Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to energy meters, and more specifically, relates to a system and method to detect vibration and hence vibration-related tampers in energy meters.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Energy meters serve as critical instruments for accurately measuring and recording electricity consumption. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to tampering activities, with one prevalent method involving the drilling of the meter's bottom or top case to alter the internal circuitry. While such tampering attempts may be discernible through visual inspections during billing cycles, a proactive approach to detecting and recording these activities in real-time proves highly advantageous. To effectively counteract drilling and other tampering methods associated with vibrations, it is imperative to integrate energy meters with a system capable of detecting and analyzing vibrational patterns, as well as determining their frequencies.
[0003] Therefore, it is desired to overcome the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and develop a cost-effective system inside the energy meter to detect vibration-related tampers based on the axis of vibration.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0004] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to energy meters, and more specifically, relates to a system and method to detect vibration and hence vibration-related tampers.
[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that enhances the tamper detection capabilities of energy meters by incorporating a system capable of identifying tampers caused by vibrations.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that provides a continuous monitoring mechanism, enabling real-time logging of vibration-induced tampers as they occur
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that seeks to optimize the allocation of resources by reducing the need for physical inspection and transportation of tampered energy meters to service centers.
[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that saves both time and costs associated with traditional inspection and repair procedures by mitigating the need for extensive manual intervention in the tamper detection process.

SUMMARY
[0009] The present disclosure in general, to energy meters, and more specifically, relates to a system and method to detect vibration and hence vibration-related tampers. The main objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawbacks, limitations, and shortcomings of the existing system and solution, by providing a system inside the energy meter that can detect vibration and frequency of vibration. The system can detect which surface of the meter has been drilled based on the axis of vibration.
[0010] The present disclosure relates to a system of detecting vibrations associated with external interference in an energy meter. The system can include an accelerometer that measures the acceleration of the energy meter along three different axes. A sensing element operatively coupled to the accelerometer, the sensing element is configured to monitor changes in inertia along a specific axis and generate an analog voltage signal proportional to the acceleration experienced along the specific axis. The sensing element generates an analog voltage signal based on the predetermined sensitivity range to ensure accurate measurement of vibrations. The accelerometer is a 3-axis accelerometer and the sensing element comprises three sensing elements, with each sensing element coupled to the corresponding accelerometer to monitor changes in inertia along three different axes. An analog-to-digital converter operatively coupled to the accelerometer, the analog-to-digital converter converts the analog voltage signal to digital form.
[0011] Further, a microcontroller operatively coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, the microcontroller is configured to analyze the digital signal derived from the ADC for magnitude and direction along three different axes. The microcontroller can determine, from the digital signal, the axis and frequency of the detected vibrations associated with the external interference in the energy meter, the external interference pertaining to drilling, and other vibration-related tampers and establish predefined thresholds to detect the vibrations associated with the external interference in the specific surface of the energy meter, wherein in the event of detecting the tampering incident, the system records the occurrence as the tamper in the designated record. Thus, the system saves both time and costs associated with traditional inspection and repair procedures by mitigating the need for extensive manual intervention in the tamper detection process.
[0012] Moreover, the microcontroller measures voltages Vx, Vy, and Vz to determine the axis and frequency of vibration associated with the external interference. The microcontroller establishes vibration threshold conditions for Vy, wherein if |Vy| equals 7Vdd/10 and |Vx| equals |Vz| equals Vdd/2, affirming the absence of vibration. The microcontroller determines if |Vy| equals 7Vdd/10 and |Vx| equals |Vz| equals Vdd/2 is negative, initiating monitoring of Vx, Vy, and Vz to ascertain the axis and frequency of vibration. The microcontroller determines vibration assessment for |Vx|>7Vdd/10 to indicate the presence of vibration along the X-axis. The microcontroller advances to determine the condition |Vy|>7Vdd/10 if the assessment for |Vx|>7Vdd/10 is disproved, affirming the presence of vibration along the Y-axis. The microcontroller determines vibration along the Z-axis if the condition in |Vy|>7Vdd/10 is disproved.
[0013] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary view of a system of detecting vibration-related tampers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a high-level flow chart of a method of detecting vibration-related tampers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a method of detecting vibrations associated with external interference in an energy meter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0019] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0020] The present disclosure relates in general, to energy meters, and more specifically, relates to a system and method to detect vibration and hence vibration-related tampers. The proposed system disclosed in the present disclosure overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with the conventional system by providing a system for detecting vibration-related tampers through a system inside the electronic energy meter. The system uses a three-axis accelerometer including three sensing elements which can sense changes in inertia in three different axes. The sensing elements generate a voltage based on the pre-programmed sensitivity range. This voltage is then monitored by the analog-to-digital converter embedded in the microcontroller of the electronic energy meter. Depending on the voltage output of each sensing element, the axis and frequency of vibration can be determined. Based on experimental data, the voltage received can be logged as a tamper. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] The advantages achieved by the system of the present disclosure can be clear from the embodiments provided herein. The reliable system is designed to detect tampers induced by vibrations, thereby offering an additional layer of security for energy meters. This system operates in real-time, promptly logging any tampering incidents stemming from vibrations. By doing so, it enables swift and effective action, effectively reducing both costs and time. The system eliminates the necessity of sending tampered energy meters to service centers, resulting in substantial savings in terms of transportation, inspection, and repair resources. This integrated approach represents a significant advancement in the security and efficiency of energy meter management. The description of terms and features related to the present disclosure shall be clear from the embodiments that are illustrated and described; however, the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the invention can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the following description.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary view of a system of detecting vibration-related tampers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, system 100 is configured to detect vibration and frequency of vibration-related tampers inside an electronic energy meter (also referred to as energy meter, herein). The energy meter can be incorporated with the system 100 and can detect vibration and frequency of vibration. The system 100 can include an accelerometer 102, sensing elements 104, analog-digital converter (ADC) 106 and microcontroller 108.
[0024] The accelerometer 102, as presented in the example, can be 3-axis accelerometer. The accelerometer measures the acceleration of the energy meter along three different axes. The 3-axis accelerometer is a specialized sensor that measures acceleration along the X, Y, and Z axes.
[0025] The sensing element 104 is operatively coupled to the accelerometer 102, the sensing element configured to monitor changes in inertia along a specific axis and generate an analog voltage signal proportional to the acceleration experienced along the specific axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the 3-axis accelerometer can include three sensing elements 104, each responsible for one axis. These elements can detect changes in motion or orientation of the energy meter. Each sensing element 104 is designed to monitor and respond to changes in inertia along a specific axis (X, Y, or Z). These elements are highly sensitive and generate a voltage output proportional to the acceleration experienced along their respective axes.
[0026] The sensing element generates an analog voltage signal based on the pre-programmed sensitivity range. The sensitivity range is a predetermined set of values that determines the range of accelerations the sensing elements can detect. This range is programmed to ensure accurate measurement of vibrations. The sensing elements 104 generate a voltage signal based on the detected acceleration. This voltage is directly proportional to the magnitude of the detected motion or vibration.
[0027] The ADC 106 is an integral part of the microcontroller 108 within the electronic energy meter. The ADC 106 is operatively coupled to the accelerometer 102. It is responsible for converting the analog voltage signals from the accelerometer 102 into digital data that can be processed by the microcontroller 108. The microcontroller 108 serves as the central processing unit of the electronic energy meter. It is responsible for executing various tasks, including reading and interpreting data from sensors and making decisions based on that data.
[0028] The microcontroller 108 operatively coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, the microcontroller 108 configured to analyze the digital signal derived from the ADC for magnitude and direction along three different axes. The microcontroller 108 can determine, from the digital signal, the axis and frequency of the detected vibrations associated with the external interference. The external interference pertaining to drilling, and other vibration-related tampers.
[0029] Further, the microcontroller 108 can establish predefined thresholds to detect the vibrations associated with the external interference in the specific surface of the energy meter, where in the event of detecting the tampering incident, the system records the occurrence as the tamper in the designated record.
[0030] Depending on the voltage outputs received from the sensing elements 104, the microcontroller 108 can determine the axis and frequency of the detected vibration. This involves analyzing the magnitude and polarity of the voltages along the X, Y, and Z axes. The system is calibrated and validated using experimental data. Based on this data, thresholds are established to identify abnormal vibrations indicative of tampering. When such vibrations are detected, the event is logged as a tamper in the record of the electronic energy meter.
[0031] In an implementation of an embodiment, consider an electronic energy meter installed in a residential building. This meter is equipped with 3-axis accelerometer 102 that can include 3-sensing elements 104 which can sense changes in inertia in 3-different axes. The sensing elements 104 generate a voltage based on the pre-programmed sensitivity range. This voltage is then monitored by the analog-digital converter 104 embedded in the microcontroller 106 of the electronic energy meter. Depending on the voltage output of each sensing element, the axis and frequency of vibration can be determined.
[0032] If a tampering activity, such as drilling, occurs on the surface of the energy meter, the associated vibrations would be detected by the accelerometer 102. The sensing elements 104 would respond by generating voltage signals in proportion to the level of acceleration experienced along each axis. The microcontroller 108 would then promptly process this data, identify the axis and frequency of the vibration, and, recognize it as a tampering attempt due to the abnormal voltage readings. This event would be logged as a tamper in the system's records for further investigation or action.
[0033] Thus, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and provides a reliable system designed to detect tampers induced by vibrations, thereby offering an additional layer of security for energy meters. This system operates in real-time, promptly logging any tampering incidents stemming from vibrations. By doing so, it enables swift and effective action, effectively reducing both costs and time. The system eliminates the necessity of sending tampered energy meters to service centers, resulting in substantial savings in terms of transportation, inspection, and repair resources. This integrated approach represents a significant advancement in the security and efficiency of energy meter management.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a high-level flow chart of a method of detecting vibration-related tampers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035] The method 200 for monitoring and detecting vibration-related tampers. Specifically, the method involves measuring the voltages Vx, Vy, and Vz to determine the axis and frequency of vibration. The method further includes applying conditions based on voltage thresholds to ascertain the presence or absence of vibration and taking appropriate action accordingly.
[0036] At step 202, the microcontroller reads and records the voltages Vx, Vy, and Vz respectively for voltage measurement.
[0037] At block 204, vibration threshold conditions for Vy are established. If |Vy| equals 7Vdd/10 (|Vy| = 7Vdd/10), and if |Vx| equals |Vz| equals Vdd/2 (|Vx| = |Vz| = Vdd/2), the condition is affirmed, signifying the absence of vibration. If the vibration threshold conditions in block 204 are negative, monitoring of Vx, Vy, and Vz is initiated to ascertain the axis and frequency of vibration at block 206.
[0038] At block 208 determine vibration assessment for |Vx|>7Vdd/10. Evaluate whether the condition |Vx| exceeds 7Vdd/10, indicating the presence of vibration along the X-axis. At block 210, If the assessment in step 208 is disproved, the process advances to determine the condition |Vy|>7Vdd/10. Affirmation of this condition results in the presence of vibration along the Y-axis.
[0039] At block 212, if the condition |Vy|>7Vdd/10 is disproved in step 210, it is determined that vibration is occurring along the Z-axis.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a method of detecting vibrations associated with external interference in an energy meter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] The method 300 includes block 302, measuring by the accelerometer, acceleration of the energy meter along three different axes. At block 304, the sensing element can monitor changes in inertia along a specific axis and generate an analog voltage signal proportional to the acceleration experienced along the specific axis, the sensing element operatively coupled to the accelerometer.
[0042] At block 306, the microcontroller can analyze a digital signal derived from an analog-to-digital converter for magnitude and direction along three different axes, the analog-to-digital converter is operatively coupled to the accelerometer to convert the analog voltage signal to digital form.
[0043] At block 308, the microcontroller can determine from the digital signal, the axis and frequency of the detected vibrations associated with the external interference in the energy meter, the external interference pertaining to drilling, and other vibration-related tampers.
[0044] At block 310, the microcontroller can establish predefined thresholds to detect the vibrations associated with the external interference in the specific surface of the energy meter, wherein in the event of detecting the tampering incident, the system records the occurrence as the tamper in the designated record.
[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system 100 of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0046] The present disclosure provides a reliable system for detecting tampers caused by vibrations, offering an additional layer of security for energy meters.
[0047] The present disclosure provides a system that logs the tampers resulting from vibrations in real-time, enabling prompt action.
[0048] The present disclosure provides a system that reduces the cost and time by eliminating the need to send tampered energy meters to service centers, and can save significant time and resources associated with transportation, inspection, and repairs.
, Claims:1. A system (100) of detecting vibrations associated with external interference in an energy meter, the system comprising:
an accelerometer (102) that measures the acceleration of the energy meter along three different axes;
a sensing element (104) operatively coupled to the accelerometer, the sensing element configured to monitor changes in inertia along a specific axis and generate an analog voltage signal proportional to the acceleration experienced along the specific axis;
an analog-to-digital converter (106) operatively coupled to the accelerometer, the analog-to-digital converter converts the analog voltage signal to digital form; and
a microcontroller (108) operatively coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, the microcontroller configured to:
analyze the digital signal derived from the analog-to-digital converter for magnitude and direction along three different axes;
determine, from the digital signal, the axis and frequency of the detected vibrations associated with the external interference in the energy meter, the external interference pertaining to drilling, and other vibration-related tampers; and
establish predefined thresholds to detect the vibrations associated with the external interference in the specific surface of the energy meter, wherein in the event of detecting the tampering incident, the system records the occurrence as the tamper in the designated record.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing element (104) generates the analog voltage signal based on the predetermined sensitivity range to ensure accurate measurement of vibrations.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accelerometer is a 3-axis accelerometer and the sensing element comprises three sensing elements, with each sensing element coupled to the corresponding accelerometer to monitor changes in inertia along three different axes.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (108) measures voltages Vx, Vy, and Vz of the digital signal to determine the axis and frequency of vibration associated with the external interference in the energy meter.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (108) establishes vibration threshold conditions for Vy, wherein if |Vy| equals 7Vdd/10 and |Vx| equals |Vz| equals Vdd/2, affirming the absence of vibration.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (108) determines if |Vy| equals 7Vdd/10 and |Vx| equals |Vz| equals Vdd/2 is negative, initiating monitoring of Vx, Vy, and Vz to ascertain the axis and frequency of vibration.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (108) determines vibration assessment for |Vx|>7Vdd/10 to indicate the presence of vibration along the X-axis.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (108) advances to determine the condition |Vy|>7Vdd/10 if the assessment for |Vx|>7Vdd/10 is disproved, affirming the presence of vibration along the Y-axis.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (108) determines vibration along the Z-axis if the condition in |Vy|>7Vdd/10 is disproved.
10. A method (300) of detecting vibrations associated with external interference in an energy meter, the system comprising:
measuring (302), by an accelerometer, acceleration of the energy meter along three different axes;
monitoring (304), by a sensing element, changes in inertia along a specific axis and generating an analog voltage signal proportional to the acceleration experienced along the specific axis, the sensing element operatively coupled to the accelerometer;
analyzing (306), at a microcontroller, a digital signal derived from an analog-to-digital converter for magnitude and direction along three different axes, the analog-to-digital converter operatively coupled to the accelerometer to convert the analog voltage signal to digital form;
determining (308), at the microcontroller, from the digital signal, the axis and frequency of the detected vibrations associated with the external interference in the energy meter, the external interference pertaining to drilling, and other vibration-related tampers; and
establishing (310), at the microcontroller, predefined thresholds to detect the vibrations associated with the external interference in the specific surface of the energy meter, wherein in the event of detecting the tampering incident, the system records the occurrence as the tamper in the designated record.