantity information during the meter reading period. You can request COSEM power information.

Specifically, in (a) of Figure 5, the COSEM power amount information does not correspond to one or more cycles of the cycle power information during the meter reading period (January, February, March, and April 1 to April 15). This may be power quantity information for the remaining period (April 1 to April 15).

In steps S35 and S36, the COSEM client 21 and the COSEM server 11 communicate with each other according to the COSEM communication protocol, and the COSEM server 11 provides power quantity information for the period requested by the COSEM client 21. COSEM power quantity information can be transmitted to the COSEM client (21).

As described above, in (a) of FIG. 5, the COSEM power amount information may be power amount information for the period corresponding to April 1 to April 15.

In step S37, the meter reading information generation unit 23 may receive the COSEM power quantity information received from the COSEM client 21.

Step S38 is a second meter reading information generation step, and in this step, the meter reading information generation unit 23 can generate meter reading information for the meter reading period. Specifically, the meter reading information generation unit 23 generates the 'periodic power amount information for the period included in the meter reading period' retrieved in step S33 and the 'periodic power amount information for the period included in the meter reading period' received in step S37. Meter reading information can be generated by integrating COSEM energy quantity information, which is the electricity quantity information for the remaining period that does not correspond to the cycle.

For example, in (a) of FIG. 5, the meter reading information includes 'periodic power amount information with cycles for each of January, February, and March' and 'period corresponding to April 1 to April 15'. It may be information that has been compressed and generated by integrating 'COSEM power quantity information.'

In step S39, the meter reading information generating unit 23 transmits the generated meter reading information to the user interface unit, and again in step S40, the user interface unit transmits the meter reading information received from the meter reading information generating unit 23 to the user terminal 3. can do.

In this way, the user terminal 3 requests meter reading information for a specific meter reading period, and if the meter reading period does not match the period for one or more cycle power information previously stored in the database 26 inside the meter reading device 2, In this case, meter reading information can be generated and transmitted to the user terminal 3 by performing communication according to the COSEM communication protocol once.

Specifically, in the series of processes in which meter reading information is generated and transmitted in Figure 5, the COSEM communication protocol was performed once between the COSEM server 11 of the electricity meter 1 and the COSEM client 21 of the meter reading device 2.

In addition, in the communication process using the COSEM communication protocol, the power quantity information for the entire meter reading period is not transmitted or received, but rather the periodic power quantity information previously stored in the database 26 inside the meter reading device (2) is referred to for a specific period in which power quantity information is not stored. COSEM power quantity information was transmitted and received.

That is, in this case, a data-efficient system can be built by performing communication according to the COSEM communication protocol once and generating meter reading information by reducing the amount of data transmitted and received in the COSEM communication protocol.

As such, according to an embodiment of the present invention, rather than individually transmitting one or more periodic power quantity information and COSEM power quantity information for the meter reading period to the user terminal 3, by transmitting meter reading information in which the relevant information is integrated, data Power consumption and data usage due to transmission and reception can be reduced.

Figure 6 shows broadcasting cycles set differently by the communication type setting unit 25 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the meter reading device 2 first broadcasts a broadcasting cycle for wireless connection between the meter reading device 2 and the user terminal 3 during periods corresponding to holidays and nights. Set to a casting cycle, and in a period corresponding to weekdays other than meter reading days, the broadcasting cycle for wireless connection between the meter reading device 2 and the user terminal 3 is set to a second broadcasting cycle that is more frequent than the first broadcasting cycle. Set to a cycle, and in the period corresponding to the meter reading day week, the broadcasting cycle for wireless connection between the meter reading device 2 and the user terminal 3 is set to a third broadcasting cycle that is more frequent than the first broadcasting cycle and the second broadcasting cycle. It may further include a communication type setting unit 25 that sets the broadcasting cycle.

Figure 6 (a) shows a broadcast signal for wireless connection between the meter reading device 2 and the user terminal 3 by the communication type setting unit 25 in order to save device operating power for operating the meter reading device 2. The process of changing the casting cycle settings is shown.

Specifically, the input power supplied to the electricity meter (1) can be divided into household power supplied to the relevant consumer and device operation power for operating the meter reading device (2). In addition, the electric power fee for the equipment operating power for operating the meter reading device 2 needs to be borne by the consumer where the relevant watt hour meter 1 is installed.

In other words, if the device operating power is high, the customer may have to pay high power charges. The present invention proposes a method for reducing device operation power in order to reduce the power bill borne by the consumer.

As described above, the meter reading device 2 may include a user terminal interface unit 24 including a communication module (not shown) capable of performing wireless communication with the user terminal 3, and the user terminal interface Unit 24 may attempt a wireless connection with the user terminal 3 according to a preset broadcasting cycle.

Specifically, the meter reading device 2 continuously attempts to establish a wireless connection with the user terminal 3 by repeatedly performing a connection attempt section in which it attempts a wireless connection and a rest section in which it does not attempt a wireless connection. It can be done, and the broadcasting cycle can mean a cycle in which the connection attempt period and the pause period are repeated.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal interface unit 24 may include a BLE communication module that performs BLE communication with the user terminal 3, and the BLE communication module performs pairing with the user terminal 3. For this purpose, a wireless connection with the user terminal 3 can be attempted by repeating the TX mode for transmitting data packets and the RX mode for receiving data packets.

Specifically, the meter reading device 2 transmits a data packet to the user terminal 3 in TX mode, receives a data packet from the user terminal 3 in RX mode, and transmits and receives data in the TX mode and RX mode. Based on this, the meter reading device 2 and the user terminal 3 can be paired with each other. That is, in BLE communication, the connection attempt section may correspond to a section in which the BLE communication module is set to the TX mode and RX mode.

Or, in another embodiment of the present invention, the user terminal interface unit 24 may include a WiFi communication module that communicates with the user terminal 3, and the WiFi communication module generates an SSID (Service Set Identifier) at a certain search period. You can attempt a wireless connection with the user terminal 3 through the password set for the corresponding SSID. That is, in WiFi communication, the search period may correspond to the broadcasting period.

In this way, the user terminal interface unit 24 of the meter reading device 2 can attempt a wireless connection with the user terminal 3 every broadcasting cycle in which the connection attempt section and the pause section are repeated, and power is consumed in the process. You can.

Meanwhile, a meter reader typically visits a customer where the electricity meter 1 is installed on a specific meter reading date at a preset cycle (usually every month) and reads the amount of electricity. For example, if the meter reading date for a specific customer is 15 days, a meter reader can visit the customer on each of those days and read the electricity amount. In addition, if the meter reader fails to read the electricity amount on the relevant meter reading date, he or she may re-visit the customer on another date (usually a weekday that does not correspond to the meter reading date) and re-read the power quantity. Conversely, the possibility that a meter reader will visit the relevant customer and read the electricity quantity on a holiday may be relatively low.

In addition, it will be obvious that the time period when a meter reader visits a house and reads the meter is usually during the day, not at night.

In other words, the possibility that a meter reader reads the watt hour meter 1 during the week of the meter reading day or on a weekday other than the meter reading day may be relatively higher than the possibility that the meter reader reads the watt hour meter 1 on a holiday or at night.

In one embodiment of the present invention, by changing the broadcasting period in which the meter reading device 2 attempts to wirelessly connect with the user terminal 3 in consideration of the possibility that the meter reader reads the power meter 1 in a specific period, , the power consumed in the process can be reduced. Specifically, the broadcasting cycle may be set differently depending on holidays, weekdays other than meter reading days, meter reading days, and day and night. Preferably, the broadcasting cycle can be set differently by the communication type setting unit 25 of the meter reading device 2 depending on holidays, weekdays other than meter reading days, meter reading days, and day and night.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the communication type setting unit 25 sets the broadcasting cycle to the first broadcast of the lowest cycle during the period corresponding to the day and night of a holiday, the night of a weekday other than a meter reading day, and the night of a meter reading day. set to a cycle, and set the broadcasting cycle to a second broadcasting cycle with a more frequent cycle than the first broadcasting cycle in a period corresponding to a weekday rather than a meter reading day, and set the broadcasting cycle to a period corresponding to a weekday to the meter reading day. It can be set to a third broadcasting cycle that is more frequent than the first broadcasting cycle and the second broadcasting cycle.

That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the broadcasting cycle is set to a rare period during the day and night on holidays when it is unlikely that a meter reader will visit the customer and read the power amount, on a weekday night other than the meter reading day, and at night on the meter reading day, thereby preventing wireless connection attempts. Power consumption can be reduced. In addition, by setting the broadcasting cycle to a frequent cycle during the week of the meter reading day when the meter reader is likely to visit the customer and read the power amount, the meter reading device 2 and the user terminal 3 can be smoothly connected wirelessly.

Meanwhile, settings for holidays, weekdays that are not meter reading days, days corresponding to meter reading days, and time zones corresponding to day and night may be arbitrarily set by the relevant meter reader or the service provider of the meter reading system. Specifically, the classification of holidays, weekdays that are not meter reading days, and days corresponding to meter reading days can be arbitrarily set by the relevant meter reader or the service provider of the meter reading system, considering the possibility that the meter reader will visit the consumer where the meter reading device (2) is installed. .

For example, the meter reader or service provider selects a plurality of dates (for example, the 14th to the 16th) on which the meter reader is likely to visit the consumer where the meter reading device 2 is installed, and selects the period corresponding to those dates as the meter reading date. You can set it.

The division of time zones corresponding to day and night can also be arbitrarily set by the meter reader or the service provider of the meter reading system.

For example, the meter reader or service provider selects a time zone (for example, 9:00 to 18:00) when the meter reader is likely to visit the consumer where the meter reading device (2) is installed, and sets the period corresponding to that time zone as weekly. , time zones that do not correspond to this can be set to night.

In this way, according to holidays arbitrarily set by the meter reader or the service provider of the meter reading system, weekdays that are not meter reading days, days corresponding to meter reading days, and time zones corresponding to day and night, the wireless network is wireless during the period when the meter reader is likely to visit. By setting the broadcasting cycle for connection to a frequent cycle and setting the broadcasting cycle for wireless connection to a rare cycle during a period when a meter reader is unlikely to visit, the power consumed in the process can be reduced.

Figure 7 shows a broadcasting cycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows a case where the broadcasting period, which is the period during which the user terminal interface unit 24 of the meter reading device 2 attempts a wireless connection with the user terminal 3, is set differently by the communication type setting unit 25. It shows.

As described above, the user terminal interface unit 24 of the meter reading device 2 includes a communication module (not shown) that performs wireless communication with the user terminal 3, and communicates with the user terminal 3 at each preset broadcasting period. ), you can try a wireless connection.

For example, in the case of BLE communication, the user terminal interface unit 24 may repeatedly perform a connection attempt section and a pause section in which TX mode and RX mode are sequentially performed. The broadcasting cycle may refer to a cycle in which the connection attempt period and the idle period are repeated.

As described above, the TX mode corresponds to a section in which the user terminal interface unit 24 transmits a data packet to the user terminal 3, and the RX mode corresponds to a section in which the user terminal interface unit 24 transmits a data packet from the user terminal 3. Corresponds to the receiving section, and the connection attempt section corresponding to the TX mode and RX mode is performed, so that a wireless connection can be attempted between the user terminal interface unit 24 and the user terminal 3.

Additionally, power may be consumed as data packets are transmitted and received in the TX mode and RX mode and wireless connection is attempted. Specifically, a greater amount of power may be consumed in RX mode than in TX mode. In other words, as the connection attempt period becomes longer and more frequent, power consumption due to wireless connection attempts may increase.

As shown in (a), (b), and (c) of Figure 7, the communication type setting unit 25 can set the broadcasting cycle differently by adjusting the repetition cycle of the connection attempt section. . Specifically, Figure 7(a) corresponds to the broadcasting cycle being set as the first broadcast cycle of the rarest cycle by the communication type setting unit 25, and Figure 7(b) corresponds to the communication type setting unit 25 This corresponds to the broadcasting cycle being set to a second broadcasting cycle with a more frequent cycle than the first broadcasting cycle, and (c) in FIG. 7 shows that the broadcasting cycle is set to the first broadcast cycle by the communication type setting unit 25. This corresponds to being set as a third broadcasting cycle with a more frequent cycle than the casting cycle and the second broadcasting cycle.

In this way, the broadcasting cycle corresponds to the cycle in which the connection attempt section is re-performed after the connection attempt section corresponding to the TX mode and RX mode ends. As the period becomes longer, the power consumption according to the TX mode and RX mode decreases. savings can be achieved. On the other hand, as the period becomes shorter, power consumption in TX mode and RX mode will increase, but the meter reading device 2 and the user terminal 3 can be wirelessly connected more smoothly.

Figure 8 shows a process of comprehensively receiving meter reading information from a plurality of meter reading devices (2) located within a communication distance from the user terminal (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the low-power watt hour remote meter reading system includes a device search step of searching for one or more meter reading devices (2) located within a communicable distance with the user terminal (3); From the user terminal 3, among the one or more meter reading devices 2 discovered in the device search step, a power meter corresponding to the meter reading device 2 for the power meter 1 for which the user terminal 3 wishes to read the amount of power. Integrated meter reading request step, receiving identification information and inspection period for (1); and an integrated meter reading information transmission step of transmitting meter reading information generated by each of one or more meter reading devices (2) for which the user terminal (3) has requested meter reading information to the user terminal (3).

As described above, in the conventional case, when a meter reader wishes to read the amount of electricity for a specific customer, he or she visits the customer and performs the meter reading. Meanwhile, when a meter reader wants to read the amount of electricity for multiple customers, he or she must visit each of the multiple customers to read the amount of electricity, which inevitably requires a lot of human resources.

In the present invention, when a meter reader wishes to read the amount of electricity for a plurality of customers, a method is provided to secure the convenience of the meter reader and to efficiently read the amount of electricity. Specifically, the following will explain the process of requesting and receiving meter reading information from each of the meter reading devices 2 installed at a plurality of customers from the user terminal 3's perspective.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, meter reading information derived by each of the plurality of meter reading devices 2 can be transmitted to the user terminal 3 that wishes to meter the amount of power for a plurality of customers. Specifically, the user terminal 3 collectively requests meter reading information from each of the plurality of meter reading devices 2 located within a communication distance from the user terminal 3, and receives meter reading information from each of the plurality of meter reading devices 2. You can receive meter reading information.

Preferably, the user terminal 3 connects the power meter 1 to the meter reading device 2 whose power amount is to be measured among the plurality of meter reading devices 2 located within a communication distance from the user terminal 3. The identification information and the meter reading period for which the amount of power is to be metered are transmitted, and meter reading information can be generated by each of the plurality of meter reading devices 2 that have received the relevant information and transmitted to the user terminal 3.

For example, in the case of FIG. 8, the user terminal 3 is capable of communicating with the user terminal 3 among a plurality of meter reading devices 2 (#1 to #4) connected to the power meter 1 installed in a plurality of customers. It is possible to search for the meter reading device 2 (#1 to #3) located in a visible location (device search step). Specifically, the device search step may refer to a process in which the meter reading device 2 described above in FIG. 6 attempts a wireless connection with the user terminal 3 by each of the plurality of meter reading devices 2.

Subsequently, the user terminal 3 may request meter reading information from the meter reading device 2 whose power amount is to be metered among the plurality of meter reading devices 2 discovered in the device search step. Specifically, the user terminal 3 can request meter reading information (integrated meter reading request step) by transmitting identification information and a meter reading period for the corresponding electric power meter 1 to each meter reading device 2 whose power quantity is to be metered.

Specifically, in the case of FIG. 8, the user terminal 3 intends to meter the amount of power among a plurality of meter reading devices 2 (#1 to #3) that can perform wireless communication with the user terminal 3 in the device search step. It can be wirelessly connected to the meter reading device 2 (#1 and #2), and can request meter reading information by transmitting identification information and meter reading period for the meter reading device 2.

That is, the user terminal 3 may have pre-stored identification information for the power meter 1 (#1 and #2) for which the power amount is to be read, and each of the meter reading devices 2 for the power meter 1 may be stored in the user terminal 3. By transmitting the meter reading information and the meter reading period, meter reading information for each meter reading device 2 can be requested.

Subsequently, the user terminal 3 can receive meter reading information from each of the meter reading devices 2 that have requested meter reading information. Specifically, each of the meter reading devices 2 that have received a request for meter reading information from the user terminal 3 can generate meter reading information and transmit it to the user terminal 3 (integrated meter reading information transmission step).

Specifically, the process of generating the meter reading information described above in FIGS. 2 to 5 may be performed by each of the meter reading devices 2 that have received a request for meter reading information from the user terminal 3, thereby generating the meter reading information.

As described above, the process includes a process of verifying whether the identification information received from the user terminal 3 and the identification information for the power amount information stored inside the meter reading device 2 match, so the person who wants to measure the power amount It is possible to prevent erroneous meter reading by receiving data from a meter reading device (2) other than the meter reading device (2) for the electric power meter (1).

In this way, the user terminal 3 can collectively request and receive meter reading information from a plurality of meter reading devices 2 that want to meter the amount of power.

Figure 9 shows a screen displayed on the user terminal 3 to comprehensively receive meter reading information from a plurality of meter reading devices 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, the screen displayed on the user terminal 3 in the integrated meter reading request step is a meter reading list layer that displays a list of the plurality of power meters 1 for which the user terminal 3 wishes to request meter reading information, and the user The screen displayed on the user terminal 3 in the integrated meter reading information transmission step includes a meter reading period input layer for each of the plurality of power meters 1 for which the terminal 3 wishes to request meter reading information, and the user terminal ( 3) This may include a meter reading information layer in which meter reading information for each power meter (1) that has requested meter reading information is displayed.

Figure 9(a) shows a screen displayed on the user terminal 3 in the integrated meter reading request step.

The L1 layer is a meter reading list layer, and the L1 layer may display a list of a plurality of power meters 1 for which the user terminal 3 wishes to request meter reading information. Specifically, in the L1 layer, among the 'plural meter reading devices (2) capable of communicating with the user terminal (3)' discovered in the device search stage, 'the meter reading device (2) for which the user terminal (3) wishes to request meter reading information )' can be displayed.

As described above, the user terminal 3 may have pre-stored identification information for the power meter 1 whose power quantity is to be measured, and among the power meters 1 with the identification information stored, the user terminal 3 and A list of power meters 1 that can perform communication may be displayed on the L1 layer.

The L2 layer is a meter reading period input layer, and in the L2 layer, the user terminal 3 can input a meter reading period for which the amount of power is to be metered for each meter reading device 2 displayed in the L1 layer. Specifically, the L2 layer may include an interface through which a plurality of period elements for a specific period and the start date and end date of the meter reading period can be directly input. Preferably, the periodic element may be generated according to the same period as the period in which the periodic power amount information is stored inside the meter reading device 2.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the meter reading device 2 stores the periodic power amount information for the corresponding power meter 1 every month, which is a preset period, so the periodic element is also created for a specific month in the same manner and displayed on the L2 layer. It can be.

As a result, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, the meter reader displays a plurality of electric power meters (1) (#1, #2, and #3) for which the electric power quantity is to be metered on the screen displayed on the user terminal (3). For , you can input the meter reading period for each of the plurality of electricity meters (1) by selecting and entering one or more period elements according to the meter reading period, or by directly entering the start date and end date of the meter reading date.

For example, in (a) of FIG. 9, the user terminal 3 selects the period elements corresponding to January, February, and March for the power meter 1 #1, and selects the meter reading period for January to March. Enter , and for watt hour meter (1) #2, select the period element corresponding to January, February, March, and April, enter the meter reading period for January to April, and enter the meter reading period for watt hour meter (1) For #3, this may be a screen where the meter reading period is entered by entering the start and end dates of the meter reading period from January 1, 2022 to April 15, 2022.

Meanwhile, the user terminal 3 can request meter reading information from each of the plurality of meter reading devices 2 by selecting and inputting the meter reading information inquiry element (upper right corner of FIG. 9). Specifically, with the meter reading period for each of a plurality of electric power meters (1) entered in the L2 layer, the user terminal (3) selects and inputs a meter reading information inquiry element, thereby The relevant information is transmitted and meter reading information can be requested.

Figure 9(b) shows a screen displayed on the user terminal 3 in the integrated meter reading information transmission step.

Specifically, in the screen shown in (a) of FIG. 9, as the user terminal 3 selects and inputs the meter reading information inquiry element, the screen shown in (b) of FIG. 9 may be displayed.

The L3 layer is a meter reading information layer, and the L3 layer can display meter reading information for each power meter (1) for which the user terminal (3) has requested meter reading information. Specifically, the L3 layer may display information about the meter reading period for which the user terminal 3 requests power meter reading and meter reading information, which is power quantity information for the relevant meter reading period.

As described above, in the L2 layer of Figure 9 (a), the user terminal 3 inputs the meter reading period for January to March for watt hour meter (1) #1, and enters the meter reading period for watt hour meter (1) #2. For power meter (1) #3, enter the meter reading period for January 1, 2022 to April 15, 22, and enter the meter reading information query element. By selecting input, meter reading information was requested from each of the plurality of meter reading devices (2).

Accordingly, meter reading information can be generated from each of the plurality of meter reading devices 2 and transmitted to the user terminal 3, and the corresponding meter reading information can be displayed on the L3 layer.

Specifically, in the L3 layer, for watt hour meter (1) #1, the meter reading period for January to March and power quantity information (10kwh) for the meter reading period can be displayed, and for watt hour meter (1) #2, 1 The meter reading period for the month to April and the power quantity information (100kwh) for the meter reading period can be displayed, and for electricity meter (1) #3, the meter reading is from January 1, 2022 to April 15, 2022. Power quantity information (150kwh) for the period and corresponding meter reading period can be displayed,

In this way, the meter reading period for each of the plurality of meter reading devices 2 that have requested electric power meter reading and the power quantity information for that meter reading period are displayed on the user terminal 3, allowing the meter reader to intuitively recognize the information.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, power quantity information about the power meter is stored in the meter reading device at each preset cycle, and when the period matches the meter reading period for measuring the power quantity, meter reading information is generated without following the COSEM communication protocol. Thus, it can be transmitted to the user terminal.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, power quantity information about the power meter is stored in the meter reading device at each preset period, and if the period does not match the meter reading period for measuring power quantity, communication according to the COSEM communication protocol is performed once. This can be performed to generate meter reading information and transmit it to the user terminal.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the power consumed for wireless connection between the meter reading device and the user terminal is reduced by setting the broadcasting cycle differently for each period corresponding to holidays and nights, weekdays other than the meter reading day, and weekdays on the meter reading day. It can be minimized.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user terminal can collectively receive meter reading information generated by a plurality of meter reading devices located within a communication distance.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described with limited examples and drawings, various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art from the above description. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims (6)

A low-power watt-hour meter remote meter reading system that includes a meter-reading device that is wiredly connected to the watt-hour meter and communicates wirelessly with the user terminal,
The power meter is,
It includes; a COSEM server that transmits pre-stored power quantity information to the meter reading device at the request of the COSEM client of the meter reading device;
The meter reading device is,
A COSEM client that receives the previously stored power quantity information from the COSEM server according to the COSEM communication protocol with the COSEM server;
A power quantity information storage unit that makes a request to the COSEM client according to a preset cycle, receives the pre-stored power quantity information, and stores the period power quantity information given the information for the corresponding period inside the meter reading device;
a meter reading information generator that generates meter reading information corresponding to the electric power quantity information for the meter reading period using the periodic power quantity information, based on a meter reading period for which the user terminal requests meter reading information; and
A user terminal interface unit that receives the meter reading period for the power meter whose power amount is to be read from the user terminal by a protocol other than COSEM, and transmits meter reading information, which is power quantity information for the relevant meter reading period, to the user terminal. A low-power watt hour remote meter reading system including;
In claim 1,
The meter reading information generation unit,
An identification information verification unit that verifies whether the identification information for the power meter for which the user terminal has requested meter reading information matches the identification information given to the periodic power information stored for the power meter; a low-power power meter remote meter reading system further comprising a. .
In claim 1,
The meter reading information generation unit,
If the meter reading period and the cycle for more than 1 cycle power information match,
A first cycle power quantity information request step of retrieving one or more period power quantity information stored in the meter reading device and provided with information on a cycle included in the meter reading period; and
A low-power electric power meter remote meter reading system that performs a first meter reading information generation step of generating meter reading information by integrating the one or more periodic power information.
In claim 1,
The meter reading information generation unit,
If the meter reading period and the cycle for one or more cycle power information do not match,
A second cycle power quantity information request step of retrieving one or more period power quantity information stored in the meter reading device and provided with information on a cycle included in the meter reading period;
COSEM power quantity that requests the COSEM client to provide COSEM power quantity information, which is power quantity information for the remaining period that does not correspond to the cycle for the one or more periodic power quantity information during the meter reading period, according to the COSEM communication protocol with the COSEM server. Information request stage;
A low-power watt-hour meter remote meter reading system that performs a second meter reading information generation step of generating meter reading information by integrating the one or more periodic electric power information and the COSEM electric power information.
In claim 1,
The meter reading device is,
During periods corresponding to holidays and nights, a broadcasting cycle for wireless connection between the meter reading device and the user terminal is set to a first broadcasting cycle,
In a period corresponding to weekdays other than meter reading days, a broadcasting cycle for wireless connection between the meter reading device and the user terminal is set to a second broadcasting cycle that is more frequent than the first broadcasting cycle,
A communication mode setting unit that sets the broadcasting cycle for wireless connection between the meter reading device and the user terminal to a third broadcasting cycle that is more frequent than the first broadcasting cycle and the second broadcasting cycle during the period corresponding to the meter reading day week. Additionally, a low-power watt hour remote meter reading system.
In claim 1,
The low-power watt hour remote meter reading system,
A device search step of searching for one or more meter reading devices located within a communication distance with the user terminal;
An integrated meter reading request step of receiving, from the user terminal, identification information and an inspection period for the power meter for which the user terminal wishes to read the power amount, among one or more meter reading devices discovered in the device search step. ; and
A low-power electricity meter remote meter reading system that performs an integrated meter reading information transmission step of transmitting meter reading information generated by each of one or more meter reading devices for which the user terminal has requested meter reading information to the user terminal.

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