Configurable Mobile Tool for AMI Metering Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) systems require multiple, expensive, and low-performance legacy handheld devices for installation, maintenance, service, diagnostics, and configuration, with complex setups and data transmission limitations, leading to inefficient management and high costs.

Innovation Solution

A configurable and secure mobile tool equipped with a display, communication modules, and a processor that synchronizes with a server to receive configuration settings and authorization, allowing it to perform authorized operations on meters, reducing the need for multiple devices and enabling secure, remote data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple legacy handheld devices are used for different metering operations, then specific functions (installation, maintenance, service, diagnostics, configuration) can be performed, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile tool is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple metering operations including installation, maintenance, service, diagnostics, and configuration. The system uses a single mobile device with a configurable interface that adapts to different operations through software configuration rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile tool interface is dynamically configured based on user group authorization profiles. The system retrieves configuration settings from a server that define which operations and parameters are accessible to different user groups, allowing the interface to adapt its functionality dynamically rather than being fixed for specific operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If legacy handheld devices are used, then metering operations can be performed, but performance and usability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces expensive, specialized legacy handheld devices with modern, commercially available mobile devices (smartphones, tablets). These modern devices offer superior performance, usability, and lower cost while maintaining the necessary functionality through software configuration rather than specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual tool setup is required for each handheld device, then specific operations can be configured, but setup time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation configurationVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile tool automatically retrieves its configuration settings from a server based on user group authorization profiles. Instead of requiring manual individual setup of each device, the system self-configures by downloading relevant parameters and operational limits from the server, significantly reducing setup time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration settings are pre-defined on the server for different user groups before field operations begin. When a mobile device connects to the server, it automatically receives the appropriate pre-configured settings for its user group, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual device configuration in the field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of information

If data transmission requires physical docking to hard-wired connections, then data can be transferred to the utility office, but mobility and convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical docking connection requirement with wireless communication capabilities. Modern mobile devices can transmit data to the utility office wirelessly through cellular networks or other wireless communication methods, eliminating the need for physical docking stations and hard-wired connections while maintaining data transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10182273B2Configurable secure mobile tool for AMI and AMR metering systems

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are apparatuses, methods and systems for a configurable and secure mobile tool for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) metering systems, wherein the tool comprises a suite of mobile apps that run on a mobile device (e.g., tablet, smartphone) and have functionality to support the installation, maintenance, service, diagnostics and configuration of meters in AMI and AMR systems. The mobile app may remotely synchronize through a secure communication channel with a server in communication with a database that contains configuration settings and related data created by an administrator utilizing an administrator station. During synchronization, the mobile app functionality is configured and customized based on user group authorization profiles defined by an administrator, and data collected and generated by the mobile app that is stored on the mobile device is transferred to the database where it may be accessed by an administrator station.