Prepayment energy metering system with two-way smart card communications
US6529883B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F15/00
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A pre-payment energy metering system uses two-way smart card communications. Secure power line carrier communications are provided at the consumer locations communication between a customer terminal and the utility meter. Two-way secure communication of data is provided through the use of a smart card or memory card which conveys data from the utility service provider to the customer's terminal and also conveys information from the customer's terminal back to the utility. The pre-payment power system of the present invention allows consumers to pay for electricity prior to consumption through the use of the smart card which is loaded with funds at a fully automatic point-of-sale (POS) terminal or at the utility service providers staffed customer service center. Back office software interfaces between the POS terminals and customer service centers, and utility service providers customer information systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.