Electricity Meter Contactless Data Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prepaid electricity meter systems based on the Standard Transfer Specification (STS) require users to manually enter 20-digit codes, leading to errors and lack of consumption data for electricity providers, as they are 'one-way' systems not requiring meter readings.
Innovation Solution
A method using a portable storage device, such as a contactless card or smartcard, for two-way communication with electricity meters, allowing data transfer without manual code entry, enabling electricity providers to obtain consumption data without internet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually enter 20-digit codes into the electricity meter keypad, then credit can be added to prepaid meters, but user errors occur and the process becomes inconvenient when the meter is in inconvenient positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual entry process with wireless communication technology. The electricity meter automatically receives credit information through wireless signals from a portable device, eliminating the need for users to manually type codes into the keypad. This substitution resolves the contradiction by making the process both easier to operate (no manual typing) and more reliable (automatic transmission without human error).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary between the portable device and electricity meter. This intermediary enables automatic data transfer without direct physical interaction or manual code entry. The wireless channel acts as a mediator that transfers credit information reliably and conveniently, resolving both the ease of operation and reliability issues simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If prepaid systems do not require meter readings, then credit-based electricity supply is simplified, but electricity providers lose access to consumption data for analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the prepaid electricity meter multi-functional by enabling it to both supply electricity based on credit AND collect consumption data. The meter maintains its simple credit-based operation while additionally functioning as a data collection device that automatically records and stores consumption information. This resolves the contradiction by preserving system simplicity while eliminating information loss through dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electricity meter performs self-service by automatically recording and storing its own consumption data without requiring external intervention or complex reading processes. The meter autonomously captures usage information and makes it available for provider analysis, maintaining the simplicity of the prepaid system while ensuring consumption data is retained.
3Loss of information
If electricity meters are connected to communication networks for data exchange, then real-time monitoring is enabled, but meters in remote areas without internet access cannot function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data communication function from the electricity supply function. The meter can operate independently in remote areas with full electricity supply capability, while data collection and storage are handled locally. When connectivity is available, data can be transmitted; when not available, the meter continues functioning. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing operation in both connected and remote scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The electricity meter performs preliminary data collection and storage locally before any potential network connection is established. Consumption data is captured and retained in the meter's memory in advance, ensuring no information is lost even if the meter is later deployed in remote areas without internet access. This preliminary action ensures adaptability to both connected and disconnected environments.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an improved method of managing the supply of electricity. The method comprises transferring, via contactless communication, first data from an electricity meter to a portable storage medium. The first data may be historical data collected by the electricity meter and related to the supply of electricity by the electricity meter. The method further comprises transferring, via contactless communication, second data from the portable storage medium to the electricity meter. The second data comprises instruction for the electricity meter to supply electricity.