WO2004049270A2

WO2004049270A2 - Radio controlled prepayed metering system

Info

Publication number: WO2004049270A2
Application number: PCT/GB2003/005150
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Beattie; Pavel Jamnik
Original assignee: ISKRAEMECO ECL Ltd
Current assignee: ISKRAEMECO ECL Ltd
Priority date: 2002-11-25
Filing date: 2003-11-25
Publication date: 2004-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2005-05-25
Also published as: GB0512712D0; AU2003292375A8; WO2004049270A3; GB2411038A; AU2003292375A1; GB0227428D0

Abstract

A prepayment meter having a radio, typically a GSM transceiver. Credit (and tariff changes) wirelessly transmitted to the meter, which may disconnect services such as electricity or gas supply, lighting, interactive television services and home or personal alarm gateways. In one embodiment the radio is housed in a sealed meter, in another a coupler to a mobile phone is provided.

Description

Radio controlled prepayment: system

The present invention relates to a prepayment meter, for the payment of utility bills such as gas and electricity, wherein transfers of credit to the meter are made via a radio network.

A prepayment meter is supplied to measure the amount of a commodity or service, such as electricity, gas or water, that is provided to the consumer by a public utility company. In-built programs within the meter are used to convert the amount of commodity or service purchased or used by the customer to a monetary value. The prepayment meter also features a countdown register and solenoid or switch. It is these elements which define the prepayment meter, as they enable the meter to make the 'decision' to switch off the meter therefore cut off the customer's supply.

Customers who are deemed not to be capable or trusted with paying their bills in the usual way of the bill being issued and paid after the commodity has been used, are provided with a prepayment meter. They are required to keep the prepayment meter in sufficient advance funds to cover the amount of the utility used by them. The prepayment meter has the ability to disconnect the customer from supply (i.e.- by switching off) until sufficient advance funds are credited to the meter. Such funds are credited using the three main methods.

Firstly, prepayment systems currently exist which use tokens. Specifically, the customer goes to an outlet where an electronic point of sale terminal (EPOS) is located. EPOS terminals are manufactured by specialist suppliers and provided to financial institutions (mainly banks) who subsequently lease them to merchants. A merchant is a group of shops or outlets which are contracted to operate terminals on behalf of the banks or prepayment agents. Merchants do this as it is required to have a terminal in order to accept and validate credit or debit card payments. The terminal automatically (via central databases) establishes how much is due to the card operator or operators. The system automatically credits the merchants with the share due to them (i.e.- the percentage of the transaction paid to them for carrying out the transaction) . EPOS terminals attract customers to shops or outlets, due to the convenience and flexibility of payment options they provide to the customer.

The function of the EPOS terminal is to read a payment card which is inserted into it, and perform the function indicated by the data on the card (e.g.- dialling the location specified in order to allow the payment to be 'cleared' and authorised by the card provider. If the transaction is cleared, a validation code is sent to the EPOS terminal, the transaction is considered complete and a receipt is printed) .

In the context of payment of utility bills, the EPOS terminal is enabled to talk to or communicate with the utility payment agent appointed by the utility provider company. Typically, the customer hands over payment (e.g., cash or card payment) to the EPOS operator (e.g., a shop or garage) . The EPOS operator takes the customers payment, and inserts a card with a magnetic stripe into a card slot in the EPOS terminal. Once told of the amount of the payment, the terminal has the ability to encrypt the monetary value paid, and transfer it to the magnetic stripe card. The terminal then contacts the central system or database of the utility provider to update this database with the latest transactions.

The customer is then handed back the updated magnetic stripe card, and on returning home, can insert it into the card slot of the prepayment meter housed in their residence or premises. The prepayment meter then decodes the data placed on the card by the EPOS terminal, and applies the monetary value to the credit register in the meter. The monetary value is encrypted to prevent the card being copied, or otherwise defrauded.

An alternative method of prepayment is that once the customer has provided payment to the EPOS operator, the customer also provides the operator with a "smart card" or data key. These devices perform the same basic task as the magnetic stripe cards described above, except they can be used more frequently, thus should save the utility company money. As above, an encrypted monetary value is transferred from the EPOS terminal to the smart card or data key. The transaction is also transferred from the EPOS terminal to the central database or system of the utility provider. The smart card or data key is then take home by the customer, to be inserted into the card slot of the meter. The encrypted data on the smart card or data key is decoded by the customers' prepayment meter, and the monetary value of the purchased utility is applied to the credit register in the prepayment meter.

The final existing method of crediting prepayment meter systems involves use of a keypad. After the customer provides payment to the EPOS terminal operator, the EPOS terminal has the ability to generate an encrypted token, and print it onto a card. The customer then takes home the card to be inserted into the prepayment meter. A keypad feature on the meter is then used to input a number (commonly a twenty digit number) into the meter. The meter is able to decode the data on the card, and should the correct number have been inputted via the keypad, apply monetary value to the credit register on the meter.

In all of the above cases, an identity card is usually provided to the customer. This card carries on it the customers details, which may or may not be used to generated an encrypted token, or validate the data being sent to the utility provider for analysis.

Problems associated with the operation of the above- described existing systems are primarily that the systems centre on the meter, and the transfer of money into this meter. Consequently, the meters are prone to fraudulent attack by customers. This has the result that the utility providers are losing millions of pounds per annum in revenue, due to theft. Furthermore, the utility providers also lose revenue in meter maintenance costs, due to customers breaking the meters in an attempt to defraud them.

A normal, non-prepayment meter has a working life of around fifteen to twenty years, before any serious maintenance or re-certification would be required. In contrast, prepayment meters do not last as long as this, as invariably they are broken prior to the expiry of such a duration. Furthermore, prepayment meters cost approximately four times the amount of an ordinary meter. Overall, the cost of replacement of prepayment meters is extremely high, in both terms of asset cost and engineering time.

The specific areas of a prepayment meter which are vulnerable to attack are the card slot or keypad (if featured on the prepayment meter) . The card slot can be easily breached, and various foreign bodies are often inserted into it, in an attempt to obtain supply of free utilities. The keypad meter is also vulnerable to attack, and furthermore is impracticable to use, as it has been shown that the average customer cannot input a twenty digit number without error.

A further problem associated with existing prepayment meter systems is the use of cards. Magnetic stripe cards, smart cards and data keys are often lost by customers, particularly as they are required to bring the card/keys to the premises of the EPOS terminal operator. It has been found that on average statistically, four cards will have to be issued to the customers during the life of a meter. This is obviously inconvenient and costly for the utility provider. Items such as cards and data keys can also become contaminated, and pass on this contamination to the meter upon insertion. Again, this increases the maintenance costs of the prepayment meters.

Prepayment meters also make it inconvenient and difficult for the customer to move from one utility provider to another, as an entirely new payment system (i.e.- including a new card and meter) must be substituted. Furthermore, prepayment meters are known to cost more to run than the revenue provided by them. For this reason, utility providers often refuse to accept the transferral of prepayment meter customers from another utility provider. This results in obvious disadvantages to the customer, in terms of choice within the marketplace.

It is also extremely problematic to alter the tariffs charged by prepayment meters. In the case of magnetic card reading meters, it is necessary for an operative of the utility provider to visit the site where the customers' prepayment meter is housed. In order to alter the tariffs charged by the meter, it is necessary for the conversion factors used in decoding and applying the monetary value bought to the credit register to be manually updated. This manual update (typically carried out once per year) represents an on-going cost to the utility provider.

Finally, the prepayment meters cost more to purchase, install and maintain than normal non-prepayment meters. Thus, the utility providers tend to levy a higher standing charge for provision of a prepayment service. This results in obvious difficulties for customers on which this higher standing charge is levied, who are often least able to afford a higher charge.

An example of the prior art is PCT Patent No. WO 00/58922 "Utility Purchases by Prepayment". This application discloses a system for the prepayment of utilities, using a communication link (in particular a GSM link) between a consumer and a vendor of the utility services (i.e.- the utility provider) . A prepayment token is generated and transmitted (via a communication link) to the utility provider. However, this system relies upon the consumer transferring data manually into the meter. As discussed above, this leads to errors of transferral.

A further piece of prior art is PCT Patent WO 01/91073 "A Utility Metering System Incorporating a Transaction Authorisation System". The authorisation system comprises a user interface unit, which is capable of accepting a transaction authorisation. A utility meter is also arranged to communicate the user interface unit, to obtain a transaction authorisation and to transmit an authorisation request based on the transaction authorisation and location identifier of the meter to the utility provider. However, the separate user interface unit is potentially expensive, and also vulnerable to attack or theft. Furthermore, this system does not enable the consumer to make cash payments. Rather, the consumer is required to have a credit card. However, the type of consumer who is required to use prepayment meters is unlikely to have sufficient credit rating to merit being an authorised possessor of a credit card.

It is an object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a radio-controlled prepayment meter.

It is a further object of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a method for transmitting payment to a prepayment meter using radio signals.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a radio-controlled prepayment meter.

Preferably, the radio-controlled prepayment meter comprises a meter, a radio, controller means, a solenoid or switch, and a countdown register.

Alternatively, the radio-controlled prepayment meter comprises a meter, an interface to a radio, controller means, a solenoid or switch, and a countdown register.

Preferably the interface to a radio is an acoustic coupler.

Alternatively the interface to the radio is a secondary radio link.

Alternatively the interface to the radio is an infrared link.

Preferably, the controller means is adapted to communicate via the interface to a radio. Preferably, the radio is a radio transceiver.

Optionally, the radio utilises GSM signals (Global System for Mobile Communications).

The prepayment meter may be sealed.

Optionally, the countdown register is situated at a separate site to the meter.

Preferably, the countdown meter counts down power or money units.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of transmitting credit to a prepayment meter, comprising the steps of :

wirelessly transmitting credit; and

receiving credit into a prepayment meter.

Preferably, the credit is money or power credit.

Optionally, the transmission is achieved using GSM signals (Global System for Mobile Communications) .

Optionally, the transmission is achieved using Short Messaging Service.

The prepayment meter may be sealed. Preferably the method further comprises the step of checking payment details against database records for cross correlation to a telephone number.

Preferably the method further comprises the steps of encrypting the credit prior to transmission and decrypting the credit after transmission.

Preferably the method further comprises the step of storing the credit.

Preferably the method further comprises the step of disconnecting a service.

Preferably the service is electricity supply and/or gas supply and/or lighting and/or interactive television services and/or and home or personal alarm gateways.

Preferably the step of disconnecting a service is performed until sufficient credit is received.

Preferably the method further comprises the steps of wirelessly transmitting tariff changes and receiving tariff changes into a prepayment meter.

Preferably the step of wirelessly transmitting tariff changes comprises cell broadcast SMS.

In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention, an example will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates the prepayment meter of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates the operation of a prepayment meter system, utilising communication via radio signals;

Figure 3 illustrates the use of a prepayment meter (and variations thereon) for a number of functions not normally associated with metering;

Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment with an acoustic coupler in the prepayment meter and an external radio.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, prepayment meter 1 is shown, comprising meter 2, radio 3, controller means 4, a solenoid or switch 5, and a credit or countdown register 6.

As in a conventional prepayment meter, the controller means (e.g. a microprocessor) is programmed to enable the meter to make the decision to cut off the supply of a service using the register and a solenoid or switch.

In one embodiment, the radio is a radio transceiver (such as found in a mobile telephone) that utilises GSM signals (Global System for Mobile Communications) . The meter may be sealed.

In one embodiment, the countdown register is situated at a separate site to the meter. Preferably, the countdown meter counts down power or money units. Referring to Figure 2, an electronic point of sale terminal 7 communicates via public switch telephone network (PSTN) with payment agent/EPOS terminal operator 8. Customer management site 9 can both implement call transfers and provide data for the utility provider 10. The customer management site 9 accepts data from payment agent 8, which identifies the customer, and the monetary value which must be transferred to the prepayment meter 1.

The monetary value is first encrypted, and then transferred to the prepayment meter 1 via the GSM gateway/GSM system 11. The preferred method of the transfer of this data will be short message service (SMS) standard, although other data transfer mechanisms will be implemented and supported. The prepayment meter 1 also has the ability to decrypt the monetary value purchase via EPOS terminal 7, and transfer it to the credit or countdown register 6 in the prepayment meter 1.

As an example, should a customer need to transfer credit/power to their meter, the following steps are taken :

1. First visit the location where the EPOS terminal is located. 2. Pass to the operator a credit/debit card or money. 3. Indicate the amount of money which is required to be transferred. 4. If money is used, a method of identity will be required to be handed to the operator. This is normally a magnetic stripe card with encoded customer details. 5. The required card is inserted in the EPOS terminal which auto-dials the correct location. 6. Prepayment agent receives this call and verifies customer is real and who is the commodity vendor (utility) associated with the transaction. 7. On completion of the verification process, the EPOS terminal is informed the transaction is OK. 8. The EPOS terminal prints a receipt, or transfers the monetary value to the card as required. 9. The monetary value of transaction is removed from the EPOS owners bank account and transferred to the commodity vendors bank account, minus commissions. This will not be done in real time. 10. Prepayment agent transfers transaction details to the customer management system. 11. Details are checked against database records for cross correlation to a GSM telephone number. 12. The monetary value is encrypted to a numerical string. 13. The numerical string is transferred to the GSM prepayment meter using an appropriate technique : probably SMS. 14. The prepayment meter decrypts the data and recovers the monetary value. The prepayment meter then stores it in the prepayment meter's countdown register. 15. Transaction details are made available to the commodity vendor.

The above systems use standard techniques to verify each step of the above process to detect and correct errors.

Referring to Figure 3, the infrastructure surrounding prepayment meter 1 can also be used for a number of functions which are currently not normally associated with payment through a meter. Specifically, services such as lighting, interactive television services, and home or personal alarm gateways can be supported by the infrastructure surrounding prepayment meter 1.

Referring to the alternative embodiment of Figure 4, prepayment meter 1 is shown, comprising meter 2, a radio 3 that is a mobile/cellular telephone, controller means 4, a solenoid or switch 5, and a credit or countdown register 6. The interface between the prepayment meter and the radio in this embodiment is acoustic, using the speaker/microphone pair 7 of the mobile phone and an acoustic coupler 8 as part of the prepayment meter. Alternatively the interface to the radio is a secondary radio link (e.g. Bluetooth™) or an infrared link. The controller means is adapted to communicate via the interface to the mobile/cellular telephone that contains its own acoustic coupler.

The operation of a payment system using an acoustic coupler to connect a mobile phone to a point of sale terminal is described in International Patent Application WO0233669.

An advantage of the present invention is that the transferring of credit to the customers' prepayment meter, via a communications network, removes the problems currently associated with prepayment techniques.

Specifically, the prepayment meter of the present invention features no card slot, in which a foreign object can be inserted. This decreases the maintenance costs and replacement costs of the meters, and furthermore prevents defrauding of the meters.

It is a further advantage of the present invention that, as there is not card slot featured in the prepayment, contaminated cards or data keys cannot pass contamination onto the meter. Again, this aids in decreasing the maintenance and replacement costs of the meters.

Costs are further kept down by the present system not using expensive data cards or keys, thus the cost of replacing the cards is diminished.

A further advantage of the present system is the interactive nature of the prepayment meter. Thus, it is quick and easy to alter the data held on all the central system or database of the utility provider, to reflect the customers updated details (e.g.- that the customer has moved to a new supplier) .

As meter maintenance costs will be greatly diminished, all customers will be able to move from one utility provider to another without hindrance. This has obvious advantages in terms of consumer choice.

Furthermore, the interactive and easily updateable nature of the prepayment meter of the present system means that tariff changes are easily achieved. This can be done using a cell broadcast SMS message. Thus, the expense of providing an operative from the utility provider company to update tariffs is completely removed. As the prepayment meter featured in the present invention does not require use of a keypad, customers need not remember or input lengthy numbers into the meter. This completely eradicates the possibility of customer error.

Finally, the present invention does not require that the customer must visit an EPOS terminal operator in order to transfer payment to their prepayment meter. It is possible to transfer credit card or debit card payments to a prepayment meter, without the necessity of the customer leaving their residence of premises. This would have obvious advantages for the customer in terms of speed, convenience and security.

Further modifications and improvements may be added without departing from the scope of the invention herein described.

Claims

1. A radio-controlled prepayment meter.

2. The prepayment meter of Claim 1 comprising a meter, a radio, controller means, a solenoid or switch, and a countdown register.

3. The prepayment meter of Claim 1 comprising a meter, an interface to a radio, controller means, a solenoid or switch, and a countdown register.

4. The prepayment meter of Claim 3 wherein the interface to a radio is an acoustic coupler.

5. The prepayment meter of Claim 3 wherein the interface to the radio is a secondary radio link.

6. The prepayment meter of Claim 3 wherein the interface to the radio is an infrared link.

7. The prepayment meter of any of Claims 3 to 6 wherein the controller means is adapted to communicate via the interface to a radio.

8. The prepayment meter of any previous Claim wherein the radio is a radio transceiver.

9. The prepayment meter of any previous Claim wherein the radio utilises GSM signals (Global System for Mobile Communications) .

10. The prepayment meter of any previous Claim wherein prepayment meter is sealed.

11. The prepayment meter of any previous Claim wherein the countdown register is situated at a separate site to the meter.

12. The prepayment meter of any previous Claim wherein the countdown meter counts down power or money units.

13. A method of transmitting credit to a prepayment meter, comprising the steps of : wirelessly transmitting credit; and receiving credit into a prepayment meter.

14. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the credit is money or power credit.

15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the transmission is achieved using GSM signals (Global System for Mobile Communications) .

16. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the transmission is achieved using Short Messaging Service.

17. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the prepayment meter is sealed.

18. A method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising the step of checking payment details against database records for cross correlation to a telephone number.

19. A method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising the steps of encrypting the credit prior to transmission and decrypting the credit after transmission.

20. A method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising the step of storing the credit.

21. A method as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising the step of disconnecting a service.

22. A method as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the service is electricity supply and/or gas supply and/or lighting and/or interactive television services and/or and home or personal alarm gateways.

23. A method as claimed in any of Claims 21 and 22 wherein the step of disconnecting a service is performed until sufficient credit is received.

24. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the method further comprises the step of wirelessly transmitting tariff changes and receiving tariff changes into a prepayment meter.

25. A method as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the step of wirelessly transmitting tariff changes comprises cell broadcast SMS.