Feature License Transfer Between Utility Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current system for transferring feature licenses between utility meters is complex and costly, requiring multiple steps and intermediary devices like smart cards, which increases the complexity and expense of upgrading or updating meter features.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enables direct transfer of feature licenses between utility meters using a computing device connected to both meters via various communication methods, eliminating the need for intermediary devices and simplifying the coding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart cards and hardware dongles are used as intermediaries for feature license transfer, then the transfer process can be performed with existing technology, but the process becomes complex and costly with multiple steps and intermediate devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediary devices (smart cards, hardware dongles) from the feature license transfer process. The system directly transfers feature licenses between the license pool server and utility meters through network communication, removing the intermediate storage and transfer介质 that complicated the original process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a license pool server as a centralized intermediary that manages feature licenses. Instead of using distributed intermediary devices like smart cards, the system uses a centralized server that directly communicates with utility meters through standard network protocols, simplifying the transfer mechanism while maintaining security and control.
2Reliability
If multiple intermediate devices are used for feature license transfer, then the transfer can be performed, but the cost of the transfer process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive intermediary hardware devices (smart cards, hardware dongles) from the transfer process. By using direct network communication between the license pool server and utility meters, the system eliminates the need to purchase, maintain, and manage physical intermediary devices, significantly reducing transfer costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of feature licenses through network communication instead of physical media transfer. The feature license data is copied electronically from the license pool server to the utility meter via network protocols, eliminating the need for expensive physical storage media and their associated handling costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If smart cards are used to transfer feature licenses, then the licenses can be selectively uploaded to meters, but the process becomes slow and complicated requiring physical movement of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically moving smart cards between devices with electronic network communication. The license pool server directly transmits feature licenses to utility meters through network protocols, eliminating the need for manual device handling and physical transportation, thereby dramatically increasing transfer speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by maintaining a centralized license pool server that pre-manages and organizes feature licenses before transfer. The system can prepare and stage licenses for transfer in advance, and when a transfer is needed, the pre-prepared licenses can be quickly transmitted to the target utility meter without requiring manual intervention or physical device movement.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems (200,207) and devices (200,207) are disclosed for enabling direct transfer of feature licenses (230) between utility meters (222,224,226,228). In one embodiment, a system (200,207) includes: a computing device (210) communicatively connected to a first utility meter (222,224,226,228) and a second utility meter (222, 224,226,228), the computing device (210) adapted to manage a transfer of a feature license (230) between the first utility meter (222,224,226,228) and the second utility meter (222, 224,226,228) by performing actions comprising: obtaining feature license data about the first utility meter (222,224,226,228) and the second utility meter (222,224, 226,228); receiving a selection of the feature license (230) to be transferred from the first utility meter (222,224,226,228) to the second utility meter (222,224,226,228); and transferring the selected feature license (230) from the first utility meter (222, 224,226,228) to the second utility meter (222,224,226,228).