Token-Based Secure Meter Instruction Broadcasting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for consumption meters in utility networks face challenges in securing and efficiently transmitting instructions to selected groups of meters, particularly in complex topologies, where unauthorized access and long distribution times are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system where a data collector sends tokens to selected consumption meters in a preparation phase, followed by a broadcast of instructions with attached tokens in the execution phase, ensuring only token-equipped meters execute the commands, thus maintaining security and reducing distribution time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual encryption keys are used for each consumption meter to ensure security, then security is improved, but network resources are considerably consumed and distribution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into two distinct phases: a preparation phase where tokens are distributed to selected meters individually, and an execution phase where instructions are broadcast to all meters simultaneously. This segmentation allows secure individual authentication during token distribution while enabling fast broadcast during instruction execution, thus resolving the contradiction between security and distribution time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by distributing tokens to consumption meters in advance during the preparation phase. These tokens are stored in the meters' memory and used later during the execution phase for rapid authentication. This preliminary distribution eliminates the need for real-time key exchange during instruction broadcast, significantly reducing distribution time while maintaining security.
2Loss of time
If broadcasting is used to achieve fast communication to all meters, then distribution time is reduced, but the communication cannot be directed to specific meters and is not considered secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tokens as intermediary elements that enable selective broadcasting. The tokens act as mediators between the broad broadcast channel and the specific target meters, allowing instructions to be broadcast to all meters simultaneously while only the intended recipients (those possessing matching tokens) can execute them. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining both fast broadcast communication and targeted security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the broadcast communication by attaching different tokens to different instruction sets. This allows a single broadcast message to contain multiple token-instruction pairs, enabling different groups of meters to selectively receive and execute only their designated instructions from the same broadcast, thus achieving both speed and selectivity.
3Loss of time
If tokens are distributed to selected groups of meters in a preparation phase followed by broadcast with attached tokens, then security is maintained and distribution time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-purpose token mechanism that handles both authentication and instruction routing functions. The same token structure is used for identifying target meters, authenticating instructions, and enabling selective execution. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity compared to implementing separate mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A communication system for a network of consumption meters is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of consumption meters (2) and a data collector (3) arranged for data communication in a network (1).The system is arranged for individual encrypted communication between each consumption meter and the data collector. In addition, each consumption meter is capable of storing one or more tokens, and the data collector is arranged for sending out data messages attached with a token. Upon receipt of a data message with a token attached, the consumption meter compares the token with any stored tokens, and upon a match accepts the data message, and otherwise disregards the message.A system for secure broadcasting of messages to consumption meters is thereby provided.