Meter-Specific Secure Tokens for AMI Payment and Service Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) lacks secure and flexible payment mechanisms for resource distribution networks, relying on third-party services that are error-prone and lack backup features for network infrastructure issues, leading to potential misapplication of payments and disconnection of customers without consideration for special conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating and applying device-specific secure tokens, including payment-based, time-based, and global tokens, using a headend system to manage meter connections and disconnections based on credit values or time durations, ensuring accuracy and flexibility in resource distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If third-party payment services are used in AMI, then payment processing capability is provided, but security control and accuracy are worsened due to lack of control over third-party security mechanisms and potential misapplication of payments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the payment processing function from third-party services and integrates it directly into the metering network. The headend system generates payment tokens that are directly applied to meters through the existing communication infrastructure, eliminating dependency on external payment processors and their security mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The payment token mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides secure payment processing, ensures payment accuracy through meter-specific tokens, enables backup payment capabilities, and allows for both pre-pay and post-pay models. The same token infrastructure handles diverse payment scenarios without requiring separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If third-party payment mechanisms are implemented, then payment functionality is added, but device complexity and error-proneness increase due to separate payment systems requiring integration with metering network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges payment processing with the existing metering network infrastructure. The headend system uses the same communication channels and authentication mechanisms already in place for meter reading and control, combining payment token generation and validation into the existing system rather than adding separate integrated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service payment processing where customers can make payments through various channels (in-person, online, automated) and receive tokens that are automatically applied to their meters. The metering network itself handles token validation and application without requiring external system interventions or complex integration layers.
3Reliability
If strict payment enforcement is implemented, then revenue protection is improved, but customer service quality worsens due to disconnection without consideration for special conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The payment token system allows dynamic adjustment of credit balances and connection status. The headend system can apply tokens to create positive credit balances that allow continued service, or extend connection time based on payment circumstances. This dynamic approach enables revenue protection while accommodating special conditions like emergencies or financial hardship.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of connection status from binary (connected/disconnected) to conditional based on credit balance and token validity. By adjusting credit values and connection parameters dynamically, the system can maintain service during special conditions while still enforcing payment requirements, balancing revenue protection with customer service quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for generating and applying a secure token in a resource distribution network is provided. For example, a headend system generates a payment-based token based on a payment made for a meter. The payment-based token indicates a credit value to be applied to the meter. The credit value can range between a negative limit and a positive limit. The payment-based token is further generated based on a meter identifier. The headend system transmits the payment-based token to the meter via at least a mesh network. After receiving the payment-based token, the meter validates the token to determine that the token is generated for the meter. The meter further determines the balance associated with the meter based on the credit value specified in the token. Based on the balance, the meter connects or disconnects premises associated with the meter from a resource supply.