Electronic device for measuring the consumption of a resource, process, system and corresponding program

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) comprising: a processor (P) and a memory (M); a modem (MIG), for transmitting and receiving data via at least one communication medium (PLC, RF) using a communication standard, used by a communication network of a resource provider to which the electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) is connected;a virtualized communication function (VCF) management module (OMFCV), said management module (OMFCV) being configured to load, from memory (M), at least one virtualized communication function (VCF) to be executed by the modem (MIG), said at least one virtualized communication function (VCF) having been previously transmitted and / or configured, using a dedicated file (FFCV), from a controller (CONT) connected to the electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) via the communication network. Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: electronic device for measuring resource consumption, method, system and corresponding program

[0001] Domain

[0002] The present invention relates to the transfer and version management of software for an electronic device for measuring the consumption of a resource, linked to a power line communication subnetwork and / or a secondary communication network. More particularly, the invention relates to the implementation of an electronic device for measuring the consumption of a resource and an associated system in which communication functions can be implemented in a scalable manner. Previous art

[0003] Smart meter technology and associated telecommunications infrastructures known as "AMI" (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) enable the automated collection of consumption, diagnostic, and status data from meters, such as those for electricity, gas, and water. This saves costs by eliminating the need for periodic manual readings and also allows for the tracking and billing of actual consumption (or production, for electricity meters) with a typically daily granularity. Another feature specific to certain AMI infrastructures is the ability to implement remote actions, such as remote activation or adjustments to the tariff schedule of the subscribed contract.

[0004] Thus, AMI infrastructures rely on bidirectional communication between a data collector (e.g., a network root node or a cellular router) and several smart meters. These meters potentially enable bidirectional connectivity between the point of consumption (or production, for electricity) and the utility company responsible for operating them. In the context of electricity supply, the AMI infrastructure is one of the components of the smart grid and contributes to the efficiency, reliability, and stability of the electricity system.

[0005] In power supply networks implementing AMM (Advanced Meter Management) technology, communications are established between smart meters and a data concentrator device, which often incorporates a telecom network management role under the name of base node, controller or coordinator, such as in the PRIME (Power Line Intelligent Metering Evolution) or G3-PLC specifications. Communication between the meters and the data hub relies on power line communication (PLC) (e.g., G3 PLC), hybrid communication (PLC and radio, e.g., G3-Hybrid), or mesh network radio (e.g., WiSUN). The hub device is the root of the communication network, with a tree-like logical topology to extend the communication range. Thus, a mesh network is implemented. Smart meters act as relays for other smart meters in the network when they cannot directly receive information from the controller.The document "Bluebook: COSEM Interface Classes and OBIS Object Identification System" describes a two-phase method for deploying a new block-based software version to smart meters from the controller: a first phase without retransmission, and a second, later phase to transfer the missing blocks.

[0006] However, with the rise of intelligent resource distribution networks, significant communication traffic has emerged, involving numerous devices added to the electrical, gas, water, and other utility infrastructures. Network traffic includes data packets transmitted and received by components according to various protocols, over wired (e.g., PLC) and wireless (e.g., RF) networks.

[0007] The large number of smart meters in certain geographical areas (referred to as "dense networks"), coupled with increased use of their functionality (more frequent data collection, increased remote operation, etc.), has led to some congestion of the communication network, particularly the PLC network, resulting in growing difficulties in performing the necessary firmware updates for the smart meters. For an electricity meter, the firmware covers both the meter's functional software (business functions) and the PLC protocol stack software (telecom functions), the latter typically running in a microcontroller associated with a System-on-Chip (SoC) based on a DSP component for the lowest layers of the protocol stack.

[0008] Updating firmware involves transmitting a binary file to the smart meters to be updated. This update typically relies on the "Image Transfer" mechanism, specific to the DLMS / COSEM business protocol, which allows the transmission of a binary file of "x" bytes in length by transmitting "n" blocks of "x / n" bytes. According to the document "Bluebook: COSEM Interface Classes and OBIS Object Identification System", several transmission attempts are possible or even necessary (in case of congestion or disruption of the PLC, hybrid, or radio network) if the transmission of a block fails. The transfer is only complete once the "n" blocks have been correctly received by the counter to be updated.

[0009] Once the transfer of the complete binary file has been completed, the counter to be updated must verify it before implementing the actions in its execution environment, allowing the old firmware to be replaced with the new firmware (from the newly received binary file).

[0010] This update method has several drawbacks:

[0011] - congestion or electromagnetic disturbances of the PLC, hybrid or radio can create numerous communication failures and lead to a large number of retransmission attempts of one or more failed blocks for one or more counters; these new attempts in turn create more congestion, exacerbating malfunctions on the network;

[0012] - the detection of corruption in a single block can lead to a complete failure of the transfer process which will then have to be repeated; in the case of a mesh network (i.e. that connectivity with some meters depends on the connectivity of these meters with other meters), the detection of a failure to update a given meter can, in some cases, cause all the PLC, hybrid or radio meters in the mesh network (we speak of a cluster of meters) to switch back to the old firmware until that meter has succeeded in performing its update.

[0013] - the update of a minor mechanism of the PLC, hybrid or radio protocol stack systematically leads to the updating of all the firmware of all the counters in a cluster.

[0014] Furthermore, the optimization of protocol stacks is a recurring design problem. Generally, each mechanism composing a given protocol stack is designed taking into account the constraints of the communication channel (known through theory and established empirical observations, following feedback from the operation of existing infrastructures) but also the application use case. The design of a given protocol mechanism thus constitutes a compromise, and this mechanism is not (or only minimally) adaptable in real time to local constraints (at the level of the PLC, hybrid, or radio communicating object of a local "LoT" network – "LoT" for "Internet of Things").

[0015] It is therefore desirable to remedy these drawbacks and increase the efficiency of transferring a new software version to the meters of AMI infrastructures or, more generally, to communicating objects of "LoT" type networks.

[0016] The invention improves the situation. Summary of the invention

[0017] Thus, the invention relates to an electronic device for measuring the consumption of a resource comprising: - a processor and a memory; - a modem, for transmitting and receiving data via at least one communication medium using a communication standard, used by a communication network of a resource provider to which the electronic resource consumption measurement device is connected; - a virtualized communication function management module, said management module being configured to load, from memory, at least one virtualized communication function to be executed by the modem, said at least one virtualized communication function having been previously transmitted and / or configured, using a dedicated file, from a controller connected to the electronic resource consumption measurement device via the communication network. Thus, it is possible to modify the operating mode of the electronic resource consumption measurement device without making a significant change to its software architecture while preserving the bandwidth of the communication network(s) to which it is connected.

[0018] According to a particular feature, the dedicated file is received in place of a firmware update file for the electronic resource consumption measurement device.

[0019] According to a particular feature, the device includes at least one embedded database for recording execution tracking data from at least one of the virtualized communication functions.

[0020] Thus, it is possible to monitor the implementation of virtualized communication functions in a simpler and more efficient way.

[0021] According to a particular feature, the device includes means for adapting the operation of at least one of the virtualized communication functions according to the execution tracking data of said at least one embedded database.

[0022] Thus, it is possible to modify the behavior of the virtualized communication functions as appropriate, without needing to transfer a new complete firmware.

[0023] According to a particular feature, the device comprises at least one neural network configured to provide adaptation parameters for at least one of the virtualized communication functions based on execution tracking data from said at least one embedded database.

[0024] According to a particular characteristic, the dedicated file includes at least one parameter for adapting the operation of at least one of the virtualized communication functions installed within the electronic resource consumption measurement device.

[0025] Thus, if parameters are not available from the measuring device, it is possible to transmit them to it from a controller or a functional monitoring device, again without requiring a major update.

[0026] According to a particular characteristic, a first communication medium is of the power line carrier type and a second communication medium is of the radio frequency type and the modem is a hybrid modem.

[0027] According to a particular feature, the electronic device for measuring resource consumption is a smart electricity meter.

[0028] In another aspect, the invention also relates to a control system for a plurality of devices measuring the consumption of a resource. According to the invention, such a system comprises: - a communication network; - the plurality of resource consumption measurement devices, each resource consumption measurement device comprising: • a processor and memory; • a modem, for transmitting and receiving data via at least one communication medium using a communication standard, used by a communication network of a resource provider to which the electronic resource consumption measurement device is connected; • a management module for at least one virtualized communication function, the management module being capable of loading, from memory, at least one communication function to be executed by the modem; - a controller, connected to the plurality of resource consumption measurement devices via the communication network, the controller being able to transmit, to all or part of the plurality of resource consumption measurement devices, a plurality of communication function update files, the size of the function update files being reduced compared to the size of the modem firmware. In another aspect, the invention also relates to an electronic device of the sensor and / or actuator type belonging to an Internet of Things communication infrastructure, comprising: - a processor and a memory; - a modem, to transmit and receive data via at least one communication medium using a communication standard used by a communication network of the Internet of Things type communication infrastructure to which the electronic device is connected; - a virtualized communication function management module, said management module being configured to load, from memory, at least one virtualized communication function to be executed by the modem, said at least one virtualized communication function having been previously transmitted and / or configured, using a dedicated file, from a controller connected to the electronic device via the communication network. According to a preferred implementation, the various steps of the processes according to this disclosure are implemented by one or more software or computer programs, comprising software instructions intended to be executed by a data processor of an electronic resource consumption measurement device or, more generally, of a communicating object according to this technique and designed to control the execution of the various steps of the processes, implemented at the level of the electronic resource consumption measurement device or the communicating object, a remote server and / or a resource consumption management / monitoring system or communicating objects, within the framework of a distribution of the processing to be carried out and determined by a scripted source code or a compiled code.

[0029] Consequently, the present technique also relates to programs, capable of being executed by a computer or by a data processor, these programs comprising instructions to control the execution of the steps of the processes as mentioned above.

[0030] A program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or code intermediate between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0031] The present technique also relates to an information carrier readable by a data processor, and comprising instructions of a program as mentioned above.

[0032] The information medium can be any entity or terminal capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a mobile medium (memory card) or a hard disk or an SSD.

[0033] On the other hand, the information medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by radio, or by other means. The program according to the present technique can, in particular, be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0034] Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the present technique is implemented using software and / or hardware components. In this context, the term "module" in this document may refer to a software component, a hardware component, or a set of hardware and software components.

[0036] A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, one or more subroutines of a program, or more generally to any element of a program or software capable of implementing a function or set of functions, as described below for the module concerned. Such a software component is executed by a data processor of a physical entity (terminal, server, gateway, set-top box, router, etc.) and is capable of accessing the hardware resources of that physical entity (memory, storage media, communication bus, input / output electronic cards, user interfaces, etc.).

[0037] Similarly, a hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or a set of functions, as described below for the module concerned. It may be a programmable hardware component or one with an integrated processor for software execution, for example an integrated circuit, a smart card, a memory card, an electronic card for executing firmware, etc.

[0038] Each component of the system described above naturally implements its own software modules.

[0039] The different embodiments mentioned above can be combined with each other for the implementation of the present technique. Brief description of the figures

[0040] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of simple illustrative, and not limiting, example, in relation to the figures, among which: - [Fig-1] represents an electronic device for measuring the consumption of a resource; - [Fig.2] represents the lower layers of the G3-Hybrid protocol stack (hybrid PLC and radio technology specified in the ITU-T G.9903 standard) broken down into virtualized communication functions; - [Fig.3] represents a software and hardware architecture of a device hosting a protocol stack divided into virtualized communication functions; - [Fig.4] represents the loading and unloading of functions virtualized communication in a mesh network of resource consumption measurement devices.

[0041] Description of an embodiment

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates the architecture of an electronic device for measuring the consumption of an IPMx resource, also called a meter or smart meter. Such a device comprises: - a processor P and a memory M; - a MIG modem, to transmit and receive data via, for example, two separate communication media (PLC, RF), one of the two media (or both at the same time) being able to be used for communications with the other communicating devices constituting the communication network of a resource provider to which the electronic resource consumption measurement device IPMx is connected; - an OMFCV management module for virtualized FCV communication functions, said OMFCV management module being configured to load, from memory M, at least one virtualized FCV communication function to be executed by the MIG modem, said at least one virtualized FCV communication function having been previously transmitted and / or configured, using a dedicated FFCV file, from a CONT controller connected to the IPMx resource consumption measurement electronic device via the first communication network. The modem can, for example, be a hybrid modem according to the G3-Hybrid standard or any other hybrid standard, a PLC modem according to the G3-PLC standard, PRIME, an RF modem according to the WiSUN, ZigBee, Thread, LoRa standard.

[0043] The principle of the "hybrid" network is not to implement either PLC or RF media, but to allow nodes to select in real time the most suitable medium for transmission to one of the network's neighbors (which can typically number in the dozens). It should be noted that, according to the ITU-T G.9903 (G3-Hybrid) standard: the medium chosen to transmit to a neighboring node can vary over time; the medium chosen for one neighbor is potentially different from that chosen for another neighbor; certain communications (broadcast communications in particular) are transmitted on both media simultaneously; and in the event of a communication failure to a neighbor using the PLC medium, a retransmission can be attempted using the RF medium (and vice versa).

[0044] Thus, the disclosure proposes a new approach to modularity by implementing a software network architecture that consists of dynamically allocating virtualized network functions by a CONT controller. Therefore, the partitioning of a G3 or G3-Hybrid PLC protocol stack, and in particular the lower layers PHY-MAC-6L0WPAN defined by the G3-Alliance for this technology, into several virtualized network functions provides a significant level of modularity allowing for the updating of protocol mechanisms, either as part of a permanent update, or on an ad hoc basis, to optimize the operation of one or more protocol mechanisms to cope with specific, time-limited conditions.These updates are easily performed because the size of the binary files required to transmit either the virtualized FCV communication function or the implementation parameters of this function is small, which resolves the congestion problems of these mesh communication networks.

[0045] Thus, assuming a protocol stack that can be adapted in a limited way, through a set of parameters, or more generally, according to the principles introduced herein, the centralized management of a very large number of configurations by the operator of the communication network infrastructure is made possible by implementing local decision-making means and thanks to the modular design of the protocol stacks: the behavior of each mechanism can be influenced in real time by local decisions, taken at the level of the smart meter, as detailed later.

[0046] In other words, such an architecture allows for targeted and partial updates of firmware requiring evolution. This architecture thus avoids large monolithic firmware updates, favoring lightweight, targeted FCV updates that constitute the protocol stack to be evolved. Communications during updates are therefore shorter (fewer blocks to transmit and fewer bytes per block), which minimizes communication failures, retransmissions, and thus congestion of the underlying network. These updates are performed via the FCV loading / unloading mechanism, using the OMFCV management module (FCV orchestration and management block) which interacts with the CONT controller (which initiates the update process). Consequently, this FCV loading / unloading mechanism can also be used to equip only specific network nodes with particular FCVs.

[0047] An example of FCV decomposition of the protocol stack integrating the functionalities specified in the ITU-T G.9903 standard (in particular for G3-Hybrid technology) is shown in [Fig.2].

[0048] In particular, [Fig. 2] illustrates the following protocol layers: the application layer APPLy, the transport layer TLy, the IP layer, the two data link layers (IETF6L0PWAN and MAC), and the physical layer (PLC-Phy and Sun FSK). In this example, the two data link layers and the physical layer are virtualized into as many FCVs as necessary. The physical layer is virtualized and includes a first set of functions for managing the PLC physical layer (FCV PLC PHY LYR) and a second set of functions for managing the RF physical layer (FCV RF PHY LYR). The MAC layer is virtualized and includes a first set of RF MAC functions (FCV RF MAC LYR) and a second set of PLC MAC functions (FCV PLC MAC LYR).The LLC layer is virtualized and includes the functions necessary for the implementation of the 6L0WPAN layer derived from the IETF specifications (FCV 6LowPAN) and the abstraction layer linking 6L0WPAN and the MAC RF layer (FCV Abs LYR).

[0049] Thus, each FCV has API-type interfaces to interact with other FCVs or with the virtualization environment (EV), which refers to the software environment for executing the protocol stack that links with local hardware resources (computing capacity, memory, etc.). The software and hardware architecture of an electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) hosting a G3-Hybrid protocol stack divided into FCVs is shown in [Fig. 3].

[0050] This representation of [Fig. 3] shows an electronic device for measuring resource consumption (IPMx) comprising hardware resources, namely a processor P, a RAM memory M and a Flash memory Fl, and a MIG G3-Hybrid modem and comprising, for example, two SoCs (System-on-a-Chip): one SoC dedicated to PLC communications and one SoC dedicated to RF communications, each SoC comprising a DSP signal processing processor, a Flash memory Fl, a RAM memory M, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and for each a analog front end (An FE). It is also possible to have only a single SoC (DSP / Flash / RAM / DAC / ADC) as well as an RF Analog Front End and a PLC Analog Front End, for implementation and / or cost reasons.

[0051] The firmware of the electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) includes a virtualization environment (VE) comprising an operating system (OS) and a virtualization layer (VIRT LYR), for example, in the form of a virtual machine. This virtualization environment is loaded when the electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) starts up and forms the basis for the execution of the FCVs. The OMFCV management module for the virtualized FCV communication functions implements the FCV management and orchestration functions. This component is responsible for managing the execution of the various FCVs according to orchestration parameters, particularly for orchestrating and scheduling calls to the different FCVs in order to fulfill an overall communication function. To do this, the OMFCV management module uses APIs that allow the execution of the various FCV functions.The FCV APIs are defined according to the functional exchange requirements between FCVs and with the virtualization environment. The FCVs themselves are grouped into one or more FCVLib libraries, where they are stored for later use. It should be noted that the same FCV can exist in several different versions within the FCVLib library, and that the OMFCV management module calls and executes the FCVs based on the parameters it receives or determines.

[0052] Thus, the different FCVs of the protocol stack are called, by the OMFCV management module, during the operations of receiving and transmitting messages at the level of the different ISO / OSI layers of the protocol stack and according to the other processing necessary for the proper functioning of the MIG modem.

[0053] One advantage of this architecture lies in its modularity, and more specifically in the ease with which FCV updates can be performed without requiring an update of the entire MIG modem firmware. Indeed, depending on the protocol functions carried by the FCVs and the target implementations, FCVs can be "loaded" or "unloaded" from the FCVLib library available to the OMFCV management module according to the decisions of a centralized CONT controller as illustrated in [Fig. 4] (the CONT controller decides to load or unload specific FCVs into the libraries of one, some, or all of the network IPMxes) or according to the decisions of a local module at each network IPMx (for example, when such a local module exists and is capable of making such decisions, as explained later). In the example of [Fig.4], the controller has an FCVLib library in which all the FCVs. (Examples: FCVx, FCVy) are available. Depending on the conditions it encounters, analyzes, or determines, the CONT controller can send one or more FCVs to the electronic resource consumption measurement devices (i0,... i12) via the communication network (a mesh network is shown in [Fig. 4]). The CONT controller can select, for example, one or more FCVs to transmit to all or some of the electronic resource consumption measurement devices (i0,... i12). Each FCV can be packaged in a dedicated file by the CONT controller with execution parameters. Depending on the implementation, the dedicated file may also contain only execution parameters specific to a single FCV. In the example in [Fig. 4], the FCVO is routed to the electronic resource consumption measurement devices i5 and i2 via the mesh network.

[0054] This CONT controller can be run in edge computing at the network edge (for example, a gateway, router, or hub), or hosted in the central information system via cloud computing. Furthermore, when CONT controllers are located at the edge of communication networks distributed across a territory, inter-controller exchanges can take place within the same infrastructure.

[0055] For example, the FCV corresponding to the OFDM modulator and demodulator of the PLC PHY layer is not intended to be offloaded from the virtualization environment of the MIG modem during normal operation; however, other FCVs may be loaded for finite periods and only on a selection of communicating devices, depending on the functionalities that these devices must support or for the purpose of optimizing the use of resources (CPU, RAM, battery, etc.) available in each device. This could be the case for an FCV covering radio connectivity with battery-powered communicating devices within a consumer's home local area network.

[0056] According to the invention, in addition to a "functional" identity, the architecture of the MIG modem that is the subject of this disclosure may include complementary functions that are not implementable with the current architecture of such devices. For example, additional APIs are defined on the FCVs to allow the FCVs to populate a local database with data whose nature is specific to each FCV. This data includes, for example: noise level measured on the electrical network (PLC) or "in the air" (radio); attenuation between nodes; evolution of routes built through the mesh network; attenuation measured towards neighboring nodes (accessible "in one hop"); detection of a signature of electromagnetic noise on the network (e.g., a voltage level in a specific frequency band).

[0057] The datasets stored in the local database specific to the MIG modem can then be processed using simple or more advanced methods within a process executed in parallel with the protocol stack, for example by one or more dedicated FCVs not allocated to the protocol stack, or by one or more separate dedicated processes, using dedicated or non-dedicated hardware resources (such as a machine learning processor). "Advanced" processing methods can, for example, use artificial intelligence techniques such as (but not limited to) supervised learning, unsupervised learning, or reinforcement learning.These processes can, for example, include identifying and locating a noise source responsible for electromagnetic interference; identifying or calculating (locally) an optimal set of parameters for one or more FCVs; calculating the local occupancy / congestion level (at the level of this IMPx) of the network; and predicting congestion based on historical data in order to better plan communications that can be planned.

[0058] Such processing makes it possible, for example, to obtain indicators to adjust the behavior of the FCVs of the protocol stack, either in real time and locally (edge ​​computing in the electronic device for measuring the consumption of an IPMx resource), or centrally at the level of a nearby electronic device (for example a gateway, a router or a concentrator: "edge computing" at the network edge) or at the level of the central system ("cloud computing").

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, data is collected at the MIG modem level, in a local database. The OMFCV management module, through a specific virtualized function, performs an analysis of this data, for example, to calculate metrics based on diagnostic or measurement data collected via the APIs of the FCVs in the protocol stack. According to a first processing possibility, these metrics are provided to a neural network (for example, running within a decision-making FCV or on a dedicated processor (not shown) of the IPMx resource consumption measurement electronic device, using dedicated software) to provide the FCVs managing the protocol stack, via the OMFCV management module, with parameters for adapting their operation.

[0060] The term “neural network” refers to any network promoting artificial intelligence, in particular for machine learning, and may refer to other types of networks such as Bayesian networks, SVM,... chosen according to the need.

[0061] According to a second processing possibility, these metrics are provided to a centralized decision-making system (for example via the CONT controller), which uses the metrics it receives from the MIG hybrid modems to determine Operating parameters adapted to a cluster of MIG hybrid modems. Transmitting these operating parameters to the MIG hybrid modems via the communication network allows, for example, the adaptation of their operation when they encounter unfavorable data reception / transmission conditions due to disturbances on the communication network they are using. If these parameters result from disturbances encountered solely on the power line communication (PLC) medium, they can then be cleverly transmitted over the mesh network via the second RF medium. The neural network processor can also be used for applications other than parameter adjustment.

[0062] Thus, the adjustment of the FCV behaviors of the protocol stack is based on a decision that can be made at several levels of the communication network infrastructure: - At the CONT controller level, whether it is hosted at the central system level or in equipment at the edge of the communication network (for example a gateway, a router or a hub). It can then decide to reconfigure certain FCVs with specific parameter sets or even update these FCVs by adding / removing protocol mechanisms (this is referred to as updating only part of the firmware of the protocol stack for accessing the communication network). - At the level of the electronic device measuring the consumption of an IPMx resource itself: the CONT controller delegates decision-making responsibility to the electronic device measuring the consumption of an IPMx resource. In this case, particular precautions must be taken to ensure that the behavior of the FCVs impacted by the decision evolves within predefined limits to avoid major malfunctions and to allow the communication network operators to maintain control of the infrastructure: the continuity of connectivity and the availability of the embedded MIG modem must be guaranteed. Thus, this mechanism helps to solve the second problem encountered by mesh networks of electronic devices for measuring resource consumption, namely the rigidity of protocol stacks, which are designed at the system level and are poorly able to adapt to a specific local communication environment or evolving functional needs. The modular architecture of the protocol stacks described here, combined with local computing resources (in the modem) or at the network edge, contributes to the plasticity of the protocol stacks. Thanks to the disclosure architecture, these stacks are able to adapt Locally, this involves addressing the constraints encountered and ensuring optimized operation of the network infrastructure (through better matching of the FCV selected in the protocol stack to the needs and constraints experienced by the communicating devices). Decision-making at the central system level can also be implemented to guarantee the controllability of the network infrastructure.

[0063] In general, the process implemented between the CONT controller and the IPMx electronic resource consumption measurement devices connected to this controller is as follows: - the controller transmits, on the mesh network, to one or more IPMx electronic devices, a dedicated FFCV file containing one or more FCVs; due to the nature of FCVs, these dedicated files are small in size and therefore the dedicated file is much smaller than that of a complete firmware; this transmission is carried out according to the standard initially selected by the network manager (for example PRIME, G3-PLC, G3-Hybrid, WiSUN); - Upon receipt of the dedicated FFCV file, the IPMx electronic device implements the standard processes of the relevant standard (e.g., PRIME, G3-PLC, G3-Hybrid, WiSUN) to validate this dedicated file (i.e.to verify that all frames are received and optionally that the CRC is correct (for example) and to extract their content; unlike standard processes, however, the IPMx electronic device does not implement a firmware update process: it records, within a virtualized function library, the FCV (or FCVs) extracted from the dedicated file; this FCV is recorded with its version number; the dedicated file may also include a set of parameters, which are specific to the transmitted FCV (for example, parameters for calling this FCV intended for the OMFCV management module) and / or general parameters whose purpose is, for example, to adapt the behavior of the IPMx electronic device in certain situations; these parameters are also recorded in a parameter library available to the OMFCV management module; . - In certain situations, moreover, and in accordance with the standard processes of the relevant standard (e.g., PRIME, G3-PLC, G3-Hybrid, WiSUN), the dedicated file can be retransmitted to other IPMx electronic devices in the mesh network; in other situations, the dedicated file may only be intended to be processed by certain IPMx electronic devices for the implementation of specific functions, in which case it is not necessarily subject to retransmission. As previously mentioned, the IPMx electronic device, using the OMFCV management module, has an orchestration and scheduling function for the execution of FCVs. Specifically, it manages the execution of the various FCVs to provide message reception and transmission functionalities on the communication network(s), based on parameters transmitted by the CONT controller and / or parameters it determines based on collected data (using the FCV APIs).According to the invention, the OMFCV management module also implements FCVs for analyzing this data, for example through neural networks, which are responsible for determining, based on the data inserted into the database from the FCV APIs, adaptive behavior parameters, which may consist, for example, of modifying the size of the transmitted data packets, favoring the RF medium or, on the contrary, favoring the PLC medium in the case of a hybrid technology.

[0064] The invention has typically been described in the context of a resource distribution network (gas, electricity) where it addresses congestion problems in communication network(s), for example, PLC networks, as previously explained. The invention can also be implemented in other configurations, such as IoT configurations and networks. An IoT (Internet of Things) network infrastructure is a system that allows physical objects to be connected, data to be collected in real time, and communication with them remotely.

[0065] An IoT network infrastructure consists of several elements. Sensors and / or actuators are devices that measure physical parameters and act on the physical environment in response to electronic commands. Gateways are devices that connect sensors and actuators to the IoT network using various communication protocols. Data management platforms are software programs that collect, store, process, and analyze the data generated by the sensors and actuators. Communication networks are infrastructures that allow sensors, actuators, and gateways to communicate with each other and with the data management platforms. Finally, applications are software programs that allow users to interact with connected objects and visualize the collected data.Sensors and actuators are key components of an IoT network infrastructure. They allow for the measurement of physical parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, etc., and for acting on the physical environment in response to electronic commands. Sensors can be installed in various environments. varied, such as buildings, vehicles, industrial equipment, etc. Actuators can be used to control motors, valves, switches, and more. Sensors and actuators can communicate with gateways using various communication protocols, such as Zigbee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, and others. Depending on the application, the sensor and actuator functions are combined in a single device. Gateways are devices that connect sensors and actuators on an IoT network. They can be wired or wireless and can use different communication protocols. Gateways can be installed in a variety of environments, such as buildings, vehicles, and industrial equipment. Gateways can also perform local data processing, such as data compression and filtering, before transmitting the data to data management platforms.Data management platforms are software programs that collect, store, process, and analyze data generated by sensors and actuators. They can be hosted on local servers or in the cloud. Data management platforms can offer features such as real-time data visualization, data analysis, and alerts for threshold breaches. Communication networks are infrastructures that enable sensors, actuators, and gateways to communicate with each other and with data management platforms. They can use various communication technologies, such as cellular networks, wireless networks, and wired networks. Finally, applications are software programs that allow users to interact with connected devices and visualize the collected data.They can be installed on computers, smartphones, tablets, or other electronic devices. The applications can offer advanced features, such as real-time data visualization, data analysis, alerts when thresholds are exceeded, and so on. The applications can also provide user-friendly interfaces to allow users to remotely control connected devices. Within the scope of this invention, IoT devices of the architecture just described can be configured using the modules described above, for example, to ensure efficient data transmission within the communication network(s).In particular, these IoT devices can be the sensors, actuators and / or gateways described above and can include a virtualization environment enabling the implementation of virtualized communication functions, associated or not with a modem of the PLC, radio or hybrid type.

Claims

Demands

1. Electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) comprising: - a processor (P) and a memory (M); - a modem (MIG), for transmitting and receiving data via at least one communication medium (PLC, RF) using a communication standard, used by a communication network of a resource provider to which the electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) is connected;- a management module (OMFCV) for virtualized communication functions (FCV), said management module (OMFCV) being configured to load, from memory (M), at least one virtualized communication function (FCV) to be executed by the modem (MIG), said at least one virtualized communication function (FCV) having been previously transmitted and / or configured, using a dedicated file (FFCV), from a controller (CONT) connected to the electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) via the communication network.

2. Electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) according to claim 1, characterized in that the dedicated file (FFCV) is received in place of a firmware update file for the electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx).

3. Electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one embedded database for recording, from at least one of the virtualized communication functions (FCV), execution tracking data.

4. Electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises means for adapting the operation of at least one of the virtualized communication functions (VCF) according to the execution tracking data from said at least one embedded database.

5. Electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one neural network configured to provide adaptation parameters of at least one of the virtualized communication functions (VCF) as a function of execution tracking data from said at least one embedded database.

6. Electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) according to claim 1, characterized in that the dedicated file (FFCV) includes at least one operating adaptation parameter of at least one of the virtualized communication functions (FCV) installed within the electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx).

7. Electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first communication medium is of the power line communication (PLC) type and in that a second communication medium is of the radio frequency (RF) type and in that the modem (MIG) is a hybrid modem.

8. Electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic resource consumption measurement device (IPMx) is a smart electricity meter.

9. A system (Syst) for controlling a plurality of resource consumption measurement devices (IPMx), the system comprising: - a communication network; - the plurality of resource consumption measurement devices (IPMx), each resource consumption measurement device comprising: • a processor and memory; • a modem, for transmitting and receiving data via at least one communication medium using a communication standard, used by a communication network of a resource provider

10. to which the electronic device for measuring resource consumption is connected; • a management module for at least one virtualized communication function, the management module being capable of loading, from memory, at least one communication function to be executed by the modem; - a controller (CONT), connected to the plurality of resource consumption measurement devices (IPMx) via the communication network, the controller being capable of transmitting, to all or part of the plurality of resource consumption measurement devices (IPMx), a plurality of communication function update files, the size of the function update files being reduced compared to the size of the modem firmware. Electronic device of the sensor and / or actuator type belonging to an Internet of Things communication infrastructure, comprising: - a processor (P) and a memory (M); - a modem (MIG), for transmitting and receiving data via at least one communication medium (PLC, RF) using a communication standard used by a communication network of the Internet of Things type communication infrastructure to which the electronic device is connected; - a virtualized communication function (VFC) management module (OMFCV), said management module (OMFCV) being configured to load, from memory (M), at least one virtualized communication function (VFC) to be executed by the modem (MIG), said at least one virtualized communication function (VFC) having been previously transmitted and / or configured, using a dedicated file (FFCV), from a controller (CONT) connected to the electronic device via the communication network.

Images