CLIAMS:1. An energy consumption recording method for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, the energy consumption recording method comprising:
receiving a unique consumer number on a screen of an electronic device;
displaying on the screen, if the unique consumer number is valid, the consumer information, thereby
activating a capturing means of the electronic device configured to enable capturing of an image of a meter associated with the energy consumption;
selecting, upon capturing the image, a status of the meter, and based on the status, receiving, on the screen, a current reading of the meter;
calculating, by the electronic device, a bill based on the billing data;
transmitting simultaneously, by the electronic device, a billed data (bill) to the discoms’ server; and
printing, using a printer paired with the electronic device, the bill comprising the image of the meter.

2. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, comprises updating simultaneously, during printing, the bill to a consumer database stored at the discoms’ server, and thereby enabling online payment at the same instance.

3. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the bill is printed only after the image of the meter is captured.

4. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the billing data comprises at least one of the unique consumer number, the current reading entered, the image captured or any combination thereof.

5. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the image of the meter received at the discoms’ server is analyzed automatically and/or by authenticated supervisor(s).

6. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a device allocated to a specific area and a specific operator, wherein the specific operator is granted access to the device only after authentication done, by using an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the device, by the discoms’ server.

7. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the consumer information is stored in the electronic device and/or consumer database stored at the discoms’ server.

8. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, comprises storing or discarding the image of the meter captured, wherein, after storing, the current reading of the meter is entered.

9. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the status of the meter is at least one option selected from OK, wrong/ defective meter, meter glass broken, body seal broken, negative reading, reading not taken, box seal broken, terminal seal broken, round complete, meter changed, meter number mismatch, reading not clear, house lock, or any combination thereof and is displayed on the screen of the electronic device.

10. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the billed data is transmitted to the discoms’ server, the billed data and meter photo are analyzed to generate at least one option selected from meter number mismatch, lock/ inaccessible, wrong/ defective meter, theft detected, suspected theft, meter/ glass damage, no seal/ seal damage, no terminal cover, no meter box, irrelevant, images not clear, suppressed reading, reading mismatch, others, ok, or any combination thereof and is displayed on the screen of the electronic device.

11. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, comprises printing using at least one of the printers selected from an Analogic impact printer, an Analogic thermal printer, a Zebra thermal printer, an EPSON thermal printer, a TVS thermal printer, or any combination thereof .

12. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1 comprises prompting, on the screen of the electronic device, an abnormal reading indication if the energy consumption is less than 30% or more than 3 times of historical energy consumption.

13. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, comprises providing remarks based on which said bill is calculated, wherein

said remarks is at least one of meter OK, burnt meter, broken glass of meter, stopped meter, broken body seal, wrong/ defective meter, negative reading, locked premises, obstacle, reading not taken, broken box seal, broken terminal seal, round complete, change of meter or any combination thereof; and
said bills are calculated on actual for meter OK, broken seal of box/ terminal, round complete and change of meter.

14. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, comprises searching a consumer based on at least one of meter number or name of the consumer, or an old account number, or any combination thereof.

15. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, comprises providing reports for at least one of meter change list or unbilled consumers list or new consumers list, or reconnected consumers list or any combination thereof.

16. The energy consumption recording method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the capturing means is a camera.

17. An electronic device for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, the electronic device comprising:
a receiving means configured to input a unique consumer number on a screen of the electronic device;
a display module configured to display, if the unique consumer number is valid, the consumer information on the screen;
an image capturing means configured to enable capturing of an image of a meter associated with the energy consumption, wherein the image capturing means is a camera;
a selection module configured to select, upon capturing the image, a status of the meter;
the receiving means configured to input, based on the status, a current reading of the meter on the screen;
a calculation module configured to calculate a bill based on the billing data;
a transmitting module configured to transmit a billed data (bill) to the discoms’ server; and
a pairing module configured to pair with at least one printer configured to print the bill comprising the image of the meter, wherein the bill is printed only after the image of the meter is captured.

18. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, comprises a transmitting module configured to transmit a billed data to the discoms’ server.

19. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, the bill is calculated based on the billing data.

20. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, the billed data is used to update a consumer database stored at the discoms’ server.

21. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, the billing data comprises at least one of the unique consumer number, the current reading entered, the image captured or any combination thereof.

22. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, the image of the meter received at the discoms’ server is analyzed automatically and/or by authenticated supervisor(s).

23. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17 is a device allocated to a specific area and a specific operator, wherein the specific operator is granted access to the device only after authentication done, by using an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the device, by the discoms’ server.

24. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, the consumer information is stored in the electronic device and/or consumer database stored at the discoms’ server.

25. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17 is configured to store or discard the image of the meter captured, wherein, after storing, the current reading of the meter is entered.

26. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, the status of the meter is at least one option selected from OK, wrong/ defective meter, meter glass broken, body seal broken, negative reading, reading not taken, box seal broken, terminal seal broken, round complete, meter changed, meter number mismatch, reading not clear, house lock, or any combination thereof and is displayed on the screen.

27. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, when the billed data is transmitted to the discoms’ server, the billed data and meter photo are analyzed to generate at least one option selected from meter number mismatch, lock/ inaccessible, wrong/ defective meter, theft detected, suspected theft, meter/ glass damage, no seal/ seal damage, no terminal cover, no meter box, irrelevant, images not clear, suppressed reading, reading mismatch, others, ok, or any combination thereof..

28. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, the printer is selected from at least one of an Analogic impact printer, an Analogic thermal printer, a Zebra thermal printer, an EPSON thermal printer, a TVS thermal printer, or any combination thereof.

29. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17 is configured to prompt, on the screen, an abnormal reading indication if the energy consumption is less than 30% or more than 3 times of historical energy consumption.

30. The electronic device as claimed in claim 17, wherein, is configured to provide reports for at least one of meter change list or unbilled consumers list or new consumers lists, or reconnected consumers list or any combination thereof.

31. A system for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, the system comprising an electronic device and a discoms’ server, CHARACTERIZED BY:
the electronic device comprising:
a receiving means configured to receive an input of a unique consumer number on a screen of the electronic device;
a display module configured to display, if the unique consumer number is valid, the consumer information on the screen;
an image capturing means configured to enable capturing of an image of a meter associated with the energy consumption, wherein the image capturing means is a camera;
a selection module configure to select, upon capturing the image, a status of the meter, wherein, the status of the meter is at least one option selected from OK, wrong/ defective meter, meter glass broken, body seal broken, negative reading, reading not taken, box seal broken, terminal seal broken, round complete, meter changed, meter number mismatch, reading not clear, or house lock;
the receiving means configured to input, based on the status, a current reading of the meter on the screen;
a calculation module configured to calculate a bill based on the billing data;
a transmitting module configured to transmit a billed data (bill) to the discoms’ server, wherein, when the billed data is transmitted to the discoms’ server, the billed data and meter photo are analyzed to generate at least one option selected from meter number mismatch, lock/ inaccessible, wrong/ defective meter, theft detected, suspected theft, meter/ glass damage, no seal/ seal damage, no terminal cover, no meter box, irrelevant, images not clear, suppressed reading, reading mismatch, others, or ok;
a pairing module configured to pair with at least one printer configured to print the bill comprising the image of the meter, the bill being printed only after the image of the meter is captured, wherein, the printer is selected from at least one of an Analogic impact printer or an Analogic thermal printer or a Zebra thermal printer or an EPSON thermal printer or a TVS thermal printer.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to energy billing of retail energy consumers, and more particularly to a system and method for an on spot energy billing of retail electricity consumers and the management of revenue. The other areas where the present invention can be used are metered supplies such as water connections, gas supply, sewerage disposal, and the like.

BACKGROUND
[002] Spot billing is a revolutionary solution devised with an intention to enable the power distribution and water distribution companies to streamline and implement an effective metering and billing system, improve cash flows and to make the processes customer centric. Spot billing is being used in various domains like soft drink supply companies, telecom companies and also in public transportation systems where tickets are generated using spot billing solutions.
[003] Conventionally, the spot billing of single phase electricity consumers used to be undertaken using handheld spot billing machines (SBM) with inbuilt printer. For example, till one year back, spot billing of single phase consumers used to be undertaken using handheld spot billing machines (SBM) with inbuilt printer by engaging numerous outside agencies in the Reliance- owned three electricity distribution companies (third parties), viz., North Eastern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Limited (NESCO), Western Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Limited (WESCO) and Southern Electricity Supply Company of Odisha Limited (SOUTHCO), or Odisha discoms for short. However, in due course of time, it was realized that the billing procedure was not only lengthy but having several demerits/ bottlenecks.
[004] There was severe dependency on numerous agencies for every change in tariff/ bill printing, etc., because they used their own custom- built software. There was involvement of intermediate hardware(s) and software(s) at the beginning of every billing cycle to collect data from discoms’ IT centers, process data for payment postings and other transitional updates, convert data into the format suited for downloading to SBMs, download data to SBMs, upload data from SBMs after billing and transfer to discoms’ IT centers after conversion to the desired format. There was always a threat to security due to multiple manual operations on the part of the billing agencies. Photographs of meter readings were either not taken or taken occasionally in spite of provisions in the work order for taking photographs on bi- monthly basis. Difficulties were encountered in handling non- indexed photographs. There was a total lack of proper validations. The process was time consuming and manual. Data upload to the billing server used to be done once only, and that too at the end of completion of billing of all consumers falling in a binder (a set of consumers). Since data used to be uploaded by the agencies in batch mode, sometimes well beyond the due dates, the process was not at all suitable for online payment collection. Apart from the above, SBMs and the inbuilt printers were prone to frequent breakages because of heavy wear and tear.
[005] The inventors of the present invention have done extensive research in this field and have come across applications for energy consumption billing techniques. The prior- art document, “NEW DEVELOPMENT IN ENERGY METER READING SYSTEM” by Manisha V Shinde and Pradip W Kulkarni, Electronics and Telecommunication Dept., NBN Sinhgad School of Engineering Pune, India (International Journal of Scientific Research and Management Studies, Volume 1, Issue 4, pg. 124-129), deals with automatic and remote acquisition of meter readings and their transfer to a central server for analysis. Thus, this article deals mainly with AMR or automatic meter reading.
[006] The prior- art document, “Android Based Meter Reading Using OCR” by Rohit Dayama, Anil Chatla, Heena Shaikh, Medha Kulkarni, PVPP College of Engineering, Sion, Mumbai, India (International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Computing, Vol.3, Issue3, March. 2014, pg. 536-539), deals with the meter reading mechanism by the use of OCR or optical character recognition technique which has its own drawbacks.
[007] The prior-art document, “Mobile Based Electricity Billing System (MoBEBIS)” by M.R.M.S.B. Rathnayaka (I.D.S.), Jayasinghe, Enit Jayanth, S.I. Swarnajith, M.A.S.C. Manamendra and G. Wimalaratne, Department of IT, Faculty of Computing, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe (International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 3, Issue 4, April 2013), deals with the energy billing mechanism by the use of OCR or optical character recognition technique which has its own drawbacks.
[008] In view of the aforesaid demerits and to improve security, usefulness and operational efficiency, there exists a dire need to provide a mechanism to enable spot energy consumption billing with the help of a hand- held electronic device. The mechanism must improve security, usefulness and operational efficiency.

SUMMARY
[009] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.
[0010] First and foremost object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages/drawbacks of the known art.
[0011] A basic object of the present invention is to provide a mobile phone-based spot billing system, coupled with cloud- based analytics and reporting system. The system has been developed in order to overcome the aforesaid demerits, and to improve security, usefulness and operational efficiency.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an end- to- end energy consumption billing solution. The present invention spans the entire revenue cycle, right from energy billing till collection, analysis and monitoring. Bills are generated on the spot. Meter reading is entered in the mobile phone. While the bill is processed in the software resident in the mobile phone, it is printed through a Bluetooth thermal printer that is coupled to the mobile phone. Billed data is transmitted instantaneously to the remote server.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide pre- billing data in downloadable form to the mobile phones from remote server. In the present invention, each area is assigned to a particular meter reader. Besides, each meter reader is allotted a specific mobile phone. The meter readers are granted access to the mobile phones only after proper authentication by the remote server. This authentication is done by using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of the mobile phones. It is mandatory to take the photograph of the meter reading before generating a bill. The photograph is taken from the camera in the mobile phone. The photograph is also printed on the bill. The billed record is transmitted in real time to the remote server. This facilitates instant monitoring and helps consumers in making online payments as well.
[0014] Accordingly, in one implementation, a method for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption is disclosed. The method comprises:
· receiving a unique consumer credentials on a screen of an electronic device;
· displaying on the screen, if the unique consumer credential is valid, the consumer information, thereby
· activating a capturing means of the electronic device configured to enable capturing of an image of a meter associated with the energy consumption;
· selecting, upon capturing the image, a status of the meter, and based on the status,
· receiving, on the screen, a current reading of the meter;
· calculating, in the electronic device, a bill based on the billing data;
· transmitting simultaneously, by the electronic device, a billed data to the discoms’ server; and
· printing, using a printer paired with the electronic device, the bill comprising the image of the meter.
[0015] In one implementation, an electronic device for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption is disclosed. The electronic device comprises a receiving means configured to input a unique consumer number on a screen of the electronic device; a display module configured to display, if the unique consumer number is valid, the consumer information on the screen; an image capturing means configured to enable capturing of an image of a meter associated with the energy consumption, wherein the image capturing means is a camera; a selection module configured to select, upon capturing the image, a status of the meter; the receiving means configured to input, based on the status, a current reading of the meter on the screen; a calculation module configured to calculate a bill based on the billing data; a transmitting module configured to transmit a billed data (bill) to the discoms’ server; and a pairing module configured to pair with at least one printer configured to print the bill comprising the image of the meter. The bill is printed only after the image of the meter is captured.
[0016] In one implementation, a system for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, comprising an electronic device and the discoms’ server is disclosed. The system is characterized by the electronic device comprising: a receiving means configured to receive an input of a unique consumer number on a screen of the electronic device; a display module configured to display, if the unique consumer number is valid, the consumer information on the screen; a image capturing means configured to enable capturing of an image of a meter associated with the energy consumption, wherein the image capturing means is a camera; a selection module configured to select, upon capturing the image, a status of the meter, wherein, the status of the meter is at least one option selected from OK, wrong/ defective meter, meter glass broken, body seal broken, negative reading, reading not taken, box seal broken, terminal seal broken, round complete, meter changed, meter number mismatch, reading not clear, or house lock; the receiving means configured to input, based on the status, a current reading of the meter on the screen; a calculation module configured to calculate a bill based on the billing data; a transmitting module configured to transmit a billed data (bill) to the discoms’ server, wherein, when the billed data is transmitted to the discoms’ server, the billed data and meter photo are analyzed to generate at least one option selected from meter number mismatch, lock/ inaccessible, wrong/ defective meter, theft detected, suspected theft, meter/ glass damage, no seal/ seal damage, no terminal cover, no meter box, irrelevant, images not clear, suppressed reading, reading mismatch, others, or ok; a pairing module configured to pair with at least one printer configured to print the bill comprising the image of the meter. The bill is printed only after the image of the meter is captured, wherein, the printer is selected from at least one of an Analogic impact printer or an Analogic thermal printer or a Zebra thermal printer or an Epson thermal printer or a TVS thermal printer or any other make of a printer having compatible specification.
[0017] In one implementation, when the billed data is transmitted to the discoms’ server, the billed data and meter photo are analyzed to generate at least one option selected from meter number mismatch, lock/ inaccessible, wrong/ defective meter, theft detected, suspected theft, meter/ glass damage, no seal/ seal damage, no terminal cover, no meter box, irrelevant, images not clear, suppressed reading, reading mismatch, others, ok, or any combination thereof for corrective action. This provides an effective tool for revenue management of discoms. In one implementation, system also provides for cross- checking of meter reading data through authorized supervisor for better revenue management.
[0018] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a network implementation of a system for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0020] Figure 2 illustrates an electronic device, a meter, and a server for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a method for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a mobile phone- based spot billing system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0023] Figure 5 illustrates that after verifying the consumer name, etc. from the database in the mobile phone, meter reader is to click on “Continue” button to activate camera automatically, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a photo- analysis technique, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0025] Figure 7 illustrates consumer- wise analysis of the photo reading and reading entered by meter readers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0026] Figure 8 illustrates that a user authentication is required to work in the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0027] Figure 9 illustrates a setup used for downloading input data for billing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0028] Figure 10 illustrates a screen shot for downloading input data, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0029] Figure 11 illustrates that a printer setup is required to bind specific printer with application for printing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0030] Figure 12 illustrates a main page of the application, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0031] Figure 13 illustrates a billing main page, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0032] Figure 14 illustrates a billing based on account number, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0033] Figure 15 illustrates that to do billing the meter reader/user has to choose this option. In the setup, the meter reader has already chosen the active binder. Here, he has to enter the consumer no. (4 digits). After entering the consumer no., the consumer information is displayed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0034] Figure 16 illustrates a meter status list, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0035] Figure 17 illustrates a screen to enter the current reading, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0036] Figure 18 illustrates are marks list, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0037] Figure 19 illustrates a screen shot of a confirmation message prompted before printing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0038] Figure 20 illustrates different reports to see the meter change/ unbilled consumers/ new consumers/ reconnected consumers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0039] Figure 21 illustrates unbilled consumers list, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0040] Figure 22 illustrates a screen shot of a billing summary, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0041] Figure 23 illustrates a screen shot to see the IMEI number of a handset, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0042] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may not have been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0043] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.
[0044] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0045] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0046] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0047] By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.
[0048] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.
[0049] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
[0050] While aspects describe an electronic device, a system, a method enabling a mobile phone-based spot energy consumption billing may be implemented in any number of different computing systems, environments, and/or configurations. The embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system.
[0051] This present invention provides an end- to- end solution. It spans the entire revenue cycle, right from energy billing till collection, analysis and monitoring. Bills are generated on the spot. Meter reading is entered in the mobile phone. While the bill is processed in the software resident in the mobile phone, it is printed through a Bluetooth thermal printer that is coupled to the mobile phone. Billed data is transmitted instantaneously to the remote server.
[0052] Pre- billing data is downloaded to the mobile phones from remote server. Each area is assigned to a particular meter reader. Besides, each meter reader is allotted a specific mobile phone. The meter readers are granted access to the mobile phones only after proper authentication by the remote server. This authentication is done by using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of the mobile phones. It is mandatory to take the photograph of the meter reading before generating a bill. The photograph is taken from the camera in the mobile phone. The photograph is also printed on the bill. The billed record is transmitted in real time to the remote server. This facilitates instant monitoring and helps consumers in making online payments as well.
[0053] The methodology and techniques described with respect to the aforesaid embodiments can be performed using a machine or other computing device within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may comprise a smartphone, server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.
[0054] The machine may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit or CPU, a graphics processing unit or GPU, or both), a main memory and a static memory, which communicate with each other via a bus. The machine may further include a video display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display or LCD), a flat panel, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube or CRT). The machine may include an input device (e.g., a keyboard) or touch-sensitive screen, a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit, a signal generation device (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device.
[0055] The disk drive unit may include a machine-readable medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory, the static memory, and/or within the processor during execution thereof by the machine. The main memory and the processor also may constitute machine-readable media.
[0056] Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.
[0057] The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containing instructions, or that which receives and executes instructions from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network environment can send or receive voice, video or data, and to communicate over the network using the instructions. The instructions may further be transmitted or received over a network via the network interface device.
[0058] While the machine-readable medium can be a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "machine-readable medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.
[0059] The term "machine-readable medium" shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: tangible media; solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape; non-transitory mediums or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a machine-readable medium or a distribution medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored.
[0060] Figure 1illustrates a network implementation of a system for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption for enabling a communication between multiple devices which may be specialized device 102 configured to capture energy consumption 102, and at least one server 104 via a network 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0061] In one implementation, although the present invention is explained considering that it is implemented for enabling a communication between multiple devices which may be specialized devices 102 configured to capture energy consumption, and at least one server 104 via a network 106, it may be understood that the present invention may also be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook, a workstation, a mainframe computer, a server, a network server, a smartphone, and the like. It will be understood that the electronic device 102 may be accessed by multiple users (not shown in figure), or applications residing on the electronic device 102. Examples of the electronic device 102 may include, but are not limited to, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, a smartphone, and a workstation. The electronic device 102 may be communicatively coupled to one or other devices used by users and also to the server 104 using a network 106.
[0062] In one implementation, the network 106 may be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof. The network can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet, and the like. The network may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), GPRS, and the like, to communicate with one another. Further the network may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like.
[0063] Figure 2illustrates an electronic device 102, a meter 200, and a server 104 for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0064] In one implementation, as shown in figure 2, a system for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption comprises an electronic device 102 and the discoms’ server104. The electronic device 102may include at least one processor 202, an input/ output (I/O) interface 204, and a memory 206. At least one processor 202 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, at least one processor 202 is configured to fetch and execute computer- readable instructions that may be stored in the form of module/s in the memory 206.
[0065] The I/O interface 204 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface 204 may allow the electronic device 102 to interact with a user directly or through the user/ client devices (not shown). Further, the I/O interface 204 may enable the electronic device 102 to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface 204 can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface 204 may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.
[0066] The memory 206 may include any computer- readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory 206 may include modules 208 and database (not shown).
[0067] The modules 208 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In one implementation, the modules 208 may include a receiving means 210, a display module 212, an image capturing means 214, a selection module 216, a calculation module 218, a transmitting module 220, and a pairing module 222.
[0068] In one implementation, a system for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, comprising an electronic device and the discoms’ server is disclosed. The system is characterized by the electronic device comprising: a receiving means (via i/o interface (204) configured to receive an input of a unique consumer number on a screen of the electronic device; a display module configured to display, if the unique consumer number is valid, the consumer information on the screen; an image capturing means configured to enable capturing of an image of a meter associated with the energy consumption, wherein the image capturing means is a camera; a selection module configured to select, upon capturing the image, a status of the meter, wherein, the status of the meter is at least one option selected from OK, wrong/ defective meter, meter glass broken, body seal broken, negative reading, reading not taken, box seal broken, terminal seal broken, round complete, meter changed, meter number mismatch, reading not clear, or house lock; the receiving means configured to input, based on the status, a current reading of the meter on the screen; a calculation module configured to calculate a bill based on the billing data; a transmitting module configured to transmit a billed data (bill) to the discoms’ server, wherein when the billed data is transmitted to the discoms’ server, the billed data and meter photo are analyzed to generate at least one option selected from meter number mismatch, lock/ inaccessible, wrong/ defective meter, theft detected, suspected theft, meter/ glass damage, no seal/ seal damage, no terminal cover, no meter box, irrelevant, images not clear, suppressed reading, reading mismatch, others, or ok; a pairing module configured to pair with at least one printer configured to print the bill comprising the image of the meter, wherein the bill is printed only after the image of the meter is captured, wherein, the printer is selected from at least one of an Analogic impact printer or an Analogic thermal printer or a Zebra thermal printer or an EPSON thermal printer or a TVS thermal printer or any other make of a printer having compatible specification.
[0069] In one implementation, an electronic device 102 for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption is disclosed. The electronic device comprises a receiving means configured to input a unique consumer credential on a screen of the electronic device, a display module configured to display, if the unique consumer credential is valid, the consumer information on the screen, an image capturing means configured to enable capturing of an image of a meter associated with the energy consumption, wherein the image capturing means is a camera, a selection module configured to select, upon capturing the image, a status of the meter, the receiving means configured to receive input, based on the status, a current reading of the meter on the screen, a calculation module configured to calculate a bill based on the billing data, a pairing module configured to pair with at least one printer configured to print the bill comprising the image of the meter, wherein the bill is printed only after the image of the meter is captured.
[0070] In one implementation, the transmitting module is configured to transmit a billed data to the discoms’ server.
[0071] In one implementation, the bill is calculated based on the billing data in the electronic device (a smartphone).
[0072] In one implementation, the billed data is used to update a consumer database stored at the discoms’ server.
[0073] In one implementation, the billing data comprises at least one of the unique consumer credentials, the current reading entered, the image captured or any combination thereof.
[0074] In one implementation, the image of the meter received at the discoms’ server is analyzed automatically and/or by authenticated supervisor(s).
[0075] In one implementation, said electronic device is allocated to a specific area and a specific operator, wherein the specific operator is granted access to the device only after authentication done by using an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the device, by the discoms’ server.
[0076] In one implementation, the electronic device and/or system is configured to store or discard the image of the meter captured, wherein, after storing, the current reading of the meter is entered.
[0077] In one implementation, the status of the meter is at least one option selected from OK, wrong/ defective meter, meter glass broken, body seal broken, negative reading, reading not taken, box seal broken, terminal seal broken, round complete, meter changed, meter number mismatch, reading not clear, house lock, or any combination thereof and is displayed on the screen.
[0078] In one implementation, when the billed data is transmitted to the discoms’ server, the billed data and meter photo are analyzed to generate at least one option selected from meter number mismatch, lock/ inaccessible, wrong/ defective meter, theft detected, suspected theft, meter/ glass damage, no seal/ seal damage, no terminal cover, no meter box, irrelevant, images not clear, suppressed reading, reading mismatch, others, ok, or any combination thereof. This provides an effective tool for revenue management of discoms. In one implementation, the system also provides for cross- checking of meter reading data through authorized supervisor for better revenue management.
[0079] In one implementation, the printer is selected from at least one of an Analogic impact printer, an Analogic thermal printer, a Zebra thermal printer, an EPSON thermal printer, a TVS thermal printer or any other make of a printer having compatible specification.
[0080] In one implementation, the electronic device and/or system is configured to prompt, on the screen, an abnormal reading indication if the energy consumption is less than 30% or more than 3 times of historical energy consumption.
[0081] In one implementation, the electronic device and/or system is configured to provide reports for at least one of meter change list or unbilled consumers list or new consumers lists, or reconnected consumers list, or any combination thereof.
[0082] In one implementation, the present invention may have the following features and benefits:
(i) Cloud- based operations: The application and data storage are cloud- based so as to support online invoking and retrieval.
(ii) Agency and user authentication: All agencies engaged in the spot billing assignment and users (meter readers, supervisors, etc.) are allocated specific user IDs and passwords with relevant privileges.
(iii) Instant download of input data: Input data and billing application can be downloaded on to the mobile phones directly from the site www.odishadiscoms.com.
(iv) Instant upload of output data: Output data can be uploaded directly to the site, www.odishadiscoms.com (provided the meter reader is in network coverage area) after the accomplishment of billing. Else, upload takes place once the meter reader reaches network coverage area.
(v) Mandatory photography of meter readings: The software makes it compulsory to take photographs of meter readings.
(vi) Printing of reading image and QR code on the bill: Images of meter reading and QR code can be printed on bills with the help of thermal printer paired with mobile phone through Bluetooth connectivity.
(vii) Instant data availability for payment collections: Due to instant upload of billing data to the server, bills are immediately available for online payment collection.
(viii) Analysis of meter readings and their photographs: Innovatively developed software application enables efficient analysis of meter readings and helps detect anomalies.
(ix) Analytics and reporting tool: The application has an inbuilt and robust analytics module. This facilitates control, monitoring and management of entire operations on real time basis. It also has a custom- built reporting feature.
[0083] Figure 3 illustrates a method for collecting, monitoring and analyzing an energy consumption, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, the method may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The method may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.
[0084] The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method or alternate methods. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the protection scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below, the method may be considered to be implemented in the above described system, electronic device 102 or a combination thereof.
[0085] At block 302, unique consumer credentials are received. In one implementation, consumer credentials may include but are not limited to the consumer name, account number, consumer ID. To do billing, the meter reader/user has to choose this option. In the setup, where the meter reader has already chosen an active binder, he has to enter the consumer no. (4 digits).
[0086] At block 304, the consumer information is displayed on the screen of the electronic device. The information is displayed only if the consumer is a valid consumer.
[0087] At block 306, when the consumer information is displayed on the electronic device, the capturing means associated with the electronic device gets activated. In one implementation, the capturing means may be a camera which may be inbuilt with the electronic device. After the activation of capturing means, the image of the meter is captured. In one implementation, the image of the meter may be saved in the device or may be discarded. If the image of the meter is saved, the status associated with the meter is selected. The status may be selected automatically or may have to be selected by the meter reader. In one example, the status of the meter is at least one option selected from OK, wrong/ defective meter, meter glass broken, body seal broken, negative reading, reading not taken, box seal broken, terminal seal broken, round complete, meter changed, meter number mismatch, reading not clear, house lock, or any combination thereof, and is displayed on the screen of the electronic device.
[0088] At block 308, after selecting the status of the meter, the reading related to the consumption of the energy shown in the meter is entered on the screen of the electronic device.
[0089] At block 310, after the meter reading associated with the meter is entered, the system/ device will prompt for any abnormal readings (for example, if the consumption is less than 30% or more than 3 times of previous consumption). If the meter reading is OK, billing calculation is performed and a bill is generated. And then, simultaneously, step 312 is performed.
[0090] At block 312, the billed details are transmitted to the discoms’ server.
[0091] At block 314, after receiving the command for printing, the bill gets printed in the paired Bluetooth printer and the billed data is sent to the discoms’ server.
[0092] Figure 4 illustrates a mobile phone- based spot billing system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in figure 4, the smartphone is used to capture the meter reading and then transmit the billed data to the remote server. The billed data are analyzed and monitored by distribution officers and escalated where necessary. The remote server may then transmit the billed data to the backend server wherein the billing details and other transactional data are used to prepare the input data for subsequent month’s billing and accordingly the same details are sent to the smartphone via remote server.
[0093] In the existing system, different types of meters are installed at the consumer premises. There are still plenty of electro- mechanical and electrostatic meters existing and having reading counter/ needles or digital displays. The digits of the meter reading display are also varied. Therefore, OCR (optical character recognition) system of capturing meter readings cannot be employed. Replacement of the meter reading displays of all the 3 million consumers’ meters with digital display is not cost- effective.
[0094] Since the meter readings are taken manually by meter readers and in the absence of cross checking of meter readings by discoms’ officials, there have been lot of deficiencies and irregularities such as:
(i) Wrong reading or no reading by the meter readers
(ii) Manipulation by meter readers in connivance with consumers
(iii) Table reading by meter readers without visiting the site
(iv) Lack of proper cross- checking system of meter readings
(v) Absence of electronic data downloading system
[0095] In one implementation, to overcome above, an innovative system has been developed in which capturing photograph of meter is made mandatory while generation of spot bills. The bill is allowed to be printed only after the meter reader has taken a photograph of the meter. The captured readings are cross- checked with the billing data and corrective action is taken on detection of wrong reading, wrong status of meter, meter number mismatch, etc. This action also ensures automatically about the visit of the meter reader at the consumers’ premises. Following procedure is involved:
[0096] As shown in figure 5, after verifying the consumer name, etc. from the database in the mobile phone, meter reader is to click on “Continue” button to activate camera automatically, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, after taking meter photo, the application prompts for saving or discarding the photograph. If the photo quality is not proper, meter reader can discard photo and click again. By choosing “Save” option, meter reader can save photographs. The same is saved in the folder ‘sbDocs\Photos\Sdo_cd\Binder.’ The ‘Sdo_cd’ and ‘Binder’ in the folder path are specific for the respective sub- division and binder. Only after the photo is saved, the application permits for capturing other details like, meter status, meter details, etc. Inbuilt validation checks are provided to prevent entry of abnormal readings and after passing through the validation checks, the bills are printed. In case of abnormality in reading and consumptions, the meter reader is asked to re-enter the reading or meter status code, as the case may be. Photographs can be uploaded instantly or on the availability of the network and convenience of the meter reader through the link “Meter Photo\upload photo” provided in the website after reducing size of file through “file minimizer” tool.
[0097] Uploaded photos are analyzed by authenticated users centrally. After invoking application and approaching to photo analysis tool, the ‘sub- division’ and ‘binder’ is chosen for which analysis is to be done along with ‘bill month’ It displays all the consumer’s details, meter number, meter status, reading taken along with the photographs. For suiting to read the meter reading and the meter number from the photograph, magnifying tool is provided. The exemplary photo analysis procedure is shown in figure 6. It illustrates a photo analysis technique, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, and figure 7 illustrates consumer- wise analysis of the photo reading and reading entered by meter readers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, consumer- wise analysis of the photo reading and reading entered by meter readers are cross- checked and accordingly appropriate option from the dropdown list is selected. The dropdown list may include at least one option selected from OK, wrong/ defective meter, meter glass broken, body seal broken, negative reading, reading not taken, box seal broken, terminal seal broken, round complete, meter changed, meter number mismatch, reading not clear, house lock, or any combination thereof.
[0098] In one implementation, various reports may be generated based on the analysis of the photo. The report may include meter number mismatch, lock/ inaccessible, wrong/ defective meter, theft detected, suspected theft, meter/ glass damage, no seal/ seal damage, no terminal cover, no meter box, irrelevant, images not clear, suppressed reading, reading mismatch, others or OK.
[0099] In one implementation, the system is also capable of monitoring the performance by individual meter reader and supervisor in respect of each binder, section, sub- division, division, circle, discom as a whole. The classifications of MIS generated are as follows:
(a) Cumulative day-wise billing summary
(b) Progress of billing
(c) Average units consumption pattern
(d) High volume consumption units
(e) Meter reader details
(f) Date- wise uploading details
(g) Meter reader- wise mobile billing report
[00100] In one implementation, the present invention also provides a provision of custom- built generation of reports. Each report is hyperlinked to reach micro- level reports.
[00101] Figure 8 illustrates a user authentication required to work in the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, user authentication is required to work in the system. The details are verified in discoms’ server. After successful authentication, it will invoke the Setup Page. Figure 9 illustrates a setup used for downloading input data for billing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 10 illustrates a screen shot for downloading input data, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00102] Figure 11 illustrates a printer setup required to bind specific printer with application for printing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, printer setup is required to bind specific printer with application for printing.
[00103] Figure 12 illustrates a main page of the application, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00104] Figure 13 illustrates a billing main page, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00105] Figure 14illustrates a billing based on account number, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. To do billing the meter reader/user has to choose this option. In the setup, after the meter reader has chosen the active binder, he has to enter the consumer no. (4 digits). After entering the consumer no., the consumer information is displayed as shown in figure 14.
[00106] Figure 15 illustrates that to do billing the meter reader/user has to choose this option. In the setup, after the meter reader has chosen the active binder, he has to enter the consumer no. (4 digits). After entering the consumer no., the consumer information is displayed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00107] In one implementation, after tapping the button, the camera of the mobile gets activated. Here he has to take the photograph of the meter. After saving the photograph, he has to choose the meter status from the list. Figure 16 illustrates a meter status list, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00108] In one implementation, after the meter status is chosen, the meter reader has to enter the current reading. Figure 17 illustrates a screen to enter the current reading, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00109] In one implementation, after entering the reading, the bill is calculated. It prompts for any abnormal readings (if the consumption is less than 30% or more than 3 times of previous consumption). The next step is, he has to choose the remarks. Figure 18 illustrates a remarks list, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, remarks may be OK meter, burnt meter, broken glass of meter, stopped meter, broken body seal, wrong/ defective meter, negative reading, locked premises, obstacle, reading not taken, broken box seal, broken terminal seal, round complete or change of meter. The purpose of providing these remarks is that they determine the basis of calculation of the bill. Bills are calculated on actual for OK meter, broken seal of box/ terminal, round complete and change of meter. The meter is considered defective for conditions such as burnt meter, broken glass, stopped meter, broken body seal and negative reading. The bills are calculated on provisional basis in case of locked premises or when meter readings are not taken because an obstacle is encountered, or for any other reason.
[00110] In one implementation, after entering the remarks, a confirmation message comes before printing. If the user taps on the button, the bill gets printed in the paired Bluetooth printer and the billing data is sent to the discoms’ server.Figure19 illustrates a screen shot of a confirmation message prompted before printing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00111] Figure 20 illustrates different reports to see the meter change/ unbilled consumers/ new consumers/ reconnected consumers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, reports have been designed to see the meter change/ unbilled consumers/ new consumers/ reconnected consumers. Figure 21 illustrates unbilled consumers list, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 22 illustrates a screen shot of a billing summary, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, the meter reader can see the summary of consumers billed and consumers billed data already posted in server.
[00112] In one implementation, the present invention also enables to provide Help/ online assistance to the meter reader.
Internet Status To see the Internet availability.
sign means internet not available
sign means internet is available
Server Status To see the discoms’ server availability
sign means server is not reachable
means trying to connect to server
sign means server is available
Unposted Data To see the Total Unposted Data
[00113] Figure 23 illustrates a screen shot to see the IMEI Number of handset, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00114] Conventionally, spot billing agencies (SBAs) used to get the input data in an external data traveler (memory card, pen drive). Bill and payment data were given to them separately. A pre-billing process was taking place at SBAs’ end to combine two files (both bill and payment data) into one. After billing the single file was being bifurcated and provided to IT center via Email. Billed data was not available for payment collection since SBAs used to provide the output data at the end of the month. There was no mechanism to validate output data. As a result loads of anomalies were found in the output data provided by SBAs. There was no mechanism to monitor, verify and validate meter photos being taken during spot billing. SBAs used to send the meter reading photos to division office through CDs without proper indexing so the purpose of capturing photo was meaningless.
[00115] By the use of present invention, the pre- billing exercise is now being undertaken at discoms’ IT center and a single file in common format is uploaded on the website for SBAs to download to their SBMs/ PCs. SBAs need not worry about the pre-billing exercise and any anomaly in payment data. Binder- wise downloading/uploading of pre/post bill data by SBAs takes place. Every single post- billed data uploaded by SBAs is readily available for payment collection on a real time basis. This is a great help to our payment collection agencies. Proper verification and validation of post- billed data happens. Each and every billed data uploaded by SBAs go through a strong validation process which ensures that no junk data is posted and no anomaly exists in the billing database. During upload of post- billed data SBAs get notified with the rejected records, if any, along with the reason of their rejection. Since the rejected information is in real time, it helps SBAs to rectify and re- upload the data and also helps them to modify their billing software in case the rejections are due to wrong computation in billing software. All the activities in the spot billing application are designed with a proper authentication and authorization process which prevents the pre-/ post- billed data from unauthorized access

BEST MODE OF WORKING THE INVENTION

Hardware components:
Android- based mobile phone
Specification NETWORK Technology GSM

LAUNCH Announced 2013, October
Status Available. Released 2013, October
BODY Dimensions 121.2 x 62.7 x 10.6 mm (4.77 x 2.47 x 0.42 in)
Weight 121 g (4.27 oz)
SIM Optional dual SIM (micro-SIM, dual stand-by, dual call)
DISPLAY Type TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size 4.0 inches (~59.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 480 x 800 pixels (~233 ppi pixel density)
Multitouch Yes
PLATFORM OS Android OS, v4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
CPU 1 GHz Cortex-A5
MEMORY Card slot microSD, up to 32 GB
Internal 4 GB, 512 MB RAM
CAMERA Primary 2 MP, 1600 x 1200 pixels
Video 240p@15fps
Secondary No
SOUND Alert types Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
COMMS WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth v4.0, A2DP
GPS No
Radio Stereo FM radio with RDS, FM recording
USB microUSB v2.0
FEATURES Sensors Accelerometer
Messaging SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM
Browser HTML
Java Yes, via Java MIDP emulator
- MP4/WMV/H.264 player- MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player- Photo/video editor- Document viewer
BATTERY Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery
Stand-by Up to 370 h
Talk time Up to 15 h
Music play Up to 26 h
MISC Colors Black, white, green, orange, red
SAR EU 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.31 W/kg (body)

Bluetooth Printer Zebra
Model no. EZ320
Standard features
Mechanism Direct thermal
USB USB 2.0
IP rating IP42 rating
Drop test 1.2 m/ 4' drop test design
Specifications
Resolution 203 dpi/ 8 dots per mm
Memory 8 MB Flash/ 16 MB SDRAM
Media width 80 mm/ 3.15"--- adjustablemedia option to get 60 mm/2.36"
Maximum print width 74 mm/ 2.91"--- adjustableto 60 mm/ 2.36"
Print length Not applicable
Print speed 50 mm/ 2" per second
Media sensors Out of paper; media dooropen
Media characteristics
Maximum media roll size 40 mm/ 1.57" OD
Media thickness 2.5 mil/ 64 µm to 4.4 mil/114 µm
Operating characteristics
Operating temperature - 10º C to 50º C
Storage temperature - 20º C to 60º C
Operating humidity 10% to 90%, non-condensing
Electrical
Battery Removable, Li- Ion, 1160mAh

Agency approvals Certified by TUV
FCC part 15 class A/ 19.2.2
ESD Class 2 per IEC 61000-4- 2
EN60950- 1 safety standard
India WPC (WirelessPlanning and Co- ordination):http://www.wpc.dot.gov.in/
Physical characteristics
Width 125 mm/ 4.92"
Height 100.8 mm/ 3.97"
Depth 48 mm/ 1.89"
Weight (printer and battery) 0.29 kg/ 0.65 lbs
Shipping weight 0.65 kg/ 1.45 lbs (includesprinter, battery, AC adapter,manual, belt strap, box)
Solutions
Software ZebraDesigner driver forWindows
Zebra Setup Utility (ZSU)
SDK Windows, BlackBerry,Apple iOS, Android
Connectivity USB 2.0
Bluetooth
Options and accessories
Carrying case
Vehicle charging cable
Spacers to accept 60 mm roll

Software Components Operating System : Android Jelly Bean 4.1 or higherDevelopment Platform : Android JavaSoftware Development Kit (SDK) : SDKs of Bluetooth Printers

[00116] The additional components that may be incorporated in the present invention but not essentially required are:
(i) OCR software: This can be incorporated in areas where the meters are standardized with respect to meter reading display, number of digits in the display, decimal placeholder, etc.
(ii) RF downloads of meter readings: This will help eliminate manual punching of meter readings on the mobile phones’ touch screens.
(iii) Bar/ QR code scanner: This will be required to facilitate onsite payments and collections.
[00117] The illustrations of arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[00118] Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.