U.S. patent application number 09/966326 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-03 for interactive system for managing and remotely connecting customer utility loads.
Invention is credited to Booth, Derek, Steklac, Ivo.
Application Number | 20030063723 09/966326 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25511230 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030063723 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Booth, Derek ; et
al. |
April 3, 2003 |
Interactive system for managing and remotely connecting customer
utility loads
Abstract
An interactive system for managing and remotely monitoring and
effecting the connection status of a customer utility load network
is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the interactive system are
utilized for customer loads that correspond to the distribution of
electrical energy. The interactive system is preferably provided
through a web-based application that offers a plurality of
selectable services to a user. Security information is preferably
required for a user to gain access to the system. Services provided
may comprise a read service for providing metered customer utility
data, a usage and/or demand notification service for alarming a
user when utility usage and/or demand exceeds a defined threshold
amount, and/or a connection service for setting a utility load as
either connected or disconnected. A control system is preferably
provided in conjunction with the web-based application to interface
the application to other components involved in the interactive
system. Such a control system preferably comprises at least a
system controller for managing all nodes in the utility network and
a database system for storing meter data and other system-related
information. A wireless communications network is established for
relaying information from the system controller and web-based
utility application to any utility meters or other components
linked to the system.
Inventors: |
Booth, Derek; (Suwanee,
GA) ; Steklac, Ivo; (Highlands Ranch, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORITY & MANNING
ATTORNEYS AT LAW, P.A.
P.O. Box 1449
Greenville
SC
29602
US
|
Family ID: |
25511230 |
Appl. No.: |
09/966326 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
379/106.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 13/00028 20200101;
H02J 13/0086 20130101; H02J 3/14 20130101; H04L 41/026 20130101;
Y02B 70/3225 20130101; Y04S 50/10 20130101; H02J 2310/64 20200101;
Y04S 20/222 20130101; H04L 67/025 20130101; Y04S 40/00 20130101;
H04L 41/28 20130101; H02J 13/00017 20200101; H04L 41/0681 20130101;
H04L 67/02 20130101; H04L 9/40 20220501 |
Class at
Publication: |
379/106.03 |
International
Class: |
H04M 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An interactive system for managing customer utility loads,
comprising: a plurality of utility meters for monitoring the
distribution of a product at respective said customer utility
loads; a web-based application that offers a plurality of services
to a user, wherein selected of said services provide data
corresponding to product distribution at selected of said customer
utility loads; a control network linked to said web-based
application for managing the interaction of selected elements of
said system and for storing various system-related data; and a
communications network linking said control network to said utility
meters and for relaying communications signals.
2. An interactive system as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of
services comprises a read service to remotely read metered data
corresponding to selected of said customer utility loads and
subsequently display data reports corresponding to said metered
data.
3. An interactive system as in claim 2, wherein said plurality of
services further comprises a usage notification service wherein a
user inputs threshold amounts of utility consumption, utility
demand, or combinations thereof, and receives a notification when
selected of said customer utility loads exceeds said threshold
amounts.
4. An interactive system as in claim 3, wherein said plurality of
services further comprises a connection service for effecting the
connection status of said customer utility load, wherein said
connection status may be characterized as either connected or
disconnected.
5. An interactive system as in claim 4, wherein access to said
web-based application is effected upon a user inputting an
identification element and a corresponding password element.
6. An interactive system as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of
services comprises a connection service for effecting the
connection status of said customer utility load, wherein said
connection status may be characterized as either connected or
disconnected.
7. An interactive system as in claim 6, wherein said connection
status is established by a switch element located on the load side
of each said utility meter.
8. An interactive system as in claim 7, wherein said switch element
is a circuit breaker.
9. An interactive system as in claim 8, wherein said circuit
breaker is capable of limiting currents up to about 200
Amperes.
10. An interactive system as in claim 1, wherein each of said
utility meters comprises a communications component capable of
transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals among said
communications network.
11. An interactive system as in claim 1, wherein said product
distribution comprises utility commodities selected from the group
comprising water, gas, and electricity.
12. An interactive utility system for monitoring and 5 effecting
the distribution of a utility product to a plurality of utility
loads, said interactive system comprising: a plurality of utility
meters provided in conjunction with an arrangement for measuring or
distributing said utility product, wherein each of said utility
meters incorporates a radio frequency (RF) communications device
for relaying selected utility information; a web-based platform
providing selectable services to a user, wherein said services
comprise: (i) gathering and displaying data that corresponds to
information gathered by selected of said utility meters; and (ii)
disconnecting or reconnecting product flow to selected of said
utility loads; a communications network established among each of
said utility meters and a system controller, for passing signaled
information between selected of said utility meters and said system
controller, and through any intermediate communication nodes
thereof; and a control network for managing the operation of said
interactive utility system, wherein said control network is linked
to said web-based platform.
13. An interactive utility system as in claim 12, wherein said
selectable services comprise a consumption usage notification
service wherein a user inputs a threshold amount of utility
consumption and receives a notification when the utility usage
amount of selected of said customer utility loads exceeds said
threshold amount.
14. An interactive utility system as in claim 12, wherein said
selectable services comprise an utility demand notification service
wherein a user inputs a threshold amount of utility demand and
receives a notification when the utility demand of selected of said
customer utility loads exceeds said threshold amount.
15. An interactive utility system as in claim 12, wherein access to
said web-based platform is effected upon a user inputting an
identification element and a corresponding password element.
16. An interactive utility system as in claim 12, wherein said
control network comprises databases for storing meter data
corresponding to selected of said customer utility loads and for
storing system information for said web-based platform.
17. An interactive utility system as in claim 12, wherein said
utility product corresponds to electricity.
18. An interactive utility system as in claim 17, wherein said
selectable service of disconnecting or reconnecting electricity
flow can correspond to either physically disconnecting or
reconnecting or virtually disconnecting or reconnecting the flow of
electricity.
19. An interactive utility system as in claim 18, wherein said
process of physically disconnecting or reconnecting said flow of
electricity is effected by remotely toggling a connection
element.
20. An interactive utility system as in claim 19, wherein said
connection element corresponds to a circuit breaker capable of
limiting currents up to about 200 Amperes.
21. A remote system for disconnecting and reconnecting the flow of
electricity at a customer utility load, comprising: a metering
system corresponding to said customer utility load for monitoring
the status of and providing consumption data corresponding to said
utility load; a web-based application for signaling the desired
status of electricity flow, wherein said status is characterized as
either connected or disconnected; a connection element provided in
conjunction with said metering system for toggling between
connected or disconnected status of said electricity flow; and a
radio frequency (RF) communications device provided in conjunction
with said metering system for relaying information between said
metering system and said web-based application.
22. A remote system as in claim 21, wherein said web-based
application comprises a disconnection service for establishing a
usage threshold amount that corresponds to a limit for the amount
of energy consumption at a selected customer utility load, for
monitoring the amount of energy usage at said selected customer
utility load, and for toggling said connection element to
disconnected status when the amount of energy consumption at
selected said customer utility load exceeds said usage threshold
amount.
23. A remote system as in claim 21, wherein said web-based
application comprises a reconnection service for requesting
connection of a selected customer utility load, for remotely
toggling said connection element to connected status, and for
thereafter performing a series of rapid data reads to determine if
said selected customer utility load consumes an excessive amount of
energy.
24. A remote system as in claim 23, wherein said connection element
is remotely toggled to disconnected status if any data read of said
series of rapid data reads indicates an excessive amount of energy
consumption at said selected customer utility load.
25. A remote system as in claim 21, wherein said metering system
comprises a solid-state electronic utility meter for measuring the
flow of electricity at said customer utility load.
26. A remote system as in claim 22, wherein said web-based
application further comprises a remote read service for remotely
collecting meter data after said connection element is toggled to
disconnected status, thus ensuring that the connection element is
indeed in disconnected status.
27. A remote system as in claim 21, wherein access to said
web-based application is effected upon a user entering an
identification element and a corresponding password element.
28. A remote system as in claim 21, wherein said connection element
comprises a circuit breaker capable of limiting currents up to
about 200 Amperes.
29. A remote system as in claim 21, further comprising a control
network linked to said web-based application and to said metering
system for managing the operation of and communication among
selected components of said remote system and for storing various
system-related data.
30. A remote system as in claim 21, wherein said web-based
application comprises a disconnection service for establishing a
usage threshold amount that corresponds to a limit for the amount
of demand energy at a selected customer utility load, for
monitoring the amount of energy demand at said selected customer
utility load, and for toggling said connection element to
disconnected status when the amount of demand energy at selected
said customer utility load exceeds said usage threshold amount.
31. A web-based utility application offering selectable services
for a customer utility load, said selectable services comprising: a
read service to remotely read metered data corresponding to said
customer utility load and subsequently display reports
corresponding to said metered data; a usage notification service
for inputting a threshold amount of utility consumption or utility
demand and receiving a notification when said customer utility load
usage exceeds said threshold amount; and a security service for
inputting an identification element and a corresponding password
element to gain access to said web-based utility application.
32. A web-based utility application as in claim 31 wherein said
customer utility load corresponds to the distribution of electrical
energy to a predetermined location.
33. A web-based utility application as in claim 31, wherein
notification provided in accordance with said usage notification
service comprises an electronically mailed message (e-mail)
expressing that said threshold amount of utility consumption has
been exceeded.
34. A web-based utility application as in claim 32, further
comprising at least one database for storing selected electrical
load and consumption data and other information related to said
utility application.
35. A web-based utility application as in claim 31, wherein said
read service is performed at periodic intervals to ensure proper
operation of meter hardware provided at said customer utility
load.
36. A web-based utility application as in claim 31, further
including a connection service for effecting the connection status
of said customer utility load, wherein said connection status may
be characterized as either connected or disconnected.
37. A web-based utility application as in claim 35 wherein said
customer utility load corresponds to the distribution of electrical
energy to a predetermined location.
38. A web-based utility application as in claim 35, wherein
notification provided in accordance with said usage notification
service comprises an electronically mailed message (e-mail)
expressing that said threshold amount of utility consumption has
been exceeded.
39. A web-based utility application as in claim 37, further
comprising at least one database for storing selected electrical
load and consumption data and other information related to said
utility application.
40. A web-based utility application as in claim 37, wherein said
read service is performed in periodic intervals to said customer
utility load to ensure proper operation of meter hardware provided
at said customer utility location.
41. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load via a web-based utility application, said method
comprising the steps: providing user-inputted access information to
said web-based application; performing a first remote read of a
utility meter associated with said customer utility load to verify
initial connection status of said customer utility load;
transmitting a connection signal from a main control station to an
RF receiver provided at said utility meter; and performing a second
remote read of said utility meter to verify final connection status
of said customer utility load.
42. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 41, wherein said step of transmitting a
connection signal implements an additional step of virtually
connecting said customer utility load.
43. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 41, wherein said step of transmitting a
connection signal implements an additional step of virtually
disconnecting said customer utility load.
44. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 41, further comprising the step of
remotely setting a connection element associated with said utility
meter to either disconnected or connected status.
45. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 44, wherein said step of remotely setting
a connection element associated with said utility meter corresponds
to physically connecting said customer utility load.
46. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 44, wherein said step of remotely setting
a connection element associated with said utility meter corresponds
to physically disconnecting said customer utility load.
47. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 44, wherein said customer utility load
corresponds to the distribution of electrical energy to a
predetermined location.
48. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 41, further comprising a step of
periodically performing additional remote reads of said utility
meter to verify the connection status of and to ensure proper
operation of said utility meter.
49. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility meter as in claim 41, wherein a user of said web-based
application inputs a threshold amount of utility consumption and
wherein said step of transmitting a connection signal occurs when
the customer utility load usage exceeds said threshold amount of
utility consumption.
50. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 49, wherein a usage alert is provided to
the user as notification that said customer utility load usage has
exceeded the established threshold amount of utility
consumption.
51. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 50, wherein said usage alert comprises an
electronically mailed message (e-mail) expressing that said
threshold amount of utility consumption has been exceeded.
52. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 45, further comprising a process of
rapidly performing a plurality of remote reads of said utility
meter after remotely setting said connection element to ensure
proper operation of said customer utility load.
53. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 52, wherein said process of rapidly
performing remote reads occurs after setting said connection
element to connected status to ensure that dangerously high amounts
of electrical energy are not distributed to said customer utility
load.
54. A method for effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load as in claim 53, further comprising a step of setting
said connection element to disconnected status if the amount of
electrical energy distributed to said customer utility load is
beyond an established threshold of excessive energy
consumption.
55. A method for remotely connecting a customer utility load via a
web-based utility application, said method comprising the steps:
accepting a load connection request from a user of said web-based
utility application; performing a first remote read of a utility
meter associated with said customer utility load to verify
disconnected status of said customer utility load; transmitting a
connection signal from a main control station to a communications
device provided at said utility meter to signal toggling of a
connection element to connected status; performing a series of
rapid remote reads to verify final connection status of said
customer utility load and to monitor instantaneous energy
consumption of said customer utility load; and transmitting a
disconnection signal from a main controller to a communications
device provided at said utility meter to signal toggling of a
connection element to disconnected status if said instantaneous
energy consumption is above a predefined energy consumption
threshold.
56. A method for remotely connecting a customer utility load via a
web-based utility application as in claim 55, wherein said customer
utility load corresponds to the distribution of electrical energy
to a predetermined location.
57. A method for remotely connecting a customer utility load via a
web-based utility application as in claim 56, wherein said
predefined energy consumption threshold is established to provide
sufficient protection against potential voltage surges at said
customer utility load.
58. A method for remotely connecting a customer utility load as in
claim 56, further comprising a step of periodically performing
additional remote reads of said utility meter to verify the
connection status and operation of said customer utility load.
59. A method for remotely connecting a customer utility load as in
claim 56, wherein access to said web-based application is effected
upon a user entering an identification element and a corresponding
password element.
60. A method for remotely connecting a customer utility load as in
claim 58, further comprising the step of generating utility reports
related to said customer utility load, wherein said utility reports
are generated at least once a day, and wherein said utility reports
are based on information collected at said step of periodically
performing additional remote reads of said utility meter.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally concerns an interactive
system for managing a customer utility load, and more particularly,
concerns a web-based application utilized in conjunction with meter
hardware and a communications network for monitoring information
corresponding to a customer utility load. For selected utilities,
the subject web-based application also provides a service for
remotely altering the connection status of customer utility
loads.
[0002] Several types of customer utilities are available at
residential and commercial properties worldwide. Such properties
and other locations may typically be supplied with selected
utilities (i.e., products, or commodities) such as water, gas,
electricity, cable service, telecommunications, and others. When a
selected utility is provided to a customer load, there is typically
some sort of metering hardware that is available for monitoring the
amount of product that is provided to a specific customer load.
Utility meters are typically characterized by some sort of
metrology hardware that measures this consumption information and
provides other information about the utility.
[0003] Many utility meters also include communications elements
that provide a signal interface between the metrology hardware of a
meter and other devices. Known communications components in utility
meters include radio frequency (RF) communications devices that can
transmit and receive signaled information between the meter and
other locations. A meter with such wireless communications
capabilities may provide an arrangement for remotely reading
consumption data and other information from the meter without a
utility serviceperson having to directly access the utility meter.
A remote communications element within an appropriate range to the
meter and corresponding RF component can request and receive
desired information. This feature is known to be particularly
useful for remotely gathering billing data corresponding to
customer utility loads.
[0004] Despite advances in versatile communications and other
features of utility meters, there are still many instances where a
utility serviceperson may be required to directly access a utility
meter in the field. Such instances may include, without limitation,
a need to connect or disconnect service to a customer utility load,
a need to fix broken or malfunctioning meter components, or a need
to access other particular meter functions or information. Service
personnel must monitor these needs and others, travel to particular
customer utility locations, and often spend valuable time to
service the meter. The need to perform such hands-on duties may
thus often be characterized as a time-consuming and inefficient
process.
[0005] There are many other factors that affect the ability of
utility personnel to access a meter in the field and to efficiently
service the device. Utility meters may be located in high crime
areas or other areas that may not be readily accessible, making
even simple meter servicing an inconvenience or even a danger.
Certain customers may be prone to delinquency, thus increasing the
frequency of service visits to a utility load for connecting,
disconnecting, or reconnecting the service. Numerous service visits
may also be required at locations with high occupancy turnover,
such as apartment complexes or short-term housing locations. Meter
tampering, malfunctioning of meter components, and changes in
utility billing status are among many other reasons that utility
service personnel may be required to spend valuable field time
servicing a meter.
[0006] It is thus desired to provide features and methods that
would reduce and optimize the amount of time meter service
personnel spend in the field. While various systems and
arrangements have been developed to advance and simplify selected
aspects in the field of utility meters, no one design has emerged
that generally encompasses all of the desired characteristics as
hereafter presented in accordance with the subject technology.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the discussed drawbacks and shortcomings
encountered in the field of utility metering, an improved system
for monitoring the status of customer utility loads has been
developed. Thus, broadly speaking, a general object of the present
invention is to provide an improved interactive system for remotely
monitoring and establishing the status of a customer utility
load.
[0008] It is another principal object of the present subject matter
to provide a remote system for monitoring and controlling a
customer utility, such as gas, water, electricity, cable service,
telecommunications or other utilities, via a web-based
application.
[0009] It is yet another principal object of the disclosed
technology to provide a remote system for interacting with a
customer utility load, wherein physical components of the system
include an internet-based platform, a fixed radio network with a
plurality of communications nodes, a utility meter and other
hardware.
[0010] It is another object of the present subject matter to
provide a remote system that may be utilized to either physically
or virtually (re)connect or disconnect the operation of a customer
utility load.
[0011] It is yet another object of the subject system and
procedures to provide meter data reports based on the monitored
activity of a utility load.
[0012] It is a further object of the present subject matter to
provide a remote system for connecting a customer utility load,
wherein rapid data reads and other safeguards are employed to
ensure a safe and effective load connection.
[0013] A still further object of the present technology is to
provide a remote system for monitoring a customer utility load and
for quickly alarming a system user of any discrepancies between the
load status or consumption and predefined utility rules. Such quick
alarm is preferably sent via e-mail or other form of
communications.
[0014] Yet another object of the disclosed technology is to provide
a system that monitors a utility load in a way that offers improved
economy, efficiency, security and reliability over existing utility
service applications.
[0015] A still further object of the subject technology is to
provide a web-based application for monitoring and controlling a
customer utility load, wherein users of selected services offered
by the web-based application could comprise a number of different
entities. Examples of such entities that may use aspects of the
utility application include end consumers, utility companies,
service providers, utility management agencies, property managers
of apartment complexes or other properties, caretakers or guardians
of certain individuals, or financial "co-signers."
[0016] An additional object of the present subject matter is to
provide a system for remotely managing a plurality of utility loads
such that the amount of time a meter field technician spends
servicing a load and corresponding metering equipment is greatly
reduced.
[0017] Additional objects and advantages of the present subject
matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary
skill in the art from, the detailed description herein. Also, it
should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to
the specifically illustrated, referred and discussed features and
steps hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of
the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof,
by virtue of present reference thereto. Such variations may
include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means,
features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed,
and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various
parts, features, steps, or the like.
[0018] Still further, it is to be understood that different
embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments,
of this invention may include various combinations or
configurations of presently disclosed features or elements, or
their equivalents (including combinations of features, parts, or
steps or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures
or stated in the detailed description of such figures). One
exemplary such embodiment of the present subject matter relates to
an interactive system for managing a customer utility load. Such an
interactive system may comprise a plurality of utility meters, a
web-based application, a communications network, and a control
network.
[0019] More preferably, the utility meters are provided for
monitoring the distribution of a utility product at respective
customer utility end-point devices. Each utility meter also
preferably includes a radio frequency (RF) communications device
for relaying selected meter information. The meter and
corresponding RF device is then preferably connected to a system
controller via a communications network. The communications network
can be modeled as a plurality of nodes distributed at selected
locations in the interactive system. The system controller may be
considered part of the control network, which preferably links the
communications network to the web-based application. The web-based
application preferably offers a plurality of selectable services to
a user, wherein the services preferably relate to some aspect of
the utility meters and product distribution at varied customer
loads.
[0020] In other exemplary embodiments of such an interactive
system, the communications network comprises a plurality of cell
masters that are linked to the system controller. Each cell master
is linked to a plurality of microcell controllers, and each of
those is in turn linked to a respective plurality of utility
meters. It may be preferred that the control network further
comprises various databases for storing metering information
obtained from selected utility meters and other information about
the interactive system. The web-based utility application is
preferably hosted in an appropriate platform, an example of which
could be an internet website. The application's selectable services
preferably relate to product distribution and corresponding data at
selected customer utility loads.
[0021] Another present exemplary embodiment of the subject
technology is a remote system for disconnecting and/or reconnecting
the flow of electricity at a customer utility load. The remote
system may comprise a metering system, a web-based application, a
connection device, and an RF communications device. The metering
system preferably corresponds to the customer utility load, such
that the metering system monitors the load and provides related
consumption data. The web-based application provides a selectable
option to signal the desired connection status of the utility load.
The desired connection status toggled by the connection device is
preferably characterized as either connected or disconnected. The
RF communications device that is provided in conjunction with the
metering system preferably relays selected information between the
metering system and the web-based application. If the flow of
electricity is (re)connected to a customer utility load, a series
of rapid data reads are preferably performed to ensure that
excessive instantaneous power consumption does not pose a threat to
the metering system.
[0022] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter corresponds to a web-based utility application offering
selectable services for a customer utility load. Such selectable
services preferably comprise a read service that remotely reads
metered data corresponding to a selected customer utility load and
has the ability to display data reports corresponding to the
metered data. A usage notification service is also preferably
provided by the utility application. The usage notification service
involves a user inputting a threshold amount of utility consumption
and a subsequent generation of a consumption alert to notify the
user when the load exceeds the inputted threshold level. The
web-based application preferably incorporates security measures, as
access to the web-based application is preferably effected by a
user inputting identification information and corresponding
password information. In other exemplary embodiments of the subject
utility application, a connection application may also be provided.
Such a connection application may preferably be utilized to effect
the connection status of a customer utility load such that the load
is either connected or disconnected. In the context of the present
subject matter, it will be appreciated that effecting the
connection status of a customer utility load can encompass multiple
facets of connection. The disclosed technology can effect
connection status by either physically or virtually disconnecting
or reconnecting a customer utility load.
[0023] Still further exemplary embodiments of the presently
disclosed technology relate to a method for effecting the
connection status of a customer utility load via a web-based
application. The method may comprise multiple steps, including
providing access information, performing remote reads of a utility
meter, transmitting a connection signal, and setting a connection
device or switch element. The access information is preferably
inputted by a system user and required for proper access to the
web-based application. A first remote read may typically be
performed to determine the initial connection status of a customer
utility load. A connection signal can then be transmitted from a
main control station to an RF receiver provided at the utility
meter. A switch element also located at the utility meter is then
preferably set to a desired position upon receipt of the connection
signal. After the switch is set, it is preferred that a second
remote read is performed to verify the newly updated connection
status of the utility load.
[0024] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed technology
relates to a method for remotely connecting a customer utility load
via a web-based utility application. Such exemplary method
preferably comprises the steps of accepting a load connection
request, performing a first remote read of a utility meter
associated with the customer utility load, transmitting a
connection signal, performing a series of rapid reads, and
conditionally transmitting a disconnection signal. A user of the
web-based application requests load connection via the web-based
application, and the first remote read then preferably verifies an
initial disconnected status of the utility load. The connection
signal is preferably transmitted from a main control station to a
communications device provided at the utility meter. After
receiving the connection signal, a connection element is then
preferably toggled to connected status. The series of rapid remote
reads is preferably performed to verify final connection status of
the customer utility load and to monitor the instantaneous energy
consumption of the load. If the instantaneous energy consumption is
above a predefined threshold, a disconnection signal is then sent
to toggle the connection element to disconnected status.
[0025] Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not
necessarily expressed in this summarized section, may include and
incorporate various combinations of aspects of features,
components, or steps referenced in the summarized objectives above,
and/or other features, components, or steps as otherwise discussed
in this application.
[0026] Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate
the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon
review of the remainder of the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject
matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of
ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which
makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of physical
components for an exemplary interactive system for managing
customer utility loads in accordance with the present subject
matter;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary communications network
as utilized in conjunction with an interactive utility system in
accordance with the present subject matter;
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary services and features of a
remote utility service and system in accordance with the presently
disclosed technology;
[0031] FIG. 4A displays a flow chart of an exemplary physical
disconnection process for use in accordance with selected
embodiments of the presently disclosed interactive utility
system;
[0032] FIG. 4B displays a flow chart of an exemplary physical
reconnection process for use in accordance with selected
embodiments of the presently disclosed interactive utility system;
and
[0033] FIG. 5 displays a flow chart of an exemplary virtual
connection service provided in accordance with selected embodiments
of the subject interactive utility system.
[0034] Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present
specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same
or analogous features or elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] As discussed in the Brief Summary of the Invention section,
the present subject matter is particularly concerned with an
interactive system for remotely monitoring and establishing the
connection status of a customer utility load.
[0036] Such an interactive system is preferably provided through
the internet or other web-based environment and selectable services
are available from the interactive application. Security
information is preferably required for a user to gain access to the
system. Examples of entities that may use aspects of the
interactive utility application include end consumers, utility
companies, service providers, utility management agencies, property
managers of apartment complexes or other properties, caretakers or
guardians of certain individuals, or financial "co-signers." The
actual user of selected system components often depends on the
circumstances surrounding use of the application.
[0037] Services provided by the system relate to the operation of
customer utility loads and may include such specific services as a
read service for providing metered customer utility data, a usage
notification service for alarming a user when utility usage exceeds
some threshold, and/or a connection service for effecting the
connection status of a utility load as either connected or
disconnected. In the context of the present subject matter, it will
be appreciated that effecting the connection status of a customer
utility load can encompass multiple connection features. The
disclosed technology can effect connection status by either
physically or virtually disconnecting or reconnecting a customer
utility load.
[0038] There are several physical system components that typically
are provided in conjunction with the web-based application for many
of the remote services to fully function. A control system must be
provided to interface the web-based application to other components
of the system. Such a control system preferably comprises at least
a system controller for managing all nodes in the utility network
and a database system for storing meter data and other
system-related information. A communications network must also be
established for relaying information from the system controller and
web-based utility application to any utility meters or other
components linked to the system.
[0039] The interactive utility system of the disclosed subject
matter is hereafter presented in the context of three general
aspects of the system that contribute to the exemplary embodiments
of the invention. The first aspect of the disclosed technology
corresponds to the physical components of the system, and this is
discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. A second aspect directs
focus to the web-based application and selectable services provided
to a user in accordance with such an application. This is discussed
in more detail relative to FIG. 3. Finally, a third aspect of the
present subject matter relates to a more detailed description of
exemplary processes corresponding to selected of the available
services of the interactive utility system. FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5 are
each discussed with reference to such exemplary processes.
[0040] It should be noted that each of the exemplary embodiments
presented and discussed herein should not insinuate limitations of
the present subject matter. Features illustrated or described as
part of one embodiment may be used in combination with aspects of
another embodiment to yield yet further embodiments. Additionally,
certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or
features not expressly mentioned which perform the same or similar
function. Similarly, certain process steps may be interchanged or
employed in combination with other steps to yield additional
exemplary embodiments of an interactive utility system.
[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the subject interactive utility system.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 provides a block diagram of
exemplary physical components in conjunction with an interactive
utility system in accordance with the disclosed technology. A
service application 10 provides various services related to
selected customer utility loads. Utility application 10 is
preferably hosted within a web-based platform and provides the
utility with remote access to and control over its metering
equipment. An example of such a web-based platform for hosting
application 10 is an interactive utility website.
[0042] The application provides services that allow a user to
remotely monitor and control a selected end-point device 22. An
end-point device 22 typically corresponds to a utility meter that
monitors the distribution of a utility product such as water, gas,
electricity, cable service, telecommunications or other measurable
product or commodity. The utility meter preferably includes typical
metering components as required for functional operation of the
utility meter.
[0043] The end-point device 22 also preferably includes a
communications device that is capable of transmitting and receiving
radio frequency (RF) signals. The communications hardware and other
metrology hardware is all preferably connected on a common signal
bus such that selected components of the meter can communicate
internally and interact amongst each other. Such a two-way wireless
radio feature in conjunction with a metering system enables EPD 22
to communicate and relay information in a remote fashion. Selected
utility meters may also include a connection device, such as a
switch, that essentially establishes the connection status of EPD
22 and its corresponding utility load. Such a switch may be
positioned in either connected mode, wherein the customer load is
receiving a given utility product, or disconnected mode, wherein
product flow to a customer load is terminated. An example of such a
connect/disconnect switch is a circuit breaker (possibly rated at
200 Amps) or other current limiting device. It is possible to
switch such a connect/disconnect switch to disconnected mode, while
including other load limiting switches that would allow smaller
loads (for example, those rated at about 60 Amps) to still maintain
connected status. The main connection device is preferably located
on the load side of a utility meter, thereby enabling the meter to
still be energized even if the load is disconnected from the
utility source.
[0044] Additional specific details corresponding to the physical
arrangement and functionality of a metering device are not the
focus of the present subject matter and are thus not presented
herein. Moreover, such details should be known and appreciated by
one of ordinary skill in the art of utility meters. In preferred
embodiments of the subject technology, the metering device is used
to monitor the distribution of electrical energy. It will thus be
appreciated that in such preferred embodiments, the electric
utility meters may have either electro-mechanical or completely
electronic components or a hybrid of the two types. Specific
components of such electric utility meters essential for operation
of selected features of the presently disclosed system include the
aforementioned communications device and switch element.
[0045] A control network is preferably linked to the web-based
application 10 to interface and manage aspects of the application.
It will be appreciated in the exemplary embodiments presented
herein that a control network comprises a unit that manages the
EPDs 22 and also databases as needed for storage of system
information. An example of such a control network, as represented
in FIG. 1, comprises application database 12, operations center
database 14, and system controller 16.
[0046] Application database 12 preferably facilitates the
management of web activity at application 10. Features provided by
the application database 12 include storing user IDs and passwords
required for access to the utility application 10, storing a list
of members that are available to access the service, and storing
threshold data provided for selected EPDs 22. The application
database also contributes to system processes including performing
on-request and daily reads of meter data to determine usage
information and also signaling usage notification alarms for
problem sites.
[0047] Operations center database (OCDB) 14 stores vital
information related to the utility network. Information about the
layout and configuration of various EPDs 22 and other communication
nodes (for example, system controller 16, cell masters 18, and
microcell controllers 20) in the system are preferably stored in
OCDB 14. Additional particular information stored at this location
may correspond to the communication among nodes in the system, as
well as intermediate meter data for providing to utility
application 10.
[0048] System controller 16 is interfaced to both OCDB 14 and
application database 12, and is the physical system component that
essentially controls all the other components in the utility
network. System controller 16 is also the central node in a
communications network that flows through cell master components
18, micro cell controllers 20, and ultimately to the end-point
devices 22. This communications network preferably corresponds to a
collection of nodes that can relay wireless information among each
other. A more appropriate representation of such an exemplary
communications network is provided in FIG. 2. System controller 16
controls and communicates with a plurality of cell masters (CMs)
18, which in turn communicate with a plurality of micro cell
controllers (MCCs) 20, which in turn communicate with a plurality
of end-point devices (EPDs) 22. The number of devices 18, 20, and
22 that are displayed in FIG. 2 is only presented as an example. In
actuality, there may preferably be many more nodal components in
the network. For instance, the total number of EPDs 22 in the
system may typically correspond to the number of utility meters in
a designated service area. MCCs 20 and CMs 18 are positioned within
a given proximity to a certain number of EPDs to facilitate the
communication chain among components.
[0049] The actual communication among system components is
preferably by way of wireless radio frequency (RF) signals.
However, even in such "wireless" embodiments, the communications
line among system components need not also be wireless. It should
be appreciated that other forms of communications links may be
utilized in accordance with the subject technology, such as
hard-wired networks of coaxial cable, optical fiber, or other
transmission medium. Each node is preferably capable of two-way
communication, and thus able to both transmit and receive signaled
information from other communication nodes in the utility network.
The arrangement of physical components and interaction thereof
contributes to proper operation of the subject interactive utility
system. However, much of the operation of the system is viewed
merely in terms of the end-points of the utility network. Input to
the web-based utility application 10 at one end-point affects the
output and information of a selected metering device at another end
point.
[0050] Reference will now be directed to the web-based utility
application 10 and selectable services offered in accordance with
the present subject matter. FIG. 3 presents several selectable
services and related functions that are available in an exemplary
embodiment of utility application 10. In preferred embodiments, UDL
users that have not been granted access to a particular feature of
the utility application 10 will not be aware of that feature's
presence in the website portal. In this way, utility application 10
can employ a single coherent application space while still
maintaining security over selected features of the system.
[0051] Security measures for selected services and features of the
web-based utility application 10 are provided by security
protection feature 24. To ensure the utmost security to a
customer's utility load, proper and strict use of user IDs and
passwords is incorporated into the subject technology. Thus, to
obtain access to selected utility services, an identification
element and a corresponding password element that match with access
elements stored in the application database 12 must be inputted to
the system.
[0052] Another available feature of the utility system is a daily
report service 26, which provides information to a user about the
status of a particular endpoint or endpoints 22 in a utility
network. A report that offers information about a particular
endpoint preferably offers information about both the meter and the
connect/disconnect switch or device at that meter. The daily status
report service 26 is intended primarily to benefit the utility
customer, and thus may also show the status of all recent switch
toggle transactions and energy consumption. This service may be
particularly beneficial within the context of other services
available to the user, as will be apparent throughout the remainder
of the specification.
[0053] Yet another service available through the web-based
application 10 is a usage notification function 28. This feature
generates an alarm notification upon the load exceeding a
user-defined energy consumption threshold or upon the triggering of
other user-defined events or problems in accordance with a selected
utility load. The alarm notification may correspond to sending an
e-mail or page, providing a telephone call or service visit, or
other form of communication to alert a customer of the
corresponding occurrence. After such notification, a utility
customer preferably has the ability to perform a remote read
through web-based application 10 of a selected meter in order to
confirm that an energy threshold has been exceeded.
[0054] Utility application 10 also preferably allows for daily
monitoring of metering devices 22 that are both connected and
disconnected and records the corresponding consumption in web-based
application 10. This feature is described as part of the data
collection/load verification feature 32. Once data from a metering
device is obtained, utility application 10 preferably has the
ability to compare data corresponding to the daily or amassed
monthly consumption to a user-defined energy consumption threshold
to determine if that threshold has been exceeded. It may often be
the case that after this data comparison takes place, the alarm
notification function is implemented to alert a customer
accordingly. The data collection feature 32 is also utilized to
generate endpoint status reports for each connected and
disconnected load in the system.
[0055] The data collection aspect of feature 32 can be
characterized as either an on-request read 34 or a daily read 36 of
end-point data. Daily reads 36 are incorporated with aspects of the
daily report service 26 and the usage notification service 28,
while on-request reads are incorporated with aspects of the remote
connection service 30, including both the physical connection
service 38 and the virtual connection service 40. Should the alarm
threshold of the usage notification service 28 trigger upon energy
consumption exceeding a specified threshold amount, an on-request
read is preferably performed to verify that the meter has
effectively re-connected. In the virtual disconnect mode effected
by service 40, daily reads are used to ensure that energy
consumption is below a preset threshold point. When the consumption
exceeds this threshold, meter readings and load consumption data is
captured for inclusion in daily reports. A customer can then use
this information to determine when excess fees or rates will be
charged for consumption in excess of the threshold. The information
obtained in accordance with such data collection may also be
utilized to indicate fraud, theft of service, or potential use of a
property by squatters, trespassers, or the like. There may be many
other useful applications for the data collected by the read
functions 34 and 36 of the subject utility application. Further
applications of the data obtained in accordance with services of
the disclosed technology should not be precluded from incorporation
within the scope and spirit of the present subject matter.
[0056] Similar to the data collection performed by feature 32,
daily monitoring and verification of physically disconnected loads
in the utility network also preferably occur. Performing a daily
read verifies that the connection device is still in the state it
was last toggled, and that the energy consumption is commensurate
with this switch position. Thus, a daily read of disconnected loads
similarly checks for potential occurrences such as fraud, theft,
and switch malfunction. Similarly, reads are performed after a
physical disconnect or reconnect has been performed in accordance
with services of utility application 10 to verify that the
switching function operated in a proper fashion.
[0057] Yet another feature of the present subject matter and
subject utility application 10 deals with the remote connection of
customer loads 30. Exemplary embodiments of the present technology
can preferably incorporate both a service for physical connection
or disconnection 38 and a service for virtual connection or
disconnection 40. Each of these exemplary connection services
incorporates selected aspects of the other services and features
available to a utility customer.
[0058] The physical connection feature 38 physically toggles the
connection device (switch) associated with a metering device. This
application is preferably available only for electric utility
loads. The environment of other utility loads such as gas and water
may make it hazardous to perform any such remote connection
operation. Other situations which would not be conducive to such
remote connection or disconnection include having a utility meter
devoid of some non-volatile power source that keeps it energized
even after the load is disconnected.
[0059] Such a remote physical connection service 38 may be utilized
when a utility company needs to disconnect or reconnect a utility
customer's load. Such process may occur due to nonpayment of a
utility bill, a change in residential occupancy, or simply to aid a
utility company in its load accessibility and overall operational
efficiency or maintenance/repair operations. The physical service
38 may also be used in a load limiting fashion. For instance, a
user may specify that a maximum level of 20 A is not to be exceeded
for a specific heating load. For loads in excess of 20 A, the
remote utility system can perform a remote disconnect.
[0060] There are several steps that preferably occur in remote
physical disconnection 38' of a customer utility load, and an
exemplary such process is hereafter discussed with relation to FIG.
4A. A first exemplary step 42 of physical disconnection process 38'
involves the user logging into the utility application using his or
her user identification information and corresponding password
information. Upon proper input of this or other access information,
a user can then set the allowable daily energy usage or demand in
step 44. For a physical disconnect to occur, the user sets the
allowable energy usage to zero, thereby requesting that the
selected load be disconnected. The utility network then performs an
on-request read 34 of the metering equipment monitoring the
selected load to verify the current load reading. The metered
information is then subsequently stored in an appropriate system
database. The next step 48 corresponds to the actual disconnection,
and a disconnect signal is sent to the endpoint device at the
selected utility load. The signal is sent via the web-based system,
through the radio communications network and to the meter and
corresponding two-way radio device. After the physical
disconnection signal is remotely sent at step 48, another
on-request read 34 is performed to again monitor the selected load
and verify that it was indeed disconnected. After the disconnection
is established, daily reads 36 are performed of the metering
equipment to monitor the load and verify that the load remains
inactive. Daily reports are also generated based on the information
obtained from the daily reads to provide general feedback regarding
end-point load activity.
[0061] A similar procedure is followed for a physical reconnection
process 38", an example of which is presented in and discussed with
reference to FIG. 4B. A first exemplary step 54 of physical
reconnection process 38" involves the user logging into the utility
application using his or her user identification information and
corresponding password information. Upon proper input of this or
other access information, a user can then request a load reconnect
in step 56. The user is also preferably provided with the option to
specify a threshold limit for energy consumption. Examples of such
a threshold limit could correspond to the amount of either daily or
monthly energy usage or energy demand. Upon exceeding the
user-defined threshold, the system then preferably sends the user
an alarm notification (such as an e-mail) to notify the customer of
such an occurrence. The utility network then performs an on-request
read of the metering equipment in step 58 to monitor the selected
load and verify the current load reading before reconnecting the
meter. The next step 60 corresponds to the actual reconnection, and
a reconnect signal is sent to the end-point device at the selected
utility load, similar to sending a disconnection signal 48.
[0062] Once the end-point device receives the reconnect signal, its
connection element is toggled to a connected status. Immediately
upon (re)connection, the remote system performs a series of rapid
data reads in step 62 to ensure that potential voltage surges do
not destroy any components of the meter system. The utility system
monitors the load and rapidly reads the meter data corresponding to
instantaneous energy consumption to look for abnormal or excessive
consumption rates. If any such dangerous consumption readings that
may harm or destroy meter components are detected, the customer
load will be disconnected from service. Other equivalent procedures
may be utilized to provide similar safeguards for the utility
system. Step 62 also serves to verify that the selected utility
load was indeed connected. Daily reads and corresponding reports
are maintained in step 64 to generate information and verify proper
operation of the load.
[0063] A service similar to the remote physical connection service
38 offered by utility application 10 is a remote virtual connection
service 40. Virtual connection service 40 may be available to
customers of many types of utilities, such as those previously
presented as examples, and particularly related to gas, water, and
electric commodities. Its application is not limited to electric
utilities since the same hazards do not exist without actual
physical connection and disconnection of the utility.
[0064] A flow chart of exemplary steps corresponding to such a
virtual connection service 40 is presented as FIG. 5. Security
access information may be required for a user to utilize this
service. As such, a user preferable logs into the web-based system
in step 65 by inputting his or her identification information and
corresponding password information. A subsequent step 66 in the
exemplary virtual connection service is for a user to set threshold
levels for daily energy consumption and/or demand. The desired
threshold amount is inputted by a user to the web-based utility
application 10. In the next step 68, the user selects the meters to
virtually disconnect. The system preferably performs an on-request
read of the metering hardware monitoring the load to verify the
current consumption reading. That value is stored in web-based
application 10 or an interfaced database thereof. Subsequent daily
reads of the metering equipment monitoring the load are performed
to verify that the consumption and/or demand thresholds have not
been exceeded. Daily reports such as those described with respect
to service 26 are also generated regarding the status of selected
end-point devices in the utility network. Once the selected load(s)
exceed the energy threshold set by the user, the system notifies
the user in step 72 with an alarm. This process is similar to the
usage notification service 28, and also sends an e-mail or other
communicated message to the user signaling that the threshold has
been exceeded. A final exemplary step 74 in the virtual connection
process is to perform another on-request read of the meter
equipment to verify that the meter is virtually reconnected.
[0065] A safeguard that may preferably be incorporated into the
subject interactive system is a feature that will prompt users to
verify most of the steps associated with selected remote utility
services. It is especially preferred to adopt a supplemental
verification process for any remote disconnection or reconnection
service. An example of such a verification process may be a
telephone call to the end-point user to provide notification of a
connection or disconnection operation.
[0066] One of the general advantages of the system presented herein
is that it increases the efficiency, economy, security and
reliability of current methods available for servicing a utility
loads and corresponding metering equipment. However, it may be
difficult to ensure 100% effective operation of any remote
automated system, especially an automated utility system with such
an extensive network of components. Thus, it should be appreciated
that a backup system is established for incidents that may require
special attention. For instance, if a meter status cannot be
verified or a specific component malfunctions, then a trouble
ticket may be created to alert a utility field technician to
personally visit the component location and service the component
as required.
[0067] There are several unique services that are offered in the
exemplary utility service described above in accordance with the
presently disclosed technology. It should be appreciated that other
exemplary embodiments of an interactive utility system could
comprise varied selected combinations of such services, features
and components, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
claimed subject matter. It should also be appreciated that the
subject matter as described with respect to a level of energy
consumption could be applied to levels of daily, weekly, monthly,
or yearly amounts of energy consumption, or energy consumption
defined over any other established period of time.
[0068] While the present subject matter has been described in
detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be
appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an
understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to,
variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly,
the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather
than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not
preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or
additions to the present subject matter as would be readily
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
* * * * *