FR2784484A1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHIP CARD COMMUNICATION IN AN ENERGY OR FLUID DISTRIBUTION NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a two-way communication system between a plurality of subscriber terminals (2) connected to a power and/or fluid dispensing network and a central management unit4) designed to process data concerning all the subscribers connected to said network, each terminal (2) being equipped with a microprocessor, a storage unit for storing technical data related to the connection and a read-write unit (6) for transferring said data onto the chip card for reading instructions for connection specific to each user so as to load them into the terminal (2) storage unit. The system is characterised in that it further comprises a transaction module (3) capable of generating all or part of the instructions for connection and transferring said instructions to the subscriber terminal (2) and for transmitting the technical data collected from said terminal (2) to the central management unit (4).

Description

Card communication system and method
smart in an energy distribution network
or fluid
The present invention relates to a smart card communication system and method in an energy and / or fluid distribution network.

 The invention particularly relates to a system and a method of bidirectional communication between a plurality of subscriber terminals associated with each subscriber connection and a central management unit intended to process the information relating to all the connections subscribers connected to said network, each terminal being equipped with a microprocessor, a memory for storing technical data relating to the subscriber connection and a read / write unit for transferring this data to the smart card and for reading connection instructions specific to each subscriber in order to load them into the memory of the terminal of the latter.

 The use of a smart card in an energy or fluid distribution network is known, in particular by the patent FR 2633076, and the patent application FR 2756400.

 The patent FR 2633076 describes a method and a device for counting fluid or energy consumption using a memory card. The only purpose of this method and this device is to transfer a value representing an amount of energy or fluid consumed from the subscriber's counter to the memory card, the subscriber's connection is cut when the memory of the card is full.

 Patent application FR 2756400 describes a method for authorizing and controlling the consumption of a fluid or energy by smart card. The only purpose of this method is to transfer a value representing a given quantity of energy or fluid from the memory of the smart card to a memory associated with the subscriber's counter, and to allow consumption as long as there is value units in the counter memory.

 The systems of the prior art described above are exclusively intended for counting subscriber consumption and do not allow the distribution company to carry out a global management which, in addition to the aspects relating to billing, also makes it possible to make card subscriptions that are easily adaptable to each subscriber or group of subscribers taking into account several technical data.

 The object of the invention is to propose a system capable not only of managing the subscriber's consumption of energy or of fluid, but also of allowing the exchange of a large amount of information which also relates to specific technical instructions. to each subscriber in order to adapt the connection at any time to the subscriber's needs, to manage any breakdowns and to prevent fraud attempts using a chip card with microprocessor or microcontroller with memory.

 The system according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a transaction module capable, on the one hand, of generating all or part of the connection instructions specific to each subscriber and of transmitting these instructions to the subscriber's terminal, and on the other hand, to transmit the technical data collected from said terminal to the central management unit.

 The method according to the invention is characterized in that connection instructions are generated which are loaded onto the smart card of each subscriber, then the content of each card is transferred to the subscriber's terminal, and records in the transaction module technical data relating to the connection which is loaded from each terminal into the smart card of each subscriber.

 The system and method according to the invention allow the distribution company to transmit to each subscriber connection instructions adapted to their needs and receive, in return, information concerning for example the state of the equipment and the fraud attempts.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system is secured by a removable security module managed by a microprocessor and installed in each subscriber terminal and in each transaction module.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, taken by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended figures in which:
FIG. 1 represents a diagram illustrating a global communication system according to the invention;
FIG. 2 schematically represents a card carrying out the communication between a transaction module and a subscriber terminal integrated into the communication system according to the invention;
FIG. 3 schematically represents a transaction equipment integrated into the communication system according to the invention;
FIG. 4 schematically represents a central management unit integrated into the communication system according to the invention;
FIG. 5 schematically represents a communication interface between a transaction module and a central management unit in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 6 schematically represents a public terminal comprising a transaction module according to the invention;
FIG. 7 schematically represents a domestic management and communication installation capable of being integrated into the system according to the invention;
FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of the communication method according to the invention;
FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of the communication method according to the invention;
FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment of the communication method according to the invention.

 FIG. 1 represents a two-way communication system by smart card 1 between a terminal 2 intended to manage the connection of the subscriber to an energy or fluid distribution network and a central management unit 4 intended to process the information relating to all subscriber connections connected to said network. The terminal 2 comprises a microprocessor, a memory for storing technical data relating to the subscriber connection and a read / write unit 6 for transferring this data to the smart card 1 and for reading connection instructions specific to each subscriber in order to load them into the memory of subscriber terminal 2.

Preferably, the terminal is able to receive, via an input terminal 7, the technical information on the connection and, after having processed it in relation to the information received, via the read / write unit 6, transmits, via a first output terminal 8, connection control commands as well as certain information to the subscriber via a second output terminal 9.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the communication system comprises a transaction module 3 capable, on the one hand, of processing all or part of the connection instructions and of transmitting these instructions to the terminal of the subscriber 2, and on the other hand, to transmit the technical data collected from said terminal 2 to the central management unit 4.

 Said transaction module 3 also includes a microprocessor, a memory, a read / write means 6 dedicated to the subscriber smart card 1 and at least one security module 12 comprising cryptography means to protect all or part of the instructions. of connection and all or part of the information exchanged using the smart card 1 between the subscriber terminal 2 and the transaction module 3. This transaction module 3 transfers the instructions relating to the connection, on demand and successively to several subscriber cards 1. The read / write means 6 makes it possible to read the feedback information contained in each of said subscriber cards 1 in order to store them in the memory of the transaction module 3. Read transfer operations and in writing must necessarily be authorized by the security module 12.

 Generally, the transaction module 3 is associated, in transaction equipment 13, with a screen 16, a keyboard 18, a printer 20 and a second read / write means 22 dedicated to a second card 24 containing the instructions relating to connection.

 Preferably, the transaction module 3 partially or totally generates said connection instructions. To this end, the authorized user of the transaction module 3 composes codes on the keyboard 18 which activate predefined instructions previously stored in the card 24. These instructions are recorded in the subscriber card 1 before being loaded into the terminal 2 memory of the latter and decoded by the microprocessor of this terminal 2.

 According to another embodiment of the invention, the private transaction equipment 13 can be replaced by a public transaction terminal 38 illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 6.

 The communication system further comprises a communication and intervention interface 30 intended to ensure the exchange of data between the subscriber terminal 2, the transaction module 3 and the central management unit 4. Said communication interface 30 is provided with a keyboard 32, a screen 34, a microcontroller which manages an internal memory capable of containing information coming from a plurality of subscriber terminals 2 and / or from a plurality of transaction modules 3. The transfer of data is carried out through a connection means 36, with or without contact, which is able, on the one hand, to read information contained in each subscriber card 1, and to write the instructions therein. connection, and secondly, to read the instructions contained in the memory of the transaction module 3 and to write therein said data collected by each card 1 from the subscriber terminal 2.

 Preferably, the interface 30 is equipped with one or more security modules 12. This interface 30 also allows the company to make interventions on the subscriber terminals 2 in particular during the commissioning of the connection, to carry out checks, diagnoses relating to breakdowns or termination of subscriptions.

 Communication between the different elements of the system can be carried out according to four distinct modes.

 In the first mode illustrated by FIG. 8, several subscriber terminals 2 can communicate by means of a smart card 1 with one or more transaction modules 3. These are generally installed at points of sale geographically distributed from so as to cover the energy or fluid distribution area. In this case, the transfer of the connection instructions and of information between the modules 3 and the central unit 4 is carried out using the communication interface 30. The transaction modules can be installed in the transaction equipment. 13 or in a public terminal 38. The interface 30 makes it possible to communicate with the central unit 4.

 In a second direct communication mode, the transaction module 3 is associated with the central management unit 4, and the subscriber terminals 2 communicate directly with said central management unit 4 by means of the smart card 1.

 In a third communication mode illustrated in FIG. 9, the transaction modules 3 and the central management unit 4 are associated with the modem 40 which allows them to exchange information either by a wired type link or by a link radio or satellite.

 Communication between the subscriber terminals and the private transaction equipment or the public terminals 25 is carried out in this case by the smart card 1.

 In the fourth communication mode illustrated in FIG. 10, each subscriber has a domestic installation 48 for management and communication comprising a universal smart card reader 50 intended to read the information recorded in the smart card 1 and a modem 40 which can be connected to a microcomputer 52. The modem 40 allows the subscriber to exchange information directly with the central management unit 4. This communication can be carried out either through a telephone line or through a cable network either by satellite or by any other non-dedicated means of communication. In this case, the transaction module 3 can be integrated either with the domestic installation 48, or with the central management unit 4, at the distribution company.

 Preferably, each subscriber terminal 2, and each transaction module 3 comprise one or more removable security modules 12 comprising a microprocessor with memory which cooperates with the microprocessor of subscriber terminal 2, of the transaction module 3 and with the card. Subscriber 1 to manage transaction permissions.

 Finally, the communication system authorizes the loading into the subscriber card 1 of monetary credit with bank terminals of the electronic purse type. In this case, one or more security modules 12 comprise both specific cryptography devices, on the one hand, for the network of banks, and on the other hand, for the distribution company. The system then makes it possible to receive a monetary credit from a bank terminal of the electronic purse type and to transfer it to a subscriber terminal 2 capable of decrypting the information in collaboration with one or more security modules 12.

 According to another embodiment of the invention, the subscriber card 1 is of the contactless type. In this case, the subscriber terminals 2, the transaction modules 3 and the communication interface 30 each comprise means for reading said contactless smart card.

Claims (16)

 1. Bidirectional communication system between a plurality of subscriber terminals (2) connected to an energy and / or fluid distribution network and a central management unit (4) intended to process information relating to all the connections of subscribers connected to said network, each terminal (2) being provided with a microprocessor, a memory for storing technical data relating to the connection and a read / write unit (6) for transferring this data to a subscriber smart card (1) and for reading connection instructions specific to each subscriber in order to load them into the memory of the terminal (2), characterized in that it further comprises a transaction module (3) suitable on the one hand, to generate all or part of the connection instructions and to transmit these instructions to the subscriber's terminal (2), and on the other hand, to transmit the technical data collected from said terminal (2) to one hundred unit management role (4).  2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the transaction module (3) and the subscriber terminal (2) each comprise a microprocessor, a memory, a read / write means (6) dedicated to the card. subscriber chip (1) and at least one security module (12) comprising cryptography means to protect all or part of the connection instructions and all or part of the information exchanged using the smart card (1) between the subscriber terminal (2) and the transaction module (3).  3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a communication interface (30) intended to ensure the exchange of data between the transaction module (3) and the central management unit (4), said communication interface (30) being provided with a keyboard (32), a screen (34) and a microcontroller managing a memory capable of containing information coming from a plurality of subscriber terminals (2) and / or a plurality of transaction modules (3).  4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that said communication interface (30) further comprises a connection means (36) with or without contact capable, on the one hand, of reading information contained in the memory of each subscriber terminal (2), and to write the connection instructions therein, and on the other hand, to read the instructions contained in the memory of the transaction module (3) and to write therein said data collected by each card (1 ) from the subscriber terminal (2).  5. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the transaction module (3) and the central management unit (4) are equipped with a modem (40) which allows them to exchange information either by a link wired, either by radio or satellite.  6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each subscriber has a domestic installation (48) for management and communication comprising a universal card reader (50) intended to read / write the stored information in the subscriber smart card (1) and a modem (40) which allows the subscriber to exchange said information directly with the central management unit (4).  7. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the transaction module (3) is associated with a screen (16), a keyboard (18), a printer (20) and a second read / write means (22) allowing, on the one hand, to transfer on demand from a second card (24) the instructions relating to the connection successively to several subscriber cards (1), and on the other hand, to read and memorize in return information contained in each subscriber card (1).  8. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the subscriber smart card (1) is of the contactless type.  9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the subscriber terminal (2), the transaction module (3) and the universal reader (50) each comprise means for reading said contactless smart card.  10. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transaction module (3) is associated, in a public terminal (38), with a keyboard (18), a printer (20), a second read / write means (22) making it possible, on the one hand, to transfer at the request of the subscriber from a second card (24) the instructions relating to the connection successively to several subscriber cards (1), and on the other hand, to read and memorize in return information contained in each subscriber card (1).  11. System according to claim 6, characterized in that the transaction module (3) is integrated either with the domestic installation (48), or with the central management unit (4).  12. Public transaction terminal (38) characterized in that it comprises a transaction module (3) included in the system according to one of claims 1 to 11.  13. Method of bidirectional communication by smart card (1) between at least one terminal (2) intended to connect at least one subscriber to said network and a central management unit (4) intended to process information relating to all the subscribers connected to said network, characterized in that connection instructions are generated which are loaded onto the smart card (1) of each subscriber, then the content of each card (1) is transferred to the terminal of the subscriber (2), and data relating to the connection are recorded in the transaction module (3) which are loaded from each terminal (2) into the smart card (1) of each subscriber.  14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that data is exchanged between the transaction module (3) and the central management unit (4) by means of a communication interface (30) capable of storing information from a plurality of subscriber terminals (2) and / or a plurality of transaction modules (3).  15. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the information is exchanged between the transaction equipment (13) or the public transaction terminal (38) and the central management unit (4) via a modem (40) either via a wired type link, or via a radio link or by satellite.  16. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the smart card (1) also makes it possible to receive a monetary credit from a bank terminal of the electronic purse type and to transfer it to a subscriber terminal (2 ) suitable for decrypting information in collaboration with one or more security modules (12).