Remote Meter Data Analysis with Cartographic Context

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing water and energy consumption data are limited in their ability to fully understand and manage consumption patterns, particularly on a collective scale, as they rely on technology-oriented and descriptive statistical techniques that do not adequately account for contextual and socio-economic factors.

Innovation Solution

A method that integrates cartographic and socio-economic data with remotely collected consumption data to determine user profiles, reference consumption models, and provides feedback mechanisms for users, allowing for targeted adjustments in consumption patterns and resource supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional descriptive statistical techniques are used for consumption data analysis, then the analysis process remains simple and technology-oriented, but the ability to understand consumption patterns and provide actionable insights is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontextual and socio-economic factorsVSAvoiddata integration system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data sources including consumption data, cartographic data, and socio-economic data into a unified analysis system. This combination allows the system to capture comprehensive consumption patterns by integrating previously separate information streams, thereby reducing information loss while managing complexity through systematic data fusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that transforms raw data from multiple sources into meaningful consumption patterns and insights. This intermediary system handles the complexity of data integration while presenting simplified, actionable results to users, effectively mediating between complex data sources and user needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If remote meter reading operations are implemented, then consumption data collection becomes automated and efficient, but the quality of information for supporting sustainable management remains insufficient without advanced analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidconsumption pattern insights
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where consumption data is continuously collected, analyzed, and used to generate insights that feed back into consumption management. This closed-loop system transforms automated data collection into actionable information by providing feedback on consumption patterns, enabling users to make informed decisions for sustainable management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis and pattern recognition on collected consumption data before presenting results to users. By pre-processing and interpreting data in advance, the system transforms raw automated readings into meaningful insights about consumption patterns, reducing the information gap between data collection and actionable intelligence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If statistical techniques are applied to raw consumption data, then descriptive analysis is achieved, but the ability to provide targeted recommendations and monitor consumption trends is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumption analysis accuracyVSAvoidsystem usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to automatically perform complex analysis, pattern recognition, and insight generation without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously processing consumption data, identifying patterns, and providing recommendations, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while preserving ease of operation through automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3391240B1Processing of remote meter-reading data to analyse consumption modes
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 SUEZ INTERNATIONAL
  • EP3391240B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3391240B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3391240B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for determining a profile of a user of a water and/or energy resource, the method comprising the steps that consist of receiving initial data on consumption of the resource by a plurality of users; determining consumption levels of the resource, determining user groups and determining at least one user profile. Developments describe the use of additional data, in particular cartographic data, corresponding to the determined user profile; the determination of consumption trends; the determination of a reference consumption model; and the comparison of the remotely read consumptions with the reference model. System and software aspects are also described, in particular for remotely consulting information relating to the consumption data, to the groups of users, to the user profiles, to the consumption trends or to the reference consumption models.