JP2015080122A - System and method for activating utility meter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To activate a utility meter.SOLUTION: A utility network includes a utility meter capable of measuring, when once installed, a network characteristic and communicating, when once activated, a measurement value to a server. The network also includes an access point configured to connect with the utility meter and the server with communication, and to notify the server when the utility meter is connected. The network further includes a mobile device configured to notify the server when the utility meter is installed, to request the server to add the utility meter to a utility meter queue to be activated by the server, and to receive a response from the server when the utility meter is activated.

Description

  The subject matter disclosed herein relates to activating sensors, such as utility meters for power, water, gas, or other utility distribution networks.

  Certain utility networks, such as power, water, and gas distribution networks, may include multiple sensors distributed throughout the network and in communication with a centralized control system. For example, a power distribution network may include a plurality of meters (eg, “smart” meters) located at customer locations throughout the network to monitor power consumption. In addition, these meters may communicate with a centralized control system, which may use monitoring data collected by the meter, for example, to determine monthly electricity bills for each consumer. Accordingly, it may be desirable for the meter and the centralized control system to be communicatively coupled to exchange information.

US Pat. No. 6,867,707

  In one embodiment, the utility network includes a utility meter that can measure the characteristics of the network once installed and can communicate the measured values to the server once activated. The network also includes an access point configured to communicatively couple to the utility meter and the server and to notify the server when the utility meter is coupled. The network notifies the server when a utility meter is installed, requests the server to add this utility meter to the utility meter queue that the server starts, and from the server when the utility meter starts. Further included is a mobile device configured to receive the response.

  In another embodiment, the method includes receiving a command to activate a utility meter installed in the network and adding the utility meter to a queue of utility meters to be activated. The method also includes receiving a notification from the access point that the utility meter is coupled to the access point. The method also includes activating a utility meter, which includes establishing communication with the utility meter via an access point. The method further includes updating the utility meter queue to be activated to indicate the activation status of the utility meter.

  In another embodiment, a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium stores instructions executable by a processor of an electronic device. These commands include commands that receive user input when the utility meter is installed in the utility network. These commands include a command for notifying the server that the utility meter is installed. These directives also include a directive that receives a notification from the server that the utility meter has been added to the list of utility meters that the server starts and provides a user notification that the utility meter has been added to the list. These commands also include a command that receives a notification from the server that the server has activated this utility meter and provides a user notification that this utility meter has been activated.

  These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters identify like parts throughout the several views. Represent.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a power distribution network according to an embodiment of the present technique. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating certain internal components, access points, AMI systems, and mobile devices of the meter of the power distribution network shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present technique. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of activating a meter from an meter perspective according to one embodiment of the present technique. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of activating a new meter according to one embodiment of the present technique from the perspective of the access point of FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of activating a new meter according to one embodiment of the present technique from the perspective of the mobile device of FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process by which the mobile device of FIG. 2 may update an installer according to one embodiment of the present technique. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of activating a new meter according to one embodiment of the present technique from the perspective of the AMI system 30 of FIG.

  One or more specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, this specification may not describe all of the features of an actual implementation. In the development of any such actual implementation, such as any engineering or design project, system-related and business-related that may vary from implementation to implementation to achieve a developer's specific goals It should be understood that a number of implementation specific decisions must be made, such as adhering to the constraints. Moreover, such development efforts are complex and time consuming, but nonetheless, for those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, it should be a routine task of design, assembly, and manufacture. Please understand that.

  When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” It is intended to mean one or more. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. .

  As explained above, the sensors and centralized control system of the network (eg, power, water, gas distribution network, or other suitable utility network) are communicatively coupled to each other to exchange information. Would be desirable. For example, it may be desirable to communicatively couple a power distribution network sensor (eg, a “smart” meter) and a centralized controller (eg, a smart meter (AMI) system). Therefore, it may be desirable for the installer to ensure that the meter communicates with the AMI system during meter installation. However, since it can take minutes to hours to establish communication, it may not be efficient for the installer to wait for communication to be established after the meter is installed. In addition, as discussed below, allowing the installer to communicate directly with the meter (eg, via an electrical device) can lead to the possibility of unauthorized access to the meter.

  Accordingly, this embodiment is directed to a system and method for establishing communication between a centralized system (eg, an AMI system) of a sensor (eg, a “smart” utility meter) and a utility network (eg, a power distribution network). To do. For example, according to the present embodiment, the installer uses a mobile device (for example, a laptop PC or a mobile phone) to notify the AMI system of the physical installation of the meter or to update the AMI system regarding the activation state of the meter. Or receive from. Further, the present embodiment includes an access point that couples a meter to a utility network centralized system (for example, an AMI system) by communication. As described below, the meter, the access point, and the centralized system cooperate to activate the meter (eg, establish communication between the meter and the centralized system via the access point) You can do it. As described below, this embodiment allows an installer to activate the meter without directly communicating with the sensor, which can help limit unauthorized access to the meter. In addition, this embodiment allows the installer to notify the centralized system of the new meter's physical installation from the mobile device and begin the next physical installation without waiting for communication to be established. This improves the efficiency of meter installation.

  With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 1 illustrates a power distribution network that is a network that allows an installer to efficiently and safely activate a sensor (eg, a “smart” utility meter 12) in the power distribution network 10. 10 illustrates one embodiment. Accordingly, the power distribution network 10 may include a utility operations center 14, which may include a power source 16 (eg, a coal, gas, or nuclear power plant, a main transmission line from the generator, or other suitable (Power supply) may be operated. In addition, the power distribution network 10 may transmit and / or transmit power supplied by the power supply 16 to make the power suitable for use at multiple customer locations 20 (eg, residential or commercial locations). A plurality of other electrical components 18 suitable for conversion (eg, transformers, capacitors, converters, switches, transmission lines, etc.) may be included.

  Specifically, the power distribution network 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a segment 22 of the high power distribution network 10. The illustrated segment 22 includes a transmission line 24 that couples each of the customer locations 20 to the power distribution network 10. More specifically, each customer location 20 includes a sensor (eg, “smart” utility meter 12) disposed between the customer location 20 and the transmission path 24. As will be described in detail below, the “smart” meter 12 may include a storage device and a processor capable of performing multiple functions by executing one or more commands. For example, the meter 12 shown includes sensors for determining power consumption at each of the consumer locations 20. In addition, meter 12 includes one or more network interface devices so that it can communicate with other devices. For example, in certain embodiments, meter 12 communicates with a remote system to determine the current price of power, the average price of power over a period of time, the total amount of power consumed at customer location 20 over a period of time, and the like. It may be possible.

  Specifically, the meter 12 shown in FIG. 1 is communicatively coupled to the access point 26. In certain embodiments, the access point 26 may be a dedicated utility access point 26 (eg, dedicated to provide a communication bridge for the meter 12). In other embodiments, the access point 26 may be a general purpose wireless access point. As shown in FIG. 1, meter 12 may be equipped with one or more wireless network interface devices and may be wirelessly coupled to access point 26. In certain embodiments, meter 12 and access point 26 use standard wireless protocols (eg, 802.x, Bluetooth ™, ZigBee, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or other suitable wireless protocol). You may communicate wirelessly. In other embodiments, the access point 26 may be coupled to the transmission line 24 and may be metered using the transmission line 24 via power line communication techniques (eg, power line carrier communication (BPL) or other suitable power line communication techniques). 12 may be in communication. Further, as discussed below, communication between the access point 26 and the meter 12 may be based on proprietary communication techniques in which hardware may not be widely available in certain embodiments. Further, in certain embodiments, communications between access point 26 and meter 12 may be encrypted and otherwise protected to prevent unauthorized access.

  Further, the access point 26 shown can communicate through a public or private wide area network (WAN) 28. For example, the illustrated access point 26 includes one or more wireless network interface devices to allow the access point 26 to couple to and communicate with the WAN 28. In certain embodiments, WAN 28 may be a public WAN 28, such as cellular data tower WAN 28 of a cellular data network. As such, in certain embodiments, the access point 26 may connect to the WAN 28 of the cellular data network for exchanging data with other systems via the WAN 28. It should be understood that WAN 28 may represent a connection to any number of networks (eg, the Internet) to facilitate communication between access point 26 and other systems. In other embodiments, WAN 28 may be a private WAN, such as a WAN operated and controlled by utility operations center 14 (eg, specifically for exchanging utility data).

  The access point 26 shown in FIG. 1 is communicatively coupled to the AMI system 30 located at the utility operations center 14 via the WAN 28. More specifically, access point 26 and AMI system 30 may exchange information (eg, packets of data) with each other via gateway 32 and WAN 28. Thus, in certain embodiments, the access point 26 may access the Internet through a connection to a WAN 28 (eg, cellular data WAN 28), and the gateway 32 may also connect to the Internet in a wired or wireless manner. . Accordingly, the access point 26 may route information to the gateway 32 over the Internet (or through a private network) so that the AMI system 30 can receive the information. In certain embodiments, the access point 26 and gateway 32 or AMI system 30 may use encrypted communication channels to verify their respective identification information, and in some embodiments, to enhance security. It should be understood that appropriate security credentials (e.g., security certificates or keys) may be exchanged to establish between devices.

  For example, one of the functions of the power distribution network 10 shown in FIG. 1 is remote meter reading. That is, the “smart” utility meter 12 of the power distribution network 10 can determine, store, and communicate the amount of power consumed at each customer location 20 in the power distribution network 10. The illustrated meter 12 may first relay the information (eg, one or more data packets) to the access point 26 in order to provide this information to the AMI system 30, and then the access point 26 may Information may be routed through WAN 28 (eg, the Internet) and gateway 32 to reach system 30. In certain embodiments, meter 12 received monitoring information to AMI system 30 periodically or from AMI system 30 (eg, via gateway 32, WAN 28, and access point 26, respectively). You may relay based on your request. In certain embodiments, meter 12 and gateway 32 or AMI system 30 may use encrypted communication channels to verify their respective identification information and in some embodiments to enhance security. It should be understood that appropriate security credentials (eg, security certificates or keys) may be exchanged to ensure between.

  Thus, when a new meter 12 is added to the power distribution network 10, the new meter 12 is first physically installed (eg, physically installed by the installer between the transmission line 24 and the customer location 20). Is then activated). “Activation” of meter 12, as used herein, may generally refer to establishing a communication link (eg, channel or path) between meter 12 and AMI system 30. Thus, after the installer has physically installed the new meter 12, the installer may initiate a startup process to couple the meter 12 and the AMI system 30 in communication.

  However, it may be desirable to prevent (eg prevent, reduce, otherwise reduce) unauthorized access to the meter 12. That is, there may be a monetary motivation for changing the behavior and / or content of meter 12 (eg, changing the amount of power consumed at a particular consumer location 20), so that there is a special protocol or ownership. It may be desirable to have the meter 12 communicate with the access point 26 using attached protocols and / or hardware. Thus, in certain embodiments, the access point 26 may be equipped with a complementary network interface device to communicate with the meter 12 using a special or proprietary protocol and / or hardware. Further, in certain embodiments, access point 26 and meter 12 may communicate using an encrypted communication channel, and security credentials (eg, to verify both access point 26 and meter 12 identification information). Additional security authentication or key exchanges built into the access point 26 and meter 12 during manufacture or installation may also be utilized.

  Further, in certain embodiments, to further enhance security, the power distribution network 10 shown in FIG. 1 does not allow any device except the access point 26 to communicate directly with the meter 12. May enforce policy. Thus, in certain embodiments, an installer who installs a new meter 12 in the power distribution network 10 may not carry or use a device that communicates directly with the new meter 12. Instead, as described in detail below, this embodiment allows the installer to use a mobile device 34 (eg, WAN 28) to activate the new meter 12 without communicating directly with the new meter 12. To the AMI system 30 via communication). This embodiment reduces the possibility of unauthorized meter access in the power distribution network 10 by avoiding on-site use of devices configured to connect directly to the meter 12. Further, in certain embodiments, the meter 12, the access point 26, or both may be configured to detect unauthorized access (eg, an attempt to change the contents of the meter 12 storage) or unauthorized communication; The server 30 may be notified of unauthorized access or unauthorized communication.

  FIG. 2 illustrates certain internal components of one embodiment of the power distribution network 10 shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows certain internal components of meter 12, access point 26, AMI system 30, and mobile device 34 for one embodiment of power distribution network 10. The components shown allow an installer to activate sensors (eg, “smart” meters 12) in the power distribution network 10 in an efficient and safe manner. As described above, meter 12, access point 26, AMI system 30, and mobile device 34 may cooperate with each other to activate a new meter 12 in power distribution network 10.

  The new meter 12 shown in FIG. 2 is a “smart” meter, which includes a memory 50 (eg, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other device that can store instructions. A suitable memory) and a processor 52 (eg, any suitable microprocessor) capable of executing instructions. Meter 12 may be a non-volatile (NV) storage device 54 (e.g., hard disk, solid state disk (SSD), flash drive, or other suitable non-volatile storage) that may store values measured and / or determined values, for example. Device). For example, meter 12 may execute a command using processor 52 to determine the amount of power consumed at a particular consumer location 20 and store this value in NV storage 54 for later use. You can do it. Further, in certain embodiments, meter 12 may include an indicator 56 that may be used to display information to an installer and / or consumer (eg, by processor 52). In addition, the meter 12 shown includes a network interface 58 that enables communication with at least one access point 26. As described above, in certain embodiments, in addition to or in place of various encryption and identity verification techniques (eg, authentication exchanges) to make unauthorized network access of meter 12 more difficult. In addition, the network interface device 58 may be a special network interface device or a proprietary network interface device.

  The access point 26 shown in FIG. 2 includes a memory 68 (eg, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other suitable memory), a processor 70 (eg, any suitable microprocessor), and Non-volatile (NV) storage 72 (eg, a hard disk, solid state disk (SSD), flash drive, or other suitable non-volatile storage) is also included. Therefore, the access point 26 can generally store and execute commands. In addition, the access point 26 includes one or more internal network interfaces 60 for interconnecting with the one or more meters 12. In certain embodiments, each internal network interface 60 may be communicatively coupled to a single meter 12, while in other embodiments, each internal network interface 60 is communicatively coupled to multiple meters 12. May be. As described above, in certain embodiments, communication 62 between meter 12 and access point 26 may be performed wirelessly or by a wired connection (eg, using power line communication techniques). In addition, the access point 26 includes one or more external network interfaces 64 that can couple the access point 26 to the AMI system 30. As explained above, the communication 66 between the access point 26 and the AMI system 30 may be performed wirelessly in the WAN 28 and / or by a wired connection. In certain embodiments, the access point 26 may include multiple or redundant external network interfaces 64 (e.g., a primary wireless network interface to the cellular data WAN 28) used in load balancing and / or failover situations. And an auxiliary wired internet connection).

  The AMI system 30 shown in FIG. 2 includes a memory 74 (eg, random access memory (RAM), read-only) that is used to store and execute commands for controlling the power distribution network 10. Memory (ROM), or other suitable memory), processor 76 (eg, any suitable microprocessor), and non-volatile (NV) storage device 78 (eg, hard disk, solid state disk (SSD), flash drive, or others) Suitable non-volatile storage devices). The illustrated AMI system 30 includes an input device 80 (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, touch pad, touch screen, microphone, and / or other suitable input device) to facilitate user interaction with the AMI system 30. And output devices 82 (eg, monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touch screens, speakers, printers, and / or other suitable output devices). In addition, the illustrated AMI system 30 includes at least one network interface 84 that can facilitate communication between the AMI system 30 and the access point 26, as well as communication between the AMI system 30 and the mobile device 34. Thus, in certain embodiments, the network interface 84 of the AMI system 30 may be coupled to a gateway (eg, gateway 32 shown in FIG. 1), which is coupled to a WAN (eg, the Internet).

  The mobile device 34 shown in FIG. 2 may be a laptop PC, tablet PC, handheld electronic device, mobile phone, or other suitable mobile electronic device 34 that can communicate with the AMI system 30. The illustrated mobile device 34 includes a memory 86 (eg, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other suitable memory), processor, used to store and execute instructions. Also included are 88 (eg, any suitable microprocessor) and non-volatile (NV) storage device 90 (eg, hard disk, solid state disk (SSD), flash drive, or other suitable non-volatile storage device). Further, the illustrated mobile device 34 includes an input device 92 (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, touch screen, microphone, and / or other suitable input for facilitating interaction between the installer and the mobile device 34. Devices) and output devices 94 (eg, monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), touch screens, speakers, printers, and / or other suitable output devices). Further, the illustrated mobile device 34 includes at least one network interface 96 capable of communicating 98 with the AMI system 30. For example, in certain embodiments, the network interface 96 of the mobile device 34 provides a wireless network interface (eg, 802.x, CDMA, etc.) that provides the mobile device 34 with a network connection (eg, Internet connection) for communication 98 to the AMI system 30. Or any other suitable wireless network interface) or a wired network interface (e.g. Ethernet or other suitable wired network interface).

  With the foregoing in mind, FIGS. 3-7 show various configurations of the power distribution network 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) when the new meter 12 of the power distribution network 10 is activated. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a process that may be performed by an element. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a process that may be performed by meter 12 (eg, processor 52 of meter 12), and FIG. 4 illustrates a process that may be performed by access point 26 (eg, processor 70 of access point 26). 5 and 6 illustrate a process that may be performed by mobile device 34 (eg, processor 88 of mobile device 34), and FIG. 7 illustrates a process that may be performed by AMI system 30 (eg, processor 76 of AMI system 30). Show. It should be understood that in certain embodiments, the specific steps shown in FIGS. 3-7 may be performed simultaneously or in other orders.

  For example, FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a process 110 that can activate a new meter 12 from the perspective of the new meter 12. That is, process 110 may be performed during startup by the processor 52 of the new meter 12. The illustrated process 110 begins with a new meter 12 attempting to place multiple access points 26 (block 112). For example, meter 12 may scan each particular channel and / or (e.g., wired or wireless) to locate one or more nearby access points 26 within power distribution network 10. You may broadcast to each specific channel. The meter 12 may then couple to at least one access point 26 (block 114), which accesses the AMI system 30 (eg, via the WAN 28 and / or gateway 32 shown in FIG. 1). Are connected by communication. The meter 12 may be communicatively coupled to the access point 26 once coupled to (eg, associated with or connected to) the access point 26. The meter 12 may receive data from the AMI system 30 to confirm activation of the meter 12 at some point after coupling to the access point 26 (block 116). The activated meter 12 may then send monitoring data to the AMI system 30 periodically and / or at the request of the AMI system 30 (block 118).

  FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a process 130 that can activate the new meter 12 from the perspective of the access point 26. That is, the process 130 may be performed by the processor 70 of the access point 26 during activation of the new meter 12. The illustrated process 130 begins with the access point 26 receiving from the meter a request to bind to the access point 26 (eg, a request to establish a communication and / or a request to establish a connection) (block 132). For example, the access point 26 may detect that the new meter 12 scans and / or broadcasts to a particular wired or wireless channel. The access point 26 may then couple to the new meter 12 (block 134). The access point 26 may notify the AMI system that it has joined the meter 12 after it has joined the new meter 12 (block 136). That is, the access point 26 sends information (eg, one or more data packets) to the AMI system 30 so that the connection between the meter 12 and the access point 26 can be recorded by the AMI system 30. May be used (eg, including WAN 28 and / or gateway 32 shown in FIG. 1). The access point 26 may begin routing communications between the activated meter 12 and the AMI system 30 after notifying the AMI system 30 (block 138).

  FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a process 150 that can activate a new meter 12 in the power distribution network 10 from the perspective of the mobile device 34. That is, the process 150 may be performed by the processor 88 of the mobile device 34 during activation of the new meter 12. The illustrated process 150 begins with the mobile device 34 receiving input from the installer regarding the installation of a new meter at the customer location 20 (block 152). For example, the memory 86 of the mobile device 34 stores a user interface that may be used by an installer to enter information regarding the installation of the new meter 12 (eg, via the input device 92 and the output device 94) and the processor. 88 may execute. According to a specific example, the user interface allows the installer to identify the physical location of the new meter 12, the identification number of the new meter 12, the model information of the new meter 12, the rating information of the new meter 12, the new Information such as the date and time of meter installation and / or other suitable information regarding the new meter 12 may be entered.

  Through the illustrated process 150, the mobile device 34 activates a new meter 12 in the AMI system 30 via the network connection 98 after receiving input from the installer (eg, via a user interface). An indication may be made (block 154). As described above, in certain embodiments, commands from the mobile device 34 may reach the AMI system 30 through the public or private WAN 28 shown in FIG. At some point after instructing the AMI system 30 to activate the meter 12, the mobile device 34 adds the meter 12 from the AMI system 30 to the queue of meters to activate (eg, a list or other suitable data structure). Confirmation may have been received (block 156). For example, the mobile device 34 may receive information (eg, one or more data packets) from the AMI system 30 indicating the time at which the new meter 12 was added to the queue. Mobile device 34 may then notify the installer that meter 12 has been added to the queue of meters to activate (block 158). Mobile device 34 may then receive confirmation from AMI system 30 that the meter has been activated (block 160). Accordingly, the mobile device 34 may notify the installer that the meter 12 has been activated (block 162). In other embodiments, the mobile device 34 does not receive a confirmation that the meter has been successfully activated (eg, at block 160), but a notification (eg, a failure notification) if the meter 12 has not been successfully activated. ), The mobile device 34 may then notify the installer that the meter 12 has not been successfully activated.

  In certain embodiments, mobile device 34 may receive more information from AMI system 30 regarding the queue of meter 12 to be activated. That is, in certain embodiments, steps 156, 158, 160, and 162 of process 150 shown in FIG. 5 may be replaced with process 170 shown in FIG. Thus, after instructing the AMI system 30 to activate the meter 12 (eg, at block 154 of the process 150), the mobile device 34 may receive a queue of meters that the AMI system 30 will activate from the AMI system 30 ( Block 172). For example, in certain embodiments, mobile device 34 may receive a queue that includes all meters waiting to be activated by AMI system 30. The mobile device 34 may then present at least a portion of the received queue of meters 12 activated by the AMI system 30 to the installer (block 174). In certain embodiments, the mobile device 34 may add a subset of the new meter 12 queue waiting for activation by the AMI system 30 (eg, only meters 12 that the installer has added to the queue will be added to the queue within a particular time frame. Only the meter 12 that has been successfully activated, only the meter 12 that has been successfully activated, only the meter 12 that has not been successfully activated, etc.) may be presented to the installer. Further, in certain embodiments, steps 172 and 174 of process 170 are performed periodically (eg, every few minutes, every few hours, etc.) so that the installer can determine the activation status of the new meter 12. Repeat every other day or at any other appropriate frequency).

  FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a process 180 that may activate the new meter 12 from the perspective of the AMI system 30. That is, process 180 may be performed during activation of a new meter 12 by processor 76 of AMI system 30. The illustrated process 180 begins with the AMI system 30 receiving a command (block 182) from the mobile device 34 to activate a new meter 12 (eg, via communication 98). In certain embodiments, the AMI system 30 may verify one or more security credentials (eg, username / password, authentication or other suitable credentials) of the mobile device 34 and / or installer before proceeding. Good. The AMI system 30 may then add the meter 12 to the meter's queue to be activated (eg, stored in the memory 74 and / or NV storage 78 of the AMI system 30) (block 184). The AMI system 30 may receive a notification from the access point 26 that the meter 12 has been coupled to the access point 26 at some point (block 186). It should be understood that in certain embodiments, block 186 may come before blocks 184 and / or 182.

  Through the process 180 shown in FIG. 7, the AMI system 30 adds the meter 12 to the queue and establishes communication with the meter 12 after receiving notification from the access point 26 that the meter 12 is coupled. (For example, meter 12 may be activated) (block 188). As described above, communication between the AMI system 30 and the meter 12 may be through a public or private WAN 28 and / or gateway 32. The AMI system 30 may update the queue of meters to be activated after establishing communication with the meter 12 (block 190). Further, in certain embodiments, the AMI system 30 may notify the mobile device 34 that the meter 12 has been activated (block 192). In certain embodiments, the AMI system 30 may provide information to the mobile device 34 regarding activation of the meter 12 (eg, activation time, any errors or alarms that have occurred, or other suitable information). In other embodiments, if the meter 12 was not successfully activated (eg, communication with the meter 12 was not established at block 188), the AMI system 30 may activate the meter (eg, at block 192). Instead of giving confirmation that it was successful, it might give a notification.

  The technical effect of this approach is that an installer can efficiently and safely activate a sensor such as a “smart” utility meter 12 in a utility network (eg, power, water, gas or similar utility network). It is included. That is, according to this embodiment, the installer can notify the physical installation of a new sensor (for example, a new meter 12) from a mobile device to a centralized system (for example, an AMI system), and communication can be performed. The efficiency of sensor installation is improved because the next physical installation can be started without waiting for it to be established. Further, according to the present embodiment, the installer can activate the sensor (for example, the meter 12) in the network (for example, the power distribution network 10) without having to directly communicate with the sensor. The possibility is reduced.

  This written description is provided to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use any apparatus or system, as well as any embodied method. In order to make it possible to carry out the present invention including the above, an example is used. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments have structural elements that do not differ from the literal words of the claims, or equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal words of the claims. If included, it is intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

10 Power Distribution Network 12 Meter 14 Utility Operation Center 16 Power Supply 18 Electrical Component 20 Customer Location 22 Segment 24 Transmission Line 26 Access Point 28 Public or Private WAN
30 AMI system 32 gateway 34 mobile device 50 memory 52 processor 54 NV storage 56 indicator 58 network interface 60 internal network interface (s) 62 communication 64 external network interface (s) 66 communication 68 memory 70 processor 72 NV storage device 74 memory 76 processor 78 NV storage device 80 input device 82 output device 84 network interface 86 memory 88 processor 90 NV storage device 92 input device 94 output device 96 network interface 98 communication 110 process 112 step 114 step 116 step 118 Step 130 Process 132 Step 1 34 step 136 step 138 step 150 process 152 step 154 step 156 step 158 step 160 step 162 step 170 process 172 step 174 step 180 process 182 step 184 step 186 step 188 step 190 step 192 step

Claims (20)

Once installed, a utility meter that can measure the characteristics of the network, and once started, can communicate the measured values to the server,
An access point configured to communicatively couple to the utility meter and the server, and configured to notify the server when the utility meter is coupled;
Notify the server when the utility meter is installed, request the server to add the utility meter to a queue of utility meters that the server starts, and when the utility meter is started A utility network comprising a mobile device configured to receive a response from a server. The network of claim 1, comprising the server configured to activate the utility meter queue and notify the mobile device when the utility meter is activated. The network of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is configured to receive at least a portion of the queue from the server. The network of claim 3, wherein the mobile device is configured to receive periodic updates of at least a portion of the queue from the server. The network of claim 1, wherein the utility meter and the access point are configured to communicatively couple to each other using wired or wireless communication techniques or using power line communication techniques. The network of claim 1, wherein the utility meter is configured to directly couple only to the access point and not directly to other devices. The network of claim 1, wherein the utility meter and the access point are configured to communicate with each other over an encrypted channel after exchanging security credentials. The network of claim 1, wherein the access point and the server are configured to communicatively couple to each other via a private wide area network (WAN), a cellular data WAN, or a combination thereof. The utility meter, the access point, or both are configured to detect unauthorized access or unauthorized communication and configured to notify the server of the unauthorized access or unauthorized communication. Item 4. The network according to item 1. The network of claim 1, wherein the server comprises a smart meter (AMI) server. Receiving a command to activate a utility meter installed in the network;
Adding the utility meter to a queue of utility meters to be activated;
Receiving a notification from the access point that the utility meter has been joined by the access point;
Activating the utility meter, comprising establishing communication with the utility meter via the access point;
Updating a queue of the utility meter to be activated to indicate an activation state of the utility meter. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a command includes receiving a command from a mobile device. The method of claim 12, comprising notifying the mobile device of the activation status of the utility meter. 14. The notifying to the mobile device includes sending the updated queue to the mobile device, and the activation status of the meter includes successful activation, unsuccessful activation, and pending. Method. The method of claim 11, wherein the mobile device is not configured to couple to the utility meter. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving a notification from the access point comprises receiving information from the access point via a public wide area network or a private wide area network. The method of claim 11, wherein activating the utility meter comprises sending activation information to the utility meter. The method of claim 11, wherein the utility meter comprises a power meter and the network comprises a power distribution network. A tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium storing a plurality of instructions that can be executed by a processor of an electronic device, the instructions comprising:
A command to receive user input when the utility meter is installed in the utility network;
A command to notify the server that the utility meter is installed;
A command to receive notification from the server that the utility meter has been added to the list of utility meters that the server starts;
A command giving a user notification that the utility meter has been added to the list;
A command to receive notification from the server that the server has activated the utility meter;
A computer-readable medium including instructions for providing a user notification that the utility meter has been activated. The medium of claim 19, wherein the utility meter comprises a power meter, the network comprises a power distribution network, and the server comprises a smart meter (AMI) server.