Abstract:
One embodiment can be characterized as a utility meter system comprising a utility meter connected to a local network through a local network communication interface, the utility meter enabled to monitor consumption of a utility received from a utility provider; and a second communication interface coupled to the utility meter through the local network, the second communication interface enabling data related to the consumption of the utility from the utility meter to be sent to the utility provider over a second communications network.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to utility meters. More specifically, the present invention relates to a utility meter with a network interface.  
         [0003]     2. Discussion of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Utility meters (such as electricity, gas and water meters) are used by utility providers (electric, gas and water companies, respectively) to monitor consumption of a utility, e.g., a utility good (e.g., gas, water and the like) or a utility service (e.g., electricity, telecommunications services and the like) by their customers. By way of example, electricity meters are used by electric supply companies to monitor and control the consumption of electric power. Generally, electricity meters are monitored by an employee of the electric company that travels from house to house and reads the electricity meter. This monitoring procedure is fairly expensive and time consuming.  
         [0005]     One solution for remotely reading/monitoring an electricity meter is to send data to the electricity meter from the utility company over the large power grid and receive data back from the electricity meter over the power grid. However, some electricity companies are deterred from using such a system to remotely read electricity meters because it is not cost-effective. One drawback to using this type of system to read electricity meters is that typical pole or surface-mounted distribution transformers do not pass data signals. One solution to this problem would be to install a signal coupler to each transformer in order to pass data signals through the distribution transformer, but this would be costly.  
         [0006]     Powerline communication (PLC) is a method of communication whereby power lines, which are part of a broadly-established infrastructure of power distribution in the United States and other countries, are used to provide data communication in addition to delivering power. In other words, PLC enables existing power lines, which already have been run throughout many homes and offices, to be used to carry data signals throughout the homes and offices.  
         [0007]     Therefore, there is a need for a cost effective solution to remotely read a utility meter.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present embodiments generally provide a system and method for users and utility providers to monitor and control consumption of a utility.  
         [0009]     One embodiment can be characterized as a utility meter system comprising a utility meter connected to a local network through a local network communication interface, the utility meter enabled to monitor consumption of a utility received from a utility provider; and a second communication interface coupled to the utility meter through the local network, the second communication interface enabling data related to the consumption of the utility from the utility meter to be sent to the utility provider over a second communications network. In some embodiments, the second communications network can be the Internet and the second communication interface can be a cable or digital subscriber line (DSL) modem. In some embodiments, a computer can be attached to the local network that is enabled to communicate with the utility meter and the utility provider in addition to one or more appliance(s) that may be attached to the local network.  
         [0010]     A subsequent embodiment can be characterized as a method for monitoring consumption of a utility comprising monitoring consumption of a utility received from a utility provider at a utility meter, the utility meter having a local network communication interface for connection to a local network; and sending data related to the consumption of the utility, utilizing the local network communication interface, through the local network, over a second communication interface and through a second communications network to the utility provider.  
         [0011]     Another embodiment can be characterized as a means for monitoring consumption of a utility comprising means for monitoring consumption of a utility received from a utility provider, the means for monitoring consumption of the utility having a local network communication interface for connection to a local network; and means for sending data related to the consumption of the utility, utilizing the local network communication interface, over a local network and a second communications network to the utility provider. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a utility meter system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; and  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of the internal block of an electricity meter in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0015]     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions, sizing, and/or relative placement of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is usually accorded to such terms and expressions by those skilled in the corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where other specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0016]     The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. The present embodiments address the problems described in the background while also addressing other additional problems as will be seen from the following detailed description.  
         [0017]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a diagram of a utility meter system  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention is shown. Shown is a customer unit  102  that is serviced by an electric utility provider  104 , a gas utility provider  106  and a water utility provider  108 . Also shown is a power line  110 , a distribution transformer  112 , an electricity meter  114 , a gas line  116 , a gas meter  118 , a water line  120 , a water meter  122 , a local network  124 , a switch board  126 , a computer  128 , a refrigerator  130 , a power socket  132 , a modem  134 , a communications network  136  and a networking cable connection  138 .  
         [0018]     Each of the utility providers (i.e. the electric utility provider  104 , the gas utility provider  106  and the water utility provider  108 ) is individually referred to as a utility provider, or collectively as utility providers, throughout this description. The utility providers may provide electricity, gas and/or water, respectively, to the customer unit  102 . Electricity, gas and water are each individually referred to as a utility, or collectively as utilities, throughout this description. The customer unit  102  may, for example, be a home, a business or any other entity that consumes a utility.  
         [0019]     The electric utility provider  104  provides electricity to the customer unit  102  via the power line  110 . Electricity is supplied from the electric utility provider  104  over the power line  110  to the distribution transformer  112  and from the distribution transformer  112  over the power line  110  to the electricity meter  114 . The electricity meter  114  measures electrical energy consumed by the customer unit  102 .  
         [0020]     The gas utility provider  106  provides gas to the customer unit  102  via the gas line  116 . Gas is supplied from the gas utility provider  106  over the gas line  116  to the gas meter  118 . The gas meter  118  measures gas consumed by the customer unit  102 .  
         [0021]     The water utility provider  108  provides water to the customer unit  102  via the water line  120 . Water is supplied from the water utility provider  108  over the water line  120  to the water meter  122 . The water meter  122  measures water consumed by the customer unit  102 .  
         [0022]     In some embodiments, one utility provider provides one or more utilities to a plurality of customer units. For example, one utility provider could provide any combination of one or more of electricity, gas and water to a plurality of customer units though a power line, a gas line and a water line, respectively. Additionally, in some embodiments, other utilities than specifically mentioned herein are delivered to a customer unit by a utility provider, such as, for example, any utility service or utility good where the utility provider monitors and/or controls the use and/or consumption of the utility service or utility good.  
         [0023]     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the local network  124  is shown at the customer unit  102 . Connected to the local network  124  are the electricity meter  114 , the gas meter  118 , the water meter  122 , the switchboard  126 , the computer  128 , the refrigerator  130 , the power socket  132  and the modem  134 . The local network  124 , in one embodiment, is an internal power line network (i.e. a powerline communications (PLC) network). In the internal power line network, an internal power line connects the electricity meter  114  to the switchboard  126 , and from the switchboard  126 , the power line extends through the customer unit  102  and includes several connection points where a plurality of components (such as, for example, one or more appliance(s)) can connect to the internal power line. A PLC network conveniently uses existing power lines to establish communication between components attached to the power line, thereby reducing the amount of hardware a user needs to install. In various alternative embodiments, the local network  124  may be a telephone line network, Ethernet, Cable TV, coaxial cable network, Bluetooth, RF network, infrared network, or other physical network. In some embodiments, other components may be connected to the local network  124 , for example, another appliance may be connected to the power socket  132  to join the local network  124 . The modem  134 , in the embodiment shown, is connected to the communications network  136 .  
         [0024]     The computer  128  is connected to the modem  134  via a networking cable connection  138 . The networking cable connection  138  is, for example, an Ethernet cable. In some embodiments, the modem  134  is inside the computer  128 . In some embodiments the computer  128  communicates with the modem  134  over the local network  124 .  
         [0025]     The modem  134  may be any one of a cable modem, DSL modem, ADSL modem, wireless modem or other type of broadband, narrowband or other modem. The modem  134  is enabled to send and receive data over the communications network  136 . The modem  134  is one example of a communication interface to a communications network.  
         [0026]     The communications network  136  may be any one of the Internet (i.e. a computer network), a telephone network, a wireless communications network, a satellite network, a RF network or other physical network. The communications network  136  connects (e.g. via the modem  134 ) the local network  124  with one or a plurality of the utility providers. An advantage of using the Internet to connect the local network  124  with the utility provider is that the Internet is widely available and thus, the utility providers and many users will not need to install any new hardware components to establish communications between the local network  124  and the utility provider.  
         [0027]     The utility meter system  100  enables utility providers and/or the customer unit  102  to monitor consumption of a utility. In one embodiment, the utility meter monitors utility consumption and sends data corresponding to the consumption over the local network  124  to the computer  128 . By way of example, the local network  124  is a PLC network and, as described in detail below with reference to  FIG. 2 , the utility meter includes a PLC interface to enable the data from the utility meter to be sent over the PLC network. The computer  128  receives the data over the PLC network and then, through the modem  134 , communicates over the Internet with the utility provider. The utility provider can also send data over the Internet to the computer  128  at the customer unit  102 . In this manner, the utility provider and/or a user at the computer  128  can monitor utility consumption.  
         [0028]     In an alternative embodiment, the utility meter monitors utility consumption and sends data corresponding to the consumption over the local network  124  directly to the modem  134 . The utility meter having, for example, a PLC interface sends data over a PLC network. The data is sent directly from the utility meter to the modem  134  connected to the PLC network, and from the modem  134 , the data is sent over the Internet. According to this embodiment, the utility provider can communicate directly with the utility meter over the modem  134 . Alternatively, the connection between the utility meter and the modem  134  can be, for example, an Ethernet connection or a wireless connection.  
         [0029]     In yet another embodiment, the utility meter includes an interface to a built-in modem for direct communication with the utility provider over the communications network  136 . The utility meter monitors utility consumption and, utilizing a PLC interface, sends data corresponding to the consumption through the built-in modem to the utility provider. In this embodiment, the utility meter and modem form a local network that may or may not be connected to other devices.  
         [0030]     In all of the above examples, the utility meter is connected to a local network  124  through a local network communication interface (e.g. a PLC connection, an Ethernet connection or connection to a built-in modem). A second communication interface (e.g. the modem  134 ) enables data related to the consumption of a utility to be sent to the utility provider over a second communications network (e.g. the Internet).  
         [0031]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a diagram of the internal block of the electricity meter  114  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention is shown. The power line  110  carries electricity from the distribution transformer  112  to the electricity meter  114  and from the electricity meter  114  to the switchboard  126 . Within the electricity meter  114  is a current sensor  200 , a processor  202 , a random access memory  204 , a non-volatile memory  206 , an internal bus  208 , a PLC interface  210  and a power supply  212 .  
         [0032]     According to some embodiments, the processor  202  executes a software program stored in the non-volatile memory  206 . The random access memory  204  is used as temporary storage and as a work area for the processor  202  as the processor  202  executes the software program. The processor  202  controls the PLC interface  210  and the current sensor  200  via the internal bus  208 . The current sensor  200  may consist of a current transformer, an A/D converter (analog to digital converter) and a bus interface. The current sensor  200  collects data regarding the amount of current flowing though the electricity meter  114 . The PLC interface  210  may be, for example, a HomePlug interface. The internal bus  208  may be, for example, an I2C bus (inter-integrated circuit bus). The power supply  212  converts AC 120 volts to, for example, DC 5 volts and supplies power to each block of the electricity meter  114 . The processor  202  reads the output of the current sensor  200  and converts the output into (kilo) watt-hour units. The converted output is stored with time information in the non-volatile memory  206 . In this manner the electricity meter  114  records data related to the consumption of electricity within the customer unit  102 . One advantage of storing the data in the non-volatile memory  206  is that, in the event of a power break, the data is not lost. The data stored in the non-volatile memory  206  is sent through the PLC interface  210  to a destination (e.g. a computer). The PLC interface  210  is one example of a network communication interface. The data is sent using, for example, TCP/IP protocol.  
         [0033]     In some embodiments, the data is sent from the utility meter over the local network  124  (e.g. a PLC network) to the computer  128 . The data is then sent from the computer  128  to the utility provider through the modem  134  over the communications network  136  (e.g. the Internet).  
         [0034]     In an alternative embodiment, the data is sent from the utility meter over the local network  124  directly to the modem  134 . The data is then sent from the modem  134  to the utility provider over the communications network  136 .  
         [0035]     In yet another embodiment, the data is sent from the utility meter via a built-in modem directly to the utility provider.  
         [0036]     The electricity meter  114  of  FIG. 2  is illustrative of utility meters generally. That is, a PLC interface can be employed in, for example, a gas meter  118  and/or a water meter  122 . A sensor employed in a gas meter  118  and/or water meter  122  can be configured to collect data regarding gas and/or water consumption, respectively. A processor within the gas meter  118  and/or a water meter  122  can be configured to convert sensor outputs into appropriate units for customers and utility providers. The PLC interface sends data corresponding to the consumption of the utility, as described above, to a computer  128  on the local network  124  or to the appropriate utility provider via the local network  124  and the communications network  136 . Data can be sent using, for example, TCP/IP protocol.  
         [0037]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in some embodiments, customer units register their utility meter(s) with the corresponding utility provider(s). A utility provider provides a software program to a user at the customer unit  102 . The user can install the software program to the computer  128  and enter, for example, a customer unit or utility meter identification number and a password. In some embodiments, the computer  128 , the electricity meter  114 , the gas meter  118 , the water meter  122 , the switchboard  126 , the refrigerator  130 , the power socket  132  and the modem  134  are all connected to and can communicate with each other through the local network  124 . Other appliances can also be connected to the local network  124 . All communications between components on the local network  124  can be encrypted with a common key to prevent an outside user from tapping into the local network  124  or adding an illegal device to the local network  124 .  
         [0038]     After installing the software, the user can enter the identification number and the password into the computer  128 . The computer  128  will then send the utility meter the common key encrypted, for example, with the password. The utility meter will decrypt the common key and join the local network  124 . The utility meter can communicate with the corresponding utility provider via the modem  134  and the communications network  136  after the utility meter has joined the local network  124 .  
         [0039]     The utility provider is able to monitor a corresponding utility meter any time through the modem  134 . Data transmission may be performed, for example, at a specified time, periodically or on demand. The utility provider also optionally remotely performs, for example, meter reconfiguration, tampering detection and meter diagnostics. Monitoring utility meter data can be beneficial in determining, for example, utility shortages or other issues that may arise.  
         [0040]     In some embodiments, the computer  128  obtains utility meter data. The software installed on the computer  128  decrypts the data. The computer  128  can indicate to the user, in the case of an electric meter, for example, the current usage in kilowatt-hour and/or in dollars. In the case of water or gas meters, the computer  128  can obtain similar data regarding water or gas usage, respectively. Data regarding utility consumption or characteristics about a utility can be monitored in real time. Furthermore, the software can incorporate features that, for example, allow a user to pay a utility bill on-line via the Internet and/or allow a user to print a bill. In some embodiments, utility providers can communicate with a user at the computer  128  via the communications network, the modem  134  and the local network  124 . Such a communication may be advantageous if, for example, the utility provider is trying to reduce overall consumption of a particular utility. In some embodiments, the computer  128  is on-line updated to provide information regarding new tariffs or changes in rates during specified hours.  
         [0041]     In some embodiments, a PLC interface may be installed in one or more appliance(s). The computer  128  and/or a utility meter may communicate with and control an appliance if the appliance has a PLC interface. For example, in the case of an electricity meter  114 , if an appliance is non-time sensitive, for example, a water pump, the computer  128  or the electricity meter  114  may control the appliance so that it automatically runs during off-peak times. The computer  128  or electricity meter  114  may also, for example, control a time-sensitive appliance, such as a refrigerator  130 . Generally, the refrigerator  130  turns on/off its compressor based on the internal temperature sensor. However, if the refrigerator  130  has a PLC interface, the refrigerator  130  can obtain time-rate information from the computer  128  or the electricity meter  114 . The refrigerator  130  can then turn on the compressor more frequently in the low rate time than in the high rate time. For example, during night (i.e. off-peak time), the refrigerator  130  can keep the temperature a little lower than the threshold the user set so that the compressor does not have to work frequently during daytime. Both the computer  128  and the electricity meter  114  may communicate directly with and adjust the refrigerator  130 . In some embodiments, utility providers can also communicate over the communications network  136  and the local network  124  with appliances that have a PLC interface. As is discussed below, utility providers can remotely adjust the relevant appliance(s) to address a problem of, for example, leakage of a utility service or good.  
         [0042]     In some embodiments, the utility meter(s) can detect leakage of a utility service or utility good. If unusual increases are detected (for example, current increase, gas leakage or water flood), then the corresponding utility meter can send a leakage warning to the computer  128  and to the utility provider. In some embodiments, additional sensing capability may be added to the utility meters. For example, in the case of the electricity meter  114 , sensing capabilities could be added to detect information regarding a characteristic of the utility, such as AC voltage, line frequency, dropouts, surges, spikes or sags, that could affect a power grid of the electric utility provider  104 . Such sensing capabilities are advantageous, for example, for the electric utility provider  104  to maintain the power grid. Data gathered by the electric meter can then be sent from the utility meter back to the utility provider over the communications network. Similar sensing capabilities can be added to gas and water meters to detect characteristics of the respective utility. In the case of leakage detection, utility providers, users (e.g. via the computer  128 ) and/or a utility meter may adjust the relevant appliance(s) with a PLC interface to address the leakage problem.  
         [0043]     While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, other modifications, variations, and arrangements of the present invention may be made in accordance with the above teachings other than as specifically described to practice the invention within the spirit and scope defined by the following claims.