METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING CONSUMPTION DATA MEASURED BY SMART METERS

Abstract

An automated management system (100) comprises a first information system (110a) and a second information system (110b). The automated management system (100) also comprises smart meters of a first type (150a) and smart meters of a second type (150b). Pairing is carried out between each smart meter of a second type and a said smart meter of the first type, so as to serve as a relay for collecting consumption data. A first secure link is established between each smart meter of the first type (150a) and the first information system (110a), using asymmetric encryption to collect first consumption data.A second secure link is established between each smart meter of the second type (150b) and the second information system (110b), using asymmetric encryption to collect consumption data using the paired smart meter of the first type (150a) as a relay. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1.

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 are known, such as electric meters (electricity consumption meters) or fluid meters (fluid consumption meters), 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 an 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 perform 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 travels 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, in an automated management system, first consumption data by a first information system of the automated management system and second consumption data by a second information system of the automated management system, the automated management system further comprising a data concentrator to which the first and second information systems respectively delegate the collection of the first and second consumption data, the automated management system further comprising a communication network via which the data concentrator is connected to smart meters of a first type, the method being such that:

[0006] - a pairing is carried out between each smart meter of a second type and a said smart meter of the first type, so as to serve as a relay to collect consumption data from the smart meter of the second type in question;

[0007] - a first secure link is established between each smart meter of the first type and the first information system, the first secure link being such that asymmetric encryption is implemented to transmit the first consumption data from the smart meter of the first type in question and the first information system;

[0008] - a second secure link is established between each smart meter of a second type and the second information system, the second secure link being such that asymmetric encryption is implemented to transmit the second consumption data from the smart meter of the second type in question and the second information system using the paired smart meter of the first type as a relay;

[0009] - the data concentrator routes consumption data received to the through the communication network from a said smart meter of the first type, either to the first information system or to the second information system, depending on the secure link concerned by said data received among the first and second secure links.

[0010] Thus, thanks to secure links, each information system remains in control of the consumption data from the smart meters that concern them. The information systems do not have to exchange information with each other, even though they share the same network infrastructure (communication network, data concentrator). Asymmetric encryption ensures non-repudiation of data.

[0011] In a particular embodiment, each smart meter of the second type operates on batteries, and the smart meter of the first type serving as a relay for the smart meter of the second type in question programs standby hours of the smart meter of the second type in question to obtain the second consumption data to be relayed via the communication network. Thus, consumption data from battery-operated smart meters are easily collected.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, at least one smart meter of the first paired type operates on batteries, and the smart meter of the first type in question programs its own standby exit times, so as to be taken out of standby when each smart meter of the second type paired with the smart meter of the first type in question comes out of standby. Thus, the batteries of the smart meters of the first paired type are preserved as best as possible with regard to the collection of consumption data from the smart meters of the second type.

[0013] In a particular embodiment, each smart meter of the second type communicates securely by symmetric encryption with the paired smart meter of the first type which serves as its relay, the smart meter of the first type in question obtaining a symmetric encryption key to be used with the smart meter of the second type in question from the second information system. Thus, the symmetric encryption complements the asymmetric encryption to provide more security.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, each smart meter of the second type provides the paired smart meter of the first type which serves as its relay with an address of a device of the second information system from which to obtain the symmetric encryption key to be used with the smart meter of the second type in question.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, each smart meter of the first type communicates securely by symmetric encryption with the data concentrator, the data concentrator obtaining a symmetric encryption key for use with the smart meter of the first type in question from the first information system. Thus, the symmetric encryption complements the asymmetric encryption to provide more security.

[0016] Also provided here is an automated management system configured to perform a collection of first consumption data by a first information system of the automated management system and second consumption data by a second information system of the automated management system, the automated management system further comprising a data concentrator to which the first and second information systems respectively delegate the collection of the first and second consumption data, the automated management system further comprising a communication network via which the data concentrator is connected to smart meters of a first type. The automated management system is such that each smart meter of the first type, each smart meter of the second type, the data concentrator, the first information system and the second information system comprise electronic circuitry configured such that:

[0017] - a pairing is carried out between each smart meter of a second type and a said smart meter of the first type, so as to serve as a relay to collect consumption data from the smart meter of the second type in question;

[0018] - a first secure link is established between each smart meter of the first type and the first information system, the first secure link being such that asymmetric encryption is implemented to transmit the first consumption data from the smart meter of the first type in question and the first information system;

[0019] - a second secure link is established between each smart meter of a second type and the second information system, the second secure link being such that asymmetric encryption is implemented to transmit the second consumption data from the smart meter of the second type in question and the second information system using the paired smart meter of the first type as a relay;

[0020] - the data concentrator routes consumption data received to the through the communication network from a said smart meter of the first type, either to the first information system or to the second information system, depending on the secure link concerned by said data received among the first and second secure links. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] The above-mentioned features of the invention, 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:

[0022] [Fig.lA] schematically illustrates an automated management system for collecting consumption data;

[0023] [Fig.lB] schematically illustrates an arrangement of an information system of the automated management system;

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an example of hardware architecture, which is adapted to implement a device of the automated management system;

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates exchanges occurring in the management system automated to collect consumption data;

[0026] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates details of initial operations carried out in the framework of the exchanges of [Fig.3], in a particular embodiment;

[0027] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates details of second operations carried out in the framework of the exchanges of [Fig.3], in a particular embodiment;

[0028] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates details of third operations carried out in the framework of the exchanges of [Fig.3], in a particular embodiment;

[0029] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates details of fourth operations carried out in the framework of the exchanges of [Fig.3], in a particular embodiment; and

[0030] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates details of fifth operations carried out in the framework of the exchanges of [Fig.3], in a particular embodiment.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] [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, 150a, 150b, 150c.

[0033] The collected consumption data is processed by several information systems IS (Information System) which share the same collection infrastructure. Each information system is dedicated to a group of smart meters. For example, a first information system IS1 110a is dedicated to processing consumption data from a group of smart electric meters, a second information system IS2 110b is dedicated to processing consumption data from a group of smart water meters, and a third information system IS3 110c is dedicated to processing consumption data from a group of smart gas meters.In another example, the information systems IS1 110a, IS2 110b and IS3 110c are managed by separate operators and are dedicated to processing consumption data from respective groups of smart fluid meters (water, gas or other) which have taken out subscriptions with their respective operators.

[0034] The information systems IS1 110a, IS2 110b and IS3 110c delegate the collection of consumption data to data concentrators DC (“Data Concentrator” in English) 120, so as to distribute the collection load. Each data concentrator DC 120 thus manages a first communication network NET1 101 which serves as a collection network. Each data concentrator DC 120 thus serves as a relay between smart meters and the information systems IS1 110a, IS2 110b and IS3 110c. As detailed below, each data concentrator DC 120 directs consumption data received through the first communication network NET1 101 from a said smart meter, to one or more the other of the information systems IS1 110a, IS2 110b, according to secure links established in the collection system 100.

[0035] As schematically illustrated in [Fig.lA], each data concentrator DC 120 is external to the information systems IS1 110a, IS2 110b and IS3 110c and communicates with the information systems IS1 110a, IS2 110b and IS3 110c via a second communication network NET2 102.

[0036] Two types of smart meters are schematically illustrated in [Fig.lA]: a first type of smart meters, which could be called “primary smart meters” PSM (“Primary Smart Meters” in English), which are able to communicate via the first communication network NET1 101 and thus directly transmit their consumption data to the data concentrator DC 120 managing the first communication network NET1 101; and a second type of smart meters, which could be called “secondary smart meters” SSM (“Secondary Smart Meters” in English), which are not able to communicate via the first communication network NET1 101 and then transmit their consumption data to the data concentrator DC 120 managing the first communication network NET1 101 by relying on a said smart meter of the first type serving as a relay.

[0037] As schematically illustrated in [Fig.lA], a said data concentrator DC 120 manages the collection of consumption data on behalf of the information system IS2 110b. The smart meters concerned by this collection include a smart meter SM2 150b (which is a secondary smart meter SSM). Said data concentrator DC 120 also manages the collection of consumption data on behalf of the information system IS3 110c. The smart meters concerned by this other collection include a smart meter SM3 150c (which is a secondary smart meter SSM). Said data concentrator DC 120 finally manages the collection of consumption data on behalf of the information system IS1 110a. The smart meters concerned by this last collection include a smart meter SMI 150 and a smart meter eSMl 150a (which are primary smart meters PSM).Unlike the SMI 150 smart meter, the eSMl 150a smart meter is an enhanced smart meter, which performs a gateway function on behalf of at least one other smart meter that depends on an IS information system other than the IS1 110a information system on which said eSMl 150a smart meter depends. Thus, in [Fig.lA], the eSMl 150a smart meter serves as a relay on behalf of the SM2 150b and SM3 150c smart meters.

[0038] For example, the first communication network NET1 101 is a PLC (PowerLine Communications) type network, such as compliant with the G3-PLC or PRIME specifications. The primary smart meters PSM are then smart electric meters, therefore potentially in full operation permanently. According to another example, the first communication network NET1 101 is a LPWAN (Low-Power Wide Area network) type wireless network such as is found in the Internet of Things (IoT). The primary smart meters PSM may then be smart fluid meters (water, gas or other), typically powered by batteries, and therefore with intermittent operation (standby periods) in order to preserve said batteries.

[0039] For example, the second 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) or LTE (Long-Term Evolution) type.

[0040] For example, each secondary smart meter SSM is connected to the primary smart meter PSM which serves as a relay for it by means of a communication link conforming to the M-Bus remote reading specifications (“Meter Bus” in English), as defined in the EN 13757-2 standard, or to the wM-Bus specifications (“Wireless M-Bus” in English), as defined in the EN 13757-4 standard.

[0041] [Fig. 1B] schematically illustrates an arrangement of the information system IS 110 (to which correspond the information systems IS1 110a, IS2 110b and IS3 110c), 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, and a key management system KMS (Key Management System) 113.

[0042] 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).

[0043] The HES 112 head-end system is configured to perform transmission management as part of the collection of consumption data.

[0044] The MDMS meter data management system 111 is configured to process the collected consumption data.

[0045] The KMS key management system 113 is configured to store encryption keys necessary for the smart meters which depend on the IS information system 110 in question. The KMS key management system 113 provides the MDMS meter data management system 111 with the keys necessary for the decryptions that said MDMS meter data management system 111 must perform.

[0046] Thus, the KMS key management system of the IS1 information system 110a manages the keys necessary for the smart meters which depend on the IS1 information system 110a, the KMS key management system of the IS2 information system 110b manages the keys necessary for the smart meters which depend on the IS2 information system 110b, and the KMS key management system of the IS3 information system 110c manages the keys necessary for the smart meters which depend on the IS3 information system 110c.

[0047] In particular, the key management system KMS 113 is configured to store asymmetric encryption public keys. There is an asymmetric encryption public key AK1 for each smart meter that depends on the information system IS 110 in question. 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 smart meter in question. The asymmetric encryption private key AK2 is for example derived from a serial number of the corresponding smart meter. The asymmetric encryption public key AK1 is used to decrypt signed data 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 consumption data transmitted (measured) by the smart meter in question to the IS 110 information system on which said smart meter depends.

[0048] Further, the key management system KMS 113 is configured to store symmetric encryption keys.

[0049] There is a first symmetric encryption key SKI for each secondary smart meter SSM, to communicate securely with the primary smart meter PSM which serves as its relay. Thus, in the example of [Fig.lA], the key management system KMS 113 of the information system IS2 110b stores the symmetric encryption key SKI for each secondary smart meter SSM which depends on said information system IS2 110b, including the smart meter SM2 150b. And in the example of [Fig.lA], the key management system KMS 113 of the information system IS3 110c stores the symmetric encryption key SKI for each secondary smart meter SSM which depends on said information system IS3 110c, including the smart meter SM3 150c. There is a second symmetric encryption key SK2 for each primary smart meter PSM to communicate securely with the data concentrator DC 120. Thus, in the example of [Fig.lA], the key management system KMS 113 of the information system IS1 110a stores the symmetric encryption key SK2 for each primary smart meter PSM that depends on said information system IS1 110a, including the smart meters SMI 150 and eSMl 150a.

[0050] [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 IS controller, or any component of the information system IS. 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. The example of hardware architecture is also suitable for implementing a secondary smart meter controller S SM.

[0051] 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) 204 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 I / O 206 inputs / outputs, for example to carry out consumption measurements.

[0052] 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 on, 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.

[0053] 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" in English) or a microcontroller, or be implemented in hardware form by a machine or a component (“chip” in English) or a set of components (“chipset” in English), such as an FPGA (“Field-Programmable Gate Array” in English) or an ASIC (“Application-Specific Integrated Circuit” in English). Generally speaking, each device of the automated management system 100 comprises electronic circuitry arranged and configured to implement the steps and algorithms described herein in relation to the device in question.

[0054] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates exchanges occurring in the automated management system 100 to collect consumption data.

[0055] Before being able to carry out a collection of consumption data from the smart meter SM2 150b, a step 300 of setting up secure communications and setting up the relay by the smart meter eSM1 150a is carried out. This step 300 is detailed in relation to [Fig.4].

[0056] Thus, following a step 401 of installing the smart meter eSMl 150a, a secure link is established, in a step 402, between the smart meter eSMl 150a and the information system IS1 110a, and more particularly the meter data management system MDMS 111a (labeled MDMS1) of the information system IS1 110a. The meter data management system MDMS1 111a then recovers the asymmetric encryption public key associated with the smart meter eSMl 150a from the key management system KMS 113 of the information system IS1 110a. The secure link is ensured by activating the asymmetric encryption between the smart meter eSMl 150a and the information system IS1 110a. This secure link is suitable to ensure non-repudiation of data provided (measured) by the eSMl 150a smart meter and prevent the identity of the eSMl 150a smart meter from being usurped.

[0057] Then, following a step 403 of installing the smart meter SM2 150b, a pairing is carried out between the smart meter eSMl 150a and the smart meter SM2 150b in a step 404. For example, a press (eg, a long press) on a push button of the smart meter eSMl 150a and the smart meter SM2 150b triggers the pairing. The smart meter eSMl 150a and the smart meter SM2 150b recognize each other, and configure themselves so that the smart meter eSMl 150a ensures the data relay on behalf of the smart meter SM2 150b. Once the eSMl 150a smart meter and the SM2 150b smart meter are paired, the eSMl 150a smart meter synchronizes the SM2 150b smart meter with its time and sets a time for its next wake-up. The SM2 150b smart meter can then go into standby mode.

[0058] In a particular embodiment, in a step 405, so as to complete the pairing between the smart meter eSM1 150a and the smart meter SM2 150b, secure communications, by symmetric encryption, are set up between the smart meter eSMl 150a and smart meter SM2 150b. To do this, the smart meter eSMl 150a obtains from the information system IS2 110b the symmetric encryption key to be used to communicate securely with the smart meter SM2 150b. For example, the smart meter eSMl 150a obtains said symmetric encryption key from the key management system KMS 113 associated with the MDMS 111b (labeled MDMS2) of the information system IS2 110b.The smart meter eSMl 150a obtains an address (typically an IP address) to contact a device of the information system IS2 110b, typically the meter data management system MDMS2 111b, to declare itself as a relay on behalf of the smart meter SM2 150b and thus obtain in return from the key management system KMS 113 the symmetric encryption key associated with the smart meter SM2 150b.

[0059] And, in a step 406, a secure link is established between the smart meter SM2 150b and the information system IS2 110b, and more particularly the meter data management system MDMS2 111b. The meter data management system MDMS2 111b then retrieves the asymmetric encryption public key associated with the smart meter SM2 150b from the key management system KMS 113 of the information system IS2 110b. The secure link is ensured by activating asymmetric encryption between the smart meter SM2 150b and the information system IS2 110b. The secure link is ensured by activating asymmetric encryption between the smart meter SM2 150b and the information system IS2 110b. This secure link is suitable to ensure non-repudiation of data provided (measured) by the SM2 150b smart meter and to prevent the identity of the SM2 150b smart meter from being usurped.

[0060] Then, a collection of consumption data from the smart meter SM2 150b can be carried out, using the smart meter eSM1 150a as a relay.

[0061] Thus, returning to [Fig. 3], in a step 301, the smart meter eSMl 150a prepares to receive consumption data from the smart meter SM2 150b. As detailed in [Fig. 5], the smart meter eSMl 150a comes out of standby in a step 301a and waits, in a step 301b, for consumption data from the smart meter SM2 150b. The eSMl 150a smart meter wakes up from sleep a few moments (e.g. 1 second) before a scheduled wake-up of the SM2 150b smart meter.

[0062] Note that, when the eSMl 150a smart meter is powered by mains electricity, it is not necessary to set up standby periods at the level of the eSMl 150a smart meter, although this does help to limit energy consumption.

[0063] Then, in steps 302 to 305 as detailed in [Fig.6], consumption data is uploaded from the smart meter SM2 150b to the information system IS2 110b (preferably to the meter data management system MDMS2 111b) using the secure link of step 406, using the smart meter eSM1 150a as a relay.

[0064] Thus, in a step 302, the smart meter SM2 150b transmits consumption data to the smart meter eSM1 150a. More precisely, in a step 302a, the smart meter SM2 150b comes out of standby and obtains consumption data to be transmitted to the information system IS2 110b. Then, in a step 302b, the smart meter SM2 150b signs its consumption data using its asymmetric encryption key, and transmits them to the smart meter eSM1 150a in a step 302c. The transmission between the smart meter SM2 150b and the smart meter eSM1 150a is preferably carried out in a secure manner, using the symmetric encryption key associated with the smart meter SM2 150b (i.e., the smart meter SM2 150b encrypts the data with the symmetric encryption key).

[0065] Then, in a step 303, the smart meter eSMl 150a performs a data relay to the information system IS2 110b via the data concentrator DC 120. Thus, in a step 303a, the smart meter eSMl 150a receives the data transmitted by the smart meter SM2 150b in step 302c. In the event of secure transmission between the smart meter SM2 150b and the smart meter eSMl 150a, the smart meter eSMl 150a is capable of performing decryption, using the symmetric encryption key transmitted to it by the information system IS2 110b. And in a step 303b, the smart meter eSMl 150a transmits the data (still signed using the asymmetric encryption of the smart meter SM2 150b) to the data concentrator DC 120.The transmission between the eSMl smart meter 150a and the DC data concentrator 120 is preferably carried out securely, using the symmetric encryption key associated with the eSMl smart meter 150a (i.e., the eSMl smart meter 150a encrypts the data with the symmetric encryption key). In this transmission, the eSMl smart meter 150a indicates to the DC data concentrator 120 that the recipient of the data is the IS2 information system 110b (preferably, the MDMS2 meter data management system 111b). Typically, a destination address field contains the IP address of the MDMS2 meter data management system 111b.

[0066] Then, in a step 304, the data concentrator DC 120 forwards the consumption data from the smart meter SM2 150b, and relayed by the smart meter eSM1 150a, to the information system IS2 110b (preferably, to the meter data management system MDMS2 111b). Thus, the data concentrator DC 120 directs the consumption data received to the information system IS2 110b, since this consumption data relates to a secure link involving the information system IS2 110b. More precisely, in a step 304a, the data concentrator DC 120 receives the data transmitted by the smart meter eSM1 150a in step 303b.If the data has been transmitted securely on the first communication network NET1 101 by the smart meter eSM1 150a, the data concentrator DC 120 uses the symmetric encryption key associated with the smart meter eSM1 150a to decrypt the received data. The data concentrator DC 120 has for example obtained this symmetric encryption key from the information system IS1 110a (more precisely from the key management system KMS 113), when the smart meter eSM1 150a has declared itself on the first communication network NET1 101. Then, in a step 304b, the data concentrator DC 120 identifies the recipient of the received data, namely here the information system IS2 110b (preferably, the meter data management system MDMS2 111b). And in a step 304c, the data concentrator DC 120 forwards the consumption data from the smart meter SM2 150b to the identified recipient..

[0067] Then, in a step 305, the information system IS2 110b processes the consumption data from the smart meter SM2 150b. More precisely, in a step 305a, the information system IS2 110b (preferably, the meter data management system MDMS2 111b) receives the data transmitted by the data concentrator DC 120 in step 304c. Then, in a step 305b, the information system IS2 110b (preferably, the meter data management system MDMS2 111b) verifies the authenticity of the consumption data from the smart meter SM2 150b using the asymmetric encryption public key associated with the smart meter SM2 150b.The IS2 110b information system can thus verify that the data received actually come, via the secure link established between the SM2 150b smart meter and the IS2 110b information system, from consumption measurements carried out by the SM2 150b smart meter in question.

[0068] Thus, returning to [Fig. 3], in a step 306, the smart meter eSMl 150a reprograms the smart meter SM2 150b for a subsequent collection of consumption data measured by said smart meter SM2 150b. More precisely, as detailed in [Fig. 7], in a step 306a, the smart meter eSMl 150a acknowledges the data transmitted by the smart meter SM2 150b in step 302c. Then, preferably, in a step 306b, the smart meter eSMl 150a temporally synchronizes the smart meter SM2 150b, for example to align the smart meter SM2 150b with the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) reference. And, in a step 306c, the smart meter eSMl 150a programs a time for the next wake-up (wake-up) of the smart meter SM2 150b.

[0069] Then, in a step 307, the smart meter SM2 150b follows the instructions of the smart meter eSMl 150a and begins a standby period until the next consumption data collection. More precisely, as detailed in [Fig.7], in a step 307a, the smart meter SM2 150b configures itself in accordance with the instructions of the smart meter eSMl 150a: time synchronization and programming of the next wake-up time. Then, in a step 307b, the smart meter SM2 150b goes into standby. The batteries of the smart meter SM2 150b are thus preserved.

[0070] When the smart meter eSM1 150a is itself powered by batteries, it is advantageous to take advantage of the waking up of the smart meter eSM1 150a to transmit its own consumption data in addition to the consumption data of the smart meter SM2 150b. Thus, in a step 308, the smart meter eSM1 150a transmits consumption data to the data concentrator DC 120, this time to the information system IS1 110a. More precisely, as detailed in [Fig.8], in a step 308a, the smart meter eSM1 150a obtains consumption data to transmit to the information system IS1 110a. Then, in a step 308b, the smart meter eSM1 150a signs its consumption data using its asymmetric encryption key, and transmits them to the data concentrator DC 120 in a step 308c.The transmission between the smart meter eSMl 150a and the data concentrator DC 120 is preferably carried out securely, using the symmetric encryption key associated with the smart meter eSMl 150a (ie, the smart meter eSMl 150a encrypts the data with the symmetric encryption key). In a particular embodiment, to preserve its batteries if necessary, the smart meter eSMl 150a programs its own alarm at a wake-up time prior to the programmed wake-up time of the smart meter SM2 150b and goes into standby mode in a step 308d.

[0071] Then, in a step 309, the data concentrator DC 120 forwards the consumption data from the smart meter eSM1 150a to the information system IS1 110a (preferably, to the meter data management system MDMS1 111a). Thus, the data concentrator DC 120 routes ... consumption data received to the information system IS1 110a, since this consumption data relates to a secure link involving the information system IS1 110a. More specifically, in a step 309a, the data concentrator DC 120 receives the data transmitted by the smart meter eSM1 150a in step 308c. If the data has been transmitted securely over the first communication network NET1 101 by the smart meter eSM1 150a, the data concentrator DC 120 uses the symmetric encryption key associated with the smart meter eSM1 150a to decrypt the received data. Then, in a step 309b, the data concentrator DC 120 identifies the recipient of the received data, namely here the information system IS1 110a (preferably, the meter data management system MDMS1 111a).And in a step 309c, the data concentrator DC 120 forwards the consumption data from the smart meter eSMl 150a to the identified recipient.

[0072] Then, in a step 310, the information system IS1 110a processes the consumption data from the smart meter eSM1 150a. More precisely, in a step 310a, the information system IS1 110a (preferably, the meter data management system MDMS1 11a) receives the data transmitted by the data concentrator DC 120 in step 309c. Then, in a step 310b, the information system IS1 110a (preferably, the meter data management system MDMS1 111a) verifies the authenticity of the consumption data from the smart meter eSM1 150a using the asymmetric encryption public key associated with the smart meter eSM1 150a.The IS1 110a information system can thus verify that the data received actually come, via the secure link established between the eSMl 150a smart meter and the IS1 110a information system, from consumption measurements carried out by the eSMl 150a smart meter in question.

[0073] It is clear from the above that, thanks to the relay carried out by the smart meter eSM1 150a on behalf of the smart meter SM2 150b, as well as the secure link between each said smart meter and the information system on which said smart meter depends, the collection of consumption data is carried out efficiently by means of the same network infrastructure (first communication network NET1 101) and securely (non-repudiation of the transmitted data), without the various information systems (which correspond to separate operators) having to communicate with each other.

[0074] In a particular embodiment, the data transmitted by a smart meter to the IS information system on which said smart meter depends are obtained by asymmetric encryption (signature) of a set of data including a fingerprint noted HASH calculated from the following doublet:

[0075] - a serial number of the smart meter in question; and

[0076] - the consumption data D from the measurements taken by the meter intelligent 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 unique data set corresponds to a unique fingerprint which is the result of the hash function H(.). Therefore, for two different data sets Q1 and Q2, the smart meter in question 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 comprises 256 bits. In the case where the H(.) function is of type SHA-512, the resulting HASH fingerprint comprises 512 bits. Other functions may be used as the H(.) function, such as, for example, 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 aforementioned data set is supplemented 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 fingerprint with the consumption data D is then included in the transmitted data.

[0081] Thus, the relevant IS information system can verify that the received data are actually those transmitted by the smart meter in question. After decryption using the asymmetric encryption public key associated with the smart meter in question, the IS information system (preferably, the relevant MDMS meter data management system 111) generates a reference fingerprint with the information it holds concerning the smart meter in question. More precisely, the reference fingerprint is generated in the same way as the HASH fingerprint generated by said smart meter in question, using the consumption data D concatenated with the HASH fingerprint and the serial number of the smart meter known to the IS information system. If the HASH fingerprint and the reference fingerprint coincide, then the received data are actually data transmitted by the smart meter in question.

[0082] In a particular embodiment, when the smart meter is a water meter, the consumption data D are:

[0083] - a metrological index of water consumption;

[0084] - a metrological index of return flow (“backflow” in English), i.e., in the direction reverse flow of water supply;

[0085] - maximum temperature and minimum water temperature during a period predetermined, eg, since the last shift.

[0086] In a particular embodiment, when the smart meter is a gas meter, the consumption data D are:

[0087] - a metrological index of gas consumption;

[0088] - maximum pressure and minimum gas pressure during a predetermined period, eg, since the last shift.

[0089] In a particular embodiment, when the smart meter is a heat meter, the consumption data D are:

[0090] - a metrological index of energy consumption calculated from measurements of inlet fluid temperature and outlet fluid temperature measurements, and flow rate measurements.

Claims

1. Claims A method for collecting, in an automated management system (100), first consumption data by a first information system (110a) of the automated management system (100) and second consumption data by a second information system (110b) of the automated management system (100), the automated management system (100) further comprising a data concentrator (120) to which the first and second information systems (110a, 110b) respectively delegate the collection of the first and second consumption data, the automated management system (100) further comprising a communication network (101) via which the data concentrator (120) is connected to smart meters of a first type (150, 150a), the method being such that: - a pairing is carried out between each smart meter of a second type (150b) and a said smart meter of the first type (150a), so as to serve as a relay for collecting consumption data from the smart meter of the second type (150b) in question; - a first secure link is established between each smart meter of the first type (150a) and the first information system (110a), the first secure link being such that an asymmetric encryption is put in place to transmit the first consumption data from the smart meter of the first type (150a) in question and the first information system (110a); - a second secure link is established between each smart meter of a second type (150b) and the second information system (110b), the second secure link being such that an asymmetric encryption is implemented to transmit the second consumption data from the smart meter of the second type (150b) in question and the second information system (110b) using the paired smart meter of the first type (150a) as a relay; - the data concentrator directs consumption data received through the communication network (101) from a said smart meter of the first type (150, 150a), either to the first information system (110a), or to the second system information (110b), according to the secure link concerned by said data received among the first and second secure links.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each second type smart meter (150b) operates on batteries, and the first type smart meter (150a) that is paired with the second type smart meter (150b) in question programs standby exit times of the second type smart meter (150b) in question to obtain the second consumption data to be relayed via the communication network (101).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein at least one paired first type smart meter (150a) operates on batteries, and the first type smart meter (150a) in question programs its own wake-up times, so as to be woken up when each second type smart meter (150b) paired with the first type smart meter in question wakes up.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which each smart meter of the second type (150b) communicates securely by symmetric encryption with the paired smart meter of the first type (150a) which serves as its relay, the smart meter of the first type (150a) in question obtaining a symmetric encryption key to be used with the smart meter of the second type (150b) in question from the second information system (110b).

5. Method according to claim 4, in which each smart meter of the second type provides to the paired smart meter of the first type (150a) which serves as its relay an address of a device (113) of the second information system (110b) from which to obtain the symmetric encryption key to be used with the smart meter of the second type (150b) in question.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each first type smart meter (150a) communicates securely by symmetric encryption with the data concentrator (120), the data concentrator (120) obtaining a symmetric encryption key for use with the first type smart meter (150a) in question from the first information system (110a).

7. An automated management system (100) configured to perform a collection of first consumption data by a first information system (110a) of the automated management system (100) and second consumption data by a second information system (110b) of the automated management system (100), the automated management system (100) further comprising a data concentrator (120) to which the first and second information systems (110a, 110b) respectively delegate the collection of the first and second consumption data, the automated management system (100) further comprising a communication network (101) via which the data concentrator (120) is connected to smart meters of a first type (150, 150a), the automated management system (100) further comprising smart meters of a second type (150b), the automated management system (100) being such that each smart meter of the first type (150,150a), each smart meter of the second type (150b), the data concentrator (120), the first information system (110a) and the second information system (110b) comprise electronic circuitry configured such that:, - a pairing is carried out between each smart meter of the second type and a said smart meter of the first type (150a), so as to serve as a relay to collect consumption data from the smart meter of the second type (150b) in question; - a first secure link is established between each smart meter of the first type (150, 150a) and the first information system (110a), the first secure link being such that an asymmetric encryption is put in place to transmit the first consumption data from the smart meter of the first type (150a) in question and the first information system (110a); - a second secure link is established between each smart meter of a second type (150b) and the second information system (110b), the second secure link being such that asymmetric encryption is implemented to transmit the second consumption data from the smart meter of the second type (150b) in question and the second system information (110b) using the paired first type smart meter (150a) as a relay; - the data concentrator (120) routes consumption data received through the communication network (101) from a said smart meter of the first type (150, 150a), either to the first information system (110a), or to the second information system (110b), depending on the secure link concerned by said data received among the first and second secure links.

Images