ESIM configuration file self-adaption method for intelligent electric meter

Abstract

The invention provides an ESIM configuration file adaptive method for an intelligent electric meter, and the method comprises the steps: obtaining network environment information through an LTE communication module in the intelligent electric meter, and the network environment information at least comprises an operator identifier and signal strength; judging whether the currently used configuration file is applicable or not according to the network environment information; if the currently used configuration file is not applicable, triggering a configuration file switching process, and selecting a target configuration file matched with an identity from a configuration file list stored in the ESIM card; and executing an activation operation of the target configuration file through the LTE communication module, completing identity updating and trying to access the network. According to the method, the connection quality of the LTE communication module can be dynamically optimized according to the network environment, the communication stability and reliability of the intelligent electric meter are improved, the Profile management process is simplified, and the maintenance cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of smart meters, and more particularly to an ESIM Profile self-adaptation method for smart meters. Background Art

[0002] When traditional smart meters change operators, operation and maintenance personnel need to go to each meter site to replace the SIM card; after adopting the ESIM card, only the communication module needs to be automatically switched, or the ESIM configuration file can be remotely triggered to upgrade, which saves a lot of manpower, material resources and time costs and improves operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0003] Smart meters using eSIMs allow users to switch carriers and plans remotely, without having to insert or replace physical SIM cards like with traditional ones. This increases user freedom and flexibility in network access. For example, when a power company partners with a new carrier or seeks better network services and rates, it can remotely switch the carrier profile for the smart meter, eliminating the need for on-site personnel to replace the SIM card.

[0004] The use of ESIM technology in smart meters effectively improves the convenience of network configuration and management, while also reducing operation and maintenance costs and improving security.

[0005] However, dynamic changes in carrier network coverage and signal strength, such as a sudden drop in network coverage or when smart meters switch to a new network, can cause the original profile to fail to register with the network. Without requiring on-site maintenance personnel to perform local card replacement, how can the smart meter's LTE communication module select a profile based on current network conditions and optimally switch networks or carriers to prevent nodes from becoming "islands" due to network inaccessibility? This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention addresses the problem of selecting a configuration file based on current network conditions and optimally switching networks or carriers when the network environment changes during on-site use of smart meters. This method proposes an adaptive ESIM configuration file method for smart meters. Without requiring on-site maintenance personnel to perform local card replacement, the smart meter automatically switches to the corresponding profile identity information in the Profile List to optimally switch networks or carriers. This effectively avoids the problem of permanent network inaccessibility and becoming an "island" in such situations, thereby enhancing the intelligence of the smart meter.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is:

[0008] The present invention provides an ESIM configuration file self-adaptation method for a smart meter, the method comprising the following steps:

[0009] S1. Obtaining network environment information through the LTE communication module in the smart meter, wherein the network environment information includes at least an operator identifier and a signal strength;

[0010] S2. Determine whether the currently used profile is applicable based on the network environment information; if the currently used profile is not applicable, trigger the profile switching process and select the target profile that matches the identity from the profile list stored on the ESIM card;

[0011] S3. Activate the target profile through the LTE communication module, complete the identity update, and attempt to access the network.

[0012] Furthermore, when obtaining the operator identification through the LTE communication module in the smart meter, the following steps are performed:

[0013] Periodically detect the current network's operator country code (MCC) and operator code (MNC) through the LTE communication module;

[0014] The operator country code MCC and operator code MNC are compared with the corresponding information in the currently used configuration file to detect whether the currently used configuration file matches the current network environment; if they do not match, the configuration file switching process is triggered.

[0015] Furthermore, when obtaining the signal strength through the LTE communication module in the smart meter, the following steps are performed:

[0016] The LTE communication module continuously monitors the signal strength of the current network and compares the signal strength with the preset threshold;

[0017] If the signal strength is lower than a preset threshold and does not improve within a preset time period, the currently used profile is determined to be inappropriate, triggering the profile switching process.

[0018] Furthermore, the triggering of the profile switching process in S2, selecting a target profile that matches the identity from the profile list stored in the ESIM card, includes:

[0019] Obtain the configuration file list returned by the ESIM card through the LTE communication module, and parse the enable status of each configuration file in the configuration file list;

[0020] According to the preset switching strategy, the target configuration file is selected from the inactivated configuration files, and the identification information ICCID corresponding to the target configuration file to be switched is notified to the ESIM card by calling the corresponding API interface.

[0021] Furthermore, the establishment of the configuration file list stored in the ESIM card in S2 includes:

[0022] The LTE communication module accesses the network based on the initial seed number in the ESIM card and obtains the configuration file download address through local or remote communication;

[0023] Download multiple configuration files according to the download address and save them to the ESIM card, create a configuration file list, record the ICCID identification information of each configuration file, and synchronize it to the smart meter for reading.

[0024] Furthermore, the management of the configuration file list stored in the ESIM card in S2 includes:

[0025] Periodically check the integrity of the configuration file list in the ESIM card and whether the data is damaged through the LTE communication module;

[0026] If a damaged or invalid configuration file is detected, the identification information ICCID of the damaged or invalid configuration file is obtained and a deletion operation is performed;

[0027] After deletion, the configuration file list is re-read and synchronized to the smart meter.

[0028] Furthermore, the updating of the configuration file list stored in the ESIM card in S2 includes:

[0029] Use the LTE communication module to detect whether the configuration files in the configuration file list are applicable to the current network environment;

[0030] If none of the configuration files in the configuration file list is applicable, obtain a new configuration file download address through local or remote communication;

[0031] Download the new configuration file from the download address and save it to the ESIM card, update the ICCID in the configuration file list and synchronize it to the smart meter;

[0032] Select a new target profile to switch to based on the updated profile list.

[0033] Furthermore, the step of activating the target configuration file by the LTE communication module in S3 includes:

[0034] Control the ESIM card through the LTE communication module to switch from the current profile to the target profile;

[0035] The LTE communication module obtains the switching result fed back by the ESIM card, refreshes the identity, and dials into the network based on the target configuration file;

[0036] If the access fails, the current used configuration file is rolled back to reattempt the access.

[0037] Advantages of the present application:

[0038] The application discloses a network optimization method of an intelligent electric meter LTE communication module, which periodically detects network state real-time data to determine whether the current Profile is suitable for the current network environment; when the operator information does not match or the signal strength continuously is lower than the threshold value, the Profile switching process is triggered; the Profile list is obtained from the ESIM card, the target Profile suitable for use is screened, and the switching is completed through the ESIM chip interface; after the switching, the network configuration is refreshed and a new connection is attempted, and whether rollback is needed is checked; the method can dynamically optimize the connection quality of the LTE communication module according to the network environment, and improve the communication stability and reliability of the intelligent electric meter.

[0039] The application also periodically checks the Profile list integrity, deletes damaged files and updates synchronization to ensure that the user can read the latest Profile information in real time; the method can simplify the Profile management process and reduce the maintenance cost.

[0040] Other features and advantages of the present application will be described in detail in the following specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the figures, and wherein:

[0042] Figure 1 A system block diagram of the present application is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 A flowchart of the intelligent electric meter ESIM configuration file download and activation of the present application is shown.

[0044] Figure 3 A flowchart of the intelligent electric meter configuration file download of the present application is shown.

[0045] Figure 4 A flowchart of the intelligent electric meter ESIM configuration file switching by judging the current network signal strength of the present application is shown.

[0046] Figure 5 A flowchart of the intelligent electric meter ESIM configuration file switching by judging the operator identification of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The preferred embodiments of the present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings, it is understood that the present application can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein.

[0048] As Figure 1 The system block diagram of the present application is shown, including a cellular network 1 (2G / 3G / 4G), an LTE communication module 2 with an ESIM card, and a smart meter 3 with an LTE communication module; the LTE communication module 2 and the smart meter 3 are electrically connected through a serial port.

[0049] The LTE communication module refers to a cellular communication module compatible with 4G / 3G / 2G three network standards; the LTE communication module with an ESIM card refers to a module that has an ESIM chip attached before leaving the factory, and a plurality of Profile files have been downloaded in the ESIM chip, involving multiple operators or multiple networks.

[0050] The present application provides an ESIM Profile self-adaptive method for a smart meter, which can specifically include:

[0051] S1, obtaining the current network state of the LTE communication module in the smart meter, the network state including the operator country code, the operator code, and the network signal strength, and obtaining the real-time data of the network state through periodic detection.

[0052] S2, judging whether the currently used Profile is suitable for the current network environment according to the real-time data of the network state.

[0053] As Figure 5 For the operator identification, if the operator country code MCC and the operator code MNC do not match the current Profile, the Profile switching process is triggered.

[0054] As Figure 4 For the network signal strength, it is detected whether it is lower than the preset threshold, and if the signal strength is continuously lower than the preset threshold for a predetermined period of time, the Profile switching process is triggered.

[0055] The stored Profile list is obtained from the ESIM card, the Profile list containing a plurality of pre-downloaded Profile files, each file corresponding to different operators and network configurations, and the enabled state of the unactivated Profile is determined by analyzing the list. According to the enabled state in the Profile list, the target Profile suitable for the current network environment is screened out, and the optimal configuration is selected from the unactivated Profile by using a preset switching strategy.

[0056] S3, by calling the interface of the ESIM card, identity information corresponding to the target Profile is transmitted to the ESIM chip, and the chip is controlled to switch from the current Profile to the target Profile, and the update of the identity information is completed.

[0057] After the ESIM chip completes the switching, a switching result feedback is obtained, the feedback is used to confirm whether the target Profile is successfully activated, if the activation is successful, the network configuration of the LTE communication module is refreshed.

[0058] Based on the refreshed network configuration, a network dialing operation is performed, a new network connection is tried to be established through the target Profile, and a connection state is obtained to judge whether it is necessary to roll back to the original Profile.

[0059] In one example, for the Profile list stored in the ESIM card, as shown in Figure 3 The step of downloading the Profile includes:

[0060] The LTE communication module accesses the network based on the initial seed number in the ESIM card, and obtains a configuration file download address through local or remote communication mode;

[0061] According to the download address, a plurality of configuration files are downloaded and saved to the ESIM card, a configuration file list is established, the identification information ICCID of each configuration file is recorded, and is synchronized to the smart meter for reading.

[0062] In one example, for the Profile list stored in the ESIM card, its integrity is periodically checked, whether there is a damaged or invalid Profile file is detected, if the damaged file is found, the identity thereof is obtained through the interface and a deletion operation is performed.

[0063] After the deletion operation is completed, the Profile list is updated and synchronized to the smart meter, and through the synchronization operation, it is ensured that the user can read the latest Profile information in real time.

[0064] In the embodiment, the integrity of the Profile list is periodically checked, the damaged file is deleted and updated and synchronized, and it is ensured that the user can read the latest Profile information in real time; the Profile management process is simplified, and the maintenance cost is reduced.

[0065] In specific implementation:

[0066] The ESIM Profile self-adaption method for the smart meter of the application includes the following steps:

[0067] S1: the communication module uses a seed number to enter the network, and meets the basic business such as communication;

[0068] S2: download the Profile address to the smart meter by local or remote means;

[0069] S3: the smart meter forwards the Profile address to the communication module through the internal interface;

[0070] S4: based on S3, the communication module downloads the Profile using the corresponding address;

[0071] S5: based on S4, after successful download, save the Profile file to the ESIM card, and reacquire all ICCID information in the Profile list and update it to the meter through the internal interface, so as to facilitate real-time reading of all Profile information by the user;

[0072] S6: according to customer needs, repeat S5 to download the involved Profile information to the ESIM card one by one;

[0073] S7: according to customer needs, activate the ESIM card to a certain Profile identity information before leaving the factory;

[0074] S8: during on-site use, the communication module periodically detects the MCC and MNC information in the network environment to determine whether the currently used Profile is suitable, and when it is determined that it is not suitable, the matching identity information is obtained from the Profile List, and the communication module initiates a switching command;

[0075] S9: based on S8, wait for the activation result, and after successful activation, the communication module is initialized and uses the newly activated Profile to enter the network;

[0076] S10: based on S9, after successful network entry, use the current Profile to perform business, and if the network entry fails, execute the rollback mechanism, i.e., switch back to the original Profile to enter the network communication;

[0077] S11: during on-site use, the module periodically (fixed at 1 minute) detects the network signal quality of the currently used Profile, and when it is found that the signal quality is below the preset threshold for 10 minutes, the communication module initiates a Profile switching instruction to find a better network;

[0078] S12: based on S11, when a Profile information better than the preset threshold is detected, use the identity information to enter the network; if no suitable Profile is found after one round of Profile List polling, execute the rollback mechanism and switch back to the original Profile to enter the network communication;

[0079] The over-the-air writing step of the on-site ESIM is similar to S2-S5.

[0080] Embodiments of the application have been described above, with the understanding that these descriptions are exemplary only, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments disclosed to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims

1. A method for self-adapting an ESIM configuration file for a smart meter, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: S1. Obtaining network environment information through the LTE communication module in the smart meter, wherein the network environment information includes at least an operator identifier and a signal strength; S2. Determine whether the currently used profile is applicable based on the network environment information; if the currently used profile is not applicable, trigger the profile switching process and select the target profile that matches the identity from the profile list stored on the ESIM card; S3. Activate the target profile through the LTE communication module, complete the identity update, and attempt to access the network.

2. The method for self-adapting an ESIM configuration file for a smart meter according to claim 1, wherein: To obtain the operator ID through the LTE communication module in the smart meter, perform the following steps: Periodically detect the current network's operator country code (MCC) and operator code (MNC) through the LTE communication module; The operator country code MCC and operator code MNC are compared with the corresponding information in the currently used configuration file to detect whether the currently used configuration file matches the current network environment; if they do not match, the configuration file switching process is triggered.

3. The method for self-adapting an ESIM configuration file for a smart meter according to claim 1, wherein: To obtain signal strength through the LTE communication module in the smart meter, perform the following steps: The LTE communication module continuously monitors the signal strength of the current network and compares the signal strength with the preset threshold; If the signal strength is lower than a preset threshold and does not improve within a preset time period, the currently used profile is determined to be inappropriate, triggering the profile switching process.

4. The method for self-adapting an ESIM configuration file for a smart meter according to claim 1, wherein In S2, the triggering of the profile switching process and selecting a target profile that matches the identity from the profile list stored in the ESIM card includes: Obtain the configuration file list returned by the ESIM card through the LTE communication module, and parse the enable status of each configuration file in the configuration file list; According to the preset switching strategy, the target configuration file is selected from the inactivated configuration files, and the identification information ICCID corresponding to the target configuration file to be switched is notified to the ESIM card by calling the corresponding API interface.

5. The method for self-adapting an ESIM configuration file for a smart meter according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that In S2, the establishment of the configuration file list stored in the ESIM card includes: The LTE communication module accesses the network based on the initial seed number in the ESIM card and obtains the configuration file download address through local or remote communication; Download multiple configuration files according to the download address and save them to the ESIM card, create a configuration file list, record the ICCID identification information of each configuration file, and synchronize it to the smart meter for reading.

6. The method for self-adapting an ESIM configuration file for a smart meter according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that In S2, the management of the configuration file list stored in the ESIM card includes: Periodically check the integrity of the configuration file list in the ESIM card and whether the data is damaged through the LTE communication module; If a damaged or invalid configuration file is detected, the identification information ICCID of the damaged or invalid configuration file is obtained and a deletion operation is performed; After deletion, the configuration file list is re-read and synchronized to the smart meter.

7. The method for self-adapting an ESIM configuration file for a smart meter according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that In S2, updating the configuration file list stored in the ESIM card includes: Use the LTE communication module to detect whether the configuration files in the configuration file list are applicable to the current network environment; If none of the configuration files in the configuration file list is applicable, obtain a new configuration file download address through local or remote communication; Download the new configuration file from the download address and save it to the ESIM card, update the ICCID in the configuration file list and synchronize it to the smart meter; Select the new target profile to switch to based on the updated profile list.

8. The method for self-adapting an ESIM configuration file for a smart meter according to claim 1, wherein In S3, the activation operation of the target configuration file performed by the LTE communication module includes: Control the ESIM card through the LTE communication module to switch from the current profile to the target profile; The LTE communication module obtains the switching result fed back by the ESIM card, refreshes the identity, and dials into the network based on the target configuration file; If the connection fails, roll back to the currently used configuration file and try again.

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