Programming electric meter global positioning system coordinates using smart devices

Abstract

A method for programming global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of a smart meter, comprising: receiving, by a server remote from the smart meter, an image file of a photograph of the smart meter; identifying, from the image file, identification information of the smart meter; extracting, from metadata of the received image file, GPS coordinates; transmitting, to the smart meter identified by the identification information, the GPS coordinates and instructions to store the GPS coordinates; and storing, by a processor of the smart meter, the GPS coordinates in a memory of the smart meter.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims of this application and are not acknowledged as prior art by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

[0002] Electricity meters measure the electricity consumed by customers of electricity utility providers. These meters are plugged into meter sockets installed in enclosures or other structures on buildings. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) electricity meters (also known as smart meters) are updated digital versions of traditional electricity meters. Smart meters record energy consumption and transmit this information to the utility provider for monitoring and billing. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the meter and a central system via an AMI network.

[0003] When a smart meter is installed at a customer's location, Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates are programmed into the meter. The GPS coordinates of the smart meter can be used to provide location awareness for applications running within the meter and are used by the utility provider's headend systems to verify the meter's location, construct grid maps, and more. A typical smart meter installation procedure requires the installer to use a GPS device to determine the GPS coordinates and then program those coordinates into the meter using a computer or other specialized equipment for communicating with the meter. The various pieces of equipment required to program GPS coordinates into a smart meter complicate the installation process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A system and method are provided for programming the GPS coordinates of an electricity meter using an application executed on a smart device.

[0005] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a method is provided. In some aspects, the method may include receiving an image file of a photograph of a smart meter from a server located remotely to the smart meter; identifying identification information of the smart meter from the image file; extracting GPS coordinates from the metadata of the received image file; transmitting the GPS coordinates and instructions for storing the GPS coordinates to the smart meter identified by the identification information; and storing the GPS coordinates in the memory of the smart meter by a processor of the smart meter.

[0006] The method may further include performing image recognition on the received image file to identify the smart meter's identification information. The smart meter's identification information may be an identification number in the form of an alphanumeric code, barcode, or quick response (QR) code. GPS coordinates may be stored in a database record associated with the smart meter's identification information.

[0007] Photos from the smart meter can be captured by a camera on the smart device, and an application running on the smart device can transmit the image files to a server. The smart device can communicate with the server via the internet or cellular service.

[0008] The method may further include: determining that the smart meter has not yet joined the AMI network before transmitting the GPS coordinates and commands, and delaying the transmission of the GPS coordinates and commands until the smart meter joins the AMI network.

[0009] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a system is provided. In some aspects, the system may include: a smart device operable to execute an application, a smart meter including a processor in its memory, and a remote server operable to communicate with the smart device and the smart meter.

[0010] The remote server can be configured to: receive an image file containing a photograph of a smart meter from an application running on a smart device; identify the smart meter's identification information from the image file; extract GPS coordinates from the image file's metadata; and transmit the GPS coordinates and instructions for storing the GPS coordinates to the smart meter identified by the identification information. The smart meter's processor can be configured to store the GPS coordinates in the smart meter's memory.

[0011] The method may further include performing image recognition on the received image file to identify the smart meter's identification information. The smart meter's identification information may be an identification number in the form of an alphanumeric code, barcode, or quick response (QR) code. GPS coordinates may be stored in a database record associated with the smart meter's identification information.

[0012] Photos of the smart meter can be captured by a camera on the smart device, and an application running on the smart device causes the image file to be transmitted to a server. The smart device can communicate with the server via the internet or cellular service.

[0013] The smart meter in the remote server can communicate via the AMI network. The remote server can be further configured to: determine whether the smart meter has joined the AMI network before transmitting the GPS coordinates and commands, and delay the transmission of the GPS coordinates and commands until the smart meter joins the AMI network.

[0014] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided. In some aspects, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions for causing a processor to perform the following operations: receiving an image file containing a photograph of a smart meter; identifying identification information of the smart meter from the image file; extracting GPS coordinates from metadata of the received image file; and transmitting the GPS coordinates and instructions for storing the GPS coordinates to the smart meter identified by the identification information.

[0015] The non-transitory computer-readable medium may further include instructions to: perform image recognition on a received image file to identify the smart meter's identification information, and store the GPS coordinates in a database record associated with the smart meter's identification information. The smart meter's identification information may be an identification number in the form of an alphanumeric code, barcode, or quick response (QR) code.

[0016] The non-transitory computer-readable medium may further include instructions to: determine that the smart meter has not yet joined the AMI network before transmitting the GPS coordinates and instructions; and to delay the transmission of the GPS coordinates and instructions until the smart meter joins the AMI network.

[0017] Numerous benefits beyond conventional techniques are achieved through various embodiments. For example, various embodiments provide apparatus and methods that can be used to reduce electricity meter installation time and obtain electricity meter information. In some embodiments, the GPS coordinates of the electricity meter can be obtained from geotagging information embedded in metadata of a photograph of the meter installation. In other embodiments, the photograph of the electricity meter can be used to identify the meter and obtain information such as past or current energy usage. These and other embodiments, along with their many advantages and features, are described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Aspects and features of various embodiments will become clearer by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connections to an electricity meter and a meter socket according to some aspects of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of a smart meter 210 based on some aspects of this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a simplified block diagram of an AMI network based on some aspects of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a smart metering surface according to some aspects of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for determining the GPS coordinates of a smart meter using an application executed on a smart device, according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for programming GPS coordinates of a smart meter from a remote computer system according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 7 An example of a smart device 700 according to some aspects of this disclosure is illustrated, wherein received information related to a smart meter is displayed on a display.

[0026] Figure 8 The illustration shows another example of a smart device 800 according to some aspects of the present disclosure, wherein received information related to a smart meter is presented on a display.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 900 for obtaining information associated with a smart meter using an application executed on a smart device, according to some aspects of this disclosure; and

[0028] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 1000 for obtaining information from a smart meter using an application executed on a smart device, according to aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. The apparatuses, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made to the form of the example methods and systems described herein without departing from the scope of protection.

[0030] Electricity meters measure the electricity consumed by customers of electricity utility providers. The meters are plugged into meter sockets installed in enclosures or other structures on buildings and provide a connection between the electricity delivered by the utility and the customer. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connections to an electricity meter and a meter socket according to some aspects of this disclosure.

[0031] like Figure 1As illustrated, power from the power grid 110 (i.e., the distribution network) is supplied to the meter socket 120 via electrical wiring L1 and L2. Electrical wiring L1 and L2 can supply power from two phases of the power grid. A neutral line N (sometimes referred to as ground) is connected between the power grid 110 and the electrical service 140, for example, at the electrical service panel. In some cases, power can be supplied from all three phases of the power grid, with appropriate wiring and connections provided (not shown).

[0032] Electricity service 140 is also connected to meter socket 120 via corresponding electrical wiring L1 and L2. Electricity meter 130 includes an insulating base with an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection to meter socket 120. Meter socket 120 also includes an insulating base with an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection to meter 130 when it is inserted into meter socket 120. When meter 130 is inserted into meter socket 120, an electrical connection is formed between power grid 110 and electricity service 140 via meter 130. Within meter 130, the voltage and current supplied to electricity service 140 by power grid 110 are measured or metered by measuring device 135, such as a voltage transformer and a current transformer. The power delivered to electricity service 140 can be calculated based on the voltage and current measurements.

[0033] In some installations, power may be supplied on a single line from only one phase of the grid (e.g., a single phase, 120V service). In other installations, power may be supplied as a “split-phase” 240V service from a center-tapped transformer supplied only by one phase of the grid. Furthermore, the electricity meter may not always be placed between the utility and the end customer. For example, in high-current applications, the customer may be directly connected to the utility, where the electricity meter is connected to the service via a current transformer.

[0034] Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) electricity meters (also known as smart meters) are updated digital versions of traditional electricity meters. Smart meters record electricity consumption and transmit the information to utility providers for monitoring and billing. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the meter and a central system via an AMI network.

[0035] Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system of smart meters, communication networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers. This system provides many important functions, such as automatic and remote measurement of electricity usage, connection and disconnection of services, tamper detection, identification and isolation of power outages, and the ability to monitor power line voltage.

[0036] Figure 2This is a simplified block diagram of a smart meter 210 according to some aspects of this disclosure. The smart meter 210 may include a processor 220, a memory 230, a display panel 240, a communication module 250, a near field communication (NFC) module 260, and various sensors 270.

[0037] Processor 220 can be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device. Processor 220 can electrically communicate with memory 230, display panel 240, communication module 250, NFC module 260, and sensors 270, and can control the overall operation of smart meter 210. Processor 220 can receive data generated by various sensors 270 of smart meter 210, including but not limited to energy usage, voltage, current, etc., and can perform operations or processing on the data. Processor 220 can communicate with display panel 240 to display various operating parameters (e.g., energy usage), diagnostic data (e.g., error conditions), or other smart meter information (e.g., GPS coordinates).

[0038] Memory 230 may be a storage device such as a solid-state storage device or other storage device, and may be a combination of volatile and non-volatile storage devices or memories. In some implementations, a portion of the memory may be included in the processor 220. Memory 230 may be configured to store instructions executable by the processor 220, data generated by the various sensors 270 of the smart meter 210, and other applications executable by the processor 220.

[0039] Display panel 240 may be an electronic display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode (LED) or other display. Display panel 240 may display various parameters measured by the smart meter (e.g., kilowatt-hours, voltage, etc.) as well as diagnostic information about the meter's status (e.g., temperature) and other information such as GPS coordinates.

[0040] The communication module 250 may be a wired or wireless transceiver operable to communicate via various wired or wireless protocols known in the art, such as, but not limited to, the AMI protocol. The communication module 250 enables the smart meter 210 to communicate with other smart meters in a network (e.g., an AMI network) and with the utility provider controlling that network. The communication module 250 can transmit data and alarm signals to the utility provider and receive any of the following: updated program instructions, firmware updates, updates to other settings, or other communications.

[0041] When an NFC-enabled device (such as a smartphone or other smart device) is brought near the smart meter 210, the NFC module 260 can provide near-field communication between the smart meter 210 and the device. In some cases, the NFC module 260 can be a passive device capable of storing information associated with the smart meter 210, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, which can be read by an NFC-enabled device. In other cases, the NFC module 260 can be an active device capable of peer-to-peer communication with other NFC-enabled devices.

[0042] Smart devices can be mobile computing devices with GPS capabilities, cameras, mobile communication capabilities (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), and the ability to run downloaded applications. Smart devices can be, for example, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.

[0043] Sensor 270 may include, but is not limited to, voltage sensors, current sensors, accelerometers, tilt switches, temperature sensors, and other sensors configured to monitor the electrical and physical characteristics of the smart meter.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a simplified block diagram of an AMI network 300 based on some aspects of this disclosure. (See reference) Figure 3 Smart meters 310a-310d can wirelessly communicate with each other and with router 320a. Router 320a can wirelessly or wiredly communicate with gateway 330. Similarly, smart meters 310e-310g can wirelessly communicate with each other and with router 320b. Router 320b can wirelessly or wiredly communicate with gateway 330. Gateway 330 can communicate with headend system 340 via the Internet or another network. Headend system 340 may include server 345 to communicate with gateway 330. In some cases, server 345 may reside in the cloud. Server 345 may include one or more processors (not shown). The processor may be a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other processor operable for a server. One or more processors can electrically communicate with memory (not shown).

[0045] The headend system 340 can store a database containing information about smart meters 310a-310g, such as, but not limited to, the physical location of the smart meters (e.g., customer street address), GPS coordinates, serial number, network address, etc., and the headend system 340 can be responsible for communicating with smart meters 310a-310g and other utility assets via AMI network 300. The headend system 340 can listen to AMI network 300 for data transmitted from smart meters 310a-310g, and send commands (e.g., turn on service switch) and data (e.g., GPS coordinates) to smart meters 310a-310g.

[0046] The GPS coordinates of a smart meter can be used by the utility provider for various purposes, including but not limited to identifying the physical location of the meter, tamper detection, and power quality determination. The GPS coordinates can be obtained during the installation of the smart meter at the customer's location. According to some aspects of this disclosure, apparatus and methods are provided for obtaining and programming the GPS coordinates of a smart meter.

[0047] When a smart meter is installed in a power outlet at a customer's location, the installer can use a camera included in smart device 350 to photograph the installed smart meter. The photograph of the smart meter can be geotagged by smart device 350 using information including metadata embedded in the image file (such as latitude, longitude, and altitude data of the smart meter's location). Photographing the installed smart meter verifies the installation (e.g., that the outlet is powered) and prevents the provision of inaccurate GPS coordinates by photographing a set of smart meters before installation. Application 355 running on the smart device can enable the transmission of this image file. Smart device 350 can transmit the image file of the smart meter to a utility provider's headend system or other remote computer system for analysis, for example, via the Internet or cellular service. In some implementations, the remote computer system can be an edge computing device 325a, 325b located within the smart meter network between the smart meter and the gateway. In some implementations, in addition to the remote computer system, an edge computing device may also be included.

[0048] A server in the headend system (e.g., server 345 of headend system 340) or another server in another remote computer system communicating with the headend system can receive image files of the installed smart meters. An application running on the server can extract GPS coordinates from the image files. In some implementations, the application running on the server can, for example, use image recognition to analyze the image file to determine whether the socket where the smart meter is installed is powered. Power supply can be determined, for example, by recognizing alphanumeric characters on the display of the smart meter. In cases where the smart meter does not have a display, another visible power indicator, such as an illuminated indicator light, can be identified from the photograph. In some implementations, image recognition can be performed by an application 355 running on the smart device, and the identified information (e.g., serial number, power indication, GPS coordinates, etc.) along with the image file can be transmitted to the server.

[0049] Additional information can be included on the surface of the smart meter. For example, any or all smart meter identifiers (such as serial numbers or other identification numbers, network identifiers, network addresses, etc.) can be visible on the surface of the smart meter as alphanumeric characters or barcodes or quick response (QR) codes or any combination thereof (e.g., on a sticker or directly printed). The additional information can be identified by a server using image recognition from an image file of a photograph.

[0050] GPS coordinates and additional smart meter information can be stored in a record corresponding to the identified smart meter in the database of the headend system or other remote computer system. The headend system or other remote computer system can transmit the GPS coordinates and instructions for storing the GPS coordinates to the smart meter corresponding to the identified identifier (e.g., serial number) at the identified network address. The smart meter can receive the GPS coordinates and store them in non-volatile memory.

[0051] In some implementations, the application running on the edge computing device can process image files or data or both, and transmit GPS coordinates and instructions for storing the GPS coordinates to a smart meter at an identified network address corresponding to an identified identifier.

[0052] Although about Figure 3 An AMI network has been described, but it should be understood that other types of communication networks (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, etc.) may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a smart metering surface 400 according to some aspects of this disclosure. Reference Figure 4The smart metering surface 400 may include a display panel 410, a power indicator 420, and identification information 430, 440 for the smart meter. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the smart metering surface 400 may include additional features.

[0054] Display panel 410 may be an electronic display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode (LED) or other display. Display panel 410 may display various parameters measured by the smart meter (e.g., kilowatt-hours, voltage, etc.) as well as diagnostic information about the meter's status (e.g., temperature) and other information such as GPS coordinates. A power indicator 420 (e.g., an LED) may be included on the smart meter surface 400 to indicate that the smart meter is receiving power from a receptacle (e.g., the receptacle is active). While an indication that the smart meter is receiving power can be determined based on alphanumeric characters visible on display panel 410, some embodiments may omit the display panel, and power indicator 420 may provide an indication that the smart meter is receiving power from a receptacle.

[0055] The smart meter surface 400 may further include a smart meter identification number 430 (e.g., a smart meter serial number or other identification number) and a network ID 440 (e.g., an AMI network address or other network identifier). The identification number 430 and network ID 440 may be barcodes or QR codes and may also include alphanumeric characters. The identification number 430 and network ID 440 can be identified by an image recognition application from an image file of the smart meter surface.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 500 for determining the GPS coordinates of a smart meter using an application executed on a smart device, according to aspects of this disclosure. At block 510, the user can launch an application on the smart device (e.g., application 355). The user can select the application on the smart device after the smart meter has been installed in a power outlet at the customer's location.

[0057] At frame 520, the user can photograph the front of the installed smart meter. The user can center the smart meter surface in the smart device's viewfinder, making its features visible in the photo. The smart device can geotag the image file using the GPS coordinates of the location where the photo was taken. These GPS coordinates can be included in the image file's metadata.

[0058] At box 530, it can be determined whether the identification features of the smart meter are recognized. In some implementations, the smart device application can perform image recognition to identify smart meter identification information, such as, but not limited to, the smart meter serial number and network ID. In some implementations, the user can view a photograph to determine whether the smart meter identification information is identifiable. In response to determining that the smart meter identification information is not identifiable (530-No), at box 535, the smart device application can optionally display an error message indicating that the information cannot be recognized, and the method can continue at box 520 to retrieve the photograph again.

[0059] In response to determining that the smart meter identification information is identifiable (530-Yes), at box 540, the smart device application may cause an image file of a photograph of the smart meter surface (including geotagging information in the metadata) to be transmitted to a headend system or other remote computer system. In some implementations, the smart device application may perform image recognition to identify the smart meter identification information and extract GPS coordinates from the metadata of the image file. In this case, the smart device application may cause the smart meter identification information and the extracted GPS coordinates, along with the image file of the smart meter surface, to be transmitted to the headend system or other remote computer system. In some embodiments, the smart device application may transmit the image file of the smart meter surface to the headend system or other remote computer system. In this case, a server at the headend system or other remote computer system may perform image recognition to obtain the smart meter identification information and extract GPS coordinates from the metadata of the image file. The GPS coordinates and additional smart meter information may be stored in a record corresponding to the identified smart meter in the database of the headend system or other remote computer system.

[0060] At box 550, the headend system or other remote computer system can transmit GPS coordinates to a smart meter corresponding to an identified identifier (e.g., serial number) at an identified network address. For example, the headend system or other remote computer system can transmit GPS coordinates and instructions for storing the GPS coordinates to the smart meter via an AMI network. The smart meter can receive and store the GPS coordinates. For example, the smart meter's processor can store the GPS coordinates in non-volatile memory.

[0061] It should be understood that Figure 5 The specific operations illustrated herein provide a particular method for determining the GPS coordinates of a smart meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to alternative embodiments, other sequences of operations may also be performed. For example, alternative embodiments of the present invention may perform the above operations in a different order. Furthermore, Figure 5The individual operations illustrated herein may include multiple sub-operations, which may be executed in various sequences suitable for the individual operation. Furthermore, additional operations may be added or removed depending on the specific application. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0062] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 600 for programming GPS coordinates of a smart meter from a remote computer system according to aspects of this disclosure. (See also:) Figure 6 At box 610, a photograph of the installed smart meter and its GPS location data can be received. A server on the headend system or other remote computer system can receive the photograph of the installed smart meter as an image file. The image file may have been created by an application (e.g., application 355) running on the smart device from a photograph of the installed smart meter captured by the smart device's camera. GPS location data (e.g., longitude, latitude, and altitude coordinates) can be embedded in the metadata of the image file. In some implementations, in addition to the image file, the GPS location data may have been extracted by an application running on the smart device and received by the server.

[0063] At box 620, smart meter identification information can be extracted from the image file. The server can perform image recognition on the received image file to identify smart meter identification information, such as serial number, network ID, etc. In some implementations, in addition to the image file, the smart meter identification information may also have been extracted from the image file, for example, by an application running on the smart device, and transmitted to the server.

[0064] At box 630, the database can be searched for records associated with smart meter identification information. The headend system or other remote computer system may include a database of information associated with each smart meter. For example, a record may be associated with the smart meter's serial number or other identification number. The server of the headend system or other remote computer system can search the database to determine if a record exists associated with the serial number or other identification number of a smart meter identified from a received image file.

[0065] At box 640, it can be determined whether a record for a smart meter has been found. The server of the headend system or other remote computer system can determine whether the database contains a record associated with the serial number or other identification number of the smart meter identified from the image file.

[0066] In response to determining that no smart meter record was found (640-No), at box 680, information associated with the smart meter's serial number or other identification number can be stored in a queue for later processing. For example, the server can store this information in a memory location for later retrieval and entry into the database.

[0067] At box 690, the process can be delayed for a period of time. For example, the server can associate a timer with stored information for later retrieval. In some cases, the entry of records associated with a smart meter into the database may be delayed. For example, records may be entered into the database according to a predetermined schedule, which may not be consistent with the smart meter installation. The delay period can be variable, such as minutes, hours, etc. After the delay period set by the timer expires, the process can continue at box 640 to determine whether the smart meter record has been found.

[0068] In response to the determination that a record for the smart meter has been found (640-Yes), at box 650, it can be determined whether the smart meter has been joined to a network (e.g., an AMI network). The server of the headend system or other remote computer system can determine whether communication with the smart meter over the network has been established.

[0069] In response to determining that the smart meter has not yet joined the network (650-No), at box 680, information associated with the smart meter's serial number or other identification number can be stored in a queue for later processing. For example, the server can store this information in a memory location for later retrieval and entry into a database.

[0070] At box 690, the process can be delayed for a period of time. For example, the server can associate a timer with the stored information for later retrieval. In some cases, due to the transmission characteristics of mesh networks, communication between the server at the headend or remote computer system and the newly installed smart meter may be delayed. The delay period can be variable, such as minutes, hours, etc. After the delay period, the process can return to box 640.

[0071] In response to determining that the smart meter has joined the network (650-Yes), at box 660, the GPS coordinates can be stored in the database. The server of the headend system or other remote computer system can store the smart meter's GPS coordinates in a record in the database associated with the smart meter's identification information.

[0072] At box 670, a server in the headend system or other remote computer system can transmit GPS location data to the smart meter. To enable the smart meter to know its location, the server in the headend system or other remote computer system can transmit GPS location data (e.g., GPS coordinates) and instructions for storing the GPS location data to the smart meter via a network. The smart meter can store the GPS coordinates, for example, in non-volatile memory. The smart meter can then use the GPS coordinates for applications running within the meter, as well as for subsequent communication with neighboring smart meters and with the headend system or other remote computer system.

[0073] It should be understood that Figure 6 The specific operations illustrated herein provide a particular method for programming the GPS coordinates of a smart meter from a remote computer system according to an embodiment of the invention. According to alternative embodiments, other sequences of operations may also be performed. For example, alternative embodiments of the invention may perform the above operations in a different order. Furthermore, Figure 6 The individual operations illustrated herein may include multiple sub-operations, which may be executed in various sequences suitable for the individual operation. Furthermore, additional operations may be added or removed depending on the specific application. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0074] Methods 500 and 600 may be embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as, but not limited to, memory or other non-transitory computer-readable medium known to those skilled in the art, wherein a program is stored including computer-executable instructions for causing a processor, computer or other programmable device to perform the method operations.

[0075] Smart meters can receive GPS coordinates from neighboring smart meters and store these coordinates in their memory, and can also transmit their own GPS coordinates to neighboring smart meters. In cases where a smart meter is relocated by the utility provider or a malicious actor, the smart meter can compare the GPS coordinates received from its new neighboring smart meters with the stored GPS coordinates of the previous neighboring smart meters to determine that its location has changed. The smart meter can then notify a server on a headend system or other remote computer system that its location has changed. The utility provider can then take appropriate action regarding the relocated smart meter.

[0076] According to some aspects of this disclosure, users can use an application running on a smart device to obtain information associated with the smart meter. This information may include, for example, but not limited to, energy usage, error conditions, location data, billing data, energy efficiency data, etc.

[0077] In one embodiment, a user can use the camera of a smart device to take a photograph of the smart meter surface. An application running on the smart device can perform image recognition on the image file of the photograph to identify smart meter identification information. Identification information may include a smart meter identification number (e.g., a smart meter serial number or other identification number) and a network ID (e.g., an AMI network address or other network identifier). The identification number and network ID may be a barcode or QR code and may also include alphanumeric characters. In some cases, the identification information may be displayed on a display panel (e.g., display panel 410). In some cases, the identification information may be printed on the meter surface, either directly on the meter surface or on an adhesive label.

[0078] Smart device applications can transmit smart meter identification information, along with requests for information associated with the smart meter, to a server on a headend system or other remote computer system. In some implementations, the smart device application may not perform image recognition, and an image file of a photograph may be transmitted to the server on the headend system or remote computer system. For example, the smart device may communicate with the server on the headend system or other remote computer system via the Internet or cellular service. In the case of transmitting an image file, the server can perform image recognition to obtain the smart meter identification information. The server can access a database for information associated with the received smart meter identification information. Information associated with the smart meter may include, but is not limited to, account information (e.g., account number, billing date, billing amount, expected rate changes, etc.), smart meter operating information (e.g., energy usage, phase voltage, current, power factor, etc.), and other smart meter information (e.g., GPS coordinates, temperature, error indication, or code, etc.). The server can transmit the requested data to an application running on the smart device. The smart device application can receive this data and display it on the smart device's display.

[0079] Figure 7 An example of a smart device 700 according to some aspects of this disclosure is illustrated, wherein received information associated with a smart meter is presented on a display. Reference Figure 7 The photo 710 of the smart meter can be displayed together with the account information 720 and operation information 730 presented in a graphical manner. Figure 8 Another example of a smart device 800 according to some aspects of this disclosure is illustrated, wherein received information related to a smart meter is presented on a display. Figure 8 A photograph 810 of the smart meter's surface, location and temperature information 820, and a graph 830 of operation information are shown again.

[0080] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 900 for obtaining information associated with a smart meter using an application executed on a smart device, according to some aspects of this disclosure. Reference Figure 9 At operation 910, the user can launch an application on the smart device (e.g., application 355).

[0081] At frame 920, the user can take a picture of the front of the installed smart meter. The user can center the smart meter surface in the viewfinder of the smart device, making the features of the smart meter surface visible in the photo.

[0082] At box 930, it can be determined whether the identification features of the smart meter are recognized. In some implementations, the smart device application can perform image recognition to identify smart meter identification information, such as, but not limited to, the smart meter serial number and network ID. In some implementations, the user can view a photograph to determine whether the smart meter identification information is identifiable. In response to determining that the smart meter identification information is not identifiable (930-No), at box 935, the smart device application can optionally display an error message indicating that the information cannot be recognized; if so, the method can continue to acquire the photograph again at box 920.

[0083] In response to determining that the smart meter identification information is identifiable (930-Yes), at box 940, the smart device application may perform image recognition to identify the smart meter identification information, such as, but not limited to, the smart meter serial number and network ID, and may cause the smart meter identification information to be transmitted to the headend system or other remote computer system. In some implementations, the smart device application may not perform image recognition, and may cause an image file of a photograph of the smart meter surface to be transmitted to the headend system or other remote computer system. In this case, the server at the headend system or other remote computer system may perform image recognition to obtain the smart meter identification information.

[0084] A server on a headend system or other remote computer system can access a database of information associated with the identified smart meter and can transmit that information to a smart device application. For example, the information can be transmitted from the server on the headend system or other remote computer system to the smart device via the Internet or cellular service. At box 950, the smart device application can receive the information transmitted by the server.

[0085] At box 960, smart device applications can display information received from the server on the smart device's screen. For example, such as Figure 7 and 8 The information shown can be displayed on a smart device screen. Although Figure 7 and Figure 8Examples of the information displayed and the format of the information display are illustrated, but other information may be displayed and other display formats may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0086] It should be understood that Figure 9 The specific operations illustrated herein provide a particular method for obtaining information associated with a smart meter according to an embodiment of the invention. According to alternative embodiments, other sequences of operations may also be performed. For example, alternative embodiments of the invention may perform the above operations in a different order. Furthermore, Figure 9 The individual operations illustrated herein may include multiple sub-operations, which may be executed in various sequences suitable for the individual operation. Furthermore, additional operations may be added or removed depending on the specific application. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0087] In another embodiment, an application running on a smart device can enable the smart device to communicate directly with the smart meter to obtain information stored on the smart meter, such as information stored in the smart meter's memory. The application can enable the smart device to communicate with the smart meter, for example, via a communication module using Wi-Fi or another wireless communication technology or protocol, or via an NFC module using radio frequency identification (RFID) or another NFC communication technology or protocol.

[0088] After establishing communication with the smart meter, the smart device application can enable the smart device to request information from the smart meter. The information provided by the smart meter may include operational information (e.g., energy usage, phase voltage, current, power factor, etc.) locally stored, such as in the smart meter's memory, as well as other smart meter information (e.g., GPS coordinates, temperature, error indications, or codes, etc.). The smart device can receive the information transmitted by the smart meter, and the smart device application can display this information on the smart device's display, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 8 As shown in the image.

[0089] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 1000 for obtaining information from a smart meter using an application executed on a smart device, according to aspects of this disclosure. (Reference) Figure 10 At box 1010, the user can launch an application on the smart device (e.g., application 355).

[0090] At box 1020, communication between a smart device application and a smart meter can be established. This application enables the smart device to communicate with the smart meter, for example, via a communication module using Wi-Fi or another wireless communication technology or protocol, or via an NFC module using RFID or another NFC communication technology or protocol.

[0091] At box 1030, the smart device application enables the smart device to transmit requests for information to the smart meter.

[0092] At box 1040, the smart meter can transmit information to a smart device. The information provided by the smart meter may include operational information (e.g., energy usage, phase voltage, current, power factor, etc.) stored locally, such as in the smart meter's memory, as well as other smart meter information (e.g., GPS coordinates, temperature, error indications or codes, etc.).

[0093] At box 1050, the smart device can receive information transmitted by the smart meter.

[0094] At box 1060, the smart device application can display this information on the smart device's display. This information can be, for example, as follows: Figure 8 It is displayed as shown in the diagram.

[0095] It should be understood that Figure 10 The specific operations illustrated herein provide a particular method for obtaining information from a smart meter according to an embodiment of the invention. According to alternative embodiments, other sequences of operations may also be performed. For example, alternative embodiments of the invention may perform the above operations in a different order. Furthermore, Figure 10 The individual operations illustrated herein may include multiple sub-operations, which may be executed in various sequences suitable for the individual operation. Furthermore, additional operations may be added or removed depending on the specific application. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0096] Methods 900 and 1000 may be embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as, but not limited to, memory or other non-transitory computer-readable medium known to those skilled in the art, wherein a program is stored including computer-executable instructions for causing a processor, computer or other programmable device to perform the method operations.

[0097] In some cases, smart meters can transmit error notifications to servers on the headend system or other remote computer systems, or customers can indicate problems with their service. Location information (e.g., GPS coordinates, smart meter installation address, etc.) can be obtained from a smart meter information database maintained at the headend system or other remote computer systems based on the smart meter identification information transmitted by the smart meter or the address reported by the customer.

[0098] Error notifications or customer issues, along with meter identification and location information, can be transmitted from the headend system or other remote computer systems to the smart device running an application for locating the smart meter. The smart device application can enable the smart device to execute navigation procedures to guide the user to the location of the smart meter, such as a map of a street address. The smart device application can use the smart meter's GPS coordinates to guide the user to the meter's actual location at the street address.

[0099] It should be understood that any features or aspects of several embodiments may be combined in one embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0100] The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Various modifications or alterations thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These will be included within the spirit and scope of this application and the following appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for programming GPS coordinates of a smart meter, the method comprising: Image files of photos of smart meters are received by a server located away from the smart meters; Identify the smart meter's identification information from the image file; Extract GPS coordinates from the metadata of the received image file; Determine whether the server includes records associated with the identification information; In response to determining that the server does not include records associated with the identification information: Store the identification information for subsequent processing; and In response to determining that the server includes records associated with the identification information: Determine whether the smart meter has been added to the network; In response to determining that the smart meter has joined the network, the GPS coordinates are stored in the record associated with the identification information; The GPS coordinates and the instruction to store the GPS coordinates are transmitted to the smart meter identified by the identification information; as well as The GPS coordinates are stored in the smart meter's memory by the smart meter's processor.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein identifying the identification information of the smart meter includes performing image recognition on the received image file.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the photo of the smart meter is captured by a camera on a smart device, and An application running on a smart device causes the image file to be transferred to a server.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the smart device communicates with the server via the Internet or cellular service.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification information of the smart meter includes an identification number in the form of an alphanumeric code, a barcode, or a quick-response QR code.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the network is an AMI network; the method further comprises: Before transmitting the GPS coordinates and instructions: In response to determining that the smart meter has not yet joined the AMI network, the transmission of the GPS coordinates and commands is delayed until the smart meter joins the AMI network.

7. A system for programming GPS coordinates of a smart meter, comprising: Smart devices that can be operated to execute applications; The smart meter includes a processor and a memory; as well as A remote server, operable to communicate with smart devices and smart meters, is configured to: Receive an image file containing a photo of a smart meter from an application running on a smart device; Identify the smart meter's identification information from the image file; Extract GPS coordinates from the metadata of the image file; Determine whether the server includes records associated with the identification information; In response to determining that the server does not include records associated with the identification information: Store the identification information for subsequent processing; and In response to determining that the server includes records associated with the identification information: Determine whether the smart meter has been added to the network; In response to determining that the smart meter has joined the network, the GPS coordinates are stored in the record associated with the identification information; The GPS coordinates and the instruction to store the GPS coordinates are transmitted to the smart meter identified by the identification information. The processor of the smart meter is configured to store the GPS coordinates in the smart meter's memory.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the remote server is further configured to: perform image recognition on the received image file to identify the identification information of the smart meter.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the photograph of the smart meter is captured by a camera on a smart device, and An application running on a smart device causes the image file to be transmitted to a remote server.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the smart device communicates with a remote server via the Internet or cellular service.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the identification information of the smart meter includes an identification number in the form of an alphanumeric code, barcode, or QR code.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the smart meter and the remote server communicate via an AMI network.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the network is an AMI network, and the remote server is further configured to: In response to determining that the smart meter has not yet joined the AMI network, the transmission of the GPS coordinates and commands is delayed until the smart meter joins the AMI network.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for causing a processor of a remote computer system to perform a method for programming GPS coordinates of a smart meter, the processor-executable instructions including instructions for performing operations including: Receive image files of photos from smart meters; Identify the smart meter's identification information from the image file; Extract GPS coordinates from the metadata of the image file; Determine whether the server includes records associated with the identification information; In response to determining that the server does not include records associated with the identification information: Store the identification information for subsequent processing; and In response to determining that the server includes records associated with the identification information: Determine whether the smart meter has been added to the network; In response to determining that the smart meter has joined the network, the GPS coordinates are stored in the record associated with the identification information; The GPS coordinates and the instruction to store the GPS coordinates are transmitted to the smart meter identified by the identification information.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, further comprising instructions for performing the following operations: Image recognition is performed on the received image file to identify the identification information of the smart meter.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the identification information of the smart meter includes an identification number in the form of an alphanumeric code, barcode, or QR code.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the network is an AMI network, and further includes instructions for performing the following operations: Before transmitting the GPS coordinates and instructions: In response to determining that the smart meter has not yet joined the AMI network, the transmission of the GPS coordinates and commands is delayed until the smart meter joins the AMI network.

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