4. DESCRIPTION:
Related Applications
[0001]
This application claims benefit of prior filed provisional Application No: I86/CHE/2010 entitled "System and Method for Management of Energy Meters Data through a Communication Network" filed on January 27th 2010.
Technical Field of the Invention

[0002]
The present invention generally relates to an energy meter management system. More particularly the present invention relates to a system and a method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module through a communication network.
Background of the Invention

[0003]
The recent deregulation of the utility industry has created a market for products that provide a utility usage meter to determine the usage and to bill the consumption at a customer site. The need to send utility company employees to customer sites to read the meters is a costly and time consuming process.. Thus, automated means of recording and reporting the utility usage at customer sites is rapidly replacing the manually read utility meters.

[0004]
The conventional systems for reading and monitoring the energy consumed in a house hold, domestic applications or commercial applications suffer due to certain limitations. Typically the energy measuring devices for reading the amount of power consumed installed in a house or any commercial location lack the ability to be monitored remotely and further more these devices are liable to get tampered. Typically, tampering these energy measuring devices results in inaccurate billing there by results in a huge revenue loss to the service providers.

[0005]
Typically, the service providers require a high potential manual intervention for maintaining the accurate energy consumed by the users, receiving and processing the user requests, maintaining the load requirements of users, alerting the users regarding the number of energy units consumed, alerting the users regarding the timely payment of bills, remote configuration of energy measuring devices. The conventional devices used for measuring the energy consumed further lack the ability of maintaining the load profile, lack the ability of analyzing the data requested by the users and controlling the amount of energy consumed and the like. Further more the conventional systems adapted for managing the set up of the energy measuring devices lack the ability of using a communication network for remote maintenance of user data, user requirements, load profiling and the like.

[0006]
Conventional techniques provide automatic meter reading equipment that is capable of reading meters on customer premises and transmitting the meter readings automatically to a central office of the utility company.

[0007]
The conventional devices used for measuring the energy consumed further lack the ability of maintaining the load profile, lack the ability of analyzing the data requested by the users and controlling the amount of energy consumed and the like. Furthermore the conventional systems adapted for managing the set up of the energy measuring devices lack the ability of using a communication network for remote maintenance of user data, user requirements, load profiling and the like.

[0008]
Flence there exists a need for a novel system and a method employed for the management of energy meter data and to ensure the payment conversion mode of an energy meter through a communication network.

Brief Summary of the Invention
[0009]
A system and a method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module through a communication network are disclosed. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module through a communication network includes a communication device held by a user for transmitting a plurality of requests from a remote location over the communication network, whereby the communication device is configured to communicate with at least one of an authorized energy meter module among a plurality of remotely located energy meter modules. The predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module includes a pre payment tariff mode for a payment to a number of utility units measured by the at least one of the energy meter module, a post payment tariff mode for a payment of to a number of utility units measured by the at least one of the energy meter module and the like. The plurality of requests transmitted from the communication device includes a request for conversion of the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module, a request for a remote configuration of the energy meter module and the like. The energy meter module includes a tariff register for maintaining the tariff of the plurality of energy meters, a time of usage register for determining a peak hour energy consumption of the plurality of energy meters and a non peak hour energy consumption of the plurality of energy meters, a kilowatt hour register, a billing register for determining the predefined registration mode of a energy meter module with the meter data management system and the like. The communication device adapted to receive a plurality of alerts corresponding to the at least one of the energy meter among the plurality of energy meters. The communication device includes a hand held mobile communication device, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer operated in a secured web environment and the like.

[0010]
According to the first aspect, the system for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module through a communication network includes a meter data management system for receiving and processing the plurality of requests received from the communication device of the user over the communication network. The meter data management system comprising a plurality of centralized server modules for processing a plurality of requests received from the communication device of the at least one of the energy meter module and to store the energy meter data received from the plurality of data concentrators.

[0011]
According to the first aspect, the system for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module through a communication network includes an intelligent remote interface server serving an interface between the meter data management system and the communication device of the user. The intelligent remote interface further adapted to serve as an interface between the group of data concentrators and the meter data management system.

[0012]
According to the first aspect, the system for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module through a communication network includes a group of data concentrators serving as an interface for enabling a transmission and reception of energy meter data between the plurality of energy meter modules and the meter data management system, whereby an individual data concentrator communicates with a group of energy meter modules among a plurality of energy meter modules and meter data management system.

[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module is disclosed. According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module includes transmitting a plurality of change predefined tariff mode requests from a communication device to a customer relationship management server of the meter data management system, whereby the communication device associated with at least one of an authorized energy meter module among a plurality of remotely located energy meter modules. The communication between the group of data concentrators and the meter data management system includes a global system for mobile communication network, a general packet radio service network, a zombie network, a wife network, a power line carrier communication, a public switched telephone network, a broadband over power line, a wi max network and the like. A web communication network enables a communication between the communication device and the meter data management system.

[0014]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module includes processing the plurality of change predefined tariff mode requests received from the customer relationship management server by a billing server of the meter data management system.

[0015]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module includes analyzing the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module corresponding to the communication device transmitting the plurality of change predefined tariff mode requests by the customer relationship management server through the intelligent remote interface server, whereby the intelligent remote interface server serves as an interface between the meter data management system and the plurality of remotely located energy meter modules. A communication between the intelligent remote interface server and the plurality of energy meter modules is enabled by a group of data concentrators configured to operate in the communication network.

[0016]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module includes converting the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module corresponding to the communication device on validating a plurality of prerequisites configured by the billing server of the meter data management system.

[0017]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module includes transmitting a predefined tariff mode conversion message to the communication device of the authorized energy meter module.

[0018]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module further includes remote configuration of the plurality of energy meter modules associated to the communication device through the web communication network.

Brief Description of the Drawings
[0019]
The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020]
FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a system for converting a tariff mode of an energy meter module.

[0021]
FIG.2 is a flow chart depicting a process of conversion of the tariff mode of an energy meter module.

[0022]
FIG.3 is a diagram depicting an over view of a system for management of an energy meter data.-

[0023]
FIG.4 is a diagram depicting an over view of retrofitting a conventional energy meter.

Detailed Description of the Drawings
[0024]
It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0025]
The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms "firsf, "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0026]
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and a method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module through a communication network. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module through a communication network includes a communication device held by a user for transmitting a plurality of requests from a remote location over the communication network, whereby the communication device is configured to communicate with at least one of an authorized energy meter module among a plurality of remotely located energy meter modules. The predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module includes a pre payment tariff mode for a payment to a number of utility units measured by the at least one of the energy meter module, a post payment tariff mode for a payment of to a number of utility units measured by the at least one of the energy meter module and the like. The plurality of requests transmitted from the communication device includes a request for conversion of the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module, a request for a remote configuration of the energy meter module and the like. The energy meter module includes a tariff register for maintaining the tariff of the plurality of energy meters, a time of usage register for determining a peak hour energy consumption of the plurality of energy meters and a non peak hour energy consumption of the plurality of energy meters, a kilowatt hour register, a billing register for determining the predefined registration mode of a energy meter module with the meter data management system and the like. The communication device adapted to receive a plurality of alerts corresponding to the at least one of the energy meter among the plurality of energy meters. The communication device includes a hand held mobile communication device, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer operated in a secured web environment and the like.

[0027]
According to the first aspect, the system for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module through a communication network includes a meter data management system for receiving and processing the plurality of requests received from the communication device of the user over the communication network. The meter data management system comprising a plurality of centralized server modules for processing a plurality of requests received from the communication device of the at least one of the energy meter module and to store the energy meter data received from the plurality of data concentrators.

[0028]
According to the first aspect, the system for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module through a communication network includes an intelligent remote interface server serving an interface between the meter data management system and the communication device of the user. The intelligent remote interface further adapted to serve as an interface between the group of data concentrators and the meter data management system.

[0029]
According to the first aspect, the system for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module through a communication network includes a group of data concentrators serving as an interface for enabling a transmission and reception of energy meter data between the plurality of energy meter modules and the meter data management system, whereby an individual data concentrator communicates with a group of energy meter modules among a plurality of energy meter modules and meter data management system.

[0030]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module is disclosed. According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module includes transmitting a plurality of change predefined tariff mode requests from a communication device to a customer relationship management server of the meter data management system, whereby the communication device associated with at least one of an authorized energy meter module among a plurality of remotely located energy meter modules. The communication between the group of data concentrators and the meter data management system includes a global system for mobile communication network, a general packet radio service network, a zigbee network, a wi-fi network, a power line carrier communication, a public switched telephone network, a broadband over power line, a wi max network and the like. A web communication network enables a communication between the communication device and the meter data management system.

[0031]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module includes processing the plurality of change predefined tariff mode requests received from the customer relationship management server by a billing server of the meter data management system.

[0032]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module includes analyzing the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module corresponding to the communication device transmitting the plurality of change predefined tariff mode requests by the customer relationship management server through the intelligent remote interface server, whereby the intelligent remote interface server serves as an interface between the meter data management system and the plurality of remotely located energy meter modules. A communication between the intelligent remote interface server and the plurality of energy meter modules is enabled by a group of data concentrators configured to operate in the communication network.

[0033]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module includes converting the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module corresponding to the communication device on validating a plurality of prerequisites configured by the billing server of the meter data management system.

[0034]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module includes transmitting a predefined tariff mode conversion message to the communication device of the authorized energy meter module.

[0035]
According to the second aspect, the method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module further includes remote configuration of the plurality of energy meter modules associated to the communication device through the web communication network.

[0036]
Referring to FIG.l is a block diagram depicting a system for converting a tariff mode of an energy meter module. In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user transmits a request from a communication device to convert the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module 110 authorized to the communicafion device. The communication device includes a hand held mobile communication device, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer operated in a secured web environment and the like. The communication device communicates through an interface 102 for transmitting the tariff mode conversion request to the meter data management system (MDMS) 106. The interface 102 is communicatively coupled to an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 104. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 104 is further communicatively coupled to a meter data management system (MDMS) 106. The meter data management system (MDMS) 106 receives the tariff mode conversion request transmitted by the communication device through the interface 102 and the IRIS 104.

[0037]
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the customer relationship management server of the meter data management system (MDMS) 106 analyzes the received tariff mode conversion request and the billing server of the meter data management system (MDMS) 106 receives the analyzed tariff mode conversion request and converts the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module 110 by communicating with the energy meter module 110 through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 104 and the data concentrator of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 108. The data concentrator (DC) of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 108 communicates with the energy meter module 110 and finally the tariff mode of the energy meter module 110 is converted.

[0038]
In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user receives a confirmation message from the meter data management system (MDMS) 106 to the communication device authorized to predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module 110 through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 104 and the interface 102 coupled to the communication device. The message confirms that the tariff mode conversion request is accepted and performed. According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the system for converting a tariff mode of the energy meter module is compatible to a Device Language Message Specification Standard (DLMS), a American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard and the like.

[0039]
Referring to FIG.2 is a flow chart 200 depicting a process of conversion of the tariff mode of an energy meter module. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method for communicating the request of a user of energy meter module over a communication device to the meter data management system (MDMS) starts at step 202. Coming to step 204, the user of the energy meter module transmits the tariff mode conversion request to the meter data management system (MDMS) using a communication device through an interface communicatively coupled to the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS). The tariff mode conversion request includes a prepaid payment conversion and a postpaid payment conversion. The communication device includes a hand held mobile communication device, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer operated in a secured web environment and the like. The communication network includes a global system for mobile communication network, a general packet radio service network, a zigbee network, a Wi-Fi network, a power line carrier communication, a public switched telephone network, a broadband over power line, a WI max network and the like. The tariff mode conversion request is transmitted to the meter data management system (MDMS) through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS). Next at step 206, the meter data management system (MDMS) processes the received tariff mode conversion request. The meter data management system (MDMS) includes a customer relationship management server, a billing server. The received tariff mode conversion request is analyzed by the customer relationship management server through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS). The intelligent remote interface server serves as an interface between the meter data management system and the remotely located energy meter module. Moving to step 208, the customer relationship management server transfers the analyzed tariff mode conversion request to the billing server. The billing server of the meter data management system (MDMS) receives the analyzed tariff mode conversion request and converts the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module by communicating with the energy meter module through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) and the data concentrator of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Next at step 210, a message is delivered to the communication device authorized to the energy meter module to intimate that the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module is performed through the interface. Finally the process ends at step 212.

[0040]
Referring to FIG.3 is a diagram 300 depicting an over view of a system for management of an energy meter data. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a home display unit (HDU) 302, an energy meter module 304, a data concentrator (DC) 308 of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 312 and a Meter Data Management System (MDMS) 314. The energy meter module 304 records the energy consumed by the user. The energy meter module 304 interacts with a home display unit (HDU) 302 over a short range communication network. The home display unit (HDU) 302 displays real time energy consumption. The home display unit (HDU) 302 displays fimely alert to the user and enable the user to control the energy consumption. The energy meter module 304 includes an electrical energy meter, a water meter, a gas meter and the like.

[0041]
In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 306 is a system for collecting energy meter data from energy measuring devices such as electricity meters, water consumption meters, gas consumption meters and the like. The advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 306 also receives the data from a meter data management system (MDMS) 314 using various communication technologies and the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 306 includes the data concentrator (DC) 308 and a web network 310. The data concentrator (DC) 308 transmits data to and receives data from a plurality of the energy meter modules 304 over a local area network. The local area network includes a ZigBee technology and the like

[0042]
According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data concentrator (DC) 308 is enabled to manage the energy meter data for interacting with the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 312 through an advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) 306. The data concentrator (DC) 308 is communicatively coupled to an intelligent remote interface Server (IRIS) 312. The data concentrator (DC) 308 communicates with the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 312 over the web network 310. The web network includes Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network, General Packet Radio service (GPRS) network, wi-fi, wimax and the like, according to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0043]
In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the energy meter data is processed in the meter data management system (MDMS) 314. The meter data management system (MDMS) 314 includes a data base server 316, a load profiling server 320, an application server 330, a customer relationship management server 324, a billing server 326, and other servers 318. The meter data management system (MDMS) 314 is also referred as automated meter management (AMM).

[0044]
According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the energy meter module 304 includes a tariff register, a time usage register, a kilowatt hour register and a billing register. The tariff register of the energy meter module maintains the traitor the energy meter module 304. The time usage register determines a peak hour energy consumption of the energy meter module 304 and a non peak hour consumption of the energy meter module 304. The billing register determines the predefined registration mode of the energy meter module 304 with the meter data management system (MDMS) 314.

[0045]
In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user is facilitated to convert the tariff mode of the energy meter module by transmitting a tariff mode conversion request to the meter data management system (MDMS) 314. The user transmits the tariff mode conversion request using a communication device over a communication network to the meter data management system (MDMS) 314. The communication network includes a global system for mobile communication network, a general packet radio service network, a Wi-Fi network, a power line carrier communication, a public switched telephone network, a broadband over power line, a wi max network and the like.

[0046]
According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the meter data management system (MDMS) 314 processes the tariff mode conversion request received from the communication device of the user. The tariff mode conversion request is analyzed by the customer relationship management server 324 of the meter data management system (MDMS) 314. The billing server 326 of the meter data management system (MDMS) 314 receives the analyzed tariff mode conversion request and converts the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module 304 by communicating with the energy meter module 304 through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 312 and the data concentrator (DC) 308 of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 30

[0047] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the data concentrator (DC) 308 communicates with the energy meter module 304 and finally the tariff mode of the energy meter module 304 is converted. The user receives a confirmation message from the meter data management system (MDMS) 314 to the communication device authorized to predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module 304 and the message confirms that the predefined tariff mode of the authorized energy meter module is converted. In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system for management of energy meter data through the communication network is compatible to Device Language Message Specification Standard (DLMS), American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard and the like.

[0048]
The system for management of energy meter data provides multiple functionalities like remote and real-time meter reading, remote connection of the energy meter, remote disconnection of the energy meter, dynamic pricing based on time of use and time of day, load profiling (consumer behavior information), tamper proof meter, tamper alerts, on-meter display and data storage in meters, outage handling (better management and control), remote meter health check, demand forecasting and business analytics for utility companies.

[0049]
Referring to FIG.4 is a diagram 400 depicting an over view of retrofitting a conventional energy meter. The conventional energy meter is retrofitted as depicted in FIG.4. The retrofitted conventional energy meter 404 is referred as a retrofit meter 404. The retrofit meter 404 is coupled to a home display unit (HDD) 402 and a data concentrator (DC) 408 of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). The retrofit meter 404 records the energy consumption of the user of the retrofit meter 404. The retrofit meter 404 includes an electrical energy meter, a water meter, a gas meter and the like. The retrofit meter 404 interacts with a home display unit (HDU) 402 over a short range communication network. The home display unit (HDU) 402 displays the real time energy consumption of the user of the retrofitted meter 404. The home display unit (HDU) 402 displays timely alerts to the user.

[0050]
In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data concentrator (DC) 408 coupled to the retrofit meter 404 transmits data to and receives data from a plurality of the retrofit meter 404 over a local area network. The local area network includes a ZigBee technology and the like. The data concentrator (DC) 408 is a part of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 406. The advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 406 is a system for collecting the energy meter data from the energy measuring devices such as electricity meters, water consumption meters, gas consumption meters and the like. The advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 406 also receives the data from a meter data management system (MDMS) 414 using various communication technologies and the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 406 includes the data concentrator (DC) 408 and a web network 410.

[0051]
According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data concentrator (DC) 408 processes the data between the retrofit meter 404 and the meter data management system (MDMS) 414 by interacting with an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 412 through an advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) 406. The data concentrator (DC) 408 is communicatively coupled to an intelligent remote interface Server (IRIS) 412. The data concentrator (DC) 408 communicates with the intelligent remote interface Server (IRIS) 412 over the web network 410. The web network 410 includes Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network. General Packet Radio service (GPRS) network, wi-fi, wimax and the like, according to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0052]
In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the retrofit meter data 404 and the user data is processed in the meter data management system (MDMS) 414 communicatively coupled the data concentrator (DC) 408. The meter data management system (MDMS) 414 is the assembly of a data base server 416, a load profiling server 420, an application server 430, a customer relationship management server 424, a billing server 426, and other servers 418. The meter data management system (MDMS) 414 is also referred as automated meter management (AMM).

[0053]
According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the retrofit meter module 404 includes a tariff register, a time usage register, and a billing register. The tariff register of the retrofit meter maintains the tariff of the retrofit meter. The time usage register determines a peak hour energy consumption of the retrofit meter 404 and a non peak hour consumption of the retrofit meter 404. The billing register determines the predefined registration mode of the retrofit meter 404 with the meter data management system (MDMS) 414.

[0054]
In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user converts the tariff mode of the retrofit meter 404 by transmitting a tariff mode conversion request to the meter data management system (MDMS) 414. The user transmits the tariff mode conversion request using a communication device authorized to the retrofit meter 404 over a communication network to the meter data management system (MDMS) 414. The communication device includes a hand held mobile communication device, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer operated in a secured web environment and the like. The communication network includes a global system for mobile communication network, a general packet radio service network, a Wi-Fi network, a power line carrier communication, a public switched telephone network, a broadband over power line, a wi max network and the like.

[0055]
According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the meter data management system (MDMS) 414 serves as a processing system to process the tariff mode conversion request received from the communication device authorized to the retrofit meter 404 of the user. The customer relationship management server (CRM) 424 of the meter data management system (MDMS) 414 analyses the received tariff mode conversion request. The analyzed tariff mode conversion request is received by the billing server 426 of the meter data management system (MDMS) 414 and the billing server 426 of the meter data management system (MDMS) 414 converts the predefined tariff mode of the retrofit meter 404 by communicating with the energy meter module 404 through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 412.

[0056]
In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 412 interacts with the data concentrator (DC) 408 of the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 406. The data concentrator (DC) 408 communicates with the retrofit meter 404 and finally the predefined tariff mode of the retrofit meter 404 is converted. A message is delivered to the communication device authorized to the retrofit meter 404 to intimate the user that the tariff mode conversion request is accepted and performed.

[0057]
As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art the present invention provides a variety of advantages. The invention provides a remote conversion of the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter, a remote and a real-time meter reading, remote connection or disconnection of the energy meter, dynamic pricing based on time of use and time of day, management of user behavior information i.e. load profiling, alerting in case of tampering the energy meter, on-meter display and data storage in meters, better management and control, remote meter condition check, demand forecasting and business analytics for utility companies and the like.

[0058]
While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invenfion may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

5. CLAIMS
What is claimed is

1. A system for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module through a communication network, comprising:

a wireless communication device held by a user for transmitting a plurality of requests from a remote location over the communication network, whereby the wireless communication device is configured to communicate with at least one of an authorized energy meter module among a plurality of remotely located energy meter modules;

a meter data management system for receiving and processing the plurality of requests received from the wireless communication device of the user over the communication network;

an intelligent remote interface server serving an interface between the meter data management system and the wireless communication device of the user; and

a group of data concentrators serving as an interface for enabling a transmission and reception of energy meter data between the plurality of energy meter modules and the meter data management system, whereby an individual data concentrator communicates with a group of energy meter modules among a plurality of energy meter modules and meter data management system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the predefined tariff mode of a energy meter module comprising at least one of:

a pre payment tariff mode for a payment to a number of utility units measured by the at least one of the energy meter module; and

a post payment tariff mode for a payment of to a number of utility units measured by the at least one of the energy meter module.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of requests transmitted from the wireless communication device comprising at least one of:

a request for conversion of the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module; and

a request for a remote configuration of the energy meter module.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the intelligent remote interface further adapted to serve as an interface between the group of data concentrators and the meter data management system.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the meter data management system comprising a plurality of centralized server modules for processing a plurality of requests received from the wireless communication device of the at least one of the energy meter module and to store the energy meter data received from the plurality of data concentrators.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the energy meter module comprising at least one of

a tariff register for maintaining the tariff of the plurality of energy meters;

a time of usage register for determining a peak hour energy consumption of the plurality of energy meters and a non peak hour energy consumption of the plurality of energy meters;

a kilowatt hour register; and

a billing register for determining the predefined registration mode of a energy meter module with the meter data management system.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device adapted to receive a plurality of alerts corresponding to the at least one of the energy meter among the plurality of energy meters.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication device comprising at least one of:

a hand held mobile communication device;

a personal digital assistant; and

a personal computer operated in a secured web environment.

9. A method for conversion of a predefined tariff mode of an energy meter module,
comprising:

transmitting a plurality of change predefined tariff mode requests from a wireless communication device to a customer relationship management server of the meter data management system, whereby the wireless communication device associated with at least one of an authorized energy meter module among a plurality of remotely located energy meter modules;

processing the plurality of change predefined tariff mode requests received from the customer relationship management server by a billing server of the meter data management system;

analyzing the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module corresponding to the wireless communication device transmitting the plurality of change predefined tariff mode requests by the customer relationship management server through the intelligent remote interface server, whereby the intelligent remote interface server serves as an interface between the meter data management system and the plurality of remotely located energy meter modules;

converting the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter module corresponding to the wireless communication device on validating a plurality of prerequisites configured by the billing server of the meter data management system; and

transmitting a predefined tariff mode conversion message to the wireless communication device of the authorized energy meter module.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein a communication between the intelligent remote
interface server and the plurality of energy meter modules is enabled by a group of data
concentrators configured to operate in the communication network.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the communication between the group of data
concentrators and the meter data management system comprising at least one of a:

a global system for mobile communication network;

a general packet radio service network;

a zigbee network;

a wi-fi network;

a power line carrier communication;

a public switched telephone network;

a broadband over power line; and

a wi max network.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein a web communication network enables a communication between the wireless communication device and the meter data management system.

13. The method of claim 9 further comprising remote configuration of the plurality of energy meter modules associated to the wireless communication device through the web
communication network.