A METERING DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING PARAMETERS IN ENCRYPTED QR CODE AND METHOD OF READING THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to metering devices for power monitoring and control. In particular, the invention discloses metering devices with a compact display which reduces the display area significantly and provides an efficient way to manage a large meter data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A metering device is typically used for monitoring, measuring and controlling several parameters related to an electrical network. Due to the constraints in the display size, the parameters are typically grouped and displayed in multiple pages. These multiple pages can be navigated using navigation keys available in the device.

However, with the increasing complexity of the electrical systems in the areas of power distribution and control panels the number of parameters to be monitored for protection and control are also increasing. At the same time, there is need to reduce the size and cost of the metering devices as well. Therefore the increasing challenge is to display more number of parameters keeping the size of the display compact.

Another disadvantage of such limited display is it becomes difficult for the operator to navigate and read
large number of parameters on the small size of the display. Also it is difficult to store the parameters for future analysis. Use of paper or an additional inventory such as hand held devices for managing meter data only add to cost and complexity of the system.

Further various such metering devices are mounted on panels which are spread across in remote places. Hence, it is painful for the field operators to manage the meter's data efficiently.

In addition, the metering devices are not equipped with sufficient intelligence to process data into file system and managing such data. They are also not equipped with sufficient memory to store large amount of historic data and log files for a longer period.

In view of the above discussion it may be realized that there is a need to provide a compact display for the metering devices and a method of managing a large amount of data efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to provide a compact display for the metering devices and a method of managing a large amount of recorded data efficiently.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact display for the metering devices and a method of managing a large amount of recorded data efficiently which is cost effective and easy to implement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact display for the metering devices and a method of managing a large amount of recorded data efficiently which may store the monitored data for further analysis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact display for the metering devices and a method of managing a large amount of recorded data efficiently which may upload the monitored data on the cloud server for remote monitoring.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact display for the metering devices and a method of managing a large amount of recorded data efficiently which may record identity of the device and time stamp of the time of reading.

In order to achieve the above mentioned objects the present invention discloses a metering device. The metering device includes a detection unit for detecting one or more parameters, a control unit for embedding the one or more detected parameters into a plurality of partially encrypted quick response (QR) codes, a display unit for displaying the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes simultaneously and a plurality of navigation keys for navigating the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes on the display unit, wherein, the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes are dynamically generated based on the measured values and a unique numerical code is generated simultaneously which corresponds to said dynamically generated partially encrypted QR codes and an identification number of the metering device.

In an embodiment, the display unit is configured to display the unique numerical code and time as set in the metering device.

In another aspect the present invention discloses a hand held device including a QR code reader unit for scanning a plurality of partially encrypted QR codes, a control unit having an application installed therein for decrypting the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes to obtain one or more embedded parameters and a memory unit for storing the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes and one or more embedded parameters.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to scan plurality of partially encrypted QR codes from a metering device, scan plurality of partially encrypted QR codes from a group of metering devices in a session along with a unique numerical code for each scan and decrypt the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes of each scan simultaneously.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to identify authentic partially encrypted QR codes by scanning the unique numerical code corresponding to the partially encrypted QR codes and an identification number of a metering device displaying the partially encrypted QR codes.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to connect to a local server over wireless communication link upon scanning the authentic partially encrypted QR codes. The local server is configured to validate the unique numerical code and establish connection with the hand held device to store the one or more embedded parameters into a server database in a predefined format, wherein the predetermined format comprises identification number and time stamp of the metering device and time stamps of the hand held device. Further, the local server is configured to upload the one or more embedded parameters to a web services portal for remote monitoring.

In an embodiment, the controller keeps a back up storage of the one or more embedded parameters in absence of network connectivity of the wireless communication link and synchronizes with the local server upon regaining the network connectivity.

In an embodiment, the QR code reader unit is adapted to scan selective or all the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes based on user preference.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to process the decrypted one or more parameters, generate analytical reports therefrom and present the generated report in a user defined file format.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of reading parameters from a metering device is disclosed. The method includes scanning a plurality of partially encrypted QR codes from the metering device, authenticating the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes based on a unique numerical code corresponding to the partially encrypted QR codes and an identification number of the metering device, decrypting the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes to obtain one or more embedded parameters therefrom; and storing the one or more parameters in predefined file formats.
In an embodiment, the method includes dynamically decrypting plurality of partially encrypted QR codes simultaneously.

In an embodiment, the method includes connecting to a local server over wireless communication link upon detecting the authentic partially encrypted QR codes.
In an embodiment the method includes generating analytical report based on the one or more embedded parameters in user defined file format.

In an embodiment the method includes uploading the one or more embedded parameters to a web services portal for remote monitoring.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present embodiments of the invention are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is

claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and other advantages of the invention will be better understood and will become more apparent by referring to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 illustrates a metering device with a compact display and scheme of managing the monitored data efficiently according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a method of reading parameters from a metering device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible, same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.

Disclosed herein is a metering device with a compact display and a scheme of managing the monitored data efficiently according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates such a metering device 102 and the data management scheme. The metering device 102 may include a display unit 104, plurality of navigation keys 108 for navigating the displayed data, a detection unit and a control unit. The detection unit detects the parameters to be monitored. The control unit is converts the detected parameters into a plurality of partially encrypted quick response (QR) codes. The display unit 104 may display multiple QR codes 106.

A hand held device 110 may include an application which reads the QR code from the metering device 102 (shown at 202). The hand held device 110 also may be coupled to a computer system 112 and/or additional devices 114. The monitored data may be uploaded to cloud server 116 by the hand held device 110 or the computer system 112 or the additional devices 114. The metering device 102 may be, for example, an energy meter, a volt meter, an ammeter, a digital meter and so forth.
The display unit 104 displays QR codes dynamically on the front face of the energy meter. The display unit 104 may be a display panel that is capable of displaying the QR code. The display unit 104 is minimized in size to display only a set of QR codes. For example, the display unit 104 may display 4 to 5 QR codes horizontally at the same time. Each QR code is partially encrypted and represents a set of embedded parameters. A single QR code may embed multiple parameters into it. Therefore multiple parameters may be embedded into a few QR codes. With this approach the navigation depth and time can be significantly reduced. The metering device 102 is configured to generate multiple QR codes with partially encrypted data dynamically and displaying such multiple encrypted QR codes at the same time.
Example of the hand held device 110 may include a mobile phone, a cell phone, a computer system, a smart phone and so forth. As discussed above, the hand held device 110 includes an application for QR code scanning and data management. The application may scan one or more QR codes simultaneously.

The application also supports multiple scans from one or more devices in one session. The QR code scanner application decrypts multiple QR codes simultaneously and represents the data in the desired manner (shown at 206). The application configures the scanned data in a predefine structure. The scanned data is aligned between multiple dynamic QR codes of multiple scans in multiple sessions. In one embodiment, the data scanned from the individual devices are labeled with the assigned device identifier. In another embodiment, the data scanned from the individual device may be appended with the timestamp from the hand held device 110.

The QR code scanner application provides user options of scanning multiple QR codes to scan selective QR codes or all QR codes. Also the QR code scanner application processes the data and present in the user defined format. In this way it relieves the CPU and augments performance and power of the hand held device 110. Instead, the CPU may focus on dynamic QR code generation.

Apart from scanning the QR code, the application also stores the scanned parameters in a file system (shown at 208). In one embodiment, the processed data is stored in the database of the hand held device 110. The application may also perform analysis with the scanned data. For example, the analysis may include plotting of graphs, past trends and future predictions and so forth. Further, the application may generate the data and the report in a file format as defined by the user. For example, these file formats may include but not limited to XML, CSV, metadata, PDF and so forth. Further the hand held device 110 may upload the scanned data, and the analyzed data to the cloud server 116. The QR code scanner may also synchronize the database with a configured remote server.

The parameters scanned by the hand held device 110 are linked to a specific meter ID so that the data is saved in the respective meter ID template. Therefore the QR code displayed on the metering device contains a meter ID so that the data may be segregated as per the meters ID. In one embodiment the metering device 102 may display a unique 8 digit number dynamically along with the QR codes. This 8 digit number is logically connected to the reference of the dynamic QR codes and the identity of the specific metering device by a special polynomial. The key of such polynomial may be known to the server.

Furthermore, recording the time of reading the QR code is also required for future data analysis. So time stamp is recorded from the metering device 102 and the hand held devices 110. In case the metering device includes internal RTC, the time stamp from both the metering device102 and the hand held device 110 would be updated in the file. In another embodiment, if the metering device 102 does not have an internal RTC, only time stamp recorded by the hand held device 102 would be updated in the file. The following table explains an example of the data format.

Another aspect of the present invention includes the services platform for data storage and analytics hosted in the cloud server 116. In another embodiment, the QR code scanner establishes synchronization with a web portal hosted by a local server. When the QR code scanner application scans any valid QR code on the metering device 102, it establishes a secure http connection to a related web services portal hosted in the cloud hosted by the local server. The web connection may be established over GPRS, 3G or Wi-Fi links. Once the http(s) link is established the QR code scanner application pushes the meter readings including the files and data to the cloud server 116. A user in the server manages to map the meter IDs, customer IDs, application IDs so that further data analysis and authentication may be made easy. If any such data links are not available due to poor signal strength the QR code scanner application maintains the temporary storage in the hand held device 110 or an extended memory device. Thereafter it synchronizes with the server as on when it connects next time. The connection settings and preferences may be configured by the user in the application.

The application uses the local memory or extended memory of the hand held device 110 as database for temporary storage. A warning is displayed on the display unit 104 at the start of this application if local memory is insufficient.

The user can log into the web services portal hosted in the cloud server 116 for viewing the reading of the metering device and the analytics data. Other value added services on the data analytics may be available to the user on the web services portal. The QR code application may be downloaded on to the authorized user or operator. Registration on the web services portal enables to download the QR code scanner application on to the registered authorized hand held devices automatically.
Simple ftp/http file transfer protocol may be used to upload the parameter files to the web services portal from the mobile phone by the QR code scanner application.

The QR code scanner application is also intelligent to detect the valid QR code from the authentic metering device. If the QR code scanner application detects any other general QR code it only scans and presents the data. In case of reading invalid QR code, it does not perform the data management operations such as database, files and servers synchronization. In such occasions it behaves like any other existing QR code scanner application. The QR code scanner application performs the specific tasks explained above only when it detects genuine energy meter and valid QR code with specific encrypted data pattern. The QR code scanner application looks for specific encrypted data pattern for identification as well as physical display of the metering device to identify if the QR code is valid and the metering device is genuine (shown at 204). Besides scanning QR code, the QR code scanner application also scans the 8 digit serial number for authentication at the same scan cycle. In this way the QR code scanner application does not try to decrypt any unnecessary QR codes. Even if the QR code is reproduced by a duplicate device, the 8 digit number helps the server to discard such QR codes.
Further consistency between the QR code and the metering device display is maintained so that tampering and duplication can be avoided by unauthorized user.

The QR code scanner application enables the user to group a set of energy meters and duplicate one meter configuration to one ore multiple meters provided the meters are equipped with bluetooth
communication. Configuration of a meter can be exported as QR codes.

The local server stores all the energy meter data and log files in the user defined file format. Various value added services are offered to the user over the same server.

The proposed solution is applicable to manage display devices more efficiently. With this invention devices can display more parameters in a very short display area and with intuitive mobile application user can manage the data without using a paper / computer in the field. It will change the way display devices working today in the industry as well as the domestic devices. That means this solution is scalable, portable to various segments like building automation, substation automation, power distribution panel etc.

It is to be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

We claim:

1. A metering device comprising:

a detection unit for detecting one or more parameters;

a control unit for embedding the one or more detected parameters into a plurality of partially encrypted quick response (QR) codes;

a display unit for displaying the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes simultaneously; and

a plurality of navigation keys for navigating the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes on the display unit,

wherein, the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes are dynamically generated and a unique numerical code is generated simultaneously which corresponds to said dynamically generated partially encrypted QR codes and an identification number of the metering device.

2. The metering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit is configured to display the unique numerical code.

3. The metering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit is configured to display time if available as set in the metering device.

4. A hand held device comprising:

a QR code reader unit for scanning a plurality of partially encrypted QR codes;

a control unit having an application installed therein for decrypting the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes to obtain one or more embedded parameters; and

a memory unit for storing the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes and one or more embedded parameters.

5. The hand held device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit is configured to:
scan plurality of partially encrypted QR codes from a metering device; scan plurality of partially encrypted QR codes from a group of metering devices in a session along with a unique numerical code for each scan; and

decrypt the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes of each scan simultaneously.

6. The hand held device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to identify authentic partially encrypted QR codes by scanning the unique numerical code corresponding to the partially encrypted QR codes and an identification number of a metering device displaying the partially encrypted QR codes.

7. The hand held device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to connect to a local server over wireless communication link upon scanning the authentic partially encrypted QR codes.

8. The hand held device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the local server is configured to validate the unique numerical code and establish connection with the hand held device to store the one or more embedded parameters into a server database in a predefined data format, wherein the predetermined data format comprises identification number and time stamp of the metering device and time stamps of the hand held device.

9. The hand held device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the local server is configured to upload the one or more embedded parameters to a web services portal for remote monitoring.

10. The hand held device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controller keeps a back up storage of the one or more embedded parameters in absence of network connectivity of the wireless communication link and synchronizes with the local server upon regaining the network connectivity.

11. The hand held device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the QR code reader unit is adapted to scan selective or all the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes based on user preference.

12. The hand held device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to process the decrypted one or more parameters, generate analytical reports therefrom and present the generated report in a user defined file format.

13. A method of reading parameters from a metering device comprising:

scanning a plurality of partially encrypted QR codes from the metering device;

authenticating the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes based on a unique numerical code corresponding to the partially encrypted QR codes and an identification number of the metering device;

decrypting the plurality of partially encrypted QR codes to obtain one or more embedded parameters therefrom; and

storing the one or more parameters in predefined data formats.

14. The method of reading parameters from a metering device as claimed in claim 13 comprising dynamically decrypting plurality of partially encrypted QR codes simultaneously.

15. The method of reading parameters from a metering device as claimed in claim 13 comprising connecting to a local server over wireless communication link upon detecting the authentic partially encrypted QR codes.

16. The method of reading parameters from a metering device as claimed in claim 13 comprising generating analytical report based on the one or more embedded parameters in user defined file format.

17. The method of reading parameters from a metering device as claimed in claim 16 comprising uploading the one or more embedded parameters to a web services portal for remote monitoring.