GB2640673A - Non-terrestrial device communication - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication component comprises a first wireless interface that receives data from a device, that may be a utility meter, using a first communication protocol that may be Meter-BUS and a second wireless interface that transmits data to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) using a second communication protocol that may be cellular, NB-IoT, LTE, or LPWAN. The communication component forms part of or is attached to a part of the subterranean housing for the device which may be transparent to network frequency. The second wireless interface may also be configured to selectively transmit data to both NTN and terrestrial network and may store the data if no network is available. The stored data may be transmitted as last in first out (LIFO) when a network becomes available. The communication component may employ NFC to interrogate devices before storing identifiers and may bind identifiers to devices. The antenna for the first wireless interface may be moulded onto the cover of the subterranean housing.

Description

Non-Terrestrial Device Communication

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to device communications and especially to utility meter communications provided by non-terrestrial networks, such as satellite cellular networks.

Background of the Invention

Smart meters enable meter readings to be taken and communicated at shorter intervals than manually read meters. This can enable utility suppliers to provide additional services and to gain more granular information about energy and water use. This granular data can be especially important when trying to improve efficiency and to detect problems, such as water leaks. Smart meters need the ability to transmit their readings across a communications network. Utility suppliers require very high levels of connectivity across their installed base. Many smart meters are typically equipped with cellular capabilities or short to medium range wireless interfaces to a cellular repeater or node.

Whilst there are a number of radio systems, including cellular and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-1°T) protocols that can provide urban communications to smart meters and other utility devices, connectivity to isolated communities or remote single properties is difficult and expensive for most radio platforms. These meters are also the most expensive to read manually due to the distances between individual dwellings and installations.

Cellular platforms, like all shared radio platforms, are subject to the laws of economics. Cellular radio network infrastructure is planned and deployed to provide services to consumers in places where they live, where they work, where they take their recreation, and along the routes which they travel between these areas. Sparsely populated areas can have little or no radio coverage. Therefore, smart meters in these areas cannot be reliably read without additional expensive infrastructure.

For both communications and utility (e.g., water) network operators, isolated properties and remote communities present the hardest challenge when it comes to meter reading. In the absence of connectivity being available, a utility supplier needs to manually read the smart (or dumb) meter in order to provide an accurate bill. This requires a person to visit the isolated site or community, which is time-consuming and expensive. Manual reads also do not deliver other benefits that a smart meter can provide, for example, leakage detection.

Therefore, there is required a method and system that overcomes these problems.

Summary of the Invention

A device, such as a smart meter, is located below ground in a boundary box, pit, or subterranean housing. Typically, this is outside or on the edge of a property but close to a building. The subterranean housing has a cover that is usually flush with the ground forming an access hatch. The smart meter detects the use and amount of a particular utility (e.g., water, electricity, or gas) and transmits these data using a short-range wireless communication protocol. Other devices may be used in similar systems and installations instead of the smart meter. These include sensors, leak detectors, flow meters, etc. Within or attached to the cover or lid of the subterranean housing there is a communications component. This uses an antenna and wireless interface to receive the data transmitted by the device using a short-range wireless communication protocol. A further wireless interface having a separate antenna is configured to transmit the data to a non-terrestrial network (NTN), such as a satellite network. Preferably, the antenna of the further wireless interface (for communicating with the NTN) is a planar or patch antenna and so can be embedded into the cover or lid (e.g., a glass-reinforced polymer cover). A planar antenna can be used to communicate with passing satellites and/or compatible satellite constellations. Therefore, it is preferable for the satellite network to include satellites travelling in low Earth orbit (LEO) rather that geostationary satellites, which may require an antenna to be directed in a direction other than directly overhead. The communications device may contain a SIM or UICC to enable subscription with the NTN or other network. Optionally, the communications device may also be able to communicate with a terrestrial cellular network instead of the NTN when the terrestrial cellular network is available. Preferably, the same antenna can be used for both network types, reducing the size and complexity of the communications device. The same or a separate SIM or UICC may be used for the terrestrial cellular network.

In accordance with a first aspect there is provided a communications component comprising: a first wireless interface comprising a first antenna and configured to receive data from a device using a first communication protocol; and a second wireless interface comprising a second antenna and configured to transmit the data to a non-terrestrial network, NTN, using a second communication protocol different to the first communication protocol, wherein the communications component is formed as part of or attached to a cover of a subterranean housing for the device. Therefore, device data can be communicated efficiently and effectively even when there is no or unreliable terrestrial cellular coverage. The communications component may also contain components that enable communications with terrestrial cellular base stations, which may be used instead of the NTN, if available. Furthermore, the communications may switch between terrestrial and the NTN based on which has the best connectivity. Because the communications component is located within the subterranean housing (e.g., boundary box or pit), additional infrastructure is not required. As the communications component is formed as part of or attached to the cover of the subterranean housing (e.g., by a releasable mechanism such as clips, magnets or adhesives) then it is protected from damage and hidden from vandalism. The communications component may extend below the cover into the subterranean housing, which provides adequate space, especially in water meter installations, which will generally have an ample minimum depth. This provides a use for this otherwise dead space.

Advantageously, the communications component may further comprise: a processor; and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the transmission of the data. This may be achieved by firmware or software that manages receiving, processing, and transmitting the data and any other functions of the communications component.

Optionally, the second wireless interface may be further configured to transmit the data to a terrestrial network. Therefore, the same wireless interface (and antenna) can be used for both NTN and terrestrial (cellular) communications, where appropriate. In further example implementations, separate interfaces (and/or antennas) may be used for NTN and terrestrial communications.

Preferably, the computer-executable instructions may further cause the processor to control the transmission of the data by transmitting to the terrestrial network when the terrestrial network is available and transmitting to the NTN when the terrestrial network is unavailable. Therefore, the lower power and cost of a terrestrial network (e.g., a terrestrial cellular network using surface base stations) can be used when this is available, falling back to the NTN when there is no available terrestrial connectivity or the signal strength of the terrestrial network falls below a predetermined threshold.

Preferably, wherein the computer-executable instructions may further cause the processor to store the received data in the memory (or a separate memory) before transmitting the data. Therefore, the data can be stored for later transmission or stored up until several readings can be sent at once to reduce battery usage. This can be managed by a computer controller or computer system formed from the processor and memory. The memory may be non-volatile memory, such as FLASH memory, for example.

Advantageously, the computer-executable instructions may further cause the processor to delay transmitting the stored data until the terrestrial network or the NTN becomes available. This can be when a passing satellite is overhead, when terrestrial network coverage resumes, or when a temporary physical blockage over the cover (e.g., a car) is removed. The expected times of coverage may be stored within the memory or a signal may be detected to indicate coverage.

Optionally, the computer-executable instructions may further cause the processor to transmit the stored data last in, first out, LIFO. Therefore, older data is lost before newer data, when the memory fills up. Newer meter readings are generally more relevant than older ones.

Optionally, the computer-executable instructions may further cause the processor to execute a binding procedure to bind the communications component to one or more devices by storing identifiers of the one or more bound devices in the memory. Therefore, it can be ensured that the correct device or meter is sending data to the correct communications component. This can be important if several devices or utility meters are located near by and within radio range of a single communications device or several communications devices are in operation in a small area within radio range.

Optionally, the communications component may further comprise a near field communication (NFC) interface. The NFC interface can have several uses, improving functionality of the communications component. The NFC interface may be used to register a particular installation, provide configuration changes or apply firmware updates to the communications component, for example.

Optionally, the computer-executable instructions may further cause the apparatus to interrogate the one or more devices using the NFC interface before storing the identifiers in the memory as part of the binding procedure. Other binding procedures may be used.

Optionally, the computer-executable instructions may further cause the apparatus to receive a request using the NFC interface and in response to the received instruction transmit the data using the NFC interface. There may be other ways to pair or uniquely identify a device or smart meter with a communications interface (e.g., paired before installation at a factory or provisioning centre).

The first communication protocol and the second communication protocol may use different frequencies or standards.

Optionally, the device is a utility meter. Other devices may be used, especially those that are located underground.

Optionally, the first communication protocol may be Wireless M-Bus, EN13757-4; and/or wherein second communication protocol is cellular, LTE, LPWAN, or Narrowband Internet of things, NB-IoT. Other protocols may be used.

Preferably, the communications component may further comprise a battery to power the communications component. There may be other methods to power the communications component. The battery may be a primary or non-rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium battery). For example, a wired power supply may be used, or solar power may be used. For example, the top surface of the cover may be formed of or incorporate a solar panel and the communications component may contain a capacitor or secondary battery that is charged by the solar panel. A charging circuit may also be used. Preferably, the battery is sized to have a life of at least around 10 years.

Advantageously, the cover of the subterranean housing may be at least partially transparent to a frequency used by the NTN and/or used by the terrestrial network. Therefore, the antenna can be located within or below the surface of the cover, which protects the antenna from damage and the weather. Preferably, the communications component may be waterproof and weatherproof.

Optionally, the first antenna may be configured to be optimised to transmit to an overhead receiver of the NTN. For example, the first antenna may be a planar or patch antenna that is configured parallel to the top surface of the cover and so parallel to the ground when installed on the subterranean housing.

Preferably, the first antenna may be moulded within the cover. For example, the cover may be formed from a plastics material such as glass reinforced polymer (GRP). This both protects the antenna (e.g., planar antenna) and is substantially transparent to the frequency of the NTN (1-2 GHz). Other frequencies may be used.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a utility meter system comprising: a utility meter having a third wireless interface configured to transmit utility data using a first communication protocol; a subterranean housing having a cover; and the communications component according to any previous claim, the communications component formed as part of or attached to the cover of the subterranean housing.

Optionally, the utility meter may be any of: a water meter, an electricity meter, or a gas meter.

According to a third aspect there is provided a communications method comprising the steps of: receiving, at a first wireless interface of a communications component, data from a utility meter using a first wireless communication protocol; and transmitting the data from a second wireless interface of the communications component to a non-terrestrial network, NTN, using a second wireless communication protocol different to the first communication protocol, wherein the utility meter and the communications component are located within a subterranean housing.

The methods described above may be implemented as a computer program comprising program instructions to operate a computer. The computer program may be stored on a computer-readable medium, including a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

The computer system may include a processor or processors (e.g., local, virtual or cloud-based) such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), and/or a single or a collection of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). The processor may execute logic in the form of a software program. The computer system may include a memory including volatile and non-volatile storage medium. A computer-readable medium (CRM) may be included to store the logic or program instructions. For example, embodiments may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium (CRM) storing software comprising instructions executable by one or more computers which, upon such execution, cause the one or more computers to perform the disclosed methods. Non-transitory CRM may refer to a CRM that stores data for short periods or in the presence of power such as a memory device or Random Access Memory (RAM). For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include storage components, such as, a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, and/or a solid state disk), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, and/or a magnetic tape. The different parts of the system may be connected using a network (e.g. wireless networks and wired networks). The computer system may include one or more interfaces. The computer system may contain a suitable operating system such as UNIX, Windows (RTM) or Linux, for example.

It should be noted that any feature described above may be used with any particular aspect or embodiment of the invention.

Brief description of the Figures

The present invention may be put into practice in a number of ways and embodiments will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a utility installation, including a device (utility meter) and communications component within a subterranean housing forming a utility meter system, a non-terrestrial network (satellite) and a property served by the device; FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the utility meter system of Figure 1 in more detail; FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram illustrating different satellite obits (not to scale); and FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a computer system within the communications component of Figure 1.

It should be noted that the figures are illustrated for simplicity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like features are provided with the same reference numerals.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

The following describes an example implementation of a system for communicating with a device, where the device is a smart water meter. However, it should be noted that any device may be used which is typically fitted in the ground. This may include different meter types (e.g., electricity and gas) as well as other devices, such as sensors and traffic control devices.

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 where a smart meter 110 controls and measures water from a utility mains water supply 120 to a property. An output from the smart meter 110 enters the property through a boundary wall 160 and provides water to the water pipe system 170 of the property.

The smart meter 110 is located within a subterranean housing 140 also known as a boundary box or pit. The subterranean housing 140 has a lid or cover 135 that has a top surface level or substantially level with the ground 150. The smart meter contains a wireless interface that provides meter readings and other data to a communications device 130 attached to, below or incorporated within the cover 135. The communications device 130 contains a first wireless interface comprising a first antenna that is tuned and configured to receive the data transmitted by the smart meter. The communications device contains a second wireless interface comprising a second antenna configured to transmit the data to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or to a terrestrial network, such as a ground-based cellular network having base stations (gNodeBs). In this example, the NTN is provided by a plurality of satellites 180 forming a constellation each having an antenna. In Figure 1, communications between the communications device 130 and the NTN is indicated by dotted line 190. The smart meter may be an automated meter interface (AMI) that is an integrated meter and transmitter used to transmit meter data using one or more wireless protocols or be a meter that has been retrofitted with an automated meter reader (AMR) providing similar functionality to an existing meter. In any case, the meter data may be transmitted using a short rage communication protocol, or a longer-range communication protocol. The smart meter may include many different types of wireless interface, including cellular (using a SIM or UICC), Wi-Fi and wireless meter bus (Wireless M-Bus), for example.

Transmission of the data from the smart meter 110 to the communications device 130 may be one-way and unacknowledged or this may be a two-way communication channel with both transmitting and receiving. Therefore, the communications device 130 may both receive from and transmit to the smart meter 110 (e.g., to acknowledge or to confirm correct values). For example, the communications device 130 may send configuration change data or firmware updates to the smart meter 110 once these are received (by the first wireless interface of the communications device 130) from the NTN or terrestrial network. Therefore, the second wireless interface (and included antenna) can also both transmit to and receive data from the NTN and/or the terrestrial network.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the subterranean housing 140, cover 135, smart meter 110 and communications device 130 in more detail. As can be seen in this figure, the second antenna 200 is embedded within the cover 135. However, in other example implementations, the second antenna 200 may be fixed to the cover 135 (e.g., below the cover 135 on a surface opposite the surface level with the ground when in use). The cover 135 is preferably made of a material that is transparent to radio frequency (RF) waves used to communicate with the NTN or terrestrial network at frequencies, such as 1-2 -10 -GHz. Other frequencies may be used. Suitable materials for the cover 135 include glass reinforced plastics (GRP). This material also allows moulding around the second antenna 200. In the example implementation shown in Figure 2, the second antenna 200 is formed as part of the cover 135 but a large portion of the communications device 130 extend below the cover 135. This portion of the communications device 130 can house an electronics module 220 and batteries 230, for example. Typically, the smart meter 110 is located at least 75 cm below the surface (to prevent freezing of water pipes) and so the subterranean housing 140 provides a significant gap enabling larger batteries to extend below the cover 135. This enables a longer lifespan and greater transmission power.

Figure 2 shows the transmitter 210 extending from the body of the smart meter 110. The transmitter may use a suitable short range communication protocol, such as Wireless M-Bus. The Wireless M-Bus communication link with the communications device 130 is illustrated by arrow 240. Other wireless protocols may be used. Similarly, the communications device 130 includes a portion that extends below the cover 135. This portion may be incorporated into the cover 130 or be permanently or removably attached to the cover 130. An external case or housing can surround components of the communications device 103 below the cover and provide a waterproof enclosure. This may be made from plastics, for example. The first wireless interface and the first antenna 225 may be located within the electronics module 220 or otherwise below the second antenna 200. Therefore, the first antenna 225 may be between the second antenna 200 and the smart meter 110 in use. The first antenna 225 may also be located below the batteries 230 in an alternative arrangement.

There will be an electrical or RF connection between the electronics module 220 and the first and second antennas 200. Even though the batteries 230 may be located between the first antenna 225 and the transmitter 210 of the smart meter 110, this does not affect transmission reliability due to the short distance between them (around 75 cm). It is more advantageous to have the second antenna 200 placed above the electronics module 220 so that there is an uninterrupted space between the second antenna 200 and a passing satellite 180 or satellite constellation.

The second antenna 200 may be a planar antenna or a patch antenna, for example. This type of antenna may be formed from a rectangular or circular element on a substrate having a ground plate (below the element or opposite the sky). Whilst a planar antenna is shown in the figures, an antenna of any other form may be used, provided that it will operate without protruding above a flat plane (upper surface) of the boundary box cover. This planar antenna may have dimensions to conform to typical dimensions of a boundary box cover (e.g., 173 mm or 183 mm in diameter for a circular cover). When the cover 135 is removed (e.g., for inspection of the smart meter 110), the entire communications device may be removed with it forming a single unit. Ventilation and drainage holes may be placed in the cover 135 around the second antenna 200, for example.

In the UK, approximately 80% of water meters (And primary stopcocks) are located outside of properties, at the property boundary, e.g., in a footway outside houses. This location represents the demarcation point of responsibility between the water utility and the householder or property owner. The householder is responsible for the connection between the stopcock and the property. Typically, these connections are inside underground assets are known as boundary boxes. These are typically telescopic, tubes formed from plastic constructions approximately 75 cm long. The meter and stopcock are located at the bottom of the pit and a removable collar and lid makes up the surface plate.

Recent developments in Internet of Things (loT) satellite constellations have led to a number of operators developing Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) services which allow loT devices using Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-loT) to connect directly to satellite services using simple antennas, standard NB-IoT modems/modules (With appropriate NTN firmware), roaming SIMS or UICC for loT providers, and similar (but slightly larger) power budgets compared to terrestrial networks.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically different orbits of satellites forming different NTNs.

This figure is not to scale. Satellite constellations comprising either geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or low Earth orbit (LEO) are being completed and a number of service launches are anticipated. Most satellite communications to date have been based on GEO due to legacy technology constraints, cost, scale of demand and complexity. However, this is now changing with the majority of providers are looking to offer LEO based services. These are currently available but expanding.

GEO satellites orbit with the Earth, appearing to be stationary in the sky. GEO satellites operate at an altitude of approximately 36,000 km above the equator. This distance from Earth allows them to cover a very wide area with a small number of satellites.

-12 -GEO antennas are highly directional as they point at a specific satellite and their altitude introduces a latency cost of around 700ms, though this isn't significant for low data rate metering.

MEO comprises a wide range of orbits anywhere between LEO and GEO, e.g., 8,000 km. MEO satellites are similar to LEO satellites in that they do not need hold a particular pattern around the Earth and are not synchronous with the Earth's orbit. Latency is lower than GEO (approx. 150ms) and they cover a smaller area of the Earth at any one time. Therefore, more satellites are required for full coverage (e.g., 6-20).

LEO covers orbits of approximately 1,000km and lower. LEO satellites provide a synchronised grid pattern to create a moving blanket of coverage around the Earth but are not synchronous with the Earth's orbit. Latency is approximately 50ms. LEO satellites cover a still smaller area of the Earth, e.g., an average European country size, and so more are required for full coverage (100s to 1,000s). The term Proliferated LEO (pLEO) has been introduced to describe large constellations of thousands of LEO satellites.

LEO satellites are moving relative to their ground located terminals with a coverage window per satellite of approximately 10 minutes, so tracking and handover solutions are required to maintain continuous communications streams. However, for narrowband type services this isn't an issue as by their nature they are intermittent. Therefore, so much simpler (standard) antenna solutions can be used, such as the planar antenna 200 described with reference to Figure 2.

An advantage of LEO provided NTN used with the present system 100 is the coverage potential that it offers to outdoor metering. As LEO operates with hundreds, if not thousands, of moving satellites circumnavigating the Earth in coordinated grid patterns, (unlike GEO satellites) this presents far more opportunities for a signal to reach a location shielded by buildings or topography, as the angle of the antenna to a particular satellite changes rapidly. At some point, there is a high likelihood that a LEO satellite will be directly overhead at least once a day when meter data can be transmitted. Therefore, data transmission may be asynchronous, i.e., there can be a delay between when the device transmits data to the communications device 130 and when those same data are transmitted to the NTN for onward processing by a recipient processing server (e.g., on the ground). In the meantime, the data may be stored within the communications component.

-13 -Spectrum plays an important role in enabling narrowband NTN solutions that are cost effective and simple to integrate with existing terrestrial solutions and manufacturing supply chains. Current focus, particularly for lower data rate use cases, is to integrate satellite capability with terrestrial modules, either through software upgrades or hardware modifications at point of manufacture. Therefore, the installations described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 can be implemented quickly and effectively, even in low population density environments.

The communications device 130 can include communication protocols that align with global international standards for terrestrial loT, to aid compatibility and reduce costs. Preferably, this may include an implementation of NB-IoT under the 3GPP standards regime. The NTN network may also operate 3GPP NB-loT networks. Therefore, a single modem within the communications device may be able to communicate with either terrestrial or NTN networks. Example implementations may use the existing licenced 3GPP LTE spectrum or to use the licenced Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum (L band 1-2GHz), now supported under 3GPP Rel-17. This means existing terrestrial communications modules can be used within the communications device 130 with relatively minor changes.

The present system 100 provides remote connectivity to devices using NTN service capability, by deploying a single device (the communications device 130). Using NTN, either single properties or small clusters or properties can be serviced, at a cost which may be below the economic terrestrial infrastructure threshold by providing a single common communications device 130 per property incurring a single cost per device irrespective of community size. Therefore, costs and complexity scales linearly.

The system 100 can use existing standard Wireless M-Bus equipped meters within boundary boxes. Wireless M-Bus is a common short range, read/drive by metering protocol. Meters incorporating Wireless M-Bus are commonly known as automatic meter reading (AMR) meters and are commoditised devices. Almost every major meter manufacturer produces concentric AMR meters approved for and in widespread use in the UK and elsewhere.

-14 -The communications device 130 takes the form of a battery powered NTN terminal that fits within or forms part of the boundary box lid or cover 135. The NTN antenna is preferably, moulded within the cover 135. The electronics module 220 incorporates a Wireless M-Bus chipset and the connected antenna 200 receives and stores periodic AMR transmissions from the meter or other device 110. In an example implementation, a separate Wireless M-Bus antenna may also be incorporated within the communications device 130 and used to receive the data from the device (smart meter 110).

Optionally, the smart meter 110 and the communications device 130 can be paired together at installation. This ensures that the communications device 130 receives signals from the correct smart meter 110 if there are several nearby. This also allows the smart meter 110 to receive a confirmation from the communications device 130 that its data has been correctly received (e.g., using error correcting codes or other acknowledgements). Following pairing, the communications device can transmit to the NTN the data tagged or associated with a unique identifier of the smart meter. This meter data may also include identifiers used to process the data by utility and other companies.

Pairing may use a near-field communication (NFC) interface, for example. In an example implementation, at installation the installer scans a OR code or barcode on the smart meter 110 (e.g., using a camera) to provide a unique identifier of the smart meter and provisions this to the communications device 130 using NFC. This activity may be achieved using a smart phone (or tablet computer) application, where the smart phone or other mobile device includes an NFC interface, camera and other usual components. The NFC interface on the communications device 130 may also be used to receive commands from a smartphone to change its configuration or update its firmware. The NFC interface on the communications device 130 may also be used to transmit meter readings to a nearby external device (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) should manual readings be necessary or for testing purposes. In this case, a meter reader may scan the NFC causing the communications device 130 to return all stored data.

In a further example implementation, the device (smart meter 110) and communications device 130 can be paired using a downlink message from the satellite 180 or terrestrial network at initiation or installation. The installer scans the smart meter 110 (OR code or barcode) and/or the communications device 130 (QR code or barcode) at installation. These are sent over a mobile network (e.g., of the mobile device of the -15 -installer) either immediately or when cellular data becomes available to the mobile device of the installer. After validation at an external server, a downlink pairing message can be sent to the communications device 130, which stores the unique identifier of the smart meter 110 and any other security credentials used to validate and unencrypt data sent by the device (smart meter 110).

Periodically the communications device 130 can assemble collected device data (meter reading data) and transmit this using the NTN, which passed on the data to an loT network to any external entity that requires the data, such as a utility head end or a utility server. On occasion, all stored metering data within the communications device 130 can be locally read using either the NFC interface or the Wireless M-Bus interface on the communications device 130 itself. For this implementation, the Wireless M-Bus interface within communications device 130 may be able to communicate with one or more devices (smart meters) and other entities that also contain a Wireless M-Bus interface, such as a portable meter reader device. Non-volatile memory may store the device data.

Transmission of data using NTN requires more energy than terrestrial (e.g., cellular or LoRaWAN) systems. To conserve battery life and to provide a reasonable product life, it may be necessary to aggregate data over longer periods and transmit data less frequently than terrestrial devices (e.g., weekly instead of daily), especially when the terrestrial network is unavailable. There is considerably more space within or below the cover 135 than within the smart meter 110, so larger batteries can be accommodated. A balance needs to be struck between the cost of a larger battery, the extra space it would occupy and the lifetime gains of doing so.

The communications device 130 may be paired with multiple devices (smart meters 110). It is feasible for this to be up to around 10 devices or more. The communications device 130 can contain non-volatile memory suitable for storing device data for up to at least six months or more. When the memory becomes full then the data may be transmitted in a last in, first out (LiFo) schema.

In an example implementation, the communications device 130 may also include circuitry implementing a separate terrestrial cellular network interface as well as the NTN interface. Therefore, circuitry or logic within the communications device 130 may determine to transmit data only using the NTN network where no cellular (e.g., an NBIOT) -16 -network is available. This may be implemented in areas of low but not no cellular coverage. The communications device 130 may communicate using the terrestrial network where available, which uses less power and system resources and so can extend battery life but maintain the data connection even when terrestrial cellular coverage becomes unreliable by using the NTN. The NTN and terrestrial networks may be accessible using the same modem type (wireless interface) but on different frequencies. Careful antenna design achieves an appropriately broadband sensitive antenna. The device may attach to terrestrial networks by preference (unless it is determined that the power consumption of a very weak terrestrial NBIOT or other similar networks is higher than that of the NTN).

Any or all of the above-described functions and method steps of the communications device 130 may be implemented using circuitry or a computer system (e.g., a system on a chip or other computing module). This computer system may form part of the electronics module 220. As shown in Figure 4, the computer system 400 includes a number of components including communication interfaces 420, system circuitry 430, input/output (I/O) circuitry 440, display circuitry and interfaces 450, and a datastore 470. The system circuitry 420 can include one or more processors or CPUs 480 and memory 490. The system circuitry 430 may include any combination of hardware, software, firmware, and/or other circuitry. The system circuitry 430 may be implemented, with one or more systems on a chip (SoC). application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), microprocessors, and/or analogue and digital circuits.

The memory 490 may include volatile (RAM) or non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM or Flash memory). The memory may store the operating system 492 of the computer system 400, applications or software 494, dynamic data 496, and/or static data 498. The datastore or data source 470 may include one or more databases 472, 474 and/or a file store or file system, for example.

The method and system may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The method and system may be implemented either as a server comprising a single computer system or as a distributed network of servers connected across a network. Any kind of computer system or other electronic apparatus may be adapted to carry out the described methods.

-17 -As used throughout, including in the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, singular forms of the terms herein are to be construed as including the plural form and vice versa. For instance, unless the context indicates otherwise, a singular reference herein including in the claims, such as "a" or "an" (such as an ion multipole device) means "one or more" (for instance, one or more ion multipole device). Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words "comprise", "including", "having" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises" or similar, mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components. Also, the use of "or" is inclusive, such that the phrase "A or B" is true when "A" is true, "B is true", or both "A" and "B" are true.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ("for instance", "such as", "for example" and like language) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

The terms "first" and "second" may be reversed without changing the scope of the disclosure. That is, an element termed a "first" element may instead be termed a "second" element and an element termed a "second" element may instead be considered a "first" element.

Any steps described in this specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously unless stated or the context requires otherwise. Moreover, where a step is described as being performed after a step, this does not preclude intervening steps being performed.

It is also to be understood that, for any given component or embodiment described throughout, any of the possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. It will be understood that any list of such candidates or alternatives is merely illustrative, not limiting, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise.

-18 -Unless otherwise described, all technical and scientific terms used throughout have a meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various embodiments described herein belongs.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, details of the above embodiment may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For example, while utility meters have been described in the preferred embodiments, other devices may be used instead. Different protocols may be used.

Different materials may be used in the manufacture of the housings, covers and enclosures.

In the example implementations, the NTN is described as being provided by one or more satellites and preferably a constellation of satellites in LEO. However, the NTN may also be provided by other means including aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, high altitude aeroplanes and balloons, for example.

The communications device may be retrofitted to existing smart meter or device installations with existing subterranean housings where the communications device replaces a cover. The communications device may also be supplied as a kit comprising the device (smart meter) and subterranean housing, with the communications device forming part of or attached to a cover for the subterranean housing.

Many combinations, modifications, or alterations to the features of the above embodiments will be readily apparent to the skilled person and are intended to form part of the invention. Any of the features described specifically relating to one embodiment or example may be used in any other embodiment by making the appropriate changes.

Claims (20)

1. -19 -CLAIMS: 1. A communications component comprising: a first wireless interface comprising a first antenna and configured to receive data from a device using a first communication protocol; and a second wireless interface comprising a second antenna and configured to transmit the data to a non-terrestrial network, NTN, using a second communication protocol different to the first communication protocol, wherein the communications component is formed as part of or attached to a cover of a subterranean housing for the device.
2. 2. The communications component of claim 1 further comprising: a processor; and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the transmission of the data.
3. 3. The communications component of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second wireless interface is further configured to transmit the data to a terrestrial network.
4. 4. The communications component of claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to control the transmission of the data by transmitting to the terrestrial network when the terrestrial network is available and transmitting to the NTN when the terrestrial network is unavailable.
5. 5. The communications component according to any of claim 2 to claim 4, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to store the received data in the memory before transmitting the data.
6. 6. The communications component of claim 5, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to delay transmitting the stored data until the terrestrial network or the NTN become available.
7. 7. The communications component of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to transmit the stored data last in, first out, LIFO.
8. -20 - 8. The communications component according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to execute a binding procedure to bind the communications component to one or more devices by storing identifiers of the one or more bound devices in the memory.
9. 9. The communications component of claim 8 further comprising a near field communication, NFC, interface.
10. 10. The communications component according to claim 9, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the apparatus to interrogate the one or more devices using the NFC interface before storing the identifiers in the memory as part of the binding procedure.
11. 11. The communications component of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the apparatus to receive a request using the NFC interface and in response to the received instruction transmit the data using the NFC interface.
12. 12. The communications component according to any previous claim, wherein the device is a utility meter.
13. 13. The communications component according to any previous claim wherein the first communication protocol is Wireless M-Bus, EN13757-4; and/or wherein second communication protocol is cellular, LTE, LPWAN, or Narrowband Internet of things, NB-IoT.
14. 14. The communications component according to any previous claim, further comprising a battery to power the communications component.
15. 15. The communications component according to any previous claim, wherein the cover of the subterranean housing is at least partially transparent to a frequency used by the NTN and/or used by the terrestrial network.
16. 16. The communications component according to any previous claim, wherein the first antenna is configured to be optimised to transmit to an overhead receiver of the NTN.
17. -21 - 17. The communications component according to any previous claim, wherein the first antenna is moulded within the cover.
18. 18. A utility meter system comprising: a utility meter having a third wireless interface configured to transmit utility data using a first communication protocol; a subterranean housing having a cover; and the communications component according to any previous claim, the communications component formed as part of or attached to the cover of the subterranean housing.
19. 19. The utility meter system of claim 16, wherein the utility meter is any of: a water meter, an electricity meter, or a gas meter.
20. 20. A communications method comprising the steps of: receiving, at a first wireless interface of a communications component, data from a utility meter using a first wireless communication protocol; and transmitting the data from a second wireless interface of the communications component to a non-terrestrial network, NTN, using a second wireless communication protocol different to the first communication protocol, wherein the utility meter and the communications component are located within a subterranean housing.