Metering infrastructure smart cards

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the management of metering infrastructure, and in particular to the management and control of devices belonging to the metering infrastructure using distributed smart cards.

[0002] Large intelligent infrastructures may contain a large number of intelligent devices. One such example is Advanced Measurement Infrastructure (AMI), which refers to systems that measure, record and analyze energy consumption, and work with advanced devices such as electricity consumption meters, gas consumption meters, heat consumption meters, cable meters and meters water consumption, via various communication media on demand (if necessary) or using predetermined schedules. These infrastructures include hardware, program, communications, energy consumption displays, and controllers, customer related systems, measurement data management (MDM) software, business systems for network suppliers and distributors, etc.

[0003] A typical AMI infrastructure includes a significant number of intelligent devices (e.g., "SCADA" meters, surveillance and data acquisition devices, routers, etc.) that have advanced (i.e. "intelligent") functional rights implemented with some type of computing system. Because many of these devices differ in their properties, providing different functions, are manufactured by different suppliers, etc., the implementation and management of these devices in such infrastructure is a significant challenge.

[0004] EP-A-0 992 958 relates to a measuring device with a programmable smart card. The smart card interface allows smart card and device to communicate with each other. The smart card contains Java applications that are executed using a smart card, whereby the smart card allows the device to access the Java application and its resources, while maintaining the independent control of its functions.

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smart card according to the appended claim 1 intended for use in a device having the ability to control using a card belonging to the measuring infrastructure. The smart card includes: a computing platform for storing and executing program code, and a set of application programs containing the program code, which can be executed using the computing platform, with each of the sets of application programs being implemented in such a way as to control the setting of a related device with the ability to control using the card in which the smart card is placed.

[0006] In a further aspect, an advanced measurement infrastructure (AMI) is provided according to the appended claim 8 comprising a plurality of intelligent devices. Each of the smart devices is adapted to be controlled by a removable smart card, where each of the removable smart cards contains: a computing platform that allows the storage and execution of program code and a set of application programs containing program code that can be executed using a computing platform, with each of the sets of application programs implemented in such a way as to control the setting of the associated smart device in which the removable device is placed smart card.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a device is provided having the ability to control using a card according to the appended claim 9 for use in a measuring infrastructure. The device with the ability to control using the card includes: a set of operating units; a slot for inserting a smart card, wherein the smart card includes: a computing platform for storing and executing program code, and a set of application programs containing a program code that can be executed using a computing platform, where each of the sets of application programs is implemented in such a way as to control the setting of the set of operating units, and a card interface for providing a channel communication between the smart card and the set of operating units.

[0008] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagram of an AMI infrastructure managed using smart cards according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a smart card according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a device having the ability to be controlled using a card according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to the management and control of devices in a measuring infrastructure using smart cards. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "smart card" generally refers to any portable card, device or token containing a computing platform, such as an embedded integrated circuit. Commonly known examples are SIM cards (subscriber identification modules) commonly used in cell phones and other network devices, chip cards such as those supplied by Gemalto® etc.

[0010] In a typical advanced measurement infrastructure (AMI), computational functions are implemented using software and firmware contained in various hardware devices that make up the infrastructure. For example, each meter may contain dedicated equipment programmed to perform specific functions, i.e. meter reading management, implementation of communication and security protocols, subscriber identification support, etc. As noted above, this unfortunately causes a huge reduction in the flexibility of the infrastructure, i.e. in order to achieve reliable operation, devices must be manufactured, programmed and tested in such a way that they meet stringent requirements and comply with specific protocols.

[0011] The present description provides a more flexible solution for the management and control of intelligent infrastructure, such as the AMI infrastructure, in which computational functions have been transferred from hardware devices to portable smart cards. Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the AMI infrastructure 10 containing a plurality of smart devices, including smart meters 12, router 14, SCADA system device 16, and data aggregator 18. Intelligent devices form a network that is controlled directly from headquarters 20 via a forward link. The set of devices presented is, of course, intended to illustrate a simple example of the AMI infrastructure, and the type and number of devices may vary depending on the particular application.

[0012] Each of the intelligent devices belonging to the AMI infrastructure 10 has a set of predefined functions that are controlled and / or implemented using a removable 22a-f smart card. Therefore, some or all of the actual computational functions are removed from each device and implemented in the associated smart card 22a-f. As such, the "intelligent" features of hardware devices do not have to be implemented in each device, but instead are placed on the associated smart card 22a-f. After the associated smart card (e.g., 22a card) is inserted into the device (e.g., meter 12), the device has smart functions specific to the smart card. In addition to other advantages, this solution allows mass production of "generic" devices with the ability to control using a card, which using a 22a-f smart card can be tailored to specific customers, desired functions, specific locations, etc., which is simply done by introducing card programmed in such a way as to meet the requirements for specific functions of the installation. Updates and changes in hardware functions can be achieved by simply replacing or re-programming the 22a-f smart card.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the design of a smart card 22 comprising a computing platform 24. The computing platform 24 can be implemented, for example, using an integrated circuit (not shown) which includes a processor, memory, I / O circuits and a bus. Computing platform 24 has an operating system 26, such as a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), having Master Controller 28 and an I / O Controller. The main controller 28 facilitates the configuration and programming of the smart card 22, while the I / O controller 30 facilitates communication with the associated hardware device via a physical interface 44. The computing platform 24 also includes a set of application programs 32 performing specific functions for the associated device into which the card is inserted intelligent 22. [0014] In this exemplary embodiment, application programs 32 have: (1) a communication module 34 for implementing communication protocols and communication methods (e.g., cellular telephony networks, fiber optics, TCP / IP, etc.); (2) security module 36 to implement security protocols, creating secure communication, providing encryption support, etc .; (3) activation / subscriber information module 38 for activating the associated device, managing associated licenses, maintaining subscriber information, etc .; (4) equipment control module 40 for controlling and managing the operation of a real device, e.g., meter reading and setting according to an appropriate schedule, sending or receiving readings over a network, etc .; and (5) a retention module 42 for reporting errors, e.g., ensuring proper operation of the device, performing automatic testing procedures, solving problems, performing updates, etc. It should be understood that the number and type of application programs 32 depend on the specific requirements of the associated hardware device.

[0015] It should be understood that any type of computing platform 24 / operating system 26 can be used, including for example Java, .NET, C ++, proprietary systems, open systems etc. Operating systems such as Java they enable adequate protection of 32 Java programs also against unauthorized modification, thus ensuring a high level of security.

[0016] Each of the application programs 32 is therefore stored and executed using the smart card 22 alone, which eliminates (or limits) the need for a computing platform in the associated device. As such, most or all of the "smart" functions are maintained and performed using a smart card 22.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, the operating system 26 starts automatically when the smart card 22 is inserted into the associated device and the device is powered on. The operating system 26 then runs the master controller 28, which in turn runs one or more application programs 32 that can run continuously or be run as needed. For example, the equipment control module 40 may operate continuously to receive a continuous meter data stream, while the retaining module 42 may be started when it is necessary to install an update or to check for errors. Operating system 26 also launches I / O controller 30, which allows the smart card to communicate with the associated device.

[0018] Fig. 3 shows an example of a device 50 having the ability to control using a card, e.g. a municipal media consumption meter configured for control by a smart card 22. In this example, the device 50 having the ability to control using a card has a physical slot 60 intended for smart card insertion 22. Depending on the needs, the smart card 22 can be inserted and removed into / from the physical slot 60 using a mechanical latch or similar solution. The device also has a card interface 25 configured to provide a communication channel between the inserted smart card 22 and one or more operating units 52, 54. For example, the card interface 25 may be adapted to receive instructions, data or control signals generated by applications launched using the smart card 22, as well as to send them to operating units 52, 54. Conversely, the card interface 25 may also be adapted to transmit data from operating units 52, 54 to smart card 22, where data can be processed.

[0019] In this example, the device 50 having the ability to control using the card includes a first operating unit 52 for receiving meter 58 data, e.g., power consumption, error conditions, etc. The device also includes a second operating unit 54 providing input / output functions ( I / O) to the associated network 56. Thus, the smart card 22 may, for example: (1) send to the operating unit 52 a command to receive meter readings every ten minutes, (2) write the readings in a temporary cache located on the smart card 22 and (3) send a transfer order to the operating unit 54 daily readings to the control panel, for example from a predetermined time.

[0020] Technical effects include obtaining a metering infrastructure comprising a plurality of smart devices where some or all of the smart devices are controlled and managed using smart cards including a computing platform and application programs to implement the smart functions of the associated device.

[0021] In various embodiments of the present invention, the aspects of the smart card 22 described herein may be implemented as a completely hardware embodiment, a completely program embodiment or an embodiment comprising both hardware and software components. In one embodiment, operating system 26 and application programs 32 (Fig. 2) can be implemented programmatically, which includes but is not limited to firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

[0022] The processing functions may further be in the form of a computer program made available by means of a medium that can be used or read by a computer and provides the program code for use or in conjunction with a computer platform included on a smart card 22 or any system enabling instruction execution (e.g. processing units). For the purposes of this description, the medium that can be used or read by a computer may be in the form of any memory medium that can be read by a computer that may contain or store a program for use by or using a computer, a system that allows instruction, device or device to be executed. . In a further embodiment, it is possible to use a transmission medium that can be read by a computer, which can be used to communicate, propagate or transfer a program to be executed by or in connection with a computer, system enabling instruction, device or device.

[0023] The carrier that can be read by a computer may be electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, using infrared radiation or a semiconductor system (device or device). Examples of media that can be read by a computer include semiconductor or ferrite memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), rigid magnetic disk and optical disk. Examples of optical discs currently in use include a compact disc - read-only memory (CD-ROM), a compact disc - rewritable and readable (CD-R / W) and a disc for recording digital video (DVD).

[0024] The present disclosure has been presented and described with particular reference to its embodiments, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art may develop various variations and modifications thereof.

[0025] The present description uses examples to disclose the invention including its preferred mode of implementation, and which also allows any person skilled in the art to implement the invention, including the making and use of any devices and systems, and the use of any of the methods described. The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the attached patent claims.