Utility Meter Cellular Modem Control for Low-Energy SIM Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility meters with cellular communication interfaces face challenges in efficiently updating Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) information while minimizing energy consumption, as traditional methods require extended network connectivity, increasing energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method for updating SIM information in battery-powered utility meters involves controlling the modem to connect to the cellular network briefly, receive data, and then enter power-saving modes or idle states, using indicators to determine if SIM update messages are pending, allowing minimal energy usage while ensuring timely updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the utility meter remains connected to the cellular network for extended period to receive SIM update messages, then reliable SIM information update is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head end system prepares and queues SIM update messages in advance before the utility meter connects to the network. The utility meter receives an indication from the head end system about pending SIM update messages, allowing it to plan its connection timing accordingly. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the utility meter to remain connected indefinitely, as messages are pre-prepared and queued by the network side.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility meter receives feedback from the head end system in the form of an indication message that specifies whether SIM update messages are pending and when they will be transmitted. This feedback mechanism allows the utility meter to adjust its connection strategy - connecting only when needed based on the indication received, rather than maintaining continuous connectivity. The feedback loop enables dynamic adaptation between reliability requirements and energy conservation.
2Reliability
If the cellular communication interface is kept accessible for SIM updates, then reliable communication is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The utility meter dynamically adjusts its communication state based on received indications. When the indication shows no pending SIM updates, the modem enters Power Saving Mode or idle state. When the indication shows pending updates, the modem connects to the cellular network. This dynamic state adjustment allows the system to maintain communication reliability only when necessary, while conserving energy during periods when updates are not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility meter uses periodic connection cycles - connecting to the cellular network periodically to check for and receive SIM update messages, then returning to power-saving mode. This periodic action pattern allows the system to maintain adequate communication reliability for receiving important SIM updates while minimizing the total time spent in energy-consuming connected states.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the modem connects to cellular network for shortest possible time, then energy consumption is minimized, but SIM update messages may not be received
Solution Approach 1:
The head end system acts as an intermediary between the cellular network and the utility meter. It receives SIM update messages from the cellular network, processes them, and transmits them to the utility meter during brief connection windows. This intermediary function allows the utility meter to maintain very short connection times while still ensuring reliable delivery of SIM update messages, as the head end system buffers and manages the message transmission timing.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
A method for updating Subscriber Identity Module, SIM, information in a battery powered utility meter with an integrated modem for cellular communication. The modem is with intervals controlled to connect to a cellular network. When the modem is connected to the cellular network data is transmitted to a head end system. As a response the modem receives a first data message from the head end system via the cellular network. The modem is controlled to remain connected to the cellular network long enough to receive the response whereafter the modem enters Power Saving Mode or is powered off. The utility meter determines if the first data message comprises an indication that a Short Message Service message or a second data message containing Subscriber Identity Module update information is to be received by the modem via the cellular network during a second time period. If the first data message comprises said indication, the modem is controlled to enter RRC idle state and Discontinuous Reception mode or Extended Discontinuous Reception mode, during the second time period. Finally, the modem enter idle state and power saving mode or is powered off, at the end of the second time period.