U.S. patent application number 13/707057 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for utility metering system incorporating a transaction authorisation system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Secure Electrans Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Secure Electrans Limited. Invention is credited to Gavin Howard, Michael Jarman.
Application Number | 20130097084 13/707057 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27808337 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130097084 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jarman; Michael ; et
al. |
April 18, 2013 |
UTILITY METERING SYSTEM INCORPORATING A TRANSACTION AUTHORISATION
SYSTEM
Abstract
A transaction authorisation system comprises a user interface
unit 30 capable of accepting a transaction authorisation and a
utility meter 10 provided at a location having an associated
location identifier unique to the location, wherein the utility
meter 10 is arranged to communicate with the user interface unit
10, to obtain a transaction authorisation, and to transmit an
authorisation request based on the transaction authorisation and
location identifier to obtain authorisation of the transaction.
Inventors: |
Jarman; Michael; (London,
GB) ; Howard; Gavin; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Secure Electrans Limited; |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Secure Electrans Limited
London
GB
|
Family ID: |
27808337 |
Appl. No.: |
13/707057 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09862917 |
May 22, 2001 |
|
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13707057 |
|
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60210997 |
Jun 12, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/127 20130101;
G06Q 20/145 20130101; G06Q 20/202 20130101; G06Q 20/341 20130101;
G06Q 50/06 20130101; G06Q 20/409 20130101; G06Q 20/4016 20130101;
G06Q 20/4012 20130101; G07F 7/1008 20130101; G06Q 20/28 20130101;
G07F 15/003 20130101; G06Q 20/3224 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/44 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/40 20120101
G06Q020/40 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 22, 2000 |
GB |
0012392.7 |
Claims
1. A transaction authorization system comprising: a user interface
unit operable to accept user inputs on a transaction and including
a card reader device ; and, a utility meter provided at a location
having an associated location identifier unique to the location,
wherein the card reader device is arranged to read data from a card
to be charged for the transaction, the utility meter and the user
interface unit being arranged to communicate, to generate a
transaction authorization request based on the user inputs on the
transaction, on data on the card read by the card reader device and
on the location identifier, and to transmit the transaction
authorization request to a remote authorization authority to obtain
authorization of the transaction.
2. A transaction authorization system according to claim 1, further
comprising a communication unit arranged to communicate with the
authorization authority, wherein the utility meter is arranged to
submit the authorization request to the communication unit for
communication to the authorization authority to obtain
authorization of the transaction.
3. A transaction authorization system according to claim 2, in
which the utility meter is arranged to submit utility usage data to
the communication unit.
4. A transaction authorization system according to claim 2,
comprising a further utility meter provided at the location,
wherein said further utility meter is arranged to submit utility
usage data to the communication unit.
5. A transaction unit according to claim 4, in which said further
utility meter is arranged to submit the utility usage data to said
utility meter for submission to the communication unit .
6. A transaction authorization system according to claim 3, in
which the communication unit communicates with one or more utility
suppliers via a central control system.
7. A transaction authorization system according to claim 2, in
which the authorization authority comprises a central control
system, wherein the central control system processes received
authorization requests and submits the requests to appropriate
banking authorities for fulfillment.
8. A transaction authorization system according to claim 2, in
which the communication unit is a modem.
9. A transaction authorization system according to claim 2, in
which the user interface unit is the communication unit.
10. A transaction authorization system according to claim 9,
wherein the user interface unit is a telephone.
11. A transaction authorization system according to claim 1, in
which the user interface unit and the utility meter communicate
with each other via RF signals.
12. A transaction authorization system according to claim 2, in
which the communication unit and the utility meter communicate with
each other via RF signals.
13. A transaction authorization system according to claim 4, in
which the further utility meter communicates via RF signals.
14. A transaction authorization system according to claim 1, in
which the user interface unit includes a keyboard, wherein the user
interface unit is arranged to accept data entered via the keyboard
to form at least a part of the transaction authorization
request.
15. A transaction authorization system according to claim 1, in
which the utility meter includes a memory for storing a user's
banking data, wherein the user interface unit is arranged to accept
an input from the user authorizing use of at least part of the
banking data, the utility meter then using the at least part of the
banking data to form at least a part of the transaction
authorization request.
16. A transaction authorization system according to claim 1, in
which the user interface unit includes a display, wherein the user
interface unit is arranged to display on request utility usage data
from the utility meter.
17. A transaction authorization system according to claim 1, in
which the user interface unit is connectable to a computer, wherein
the user interface unit, when connected to a computer, is operative
to make necessary transaction authorization requests in response to
electronic transactions initiated on the computer.
18. A transaction authorization system according to claim 17,
wherein the user interface unit includes a USB connector for
connection to the computer.
19. A transaction authorization system according to claim 1, in
which the transaction is a financial transaction.
20. A transaction authorization system comprising: a user interface
unit operable to accept user inputs on a transaction and including
a card reader device; and, a utility meter provided at a location
having an associated location identifier unique to the location,
wherein the card reader device is connectable to a computer, and,
when connected to a computer, is operable to make necessary
transaction authorization requests in response to electronic
transactions initiated on the computer arranged to read data from a
card to be charged for the transaction, the utility meter and the
user interface unit being arranged to communicate, to generate the
transaction authorization request based on the user inputs on the
transaction, on data on the card read by the card reader device and
on the location identifier, and to transmit the transaction
authorization request to a remote authorization authority to obtain
authorization of the transaction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a utility metering system,
which incorporates a transaction authorisation system for secure
authorisation of transactions and, in particular financial
transactions.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Fraud is increasing dramatically for "card not present"
financial card transactions such as credit card, debit card and
charge card transactions. In such transactions, business is
typically effected remotely, e.g. by Telephone or Internet
Shopping. The purchaser discloses his or her name, credit card
number and expiry date in order for the credit card to be charged
for a product or service.
[0003] These sorts of transactions are different to "card present"
transactions at Electronic Point-of-Sale Terminals or the like,
where both the cardholder (purchaser) and the card are required to
be physically present. The purchaser is required to sign an
authorisation to permit a transaction to be charged against that
card's account. The merchant is accountable for the verification
and authentication of the card and the validation of the
cardholder's identity.
[0004] By the fact that:
[0005] 1. A recognisable card is presented
[0006] 2. Identification, Authorisation and Entitlement processes
are enforced
[0007] 3. The location of the transaction is legitimate
[0008] Then the transaction qualifies as a "card present"
transaction.
[0009] Typically in "card not present" transactions it is not
possible to verify the identity of the purchaser and the validity
of the "card". Anybody knowing the information contents of a valid
credit card can make purchases and charge that card account with
"card not present" transactions. The purchaser need not even have
the card. Another common fraudulent practice is to acquire
discarded credit card receipts, which contain the necessary account
information, to create fraudulent "card not present" transactions.
In order to avoid this, some merchants will only deliver to the
address registered with the customer's credit card issuer (usually
a Financial Institution). More recently, computer programs have
been developed and made available on the Internet that successfully
generate random credit card numbers.
[0010] One particular area where the use of credit cards is
increasing exponentially is on the World Wide Web in e-commerce
E-Tailer websites and the like. Whilst credit and debit cards are
currently the only feasible ways for such sites to be paid for
their products or services, the lack of security of transactions
across the Internet, even if encrypted, has resulted in many
financial problems and privacy concerns. Because transactions can
be intercepted or monitored, unscrupulous persons are obtaining
credit card numbers and fraudulently using them for other
purchases. The level of security of websites varies considerably
and many sites have found themselves being attacked for the
contents of their databases containing credit card details.
[0011] In response to the potential and actual problems, the
international bodies responsible for credit cards, including VISA
and MasterCard, have introduced premium charges associated with
"card not present" transactions. As these premiums are not normally
charged on "card present" transactions, the vendor, who is
competing with traditional vendors using point-of-sale "card
present" transactions, has to bear a substantial overhead; this
reduces his profit margin in order to remain competitive. The main
reason that the international card issuing bodies claim that the
premiums are justified is that a consumer can claim against a
credit card issuer if the order is not properly fulfilled. Equally,
where there is a dispute over a "card not present" transaction,
such as the validity of the amount charged, authenticity of the
transaction or proven receipt of goods the rules favour the
consumer against the merchant. The merchant is accountable for all
costs for transactions in dispute. In addition, in order to cover
themselves against losses and overheads from dealing with these
fraudulent transactions the card issuers add a premium to the
merchant discount rate, as a form of insurance.
Statement Invention
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a transaction authorisation system comprising a user
interface unit capable of accepting a transaction authorisation and
a utility meter provided at a location having an associated
location identifier unique to the location, wherein the utility
meter is arranged to communicate with the user interface unit, to
obtain a transaction authorisation, and to securely transmit the
transaction authorisation and location identifier as a transaction
authorisation request for authorisation of the transaction.
[0013] Utility meters must be fixed at, or very close to, the
location to be metered because they need to measure the supply of
the utility as it enters the location. Taking advantage of the fact
that an installed meter is virtually immoveable, that the meter has
an embedded unique and secure identifier that identifier satisfies
criterion 3 (the location of the transaction is known) and meets
"card present" requirements. The user interface unit enables the
user (the purchaser) to confirm their identity and to prove that
the card is present by inputting a legitimate transaction
authorisation (such as by entering the card in a card reader and
providing an authorisation code), therefore satisfying criteria 1
and 2. The resultant transaction authorisation request can be
securely communicated to the financial institutions for fulfilment
and settlement as a legitimate "card present" transaction.
[0014] Preferably, the transaction authorisation system includes a
communication unit, which communicates with an authorisation
authority, wherein the utility meter is arranged to submit the
authorisation request to the communication unit for transmission to
the authorisation authority. Preferably, the utility meter is
arranged to submit utility usage data to the communication
unit.
[0015] Further utility meters may be provided at the location,
wherein said further utility meters may be arranged to submit
utility usage data to the communication unit. The further utility
meters may be arranged to submit the utility usage data to said
utility meter for submission to the communication unit.
[0016] The further meters may include gas and water meters.
Preferably, the utility meter is an electricity meter.
[0017] The communication unit may be arranged to communicate
utility usage data to a utility supplier. The communication may be
direct or may be via a central control system. The authorisation
authority may comprise a central control system, wherein the
central control system is configured to process communicated
authorisation requests and to submit the requests to appropriate
banking authorities for fulfilment.
[0018] The communication unit may be a modem.
[0019] The user interface unit and the utility meter may
communicate with each other via RF signals. The communication unit
and the utility meter may communicate with each other via RF
signals. The further utility meters may communicate via RF
signals.
[0020] The user interface unit may include a card reader device,
wherein the card reader device is arranged to read data from a card
to be charged for the transaction, the user interface unit being
responsive to process the data from the card to form at least a
part of a transaction authorisation. The user interface unit may
include a keypad, wherein the user interface unit is arranged to
accept a code entered via the keypad to form at least a part of a
transaction authorisation.
[0021] The utility meter may include a memory for securely storing
a user's bank account data, wherein the user interface unit is
arranged to accept an input from the user authorising use of at
least part of the banking data to form at least a part of a
transaction authorisation.
[0022] The user interface unit may include a display, wherein the
user interface unit is arranged to display on request utility usage
data from the utility meter.
[0023] The user interface unit may be connectable to a computer,
wherein the user interface unit, when connected to a computer, is
operative to make necessary transaction authorisation requests in
response to electronic transactions initiated on the computer.
[0024] Preferably the transaction is a financial transaction.
Preferably the user interface device is remote from the utility
meter. Most preferably the user interface unit is a hand held
device.
[0025] The system may comprise a digital cellular transceiver
arranged to communicate with the utility meter for transmitting
data to, and receiving data, from a remote source. The transceiver
may be the communication unit. The system may further comprise a
switching unit controllable by the energy supplier for switching
appliances on and off, wherein when the utility meter receives a
signal via the transceiver indicating the availability of
cheap-rate energy it is arranged to control the switching unit, or
send equivalent signals to a locally associated unit.
[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of making a transaction using the transaction
authorisation system described above, the method comprising the
steps of requesting goods or services for which payment is required
and entering a transaction authorisation via a user interface unit,
wherein the transaction authorisation is communicated by the
utility meter to effect payment for the transaction either on-line
or off-line.
[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an energy supply system including a utility meter, a
switching unit controllable by the utility meter provided at a
location for switching appliances on and off and a communication
unit, the utility meter having an associated location identifier
unique to the location, the utility meter being arranged to
communicate with a remote system via the communication unit, the
remote system having a database of the unique identifiers, wherein
upon determination or prediction of an energy surplus or shortage
the remote system is arranged to select appropriate locations to
switch appliances on or off to meet the surplus or shortage, for
each selected location the remote system determining the location's
unique identifier from the database and communicating control data
for the location's switching unit to the location's utility meter
via the location's communication unit using the location's unique
identifier.
[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided pre-payment energy supply system including a
pre-payment utility meter, and a communication unit provided at a
location, the utility meter having an associated location
identifier unique to the location and a memory for storing
pre-payment credits, the utility meter being arranged to
communicate with a remote system via the communication unit, the
remote system having a database of the unique identifiers, wherein
a payment for crediting to a meter includes the unique identifier,
the remote communication unit being responsive to a payment to
initiate communication with the communication unit of the location
using the unique identifier and to add appropriate pre-payment
credits to the memory.
[0029] Each communication unit may include data such as telephone
or transponder numbers, passwords and the like for use in
initiating communication with the communication unit, the data
being stored in the database and being linked to the unique
identifier for the location of the communication unit, wherein the
remote system uses the unique identifier to obtain the data to
initiate communication with the communication unit.
[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of controlling the provision of energy
to users having a pre-payment energy supply meter and a
communication unit provided at a location, the utility meter having
an associated location identifier unique to the location and a
memory for storing pre-payment credits, the method comprising the
steps of communicating with the utility meter via the communication
unit and writing pre-payment credits to the memory.
[0031] By being able to selectively communicate with utility
meters, surplus energy generated during off-peak periods can be
utilised by energy storage devices such as off-peak heaters.
Furthermore, the control of pre-payment credits to a meter can be
maintained without the use of electronic keys and the like. This
can be used for income support schemes and the like to arrange
direct crediting of meters without the occupant being involved in
the transaction.
[0032] Where the memory in a pre-payment meter reaches or falls
below a predetermined level, the utility meter may be arranged to
communicate with a predetermined authority to obtain emergency
credits. Such emergency credits may be based, for example, against
prior payment records and reputation, an authorisation from the
energy supplier, issue of extra credits by a government body or a
loan against the next payment of credits to the meter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] Examples of the present invention will now be described in
detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one
aspect of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is the schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 1
including features according to a one aspect of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a
preferred aspect of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 4 is the schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 2
illustrating a number of additional aspects of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system according to
another aspect of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 6 is the schematic diagram of FIG. 5 incorporating
further aspects of the present invention; and,
[0040] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a system according to
another aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one
aspect of the present invention. A utility metering system includes
a utility meter 10 provided at a location to be metered. The
utility meter 10 is coupled to the utility supply and is arranged
to provide the features and functions of a standard utility meter
including a utility usage display. Preferably, the utility meter 10
is an electricity meter. A communication unit 20 is also provided
at the location and is able to accept utility usage data from the
utility meter and communicate the utility usage data to a utility
supplier. A user interface unit 30 communicates with the utility
195 meter 10 and is able to enter and display utility information
upon request. This may include utility payments to a utility
company from a deposit account or consumption, tariff, time, power
interruption and payments history information. If the meter is
configured to be a pre-pay meter, the credit balance and emergency
credit information may also be displayed.
[0042] FIG. 2 is the schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 1
including features according to a preferred aspect of the present
invention. The utility meter 10 has an identification code unique
to the location embedded within it The utility meter also includes
a transaction processing system 15. The user interface unit 30
includes a card reader device 35, display 36 and keypad 37.
[0043] A user starts a transaction for goods or services, for
example over the Internet or by telephone. Upon making an order or
requesting a service, the user is provided with a transaction code
and is requested to arrange payment. At the location, the user
enters the transaction code into the user interface unit 30 via the
keypad 37. The user interface unit 30 may contact a remote system
(not shown) to obtain data on the transaction in dependence on the
transaction code. The user is then requested via prompts on the
display 36 to provide details of a payment account to be charged by
making a transaction authorisation to thereby authorise payment of
the transaction. The user inserts a credit or debit card into the
card reader device 35, which obtains the necessary card details
including card number and expiry date. The user then enters an
authorisation code associated with the card via the keypad 37. The
user interface unit 30 communicates with the utility meter 10 and
passes the transaction code and card data to the utility meter 10.
These are combined at the utility meter 10 with the identification
code to form an authorisation request. Preferably, parts or all of
authorisation request are encrypted at the utility meter 10 and/or
at the user interface unit 30. The transaction processing system 15
of the utility meter 10 establishes communication with the
communication unit 20 and controls the communication unit 20 to
establish communication with an authorisation authority 40. The
encrypted authorisation request is then communicated via the
communication unit 20 to the authorisation authority 40 which
processes the authorisation request as a "card present" type
transaction and arranges payment of the transaction on the user's
card account. An authorisation response message indicating success
or failure of the authorisation request is returned to the user
interface unit. This message may contain an authorisation code to
be passed on to the product/service provider to indicate fulfilment
of payment. Utility usage bills may also be paid in this way, the
user authorising payment via the user interface unit 30. The system
may be programmed such that utility bills are automatically paid
via a predetermined credit card or payment deposit account without
user intervention after the initial set-up. In the case of
pre-payment utility meters, credit may be purchased via the user
interface unit 30 in the manner described above.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system according to a
preferred aspect of the present invention. In this configuration,
the communication unit and user interface unit are integrated into
a single device 30. Preferably the device also functions as a
standard telephone and would therefore be connected to the PSTN.
The telephone may be a standard wired telephone, a digital cordless
telephone (such as a DECT telephone), a cellular radio telephone or
some other form of telephone capable of making and receiving
communications. Preferably the device 30 includes a display screen
for displaying telephony, utility meter and transaction data. The
device may include memory and one or more processors for running
computer software for applications such as placing bets, purchasing
lottery tickets, least cost routing for long distance phone calls
and the like. The software is preferably downloadable into the
device 30 over the PSTN (not shown).
[0045] Whilst the following description and accompanying Figures
refer back to the system configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be
apparent that the additional features could equally be applied to
the configuration of FIG. 3 in which the user interface unit 30 and
communication unit 20 are combined.
[0046] FIG. 4 is the schematic diagram of FIG. 2 illustrating a
number of additional aspects of the present invention. Further
utility meters 50 and 60 are provided at the location and are
adapted to communicate further utility usage data to the utility
meter 10. Preferably the further utility meters 50, 60 are for gas
and water respectively. The utility meter 10 is configured to
communicate the further utility usage data to the appropriate
utility supplier via the communication unit 20. The user interface
unit 30 is configured to communicate with the further utility
meters 50, 60 and to display utility usage and charging information
upon request.
[0047] Instead of, or in addition to, the card reader device 35,
the utility meter 10 may be provided with a memory device 16 in
which a user's bank account data is stored. In place of providing a
card to be charged for a transaction, the user may authorise the
utility meter to release some of the banking data for the purpose
of charging. The user's computer 70 may also be adapted or arranged
to communicate with the user interface unit 30 via a serial port
connection, USB, infrared, BlueTooth or the like. Communication
between the computer 70 and user interface unit 30 allows the
transaction data for an online transaction to be automatically
communicated to the user interface unit 30 without the user's
intervention. Furthermore, utility usage data, transaction data and
the like could be communicated from the utility meter 10 to the
computer 70 via the user interface unit 30 for storage or
analysis.
[0048] A set-top box 80 connected to a television 90 may also be
provided at the location. The set-top box 80 may operate in a
similar manner to the computer 70, communicating with the user
interface unit 30 for authorisation of transactions made via the
set-top box. Additionally, the set-top box 80 may allow the whole
system to be managed, for data to be added and updated and for
transactions reviewed via communication with and/or control from
the user interface unit 30. Furthermore, it is possible that the
set-top box 80, television 90 and television remote control (not
shown) can act in place of the user interface unit 30. If
necessary, a card reader could be provided in the remote control or
the smart card reader commonly included in set-top boxes could be
utilised.
[0049] It is preferred that each utility meter (10, 50, 60), the
user interface unit 30 and the communication unit 20 each include
an RF communication device, thereby forming a localised
Pico-network. Communication is via secure, low power radio
transmissions. If RF communication is not feasible, cables or other
connection mechanisms may be used. The communication unit 20 is
likely to be a modem transparently connected to the PSTN between
the user's telephone and telephone socket. Obviously, the
communication unit could operate via ISDN and could be integrated
into the utility meter subject to a telephone socket being close to
the meter. Further communication mechanisms such as GSM or cable
connection are equally feasible and other mechanisms could be
employed as and when they become available without any technical
difficulty.
[0050] The utility meter 10 is preferably configured to be able to
alert the authorisation authority 40 or some other predetermined
online services provider via the communication unit 20 if the
operation of the Pico-network fails or if one of the system
components fails completely or fails to pass a predetermined test.
In particular, gas and water meters may be configured to issue an
alert upon detection of a leak. The utility meter is preferably
configured to communicate with the authorisation authority 40 to
inform it of power failures and interruptions in service. Fault and
service failure information could be used to determine whether the
equipment has been tampered with and whether further investigation
is necessary. Where tampering is suspected authorisation requests
containing the meter's identification code would no longer be
allowed.
[0051] In order to reduce communication between utility meters and
the authorisation authority, the utility meter 10 may be arranged
to retrieve and communicate utility usage data on a regularly
scheduled but variable interval (such as monthly) basis at a
predetermined time. The data may be verified, aggregated and then
delivered to the appropriate energy supplier or the like. Whilst
connected, the utility meter may download new data and/or parameter
changes such as new tariffs, a new dial-in time or marketing
messages. Additionally, new software for the meter 10 or user
interface unit 30 may be automatically downloaded.
[0052] Each user may be given an authorisation code to access the
user interface unit 30. The personal access code may serve to allow
the user to his or her own data stored in the system and only to
use cards and data associated with him or her. Optionally, a "super
user" may be nominated for the location having the authority to
restrict others from access or certain types of transactions,
authorise new personal access codes and generally monitor the
system. A number of user interface units 30 may be used in the
location at once. Where other utility meters are adapted to forward
utility usage information to utility meter 10, these are preferably
arranged to communicate this information at least every 24 hours.
Communication between the user interface unit 30 and the utility
meter 10 and the communication unit 20 occurs as and when
necessary.
[0053] Whilst the processing and composition of an authorisation
request is performed at the utility meter 10 in the above described
embodiment, it is equally possible that the identification code is
obtained from the utility meter 10 by the user interface unit 30,
combined with the card data, transaction code and authorisation
code, encrypted and then communicated to the utility meter 10. At
the utility meter 10, any necessary data packeting and the like are
performed prior to transmission. Encryption algorithms such as DES,
RSA or any other available mechanism may be used.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system according to
another aspect of the present invention. The utility meter 10
includes a number of controllable switches 13 and a transceiver 14.
The switches 13 are connected to appliances that are capable of
storing energy for later use. In particular, these may include
electric storage heaters 100 and hot water storage systems 110. The
transceiver 14 is configured to be able to send and receive data
via a digital cellular network 120.
[0055] The utility meter operates substantially as has been
described with reference to the previous Figures with the exception
that communication is via the transceiver 14 instead of a
communication unit 20.
[0056] During low electrical power consumption periods, an
electricity supplier 130 can selectively call the transceivers 14
using the digital cellular network 120 and offer reduced-rate
electrical power. The utility meter 10 is able to determine, via
the switches 13, whether there are appliances (100, 110) with
capacity for accepting the power. If so, the utility meter
communicates acceptance to the electricity supplier 130 and
switches on the appliances (100, 110) via the switches 13.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 5
incorporating further aspects of the present invention. Where a
utility meter 10 is configured as a pre-pay meter, the location is
also provided with an identification card. The identification card
carries the unique identification code embedded within the utility
meter 10 and allows somebody to credit pre-payments to the meter 10
remotely. On visiting a bank, supermarket or other facility
offering pre-payment facilities 210, someone possessing the card
can present it along with a pre-payment in order for the meter to
be credited. Data from the card is obtained at the pre-payment
facilities 210 by reading the card using a card reader. From the
data, the unique identification code is obtained and communicated,
along with the amount of pre-payment received, to a central
communication unit 220.
[0058] The communication unit 220 includes a database 230 of the
unique identification codes cross-referenced with the digital
cellular network number for the transceiver for the meter having
that code. The code received from the pre-payment facility is
cross-referenced in the database 230 and the digital cellular
number is obtained. The communication unit 220 communicates with
the meter 10 via the digital cellular network 120 and instructs it
to credit the amount pre-paid.
[0059] A pre-payment transaction does not have to be done by the
occupant of the location and could be performed by other parties,
including Government Agencies. The utility meter 10 may be arranged
to communicate with a government agency or similar if a suitably
programmed pre-payment meter reaches a predetermined level of
credit. In this manner, if a family on government funded income
support or a similar scheme was in threat of having their gas or
electricity cut off due to lack of credit, the government agency is
informed and able to authorise an emergency credit or a credit
against a future income support payment. Using such a
configuration, money intended for energy in a pensioner income
support payment would never need be paid to people. Instead, the
money can be automatically credited to the relevant utility meter
10 thereby avoiding possible abuse. In addition, the system could
be configured such that pre-payment could be made from the home via
the user interface unit 30 in the same manner as a regular
financial transaction is made.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a system according to
another aspect of the present invention. The utility meter 10
controls a number of switches 13 and is in communication with a
communication unit 20. The switches 13 are connected to appliances
that consume comparatively high amounts of energy when operating.
For example, these may include electric storage heaters 100, hot
water storage systems 110 and washing machines 111. The
communication unit 20 is configured to be able to send and receive
data via communications link 120.
[0061] The utility meter operates substantially as has been
described with reference to the previous FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0062] Based on an agreement with an energy supplier, the utility
meter 10 can be configured to automatically operate the appliances
100, 110, 111 during certain periods and cease their operation
during other periods. In this way, energy consumption can be
substantially controlled by the supplier because the supplier can
set the periods during which the high energy consuming devices
operate to be the periods in which there is a predicted drop in
energy demand. Energy supplied under such an agreement during the
predetermined periods would likely to be discounted.
[0063] Control of the utility meter is achieved by programming it
to call an energy management system 300 at predetermined periods
using the communication unit 20. Alternatively, the energy
management system 300 may call selected utility meters 10 via the
communication unit 20. The energy management system 300 stores
messages for the utility meters 10 concerning requested operation
periods of the appliances 100, 110, 111. The messages are
downloaded and used to control the operation of the appliances
using the switches 13. The messages can be generated by energy
suppliers based on predicted energy demand. In addition to
appliance control messages, messages may also change the frequency
in which the utility meter 10 calls the energy management system
300.
[0064] To avoid charging the user for this call, a free-phone
number may be used. Alternatively, the calling line identifier
(CLI) of callers to the energy management system 300 may be
determined. Only calls from the CLI is registered to a utility
meter 10 having a message waiting in the energy management system
300 may be answered.
[0065] A user need not accept the control messages from the energy
management system 300. Optionally, approval may need to be sought
from the user via the user interface unit 30 to apply control to
appliances according to a control message. The control messages
could also be overridden at the utility meter 10 or the appliance
100, 110, 111.
[0066] The switches 13 may be connected to a separate energy
circuit in the location to which only the high energy appliances
100, 110, 111 are connected. Alternatively the switches may be
installed at or near the appliances and controlled, for example,
using the Pico-network. In such a configuration, the switches would
include their own Pico-network communication device.
[0067] It is estimated that an array of 20 transponders at an
energy management system 300 can process 5,000,000 calls per day.
Such a turnover should allow an energy supplier to achieve real
time response to energy supply and demand requirements.
[0068] Since the utility meter is in a fixed place it provides a
unique identification key that "passports" all other intelligent
devices within the location. The utility meter can use its unique
electronic identity and its "fixed place" location to log the
activity of all related Pico-net devices
[0069] Although various references to digital cellular
communication systems have been made, the present invention is
applicable to any communication system where two-way point-to-point
communication is possible. For example, communication could be made
to via the PSTN. Where the communication is made to a link that is
not dedicated to the utility meter system, such as where a
communication unit shares the main telephone line of a home, the
utility meter 10 or communication unit 20 may be arranged to
monitor the calling line identifier (CLI) of incoming calls and to
intercept those from predetermined numbers such as the energy
management system 300 or communication unit 220 before any
telephone in the home rings and disturbs the occupants.
[0070] Whilst a number of different combinations of features have
been described with reference to different embodiments of the
present invention, the skilled person will appreciate that all the
features described are complementary and could be combined in
different combinations to those specifically described without any
technical difficulty. Furthermore, whilst the above description has
been directed to a utility meter incorporating various features
enabling interaction with a user or the outside world, it will be
apparent that a suitable add-on unit could be installed within a
home or business premises and arranged to communicate with an
existing meter. Preferably an add-on unit would be permanently
attached to an existing meter to meet the security and
authorisation requirements detailed above. The reader will
appreciate that such an add-on unit falls within the scope of the
present invention.
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