Smart meter, communication system, meter reading complementation method and program

Abstract

To provide: a smart meter capable of performing meter reading compensation from a smart meter adjacent thereto with respect to an isolated smart meter installed in an isolated area; a meter reading compensation method; a communication system; and a program therefor.SOLUTION: A smart meter comprises: a first communication interface for communicating with an external server via a multi-hop communication network; and a second communication interface for communicating with another smart meter. The smart meter comprises: a meter reading compensation communication control part for performing communication for compensating missing measurement of meter reading data with respect to another smart meter described above, that is communicable via the second communication interface; a meter reading compensation transfer control part for transferring, to the external server via the first communication interface, meter reading data subjected to meter reading compensation performed by the meter reading compensation communication control part; and a switching control part for performing switching for causing to be valid on not only the meter reading compensation communication control part but also on the meter reading compensation transfer control part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a smart meter, a communication system, a meter reading complementation method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) systems that connect smart meters to a communication network and provide services such as remote meter reading (automatic meter reading). For example, a 920 MHz wireless mesh network can be used as the communication network. In this case, information (measurement information, etc.) from multiple smart meters is collected in an aggregation device via multi-hop communication, and the information is then transmitted from the aggregation device to an external server via a wide-area communication network (such as a mobile phone network (LTE (Long Term Evolution) network) or an optical fiber network).

[0003] Non-Patent Document 1 discloses an IP routing control method that forms a tree-structured multi-hop network with multiple RPL (Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks) nodes (smart meters). The RPL node at the top of the tree structure is called the RPL root node, and in an AMI system, the aggregation device has the RPL root node functionality. The aggregation device is mainly installed on a utility pole, connected to a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as an LTE network or a wide area Ethernet network, and functions as an edge router that relays IP communications between smart meters on the multi-hop network and a remote server. Connecting smart meters to a TCP / IP network enables services such as Automatic Meter Reading (AMR), which acquires smart meter metering data from an external server and performs remote meter reading, and Demand Response (DR), which controls smart meter switches from an external server.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for dispatching maintenance personnel to the site and using handheld terminals to supplement meter readings for isolated smart meters that cannot connect to a wireless mesh network due to an underdeveloped AMI system infrastructure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-105010 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] "RPL: IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks", [online], Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), [Retrieved September 24, 2022], Internet<URL:https: / / tools.ietf.org / html / rfc6550> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the multi-hop communication network of the AMI system, during the process of updating equipment to a new environment, such as changing programs or changing the wireless communication method of the mesh network, the deployment of the network infrastructure is incomplete, so the mesh density of smart meters in the new environment becomes thin in the early stages of the update, and the mesh density of smart meters in the old environment becomes thin in the later stages of the update, raising concerns about a decrease in collection rate.In particular, during the process of equipment updating, if smart meters that remain in the old environment under the mesh network of the new environment cannot connect to other mesh networks of the old environment, there is a problem that dead zones (isolated areas) will occur where they cannot connect to the mesh networks of either the old or new environment, and they will be isolated from the multi-hop communication network.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to enable an isolated smart meter installed in an isolated area to have its meter reading complemented by an adjacent smart meter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A smart meter according to an embodiment includes a first communication interface for communicating with an external server via a multi-hop communication network and a second communication interface for communicating with other smart meters. The smart meter includes a meter read complementary communication control unit that performs communication with the other smart meters that can communicate via the second communication interface to complement missing meter read data, a meter read complementary transfer control unit that transfers the meter read data complemented by the meter read complementary communication control unit to the external server via the first communication interface, and a switching control unit that switches the meter read complementary communication control unit and the meter read complementary transfer control unit to enabled in response to a predetermined trigger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the multi-hop smart meter. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for complementing meter reading for an isolated multi-hop smart meter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of a smart meter, a communication system, a meter reading complementation method, and a program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of a communication system S according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system S is an AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) system that provides services such as remote meter reading (automatic meter reading), and includes an external server 1, an aggregation device 2, and a multi-hop smart meter 3 (an example of a smart meter).

[0013] The multi-hop smart meter 3 (3a to 3h) is an information processing device installed for each user of a predetermined service (such as electricity, gas, or water) provided by a business operator. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the multi-hop smart meters 3a to 3h, they will be referred to as the "multi-hop smart meter 3."

[0014] The multi-hop smart meter 3 acquires measurement information that indicates the physical quantities (for example, electricity consumption, gas consumption, water consumption, etc.) that are the targets of services provided by businesses to users. The multi-hop smart meter 3 is installed at locations (homes, companies, buildings (buildings, etc.), stores, factories, etc.) where users receive services from businesses, and is associated with each user on a one-to-one basis.

[0015] The multi-hop smart meter 3, together with other multi-hop smart meters 3 and the aggregation device 2, forms a multi-hop mesh network with the aggregation device 2 as the root, and is connected to a wide area communication network N (for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as a mobile phone network or an optical fiber network) via the aggregation device 2 and, if necessary, a relay node. The multi-hop smart meter 3 is a meter with communication capabilities, and performs (wireless) multi-hop communication. In multi-hop communication, a communication path is autonomously constructed in accordance with, for example, the communication standard RPL (IPv6 Routing protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks). Specifically, each multi-hop smart meter 3 selects a parent node from among neighboring multi-hop smart meters 3 according to the wireless communication quality with the neighboring multi-hop smart meter 3. Furthermore, the multi-hop smart meter 3 near the aggregation device 2 can select the aggregation device 2 as its parent node.

[0016] The multi-hop mesh network may be a 920 MHz band wireless communication system or a PLC (Power Line Communications) communication system. Alternatively, the network may be connected to the wide area communication network N without using the aggregation device 2, using a 4G (4th Generation) / LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication system, a 5G (5th Generation) communication system, or a WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) communication system.

[0017] For example, it is assumed that the multi-hop smart meter 3b selects the multi-hop smart meter 3a as its parent node, and the multi-hop smart meter 3a selects the aggregation device 2 as its parent node.

[0018] In this case, the multi-hop smart meter 3b transmits the measurement information to the multi-hop smart meter 3a by multi-hop communication. The multi-hop smart meter 3a transmits its own measurement information and the measurement information of the multi-hop smart meter 3b to the aggregation device 2.

[0019] In the multi-hop communication network of the communication system S, which is an AMI system, during the process of upgrading equipment to a new environment, such as by updating programs through firmware distribution from an external server or changing the wireless communication method of the mesh network, incomplete deployment of the network infrastructure can result in a low mesh density for smart meters in the new environment in the early stages of the upgrade, and a low mesh density for smart meters in the old environment in the later stages of the upgrade, raising concerns about a decrease in collection rate. In particular, during the upgrade process, if a smart meter remaining in the old environment under the new mesh network cannot connect to the mesh network of the other old environment, a dead zone will be created in which it cannot connect to either the new or old mesh network, resulting in isolation from the multi-hop communication network. A multi-hop smart meter 3 (3h in Figure 1) that is isolated due to poor communication conditions and unable to communicate with other multi-hop smart meters 3 or the aggregation device 2 is called an isolated multi-hop smart meter 3'.

[0020] The aggregation device 2 (concentrator) is a device that aggregates measurement information (sensor data) transmitted from multiple multi-hop smart meters 3. The aggregation device 2 receives measurement information from the multi-hop smart meters 3a and 3d via multi-hop communication. The aggregation device 2 also communicates with the external server 1 via a wide area communication network N.

[0021] The external server 1 provides services such as remote meter reading (automatic meter reading) to the multi-hop smart meter 3. The external server 1 is a computer device, and transmits and receives data to and from the multi-hop smart meter 3 (via the aggregation device 2). The external server 1 receives measurement information from the multi-hop smart meter 3 via the aggregation device 2, for example. The external server 1 also distributes firmware programs to the multi-hop smart meter 3 via the aggregation device 2, for example.

[0022] The external server 1 is connected to a wide area communication network N. The external server 1 is, for example, an AMR / DR server that provides an AMR (Automatic Meter Reading) service for acquiring metering data from the multi-hop smart meters 3 and remotely reading the data via the wide area communication network N, and a DR (Demand Response) service for remotely controlling the switches of the multi-hop smart meters 3. In addition, the external server 1 may be provided with a mutual authentication function and a key information distribution function for communication security in order to establish a secure communication path, and may be provided with key management functions such as a function for distributing key information for encrypting and decrypting communication packets to other multi-hop smart meters 3 and authentication information for mutual authentication with other multi-hop smart meters 3.

[0023] The external server 1 may be configured as a single server device, or may be configured as multiple server devices with each function independently. Regarding the means for distributing key information and authentication information, for example, IETF PANA (Protocol for Carrying Authentication for Network Access) can be used.

[0024] The wide area communication network N connects the multi-hop smart meters 3 (via the aggregation devices 2) and the external server 1 so that they can communicate with each other. As will be described later, the multi-hop smart meters 3 according to this embodiment can be connected to the wide area communication network N as needed. The wide area communication network N may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of a wired network and a wireless network. The wireless network may be formed using, for example, 4G / LTE, 5G, WiMAX, etc. The wired network may be formed using, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), an optical fiber cable, etc.

[0025] The multi-hop smart meter 3 transmits meter reading results such as the amount of electricity to the external server 1 at predetermined intervals as steady-state communication. The predetermined interval is, for example, 30 minutes, but is not limited to this. In addition, the multi-hop smart meter 3 receives commands such as switch control and software such as firmware from the external server 1 to control connected devices such as electricity meters and its own device.

[0026] The multi-hop smart meter 3 supports meter reading and maintenance work with other isolated multi-hop smart meters 3. Specifically, the multi-hop smart meter 3 mediates between the other isolated multi-hop smart meters 3 and the wide area communication network N. This allows the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3 (for example, 3h) to connect to the wide area communication network N via the other multi-hop smart meter 3.

[0027] Next, the functional configuration of the multi-hop smart meter 3 will be described.

[0028] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the multi-hop smart meter 3. As illustrated in FIG.

[0029] The communication unit 102 includes a first communication interface 103 and a second communication interface 104. The communication unit 102 uses the first communication interface 103 to communicate with the external server 1 via the wide area communication network N through other multi-hop smart meters 3 or the aggregation device 2, and uses the second communication interface 104 to communicate with the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3′.

[0030] The first communication interface 103 is a communication interface that communicates via a multi-hop communication network equipped with a communication method including at least one of a 920 MHz band wireless communication method, a PLC communication method, a 4G / LTE communication method, a 5G communication method, a WiMAX communication method, etc. The first communication interface 103 is realized by, for example, a wireless chip. The first communication interface 103 enables communication between the multi-hop smart meter 3 and other multi-hop smart meters 3 and the aggregation device 2.

[0031] The second communication interface 104 is a communication interface that has a communication method including at least one of a 920 MHz band wireless communication method, a Wi-SUN B route communication method, a Wi-SUN Enhanced HAN / IoT route communication method, etc. The second communication interface 104 is realized by, for example, a wireless chip. The second communication interface 104 enables communication with the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3'.

[0032] The storage unit 101 stores various types of information (various programs and various types of data) and is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 101 stores command information (described later), the program of the multi-hop smart meter 3, the communication addresses of nearby multi-hop smart meters 3, etc.

[0033] The control unit 108 executes various arithmetic processes and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 108 includes, as functional components, a meter reading complementary communication control unit 105, a meter reading complementary transfer control unit 106, and a switching control unit 107, as the CPU operates in accordance with a program.

[0034] The meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 acquires meter reading data from the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3′ using the second communication interface 104.

[0035] The meter reading complementary transfer control unit 106 transfers the meter reading data of the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3′ acquired by the meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 to the external server 1 via the wide area communication network N using the first communication interface 103.

[0036] The switching control unit 107 controls the switching from disabled to enabled of the meter read complementary communication control unit 105 and the meter read complementary transfer control unit 106 in response to a predetermined trigger. The value for switching enabled / disabled is stored in the storage unit 101.

[0037] Here, the predetermined trigger may be a program change of the multi-hop smart meter 3 due to firmware distribution from the external server 1, or may be reception of a predetermined command from the external server 1.

[0038] The predetermined command includes meter-specific identifier information such as the serial number of the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3' to be subjected to meter reading complementation. The predetermined command may be received by the multi-hop smart meter 3 with the meter-specific identifier information, or by all multi-hop smart meters 3 with which communication is possible via the meter reading complementation communication control unit 105. In addition to the meter-specific identifier information, the predetermined command may also specify a past time period with missing readings, such as the date and time period to be subjected to meter reading complementation. The predetermined command may also include authentication information of the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3' to be subjected to meter reading complementation.

[0039] Next, a process flow in which the multi-hop smart meter 3 complements the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3' with meter reading will be described.

[0040] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for complementing meter reading for the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3'. Hereinafter, a case where complementing meter reading for the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h shown in FIG. 1 is performed using the multi-hop smart meter 3g will be described.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the configuration includes a multi-hop smart meter 3g under the mesh network of the new environment and an isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h. The isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h has not yet constructed a network environment for connecting to the wide area communication network N, and is therefore unable to communicate with the external server 1 on its own.

[0042] The switching control unit 107 of the multi-hop smart meter 3g switches the meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 and the meter reading complementary transfer control unit 106 to the "enabled state" in response to a predetermined trigger (step S100). For example, the predetermined trigger is triggered by receiving a predetermined command from the external server 1, which includes information on the meter-specific identifier of the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h that is the target of meter reading complementary.

[0043] After switching the meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 and the meter reading complementary transfer control unit 106 to the "enabled state," the meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 of the multi-hop smart meter 3g establishes a communication connection using the second communication interface 104 with the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h that is the target of meter reading complementary (step S101).

[0044] In addition, in order to establish a secure communication path, the meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 of the multi-hop smart meter 3g may obtain key information for encrypting and decrypting communication packets from the external server 1, and authentication information for mutual authentication with the multi-hop smart meter 3h.

[0045] When a communication connection can be established with the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h that is the target of meter reading complementation, the meter reading complementation communication control unit 105 of the multi-hop smart meter 3g acquires meter reading data from the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h that is the target of meter reading complementation (step S102). Here, the meter reading complementation communication control unit 105 may acquire the latest meter reading data from the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h that is the target of meter reading complementation, or, as described above, may acquire meter reading values ​​for past time periods where data such as dates and time periods are missing.

[0046] If meter reading data can be obtained from the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h that is the target of meter reading complementation, the meter reading complement transfer control unit 106 of the multi-hop smart meter 3g transmits the meter reading data of the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h that is the target of meter reading complementation to the external server 1 via the first communication interface 103 (step S103).

[0047] As described above, the multi-hop smart meter 3 of this embodiment is equipped with the second communication interface 104 for communicating with other isolated multi-hop smart meters 3 and the first communication interface 103 for communicating with the external server 1 via the multi-hop communication network, and relays communication between the other isolated multi-hop smart meters 3 and the external server 1. Therefore, the multi-hop smart meter 3 of this embodiment can provide various services of the AMI system to other isolated multi-hop smart meters 3 installed in isolated areas.

[0048] In other words, for an isolated multi-hop smart meter 3' installed in an isolated area, if an adjacent multi-hop smart meter 3 is able to communicate with the external server 1 using a mobile phone communication method or a different mesh network communication method, the meter reading will be complemented and the meter reading data will be transferred to the external server 1, thereby eliminating the need to dispatch a maintenance technician to the site.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the multi-hop smart meter 3 of this embodiment, the external server 1 can control the enabling / disabling of the meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 and the meter reading complementary transfer control unit 106 of the multi-hop smart meter 3, so that it becomes possible to control and manage the implementation of meter reading complementary in a specific adjacent multi-hop smart meter 3 with respect to an isolated multi-hop smart meter 3'.

[0050] In this embodiment, the meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 of the multi-hop smart meter 3g establishes a communication connection using the second communication interface 104 with the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h that is the target of meter reading complementary communication, but this is not limited to this. For example, the meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 of the isolated multi-hop smart meter 3h may be triggered by the fact that communication with the adjacent multi-hop smart meter 3b via the first communication interface 103 has been interrupted for a predetermined period of time, causing the meter reading complementary communication control unit 105 to establish a communication connection using the second communication interface 104 with the multi-hop smart meter 3g.

[0051] The program for executing the above-described processing in the above-described embodiment may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The program may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program may also be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0052] The program has a modular structure including each functional unit, and in actual hardware, for example, a CPU (processor circuit) reads the program from a ROM and executes it, thereby loading each of the functional units described above into a RAM (main memory) and generating each of the functional units described above in the RAM (main memory). Note that some or all of the functional units described above can also be realized using dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0053] Although the embodiments have been described, the above embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 External Server 3. Smart meters 103 First communication interface 104 Second Communication Interface 105 Meter reading complementary communication control unit 106 Meter reading complementary transfer control unit 107 Switching control unit S Communication System

Claims

1. a first communication interface for communicating with an external server via a multi-hop communication network; a second communication interface for communicating with other smart meters; a meter reading complementary communication control unit that performs communication to complement missing meter reading data with the other smart meters that can communicate via the second communication interface; a meter reading complement transfer control unit that transfers the meter reading data complemented by the meter reading complement communication control unit to the external server via the first communication interface; a switching control unit that switches the meter reading complementary communication control unit and the meter reading complementary transfer control unit to enabled in response to a predetermined trigger; A smart meter comprising:

2. the switching control unit determines that the predetermined trigger is a program change caused by firmware distribution from the external server; The smart meter according to claim 1 .

3. the switching control unit determines that the predetermined trigger occurs when a predetermined command is received from the external server; The smart meter according to claim 1 .

4. The predetermined command includes information of a meter-specific identifier of an adjacent smart meter that is a communication target of the meter reading complement function. The smart meter according to claim 3 .

5. The meter reading complementary communication control unit communicates via the second communication interface, which is a 920 MHz wireless communication system. The smart meter according to claim 1 .

6. The meter reading complementary communication control unit communicates via the second communication interface, which is a Wi-SUN B route communication method. The smart meter according to claim 1 .

7. The meter reading complementary communication control unit communicates via the second communication interface, which is a Wi-SUN Enhanced HAN / IoT route communication method. The smart meter according to claim 1 .

8. A smart meter according to any one of claims 1 to 7; an external server that provides services to the smart meter; A communication system comprising:

9. A meter reading complementation method for a smart meter having a first communication interface for communicating with an external server via a multi-hop communication network and a second communication interface for communicating with another smart meter, comprising: a meter reading complementary communication control step in which a meter reading complementary communication control unit performs communication to complement missing meter reading data with the other smart meters that can communicate via the second communication interface; a meter reading complement transfer control step in which a meter reading complement transfer control unit transfers the meter reading data complemented by the meter reading complement communication control unit to the external server via the first communication interface; a switching control step in which a switching control unit switches the meter reading complementary communication control unit and the meter reading complementary transfer control unit to enabled by a predetermined trigger; A meter reading complementation method comprising:

10. a computer that serves as a controller of a smart meter, the smart meter having a first communication interface for communicating with an external server via a multi-hop communication network and a second communication interface for communicating with other smart meters; a meter reading complementary communication control unit that performs communication to complement missing meter reading data with the other smart meters that can communicate via the second communication interface; a meter reading complement transfer control unit that transfers the meter reading data complemented by the meter reading complement communication control unit to the external server via the first communication interface; a switching control unit that switches the meter reading complementary communication control unit and the meter reading complementary transfer control unit to enabled in response to a predetermined trigger; A program to function as a

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