METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING CONSUMPTION DATA MEASURED BY SMART METERS

Abstract

In an automated management system (100), an information system (110) delegates a collection of consumption data to a data concentrator (120). Through a communication network (101), consumption data from primary smart meters (150) are collected in the form of business data formatted according to a communication protocol P2. To collect consumption data from secondary smart meters (151a), at least one gateway (140a) is used, the consumption data then being collected in the form of business data formatted according to a communication protocol P1.Asymmetric end-to-end encryption is used to ensure non-repudiation of data collected from secondary smart meters (151a), and business data formatted according to a P1 communication protocol is encapsulated in business data formatted according to a P2 communication protocol to enable their transport via the communication network (101). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1A.

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING CONSUMPTION DATA MEASURED BY SMART METERS Technical field

[0001] At least one embodiment relates to a method and a system for collecting consumption data measured by a smart meter. The system in question is suitable for collecting such data from several smart meters, whether for fluid consumption measurements (such as gas, water, heat, gasoline) or electricity consumption measurements. STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Smart meters, such as electric meters (electricity consumption meters) or fluid meters (fluid consumption meters), are known, which include communication interfaces allowing an automated management system to carry out remote collection of consumption data. For example, smart electric meters include a communication interface of the Powerline Communications (PLC) type. Consumption data can thus be transmitted, at regular intervals or not, to an information system (IS) which processes them centrally.

[0003] The collected consumption data must be error-free to avoid possible disputes related to a challenge to their values. Errors may arise in particular from alteration during their transmission. In the event of a dispute over the value of consumption data between a customer and a service provider, one solution is for the service provider to send an operator to the customer's home to take a direct reading of the consumption data on a meter display. Such a solution is not satisfactory since it requires, on the one hand, that the meter be equipped with a display and, on the other hand, that the operator travel to the customer's home, which is tedious and expensive.

[0004] It is then desirable to provide a solution that makes it possible to certify that the consumption data collected remotely from a smart meter by an information system actually come from said smart meter. In particular, it is desirable to provide a solution that makes it possible to easily upgrade an existing collection infrastructure (i.e., already deployed in the field) while ensuring non-repudiation of the collected consumption data. Statement of the invention

[0005] For this purpose, a method is proposed for collecting consumption data by an information system in an automated management system, the automated management system comprising a data concentrator to which the information system delegates the collection of data and a communication network via which the data concentrator collects consumption data formatted according to a P2 communication protocol from smart meters of a first type, called primary smart meters, the automated management system further comprising at least one gateway connected to the communication network, each gateway serving as a relay to collect consumption data formatted according to a PI communication protocol from smart meters of a second type, called secondary smart meters, the method being such that:

[0006] - each secondary smart meter transmits its consumption data ac accompanied by a fingerprint derived from said consumption data, in business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol and signed using an asymmetric encryption private key;

[0007] - each gateway relays to the data concentrator via the communication network nication, the data signed by a said secondary smart meter by encapsulating them in business data formatted according to the P2 communication protocol;

[0008] - the data concentrator relays the business data to the information system formatted according to the P2 communication protocol which are received via the communication network;

[0009] and when the business data formatted according to the P2 communication protocol includes business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol, the information system:

[0010] - decrypts business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol in using an asymmetric encryption public key corresponding to the secondary smart meter from which consumption data is supposed to be collected,

[0011] - generates a reference fingerprint from the received consumption data in decrypted business data and information known to the information system,

[0012] - compares the generated reference fingerprint and the fingerprint received in the data decrypted business data, and validates the consumption data received in the decrypted business data when the generated reference fingerprint and the fingerprint received in the decrypted business data match.

[0013] Thus, it is easy to upgrade an existing collection infrastructure (i.e., already deployed in the field) which is adapted to the collection of consumption data from primary smart meters, so as to also enable the collection of data consumption of secondary smart meters, while ensuring non-repudiation of consumption data collected from said secondary smart meters.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the primary smart meters are electric smart meters and the secondary smart meters are fluid consumption smart meters (gas, water, gasoline, etc.).

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the PI communication protocol is of the M-Bus or wM-Bus type.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the communication protocol P2 is of the DLMS / COSEM type.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the fingerprint derived from said consumption data is calculated by applying a hash function to a quadruplet comprising a serial number of said meter, a cyclic redundancy code calculated from metrology software used to obtain the consumption data, a certificate number certifying that said secondary smart meter is authorized to be used in the automated management system, and the consumption data itself.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the business data according to the P2 protocol are transported via the communication network in encrypted form using a symmetric encryption key dedicated to communications between the gateway concerned and the data concentrator.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the business data according to the PI protocol are transported from the secondary smart meter concerned to the gateway concerned in encrypted form using a symmetric encryption key dedicated to communications between said secondary smart meter and the gateway in question.

[0020] There is also provided an automated management system configured to carry out a collection of consumption data, the automated management system comprising an information system and a data concentrator, the information system being configured to delegate the collection of data to the data concentrator, the automated management system further comprising a communication network via which the data concentrator collects consumption data formatted according to a P2 communication protocol from smart meters of a first type, called primary smart meters, the automated management system further comprising at least one gateway connected to the communication network, each gateway serving as a relay to collect consumption data formatted according to a PI communication protocol from smart meters of a second type, called secondary smart meters, the automated management system comprising electronic circuitry configured such that:

[0021] - each secondary smart meter transmits its consumption data ac accompanied by a fingerprint derived from said consumption data, in business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol and signed using an asymmetric encryption private key;

[0022] - each gateway relays to the data concentrator via the communication network nication, the data signed by a said secondary smart meter by encapsulating them in business data formatted according to the P2 communication protocol;

[0023] - the data concentrator relays the business data to the information system formatted according to the P2 communication protocol which are received via the communication network;

[0024] and when the business data formatted according to the P2 communication protocol includes business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol, the information system:

[0025] - decrypts business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol in using an asymmetric encryption public key corresponding to the secondary smart meter from which consumption data is supposed to be collected,

[0026] - generates a reference fingerprint from the received consumption data in decrypted business data and information known to the information system,

[0027] - compares the generated reference fingerprint and the fingerprint received in the data decrypted business data, and validates the consumption data received in the decrypted business data when the generated reference fingerprint and the fingerprint received in the decrypted business data match. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] The characteristics of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will appear more clearly on reading the following description of at least one exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the attached drawings, among which:

[0029] [Fig.lA] schematically illustrates an automated management system for collecting consumption data;

[0030] [Fig.lB] schematically illustrates an arrangement of an information system of the automated management system, in a particular embodiment;

[0031] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an example of hardware architecture, which is adapted to implement a device of the automated management system;

[0032] [Fig.3A] schematically illustrates a first protocol stack adapted to carry out collections of consumption data in the automated management system with respect to secondary smart meters;

[0033] [Fig.3B] schematically illustrates a second protocol stack adapted to carry out consumption data collections in the automated management system with respect to secondary smart meters;

[0034] [Fig.3C] schematically illustrates a third protocol stack adapted to carry out collections of consumption data in the automated management system with respect to secondary smart meters;

[0035] [Fig.4A] schematically illustrates a first protocol stack adapted to carry out collections of consumption data in the automated management system with respect to primary smart meters;

[0036] [Fig.4B] schematically illustrates a second protocol stack adapted to carry out consumption data collections in the automated management system with respect to primary smart meters;

[0037] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a succession of transmissions and processing operations within the framework of a collection of consumption data from a secondary smart meter;

[0038] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by a secondary smart meter to transmit a frame to a gateway;

[0039] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by a gateway to transmit a frame to a data concentrator;

[0040] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by the data concentrator to transmit a frame to the information system; and

[0041] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by the information system to process a frame received from the data concentrator.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0043] [Fig.1A] schematically illustrates an automated management system 100 in which the present invention can be implemented. The automated management system 100 is configured to carry out a collection of consumption data from measurements made by smart meters 150, 151a, 151b, 152.

[0044] Two types of smart meters are schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1A]: primary smart meters (PSM) 150, and secondary smart meters (SSM) 151a, 151b. The secondary smart meters (SSM) 151a, 151b are configured to implement a PL communication protocol. The primary smart meters (PSM) 150 are configured to implement a P2 communication protocol distinct from the PL communication protocol. The smart meters SSM 151a, 151b secondary devices do not implement the P2 communication protocol.

[0045] As detailed below, [Fig.lA] also shows a particular functionality, namely a primary smart meter functionality PSMF 152 attached to a gateway GW 140a, 140b. The primary smart meter functionality PSMF 152 is configured to implement the P2 communication protocol, like the primary smart meters PSM 150.

[0046] The collection of consumption data from the smart meters is carried out via a communication network NET1 101. The primary smart meters PSM 150 have a communication interface with the communication network NET1 101. The collection of consumption data from the primary smart meters PSM 150 is thus carried out directly from said primary smart meters PSM 150.

[0047] The collection of consumption data from the secondary smart meters SSM 151a, 151b is carried out via GW gateways (Gateway) 140a, 140b. The GW gateways 140a, 140b serve as relays for the consumption data from the secondary smart meters SSM 151a, 151b, which do not have a communication interface adapted to the communication network NET 1 101.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.lA], at least one GW gateway 140a has a PSMF primary smart electric meter functionality 152. The PSMF primary smart electric meter functionality 152 is included in the GW gateway 140a or is implemented in a device connected to the GW gateway 140a by a simple electrical physical layer, for example a physical layer according to the EIA-485 standard (often called RS-485) or according to the RS-232 standard. In other words, the GW gateway 140a interacts with the PSMF primary smart electric meter functionality 152, in order in particular to obtain consumption data from the PSMF primary smart electric meter functionality 152, which implements the P2 communication protocol.The assembly formed by the GW 140a gateway and the PSMF 152 primary smart electricity meter functionality is thus equivalent to a PSM 150 primary smart meter (where the GW 140a, 140b gateway provides access to the NET1 101 communication network), with in addition a relay capacity on behalf of SSM 151a, 151b secondary smart meters.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the communication network NET1 101 is a PLC network, the primary smart meters PSM 150 are electric meters and the secondary smart meters SSM 151a, 151b are fluid consumption meters (water, gas or other). The secondary smart meters SSM 151a, 151b then typically operate on battery. For example, The NET1 101 communication network complies with the G3-PLC or PRIME, or G3-Hybrid or PRIME-Hybrid specifications.

[0050] The collected consumption data are processed by an information system IS (Information System) 110. The information system IS 110 delegates the collection of consumption data to data concentrators DC (Data Concentrator) 120, so as to distribute the collection load. Each data concentrator DC 120 thus manages a collection network, such as the communication network NET1 101, and serves as a relay between the smart meters and the information system IS 110. Thus, at least one data concentrator DC 120 manages a collection network to which primary smart meters PSM 150 are connected, as well as secondary smart meters SSM 151a, 151b, and potentially primary smart meter functionalities PSMF 152, through gateways GW 140a, 140b.

[0051] As schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1A], the data concentrator DC 120 is external to the information system IS 110 and communicates with the information system IS 110 via a communication network NET2 102. In an alternative embodiment, the data concentrator DC 120 is virtualized within the information system IS 110. For example, the communication network NET2 102 is a wireless communication network of the 5G (5th Generation) type. According to other examples, the communication network NET2 102 is a wireless communication network of the GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), LTE (Long-Term Evolution), NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things), 2G, or 3G type.

[0052] The primary smart meters PSM 150, as well as the primary smart meter functionality PSMF 152, format their consumption data using formatting that complies with the P2 communication protocol. The P2 communication protocol specifies business data formats (i.e., application data), as well as transport data and transport rules suitable for transmitting this business data. Thus, in order to interpret this business data, a device must be compatible with the P2 communication protocol (i.e., beyond the interpretation of the transport data and knowledge of the transport rules). The data concentrator DC 120 is compatible with the P2 communication protocol.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the P2 communication protocol complies with the DLMS / COSEM specifications (“Device Language Message Specification / Companion Specification for Energy Metering”), as described in the IEC 62056 series of standards.

[0054] The primary smart meters SSM 151a, 151b format their consumption data using formatting that complies with the PI communication protocol. The PI communication protocol specifies business data formats (i.e., application data), as well as transport data and transport rules suitable for transmitting this business data. Thus, to be able to interpret this business data, a device must be compatible with the PI communication protocol (i.e., beyond the interpretation of transport data and knowledge of transport rules). The PI communication protocol is different from the P2 communication protocol. The DC 120 data concentrator is not compatible with the PL communication protocol

[0055] In a particular embodiment, the PI communication protocol complies with the M-Bus (“Meter Bus” in English) remote reading specifications, as defined in the EN 13757-2 standard, or with the wM-Bus (“Wireless M-Bus” in English) specifications, as defined in the EN 13757-4 standard.

[0056] [Fig. 1B] schematically illustrates an arrangement of the information system IS 110, in a particular embodiment. Thus, the information system IS 110 comprises various components including a head-end system HES (Head-End System) 112, a meter data management system MDMS (Meter Data Management System) 111, a first key management system (KMS) 113, labeled KMS1, and a second key management system 114, labeled KMS2.

[0057] The head-end system HES 112 is configured to perform transmission management as part of the collection of consumption data, and the meter data management system MDMS 111 is configured to process the collected consumption data. The first key management system KMS1 113 is configured to store symmetric encryption keys. There is a first symmetric encryption key SKI for each secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b, to communicate securely with the gateway GW 140a, 150b on which said secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b depends. There is a second symmetric encryption key SK2 for each primary smart meter PSM 150 to communicate securely with the data concentrator DC 120.There is also a second symmetric encryption key SK2 for each gateway GW 140a, 140b, to communicate securely with the data concentrator DC 120. The first key management system KMS1 113 is configured to ensure that each device of the automated management system 100 has each symmetric encryption key SKI, SK2 that it needs.

[0058] The second key management system KMS2 114 is configured to store asymmetric encryption public keys. There is an encryption public key asymmetric encryption key AK1 for each secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b. Each asymmetric encryption public key AK1 corresponds to an asymmetric encryption private key AK2, which is held in the automated management system 100 only by the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question. The asymmetric encryption private key AK2 is for example derived from a serial number of the corresponding secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b. The asymmetric encryption public key AK1 is used to decrypt data encrypted using the corresponding asymmetric encryption private key AK2. Each pair of asymmetric encryption public key AK1 and asymmetric encryption private key AK2 ensures non-repudiation of the consumption data transmitted from the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question to the information system IS 110.

[0059] Thus, the encryption keys stored by the second key management system KMS2 114 are accessed by the meter data management system MDMS 111. And according to the information system infrastructures IS 110 and automated management system 100, the encryption keys stored by the first key management system KMS1 113 are accessed via the meter data management system MDMS 111 and / or via the head-end system HES 112.

[0060] Alternatively, the first key management system KMS1 113 and the second key management system KMS2 114 are merged into a single key management system KMS then storing the aforementioned symmetric encryption keys and asymmetric encryption public keys.

[0061] The components of the information system IS 110 communicate for example using the Internet, or more generally an IP type network (Internet Protocol in English), or potentially using a virtual private network VPN (Virtual Private Network in English).

[0062] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates an example of hardware architecture 200, which is suitable for implementing any device controller of the automated management system 100. The example of hardware architecture is thus suitable for implementing an information system controller IS 110, or any component of the information system IS 110. The example of hardware architecture is also suitable for implementing a data concentrator controller DC 120. The example of hardware architecture is also suitable for implementing a primary smart meter controller PSM 150. The example of hardware architecture is also suitable for implementing a secondary smart meter controller SSM 151a, 151b. The example of hardware architecture is also suitable for implementing a gateway controller GW 140a, 140b. The example of hardware architecture is also suitable for implementing a device controller implementing a functionality of primary smart electricity meter PSMF 152.

[0063] The hardware architecture 200 then comprises, connected by a communication bus 210: a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202; a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203, or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or a Flash type memory; a DSM (Data Storage Medium) data storage medium, such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a storage medium reader, such as an SD (Secure Digital) card reader; and at least one COM communication interface 205. Depending on the device considered, the hardware architecture 200 may also comprise inputs / outputs, for example to carry out consumption measurements.

[0064] The processor 201 is capable of executing instructions loaded into the RAM 202 from the ROM 203, from an external memory (not shown), from a storage medium, such as an SD card, or from a communication network. When the hardware architecture 200 is powered up, the processor 201 is capable of reading instructions from the RAM 202 and executing them. These instructions form a computer program causing the processor 201 to implement the steps and algorithms described herein in relation to the device concerned.

[0065] All or part of the steps and algorithms described here can thus be implemented in software form by executing a set of instructions by a programmable machine, such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a microcontroller, or be implemented in hardware form by a machine or a component (chip) or a set of components (chipset), such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Generally speaking, each device of the automated management system 100 comprises electronic circuitry arranged and configured to implement the steps and algorithms described here in relation to the device in question.

[0066] [Fig.3A] to 3C schematically illustrate protocol stacks adapted to carry out collections of consumption data in the automated management system 100 with respect to secondary smart meters SSM 151a, 151b.

[0067] [Fig.3A] shows a first protocol stack, which is adapted to transmit consumption data from a secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b to a gateway GW 140a, 140b on which said secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b depends. This first protocol stack comprises:

[0068] - business data BD_P1 301;

[0069] - transport data TD_P1 302.

[0070] The business data BD_P1 301 are formatted according to the communication protocol PL. The business data BD_P1 301 include the consumption data, which must be transmitted to the information system IS 110. The business data BD_P1 301 are signed using the asymmetric encryption private key AK2 of the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b from which said consumption data originate.

[0071] For example, the business data BD_P1 301 are obtained by asymmetric encryption of a set of data including a fingerprint noted HASH from a quadruplet comprising:

[0072] - a serial number of the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question ;

[0073] - a cyclic redundancy code (CRC) calculated from metrology software used by the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question;

[0074] - a MID (“Measurement Instruments Directive” in English) certificate number assigned to the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question, said certificate certifying that the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question has passed certification tests authorizing it to be used in the automated management system 100 (in particular to intervene in consumption billing operations);

[0075] - consumption data D.

[0076] In the context of legal metrology, the cyclic redundancy code CRC is calculated during the generation of metrology software. This cyclic redundancy code CRC is integrated into the metrology software to which said cyclic redundancy code CRC corresponds. The metrology software is validated and then sent for certification to obtain certification. Once certification has been obtained, an MID certificate number is provided to the MDMS meter data management system 111, which then stores in memory for each meter thus certified, the cyclic redundancy code CRC of the metrology software of said meter and the MID certificate number, in association with the serial number of the meter in question.

[0077] To obtain the fingerprint, a hash function H(.) is used. The hash function H(.) is a particular function which, from a data item provided as input, calculates a digital fingerprint used to quickly identify the initial data item. In other words, a given quadruplet corresponds to a unique fingerprint which is the result of the hash function H(.). Therefore, for two different quadruplets Q1 and Q2, the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b generates two distinct fingerprints S1=H(Q1) and S2=H(Q2).

[0078] In one embodiment, the H(.) function is a SHA-2 function (e.g., SHA-224, SHA-256, SHA-384 or SHA-512). In the case where the H(.) function is of type SHA-256, the resulting HASH fingerprint includes 256 bits. In the case where the H(.) function is of type SHA-512, the resulting HASH fingerprint includes 512 bits. Other functions can be used as the H(.) function, such as a SHA-3 function, an MD4 function, an MD5 function, a SHA-1 function, all well known in the field of cryptography.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, the quadruple is completed by padding bits in order to obtain an alignment on an integer number of bytes adapted to the hash function H(.) to be applied.

[0080] A concatenation of the obtained imprint with the consumption data is then included in the business data BD_P1 301 while respecting the formatting according to the PI communication protocol.

[0081] The transport data TD_P1 302 are transport data according to the communication protocol PI. The transport data TD_P1 302 and the business data BD_P1 301 are encrypted with the symmetric encryption key SKI known to the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question and to the gateway GW 140a, 140b on which said secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b depends.

[0082] [Fig.3B] shows a second protocol stack, which is adapted to transmit consumption data from a secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b, from a gateway GW 140a, 140b (on which said secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b depends) to the data concentrator DC 120. This second protocol stack comprises:

[0083] - business data BD_P1 301;

[0084] - business data BD_P2 303;

[0085] - transport data TD_P2 304;

[0086] - transport data TD_P3 305.

[0087] The business data BD_P1 301 are encapsulated in the business data BD_P2 303, for example in an object (for example, a COSEM object) described among the business data of the communication protocol P2. To do this, the business data BD_P1 301 have previously been decrypted with the symmetric encryption key SKI known to the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question and to the gateway GW 140a, 140b. The business data BD_P1 301, however, remain signed (using the asymmetric encryption private key AK2).

[0088] The transport data TD_P2 304 are transport data according to the protocol P2.

[0089] The transport data TD_P2 304 and the business data BD_P2 303 (including the encapsulated business data BD_P1 301) are encrypted with the symmetric encryption key SK2 known to the gateway GW 140a, 140b in question and to the DC 120 data concentrator.

[0090] The transport data TD_P3 305 is transport data suitable for transporting frames in the NET1 communication network 101. For example, the transport data TD_P3 305 complies with the transport specified in the G3-PLC specifications.

[0091] [Fig.3C] shows a third protocol stack, which is adapted to transmit consumption data from a secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b, from the data concentrator DC 120 to the information system IS 110. This third protocol stack comprises:

[0092] - business data BD_P1 301;

[0093] - business data BD_P2 303;

[0094] - transport data TD_P4 306;

[0095] - transport data TD_P5 307.

[0096] To do this, the business data BD_P2 303 (including the encapsulated business data BD_P1 301) have been previously decrypted with the symmetric encryption key SK2 known to the gateway GW 140a, 140b in question and to the data concentrator DC 120. Here again, the business data BD_P1 301 remain signed (using the asymmetric encryption private key AK2). It is up to the information system IS 110 to decrypt them, as detailed below.

[0097] The TD_P4 transport data 306 is intermediate layer transport data (e.g., network layer in the OSI model) or application layer transport data. For example, the TD_P4 transport data 306 conforms to the transport specified in the XML / HTTPS standards (“extensible Markup Language / Hypertext Transfer Protocol - Secure”). Several intermediate layers can thus be stacked in this third protocol stack.

[0098] The transport data TD_P5 307 is transport data suitable for transporting frames in the NET2 communication network 102. For example, the transport data TD_P5 307 complies with the transport specified in the 5G standards.

[0099] The third protocol stack can also be schematically used to transfer consumption data within the information system IS 110, typically from the head-end system HES 112 to the meter data management system MDMS 111, with other protocol layers involved. For example, the transport data TD_P4 306 is transport data of type IPv6 or IPv4, and the transport data TD_P5 307 is transport data of type Ethernet.

[0100] [Fig.4A] and 4B schematically illustrate protocol stacks adapted to carry out consumption data collections in the management system at automated 100 with respect to primary smart meters PSM 150. In this case, the PI communication protocol is not used. Thus, unlike Figs. 3A to 3C, asymmetric encryption is not used here since the consumption data is directly formatted according to the P2 communication protocol. Alternatively, it is also possible to achieve non-repudiation here, using asymmetric encryption of the same nature as for secondary smart meters.

[0101] [Fig.4A] shows a first protocol stack, which is adapted to transmit consumption data from a primary smart meter PSM 150 to the data concentrator DC 120. This first protocol stack comprises:

[0102] - business data BD_P2 401;

[0103] - transport data TD_P2 402;

[0104] - transport data TD_P3 403.

[0105] The business data BD_P2 401 are formatted according to the P2 communication protocol. The business data BD_P2 401 include the consumption data, which must be transmitted to the information system IS 110.

[0106] For example, the business data BD_P2 401 is a set of data including a fingerprint noted HASH calculated from a quadruplet, as already described in relation to the business data BD_P1 301 (without the asymmetric encryption, and also in a different format since the P2 communication protocol is directly used).

[0107] The transport data TD_P2 402 are transport data according to the P2 communication protocol. As in the case of the secondary smart meters SSM 151a, 151b, the transport data TD_P2 402 and the business data BD_P2 401 are encrypted with the symmetric encryption key SK2 known to the primary smart meter PSM 150 in question and to the data concentrator DC 120.

[0108] The transport data TD_P3 403 is transport data suitable for transporting frames in the communication network NET1 101 (like the transport data TD_P3 305).

[0109] [Fig.4B] shows a second protocol stack, which is adapted to transmit consumption data (from a primary smart meter PSM 150) from the data concentrator DC 120 to the information system IS 110. This second protocol stack comprises:

[0110] - business data BD_P2 401;

[0111] - transport data TD_P4 404;

[0112] - transport data TD_P5 405.

[0113] To do this, the business data BD_P2 401 were previously decrypted with the symmetric encryption key SK2 known to the gateway GW 140a, 140b in question and the DC 120 data concentrator.

[0114] The transport data TD_P4 404 (like the transport data TD_P4 306) is transport data of an intermediate layer (for example, of a network layer in the OSI model) or of an application layer. Several intermediate layers can thus be stacked in this second protocol stack.

[0115] The transport data TD_P5 405 (like the transport data TD_P5 307) is transport data suitable for transporting frames in the communication network NET2 102.

[0116] Note that additional symmetric ciphers, in addition to those described here in relation to Figs. 3A to 3C, 4A and 4B, may be applied by intermediate protocol layers.

[0117] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a succession of transmissions and processing operations in the context of collecting consumption data from a secondary smart meter SSM, for example the secondary smart meter SSM 151a via the gateway GW 140a.

[0118] The secondary smart meter SSM 151a performs a processing 600 (as described below in relation to [Fig.6]) to transmit, to the gateway GW 140a, a frame 501 according to the protocol stack of [Fig.3A].

[0119] The GW gateway 140a then performs processing 700 (as described below in relation to [Fig.7]) to transmit, to the data concentrator DC 120, a frame 502 according to the protocol stack of [Fig.3B].

[0120] The data concentrator DC 120 then performs a processing 800 (as described below in relation to [Fig.8]) to transmit, to the information system IS 110, a frame 503 according to the protocol stacking of [Fig.3C].

[0121] The information system IS 110 then performs a processing 900 (as described below in relation to [Fig.9]) to process the received consumption data.

[0122] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by a secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b to transmit consumption data to the information system IS 110 via a gateway GW 140a, 140b.

[0123] In a step 601, the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b obtains, using its metrology software, consumption data D to be transmitted to the information system IS 110.

[0124] In a step 602, the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b preferentially generates a HASH fingerprint from a set of data including the consumption data D. The fingerprint is, in a particular embodiment, generated as previously described in relation to [Fig.3A].

[0125] In a step 603, the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b signs the fingerprint (or failing that the consumption data D) using its private asymmetric encryption key AK2 and thus obtains a signed HASH' fingerprint.

[0126] In a step 604, the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b transmits a frame according to the protocol stack of [Fig.3A]. The business data formatted according to the communication protocol PI therefore includes the encrypted fingerprint HASH' (encrypted with the asymmetric encryption private key AK2). The business and transport data according to the communication protocol PI are furthermore encrypted with the symmetric encryption key SKI held by the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question.

[0127] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by a gateway GW 140a, 140b to relay consumption data, from a secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b, to the information system IS 110 via the data concentrator DC 120.

[0128] In a step 701, the gateway GW 140a, 140b receives a frame according to the protocol stack of [Fig.3A].

[0129] In a step 702, the gateway GW 140a, 140b recovers, in the received frame, the business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol (which therefore include the encrypted fingerprint HASH'). The business and transport data according to the PI communication protocol are therefore decrypted with the symmetric encryption key SKI corresponding to the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question.

[0130] In a step 703, the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b transmits a frame according to the protocol stack of [Fig.3B]. The business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2 then includes the HASH' fingerprint. The business and transport data according to the communication protocol P2 are furthermore encrypted with the symmetric encryption key SK2 held by the gateway GW 140a, 140b in question.

[0131] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by the data concentrator DC 120 to relay consumption data, originating from a secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b and received via a gateway GW 140a, 140b, to the information system IS 110.

[0132] In a step 801, the data concentrator DC 120 receives a frame according to the protocol stack of [Fig.3B].

[0133] In a step 802, the data concentrator DC 120 recovers, in the received frame, the business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2, which therefore includes the HASH' fingerprint (without the data concentrator DC 120 having to know it). The business and transport data according to the communication protocol P2 are furthermore decrypted with the symmetric encryption key SK2 corresponding to the gateway GW 140a, 140b in question.

[0134] In a step 803, the data concentrator DC 120 transmits a frame according to the protocol stack of [Fig.3C]. The frame includes the business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2, which therefore includes the HASH' fingerprint in a format according to the communication protocol PL

[0135] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates an algorithm implemented by the information system IS 110 to process a frame received from the data concentrator DC 120 as part of a collection of consumption data from a secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b.

[0136] In a step 901, the information system IS 110 receives a frame according to the protocol stack of [Fig.3C].

[0137] In a step 902, the information system IS 110 (more particularly the meter data management system MDMS 111) interprets the business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2 and then recovers the business data formatted according to the communication protocol PI which are encapsulated therein. By interpreting the business data formatted according to the communication protocol PI, the information system IS 110 then recovers the signed fingerprint HASH'.

[0138] The information system IS 110 (more particularly the meter data management system MDMS 111) is capable of determining whether the business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2 concerns, on the one hand, a primary smart meter PSM 150 or a primary smart meter functionality PSMF 152, or on the other hand, a secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b. According to one possibility, the business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2 includes an object (for example, a COSEM object) specific to the inclusion of business data formatted according to the communication protocol PL. According to another possibility, the business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2 includes information identifying the smart meter, such as a serial number, the information system IS 110 knowing for each smart meter of the automated management system 100 whether it is primary or secondary.

[0139] In a step 903, the information system IS 110 (more particularly the meter data management system MDMS 111) decrypts the signed fingerprint HASH' using the asymmetric encryption public key AK2 which is associated with the secondary smart meter which generated the signed fingerprint HASH'. The business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2 includes information identifying the secondary smart meter SSM concerned, such as a serial number, and the information system IS 110 holds the asymmetric encryption public key AK2 in correspondence with this information identifying said secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b.

[0140] In a step 904, the information system IS 110 (more particularly the MDMS meter data management system 111) generates a reference fingerprint with the information it holds concerning the secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b in question. The reference fingerprint is generated in the same way as the HASH fingerprint generated by said secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b.

[0141] In a step 905, the information system IS 110 (more particularly the meter data management system MDMS 111) compares the fingerprint decrypted in step 903 and the reference fingerprint obtained in step 904. If there is a match between the two fingerprints, a step 906 is performed; otherwise, a step 907 is performed.

[0142] In step 906, the information system IS 110 (more particularly the meter data management system MDMS 111) validates the received consumption data. These actually come from said said secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b and have not been altered.

[0143] In step 907, the information system IS 110 (more particularly the meter data management system MDMS 111) invalidates the received consumption data. These cannot be attributed to said secondary smart meter SSM 151a, 151b. The information system IS 110 then generates an alarm.

[0144] Thus, thanks to the above teachings, it is easy to improve (“upgrade” in English) the capabilities of an automated management system adapted to collect consumption data from a first type of smart meters which use a communication protocol (here, the P2 communication protocol, such as DLMS / COSEM), so that this automated management system is also adapted to collect consumption data from a second type of smart meters which use another communication protocol (here, the PI communication protocol, such as M-Bus or wM-Bus). The information system IS (and particularly the meter data management system MDMS) must then be made compatible with this other communication protocol (PI), and the use of asymmetric encryption and GW gateways makes it possible to ensure the non-repudiation of the consumption data transmitted by the smart meters of the second type.The enhancement to support the second type of smart meters is transparent to the collection network (here the NET1 101 communication network), as well as to the DC data concentrator, which can already be deployed in the field.

Claims

1. Claims A method for collecting consumption data by an information system (110) in an automated management system (100), the automated management system (100) comprising a data concentrator (120) to which the information system (110) delegates the data collection and a communication network (101) via which the data concentrator (120) collects consumption data formatted according to a P2 communication protocol from smart meters of a first type, called primary smart meters (150), the automated management system (100) further comprising at least one gateway (140a, 140b) connected to the communication network (101), each gateway (140a, 140b) serving as a relay for collecting consumption data formatted according to a PI communication protocol from smart meters of a second type, called secondary smart meters (151a, 151b), the method being such that: - each secondary smart meter (151a, 151b) transmits its consumption data accompanied by a fingerprint derived from said consumption data, in business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol and signed using an asymmetric encryption private key; - each gateway (140a, 140b) relays, to the data concentrator via the communication network, the data signed by a said secondary smart meter (151a, 151b) by encapsulating them in business data formatted according to the P2 communication protocol; - the data concentrator (120) relays to the information system (110) the business data formatted according to the P2 communication protocol which are received via the communication network (101); and when the business data formatted according to the P2 communication protocol includes business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol, the information system (110): - decrypts the business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol using an asymmetric encryption public key corresponding to the secondary smart meter (151a, 151b) from which the consumption data is supposed to be collected, - generates a reference fingerprint from the consumption data received in the decrypted business data and information known to the information system (100), - compares the generated reference fingerprint and the fingerprint received in the decrypted business data, and validates the consumption data received in the decrypted business data when the generated reference fingerprint and the fingerprint received in the decrypted business data match.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the primary smart meters are electric smart meters and the secondary smart meters are fluid consumption smart meters.

3. Method according to claim 2, in which the PI communication protocol is of the M-Bus or wM-Bus type.

4. Method according to one of claims 2 and 3, in which the communication protocol P2 is of the DLMS / COSEM type.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fingerprint derived from said consumption data is calculated by applying a hash function to a quadruplet comprising a serial number of said meter, a cyclic redundancy code calculated from metrology software used to obtain the consumption data, a certificate number certifying that said secondary smart meter (151a, 151b) is authorized for use in the automated management system (100), and the consumption data itself.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the business data according to the P2 protocol are transported via the communication network (101) in encrypted form using a symmetric encryption key dedicated to communications between the gateway (140a, 140b) concerned and the data concentrator (120).

7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the business data according to the PI protocol are transported from the secondary smart meter (151a, 151b) concerned to the gateway (140a, 140b) concerned in encrypted form using a symmetric encryption key dedicated to communications between said secondary smart meter (151a, 151b) and the gateway (140a, 140b) in question.

8. An automated management system (100) configured to perform consumption data collection, the automated management system (100) comprising an information system (110) and a data concentrator (120), the information system (110) being configured to delegate the collection of data to the data concentrator (120), the automated management system (100) further comprising a communication network (101) via which the data concentrator collects (120) consumption data formatted according to a P2 communication protocol from smart meters of a first type, called primary smart meters (150), the automated management system (100) further comprising at least one gateway (140a, 140b) connected to the communication network (101), each gateway (140a, 140b) serving as a relay for collecting consumption data formatted according to a PI communication protocol from smart meters of a second type, called secondary smart meters (151a, 151b), the automated management system (100) comprising electronic circuitry configured such that: - each secondary smart meter (151a, 151b) transmits its consumption data accompanied by a fingerprint derived from said consumption data, in business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol and signed using an asymmetric encryption private key; - each gateway (140a, 140b) relays, to the data concentrator (120) via the communication network (101), the data signed by a said secondary smart meter (151a, 151b) by encapsulating them in business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2; - the data concentrator (120) relays to the information system the business data formatted according to the communication protocol P2 which are received via the communication network (101); and when the business data formatted according to the P2 communication protocol includes business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol, the information system (110): - decrypts the business data formatted according to the PI communication protocol using an asymmetric encryption public key corresponding to the secondary smart meter (151a, 151b) from which the consumption data is supposed to be collected, - generates a reference fingerprint from the consumption data received in the decrypted business data and information known to the information system, - compares the generated reference fingerprint and the fingerprint received in the decrypted business data, and validates the consumption data received in the decrypted business data when the generated reference fingerprint and the fingerprint received in the decrypted business data match.

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