A method for communication when an electricity meter loses power

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of electricity meter technology, specifically to a power-off communication method for electricity meters. It includes: Step 02, where the processing module acquires a power-off signal and opens a button operation access window; Step 04, where the processing module determines whether a first button trigger signal is received in the button operation access window. If successfully received, step 06 is executed; otherwise, no action is taken; Step 06, where the processing module sends a start command to the photoelectric communication module and opens a first time window, and the photoelectric communication module enters the working state; the processing module determines whether a second button trigger signal is received in the first time window. If successfully received, the photoelectric communication module remains in the working state; if not, a state transition command is sent to the photoelectric communication module after a first delay; Step 08, where the photoelectric communication module performs bidirectional data transmission and reception with an external transceiver, executing the power-off communication action. This method can limit the unnecessary activation of the backup power supply, saving backup power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electricity meter technology, and more specifically to a communication solution for electricity meters after power failure. Background Technology

[0002] Most electricity meter communication systems only support data reading and communication when AC power is on. When the electricity meter installed in a user's home loses power, the operator cannot go to the site to read the data in the electricity meter and can only wait until the power is restored to read the data. Therefore, it is necessary to support communication and reading of electricity meter data even when the power is off.

[0003] In existing technologies, electricity meters have built-in backup power supplies (such as supercapacitors and lithium batteries) to support the normal operation of the meter's clock module and to provide backup power for communication after a power outage. However, due to the limited internal space of the electricity meter, the capacity of the backup power supply installed in the meter body is limited. In areas with weak power grid infrastructure, frequent power outages or rationing can cause the electricity meter to be disconnected from the power grid for extended periods. Since existing backup power supplies often start immediately after a power outage and continue to supply power until the meter is powered on again, the power supply and communication units that are in standby mode consume a lot of extra energy during this period. Therefore, it is common for the backup power supply to be exhausted. Once the backup power supply is exhausted, not only will the meter's timing function fail, but operators will also need to replace the battery or use a third-party external power supply if they want to read the data in the meter on-site. This not only wastes time but also increases the difficulty of meter reading and the equipment requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a power outage communication method for electricity meters. This method can automatically limit the startup time of the backup power supply after the electricity meter loses power, restrict the unnecessary activation state of the backup power supply, save the power of the backup power supply, extend the self-sustaining time of the electricity meter, and facilitate the power outage communication operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A method for communication when an electricity meter loses power, the method comprising:

[0007] Step 02: The processing module receives the power failure signal and opens the button operation access window;

[0008] Step 04: The processing module determines whether the first key trigger signal has been received in the key operation admission window. If the signal is successfully received, proceed to step 06; otherwise, no action is taken.

[0009] Step 06: The processing module sends a start command to the optoelectronic communication module and opens the first time window, and the optoelectronic communication module enters the working state; the processing module determines whether the first time window receives the second button trigger signal. If the reception is successful, the optoelectronic communication module maintains the working state. If the reception fails, the processing module sends a state transition command to the optoelectronic communication module after the first delay time.

[0010] Step 08: The optoelectronic communication module in working condition conducts bidirectional data transmission and reception with the external transceiver device and performs power-off communication action.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power outage communication method of the energy meter further includes a display step, specifically:

[0012] After the processing module successfully receives the first key trigger signal in the key operation access window, it sends a first display instruction to the display module. The display module then forms and displays the first visual information based on the first display instruction.

[0013] After successfully receiving the second button trigger signal in the first time window, the processing module sends a second display instruction to the display module, which then generates and displays second visual information based on the second display instruction.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, after the optoelectronic communication module enters the working state, a parameter configuration step is also performed, specifically: the processing module automatically configures the optoelectronic communication serial port baud rate and communication mode.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power outage communication method of the energy meter further includes a valid communication judgment step, specifically: after the processing module successfully receives the second button trigger signal in the first time window, it opens the second time window; if the photoelectric communication module has not received / sent energy data in the second time window, the processing module sends a state transition command to the photoelectric communication module after a second delay time; if the photoelectric communication module successfully receives / sent energy data in the second time window, the processing module automatically resets the timing start point of the second time window to the last time energy data was successfully received / sent.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the second time window is positively correlated with the trigger frequency of the first button trigger signal.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the state transition instruction is a shutdown instruction. When the photoelectric communication module receives the shutdown instruction, the processing module simultaneously opens the key operation access window and waits for the first key trigger signal to activate the photoelectric communication module.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the state transition instruction is a silence instruction. When the photoelectric communication module receives the silence instruction, the processing module simultaneously sends a start instruction to the photoelectric communication module and opens a first time window, waiting for the second button trigger signal to activate the photoelectric communication module.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power-off communication method of the energy meter further includes a main frequency switching step, specifically: after the processing module successfully receives the second button trigger signal in the first time window, it switches the energy meter to the first operating frequency; after the photoelectric communication module receives the shutdown command, it switches the energy meter to the second operating frequency.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first button trigger signal is a long button signal, the second button trigger signal is a short button signal, and the button trigger time of the long button signal is at least 10 times the button trigger time of the short button signal.

[0021] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an electronic device, including a processor and a memory;

[0022] The processor is connected to the memory;

[0023] The memory is used to store executable program code;

[0024] The processor reads the executable program code stored in the memory to run the program corresponding to the executable program code, so as to execute the above-described method for communication when the power is off in an energy meter.

[0025] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] This power outage communication method for electricity meters compares the time window with the button trigger signal. After a power outage, it determines that the photoelectric communication module will only be activated when photoelectric communication is needed, allowing it to enter and maintain a working state. Furthermore, by setting a delay time, the photoelectric communication module can be automatically deactivated when not needed, activating the device's low-power state. This automatically limits the startup time of the backup power supply after a power outage, restricts the unnecessary activation of the backup power supply, saves backup power, and extends the self-sustaining time of the electricity meter.

[0027] Furthermore, based on the characteristic triggering differences (e.g., specific button triggering duration) between the first and second button triggering signals, a verification combination can be formed. This prevents unauthorized personnel from easily triggering and maintaining the working state of the photoelectric communication module when the electricity meter loses power. Moreover, this design can further prevent the deliberate disconnection of the electricity meter's power supply for data theft or alteration. In other words, the electricity meter power-off communication method provided by this invention not only ensures low energy consumption of the electricity meter during power outages and improves the durability of backup power supplies, but also enhances data security during power outages. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the method of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a possible circuit structure diagram of an optoelectronic communication module in the embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a possible circuit structure diagram of an optoelectronic communication module in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the subject matter described herein, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. The function and arrangement of the elements discussed may be changed without departing from the scope of this specification. Various processes or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as needed in the various examples. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described in some examples may be combined in other examples.

[0033] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations are open terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other definitions, whether explicit or implicit, may be included below. Unless explicitly indicated by the context, the definition of a term shall remain consistent throughout the specification.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, in step 02, the processing module obtains the power failure signal and opens the button operation access window;

[0035] The processing module is a central processing unit installed in the electricity meter housing. It can be composed of an MCU processor. Under normal operating conditions, the electricity meter is connected to mains power. When the mains power is disconnected, i.e., a power outage event occurs, the software layer of the processing module recognizes the power outage event and obtains the power outage signal. Then, it simultaneously opens the button operation access window. Only after the button operation access window is opened can subsequent button trigger signals be effectively triggered, thus avoiding accidental button trigger signals in non-power-out states.

[0036] Step 04: The processing module determines whether the first key trigger signal has been received in the key operation admission window. If the signal is successfully received, proceed to step 06; otherwise, no action is taken.

[0037] The first button trigger signal can be manually activated by operating the function buttons on the energy meter. The trigger timing must be within the button operation access window to prevent accidental button activation when the power is not off. If the processing module fails to receive the signal, no action is taken; if the processing module successfully receives the signal, step 06 below is executed.

[0038] Step 06: The processing module sends a start command to the optoelectronic communication module and opens the first time window, and the optoelectronic communication module enters the working state. The processing module determines whether the first time window receives the second button trigger signal. If the reception is successful, the optoelectronic communication module maintains the working state. If the reception fails, the processing module sends a state transition command to the optoelectronic communication module after the first delay time.

[0039] Specifically, after the first button trigger signal is successfully triggered, the photoelectric communication module enters the working state. However, to prevent the photoelectric communication module from remaining continuously on due to false triggering, thus wasting backup power, a first time window is set. The first time window is a countdown window. The second button trigger signal must be fully triggered within the first time window to keep the photoelectric communication module working. If the processing module does not receive the second button trigger signal within the first time window, it will also enter an automatic timed shutdown state. After the first delay time, the processing module sends a state transition command to the photoelectric communication module. The length of the first time window can be set to 30 seconds, and the continuous triggering duration of the second button trigger signal can be set to 1 second. The first delay time can be flexibly set according to the backup power capacity of the energy meter for different signals, for example, 5 minutes. If the photoelectric communication module receives the state transition command, it will execute an action (such as a shutdown action). If you want to reactivate the photoelectric communication module, you need to manually give the first button trigger signal again and give the second button trigger signal within the first time window.

[0040] Step 08: The optoelectronic communication module in working condition conducts bidirectional data transmission and reception with the external transceiver device and performs power-off communication action.

[0041] When the photoelectric communication module is in operation, it can transmit and receive data bidirectionally with external transceivers through infrared photoelectric effects, ensuring that the electricity meter can communicate even when the power is off.

[0042] In another possible embodiment, the power outage communication method of the electricity meter further includes a display step, specifically:

[0043] After the processing module successfully receives the first key trigger signal in the key operation access window, it sends the first display instruction to the display module. The display module then forms and displays the first visual information based on the first display instruction.

[0044] After the processing module successfully receives the second button trigger signal in the first time window, it sends a second display instruction to the display module. The display module then generates and displays the second visual information based on the second display instruction.

[0045] The display steps allow operators to clearly understand the current trigger stage. After the processing module successfully receives the first button trigger signal, it automatically sends a first display command to the display module. The display module can then generate and display second visual information based on this command, such as ON+optical indicating a successful first button trigger operation. Similarly, after the processing module successfully receives the second button trigger signal, it automatically sends a second display command to the display module. The display module generates second visual information based on this command, such as DONE indicating a successful second button trigger operation.

[0046] In another possible embodiment, after the optoelectronic communication module enters the working state, a parameter configuration step is also performed, specifically, the processing module automatically configures the optoelectronic communication serial port baud rate and communication mode.

[0047] The processing module automatically configures the baud rate and communication mode of the optoelectronic communication serial port, enabling rapid matching of communication rates with external transceivers.

[0048] In another possible embodiment, the power outage communication method of the energy meter also includes a valid communication judgment step, specifically: after the processing module successfully receives the second button trigger signal in the first time window, it opens the second time window; if the photoelectric communication module has not received / sent energy data in the second time window, the processing module sends a state transition command to the photoelectric communication module after a second delay time; if the photoelectric communication module successfully receives / sent energy data in the second time window, the processing module automatically resets the timing start point of the second time window to the last time energy data was successfully received / sent.

[0049] The second button trigger signal differs from the first button trigger signal. Its purpose is to provide the processing module with the next logical instruction. After the processing module successfully receives the first button trigger signal in the button operation access window, the photoelectric communication module has entered the working state. Furthermore, the processing module also successfully receives the second button trigger signal in the first time window, thus maintaining the working state of the photoelectric communication module. However, based on comprehensive considerations for saving power consumption, it is necessary to exclude the possibility that the photoelectric communication module has not actually successfully received / sent power data. Therefore, if the photoelectric communication module has not received / sent power data in the second time window, the processing module sends a state transition instruction to the photoelectric communication module after the second delay time. If the photoelectric communication module successfully receives / sent power data in the second time window, the processing module automatically resets the timing start point of the second time window to the last time power data was successfully received / sent. It can be seen that as long as there is power data reception / transmission, the second time window will be continuously updated and reset to ensure that the photoelectric communication module is always in the working state and never turns on. Once the power data transmission is complete, no more power data will be received or sent in the next second time window. Therefore, after the second delay time, the processing module sends a state transition command to the photoelectric communication module to shut down the photoelectric communication module (the photoelectric communication module can also be manually shut down by personnel using a button).

[0050] In another possible embodiment, the state transition instruction is a shutdown instruction. When the photoelectric communication module receives the shutdown instruction, the processing module simultaneously opens the key operation access window and waits for the first key trigger signal to activate the photoelectric communication module. In this embodiment, the state transition instruction is a shutdown instruction. After each shutdown instruction is received, the photoelectric communication module will reactivate the most basic trigger that requires the first key trigger signal. This is suitable for energy meters with high data security requirements. In this embodiment, after the photoelectric communication module is shut down, it is reactivated to complete the dual verification triggering of the first key trigger signal and the second key trigger signal.

[0051] In another possible embodiment, the length of the second time window is positively correlated with the trigger frequency of the first button trigger signal. Based on the previous embodiment, the state transition instruction is a shutdown instruction. While the above setting enhances security, it also increases the complexity of the operator's operation. Therefore, by making the length of the second time window positively correlated with the trigger frequency of the first button trigger signal, that is, in actual operation, the higher the need for the operator to restart the optoelectronic communication module (the higher the frequency), the longer the corresponding second time window will be. This can minimize the risk of accidental shutdown and restart operations caused by receiving / sending multiple sets of power data, thereby reducing the complexity of the operator's operation while ensuring safety.

[0052] In another possible embodiment, the state transition command is a silence command. When the photoelectric communication module receives the silence command, the processing module simultaneously sends a start command to the photoelectric communication module and opens a first time window, waiting for the second button trigger signal to activate the photoelectric communication module. Therefore, when the state transition command is a silence command, it is suitable for energy meters with low additional safety requirements, simplifying operator operations. Specifically, when the photoelectric communication module enters a silence state, upon reactivation, the operator only needs to trigger the second button trigger signal to complete the action, eliminating the need to trigger the first button trigger signal.

[0053] In another possible embodiment, the power-down communication method for the energy meter further includes a main frequency switching step, specifically: after the processing module successfully receives the second button trigger signal in the first time window, it switches the energy meter to the first operating frequency; after the photoelectric communication module receives the shutdown command, it switches the energy meter to the second operating frequency. Specifically, the first operating frequency is the power-down communication frequency, which is 3.6MHz, and the second operating frequency is the silent frequency, which is 32kHz. The power-down communication frequency is a high-frequency mode, where the energy meter needs to process data quickly (such as saving key information and uploading data). In high-frequency mode, the chip's processing speed is faster, enabling efficient completion of sudden tasks, but dynamic power consumption is higher. The silent frequency is a low-frequency mode, where the CPU only maintains basic timing or standby functions, significantly reducing dynamic power consumption. This design can maximize the saving of backup power consumption and extend the lifespan of the backup power supply. It should be noted that the energy meter operating frequency in this embodiment includes the operating frequency of the processing module, the operating frequency of the acquisition module, etc.

[0054] In another possible embodiment, the first button trigger signal is a long button signal, and the second button trigger signal is a short button signal. The button trigger time of the long button signal is at least 10 times that of the short button signal. This design allows different trigger operations to be completed using a single button on the energy meter, which simplifies the circuit structure and reduces operational difficulty. By setting the trigger time difference between the long and short button signals, the distinguishability between the two buttons can be ensured. This time multiple difference also enhances data security during power outages, as non-operators who do not understand this time multiple requirement cannot successfully activate the photoelectric communication module.

[0055] The following describes one possible hardware circuit implementation of the present invention, such as... Figure 2 As shown, when mains power is connected, the infrared emitting and receiving tubes are powered through VCC (3.3V). When power is off, VCC is 0V, and the infrared emitting and receiving tubes are powered through MVDD. During power loss, the battery voltage, after being reduced from 3.6V to 3.3V by a diode, is supplied to MVDD. After another diode reduction, approximately 3V is supplied to the infrared emitting and receiving tubes. The power control pin of the optoelectronic communication module is active low. It is initialized to a high level during power-on and power-off, effectively turning off the power to the optoelectronic communication module. After power loss, the processing module controls the power control pin of the optoelectronic communication module to open and close. When the processing module controls the infrared communication power control pin to open during power loss and outputs a low level, the MOSFET is turned on, and the optoelectronic communication module is powered.

[0056] To prevent the VCC circuit from powering other devices after a power outage and the infrared communication power supply is turned on, a resistor R186 was added. Figure 3The photoelectric communication module circuit shown has a microcontroller serial port that is normally at a high level when not in operation, preventing the TX transmitter from conducting. When transmitting data, the TX port is at a low level, and the transmitter conducts. The receiving circuit utilizes a common-emitter amplifier model with a Q600 transistor. Influenced by the photocurrent magnitude, it operates in either amplification or saturation mode when conducting. This circuit fully utilizes the current amplification factor, resulting in high sensitivity. However, when the infrared illumination intensity is low, the photocurrent is small, and the Q600 output level changes with the photocurrent, ultimately failing to be detected. Therefore, a shaping circuit is added to reshape the signal to ensure correct high and low level identification. When the infrared receiver RX receives an infrared signal, a photocurrent is generated on RX. Q600 operates in amplification mode, generating a high level across resistor R601. Q601 then operates in cutoff mode, receiving a low-level signal at the RXD terminal.

[0057] Several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical applications, or technological improvements to the embodiments in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for communication when an electricity meter loses power, characterized in that, The method includes: Step 02: The processing module receives the power failure signal and opens the button operation access window; Step 04: The processing module determines whether the first key trigger signal has been received in the key operation admission window. If the signal is successfully received, proceed to step 06; otherwise, no action is taken. Step 06: The processing module sends a start command to the optoelectronic communication module and opens the first time window, and the optoelectronic communication module enters the working state; the processing module determines whether the first time window receives the second button trigger signal. If the reception is successful, the optoelectronic communication module maintains the working state. If the reception fails, the processing module sends a state transition command to the optoelectronic communication module after the first delay time. Step 08: The optoelectronic communication module in working condition conducts bidirectional data transmission and reception with the external transceiver device and performs power-off communication action.

2. The power outage communication method for an electricity meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power outage communication method for this electricity meter also includes a display step, specifically: After the processing module successfully receives the first key trigger signal in the key operation access window, it sends a first display instruction to the display module. The display module then forms and displays the first visual information based on the first display instruction. After successfully receiving the second button trigger signal in the first time window, the processing module sends a second display instruction to the display module, which then generates and displays second visual information based on the second display instruction.

3. The power outage communication method for an electricity meter according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the optoelectronic communication module enters the working state, it also performs a parameter configuration step, specifically: the processing module automatically configures the optoelectronic communication serial port baud rate and communication mode.

4. The power outage communication method for an electricity meter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power outage communication method of the electricity meter also includes a valid communication judgment step, specifically: after the processing module successfully receives the second button trigger signal in the first time window, it opens the second time window. If the photoelectric communication module has not received / sent any power data in the second time window, the processing module sends a state transition command to the photoelectric communication module after a second delay time. If the photoelectric communication module successfully receives / sent any power data in the second time window, the processing module automatically resets the timing start point of the second time window to the last time that power data was successfully received / sent.

5. The power outage communication method for an electricity meter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The state transition instruction is a shutdown instruction. When the photoelectric communication module receives the shutdown instruction, the processing module simultaneously opens the key operation access window and waits for the first key trigger signal to activate the photoelectric communication module.

6. The power outage communication method for an electricity meter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The length of the second time window is positively correlated with the trigger frequency of the first button trigger signal.

7. The power outage communication method for an electricity meter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The state transition instruction is a silence instruction. When the photoelectric communication module receives the silence instruction, the processing module simultaneously sends a start instruction to the photoelectric communication module and opens the first time window, waiting for the second button trigger signal to activate the photoelectric communication module.

8. The power outage communication method for an electricity meter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The power-off communication method for the electricity meter also includes a main frequency switching step, specifically: after the processing module successfully receives the second button trigger signal in the first time window, it switches the electricity meter to the first operating frequency; after the photoelectric communication module receives the shutdown command, it switches the electricity meter to the second operating frequency.

9. A power outage communication method for an electricity meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first button trigger signal is a long button signal, and the second button trigger signal is a short button signal. The button trigger time of the long button signal is at least 10 times the button trigger time of the short button signal.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, Including the processor and memory; The processor is connected to the memory; The memory is used to store executable program code; The processor reads the executable program code stored in the memory to run the program corresponding to the executable program code, so as to execute the power outage communication method of the energy meter as described in any one of claims 1-9.

Images