MX2011005680A - A smart solution system for billing services and monitoring electricity/water/ gas meters using flexible communication means. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system that is designed to meet different needs and demands, the system being unique in that it redefines typical payment plans such as a prepaid plan to make it more flexible and suitable for different social backgrounds of consumers. It also offers flexible media such as Power Line Communication (PLC), Wireless Optical Communication (By manual devices), (for example, but not limited to, RF/GSM/GPRS) and smart cards with or without contacts, having a quick response by a mechanism that verifies every few seconds if a smart card has been used. This variety of media allows extremely efficient system to control the supply of electrical energy and storing data related to the consumer. The system also contains a self-diagnosis mechanism to help ensure that the meter is working properly.

Description

INTELLIGENT SYSTEM SOLUTION FOR THE COLLECTION OF SERVICES AND MONITORING OF METERS FOR ELECTRICITY / WATER / GAS METERS BY MEANS OF COMMUNICATION FLEXIBLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an Electricity / Water / Gas measurement system and how it works in terms of flexible functional plans that can be configured through the use of the firmware system, and flexible communication means that allow the system to perform its functions. various functions. It also refers to a self-diagnostic mechanism that the system uses to ensure that all its modules are functioning properly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENCIÓ Utility companies have used several methods to measure the charges and to charge the supply services after these services have been used by the consumer. One of the most famous and most traditional methods is through the use of Basic meters that require the use of readings of authorized meters and money collectors, the calculation of the amount of energy consumed by users was through a basic meter , reading the consumption of electrical energy consumed in certain periods of time, with the difference of readings at the beginning and at the end of a period and the implementation of tariffs, the monetary value was obtained and was reflected in the invoices of the service. Another method used to charge for supply services is the post-payment method that allows the customer to pay after having used the service through the use of payment cards. One of the recent methods is the prepaid method that also uses payment cards. The difference between the prepaid method and the post-payment method is that in the prepaid the payment card is loaded with the amount required before use and once that amount is consumed the system shuts down, while in the system post-payment payment is made after consumption of services.

Over the years the systems have gone through a series of modifications and improvements to correct the faults that arise. The best way to describe these modifications is the prepaid system.

The prepaid system was designed in such a way that the purchase of the electric power supply is made directly in a central station and the information regarding the quantity supplied is then communicated to the customer's site where the supply is consumed, through the use of a measuring device installed outside the consumer's site. The terminal that reads the prepaid information is placed with the meter and connected by means of a cable or via the electricity supply cables to the meter that is located inside the consumer's site. According to the above description, it should be clear that the installation is difficult and expensive. It also does not provide return communication about illicit acts committed to the meter or how credit is used.

US Patent No. 5, 668, 538 entitled "Modular electricity meter arrangement having remotely controllable switch" granted to Siemens Measurements Ltd., on September 16, 1997, describes a meter that includes a prepaid module that has a slot for inserting smart cards, memory cards, etc. U.S. Patent No. 6,529,883 entitled "Prepayment energy metering system with two-way smart card Communications" granted to David M. Yee et al. On March 4, 2003, describes a prepayment system for electric power meters. by smart card to provide two-way data communication to send information related to the consumer to the service provider. These examples give us an idea of the modifications and changes made to the prepaid system in order to solve the disadvantages of the previous design. Its system is based on the purchase of electricity supply using a magnetic card or contact cards directly from a point of sale. The electronic meter used in this system requires the use of a card reading device or a magnetic key and a series of additional control devices to manage the power supply. It should be noted that while this system solved the problems of the old system, other disadvantages arose such as the card reader and the cable that connects it to the meter being vulnerable to damage, both intentional and unintentional by the consumer and due to environmental conditions and high humidity. Another problem arises when the card reader is connected to the meter by means of a cable, since this cable is also susceptible to damage. The meter also has to go through major physical changes to incorporate the reader, including increasing its volume, which makes it vulnerable to damage by exposing part of it to the environment, regardless of whether it makes it incompatible with S-type connectors or A that exist in the market.

The story to reach the prepaid system began with US Patent No. 4,731,675 entitled "Prepayment Metering System Using Encoded Purchase Cards" granted on March 15, 1988 to Joseph W. Sloan, which discloses a system using encoded magnetic tape cards to transfer the purchase information from the collection office to the consumer. Subsequently, U.S. Patent No. 4,795,892 entitled "Pre-paid commodity system", granted on January 3, 1989, assigned to CIC Systems, Inc., consists of a system that uses a card-activated prepayment for the sale of the supply of electricity, water, gas, etc. Another modification to the system was included in U.S. Patent No. 4,803,632 entitled "Intelligent Utility system" granted to Utility Systems Corp. on February 7, 1989, which describes an external data processor type meter having a screen that uses reader equipment for access and retrieve information, and a reader device for payment by card included in the screen located inside the building. U.S. Patent No. 4,908,769 entitled "Commodity metering systems" issued to Schlumberger Electronics (UK) Ltd. on March 13, 1990 discloses a prepaid measuring system comprising an electronic key and a receptacle for receiving this electronic key. Subsequently, US Patent No. 5,146,047 entitled "Prepayment metering system using encoded purchase cards from multiple locations" granted to CIC Systems, Inc., on September 8, 1992, uses magnetic tape cards to supply public services.

The latest modification and improvements to the prepaid system in order to solve the disadvantages of the previous design use contactless smart cards with automatic supply cutoff device and provide the consumer with consumption and illicit information provoked to the meter. An example of this system is disclosed in US Patent No. 7,840,493 B2 entitled "Prepayment system for electric power meters using a contactless smart card with an automatic supply cut-off device" granted to Neri Badillo et al., November 23, 2010 However, this system also has its disadvantages, such as the slow response to the contactless card that takes approximately one minute and the fact that it is only a prepaid system which is a significant defect shared by all the aforementioned systems. priority and is limited to the acceptance of a type of contactless card that is the sale card. In addition, the system does not go through a continuous process of self-review to ensure that the meter is working properly.

It should be noted that U.S. Patent No. 5,959,549 entitled "Comraunal metering system" granted to Andreas J. Synesiou et al. On September 28, 1999, describes a measurement system where power is supplied and cut off remotely and from Built-in forms of cut off supply when credit has run out. However, this modification to the design was costly since it required the use of equipment for the transmission and reception of information, for example, MODEM, to and from the power plant, at the same time as it did not provide illicit information and manipulation of the meter.

Taking into account all the above information including all the deficiencies of the above systems, the present invention becomes a necessity for electric power suppliers looking for efficient alternative meters, since it defines different Payment terms for consumers and the company of Service in a single system that uses the same firmware that is completely configurable with various means of communication such as, but not limited to, smart cards with / without contact, optical communication, communication by electric cable and wireless. This invention allows a flexible Collection system focusing on individual consumers with their unique Social Background and preferred payment methods.

It also provides the provider with greater use of the card with / without contact as it accepts cards with / without contact that perform different functionalities, that is, (Payment card, Meter Evaluation card, Autonomous Parameter card, etc.) place of a single function, that is, basic Payment card, using an extremely fast response mechanism to detect the smart card including authentication and review of the division / department of the Service Company where the card is. This process takes less than two seconds only and does not affect the meter's low power consumption that meets the internationally approved standard consumption limit.

In addition, the invention also contains a continuous self-diagnostic mechanism to ensure the proper functioning of the meter.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION.

The system of the present invention is designed to provide the consumer with various advanced functions through the use of smartcard communication with / without contact (including but not limited to RFID in accordance with ISO / IEC 14443 -A) regardless of the type of Meter. (Type S or A), in addition to the other means of communication, that is, Optical Communication, Communication Through Electric Cable, wireless communication. The flexibility it provides allows the Service Company to eliminate meter readings, bill collectors and inspectors that check whether the meters are working well or not.

All these tasks can be performed remotely using the new system of this invention.

The system comprises a variety of collection methods by the Service Company, by using the same firmware that is completely configurable with the different means of communication within the range of this invention. In the case of the Open Account plan, the invention uses a payment system similar to a mechanical meter, but allows configuration and recovery of meter data and events including but not limited to illicit or meter manipulation.

The invention also provides an advanced prepaid plan called the "Advance Payment Plan", which allows establishing a continuous relationship between the Service Company and the consumer, including the configuration, the recovery of consumer data, the consumption to be transferred to the Service Company when required and at any time when the customer reloads his / her contactless card, as well as the history of the last twelve months (or more) of the meter and events such as illicit or tampering with the meter . It supports the charge of credit as KWh or Money. The invention adds to the ordinary prepaid system the option of a Grace Period to be used in case that the amount of electric power or water / gas purchased in advance is completely consumed, so that the meter does not open the cut-off device. supply except after a configurable optional Grace Period defined by the Service Company in the configuration parameters of the Service Charge. The advanced post-payment plan called the "Payment with Credit" plan allows establishing a continuous relationship between the Service Company and consumers, including the configuration, the recovery of consumer data, the consumption to be transferred to the Service Company. when required and at any time when the customer reloads their card with / without contact, as well as the history of the last twelve months (or more) of the meter and events such as illicit or manipulation of the meter. The invention also allows the recharge of credit within a grace period in the "Pay with Credit" plan after the end of each month (or any billing period).

The system also provides a "Payment with Limited Credit" plan that allows consumers to set a limit on the amount they wish to pay each month. This payment will be explained in more detail later in this document.

It also provides the Service Company with greater use of the feature of the card with / without contact as it accepts cards with / without contact with different functionalities, such as, (Payment card, Meter Evaluation card, Autonomous Parameter card , etc.) instead of just one type, that is, the basic Payment card.

The continuous self-diagnostic mechanism of the invention ensures that the meter is functioning properly by monitoring each module and waiting for the module to respond. If the module does not respond within the allotted time then the module is reconfigured and then monitored again. If the module still does not respond then the system generates a signal for the Service Company indicating that the meter is not functioning properly, and records a Meter Fault event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The system can be explained including its functionality and advantages from the description of the modules found in the figures that are attached.- (Figure 1) It is a simplified block functional diagram of the Multi-Functional Payment System of this invention incorporated in an electronic meter.

(Figure 2) Illustrates how the System interacts with the elements including the Central Station and the terminals in the Service Company.

DETAILED DECRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Before explaining the system in more detail, it is convenient to understand the meaning of a few key elements that will be mentioned constantly from this point in the document.

The term "Contactless card" refers to the fact that the card can interact, that is, transmit and receive information, with the reader-writer module without the use of galvanic elements and can be separated from a non-constant distance of a few millimeters up to several centimeters of the reader-writer module.

The term "RFID" is the abbreviation (for its acronym in English) for radio frequency identification technology. With RFID, electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the radio frequency (RF) part of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to transmit signals. An RFID system consists of an antenna and a transmitter, which read the radio frequency and transfer the information to a processor device, and a transponder, or label, which is an integrated circuit that contains the RF circuit system and the information to be transmitted .

The term "Firmware" in electronics and computing, is a term often used to denote programs and / or fixed data structures, usually small that internally control several electronic devices. Typical examples of devices that contain firmware range from end-user products such as remote controls and calculators, through parts and devices such as hard drives, keyboards, TFT screens or memory cards, all media for scientific instrumentation and industrial robotics . Also more complex devices, such as cell phones, digital cameras, synthesizers, etc., contain firmware to allow the basic operations of the devices as well as implement high-level functions.

The term "Basic Payment Card" refers to the card used to recharge the meter and transfer data between the customer and the Service Company.

The term "Consumer Card" refers to the card used when the meter is assigned to a new consumer. Transfer the Consumer ID, the Meter ID and the ID of the Department of the Service Company to the meter, close the relay and transfer the initial rate to the meter.

The term "Self-diagnosis Mechanism" refers to the firmware process by which the meter ensures that all its modules are functioning properly.

The term "optical port" for intelligent measurement is an interface for data exchange between a consumption meter, for example, (electricity meter, gas meter, heater meter, water meter, etc.) and a peripheral device through infrared optical waves.

The term "Central Station" ("Vending station") refers to a site where consumers who need to recharge their meter can add credit to their payment card with / without contact. In the case of the Open Account payment plan (used in Mechanical meters), central stations are used to pay bills.

The term "Meter ID" refers to the meter itself since each meter has its unique ID, that is, its identification code, which allows the Service Company to differentiate between all its meters. Each Payment card is assigned to a specific meter and can not be used to recharge other meters.

The term "Department ID" refers to the Department to which the meter belongs. Each meter belongs to a specific department of the Service Company (or local distribution company) and consumers can not use a Payment card that belongs to a different department on their meter.

The term "Power cut card" indicates that the card can control the state of the relay, that is, from closed to open or from open to closed.

The term "Type S or A Meter" refers to the shape of the meter in accordance with generally recognized measurement standards. In the case of S-type meters, their shape is circular. However, type A meters are rectangular in shape.

The term "Relay" or "Supply Cutting Device" refers to an electrically operated switch. Many relays use an electric magnet to operate a mechanical interruption mechanism, but other operating principles are also used. Relays are used where it is necessary to control a circuit by means of a low signal. electricity (with complete electrical isolation between the control circuits and the controlled circuits) or where several circuits must be controlled by means of a signal.

The term "illicit" refers to the fact that the meters can be manipulated in order to register less energy, effectively allowing the use of energy without paying for it.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing, illustrating the implementation of this invention.

Figure 2 illustrates how the System interacts with elements, including the Central Station and the Service Company terminals.

The different components of the diagram in Figure 1 are explained below: [Module 1] represents the Power Supply, it provides all the voltage and current levels required by all the components of PCB (Printed Circuit Board).

[Module 2] represents the Memory Unit, stores all the data of the meter, that is, the Calibration Parameters, the Consumption, the Remaining Load, Illicit and events with their time of occurrence, etc.) [Module 3] represents the Measurement controller, continuously calculates the consumption of the consumer as well as current and voltage Instantaneous before sending all this data to the main CPU. It also provides a pulse output frequency that is proportional to the instantaneous active energy. In addition, it is used in the detection of zero crossing.

[Module 4] represents the CPU Unit which is the main processing unit that manages the rest of the modules. It is responsible for gathering all the information from the meter ugh the use of the firmware which is controlled by the CPU (4), for example, (Consumption, Illicit, Events, etc.) and saves it in a memory unit (2). ). The firmware is considered the control part of the CPU (4) stored in the attached Memory and any instructions (actions) of the firmware are considered performed by the CPU (4). The CPU (4) also handles the display of the Meter (10) with different screens, for example, (Consumption, Segment test, Relay (7) status and operation plan of the meter). Scrolls the pre-programmed (configurable) screens every 5 seconds. Detects illicit and opens the connector device of the relay (7) if such illicit is selected in the events of "open connector device". The module also operates with smart cards with / without contact (9) and the Optical Port (5).

[Module 5] represents the communication that includes all (or part of) the Optical Unit, Communication Unit by Electric Cable, and Wireless Communication Unit that are used to communicate between the meter and the Service Company. We can use it to read the meter data in the software application, that is, (the Events, the Meter Readings, etc.) and to adjust the Meter Parameters. 1 [Module 6] represents the RF Unit which is a highly integrated reader / writer unit used for non-contact communication. Meets, but is not limited to, the standards specified by the ISO / IEC 14443-A standard for communications. It is used to transfer meter data between the Meter and the contactless card (9).

[Module 7] represents the Power Cutting Device, that is, the Relay used to connect and disconnect the power (to / from) the client.

[Module 8] represents the antenna that sends and receives electromagnetic waves for communication with the contactless card (9).

[Module 9] represents the Card with / without contact and is used to exchange data between the central station and the Meter.

[Module 10] represents the Display Unit or the screen, that is, the liquid crystal display (LCD) that is used to show the different screens and the functionality of the system.

[Module 11] represents the house or the client's facilities.

With the mentioned components of the system, this invention provides flexible methods of Collection, which are, (Open Account, Payment with Credit, and Payment with Limited Credit), in a single system using the same firmware which is completely configurable with smart cards with / without contact (9) and / or optical port (5) and / or communication by electric cable (PLC for its acronym in English) and / or wireless communication.

In Figure 2, the general use of the system can be understood more clearly. The client has the meter (a) in his house. Placing the card without contact (b), which is also included in figure 1 (9), in front of the meter (inside the contact slot in the case of using contact cards) for 2 (few) seconds, The contactless card (b) can send or receive data to or from the meter. If, for example, the client wants to add credit to his meter in the case of the 'Advance Payment' plan (or pay his bill in the case of the Open Account, Limited Credit Payment plans and Payment with Credit), then they need to take their card with / without contact (b) to your nearest Central Station (c) to exchange information. The Central Station (d) interacts with the Server (g) in the Service Company, to obtain the details of the client through a wireless network, that is, a GPRS. The client can also go directly to the Service Company which has several Terminals (e) with reading / writing units (c). These terminals (e) are connected to the Integrated Database (f) which stores the data related to all the customers of the Service company. The Integrated Database (f) is also connected to the server (g). Finally, the server is also connected to. a backup unit (h) in case of data corruption, etc.

It should also be noted that the readings of the firmware data exchanged between the meter and the Service Company through flexible means of communication, (ie, (card with / without contact), (b) or the communication interface between the Service Company and the modem meter (RF / Wireless / PLC) (interface (a) - (h))) includes events such as illegal attempts, the last twelve months history of the meter, registers, configurations, status of the meter, credit (in the case of the payment plan of the Open Account is the credit that has been paid). The meter inputs (readings, events, illicit, records) to the Service Company and the credit and configuration outputs from the Service Company.

When talking about the flexible collection of the services provided, there are three key parameters that need to be established when setting up a customer payment system. The first 'of these parameters is the type of credit, that is, (if done in advance or with Invoice). The second is the grace period and if it is available. Finally, the Billing Cycle including the start date and the duration.

In the case of the Open Account payment plan, the invention allows establishing a continuous relationship between the Service Company and the clients, who use the communication modules (5, 6), including the configuration, the recovery of customer data, the consumption to be transferred to the Service Company when it is required, and each time the customer updates their card with / without contact (9) and visits the nearest central station, as well as the last twelve months of the meter and events such as illicit. Meanwhile, in the Open Account Payment plan, the system functions as a mechanical meter where there is no need for a grace period or a billing cycle and the relay (7) is not automatically programmed to disconnect, that is, open , at a certain point in time, but which could be disconnected depending on the policies of the Service Company with respect to events or bill payments, that is, if a customer does not pay his bill for several months, then the service is disconnected. The functionality of the system is controlled by the CPU (4). The consumption is measured in the measuring unit (3) and sent to the CPU (4) which stores the data in the memory unit (2).

The invention provides the "Advance Payment" plan with flexible means of communication including a rechargeable two-way contact card with / without contact (9), which allows establishing a continuous relationship between the Service Company and the customers who. they use the communication modules (5, 6), including the configuration, the recovery of customer data, the consumption to be transferred to the Service Company when required, and each time the customer reloads their card with / without contact (9) as well as the history of the last twelve months (or more) of the meter and events such as invasions. The amount of credit is normally charged before use of the service, just as in any prepaid system, however, the present invention offers the uses of the Grace Period if it is configured by the Service Company which provides an optional amount that is allows it to be consumed after reaching 0 credit, if the schedule is after business hours or if the meter runs out of credit during weekends or holidays, however, it should be noted that this amount is deducted from the following amount of charged credit. Therefore, the credit in this payment plan is in advance and the system has a Grace Period. However, there is also another important advantage for the "Advance Pay" plan, due to the billing cycle, which is that customers who normally use prepaid systems, in a Multi-Rate Mode, usually do not pay the Rate. which corresponds to its use, that is, (the payment of three small amounts places customers in a lower rate bracket than consumers who pay a large amount resulting in a loss of revenue for the Service Company), but with the use of this invention, consumers are placed in the rate bracket that corresponds correctly to their use, regardless of whether they paid small or large amounts, because they are still in the same billing cycle and the "Pay for Advanced "uses a Billing cycle. The functionality of the system is controlled by the CPU (4). The consumption is measured in the measuring unit (3) and sent to the CPU (4) which stores the data in the memory unit (2).

The invention also provides the "Payment with Credit" plan with flexible means of communication, including a rechargeable two-way contact / non-contact card (9), which allows establishing a continuous relationship between the Service Company and the customers who use the services. communication modules (5, 6), including the configuration, the recovery of customer data, the consumption to be transferred to the Service Company when required, and each time the customer reloads their card with / without contact (9) as well as the history of the last twelve months (or more) of the meter and events such as invasions. The invention allows credit to be charged within a grace period in the "payment with credit" plan after the end of each month, that is, if a customer is at the end of a billing cycle but does not pay immediately, then This customer is offered a grace period, that is, a certain period of time after the billing date within which they need to pay their bill, after which the relay will be activated, that is, open, and the service will be disconnected if payment is not made. It should be noted that if the payment is made within the grace period, only the balance due on the original billing date will appear on the invoice, that is, the amount accumulated during the grace period is considered part of the next billing cycle. Charges will be added to the meter in the form of credit or credit Units in order to support the Multi-Rate. The functionality of the system is controlled by the CPU (4). The consumption is measured in the measuring unit (3) and sent to the CPU (4) which stores the data in the memory unit. (2) .

The Limited Credit Payment plan offers even more flexibility as it allows the customer and / or the Service Company to set a limit, for example, ($ 100 or 150 KWH) to be used during each billing cycle. If this limit is exceeded then the service will be disconnected until the next billing cycle, that is, there is no Grace Period. However, if a consumer decides to use the service again during the original cycle, then he can then use the advance payment option to add an extra amount to complete the original billing cycle. The functionality of the system is controlled by the CPU (4). The consumption is measured in the measuring unit (3) and sent to the CPU (4) which stores the data in the memory unit. (2) . The continuous relationship between the Service Company and the customers is maintained through the use of communication modules (5, 6).

The functions provided by this invention include obtaining meter readings (Specific or All), events, illicit, records, that is, (Consumption Profile, Demand Profile, Voltage profile), Reports, for example, (Reports of the Meter status). It also offers the functionality of sending command messages, ie, (Close relay (7), and set configuration, ie Rate, Set summer time, relay response to events, etc.)). Therefore, this invention is superior in terms of monitoring and reading of the Meter including Performance, Events, and Load Management Functionalities, that is, events related to the relay such as overvoltage if configured and maximum demand. It should be noted that the aforementioned functionality is gathered and processed by the CPU (4) and then stored in the memory unit (2). The CPU (4) is considered the brain of the system and has control over all other parts of the system. The consumption is measured in the measuring unit (3) and sent to the CPU (4) which stores the data in the memory unit (2).

The present invention provides several means of communication using communication modules (5, 6) to perform the functions with the collection of the services provided. These means of communication include the use of smart cards, that is, contact cards and contactless cards, optical communication, that is, by means of manual devices, PLC (for its acronym in English), that is, Communication by Electric Cables (PLC ), and Wireless communication, for example, but not limited to RF / GSM / GPRS.

The above information illustrates the importance of the invention that accepts smart cards with contact and contactless smart cards (9) using the communication module (6) and Antenna module (8) that have the functions supported between the client and the Company. Service, defined within them to perform functions in a modality similar to Optical communication, Communication through Electric Cable (PLC), Wireless communication using communication module (5). Each different payment plan has its own configuration, that is, (availability or not of Grace Period, Credit Measurement Unit, IN KWH or money, events that lead to the activation of the relay (7), etc.), information of data and consumption, and credit control methods. Therefore, the present invention works with contact cards and contactless cards (9) that perform different functionality such as the Customer Card, which transfers the Customer ID, the Meter ID and the Department ID to the meter. It also removes all the data that was collected during the meter test. Close the relay (7), that is, power supply cutoff device, and transfer the initial fee to the meter (in case of Advance Payment). The Service Company can also set the properties of the meter because the customer card can maintain Configuration Parameters. The customer card (9), like all other cards, communicates with the brain of the system, which is the CPU (4) through the use of the communication module (6) and the antenna module (8). All the configuration details are stored by the CPU (4) in the memory unit (2).

After a customer uses the customer's card for the first time, the card will become a Payment Card which has the property of recharging the meter, communicating back the latest events from the meter and communicating back the auto results. -continuous evaluation of the meter, that is, the Memory, the Measurement device, the Battery, the Power Supply Cutting Device, etc. You can also send back important information about the customer's consumption, that is, total consumption, remaining H (in case of Prepaid or Post-payment), maximum demand during the last month, etc. The electricity company can change the characteristics of the meter because the Payment card can maintain the Configuration Parameters and return the amount of consumption during the last 12 months (or more). The Payment card can also work as a Power Supply Cut card after the meter finishes a payment card operation since it displays a "Sell right" message on the screen and an acceptance tone. If a customer continues to use the payment card in the meter for about 5 seconds, the meter relay (7), that is, the power supply cut-off device, will change its open-closed or closed-open status if it is Property is allowed by the electricity company. The Payment card (9) like all other cards communicates with the brain of the system, that is, the CPU (4) by using the communication module (6) and the antenna module (8).

All the configuration details are stored by the CPU (4) in the memory unit (2). The CPU (4) also transfers all the data gathered in the memory unit (2), that is, (Total consumption, month consumption, etc.) to the Payment card (9) by using the communication module (6) and the antenna module (8). The consumption is measured in the measuring unit (3) and sent to the CPU (4) which stores the data in the memory unit (2).

Another functionality card introduced by the present invention is the Autonomous Parameter Card used to transfer meter configuration parameters to any meter in the same Department, that is, (the alarm signal from the top of KWH, the Events of Opening of the Relay (7), that is, the (device for cutting off the power supply), adjusting the Alarm Sound, the maximum limit of demand, date and time of adjustment of summer time, etc.) from the Service Company to the meter. In such a way that, if the Service Company would like to change the configuration of some meters in a certain area, it is enough to only issue a configuration card and get the benefit of the quick response of the card with contact or contactless card (9) which is much faster than using optical communication (5), thus reducing time and effort. The card also keeps the Operator's WID "using it for the tracking function." However, it should be noted that each Department has its unique Department ID, so that if any parameter card has a different Department ID, that is, that is from another Department, the meter rejects it, the CPU (4) determines if the card is from the same department or not, the details of the Configuration and the department are stored in the memory unit (2).

The Customer Delete Card is also provided by the invention and is used to eliminate the customer and return the meter to its original factory properties. However, the Data must be extracted before putting the delete card in the meter to take the latest data about the customer's meter. This is done by using an optical port (5) or by putting the Pay card (9) in the meter before removing the meter from the installation site where the pay card will be converted to an elimination card and work only on your meter. The CPU (4) extracts the data stored in the memory unit (2) and sends it by means of the communication module (5) or by means of the communication module (6) and the antenna module (8).

It should be noted that after inserting the delete card, the CPU (4) will instruct the relay (7), that is, the power supply cutoff device to open, the meter will reset from zero and this meter will return to the Service Company database to be used with another customer.

Finally, the present invention provides the Meter Evaluation Card (9) which requests the CPU (4) to evaluate the different modules of the meter such as: (Measure Unit (3), Memory (2), Battery (1), Power Supply Cutting Device (7), etc.), then sending to the Service Company the results of the evaluation through the different means of communication offered using communication modules (5, 6). The request is delivered from the Meter Evaluation Board (9) to the CPU (4) by using the communication module (6) and the antenna module (8). It should also be noted that the Meter evaluation card can work for several meters, keeping the results of the evaluation of all the meters evaluated. Also, using the Meter Evaluation Card, the meter will again test all its modules, which is different from the continuous self-diagnostic mechanism ioned above.

However, if contact cards or contactless cards (9) are used and specifically more than one with different functionality, the system will need to be secured, which is the case with the present invention, since the card reader-writer with contact or contactless cards (9) also includes an encryption / decryption module to verify and validate the authenticity of the card used, including the revision of the division from which the card came as well as the reading of the serial number of the cards. cards If the card is not released from the same division of the meter itself (or does not maintain the same Serial Number in case of Pay Card or Delete Customer Card) then the card will be rejected.

It should be noted that this invention uses an extremely fast response mechanism to detect the contactless card (9). Every 2 (few) Seconds, the Meter by using its CPU unit (4) turns on the RFID module (6) and sends a request command to verify if there is a card nearby, and if the Meter did not get any response within Within a few milliseconds, the meter then turns off the RFID module (6) again to maintain the low energy consumption design of the meter, which must be lower than the accepted standard limits. In this way, the user will obtain a quick response from the card (9); It will take maximum 2 (few) seconds for the meter to respond to the card (9).

This invention also comprises a firmware based on a continuous self-diagnostic mechanism running with the meter program to ensure that the meter is working properly by continuously monitoring each module, ie, the Memory Unit (2) and waiting for that the module responds If the module does not respond within the short period of time assigned, then the module is reconfigured and monitored again. If the module continues without responding, then the system generates a signal that is sent to the Service Company via the Payment card to indicate that the meter is not working properly. The meter also records a Meter failure event in the Event Book with the time and type of event. In the case of the Relay Module (7), then the meter orders that the relay be opened, then the CPU (4) will verify the consumption after a few seconds, that is, it must be zero. If, however, there is consumption, then the meter sends the command to the relay (7) again and checks again after a few seconds. If the consumption is not yet zero then the system generates a signal that is sent to the Service Company through any of the different means of communication offered to indicate that there is a problem with the meter. The meter also records a Meter failure event in the Event Book with the time and type of failure.

In the case of the Measurement Module (3) and the RFID Module (9), Sub-registers are placed with specific values that the CPU (4) checks to verify if they are properly written, but if they are not, then the system generates a signal that is sent to the Service Company by any of the 3 Different means of communication offered to indicate that there is a problem with the meter.

In the case of the Memory Unit Module (2), every moment before writing, the CPU (4) reads the pre-defined passwords stored in a specific location. If they can be read, then the module is working correctly. However, if they can not be read, then the CPU (4) waits a few seconds and re-initializes the microcontroller communication periphery and tries to read the pre-defined password again. However, if this fails again then the system generates a signal that is sent to the Service Company by any of the different means of communication offered to indicate that the meter is not working correctly.

Claims (26)

1. - The intelligent system solution for the collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, including: several different methods of collecting the supply of services within the same system, completely configurable with multiple types of smart cards with contact or contactless smart cards each with different functionality; media with / without contact regardless of the type of meter, eliminating meter readings, bill collectors and inspectors; and functionality to monitor and read meter performance, events and load management.

2. - Intelligent system solution for collection of the supply of services and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 1, where the different different methods of collection of the supply of services include: open account payment, advance payment plan, payment plan with credit, and payment plan | with limited credit, within the same system, which is completely configurable with multiple types of smart cards with / without contact each with different functionality and means of communication with / without contact regardless of the type of meter.

3. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 1, wherein the communication means comprise: smart card (with / without contact ( as RFID)), and / or optical communication, and / or communication by electrical cable, and / or wireless communication.

4. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service supply and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 1, wherein the functionality of the system comprises the monitoring and reading of the Meter including Performance, specific or total, events, and illegal, records such as Consumption Profile, Demand Profile, Voltage Profile, Reports such as the Meter Status Report, sending command messages, Load Management Functionalities, that is, , events related to a relay such as over-voltage if configured and demand Maximum, rate, summer time adjustment. The above functionality is gathered and processed by the CPU and then stored in the memory unit. The consumption is measured in the measurement unit and sent to the CPU which stores the data in the memory unit.

5. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, where the open account payment plan comprises: placing the card without contact In front of the meter or inside the contact slot, for 2 seconds, the contactless card sends or receives the data to / from the meter. If the client wants to pay his bill then he takes his card with / without contact to the Expedidora station where the card with / without contact interacts with the reader / writer unit at the central station to exchange information. The Central station interacts with the Server in the Service Company to obtain the details of the clients through the use of a wireless network, when and where the payment is made.

6. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein in the open account payment plan, the client can also go directly to the Service Company which has several terminals with reading / writing units. These terminals are connected to the Integrated Database of the Service Company that store all the data related to all the customers of the Service Company. The Integrated Database is also connected to a server. Finally, the server is also connected to a backup unit in case of data corruption.

7. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein in the Open Account payment plan, the system functions as a mechanical meter where there is no need for a grace period or a billing cycle and the relay in the system is not automatically set to disconnect at a certain point in time, but which could be disconnected depending on the policies of the Service Company with respect to events or payment of invoices as the client does not pay his bill for several months. The functionality of the system is controlled by a CPU. The consumption is measured in the measurement unit and sent to the CPU which stores the data in a memory unit.

8. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein the advance payment plan comprises placing the card without contact in front of to the meter or within the contact slot, for 2 seconds, the contactless card sends or receives the data to / from the meter. To add credit to the meter the customer brings his / her contactless card to a Central Station where his / her contactless card interacts with the reader / writer unit at the Central Station to exchange information. The Central Station interacts with the Server in the Service Company to obtain the details of the clients through the use of a wireless network, where and when the credit is added.

9. - Intelligent system solution for collection of the supply of services and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein in the advance payment plan the client can also go directly to the Service Company which has several Terminals with reading / writing units. These . terminals are connected to the Integrated Database of the Service Company that store all the data related to all the customers of the Service Company. The Integrated Database is also connected to a server. Finally, the server is also connected to a backup unit in case of data corruption.

10. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein the advance payment plan comprises a card with / without contact Two-way rechargeable, which allows to establish a continuous relationship between the Service Company and customers using communication modules, including configuration, recovery of customer data, consumption to be transferred to the Service Company whenever required and during any the client reloads their card with / without contact as well as the last twelve months, or more, meter history and events such as illicit. A Grace Period defined by the Service Company provides an optional amount that is allowed to be consumed after reaching 0 credit, if the schedule is after business hours or in case the meter runs out of credit during weekends or holidays, this amount is deducted from the next amount of credit charged. Therefore, the credit in this payment plan is in advance and the system has a grace period.

11. - Intelligent system solution for collection of the supply of services and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein the advance payment plan comprises a billing cycle to place to consumers in the rate bracket that correctly corresponds to their use regardless of whether they paid small amounts or a large amount because they are still in the same billing cycle. The functionality of the system is controlled by the CPU, the consumption is measured in the unit of measurement and is sent to the CPU which stores the data in the memory unit.

12. - Intelligent system solution for collection of the supply of services and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein the payment plan with credit comprises placing the card without contact in front of to the meter or inside the connector slot in case of using cards with contact, for 2 seconds, the contactless card sends or receives the data to / from the meter. To pay the bill for the meter the customer takes his / her contactless card to a Central station where his / her contactless card interacts with the reader / writer unit at the issuing station to exchange information. The Central Station interacts with the Server in the Service Company to obtain the details of the clients through the use of a wireless network.

13. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein in the payment plan with credit the customer can also go directly a- the Service Company which has several terminals with reading / writing units. These terminals are connected to the Integrated Database of the Service Company that stores all the data related to all the customers of the Service company. The Integrated Database is also connected to a server. Finally, the server is also connected to a backup unit in case of data corruption.

14. - Intelligent system solution for collection of the supply of services and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein the payment plan with credit comprises charging credit within a period of grace, a certain period of time after the billing date within which the customer needs to pay his bill, after which the relay will be activated, that is, opened, and the service will be disconnected if no payment is made. If the payment is made within the grace period, only the balance due on the original billing date will appear on the invoice, the amount accumulated during the grace period is considered part of the next billing cycle. The charges will be added to the meter in the form of credit money or credit units in order to support the Multi-Rate. The functionality of the system is controlled by the CPU. The consumption is measured in the unit of measurement and is sent to the CPU which stores the data in the memory unit.

15. - Intelligent system solution for revenue collection and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein the payment plan with limited credit comprises placing the card without contact in front of the meter or inside the connector slot in case of using cards with contact, for 2 seconds, the contactless card sends or receives the data to / from the meter. To pay the bill for the meter, the customer takes his card with / without contact to a Central station where his card with / without contact interacts with the reader / writer unit at the central station to exchange information. The Central station interacts with the Server in the Service Company to obtain the details of the clients through the use of a wireless network.

16. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein in the payment plan with limited credit the client can also go directly to the Service Company which has several terminals with reading / writing units. These terminals are connected to the Integrated Database of the Service Company that stores all the data related to all the customers of the Service Company. The Integrated Database is also connected to a server. Finally, the server is also connected to a backup unit in case of data corruption.

17. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 2, wherein the payment plan with limited credit comprises that the customer or the Service Company set a limit of money or KH to be used during each billing cycle. If that limit is exceeded then the service will be disconnected until the next billing cycle, with no grace period available. If a customer decides to use the service again during the original cycle, then the customer can then use the advance payment option to add an extra amount to complete the original billing cycle. The functionality of the system is controlled by the CPU. The consumption is measured in the unit of measurement and is sent to the CPU which stores the data in the memory unit. The continuous relationship between the Service Company and the customers is maintained through the use of communication modules (5, 6).

18. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 3, wherein the communication means comprise contactless / non-contact cards that perform different functionalities, that is, Customer card, payment card, Energy cut card, Meter Evaluation card, Delete customer card, autonomous parameter card, instead of just a function, that is, basic Payment card, using an extremely fast response mechanism to detect the smart card including authentication and review of the division / department of the Service Company to which the card belongs.

19. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 18, wherein the functionality of the customer card comprises, transferring the ID of the customer. Client, Meter ID and Department ID to the meter. Delete all data collected during the evaluation of the meter. Close the relay (7), that is, power supply cut-off device and transfer the initial rate to the meter (in case of Advance Payment). The Service Company can also set the characteristics of the meter because the customer card can maintain Configuration Parameters. The client communicates with the system CPU through the use of the communication module and the antenna module. All configuration details are stored by the CPU in the memory unit.

20. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 18, wherein the customer's card after the customer uses it for the first time Once, the card will become a Payment Card that has the functionality of recharging the meter, communicating back the latest events from the meter and communicating back the results of continuous self-evaluation of the meter, that is, the Memory, the Measuring device, Battery, Cutting Device Power Supply, etc. It also returns important information about the customer's consumption, that is, total consumption, Monthly consumption, Reverse consumption, WH remaining (in case of Prepaid or Post-payment), Maximum demand during the last month, etc.

21. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 18, wherein the Payment Card also functions as a Supply Cut card of Energy after the meter terminates a payment card operation as it provides a "correct sale" message on the screen and an acceptance tone. If a customer continues to use the Payment card on the meter for about 5 seconds, the meter relay, that is, the power supply cutoff device will change its closed open or closed closed status if this property is allowed by the Electricity Company. The Payment card (9) like all other cards communicates with the brain of the system, that is, the CPU (4) by using the communication module (6) and the antenna module (8). All the configuration details are stored by the CPU (4) in the memory unit (2). The CPU (4) also transfers all the data gathered in the memory unit (2), ie Total consumption, month consumption, etc.) to the Payment card (9) by using the communication module ( 6) and the antenna module (8). All configuration details are stored by the CPU in the memory unit. The CPU also transfers all the collected data stored in the memory unit, that is, the Total consumption, the Monthly consumption, etc. to the Payment card by using the communication module and the antenna module. The consumption is measured in the unit of measurement and is sent to the CPU which stores the data in the memory unit.

22. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 18, wherein the Delete Customer Card of the Meters is used to eliminate the customer and return the meter to its original factory properties. However, the Data must be extracted before putting the delete card in the meter to take the latest data about the customer's meter. This is done by using an optical port (5) or by putting the Payment card (9) in the meter before removing the meter from the place of installation where the Payment card will be converted to a card to be removed and work only in your meter The CPU (4) extracts the data stored in. the memory unit (2) and sends them by means of the communication module (5) or by means of the communication module (6) and the antenna module (8).

23. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 18, wherein the Meter Evaluation Card requests that the CPU (4) ) evaluate the different modules of the meter such as: Measurement Unit, Memory, Battery, Power Supply Cutting Device, etc.), then sending the Service Company the results of the evaluation through the different means of communication offered using communication modules. The request is delivered from the Meter Evaluation Board to the CPU through the use of the communication module and the antenna module. The Meters evaluation card can work for several meters, keeping the results of the evaluation of all the meters evaluated. Also, using the Meter Evaluation Card, the meter will again test all of its modules.

24. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 18, wherein the autonomous parameter card is used to transfer configuration parameters of the meter to any meter in the same Department of the Service Company, that is, the KWH stop alarm, the Relay Opening Events, that is, the power supply cutoff device. Adjustment of the Alarm Tone, the maximum demand limit, date and time of adjustment of summer time, etc.) from the Service Company to the meter. In such a way that, if the Service Company wants to change the configuration of some meters in a certain area, it is sufficient to issue only one configuration card. The card also keeps the "Operator ID" using it for the tracking configuration. The CPU determines if the card is from the same department or not. The details of the Configuration and the department are stored in the memory unit.

25. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 1, comprising a firmware based on a continuous self-diagnostic mechanism running with the Meter program to ensure that the meter is working properly by continuously monitoring each module, that is, the Memory Unit and waiting for the module to respond. If the module does not respond within the short period of time assigned, then the module is reconfigured and monitored again. If the module continues without responding then the system generates a signal that is sent to the Service Company using the Payment card to indicate that the meter is not working properly. The meter also records a Meter failure event in the Event Book with the time and type of event. In the case of the Relay Module when the meter orders the relay to open, then the CPU will check the consumption after a few seconds, that is, it must be zero. In case that however there is consumption, then the meter sends the command to the relay again and checks again after a few seconds. If the consumption is not yet zero then the system generates a signal that is sent to the Service Company through any of the different means of communication offered to indicate that there is a problem with the meter. The meter also records a Meter failure event in the Event Book with the time and type of failure.

26. - Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and monitoring of the meter for electricity / water / gas meters using flexible communication means, according to claim 1, wherein in the case of the Measurement Module and the RFID Module, they place Sub-registers with specific values that the CPU checks to verify if they are properly written, but if they are not, then the system generates a signal that is sent to the Service Company through any of the different means of communication offered to indicate that it exists a problem with the meter. In the case of the Storage Unit Module, every moment before writing, the CPU reads the pre-defined passwords stored in a specific location. If they can be read then the module is working correctly. However, if they can not be read, then the CPU (4) waits a few seconds and re-initializes the microcontroller communication periphery and tries to read the pre-defined password again. However, if this fails again then the system generates a signal that is sent to the Service Company through any of the different means of communication offered to indicate that the meter is not working correctly. 27.- Intelligent system solution for collection of service provision and meter monitoring for electricity / water / gas eaters using flexible communication means, according to claim 18, wherein all the different functionalities of the Smart card (with / without contact) can also be made through the different flexible means of communication between the Company and the meter.