Smart Meter Data Distribution via Synchronization Sequence

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for distributing update program data to smart consumption meters via radio communication are inefficient in terms of time and energy, often resulting in long frequency occupancy periods and high energy consumption due to the need for dedicated sessions and frequent reconnection, which can lead to disruptions and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A method where a data collector sends update program data to a group of consumption meters within a common update session using a synchronization sequence that synchronizes the frequency reference devices of all meters, allowing simultaneous data transmission and reducing the need for individual sessions, thereby minimizing frequency occupancy and energy usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated update sessions are used for each consumption meter, then data transmission reliability is improved, but frequency occupancy time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidfrequency occupancy time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual update sessions into a single common update session where multiple consumption meters receive update program data simultaneously through broadcast transmission. This combines what were previously separate unicast transmissions into one unified broadcast session, reducing the total time the frequency is occupied while maintaining reliable data delivery to all meters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If dedicated update sessions are used for each consumption meter, then data transmission reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual update sessions into a single common update session where multiple consumption meters receive update program data simultaneously through broadcast transmission. This combines what were previously separate unicast transmissions into one unified broadcast session, reducing the total time the frequency is occupied while maintaining reliable data delivery to all meters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If individual update sessions are established for each meter, then transmission quality is improved, but the number of transmission steps and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission qualityVSAvoiddata distribution efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual update sessions into a single common update session where multiple consumption meters receive update program data simultaneously through broadcast transmission. This combines what were previously separate unicast transmissions into one unified broadcast session, reducing the total time the frequency is occupied while maintaining reliable data delivery to all meters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The broadcast transmission mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits data to multiple consumption meters in parallel, provides synchronization capabilities, and enables efficient acknowledgment collection. This universal approach replaces the need for multiple individual session management operations, significantly improving data distribution efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3656158B1Method for distributing data

Publication Date: 2024.02.28 DIEHL METERING SYSTEMS GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

Method for distributing data, in particular update program data in a communication system (1), with a group of measuring units, in particular consumption meters (4), which are each arranged for measuring the consumption of a delivered supply medium, and a data collector (2), in particular for capturing and/or forwarding consumption data derived from the consumption, wherein each measuring unit has a communication module (5) and a frequency reference device (6) and also preferably at least one processor (10) for operating the measuring unit on the basis of data, in particular program data, wherein the measuring units and the data collector (2) are arranged in a communication network, wherein the data, in particular the update program data, are sent by the data collector (2) via the communication system (1) within a session, in particular an update session, common to the group of measuring units, the data collector (2) sends a synchronization sequence (13) common to the measuring units within the common session, in particular the update session, and the synchronization sequence (13) is designed such that the frequency reference device (6) of each measuring unit in the group of measuring units synchronizes itself to the sent synchronization sequence (13) within a session, in particular an update session.