Method, gateway, system, computer program product and medium for configuring a communication network

Abstract

The present application discloses automated collection of metering indicators of smart fluid meters. A gateway acts as an intermediary between multiple smart fluid meters and an information system responsible for collecting metering indicator readings generated by the smart fluid meters. The gateway is connected to the information system via a first communication network, and the gateway is connected to a first smart fluid meter from the multiple first smart fluid meters by means of a second long-range radio communication network, and the first smart fluid meter can act as a repeater for a second smart fluid meter by means of a third short-range radio communication network. The gateway selects one or more first smart fluid meters as repeaters based on the obtained battery power, and configures the second communication network accordingly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to configuring a communication system to use at least one smart fluid meter as a relay for at least one other smart fluid meter to automatically collect metering indicator readings of the smart fluid meter. Background Art

[0002] A smart fluid meter of the gas meter, heat meter or water meter type is known, which comprises a radio communication interface component, so that an automated management system can remotely collect metering index readings of the smart fluid meter.

[0003] For example, each of these smart fluid meters includes a communication interface compatible with low power wide area network (LPWAN) technology, such as LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) or NB-IoT (Narrow Band Internet of Things) technology. All smart fluid meters then send their meter readings over the radio using a long range radio network managed by a gateway, which further provides transmission of these meter readings to a computer system that processes the meter readings in a centralized manner.

[0004] Unlike smart electricity meters, these smart fluid meters are not powered by mains electricity. They have batteries for operation and, in particular, make it possible to establish radio communication in order to establish remote automated management.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an energy-efficient solution in the context of automated management of battery-powered smart fluid meters. It is particularly desirable to provide a simple and low-cost solution. It is also desirable to provide a solution that facilitates the installation of smart fluid meters and the maintenance of their automated management. Summary of the invention

[0006] To this end, a method is proposed for configuring a communication network by a gateway acting as an intermediary between a plurality of smart fluid meters and an information system responsible for collecting metering indicator readings generated by the smart fluid meters, wherein the gateway is connected to the information system via a first communication network, and the gateway is connected to a first smart fluid meter among the plurality of smart fluid meters by means of a second long-range radio communication network, wherein the first smart fluid meter is capable of acting as a repeater for a second smart fluid meter by means of a third short-range radio communication network, wherein the gateway performs the following steps: obtaining the battery power of the first smart fluid meter via the second long-range radio communication network; selecting one or more first smart fluid meters as repeaters based on the obtained battery power, preferably the first smart fluid meter with the highest battery power; configuring the second long-range radio communication network, sending instructions to the first smart fluid meter selected as a repeater to activate its repeater function, and sending instructions to any former repeater that has not been selected as a repeater again to deactivate its repeater function; monitoring the battery power of the first smart fluid meter and re-evaluating the configuration of the second long-range radio communication network accordingly. It is thus possible to extend the range of an automation management system while using repeaters relying on shorter range communication networks (with lower energy requirements), taking into account the battery charge of these repeaters in order to balance the consumption of energy.

[0007] According to a particular embodiment, the gateway selects each first smart fluid meter having a battery charge level above a first predetermined threshold as a repeater.

[0008] According to a specific embodiment, the gateway performs the following steps: generating a measurement value of the signal reception quality from the first smart fluid meter during an exchange with the first smart fluid meter via the second long-range radio communication network; further selecting one or more first smart fluid meters as repeaters based on the generated measurement value of the signal reception quality, preferably the first smart fluid meter with the highest signal reception quality; monitoring the reception quality of the signal sent by the first smart fluid meter in the second long-range radio communication network, and re-evaluating the configuration of the second long-range radio communication network accordingly.

[0009] According to a particular embodiment, the gateway selects as a repeater each first smart fluid meter whose corresponding signal reception quality of the gateway is above a second predetermined threshold.

[0010] According to a specific embodiment, a second smart fluid meter is paired with a first smart fluid meter acting as a repeater for the second smart fluid meter, thereby performing the following steps: in pairing mode, each second smart fluid meter sends a notification frame until a response is received from the first smart fluid meter acting as a repeater; each first smart fluid meter that is in pairing mode and acts as a repeater within the radio range of the third short-range radio communication network responds to at least one received notification frame and pairs with the second smart fluid meter that sent the responded notification frame.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, at least one of said second smart fluid meters switches to pairing mode when a trigger for dosing is detected for the first time.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, at least one of said second smart fluid meters switches to pairing mode after losing synchronization with a previous repeater.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the repeater switches to pairing mode when a pressing of a human interface button of the associated repeater is detected or when a specific instruction is received via the infrared connector of the associated repeater.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, detecting a press of the interface button during a period between the minimum limit and the maximum limit instructs the associated repeater to switch to pairing mode to enable pairing of a single second smart fluid meter, and detecting a press of the interface button during a period greater than the maximum limit instructs the associated repeater to switch to pairing mode during a predetermined period.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, upon receiving an instruction from the gateway to activate or maintain the repeater functionality, the repeater switches to pairing mode.

[0016] According to a specific embodiment, each repeater collects the battery level of each second smart fluid meter paired therewith via the third short-range radio communication network and notifies the gateway of the battery level, and the gateway alerts the information system when the battery level of the smart fluid meter is below a predetermined warning threshold.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, when a first smart fluid meter that once acted as a repeater and is no longer a repeater detects that at least one second smart fluid meter is isolated and no longer paired, the first smart fluid meter automatically reactivates its repeater function, enables each associated second smart fluid meter to be paired, and alerts the gateway that the first smart fluid meter is acting as a repeater again.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, when a repeater loses its connection with the gateway via the second long-range radio communication network, the concerned repeater automatically deactivates the repeater function, resumes its simple role of a smart fluid meter and seeks itself to pair with another repeater.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a computer program that can be stored on a medium and / or downloaded from a communication network so as to be read by a processor. This computer program includes instructions for implementing the method mentioned above in any one of the embodiments of the present invention when the processor executes the program. The present invention also relates to an information storage medium storing such a computer program.

[0020] A gateway is also proposed, which is configured to act as an intermediary between multiple smart fluid meters and an information system responsible for collecting metering indicator readings generated by the smart flow meters. The gateway is configured to be connected to the information system through a first communication system, and to be connected to a first smart fluid meter among the multiple smart fluid meters with the help of a second long-range radio communication network. The first smart fluid meter can act as a repeater for a second smart fluid meter among the multiple smart fluid meters with the help of a third short-range radio communication network. The gateway includes an electronic circuit system configured for the following operations: obtaining the battery power of the first smart fluid meter via the second long-range radio communication network; selecting one or more first smart fluid meters as repeaters based on the obtained battery power, preferably the first smart fluid meter with the highest battery power; configuring the second long-range radio communication network, sending instructions to the first smart fluid meter selected as a repeater to activate its repeater function, and sending instructions to any previous repeater that has not been selected as a repeater again to deactivate its repeater function; monitoring the battery power of the first smart fluid meter and re-evaluating the configuration of the second long-range radio communication network accordingly.

[0021] An automated management system is also proposed, which is used to collect metering index readings generated by intelligent fluid meters in the system. The system also includes the information system and gateway mentioned above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above-mentioned features of the invention as well as other aspects will emerge more clearly after reading the following description of at least one example embodiment, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] [ Figure 1 ] schematically illustrates an automated management system configured for performing meter readings on a smart fluid meter;

[0024] [ Figure 2 ] schematically illustrates an example of a hardware architecture of an apparatus in an automation management system;

[0025] [ Figure 3 ] schematically illustrates an algorithm for managing the configuration of a collection network implemented by a gateway in an automated management system;

[0026] [ Figure 4 ] schematically illustrates an exchange for pairing a smart fluid meter with a repeater in an automated management system;

[0027] [ Figure 5 ] schematically illustrates an exchange that enables a repeater to perform a meter reading on at least one smart fluid meter paired with the repeater;

[0028] [ Figure 6 ] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by a gateway for notifying an information system of an automation management system of an alert;

[0029] [ Figure 7 ] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by each repeater for transmitting meter reading data to an information system;

[0030] [ Figure 8 ] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by each smart fluid meter for re-pairing in the event of a loss of synchronization; and

[0031] [ Fig. 9 ] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by an information system for reconfiguring the collection network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] therefore, Figure 1 Schematically shown is an automated management system 100 configured for metering readings on a smart fluid meter SM. The smart fluid meter SM is for example a gas consumption meter, a heat consumption meter or a water consumption meter, or for any other type of fluid whose consumption can be measured, which is able to communicate by radio transmission. The smart fluid meter SM is powered by a battery, i.e. has a limited energy reserve.

[0033] The automation management system 100 includes an information system IS 110, whose role is to monitor the metering operations performed by the smart fluid meters SM. To this end, the information system IS 110 delegates the management of the collection network to the gateway GW. Figure 1In the figure two gateways GW 120a, 120b are shown by way of example. The automation management system 100 usually comprises a larger number of such gateways GW. The information system IS 110 takes the form of a server or a group of servers which exchange with the gateways GW 120a, 120b by means of a communication network NET 101. For example, the communication network NET 101 is the Internet. The communication network NET 101 is, for example, a wireless communication network, for example of the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), UMTS (Global Mobile Telecommunications System) or LTE (Long Term Evolution) type.

[0034] Each gateway GW 120a, 120b manages communication with a group of smart fluid meters SM by means of a communication network LR_NET 102. The communication network LR_NET 102 is a long-range wireless communication network. Preferably, the communication network LR_NET 102 is a low power wide area network LPWAN, for example in accordance with LoRaWAN or NB-IoT technology.

[0035] By means of the communication network LR_NET 102, the gateway GW 120a communicates directly with the smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b. The gateway GW 120a also communicates directly with the smart fluid meter SM 140f, to which the gateway GW 120a assigns the role of the repeater REL 130. The repeater REL 130 acts as an intermediary between the gateway GW 120a and the information system IS 110 on the one hand and the other smart fluid meters SM 140c, 140d, 140e on the other hand. These other smart fluid meters SM140c, 140d, 140e, for example, do not have a communication interface compatible with the communication network LR_NET 102. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in the case where some of the smart fluid meters SM include an interface compatible with the communication network SR_NET 103 but not with the communication network LR_NET 102 and therefore need to use a repeater, while other smart fluid meters SM include a small set of both interfaces.

[0036] Therefore, the repeater REL 130 collects and sends the metering index data of the smart fluid meters SM 140c, 140d, 140e paired with the repeater to the information system IS110 periodically, for example, once to several times a day.

[0037] In order to communicate with the smart fluid meters SM 140c, 140d, 140e, the repeater REL 130 manages the communication network SR_NET 103. The communication network SR_NET 103 is a short-range wireless communication network with a shorter radio range than the communication network LR_NET 102. Therefore, for the same amount of effective load to be transmitted, the communication interface using the communication network SR_NET 103 consumes less energy than the communication interface using the communication network LR_NET 102. Preferably, the communication network SR_NET 103 is a network compliant with the WM-Bus standard, as defined in NF EN 13757-4 "Communication systems for meters and remote reading of meters-Part 4: Wireless meter readout (Radiometer reading for operation in SRD bands)". The WM-Bus standard is a wireless communication standard that provides an excellent compromise between small antenna size and long radio range indoors and outdoors (up to 1 km without repeaters). However, in a variant embodiment, the communication network SR_NET 103 complies with another wireless communication technology, such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or ZigBee.

[0038] Figure 2 An example of the hardware architecture of the device 200 in the automation management system 100 is schematically shown. According to one embodiment, the device 200 is a gateway GW 120a. According to another embodiment, the device 200 is a smart fluid meter SM capable of playing the role of a relay REL. According to yet another embodiment, the device 200 is an information system IS 110.

[0039] The device 200 includes: a processor or CPU (central processing unit) 201; a random access memory RAM 202; a read-only memory ROM 203, such as a flash memory; a data storage device, such as a hard disk HDD (hard disk drive), or a storage medium reader, such as an SD (Secure Digital) card reader 204; and at least one input-output interface I / O 205 connected via a communication bus 210.

[0040] When the device 200 represents the gateway GW 120 a , the input-output interface I / O 205 includes a communication interface with the communication network NET 101 and a communication interface with the communication network LR_NET 102 .

[0041] When the device 200 represents a smart fluid meter SM capable of taking on the role of a repeater REL, the input-output interface I / O 205 includes a communication interface with the communication network LR_NET 102 and a communication interface with the communication network SR_NET 103. In addition, the input / output interface I / O 205 includes a metering interface in order to perform consumption measurement and obtain corresponding metering indicators.

[0042] When the device 200 represents the information system IS 110 , the input-output interface I / O 205 includes a communication interface with the communication network NET101 .

[0043] The processor 201 can implement instructions loaded into the RAM 202 from the ROM 203, from an external memory (not shown), from a storage medium such as an SD card, or from a communication network (not shown). When the device 200 is powered on, the processor 201 can read the instructions from the RAM 202 and implement the instructions. These instructions form a computer program to enable the processor 201 to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described herein.

[0044] All or some of the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described herein may also be implemented in software by a programmable machine such as a DSP (digital signal processor) or a microcontroller executing a set of instructions, or in hardware by a machine or a dedicated component (chip) or a set of dedicated components (chip set) such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). In general, the automation management system 100 includes an electronic circuit system arranged and configured to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described herein.

[0045] Figure 3 The algorithm implemented by each gateway GW 120a, 120b is schematically shown.The case of gateway GW 120a will be considered.

[0046] In step 301, the gateway GW 120a exchanges messages in the communication network LR_NET 102 and identifies smart meters within radio range through the communication network LR_NET 102. These are Figure 1 According to these exchanges, the gateway GW 120a obtains their respective battery capacities from the smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f. For example, the battery capacities are information encoded into one byte and can take values ​​from 0 to 255, with the understanding that the higher the value, the longer the remaining life of the battery.

[0047] Additionally, during these exchanges, the gateway GW 120a measures the reception quality of the signals from the smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f within radio range via the communication network LR_NET 102. The gateway GW 120a performs these measurements in step 302. The measurements of the reception quality of the signals are preferably measurements of the signal-to-noise ratio SNR.

[0048] In step 303, the gateway GW 120a selects a repeater among the smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f within the radio range according to the battery power of these smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f through the communication network LR_NET 102. The automation management system 100 theoretically includes enough fluid meters suitable for acting as repeaters so as to have enough redundancy to (theoretically) have at least one alternative when a repeater fails or the battery power is low.

[0049] The gateway GW 120a prefers at least one of the smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f with the highest battery power as a repeater. Preferably, the gateway GW 120a selects at least one of the smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f with a battery power higher than a predetermined threshold BL_TH as a repeater. In a specific embodiment, the gateway GW 120a selects each smart fluid meter SM 140a, 140b, 140f (within radio range) with a battery power higher than a predetermined threshold BL_TH as a repeater.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, the gateway GW 120a also selects a repeater based on the measured value of the signal reception quality from the smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f. The gateway GW 120a prefers at least one of these smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f whose corresponding signal reception quality of the gateway GW 120a is the highest as a repeater. Preferably, the gateway GW120a selects at least one of these smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f as a repeater, and in addition, the signal reception quality of the gateway GW120a with respect to the one is higher than a predetermined threshold SNR-TH. In a specific embodiment, the gateway GW120a selects each smart fluid meter SM 140a, 140b, 140f (within the radio range) as a repeater, and in addition, the signal reception quality of the gateway GW 120a with respect to each of the smart fluid meters is higher than a predetermined threshold SNR-TH.

[0051] In a particular embodiment, the gateway GW 120a knows which smart fluid meters can function as repeaters and for which other smart fluid meters SM (in a given geographic area), and therefore knows which repeaters to activate in a complementary manner based on the battery charge of any smart fluid meter that can maintain repeater function and optionally based on its signal reception quality to ensure that all smart fluid meters SM expected in the automation management system 100 are employed.

[0052] In step 304, the gateway GW 120a configures the communication network LR_NET according to the repeater selection performed in step 303. The gateway GW 120a instructs each smart fluid meter SM selected among the smart fluid meters SM 140a, 140b, 140f to activate the repeater function. The gateway GW 120a instructs each smart fluid meter SM that has previously activated the repeater function but is not selected in step 303 to deactivate the repeater function. Therefore, as an illustration, the gateway GW 120a selects the smart fluid meter SM 140f according to at least the battery power of the smart fluid meter SM and activates its repeater function to become the repeater REL 130. Then, at least one smart fluid meter SM can be paired with the repeater to benefit from the repeater function. The following is about Figure 4 Explain this aspect of the exchange.

[0053] In step 305, the gateway GW 120a helps the representative information system IS 110 to read the metering indicators of the smart fluid meter SM by relying on the configuration of the communication network LR_NET established and initiated in step 304. Therefore, the metering indicators of the smart fluid meters SM 140c, 140d and 140e are read with the help of the repeater REL 130. Figure 5 Explain this exchange.

[0054] In step 306, the gateway GW 120a obtains updates related to the respective battery levels of the smart fluid meters SM within the radio range during its exchanges with the smart fluid meters SM within the radio range via the communication network LR_NET. The gateway GW 120a monitors the battery levels in order to determine whether the repeater selection in the communication network LR_NET must be reviewed, typically after the battery level of the smart fluid meter SM acting as a repeater within the radio range falls below a predetermined threshold BL_TH. Preferably, the gateway GW120a obtains updates related to the reception quality of the signal from the smart fluid meter SM within the radio range by the gateway GW120a during its exchanges with the smart fluid meters SM within the radio range via the communication network LR_NET. The gateway GW120a monitors the smart fluid meters SM within the radio range in order to determine whether the repeater selection in the communication network LR_NET must be reviewed, typically after the reception quality of the signal from the smart fluid meter SM acting as a repeater falls below a predetermined threshold SNR_TH.

[0055] Therefore, when the gateway GW 120a determines that the repeater selection in the communication network LR_NET must be reviewed, the gateway GW 120a re-evaluates the configuration of the communication network LR_NET at step 307 and repeats the above steps to select a suitable new repeater.

[0056] Thus, if the battery charge of a smart fluid meter acting as a repeater drops, the gateway GW 120a will find an alternative repeater with a larger energy reserve (or a better compromise between the energy in reserve and the signal reception quality). This makes it possible to maintain the service while triggering actions on the spot (e.g. battery replacement or charging) in an appropriate manner and keeping the energy available on the battery.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, when a smart fluid meter that once acted as a repeater and is no longer a repeater (via the third communication network SR_NET 103) detects that some smart fluid meters within its range are isolated and no longer paired (sends a notification frame without response), the smart fluid meter automatically reactivates its repeater function, enables the relevant smart fluid meters SM to perform pairing, and alerts the gateway GW 120a that the smart fluid meter is acting as a repeater again. The gateway GW 120a can then take this into account when it re-evaluates the configuration of the communication network LR_NET in step 307.

[0058] Figure 4 The exchanges that enable the pairing of a smart electricity meter SM with a relay in an automation management system 100 are schematically shown.

[0059] At step 401, the smart fluid meter SM 140d is newly installed and detects a metering trigger for the first time, which represents the first commissioning of the smart fluid meter SM 140d.

[0060] At step 402, the smart fluid meter SM 140d switches to a pairing mode accordingly.

[0061] In step 403, the smart fluid meter SM 140d reawakens its communication interface compatible with the communication network SR_NET 103 and sends at least one notification frame via said interface. The notification frame identifies the smart fluid meter SM 140d and informs the smart fluid meter SM 140d of the fact that it is in pairing mode. Preferably, the smart fluid meter SM 140d sends such notification frames at regular intervals, for example every 5 minutes, while remaining awake during a predefined period, for example 5 seconds, to leave a chance for the repeater to respond. As an illustration, when the smart fluid meter SM 140d sends at least one notification frame in step 403, the repeater REL130 is not in pairing mode, the predefined period expires and the smart fluid meter SM 140d makes its communication interface compatible with the communication network SR_NET 103 in step 404 to be in sleep mode again.

[0062] In step 405a, the repeater REL 130 detects a triggering operation via the human-machine interface of the repeater REL 130. For example, the repeater REL 130 comprises a button that can be actuated by a user, and the repeater REL 130 detects a pressing of the button, for example a pressing whose duration is between a minimum limit T_MIN of, for example, 2 seconds and a maximum limit T_MAX of, for example, 10 seconds. In a variant embodiment, the repeater 130 comprises an infrared connector. For example, this infrared connector is configured to connect a sensor that complies with IEC62056-21, also termed a marker sensor. Such a sensor makes it possible to connect an installation and maintenance terminal that communicates via infrared signals via the sensor. The triggering can then be completed by the installation terminal and transmitted to the repeater REL 130 via the marker sensor and the infrared connector. Then, in step 406, the repeater REL 130 activates the pairing mode.

[0063] like Figure 4As shown, the activation of the pairing mode by the repeater REL 130 may also follow the repeater selection by the gateway GW 120a in step 405b. The smart fluid meter SM selected as the repeater then receives a message from the gateway GW 120a via the communication network LR_NET 102, by means of which the gateway GW 120a instructs the smart fluid meter SM to activate its repeater function (for example, when the smart fluid meter SM 140d becomes the repeater REL 130), which causes the activation of the pairing mode in step 406. Then, the repeater REL 130 waits for the reception of one or more notification frames via the communication network SR_NET 103.

[0064] In step 407, the smart fluid meter SM 140d reawakens its communication interface compatible with the communication network SR_NET 103 and sends at least one notification frame again via said interface, usually after expiration of a predetermined sleep period. Thus, the repeater REL 130 receives at least one notification frame, which is now in pairing mode.

[0065] At step 408, the relay REL 130 sends a message to the information system IS via the gateway GW 120a to announce the connection of the smart fluid meter SM 140d (identified by the received notification frame) and request any configuration information related to the smart fluid meter SM 140d, such as one or more encryption keys to be used for communicating with the smart fluid meter SM 140d. In a specific embodiment, the relay REL 130 performs the role of a proxy and behaves as if the smart fluid meter SM 140d with which it is paired is co-located in the relay 130.

[0066] At step 409, the information system IS 110 processes the message announcing the connection of the smart fluid meter SM 140d sent by the relay REL 130. Preferably, the information system IS 110 retrieves configuration information, such as one or more encryption keys to be used for communicating with the smart fluid meter SM 140d, and sends the configuration information back to the relay REL 130. The relay REL 130 uses the configuration information obtained from the information system IS 110 to configure itself and / or configure the smart fluid meter SM 140d.

[0067] In step 410, the relay REL 130 sends a pairing verification frame to the smart fluid meter SM 140d in response to the notification frame. The pairing verification frame may contain configuration information to be applied. The smart fluid meter SM 140d is then notified that the pairing with the relay REL 130 is successful.

[0068] In step 411, the relay REL 130 sends a synchronization frame to the smart fluid meter SM 140d. The synchronization frame contains current time information (e.g., in hours, minutes and seconds) and wake-up time information (e.g., also in hours, minutes and seconds). The relay REL 130 thus provides time synchronization for the smart fluid meter SM 140d. For its part, the relay REL 130 can be synchronized in time via the gateway GW 120a or via the information system IS 110 or via another time reference (e.g., a third-party server).

[0069] In step 412, the smart fluid meter SM 140d synchronizes its internal clock according to the current time information contained in the synchronization frame (the transmission delay time is negligible compared to the accuracy of the internal clock, for example, about 100 milliseconds or less). The smart fluid meter SM 140d uses the wake-up time information contained in the synchronization frame to program future wake-ups from sleep. And the smart fluid meter SM 140d sends a confirmation frame to the repeater REL 130.

[0070] In step 413, the smart fluid meter SM 140d leaves the pairing mode and switches to the nominal mode, wherein the smart fluid meter SM 140d sends the metering indicator reading by means of a synchronization frame in the time window defined by the repeater REL 130 (see Figure 5 Next, the smart fluid meter SM 140d puts its interface with the communication network SR_NET 103 into sleep mode.

[0071] At step 414, the repeater REL 130 deactivates the pairing mode.

[0072] In a first embodiment, the repeater REL 130 deactivates the pairing mode once the pairing with the smart fluid meter SM 130d is actually completed, i.e. upon receipt of the confirmation frame in step 412. For example, this first embodiment is triggered upon detection of a press of the above-mentioned human-machine interface button for a duration between a minimum limit T_MIN (e.g. 2 seconds) and a maximum limit T_MAX (e.g. 10 seconds). This facilitates replacement of a defective smart fluid meter SM or installation of a new smart fluid meter SM within the radio range of the repeater REL 130. The repeater activates the pairing mode only for the length of time necessary to take into account a single smart fluid meter SM.

[0073] In a second embodiment, the repeater REL 130 deactivates the pairing mode after a predetermined activation period has expired, for example after 10 minutes. The second embodiment can supplement the first embodiment. This second embodiment is triggered, for example, when a press of the above-mentioned human-machine interface button is detected for a duration exceeding a maximum limit T_MAX (for example 10 seconds). This makes it possible to identify the first installation of a smart fluid meter SM that is capable of acting as a repeater. This is particularly helpful for replacing defective repeaters and accelerating reintegration in the automation management system 100. This is because the new repeater will quickly replace the defective repeater that may have caused one or more smart fluid meters SM to have no pairing solution. If the repeater REL 130 has been paired at least once before the pairing mode is automatically cut off, the repeater REL 130 will notify the gateway GW 120 that it has assumed the role of a repeater. Then, the gateway GW 120a can take this into account when it re-evaluates the configuration of the communication network LR_NET in step 307. According to another example, this second embodiment is triggered based on an instruction from the gateway GW 120a to activate the repeater function (step 405b).

[0074] If the repeater REL 130 has no other processing operations to be performed immediately, the repeater REL 130 enters the sleep mode, specifically, puts its interface with the communication network SR_NET 103 into the sleep mode.

[0075] In a particular embodiment, when the relay REL 130 loses its connection to the gateway GW120a via the communication network LR_NET 102, the relay REL 130 automatically deactivates the relay function, resumes its simple role as the smart fluid meter SM 140f, and seeks to restore itself through the application Figure 4 procedures (notification frames, etc.) to pair with another repeater.

[0076] The internal resources of each repeater are not unlimited. Each repeater knows the maximum number N of paired smart fluid meters SM that it can manage in parallel. For example, N=5. When the actual number of paired smart fluid meters SM reaches the maximum value N, the repeater REL 130 does not accept any new pairing.

[0077] Figure 5 An exchange that enables a repeater to perform a meter reading on at least one smart fluid meter SM paired with the repeater is schematically shown.The illustrative case of a meter reading of a smart fluid meter SM 140d by a repeater REL 130 will be considered.

[0078] In step 501, the repeater REL 130 wakes up its interface with the communication network SR_NET 103 and is able to receive frames from the smart fluid meter SM paired therewith. As an illustration, the repeater REL 130 wakes up at a predetermined time Δt (e.g. 1 second) before the presumed time T0 of waking up the smart fluid meter SM 140d, which is programmed when the last synchronization frame sent by the repeater REL 130 to the smart fluid meter SM 140d is received (e.g. steps 411 and 412). The predetermined time Δt is defined so as to compensate at least the maximum theoretical clock drift between two consecutive wake-ups of the smart fluid meter SM.

[0079] In step 502, the smart fluid meter SM 140d wakes up its interface with the communication network SR_NET 103 and sends an indicator frame containing the metering indicator reading (usually the current indicator value) generated by the smart fluid meter SM 140d to the repeater REL 130. The repeater REL 130 thus collects metering data related to the smart fluid meter SM 140d so that it can then relay the metering data to the information system IS 110 via the gateway GW 120a.

[0080] In step 503, the relay REL 130 sends a synchronization frame to the smart fluid meter 140d. As already described, the synchronization frame contains current time information and wake-up time information. The relay REL 130 thus maintains the time synchronization of the smart fluid meter SM 140d.

[0081] At step 504, the smart fluid meter SM 140d synchronizes its internal clock based on the current time information contained in the synchronization frame. The smart fluid meter SM 140d programs future wake-ups from sleep using the wake-up time information contained in the synchronization frame. And the smart fluid meter SM 140d sends an acknowledgement frame to the repeater REL 130.

[0082] In an optional step 505, the relay REL 130 sends a frame requesting the battery level to the smart fluid meter SM 140d, and in a step 506, the smart fluid meter SM 140d responds with a frame notifying the battery level, the frame containing coded information representing the battery level of the smart fluid meter SM 140d. This makes it possible to alert the information system SI 110 and / or the gateway GW 120a when the smart fluid meter SM 140d maintains a low battery level (below a predetermined warning threshold A_TH). The information system SI 110 can thus be alerted by the smart fluid meter SM 140d and / or the gateway GW 120a. Figure 6 Elaborate on this aspect.

[0083] In step 507, the smart fluid meter SM 140d puts its interface with the communication network SR_NET 103 into sleep mode until the next programmed moment of waking up from sleep. In a particular embodiment, the smart fluid meter SM 140d implements entry into sleep mode after a predetermined time has expired since it woke up in step 502, for example after 3 seconds.

[0084] If the repeater REL 130 does not have any other processing operations to be performed immediately, the repeater REL 130 enters the sleep mode, and specifically puts its interface with the communication network SR_NET 103 into the sleep mode at step 508 .

[0085] The above article about Figure 4 and 5 The described exchange relies on command frames and response frames.

[0086] The command frame makes it possible in particular to:

[0087] - Setting the time of the smart fluid meter (first payload part) and synchronizing it for the next wake-up (second payload part): this is a synchronization frame (e.g. in the form of a command frame preceded by an operation code of a byte equal to 0x01, with 3 bytes for the first part and 3 bytes for the second part);

[0088] - Request battery level of smart fluid meter: This is a battery level request frame (eg, in the form of a command frame with an operation code of a byte equal to 0x02, with no associated payload).

[0089] The response frame makes it possible in particular to:

[0090] - Send Confirmation: This is a confirmation frame (e.g. in the form of a response frame with an operation code of a byte equal to 0x01, and no payload);

[0091] - Sending the metering indicator reading of the associated smart fluid meter: This is an indicator frame (e.g. in the form of a response frame with an operation code of a byte equal to 0x02, with 4 indicator reading payload bytes);

[0092] - Send the battery level of the associated smart fluid meter: This is a battery level notification frame (eg, in the form of a response frame with an operation code of a byte equal to 0x03, with 1 battery level payload byte).

[0093] Figure 6 The algorithm implemented by each gateway, such as the gateway GW 120a, for notifying the information system IS 110 of an alert is schematically shown.

[0094] In step 601, the gateway GW 120a detects that the smart fluid meter SM has a low battery level (lower than the warning threshold A_TH). The gateway GW 120a knows the battery levels of the smart fluid meters SM directly connected to it through the communication network LR_NET 102, including those acting as repeaters, at regular intervals (step 306). For other smart fluid meters SM that are not connected to the communication network LR_NET 102, their battery levels can be transmitted by the repeaters that previously collected the battery levels (step 506).

[0095] At step 602 , the gateway GW 120 a sends an alert to the information system SI 110 , notifying the low battery level of the relevant smart fluid meter SM and the desire for on-site action (battery replacement or charging), thereby improving the maintenance of the automation management system 100 .

[0096] Figure 6 The algorithm in may also be implemented by a repeater of the automation management system 100 , which then notifies the information system IS 110 , or by the gateway GW 120a , which in turn notifies the information system IS 110 .

[0097] Figure 7 The algorithm implemented by each relay, such as relay REL 130 , for transmitting meter reading data to information system IS 110 is schematically shown.

[0098] At step 701, the repeater REL 130 wakes up and starts an acquisition cycle.

[0099] At step 702, the relay REL 130 performs an internal reading of the metering index (the relay REL 130 is in its basic function of the smart fluid meter SM).

[0100] In step 703, the relay REL 130 collects the metering indicator readings generated by each smart fluid meter SM paired with it. The relay REL 130 preferably collects the battery power of each smart fluid meter SM paired with it. The relay REL 130 resets the time of each smart fluid meter SM paired with it and programs its next wake-up. Figure 5 The exchange occurs as described.

[0101] The repeater REL 130 defines the wake-up moment of the smart fluid meter SM paired therewith. The repeater REL 130 can thus ensure that the smart fluid meter SM paired therewith wakes up during different time windows in order to limit transmission interference. In a specific embodiment, the repeater REL 130 implements an acquisition cycle in which the smart fluid meter SM paired therewith wakes up during consecutive time windows spaced 2*Δt apart in time to account for clock drift. At the end of the processing of the acquisition cycle, the repeater REL 130 can implement entering a sleep mode until the next acquisition cycle.

[0102] In a particular embodiment, in the event that the relay REL 130 has not successfully collected the indicator reading of the smart fluid meter SM with which it is paired, the relay REL 130 retries in the next collection cycle. After a certain number of unsuccessful attempts, the relay REL 130 considers that the communication with the associated smart fluid meter SM has been interrupted. The relay REL 130 then excludes it from the next collection cycle. Pairing may be possible and the smart fluid meter SM will find another relay (see Figure 8 ), or the smart fluid meter SM needs on-site action (repair, replacement).

[0103] In step 704, the relay REL 130 sends the indicator readings collected in steps 702 and 703 to the information system IS 110. The relay REL 130 may send the indicator readings collected in steps 702 and 703 to the gateway GW 120a, which in turn sends the indicator readings to the information system IS 110. Preferably, the relay REL 130 also sends its battery power and the battery power of each smart fluid meter SM paired with it to the gateway GW 120a.

[0104] Next, the repeater REL 130 may be implemented to enter a sleep mode until the next acquisition cycle. Therefore, each acquisition cycle requires a very short period of time at the repeater and at the paired smart fluid meter SM.

[0105] Figure 8 The algorithm implemented by each smart fluid meter SM for re-pairing in case of loss of synchronization is schematically shown.

[0106] At step 801, the associated smart fluid meter SM is paired with a repeater and operates in a nominal mode.

[0107] In step 802, the relevant smart fluid meter SM detects a loss of synchronization, i.e., a duration greater than a predetermined threshold SYNC_TH (e.g., 8 minutes) has passed since the last time setting by the repeater with which the smart fluid meter SM is paired. In the event of a loss of synchronization, the relevant smart fluid meter SM must find the repeater again.

[0108] Then, in step 803, the smart fluid meter SM leaves the nominal mode, switches to the pairing mode and applies Figure 4 In the case of replacing a defective repeater, each smart fluid meter SM paired therewith is therefore automatically switched to pairing mode until the new repeater is put into use, as has been described above.

[0109] Fig. 9 An algorithm implemented by the information system IS 110 for reconfiguring the communication network LR_NET 102 or by the gateway GW 120a is schematically shown.

[0110] At step 901, the information system IS 110 or the gateway GW 120a detects a loss of synchronization with the smart fluid meter SM. For example, the information system IS 110 or the gateway GW 120a has not received a metering indicator reading of the associated smart fluid meter SM since a number of acquisition cycles above a predetermined threshold C_TH.

[0111] In step 902, the information system IS 110 or the gateway GW 120a forces a reconfiguration of the communication network LR_NET 102 in order to try to resynchronize the associated smart fluid meter SM (which must switch to pairing mode if it is not defective, see Figure 8 ). Information system IS 110 sends a reconfiguration instruction to gateway GW 120a. In this case, or if gateway GW 120a implements Fig. 9 If the algorithm in step 307 is used, the gateway re-evaluates the configuration of the communication network LR_NET in order to select a suitable repeater again.

[0112] When it is confirmed that the repeater is in its repeater role after the gateway GW 120a re-evaluates the configuration of the communication network LR_NET, the gateway notifies the relevant repeater of this, and the repeater then switches to pairing mode (see step 405b) so that one or more smart fluid meters SM that are no longer paired can be taken over by the repeater as needed.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a communication network by a gateway acting as an intermediary between a plurality of smart fluid meters and an information system responsible for collecting metering indicator readings generated by the smart fluid meters, the gateway being connected to the information system via a first communication network, the gateway being connected to a first smart fluid meter of the plurality of smart fluid meters via a second long-range radio communication network, the first smart fluid meter acting as a repeater for a second smart fluid meter via a third short-range radio communication network, wherein the gateway performs the following steps: - obtaining the battery level of the first smart fluid meter via the second long-range radio communication network; - selecting one or more first smart fluid meters as repeaters according to the obtained battery power, wherein the gateway selects each first smart fluid meter whose battery power is higher than a first predetermined threshold as a repeater; - configuring the second long-range radio communication network, instructing the first smart fluid meter selected as a repeater to activate its repeater function, and instructing any former repeater that has not been selected as a repeater again to deactivate its repeater function; - Monitoring the battery charge of the first smart fluid meter and re-evaluating the configuration of the second long range radio communication network accordingly.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gateway performs the following steps: - generating a measurement of the quality of signal reception from the first smart fluid meter during exchanges with the first smart fluid meter via the second long range radio communications network; - further selecting one or more first smart fluid meters as repeaters based on the generated measurement of the signal reception quality; - monitoring the reception quality of the signal transmitted by the first smart fluid meter in the second long range radio communication network and re-evaluating the configuration of the second long range radio communication network accordingly. 3 . The method according to claim 2 , wherein the gateway selects each first smart fluid meter whose corresponding signal reception quality of the gateway is higher than a second predetermined threshold as a repeater.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second smart fluid meter is paired with the first smart fluid meter acting as a relay for the second smart fluid meter, thereby performing the following steps: - In pairing mode, each second smart fluid meter sends a notification frame until a response is received from the first smart fluid meter acting as a repeater; - Each first smart fluid meter in pairing mode and acting as a repeater within the radio range of said third short-range radio communication network responds to at least one received notification frame and pairs with said second smart fluid meter sending said responded notification frame. 5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the second smart fluid meters switches to a pairing mode when a trigger for metering is first detected.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein at least one of the second smart fluid meters switches to pairing mode after losing synchronization with a previous repeater.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the repeater switches to pairing mode when a press of a human interface button of the associated repeater is detected or when a command is received via an infrared connector of the associated repeater.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein a press of the interface button is detected during a period between a minimum limit and a maximum limit, instructing the associated repeater to switch to a pairing mode to pair a single second smart fluid meter, and a press of the interface button is detected during a period greater than the maximum limit, instructing the associated repeater to switch to a pairing mode during a predetermined period.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein the repeater switches to a pairing mode when receiving an instruction to activate or maintain the repeater function from the gateway.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein each repeater collects the battery power of each second smart fluid meter paired with the repeater via the third short-range radio communication network and notifies the gateway of the battery power, and the gateway alerts the information system when the battery power of the second smart fluid meter is lower than a predetermined warning threshold.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein when a first smart fluid meter that once acted as a repeater and is no longer a repeater detects that at least one second smart fluid meter is isolated and no longer paired, the first smart fluid meter automatically reactivates its repeater function, causes each associated second smart fluid meter to be paired, and alerts the gateway that the first smart fluid meter is acting as a repeater again.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein when a repeater loses its connection with the gateway via the second long-range radio communication network, the relevant repeater automatically deactivates the repeater function, resumes its simple role as a smart fluid meter, and seeks to pair itself with another repeater.

13. A computer program product comprising instructions for implementing the method according to claim 1 when said instructions are executed by a processor.

14. An information storage medium storing instructions for implementing the method according to claim 1 when the instructions are read and implemented by a processor from the information storage medium.

15. A gateway configured to act as an intermediary between a plurality of smart fluid meters and an information system responsible for collecting metering indicator readings generated by the smart fluid meters, the gateway configured to be connected to the information system via a first communication network and to be connected to a first smart fluid meter among the plurality of smart fluid meters via a second long-range radio communication network, the first smart fluid meter acting as a repeater for a second smart fluid meter via a third short-range radio communication network, the gateway comprising an electronic circuit system configured to: - obtaining the battery level of the first smart fluid meter via the second long-range radio communication network; - based on the obtained battery power, selecting the first smart fluid meter with the highest battery power as the repeater; - configuring the second long-range radio communication network, instructing the first smart fluid meter selected as a repeater to activate its repeater function, and instructing any former repeater that has not been selected as a repeater again to deactivate its repeater function; - Monitoring the battery charge of the first smart fluid meter and re-evaluating the configuration of the second long range radio communication network accordingly.

16. An automated management system for collecting metering index readings generated by intelligent fluid meters in the system, the system further comprising an information system and a gateway according to claim 15.

Images