More particularly the invention relates to a meter for determining the cost of usage of a utility and display of same at the point of usage.

For the purposes of this specification, the utility used as an exemplar of the invention is electricity, but the invention is not limited to this utility alone. Also for the purposes of this specification, a utility network may include any or all of the following: a national or international grid, an electricity distributor's network, the network within a commercial, industrial or domestic facility (which facility may include a single dwelling or commercial unit). Also, usage of a utility connotes consumption, distribution, generation, transmission, or supply of that utility.

Background Art At present electricity (or any other utility) usage within a facility or dwelling is generally metered by a meter recording the passage of units of electricity. This meter is "read", either manually or otherwise, and an invoice is centrally generated for that consumer or supplier, converting the units monitored by the meter into a cost.

Similarly, some meters can measure the passage of units from a network to another network. For example, meters are used to record the supply of electricity from a generating network to national grid, or a sub-set of the national grid. The passage of electricity through such a meter is centrally recorded after "reading" of the meter. An invoice is customarily generated to cover the cost of supply of those units of electricity.

Both the above processes briefly describe the traditional settlement and accounting for a utility provider. Both involve the movement of large quantities of data on usage only from individual meters to a central processing point. Incorporated into these processes is the fact that information on the cost of supply of a utility is only available through the central processing location, which is also where the invoice for consumption is generated.

Additionally, the cost of supply may vary from time to time on a periodic basis (for example most electricity providers have peak rates, night rates, etc). However at present there is no provision for information on these variations to be available to the end user or any intermediate user via the existing meter. There is also presently no provision for any other information regarding cost changes, such that advantage may be taken of varied rates. There are few, if any, automated means of minimising the cost

of usage of a utility by optimising the choice of utility supplier based on the cheapest rate in any given time period of the day.

In known meters there is no ability to provide for calculation of the cost of consumption at the point of metering, as there is no provision at present for the forwarding of cost information on generation and distribution of a utility to a meter. Also there are no means to calculate the cost to the user (or to the provider) within presently known meters.

Further, there is presently no means to allow for the supply of a utility by more than one provider through the one meter within a dwelling or building. This would offer a range of utility providers to the user, via the same meter and network. Also, with presently known meters, there is no ability to select a utility supplier based on a selected range of criteria from time to time over a day (or a week) nor to change from one supplier to another within a day (for example, change the provider based on the cost of electricity through that supplier at a particular time of day, or for a particular period of each day).

An object of the present invention is the provision of an improved utility meter and method of metering a utility that overcomes the above described disadvantages. An object of the present invention is the provision of a meter that permits a meter to monitor the one utility when supplied by one or more utility providers.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides an improved utility metering device for recording, calculating and providing information on usage of at least one utility on a utility network, said device being capable of connection to at least one communications media, said usage being selected from the group: consumption, distribution, generation, transmission and supply of said utility; said network being selected from the group: a national grid, an international grid, a utility distributor's network, the network within a commercial facility, the network within an industrial facility, the network within a domestic facility; wherein said utility metering device includes: a microcontroller means; memory means; at least one interface circuit, each of which allows connection to at least one communications medium and by which information can be conveyed either to and from said device; a meter interface capable of receiving information from a metering means, said metering means recording the load or usage of each said utility on the network to which the metering means is connected, each said meter interface being capable of

transferring said information to the memory means; display means for displaying information on usage and cost in human readable form; control instructions, which are based in computer programming instructions, to operate the microcontroller means; said control instructions using the information available within the device, being information generated or transferred via the meter interface, and on information received from said interface circuits; wherein said control instructions include: instructions to minimise the cost of each utility being used; instructions to maximise the information available on projected usage of each utility based on past usage and other pertinent information; instructions to make a first portion of said information available through the display means; and instructions to make a second portion of this information, including the cumulative cost of each utility used, available via at least one interface circuit to a designated administrative centre for each appropriate utility provider; wherein said first and second portions may contain common information.

Optionally, the metering means is an integral part of said device. If so, the meter reader and meter interface may be integral. Preferably all information of a retail nature or end user nature is available through the display means.

Preferably said computer programming instructions operate to perform instructions and known calculations based on information contained in a plurality of matrices of information. Each matrix contains information on (or from) one source, place or provider. Each matrix is a matrix of information on or about one quantity with respect to the utility. Alternatively a matrix may be the result of the operation of the instructions on one or more pre-existing matrices of information, thus being a further matrix of information generated from existing matrices.

Optionally the format of all matrices is based on time units over a 24 hour period. Preferably, there is sufficient memory means to provide for one or more months of such 24 hour periods. Each matrix thus has up to 31 columns. The number of rows depends on the division of each repeating time period into sub units (for example: minutes, hours or a combination). Provision can also be made for division by row to be non-uniform.

Thus for any given time period the device can display information relating to the usage of each utility, the cost of that utility consumption, the price offered by each organisation offering that utility for sale, and so on.

Preferably the information in any one matrix comes either fully from within the

device or fully from outside the device or is a product of the elements from two or more matrices combined in accordance with pre-arranged instructions. Preferably the computer programming allows for a minimum of two matrices and for the insertion of additional matrices at any time.

Additionally, said computer programming instructions operate to perform instructions and calculations based on a plurality of matrices of information wherein each matrix contains information on or calculations based on: the quantity used of the utility being monitored; and at least one of the following: the wholesale cost of the utility for each respective utility provider; the wholesale cost of the transmission of the utility; the wholesale cost of the distribution of the utility; the wholesale cost of ensuring the on-going stable and reliable supply of the utility; and any combination of these; wherein said calculations are conducted after the passage of any time unit used in the matrices; and wherein the information resulting from the calculations is available only to said administrative centre for the respective utility provider.

Optionally the said wholesale costs for any or all time units may be defined either before or after the consumption of the electricity and before or after the physical passage of each respective time unit within a matrix.

The present invention also provides a method of recording, calculating and providing information on utility usage on a network, the information being provided at the point of usage; said usage being selected from the group: consumption, distribution, generation, transmission and supply of said utility; said network being selected from the group: a national grid, an international grid, a utility distributor's network, the network within a commercial facility, the network within an industrial facility, the network within a domestic facility; said method including providing: microcontroller means; memory means; display means; at least one interface circuit, each of which allows connection to at least one communications medium and by which information can be conveyed to and from said device; a meter interface capable of receiving information from a metering means, said metering means recording the load or usage of each said utility on the network to

which the metering means is connected, each said meter interface being capable of transferring said information to the memory means; wherein said microprocessor is programmed to carry out the steps of: minimising the cost of each utility being used; maximising the information available on projected usage of each utility based on past usage and other pertinent information; and making a first portion of this information available through the display means; and making a second portion of this information, including the cumulative cost of each utility used, available via at least one interface circuit to the administrative centre for each appropriate utility provider; wherein said first and second portions may contain common information.

Additionally, said computer programming instructions for the programming of the microprocessor is for the performance of instructions and calculations based on a plurality of matrices of information wherein each matrix contains information on: the quantity used of the utility being monitored; and at least one of the following: the wholesale cost of the utility for each respective utility provider; the wholesale cost of the transmission of the utility; the wholesale cost of the distribution of the utility; a rating for the stability of the utility; and any combination of these; wherein said calculations are conducted after the passage of any time unit used in the matrices; and wherein said information resulting from the calculations is available only to said administrative centre for the respective utility provider.

Brief Description of the Invention By way of example only, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to electricity as the utility and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the device of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a matrix for the storage of information on one aspect or quantity of electricity; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the manner of operation of the computer controls on a first set of matrices within a network; and Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the manner of operation of the

computer controls on a second set of matrices within a network.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to Fig. 1, an improved utility metering device 2 is thereshown. Saia device 2 includes a microcontroller and associated circuitry 3 along with memory and associated software 4. The microcontroller 3 is connected to a meter interface 5 capable of receiving usage readings from a meter reader 6.

If so desired, the meter reader 6 may form a part of the device 2 or may be physically separate from the device 2. Aiso, when the device 2 is being used for monitoring a second utility, a second meter interface 7 is incorporated into the device 2. The second interface 7 has an attendant reader 8. The monitoring and metering of a third or more utility can be added in similar manner, if so desired.

The microcontroller 3 is connected to a display device 9. This display 9 may be one of many known types, selected from the group consisting of: a visual display unit; a LED read out unit, or a printer. Additionally, if so desired or as an alternative, the microcontroller 3 may be connected to a display unit 10 external to and remote from the device 2. Such a unit 10 could be any device capable of display or providing the informational output of the microcontroller 3. For example such a unit 10 may be selected from: a television set, a small computer, a voice operated unit, a visual display unit remote from the device 2, or a portable or non-portable phone, etc.

The microcontroller 3 is connected to a plurality of interface circuits 11. Each interface circuit 11 is connected to one or more external source of information. These external sources of information may include: a plurality of electricity suppliers or receivers; the central administrative processor for recording supply or consumption of electricity; a source of information from a distributor of electricity (regarding costs of distribution or delivery). Information from each source is updated on a regular basis and each circuit 11 only provides incoming information but may convey a limited amount of processed information from the device 2 back to the source, under certain pre- determined conditions.

The microcontroller 3 is also connected to a plurality of interface circuits 12 pertaining to a second utility also being metered by said device 2. The circuits 12 operate in the same way as the interface circuits 11 for the first utility.

Each interface circuit 11, 12 may provide information via one or more communications media. For example, electricity land lines may be used, in addition to a phone circuit or other hard line. Wireless broadcastings means, with an appropriate receiver, may also be used, if so desired.

Referring to Fig.s 1 to 4, the microcontroller 3 is constrained to operate in a

particular manner by computer programming. This programming incorporates the necessary mathematical operations on a plurality of matrices 13 which represent a pre- determined range of values for a particular quality or quantity of electricity, over a specified period of time.

Referring to Fig. 2 for example, this diagram represents a consumption matrix 13 for electricity. The x and y axes are respectively divided into intervals each representing an equal period of time. Each cell 14 therefore holds a value of the usage of electricity for one individual time period, the matrix 13 covering all time intervals for a particular period with cumulative totals 15, 16 also displayed below each columns.

In the example in Fig. 2 each column represents a period of 24 hours divided into an equal number (48) of time slots - producing the cells 14. Thus the matrix 13 can hold all the electricity usage for a month or any predetermined period of time. As each day passes, additional columns can be added to the right hand side of the matrix 2. At the same time, columns from the left hand side of the matrix 2 can be removed, if so desired, after the information contained therein is fully processed or may be left in the meter for any desired archival period depending on the memory available.

Whilst each cell 14 is shown as being of a uniform size, this need not be the case. For example, the time slots could represent unequal quantities of time (dependant on the time of day being represented in the cells 14. Alternatively, there could be a cell 14 for every minute of the day.

Similarly, the matrix 13 is shown with approximate one month's data present, but if so desired, the matrix 13 could be only one column wide, or could contain all the days of a year. Alternatively, each column of the matrix 13 could represent a different, recurring time period (for example, an hour).

Referring to Fig. 4, the program is constrained to operate over a plurality of superimposed matrices (13, 17-19). All matrices (13, 17-19) have cells 14 of a uniform size for the same time period. Each matrix used in the calculations contains relevant information to permit a calculation to be done to arrive at a value for, for example, the cost of electricity supply, consumption, generation (etc) for each cell 14. Thus matrices 13, 17 and 18 in Fig. 3 may be used to derive a cost for supply, for an electricity provider.

Matrices 13, 17-19 may be used to derive a cost for each cell 14 to the end user. Each matrix (13, 17-19) may represent a base cost from a supplier, the units of electricity used, the distribution costs, the delivery costs, network losses, and so on.

These cells of information can all be combined by known calculation means to arrive at a cost per cell 14 to the end user or supplier.

If so desired, two or more matrices may represent the costs from different

providers. Thus if the program control is appropriately instructed, after a comparison of price/cost is made, to permit the cheapest supplier to be selected by the microcontroller 3, for any given cell 14. If there are a plurality of distributors or deliverers, additional matrices 20 and comparisons may also be used for that facet of the cost of electricity.

The information contained in any or each of the cells 14, including the cumulative information on any matrix (13, 17-19), is capable of display on the unit 9 and, if present, the unit 10. The cumulative amount 21 for any predetermined accounting period is then transferred by a pre-selected interface circuit 11 to a central processing unit for the generation and recording of the accounting cost 22. If so desired, provision may be included in the device for each cell 14 of cost to be debited immediately the time represented by that cell 14 of information passes. This may be optionally over a plurality of cells 14.

Thus, if the end user is a consumer of electricity, the end user is able to ascertain at will the cost of electricity usage.

If so desired, the programming controls of the microcontroller 3 may include software to permit statistical accumulation of data 23 from the matrices (13, 17-20) to permit a prediction to be made either as the quantitative usage of electricity in a given period and/or the cost of usage over a given period. Such information may also be stored in a matrix with the software program incorporating means to constantly compare the projected value of a quantity and the actual value of the same quantity for any given time period.

If so desired, a second set of matrices may be incorporated into the programming of the microcontroller 3 to permit both consumption and delivery (i.e. two way usage of the network) to be monitored by the device 2, thus permitting the end user to sell back surplus or locally generated electricity at a time that is financially advantageous.

Referring to Fig. 3, a second series of matrices (13, 23, 24) may also contain information as described above. The second and subsequent matrices (23, 24) contain information relevant to a utility or utility service wholesaler. The operations within the microcontroller 3 are adapted so that the cost to the utility or utility service provider may also be calculated within the device 2.

Matrices (23, 24) may relate to distribution, transmission or stability (including any reliability) costs and the calculations, of necessity, are performed after the passage of the time periods involved. The cost of the utility for each time period and the information on the matrices (23, 24) are only accessible by the wholesaler or a pre- approved agent, not by the end user. Thus ail wholesale calculations may be made in

a totally distributed manner.

It will be appreciated that a plurality of such matrix sets can be used within each device 2.

Whilst the above described device 2 has been described with reference to a domestic or commercial network, it will be appreciated that the device 2, with minimal adaptation of the programming, may be used for a purely wholesale supply network or market, or a transmission or delivery network of a utility.

Similarly, it will be appreciated that, with adaptation of the programming, more than one supplier of a utility may be selected and used at the same time. Thus two electricity suppliers could be supplying to the one end user at the same time, if so desired.