COMMUNICATION METHOD IN AN AUTOMATED SMART METER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

A smart meter (211, 212) includes a first communication interface (230) enabling a first communication channel with an information system (110) using the Internet (101) via a residential gateway (201, 202), and a second communication interface (250) enabling a second communication channel using a cellular network (102). The smart meter (211, 212) implements a first communication mode in which one main communication channel is used to transmit data related to metering operations, and operational verification messages are transmitted on the other communication channel. In a second communication mode, the reverse is implemented.The smart meter (211, 212) switches to the second communication mode when the primary communication channel becomes inoperative, and switches back to the first communication mode when at least one functional verification message receives an acknowledgment on the primary communication channel. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION IN AN AUTOMATED SMART METER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Technical field

[0001] At least one embodiment relates to a communication method in an automated management system for smart meters, such as electricity consumption meters, water consumption meters, gas consumption meters, etc. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0002] It is known that smart meters, such as energy meters (electricity meters, heat meters, etc.) or fluid meters (fluid consumption meters: water, gas, etc.), include cellular communication interfaces that allow an automated management system to remotely collect consumption data. Consumption data can thus be transmitted, at regular intervals or on demand, to an Information System (IS) for centralized processing.

[0003] For example, smart meters communicate with the IS information system using a 5G (5th Generation) type cellular communication infrastructure, or GPRS (“General Packet Radio Service”) type, or UMTS (“Universal Mobile Telecommunications System”) type, or LTE-MTC (“Long-Term Evolution Machine Type Communication”) type, also known by the abbreviation LTE-M, or NB-IoT (“NarrowBand Internet of Things”) type.

[0004] A problem arises when the cellular communication infrastructure is unavailable. Data collection operations for metering, or reconfiguration of smart meters, are then delayed until the cellular communication infrastructure is available again.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a solution which makes it possible to overcome at least this drawback of the prior art. Description of the invention

[0006] To this end, a method is proposed for communicating a smart meter with an information system that remotely manages the smart meter within an automated management system, the smart meter comprising: a first communication interface enabling a first communication channel with The information system uses the Internet via a residential gateway; and a second communication interface allows a second communication channel using a cellular network. The method is such that the smart meter implements a first communication mode comprising:

[0007] - using a communication channel, called the primary communication channel, among the first and second communication channels, for communicating data relating to counting operations;

[0008] - transmit verification messages to the information system of operation on the other communication channel, known as the secondary communication channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the process is such that the smart meter implements a second communication mode comprising:

[0010] - use the secondary communication channel to communicate the data relating to counting operations;

[0011] - transmit to the information system the verification messages of operation on the main communication route.

[0012] And the process is such that the smart meter also performs:

[0013] - switch to the second communication mode when the channel of The main communication becomes inoperative; and

[0014] - switch back to the first mode of communication when at least one message The functional verification receives an acknowledgment from the information system on the main communication channel.

[0015] Thus, two communication channels are made available to the smart meter. One communication channel uses a cellular network, and the other uses the internet via a home gateway, typically that of the subscriber to whom the smart meter is assigned. A primary communication channel is defined among the two available channels (for example, the internet communication channel), and when the primary channel is unavailable, the other communication channel is used. Functionality check messages are used to verify that the communication channel not currently being used to transmit data related to metering operations is still operational.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the second communication channel passes through a media converter comprising a cellular communication interface for communicating with the information system and a short-range communication interface for communicating with the smart meter, the media converter serving as an intermediary between the smart meter and the information system on the second communication channel.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, before allowing communication of data relating to counting operations on any of the communication channels among the first and second communication channels, a pairing is carried out between the smart meter and the information system via the media converter on the second communication channel.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the smart meter switches from the first communication mode to the second communication mode when the smart meter receives a request from the information system via the second communication channel while, for the smart meter, the first communication mode was active.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, when neither of the first and second communication channels is operational, the smart meter transmits the operational verification messages on each of the first and second communication channels.

[0020] Also proposed here is a computer program product comprising instructions for executing the process described above in any of its embodiments, when the instructions are executed by a processor. Also proposed here is an information storage medium storing instructions for executing the process described above in any of its embodiments, when the instructions are read from the information storage medium and executed by a processor.

[0021] Also proposed here is a smart meter intended for use in an automated management system comprising an information system remotely managing smart meters of the automated management system, in which the smart meter in question comprises: a first communication interface allowing a first communication channel with the information system using the Internet via a residential gateway; and a second communication interface allowing a second communication channel using a cellular network.

[0022] Furthermore, the smart meter also includes electronic circuitry configured to implement a first communication mode comprising:

[0023] - primarily use a communication channel, referred to as a communication channel main, among the first and second communication channels, for communicating data relating to counting operations;

[0024] - transmit verification messages to the information system of operation on the other communication channel, known as the secondary communication channel.

[0025] The electronic circuitry of the smart meter is further configured to implement a second communication mode comprising:

[0026] - use the secondary communication channel to communicate the data relating to counting operations;

[0027] - transmit to the information system the verification messages of operation on the main communication route.

[0028] And the electronic circuitry of the smart meter is further configured to:

[0029] - switch to the second communication mode when the channel of The main communication becomes inoperative; and

[0030] - switch back to the first mode of communication when at least one message The functional verification receives an acknowledgment from the information system on the main communication channel.

[0031] Also proposed here is an automated management system comprising an information system and a plurality of smart meters as described above, each smart meter being associated with a residential gateway through which to communicate via the first communication channel.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the automated management system includes at least one media converter serving as an intermediary between a group of said smart meters and the information system on the second communication channel, the media converter having a cellular communication interface for communicating with the information system and a short-range communication interface for communicating with the smart meters of the group. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of at least one exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0034] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates an automated smart meter management system in which the present invention can be implemented;

[0035] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an example of a device hardware architecture of the automated management system;

[0036] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates exchanges occurring in the management system automated to perform pairing between a smart meter and an information system;

[0037] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates exchanges occurring in the management system automated according to a first mode of communication;

[0038] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates exchanges occurring in the automated management system according to a second mode of communication; and

[0039] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a switching state machine between, in particular, the first communication mode and the second communication mode.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

[0041] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an automated management system 100 in which the present invention can be implemented. The automated management system 100 is configured to collect consumption data from measurements taken by smart meters.

[0042] The consumption data collected is processed by an IS (“Information System” in English) 110 which remotely manages the smart meters.

[0043] The IS 110 information system is a centralized management equipment and the smart meters are registered with the IS 110 information system, according to subscriptions taken out by respective users (called "subscribers") with a distributor for which the IS 110 information system operates.

[0044] For example, smart meters are water meters, gas meters, electricity meters, etc.

[0045] For example, the IS 110 information system comprises various components, including a Head-End System (HES), a Meter Data Management System (MDMS), and a Key Management System (KMS). The Head-End System is configured to manage transmissions for the purpose of collecting consumption data. The Meter Data Management System (MDMS) is configured to process the collected consumption data. The Key Management System (KMS) is configured to store encryption keys required by the Meter Data Management System (MDMS) and the smart meters, as well as by any intermediate equipment between the IS 110 information system and the smart meters in question.The components of the IS 110 information system communicate, for example, using the Internet, or more generally an IP-type network (Internet Protocol), or potentially using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

[0046] The IS 110 information system comprises a first communication interface 220 for communicating via the Internet 101 (labeled INT in [Fig. 1]) and a second, long-range communication interface 240 for communicating via a cellular network CEL 102. This arrangement thus provides two communication channels with the IS 110 information system to enable remote management of smart meters.

[0047] For example, the CEL 102 cellular network is a 5G (5th Generation) type wireless communication network. According to other examples, the CEL 102 cellular network is a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), LTE-MTC (Long-Term Evolution Machine Type Communication) also known by the abbreviation LTE-M, or NB-IoT (NarrowBand Internet of Things) type wireless communication network.

[0048] Two smart meters SM_1 211, SM_2 212 are shown illustratively in [Fig. 1]. The automated management system typically includes a much larger number of smart meters.

[0049] The SM_1 211 and SM_2 212 smart meters each include a first communication interface enabling a first communication channel with the IS 110 information system using Internet 101, via a residential gateway. Each of the SM_1 211 and SM_2 212 smart meters is thus respectively associated with a residential gateway RGW_1 201 and RGW_2 202. These residential gateways RGW_1 201 and RGW_2 202 are installed at the respective homes of the subscribers who own the SM_1 211 and SM_2 212 smart meters.In other words, the SM_1 211 smart meter and the RGW_1 201 residential gateway are installed to provide respective services (consumption metering for one, Internet access for the other) to premises 261 of a first subscriber, and the SM_2 212 smart meter and the RGW_2 202 residential gateway are installed to provide said respective services to premises 262 of a second subscriber.

[0050] Each residential gateway RGW_1 201, RGW_2 202 then includes a communication interface 220 with the Internet 101 thus enabling communication via this means with the IS information system 110. In a particular embodiment, a virtual private network VPN can be established between each residential gateway RGW_1 201, RGW_2 202 and the IS information system 110 to secure the exchanges.

[0051] Through this first communication interface, the SM_1 211, SM_2 212 smart meters communicate with the RGW_1 201, RGW_2 202 residential gateway, typically via Wi-Fi. Other short-range communication technologies can be used as alternatives, for example Ethernet, Bluetooth, Zigbee, KNX, KNX-RF... The RGW_1 201, RGW_2 202 residential gateway can then implement a media converter function and thus perform message format conversions.

[0052] The SM_1 211, SM_2 212 smart meters also each include a second communication interface allowing a second communication channel using the CEL 102 cellular network.

[0053] In a first implementation, this second communication interface is a long-range, cellular-type communication interface, allowing communication with the IS 110 information system directly via the CEL 102 cellular network.

[0054] In a second implementation, this second communication interface is a short-range communication interface allowing communication with a device that serves as an intermediary with the CEL 102 cellular network and therefore with the IS 110 information system.

[0055] Thus, in a particular embodiment related to this second implementation, the automated management system 100 allows for the management of installations 260, equipping buildings or residential complexes, where a group of smart meters from different subscribers is located. To do this, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], a Media Converter MC 200 is used. The Media Converter MC 200 manages this group of smart meters, and therefore serves as an intermediary between the IS information system 110, on the one hand, and the smart meters of the group, on the other.

[0056] The presence of the MC 200 media converter makes it possible to equip the smart meters with the grouping of short-range communication means rather than having to equip them with long-range, cellular-type communication means to communicate with the IS 110 information system via the CEL 102 cellular network. The MC 200 media converter thus makes it possible to reduce the complexity and cost of manufacturing the smart meters, since short-range communication technologies are typically less complex and expensive than long-range cellular-type ones.

[0057] Thus, as schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1], the SM_1 211, SM_2 212 smart meters are the smart meters of a group. The SM_1 211, SM_2 212 smart meters, as well as the MC 200 media converter, are equipped with a 250 short-range communication interface. For example, the 250 short-range communication interface is suitable for establishing a communication link conforming to the M-Bus (“Meter Bus”) remote meter reading specifications, as defined in standard EN 13757-2, or to the wM-Bus (“Wireless M-Bus”) specifications, as defined in standard EN 13757-4. Other short-range communication technologies can be used, such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, KNX, KNX-RF... Therefore, the SM_1 211 and SM_2 212 smart meters in the group include a first communication interface a short-range 230 interface to communicate with the residential gateways RGW_1 201, RGW_2 202 which are respectively associated with them and a second short-range 250 communication interface to communicate with the MC 200 media converter. For its part, the MC 200 media converter has a first long-range, cellular-type communication interface, 240 to communicate with the IS 110 information system and a second short-range 250 communication interface to communicate with the smart meters SM_1 211, SM_2 212 of the grouping.

[0058] As detailed below, the SM_1 211 and SM_2 212 smart meters include electronic circuitry adapted and configured to selectively use either the first or second communication channel to transmit data relating to metering operations. Data relating to metering operations include, for example, meter readings transmitted by the smart meter to the IS 110 information system, register reading results transmitted by the smart meter to the IS 110 information system, action commands transmitted by the IS 110 information system to the smart meter, configuration (or reconfiguration) data transmitted by the IS 110 information system to the smart meter, and so on.

[0059] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an example of a hardware architecture 300, which is suitable for implementing any device controller of the automated management system 100. The example hardware architecture is thus suitable for implementing an information system controller (IS), or any component of the information system (IS). The example hardware architecture is also suitable for implementing a smart meter controller. The example hardware architecture is also suitable for implementing an MC media converter controller 200.

[0060] The hardware architecture 300 then comprises, connected by a communication bus 310: a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 302; a ROM (Read Only Memory) 303, or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or a Flash memory; a DSM (Data Storage Medium) 304, 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 305. Depending on the device considered, the hardware architecture 300 may further comprise I / O (Inputs / Outputs) 306, for example for carrying out consumption measurements.

[0061] The processor 301 is capable of executing instructions loaded into RAM 302 from ROM 303, external memory (not shown), a storage medium such as an SD card, or a communication network. When the hardware architecture 300 is powered on, the processor 301 is capable of reading instructions from RAM 302 and executing them. These instructions form a computer program causing the processor 301 to implement the steps and algorithms described herein in relation to the device or equipment concerned.

[0062] All or part of the steps and algorithms described herein can thus be implemented in software form by executing a set of instructions by a programmable machine, such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a microcontroller, or be implemented in hardware form by a machine or component (chip) or a set of components (chipset), such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Generally, each device or piece of equipment in the automated management system 100 comprises electronic circuitry arranged and configured to implement the steps and algorithms described herein in relation to the device or piece of equipment in question.

[0063] To enable said smart meter to communicate data relating to metering operations with the IS 110 information system, a pairing is performed. This pairing can be performed by manual configuration or automatically. A particular pairing embodiment is described below.

[0064] In a particular embodiment, before allowing communication of data relating to counting operations on any of the communication channels among the first and second communication channels, a pairing is carried out between the smart meter in question and the IS 110 information system via the MC 200 media converter on the second communication channel.

[0065] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the exchanges taking place in the automated management system 100 to achieve this pairing.

[0066] Let us consider, for example, that the pairing relates to the smart meter SM_1 211.

[0067] In a step 351, the SM_1 211 smart meter triggers a pairing request, which results in the SM_1 211 smart meter sending a pairing request to the MC 200 media converter.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the SM_1 211 smart meter has a button, for example on the front panel, which must be pressed (e.g., a long press lasting more than 2 seconds) to trigger a pairing request. Alternatively, the pairing request can be triggered by selecting an item from a drop-down menu in the SM_1 211 smart meter's human-machine interface. Alternatively, the pairing request can be triggered by receiving an external message or instruction, for example from the MC 200 media converter.

[0069] The pairing request is a message that includes:

[0070] - a message type information (in plain text), which identifies that the message is a pairing request;

[0071] - smart meter identifier information, in encrypted form, which identifies the smart meter in question, this identifier being known to the IS 110 information system.

[0072] The smart meter identifier information is, for example, a number of serial number of the smart meter in question or information derived from said serial number.

[0073] The smart meter identifier information is preferably encrypted using a symmetric key K_DSO, which is specific to the IS 110 information system and is known to the smart meter in question.

[0074] The symmetric key K_DSO is configured, for example, in the memory of the smart meter in question (here the smart meter SM_1 211), either at the factory or during the installation of the smart meter in question and the subscription taken out with the distributor concerned.

[0075] In a particular embodiment, the smart meter in question has another symmetric key MK_DSO, specific to the IS 110 information system. This symmetric key MK_DSO is called the master key and is used to encrypt other keys.

[0076] In a step 352, the MC 200 media converter receives the pairing request transmitted by the SM_1 211 smart meter in step 351. The MC 200 media converter performs a format conversion so as to relay the pairing request to the IS 110 information system via the CEL 102 cellular network.

[0077] Prior to the on-site installation of the MC 200 media converter, the information relating to the IS 110 information system to which the smart meters at the subscribers behind the MC 200 media converter (i.e., the smart meters of the grouping) are likely to be paired is programmed into the MC 200 media converter (at the factory, at the installer's or on-site, typically).

[0078] The MC 200 media converter then transmits a relayed pairing request to the IS 110 information system. This relayed pairing request resumes at a minimum the smart meter identifier information as presented in the pairing request transmitted by the SM_1 211 smart meter (i.e., in encrypted form).

[0079] Note that at this stage, the exchanges between the SM_1 211 smart meter and the MC 200 media converter are not encrypted. As explained later, the exchanges between each smart meter in the group and the MC 200 media converter can subsequently, in a particular embodiment, be encrypted using a symmetric key K_WM, specific to the smart meter in question.

[0080] The exchanges between the MC 200 media converter and the IS 110 information system via the CEL 102 cellular network are carried out using a secure protocol, so as to ensure at least the confidentiality of the data exchanged, for example using the TLS protocol (“Transport Layer Security” in English).

[0081] In step 353, the IS 110 information system receives the relayed pairing request and decrypts the smart meter identifier information. After decryption using the symmetric key K_DSO, the IS 110 information system recognizes the smart meter identifier information as corresponding to a smart meter identifier that should be associated with it (i.e., a subscription with the relevant distributor). The IS 110 information system then responds to the MC 200 media converter with a positive acknowledgment of the relayed pairing request.

[0082] Positive acknowledgment is a message that includes:

[0083] - a message type information (in plain text), which identifies that the message is a positive acquittal to a pairing request;

[0084] - the symmetric key K_WM, specific to the SM_1 211 smart meter, in plain text; And

[0085] - the same symmetric key K_WM, encrypted using the master key MK_DSO.

[0086] Other information, intended for the SM_1 211 smart meter, can be included in encrypted form using the symmetric key K_DSO in the positive acknowledgment, such as configuration information to be applied by the SM_1 211 smart meter.

[0087] Like the rest of the exchanges between the MC 200 media converter and the IS 110 information system, the positive acknowledgment is transmitted using a secure protocol, for example using the TLS protocol.

[0088] In step 354, the MC 200 media converter receives the positive acknowledgment. The MC 200 media converter reads and stores the symmetric key K_WM provided in plaintext (beyond encryption, for example, using the TLS protocol, applied in the exchanges between the MC 200 media converter and the IS 110 information system) in the positive acknowledgment transmitted by the IS 110 information system.

[0089] Next, the MC 200 media converter generates a pairing acceptance message to the SM_1 211 smart meter including the symmetric key K_WM, encrypted using the master key MK_DSO (i.e., as presented in the positive acknowledgment transmitted by the IS 110 information system).

[0090] Once the pairing acceptance message is received, in a step 355, the SM_1 211 smart meter can decrypt the symmetric key K_WM using the master key MK_DS0, which allows subsequent encryption of exchanges between the SM_1 211 smart meter and the MC 200 media converter.

[0091] The SM_1 211 smart meter is then paired with the IS 110 information system, and data relating to metering operations can then be exchanged between the SM_1 211 smart meter and the IS 110 information system. This data can be end-to-end encrypted with the K_DSO key. The exchanges between the SM_1 211 smart meter and the IS 110 information system can, for example, be based on the DLMS / COSEM protocol (Device Language Message Specification / Companion Specification for Energy Metering) or LwM2M (Lightweight Machine to Machine). Thus, when the second communication channel (via the CEL 102 cellular network) through the MC 200 media converter is used, the MC 200 media converter does not have access to this data exchanged between the SM_1 211 smart meter and the IS 110 information system.Similarly, when the first communication channel (via Internet 101) through the residential gateway RGW_1 201 is used, the residential gateway RGW_1 201 does not have access to this data exchanged between the smart meter SM_1 211 and the IS 110 information system.

[0092] To communicate data relating to metering operations, the SM_1 211 smart meter and the IS 110 information system implement a first communication mode in which one of the first and second communication channels, referred to as the primary communication channel, is used. In addition, the SM_1 211 smart meter transmits functional verification messages to the IS 110 information system on the other communication channel, referred to as the secondary communication channel. These functional verification messages are sometimes called "keep alive" messages.

[0093] When the IS 110 information system receives these functional verification messages, the IS 110 information system responds with acknowledgments also via the secondary communication channel. This allows the SM_1 211 smart meter and the IS 110 information system to know if the communication channel secondary is operational or not, and whether the secondary communication channel can serve as a backup communication channel in case of failure of the main communication channel.

[0094] The SM_1 211 smart meter and the IS 110 information system also implement a second communication mode that uses the secondary communication channel to communicate data relating to metering operations. In this second communication mode, the SM_1 211 smart meter transmits functional verification messages to the IS 110 information system over the primary communication channel. When the IS 110 information system receives these functional verification messages, it responds with acknowledgments also via the primary communication channel. This allows the SM_1 211 smart meter and the IS 110 information system to determine whether the primary communication channel is operational and whether a return communication over the primary communication channel is possible.

[0095] Functional check messages are sent regularly, on one or the other communication channel, depending on which of the first and second communication modes is active. For example, functional check messages are sent at regular time intervals.

[0096] Preferably, the primary communication channel is the first communication channel (via the Internet 101) and the secondary communication channel is the second communication channel (via the CEL cellular network 102).

[0097] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates exchanges occurring in the automated management system 100 according to the first mode of communication, considering here that the main communication channel is the first communication channel (via the Internet 101) and the secondary communication channel is the second communication channel (via the CEL cellular network 102).

[0098] In step 401, the IS 110 information system transmits a request to the SM_1 211 smart meter via the first communication channel. The request is received by the RGW_1 201 residential gateway in step 402, and the RGW_1 201 residential gateway relays the request to the SM_1 211 smart meter.

[0099] In step 403, the smart meter SM_1 211 receives the request, processes the request, and transmits a response to the IS 110 information system via the first communication channel. The response is received by the residential gateway RGW_1 201 in step 404, and the residential gateway RGW_1 201 relays the response to the IS 110 information system.

[0100] In a step 405, the IS 110 information system receives the response and processes it.

[0101] Note that the exchanges on the first communication channel to communicate data relating to counting operations can take place in the other direction, i.e. at the initiative of the smart meter SM_1 211.

[0102] In step 451, the SM_1 211 smart meter transmits a functional verification message to the IS 110 information system on the second communication channel. The functional verification message is received by the MC 200 media converter in step 452, and the MC 200 media converter relays the functional verification message to the IS 110 information system.

[0103] In step 453, the IS 110 information system receives the functional verification message via the second communication channel. The IS 110 information system then knows that the second communication channel is operational and generates an acknowledgment, which the IS 110 information system transmits to the SM_1 211 smart meter, also via the second communication channel. The acknowledgment is received by the MC 200 media converter in step 454, and the MC 200 media converter relays the acknowledgment to the SM_1 211 smart meter.

[0104] In step 455, the SM_1 211 smart meter receives and processes the acknowledgment. The SM_1 211 smart meter then knows that the second communication channel is operational.

[0105] When the SM_1 211 smart meter does not receive an acknowledgment for a predetermined quantity A (A > 7) of successive functional check messages, this means that the secondary communication channel (here, the second communication channel) is inoperative and that it is not desirable to switch to the second communication mode. However, the SM_1 211 smart meter continues to send functional check messages on the secondary channel in the hope that it will be restored and that acknowledgments will then be received again.

[0106] When the SM_1 211 smart meter does not receive a new request from the IS 110 information system via the primary communication channel for a pre-programmed period (e.g., 3 hours), the primary communication channel is considered to have become inoperative and a switchover to the second communication mode is performed. The SM_1 211 smart meter can also detect that the primary communication channel has become inoperative when it receives a request from the IS 110 information system via the secondary communication channel while, from the SM_1 211 smart meter's perspective, the first communication mode was active. This means that the IS 110 information system has detected on its end that The primary communication channel had become inoperative and switched to the secondary communication channel. The SM_1 211 smart meter then also switched to the secondary communication channel and activated the second communication mode. This situation occurs when the IS 110 information system has not received a response from the SM_1 211 smart meter via the primary communication channel for a predetermined number M (M > 1, for example M = 5) of successive requests.

[0107] Similarly, when the SM_1 211 smart meter initiates the exchange and does not receive a response from the IS 110 information system via the primary communication channel for a predetermined number M (M > 1, for example M = 5) of successive requests, the SM_1 211 smart meter detects that the primary communication channel has become inoperative and switches to the secondary communication channel by activating the second communication mode. The IS 110 information system then receives a request from the SM_1 211 smart meter via the secondary communication channel, while, from the perspective of the IS 110 information system, the first communication mode was active. The IS 110 information system then also switches to the secondary communication channel and activates the second communication mode.

[0108] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates exchanges occurring in the automated management system 100 according to the second mode of communication, again considering that the main communication channel is the first communication channel (via the Internet 101) and the secondary communication channel is the second communication channel (via the CEL cellular network 102).

[0109] In step 501, the IS 110 information system transmits a request to the SM_1 211 smart meter via the second communication channel. The request is received by the MC 200 media converter in step 502, and the MC 200 media converter relays the request to the SM_1 211 smart meter.

[0110] In step 503, the SM_1 211 smart meter receives the request, processes the request, and transmits a response to the IS 110 information system via the second communication channel. The response is received by the MC 200 media converter in step 504, and the MC 200 media converter relays the response to the IS 110 information system.

[0111] In a step 505, the IS 110 information system receives the response and processes it.

[0112] Note that the exchanges on the second communication channel to communicate data relating to counting operations can take place in the other direction, i.e. at the initiative of the smart meter SM_1 211.

[0113] In step 551, the SM_1 211 smart meter transmits a functional verification message to the IS 110 information system. first communication channel. The functional verification message is received by the residential gateway RGW_1 201 in a step 552, and the residential gateway RGW_1 201 relays the functional verification message to the IS 110 information system.

[0114] When the primary communication channel is still not operational, the functional verification message does not reach the IS 110 information system, and consequently, the SM_1 211 smart meter will not receive a response to its functional verification message. The second communication mode will then have to be maintained.

[0115] Let us henceforth consider that the main communication channel (here the first communication channel) has become operational again.

[0116] Then, in step 553, the IS 110 information system receives the functional verification message via the first communication channel. The IS 110 information system then knows that the first communication channel is operational and generates an acknowledgment, which the IS 110 information system transmits to the SM_1 211 smart meter, also via the first communication channel. The acknowledgment is received by the RGW_1 201 residential gateway in step 554, and the RGW_1 201 residential gateway relays the acknowledgment to the SM_1 211 smart meter.

[0117] In step 555, the SM_1 211 smart meter receives and processes the acknowledgment. The SM_1 211 smart meter then knows that the first communication channel is operational again.

[0118] In this situation, the SM_1 211 smart meter and the IS 110 information system switch back to the first communication mode for the continuation of the exchanges.

[0119] In a particular embodiment, when neither of the first nor second communication channels is operational, the SM_1 211 smart meter transmits functional verification messages to the IS 110 information system on each of the first and second communication channels. When, after a certain period of time, the SM_1 211 smart meter receives an acknowledgment on at least one of the first and second communication channels, the SM_1 211 smart meter and the IS 110 information system activate the appropriate communication mode from among the first and second communication modes: the first communication mode is activated if an acknowledgment is received on the primary communication channel, and the second communication mode is activated if an acknowledgment is received on the secondary communication channel.

[0120] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a switching state machine between, in particular, the first communication mode and the second mode of communication. The state machine is applicable by the IS 110 information system and by each intelligent meter of the automated management system 100.

[0121] The state machine starts in an initialization state 601. As illustrated in [Fig.6], this initialization state is a pairing state APP 601 in which pairing operations are performed to attach the smart meter in question (for example, the SM_1 211 smart meter) to the IS 110 information system.

[0122] When pairing is successfully completed, an APP_OK transition switches the state machine to a COM_P 602 state in which the first communication mode is active and the primary communication channel is used to communicate data related to counting operations. In addition, functional verification messages are transmitted by the smart meter in question on the secondary communication channel.

[0123] In the COM_P 602 state, when the primary communication channel becomes inoperative and the secondary communication channel is operational, a P_KO + S_OK transition switches the state machine to a COM_S 603 state in which the second communication mode is active and the secondary communication channel is used to communicate data relating to counting operations. Furthermore, operational verification messages are transmitted by the smart meter in question on the primary communication channel.

[0124] In the COM_P 602 state, when the primary communication channel becomes inoperative and the secondary communication channel is also inoperative, a P_KO + S_KO transition switches the state machine to a COM_KO 604 state in which functional verification messages are transmitted by the smart meter in question on both the primary and secondary communication channels. No data relating to the counting operations can then be transmitted.

[0125] In the COM_S 603 state, when the secondary communication channel becomes inoperative and the primary communication channel is still inoperative, a P_KO + S_KO transition switches the state machine to the COM_KO 604 state.

[0126] In the COM_S 603 state, when the main communication channel becomes operational again, a P_OK transition switches the state machine to the COM_P 602 state.

[0127] In the COM_S 604 state, when the main communication channel becomes operational again, a P_OK transition switches the state machine to the COM_P 602 state.

[0128] In the COM_S 604 state, when the secondary communication channel becomes operational again and the primary communication channel is still inoperative, a P_KO + S_OK transition switches the state machine to the COM_S 603 state.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for communicating a smart meter (211, 212) with an information system (110) remotely managing the smart meter (211, 212) in an automated management system (100), the smart meter (211, 212) comprising: - a first communication interface (230) allowing a first communication channel with the information system (110) using the Internet (101) via a residential gateway (201, 202); - a second communication interface (250) allowing a second communication channel using a cellular network (102); in which the smart meter (211, 212) implements a first communication mode comprising: - using a communication channel, called the main communication channel, from among the first and second communication channels, to communicate data relating to metering operations;- transmitting functional verification messages to the information system (110) on the other communication channel, called the secondary communication channel; and the smart meter (211,212) implements a second communication mode comprising: - using the secondary communication channel to communicate data relating to counting operations; - transmitting functional verification messages to the information system (110) on the main communication channel; and the smart meter further performs: - switching to the second communication mode when the main communication channel becomes inoperative; and - switching back to the first communication mode when at least one said functional verification message receives an acknowledgment from the information system (110) on the main communication channel.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the second communication channel passes through a converter of media (200) comprising a cellular communication interface (240) for communicating with the information system (110) and a short-range communication interface (250) for communicating with the smart meter (211, 212), the media converter (200) serving as an intermediary between the smart meter (211, 212) and the information system (110) on the second communication path.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, before allowing communication of data relating to counting operations on any of the communication channels among the first and second communication channels, a pairing is carried out between the smart meter (211, 212) and the information system (110) via the media converter (200) on the second communication channel.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the smart meter (211, 212) switches from the first communication mode to the second communication mode when the smart meter receives a request from the information system (110) via the second communication channel while, for the smart meter (211, 212), the first communication mode was active.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when neither of the first and second communication channels is operational, the smart meter (211, 212) transmits the functional verification messages on each of the first and second communication channels.

6. Product computer program comprising instructions to carry out the process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when the instructions are executed by a processor (301).

7. Information storage medium storing instructions to execute the process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when the instructions are read from the information storage medium and executed by a processor (301).

8. Smart meter (211, 212) intended for use in an automated management system (100) comprising an information system (110) remotely managing smart meters of the automated management system, wherein the smart meter in question comprises: - a first communication interface (230) allowing a first communication channel with the information system (110) using the Internet (101) via a residential gateway (201, 202); - a second communication interface (250) allowing a second communication channel using a cellular network (102); and wherein the smart meter (211, 212) further comprises electronic circuitry configured to implement a first communication mode comprising: - primarily using one communication channel, called the primary communication channel, from among the first and second communication channels, to communicate data relating to metering operations; - transmitting operational verification messages to the information system (110) on the other communication channel, called the secondary communication channel;and the electronic circuitry of the smart meter (211, 212) is further configured to implement a second communication mode comprising: - using the secondary communication channel to communicate data relating to metering operations; - transmitting functional verification messages to the information system (110) on the main communication channel; and the electronic circuitry of the smart meter (211, 212) is further configured to: - switch to the second communication mode when the main communication channel becomes inoperative; and - switch back to the first communication mode when at least one said functional verification message receives an acknowledgment from the information system (110) on the main communication channel.

9. Automated management system (100) comprising an information system (110) and a plurality of smart meters (211, 212) according to claim 8, each smart meter (211, 212) being associated with a residential gateway (201, 202) through which to communicate via the first communication channel.

10. Automated management system (100) according to claim 9, comprising at least one media converter (200) serving as an intermediary between a grouping of said smart meters (211, 212) and the information system (110) on the second communication channel, the media converter (200) comprising a cellular communication interface (240) for communicating with the information system (110) and a short-range communication interface (250) for communicating with the smart meters (211, 212) of the grouping.

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