JP2003315134A - Gas meter information system, used resource amount information system, and additional function unit used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To actualize new additional functions highly convenient to users other than a security function and an automatic meter reading function with low electricity consumption without giving excessive specifications to a gas meter. <P>SOLUTION: An additional function unit 200 is annexed to or added to the exterior or interior of the gas meter 100 in addition to a structure as the gas meter itself for executing basic functions as a commonly used meter for gas flow. New additional functions highly convenient to users can be added to the gas meter 100 proper, without giving complicated and excessive specifications to the structure of a control circuit, etc., such as one-chip microcomputer incorporated therein (with a gas meter having a simple, low-cost, and commonly used structure kept as it is). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas meter information system, an additional function unit used therein, a resource usage information system and an additional function unit used therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gas meter or other electric power meter or water meter is a city gas for fuel or L
In order to calculate the so-called pay-as-you-go charges corresponding to the usage of various resources such as P gas or electric power and tap water / sewer water, for each user's residence or store that consumes or uses those resources, Each is installed.

In the past, gas meters used a mechanical metering system called a membrane type. This is to measure the flow rate of gas flowing from the upstream side of the gas meter to the downstream side with a mechanical metering device called a membrane type, to integrate the flow rate value and display the integrated flow rate value with a mechanical numerical counter. Was.

In recent years, a simple control circuit using a so-called microcomputer of about 4 to 8 bits (microcomputer) is built in a gas meter,
A safety function that closes the shutoff valve by detecting an abnormal pressure, a minute flow rate leak, an earthquake, etc., or restarts the shutoff valve in response to a return command input when the return button is pressed, A so-called microcomputer meter has been proposed that can realize an automatic meter reading function that converts the integrated flow rate value (meter reading value) into a signal and automatically measures it at the management center of the gas company via a telephone line, etc., and newly installed a gas meter. This kind of microcomputer meter has been adopted when replacing the old gas meter with a new one.

Among the functions of the microcomputer meter, the safety function related to the control of the shutoff valve can be performed by the gas meter alone, and most of the microcomputer meters currently in use are already operating. Further, it is expected that the automatic meter reading function will become more and more widespread in the future.

In such a microcomputer meter, it is required to simplify the structure of the control circuit, reduce the power consumption, and reduce the cost of the parts used, and therefore, it is easy to use a microcomputer of about 4 to 8 bits. A control circuit is adopted. In other words, the security function and automatic meter reading function described above
Since it can be sufficiently realized by a control circuit using a simple microcomputer, it is a highly appropriate selection for the purpose of use.

In recent years, the contents of gas supply services and security-related services tend to become more complicated, and various settings of the service contents are often changed. Therefore, in the microcomputer meter as described above,
It has become necessary to change various settings related to security functions and automatic meter reading functions.

In order to meet such a demand, a control circuit built in the microcomputer meter functions according to a program that can be rewritten from the outside.
A technique of configuring using a PU is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
No. 00-89941. In this technology, a control circuit having substantially the same high function and complicated circuit configuration as a personal computer is built into a gas meter, and the operation circuit of the control circuit is rewritten by the control circuit.

However, it is practically unrealistic to incorporate a control circuit, which has such a high function, and therefore has a high cost and a high power consumption, in a gas meter. For example, in city gas, there are several millions of gas meters installed in the management area of one gas company, so in order to incorporate the high-performance and high-cost control circuit as described above in all of the gas meters. Costs a huge amount of money.

Moreover, by incorporating such a high-performance, high-cost and high-power-consumption control circuit, it becomes possible to change various set values for the security function and the automatic meter reading function, Not all the functions of a high-performance control circuit can be used, and it is practically difficult to realize the functions other than the security function and the automatic meter reading function by the conventional gas meter alone. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-8994
The publication No. 1 does not propose any specific new function other than the security function and the automatic meter reading function.

As described above, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-899.
In the conventional technique as proposed in Japanese Patent No. 41, the gas meter is over-specified (like a treasure).
Since a high-performance CPU is built in, there is a large amount of wasted hardware resources, which in turn leads to a high cost with redundant high-performance individual gas meters.

Further, since there may be a function that is not necessarily used for all gas meters installed in the controlled area of one gas company, such a function that is not used is substantially over-specified. It becomes a thing.

Therefore, for the control circuit built in the gas meter, it is desirable to use a simple microcomputer which is necessary and sufficient for the conventional general security function and automatic meter reading function. It is desirable that various settings relating to the function and the automatic meter reading function be rewritable, for example, from a host computer provided in a management center of a gas company via a telephone line, communication means, or the like. For example, the flow rate value, which is the criterion for minute flow rate leakage, and the setting of minute flow rate duration detection, etc. are rewritten from the host computer of the gas company, and various settings for conventional general security functions and automatic meter reading functions are performed. Can be appropriately rewritten (changed).

[0014]

However, it is difficult or impossible to realize a new additional function, which is different from the above-mentioned security function and automatic meter reading function, only by a microcomputer meter using a microcomputer of about 4 to 8 bits. It is possible.

Therefore, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-89941.
It is conceivable to adopt a measure such as that proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-096877, which realizes an additional function other than the security function and the automatic meter reading function by incorporating it in a control circuit 0 gas meter using a highly functional CPU As described above, it is extremely wasteful to mount high-performance CPUs on all gas meters, which causes a problem of increasing the cost of the gas meters.

Further, once a resource meter such as a gas meter is installed in a user's residence or store, it is not easy to replace the internal microcomputer and the control circuit incorporating the same, and There is also a problem that the measurement of the gas flow rate is interrupted during the replacement work.

The microcomputer meter has a built-in primary battery such as a lithium battery for supplying driving power to the control circuit.
Since it is a long term such as one year to ten years, low power consumption is strongly demanded in order to cope with it. However, if a gas meter is equipped with a control circuit using a CPU with high functionality and high power consumption as described above, CP with high power consumption due to such over-spec
Since the U continues to control the operation of measuring the flow rate value and to calculate the integrated value of the flow rate, the battery built into the gas meter will be consumed more quickly, and the life of the battery will be 7 years or more of the warranty period. There is a problem that it will be much shorter than 10 years. This significantly impairs the reliability of the gas meter as an original measuring instrument for reliable measurement over a long period of time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new gas meter which is highly convenient for users other than the security function and the automatic meter reading function without making the gas meter overspec. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gas meter information system, an additional function unit used for the gas meter information system, a resource usage information system, and an additional function unit used for the same, which can realize various additional functions with low power consumption.

[0019]

A gas meter information system according to the present invention comprises a gas flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate value and a gas flow rate integrating means for integrating a gas flow rate value measured by the gas flow rate measuring means. And a measurement value data conversion unit that converts at least the gas flow rate integrated value into a data value of the gas flow rate integrated value integrated by the gas flow rate integration unit or the gas flow rate value measured by the gas flow rate measurement unit. Gas meter, the data of the gas flow rate integrated value dataized by the measurement value data conversion means in the gas meter, or the data of the gas flow rate value when the measurement value data conversion means converts the gas flow rate value into data Among these, at least one or both of the data processing procedures and the timing for executing the same. Information, information on a storage procedure for storing data obtained by the arithmetic processing and information on the timing for executing the same, and a reading procedure for reading the stored data and information on the timing for executing the same. Data processing procedure storage means to be stored, data of the gas flow rate integrated value converted into data by the measurement value data conversion means in the gas meter, or when the measurement value data conversion means converts the gas flow rate value into data At least one or both of the data of the gas flow rate values are arithmetically processed according to the information of the arithmetic processing procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and the timing of executing the arithmetic processing procedure, and the arithmetic processing thereof. The data obtained by the storage procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and executing the storage procedure. Based on the timing information, the gas flow rate integrated value that is the source of the data or the gas meter that has measured the gas flow rate value is stored together with the identification information that has been given in advance, and the stored data is subjected to the data processing described above. Data processing executing means for performing a reading process in accordance with the information of the reading procedure stored in the procedure storing means and the timing of executing the reading procedure, and a data storage for storing the data arithmetically processed and stored by the data processing executing means. Unit and a data transmission unit for transmitting the data read out by the data processing execution unit from the data stored in the data storage unit to the outside together with the identification information of the gas meter. A data receiving means for receiving data transmitted from the plurality of additional function units, and the data receiving means. Reception data calculation processing execution means for performing calculation processing on the data received by the data reception means corresponding to the type of the data and the identification information given to the data; and the reception data calculation processing execution means. Received data storage means for storing the data processed by the above, separately for each identification information of the data, or for directly storing the data received by the data receiving means, separately for each identification information of the data, When a read command designating the type of data desired to be read and the identification information is input, the data corresponding to the type of data and the identification information designated by the read command is stored in the received data storage means. The received data reading means for reading from the stored data and the communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the additional function unit. Ete, it is provided with a central data management unit that is provided at a distance from said additional function unit.

The additional function unit according to the present invention is
Gas flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate value, gas flow rate integrating means for integrating the gas flow rate values measured by the gas flow rate measuring means, gas flow rate integrated value integrated by the gas flow rate integrating means, or Of the gas flow rate values measured by the gas flow rate measurement means, at least the measured value data conversion means for converting the gas flow rate integrated value into data, and the gas flow rate integrated in the gas meter by the measured value data conversion means Value data, or when the measured value data conversion means converts the gas flow rate value into data, at least one or both of the data of the gas flow rate value is used to perform an arithmetic processing procedure and it. Information on the timing of executing the, and the storage procedure for storing and processing the data obtained by the arithmetic processing Data processing procedure storage means for storing information on the timing of execution, reading procedure for reading the stored data and information on the timing for executing the reading procedure, and data conversion by the measurement value data conversion means in the gas meter. Gas flow rate integrated value data,
Alternatively, when the measured value data conversion means converts the gas flow rate value into data, at least one or both of the data of the gas flow rate value are stored in the data processing procedure storage means. According to the information of the procedure and the timing of executing it, the data obtained by the arithmetic processing is calculated according to the information of the procedure and the timing of executing it. The stored data is stored in the data processing procedure storage means together with the identification information that is given in advance to the gas meter that measured the gas flow integrated value or the gas flow value that is the source of the data. Data processing execution means for performing a reading process in accordance with information of the reading procedure and timing of executing the reading process, and the data processing execution Data storage means for storing the data processed and stored by the stage, and the data read out by the data processing execution means from the data stored in the data storage means, together with the identification information of the gas meter. , Data transmission means for transmitting to a central data management device provided at an external distance.

Further, the resource usage meter information system according to the present invention integrates the resource usage measuring means for measuring the usage of the resource to be measured and the resource usage measured by the resource usage measuring means. Resource usage accumulating means,
Measured value data conversion means for converting at least the resource usage integrated value of the resource usage integrated value integrated by the resource usage integrated means or the resource usage value measured by the resource usage measuring means into data And a resource usage meter provided with, and data of a resource usage integrated value dataized by the measurement value data conversion means in the resource usage meter, or the measurement value data conversion means data the resource usage value. In the case of conversion, the data of the resource usage value is calculated by using at least one or both of the data, the information of the operation processing procedure and the timing of executing it, and the data obtained by the operation processing. Information on a storage procedure for performing storage processing and timing of executing the storage procedure, and a read procedure for performing read processing on the stored data, and Data processing procedure storage means for storing information on the timing of execution thereof, data of resource usage integrated value converted by the measurement value data conversion means in the resource usage meter, or the measurement value data conversion means When converting the resource usage value into data, at least one or both of the data of the resource usage value are stored in the data processing procedure storage means, and the operation processing procedure is executed. The data obtained by the arithmetic processing according to the information of the timing to be performed, and the data obtained by the arithmetic processing based on the information of the storage procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and the timing of executing the data, the source of the data. Stored together with the identification information given in advance to the resource usage meter that measured the resource usage integrated value or resource usage value And a data processing executing means for reading the stored data according to the reading procedure stored in the data processing procedure storing means and information on the timing of executing the reading procedure, and the data processing executing means. The data read out by the data processing execution means out of the data stored in the data storage means for storing the data processed and stored together with the identification information of the resource usage meter, and the data stored in the data storage means. An additional function unit having data transmission means for transmitting to the outside together with the identification information of the resource usage meter, data reception means for receiving data transmitted from the plurality of additional function units, and the data reception For the data received by the means,
The received data operation processing execution means for performing operation processing corresponding to the type of the data and the identification information given to the data, and the data operated by the received data operation processing execution means, the identification information of the data. The received data storage means for storing the data separately for each data, or directly storing the data received by the data receiving means for each data identification information, and the type of the data desired to be read and the identification information When a read command to be input is input, received data read means for reading data corresponding to the type of data and identification information designated by the read command from the data stored in the received data storage means, A communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the additional function unit is provided, and is installed at a distance from the additional function unit. A central data management unit that is, has provided a.

In the gas meter information system or the additional function unit according to the present invention, the data processing execution means obtains information on the arithmetic processing procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and the timing for executing the same, and the arithmetic processing. Can be extracted from the gas meter in accordance with a storage procedure for storing and processing the stored data and timing information for executing the stored data, and a readout procedure for reading the stored data and timing information for executing the stored data. The arithmetic processing using at least one or both of the data of the gas flow integrated value and the data of the gas flow, and the storage processing and the reading processing of the data subjected to the arithmetic processing are performed.

The data read out by the reading process is transmitted by the data transmission means to the central data management device or the external communication terminal device arranged at an external distance with the identification information of the gas meter. On the other hand,
In the central data management device, the data receiving means receives the data transmitted from the plurality of additional function units.

Then, the received data arithmetic processing execution means executes arithmetic processing on the received data corresponding to the type of the data and the identification information given to the data. The data that has been subjected to the arithmetic processing or the data that has been received by the data receiving means and has not been subjected to the arithmetic processing is stored in the received data storage means separately for each identification information.

When a read command designating the type of data desired to be read and the identification information is input, the data corresponding to the type of data and the identification information designated by the read command is stored in the received data storage means. The received data is read out from the stored data.

Since such an additional function unit is attached or added to the outside or the inside of the gas meter, separately from the structure as the gas meter itself for performing the basic function as a general gas flow rate meter, Regarding the gas meter main body, it has only the basic functions as a general gas flow meter such as a security function and an automatic meter reading function without making the configuration of its control circuit and the like complicated and overspecified. A general gas meter with a simple and inexpensive microcomputer can be used as it is, and a new additional function (other than the flow rate measurement function as a gas meter, the security function, and the automatic meter reading function) that is highly convenient for the user can be added. .

In addition, according to the conventional technique, an additional function that can be realized by attaching or adding such an additional function unit to the outside or the inside of the gas meter is performed, for example, on the side of the central data management device via the communication means. In this case, it is necessary to communicate the data of the gas flow rate value and the data of the integrated value of the gas flow rate extremely frequently, and the total communication time may be extremely long. According to the present invention, from the flow rate value or the flow rate integrated value data is extracted from the gas meter, the data is subjected to arithmetic processing, and then transmitted (output) to the central data management device via the communication means. A series of operations is consistently performed by an additional functional unit separate from the gas meter, and the data obtained by the arithmetic processing is processed once a day or several times a day or at a predetermined time. Each, with so it is possible to dispense with only transmitted to a central data management unit, it is possible to reduce the use of communication means time,
It is possible to reduce the power consumption due to the communication, which in turn makes it possible to prevent the life of the gas meter battery from shortening and the cost of using communication means from increasing due to the execution of additional functions. .

The gas meter and the additional function unit are separately housed in separate housings, and the housing of the additional function unit is set outside the housing of the gas meter. Alternatively, the housing of the additional function unit may be set so that it can be incorporated into the housing of the gas meter or a notch provided in the housing of the gas meter.

In the additional function unit, the data processing procedure storage means stores the information in a rewritable manner, and the data processing information rewriting means rewrites the information stored in the data processing procedure storage means. The central data management device further comprises: a data processing for instructing, through the communication means, the information rewriting means of the additional function unit, an instruction of an operation of rewriting the information and an instruction of contents of the rewriting. It is desirable to provide the information rewriting instruction means. By doing this, not only the various settings related to the flow rate measurement function as a gas meter, the security function and the automatic meter reading function, but also the information on the data processing procedure for causing the additional function unit to execute other new additional functions, It is possible to rewrite from the external central data management device or the information processing terminal device without replacing the circuit board or the storage element of the additional function unit.

Further, the central data management device accepts a read command for designating the type and identification information of the data desired to be read, which is sent from an external information processing terminal device through a communication means, and The received data reading means is provided with a function of reading data corresponding to the type of data and identification information designated by the read command from the data stored in the received data storage means, and the read data is read as described above. You may make it further provide the data transmission means which transmits to an information processing terminal device. By doing so, the information processing terminal device owned by the user of the individual gas meter or the service company in each area accesses the central data management device, and the data stored in the received data storage means is It becomes possible for the user to read out the desired data.

Further, the additional function unit is provided with a socket in its housing, and either one or both of the data processing procedure storage means and the data storage means can be detachably attached to the socket from the outside. It may be set. By doing so, for example, when executing a new additional function, if it is assumed that the storage capacity of the data storage means that has been used up to now will be insufficient, a larger capacity data storage means will be used. It becomes possible to replace it with an extremely simple work. Alternatively, when executing a new additional function, if it is expected that the storage capacity of the data processing procedure storage means used up to that point will be insufficient, a larger capacity data storage means is replaced with a socket. It becomes possible to replace it with an extremely simple work. Alternatively, by replacing the data processing procedure storage means used until then with another data processing procedure storage means in which the information of another data processing procedure is written, the information of the data processing procedure is externally supplied through the communication means or the like. It is possible to replace the information with another data processing procedure without rewriting.

Alternatively, the above socket is provided in the housing of the gas meter, and either one or both of the data processing procedure storage means and the data storage means can be detachably attached to the socket from the outside. It may be set, and the data processing procedure storage means and / or the data storage means may be set to be connected to the data processing execution means via the socket. By doing so, for example, even when the additional function unit is set to be housed in the housing of the gas meter, the data processing procedure storage means or the data storage means can be detachably attached to the socket from the outside. Become.

Here, the resource usage meter information system according to the present invention solves the problem with the same meaning as described above. More specifically, as the resource to be measured in the resource usage meter information system according to the present invention, tap water or sewer water, liquid fuel, or electric power is suitable.

The gas meter information system or the additional function unit can realize the following additional functions by using the above hardware configuration.

That is, each of the additional function units has one
Data of the flow rate value is obtained for each time zone defined by dividing the day by a predetermined time, and the data of the flow rate value for each time zone is collected at once for the gas meter at a time longer than the predetermined time. With the identification information of the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device, and the central data management device desires the reading sent from the external information processing terminal device via the communication means. A read command for specifying the identification information of the gas meter and the time zone is accepted, and data for each time zone corresponding to the identification information specified by the read instruction is read out from the data stored in the reception data storage means. When the user is informed of the usage status of gas by time zone by transmitting the read data by time zone to the information processing terminal device, It is possible to realize the Tsu information service. Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

Alternatively, each of the additional function units has one
Data of the integrated flow rate value is obtained for each time zone that divides the day by a predetermined time, and the unit price of the unit price set for each time zone is calculated for the data of the integrated flow rate value for each time zone. The charge amount data for each time zone obtained by multiplying the charge unit price for the time zone is collected, and the external information is collected together with the identification information of the gas meter at once for each time longer than the predetermined time. The data is transmitted to the processing terminal device or the central data management device, and the central data management device
A time corresponding to the identification information designated by the read command is accepted from the external information processing terminal device through the communication means, and the read command for designating the identification information and the time zone of the gas meter desired to be read is accepted. The charge amount data for each band is read out from the data stored in the received data storage means, and the read charge amount data for each time band is transmitted to the information processing terminal device. By doing so, it becomes possible to realize an information service in which the user is informed of the gas usage fee amount for each time zone. Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

Alternatively, each of the additional function units has one
The data of the integrated flow rate value is obtained for each day of the week that is divided by a predetermined day of the week, and the data of the integrated flow rate value for each day of the week is obtained, and the unit price of that day out of the unit price set for each day The data of the charge amount for each day of the week obtained by multiplying the charge unit price is collected together with the identification information of the gas meter together with the external information processing at once for each day longer than the predetermined day or for each week. The data is transmitted to a terminal device or the central data management device, and the central data management device specifies the identification information of the gas meter desired to be read and sent from an external information processing terminal device through a communication means and the day of the week. Of the charge amount for each day of the week corresponding to the identification information designated by the read command among the data stored in the received data storage means. By reading out and transmitting the read charge amount data for each day of the week to the information processing terminal device, it is possible to realize an information service of notifying the user of the gas charge amount for each day of the week. It will be possible. Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

Alternatively, each of the additional function units has one
The data of the flow rate value is obtained at every predetermined time in the day, and the data at each time is collected together with the identification information of the gas meter at once for each time longer than the predetermined time and the external information processing terminal device. Alternatively, the load data is transmitted to the central data management device, and the central data management device calculates a total value of the flow rate data sent from the plurality of additional function units at predetermined time intervals to perform a load survey. By collecting the data for use in gas, it is possible to realize a new function of collecting information for load surveys, which is effective for gas companies that manage gas supply. Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

Alternatively, the additional function unit obtains data of a flow rate value at a predetermined time or day or a predetermined number of days within one day, and the data of the flow rate is obtained at the predetermined time or day or For a time longer than the number of days or for each number of days, the information is collectively transmitted together with the identification information of the gas meter to the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device, and the central data management device is provided with a plurality of the additional functions. From the flow rate value data sent from the unit, the flow rate value data transmitted from the additional function units provided in the plurality of gas meters corresponding to the specified plurality of identification information are collected in one list. Stored in the reception data storage means or transmitted to the external information processing terminal device, and the specified plurality of identification information are By setting it to be rewritable by the data management device or the external information processing terminal device, for example, the amount of gas used measured by each gas meter provided in each of a plurality of restaurant businesses belonging to a franchise chain, etc. It is possible to realize an information service in which a central data management device collects the data into a single list, and the list can be checked by, for example, an information processing terminal device provided at the head office of the franchise chain. Become. Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

Alternatively, the additional function unit obtains the data of the flow rate value for each predetermined time or day or for each predetermined number of days within one day, and the data of the flow rate is used for the predetermined time or one day or For a time longer than the number of days or for each number of days, the information is collectively transmitted together with the identification information of the gas meter to the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device, and the central data management device is provided with a plurality of the additional functions. Of the flow rate value data sent from the unit, calculate the aggregate value of the flow rate value data transmitted from the additional function units provided in the multiple gas meters corresponding to the specified multiple identification information. Data of the totalized value is stored in the received data storage means or transmitted to the external information processing terminal device, and the specified plurality of data are stored. By setting the different information to be rewritable by the central data management device or the external information processing terminal device, for example, in each gas meter provided in each of a plurality of restaurant businesses belonging to a franchise chain, etc. It is possible to realize an information service in which the data of measured gas usage is aggregated by a central data management device, and the aggregated value can be checked by, for example, an information processing terminal device provided at the head office of the franchise chain. It will be possible. Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

Alternatively, the additional function unit obtains flow rate data for each predetermined time or for each predetermined number of days within a day, and sets the flow rate data to a time longer than the predetermined time. If the gas flow rate continues to be below the judgment threshold value for a long time or for a long time exceeding the judgment time set for the judgment time or the number of days longer than the predetermined number of days, the addition It is determined that the user of the gas meter provided with the functional unit has some abnormal situation, and the information indicating that the abnormal situation has occurred is transmitted to the central data management device together with the recognition information of the gas meter. The management device transmits the information indicating that the abnormal situation has been transmitted from the additional function unit to an external information processing terminal device designated in advance, and Serial determination time or the determination period,
By being set so as to be changeable via the communication means by the central data management device or the external information processing terminal device, for example, a gas measured by a gas meter installed in a residence of an elderly person. Usage is 3
If the product has not been used for a certain number of days, such as days, it should confirm the safety of the elderly person to the contact information such as the child's child specified in advance. It is possible to realize an information service such as notification of the effect. Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means. In addition, the user who requests this information service can set and change the predetermined number of days until the above notification is sent, so that the information service will be appropriately tailored to the individual user's demand. It is possible.

Alternatively, the additional function unit obtains the data of the flow rate value for each predetermined time, and the temporal transition pattern of the data of the flow rate value is used as the operation pattern of various gas appliances used on the downstream side of the gas meter. Is compared with the temporal change pattern of the gas flow rate value corresponding to, to determine what kind of gas appliance is being used, the determined gas appliance is the central data management device or If the gas appliance is designated as usable by the external information processing terminal device through the communication means in a time zone designated in advance, the gas appliance is of a different type, and the information to that effect is displayed on the gas meter. The type of gas appliance which is transmitted to the user's information processing terminal device and can be used at that time and at that time is the central data management device or the external information processing terminal. By setting the device to be changeable through the communication means, for example, when a gas appliance other than a type designated in advance within a designated time zone is used, that effect is notified. It is possible to realize an information service that informs the user. Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means. In addition, the user who requested this information service can set and change the above-mentioned time zone and the type of gas appliance that can be used as desired, so that the demands of individual users can be properly met. It is possible to provide information services.

Alternatively, the additional function unit obtains the data of the flow rate value for each predetermined time, and the temporal transition pattern of the data of the flow rate value is obtained for each type of various gas appliances used on the downstream side of the gas meter. Of the gas flow rate value corresponding to the operation pattern of the, to determine what kind of gas appliance is used within the determination time, and for each of the determined type The amount of gas used is accumulated, and the accumulated amount of gas used for each type is multiplied by a predetermined unit price for each type, and the resulting amount of charge for each type of gas appliance is obtained. The data of the gas meter together with the identification information of the gas meter at a time longer than the predetermined time, together with the information processing terminal device or the central data management device, and the gas. By setting the operation pattern information for each type of tool to be changeable by the central data management device or the external information processing terminal device via the communication means, for example, by type of gas appliance It is possible to realize an information service in which data on the amount of gas used and the amount of gas usage fee by type corresponding thereto is presented to the user's information communication terminal device.
Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means. Further, regarding the above-mentioned time zone, types of usable gas appliances, and operation pattern information for determining the types, the user who requested this information service or the gas company may specify it, or Although it may be automatically determined by the additional function unit, in any case, since it can be set / changed according to the type of gas appliance used by the user, it is possible to accurately meet the needs of individual users. It is possible to provide information services in accordance with the above.

Alternatively, the additional function unit receives information on the amount of money deposited as a prepaid fee from the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device via the communication means, and stores the information on the amount of money. It further comprises a deposit amount information storage means, obtains data of an integrated flow rate value for each predetermined time, and multiplies the integrated flow rate value by a predetermined charge unit price to obtain the time. By calculating the gas usage fee for each, and by performing a calculation to subtract the gas usage fee from the amount stored in the deposit amount information storage means, for example, the user has pre-paid a prepaid fee, A pre-paid fee that deducts the gas usage fee corresponding to the amount of gas used in the user's residence from the paid pre-paid fee. It is possible to realize the Ido fee service. Moreover, the data communication between the gas meter and the central data management device can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

[0045]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a gas meter information system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Since the additional function unit according to the embodiment of the present invention is used as a part of the main configuration of this gas meter information system, the outline configuration and operation thereof will also be described below. In order to avoid complication of illustration and description, a detailed description of a general gas flow rate measuring function and a security function as a gas meter and a configuration for executing the function is omitted.

The main part of this gas meter information system comprises a gas meter 100, an additional function unit 200, and a central data management device 300.

The gas meter 100 has a gas flow rate measuring unit 101 for measuring the flow rate of gas by a flow rate measuring method such as a film type or an ultrasonic wave propagation method, and its gas flow rate, as shown in the schematic configuration in FIG. Gas flow rate integrating section 10 for integrating the flow rate values of gas measured by the measuring section 101
2 and a measurement value data conversion unit 103 that converts the gas flow integrated value integrated by the gas flow integration unit 102 and the gas flow value measured by the gas flow measurement unit 101 into data
A measurement value data storage unit 104, a gas meter-side communication unit 105, and a control unit 106 that controls the operation of these units, and a general gas flow rate integrated value (gas usage amount) measurement (measurement) function , A microcomputer meter capable of executing a security function and an automatic meter reading function. Here, the control unit 106 controls the operation of the gas flow rate measurement unit 101, the operation of integrating the flow rate values by the gas flow rate integration unit 102, the operation control of the measurement value data conversion unit 103, and the storage process of data in the measurement value data storage unit 104. Although it is not shown in the figure, it is configured by using a microcomputer of about 4 to 8 bits for controlling.

As shown in the schematic configuration of FIG. 3, the additional function unit 200 has a unit side communicator 201 for communicating with the gas meter side communicator 105, a data processing information storage section 202, and a data processing unit. An information rewriting unit 203,
Data processing execution unit 204, data storage unit 205, N
A data communication device (data transmission means) 206 for transmitting and receiving data and other information signals to and from a CU (Network control Unit) 500 is provided, and a gas flow integrated value measurement and security function is provided. In order to realize new additional functions other than general functions such as
It is attached to the outside or inside. FIG. 5 shows the case where the additional function unit 200 is provided outside the gas meter 100, and FIG. 6 shows the case where the additional function unit 200 is housed inside the gas meter 100.

In the additional function unit 200, more specifically, the data processing information storage unit 202 stores the data of the gas flow rate integrated value converted into the data by the gas meter 100, or when converting the gas flow rate value into data. Information on the arithmetic processing procedure performed using the data of the gas flow rate value and information on the timing of executing the arithmetic processing procedure, information on the storage processing procedure for performing the processing of storing the data obtained by the arithmetic processing in the data storage unit 205, and The information of the timing of executing the information, the information of the reading procedure for performing the reading process of the data stored in the data storage unit 205, and the information of the timing of executing the data are rewritably stored. The rewriting of the information is performed by the data processing information rewriting unit 203.

The data processing execution unit 204 is the gas meter 1
The data of the gas flow rate integrated value which has been converted to data in 00 and output, or when the measurement value data conversion unit 103 converts the gas flow rate value into data,
The data processing information is stored in the data processing information storage unit 202 by performing the arithmetic processing according to the information of the arithmetic processing procedure stored in the data processing information storage unit 202 and the information of the timing of executing the processing. Based on the information of the stored procedure and the information of the timing of executing the stored procedure, the storage processing is performed together with the identification information previously given to the gas meter 100 that has performed the measurement that is the source of the processed data, The stored data is read according to the read procedure stored in the data processing information storage unit 202 and the timing information for executing the read procedure.

The data storage unit 205 stores the data processed by the data processing execution unit 204 by the storage processing performed by the data processing execution unit 204. The data stored in the data storage unit 205, together with the identification information previously given to the gas meter 100 that has performed the measurement that is the source of the data as described above,
This data storage unit 20 is in a state in which it can be distinguished from other data.
Stored in 5.

The data communication unit 206 sends and receives data and other information signals to and from the NCU 500. That is, the function of transmitting the data read by the data processing execution unit 204 from the data stored in the data storage unit 205 to the outside together with the identification information of the gas meter 100 attached to the data, and other It has a function to receive data and information sent from outside the.

The NCU 500 has a central data management unit 30.
0 or a communication terminal device provided in the information processing terminal device 400 of the user, for communicating various data and signals through a communication means such as a telephone line, a data communication line, or a wireless communication network. It is a communication terminal modem device set exclusively for the gas meter 100. The data communication device 206 of the additional function unit 200 may be built in the NCU 500, or
The U500 may be incorporated in the additional function unit 200.

The central data management device 300 has a management device side communication terminal device (data receiving means) 301 and a received data arithmetic processing execution part 30 as shown in the schematic configuration of FIG.
2, received data storage unit 303, and received data reading unit 3
04 and the data processing information rewriting instruction unit 305, and is provided at a distance from the additional function unit 200.

More specifically, the management device side communication terminal 3
Reference numeral 01 denotes a function of receiving data transmitted from the additional function unit 200 via the NCU 500 and the communication means, and conversely, a signal such as information of a data processing procedure via the communication means and the NCU 500 to obtain a desired additional function unit 2
00, and data transmitted from the additional function unit 200 via the NCU 500 and the communication means, to the information processing terminal device 40 of the desired user.
It has a function of transmitting to 0. Needless to say, it is most desirable to have all of such communication functions, but among these communication functions, in particular, the data transmitted from the additional function unit 200 via the NCU 500 and the communication means is received. It is at least necessary to have a data receiving function (data receiving means).

The received data arithmetic processing execution unit 302 performs arithmetic processing on the received data in accordance with the type of the data and the identification information given to the data.

The reception data storage unit 303 stores the data processed by the reception data calculation processing execution unit 302.
The identification information of the data is stored separately, or the data received from the outside is directly stored according to the identification information of the data.

When a read command for designating the type of data desired to be read and the identification information is input, received data reading unit 304 reads the data corresponding to the type of data and the identification information designated by the read command. , Of the data stored in the received data storage unit 303.

The data processing information rewriting instruction unit 305 is provided in the additional function unit 200 via a communication means such as a telephone line.
The rewriting instruction of the information of the data processing procedure and the information of the timing and the instruction of the contents of the rewriting are issued to the.

Next, the basic operation of the main part of the gas meter information system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The gas meter 100 measures a general gas flow rate and outputs the measured gas flow rate value data or the gas flow rate integrated value data obtained by integrating the gas flow rate values at predetermined time intervals. To do.

In the additional function unit 200, the data processing execution unit 204 outputs data output from the gas meter 100 in accordance with the information about the arithmetic processing procedure stored in the data processing information storage unit 202 and the timing of executing it. The arithmetic processing using is performed. Then, the data obtained by the arithmetic processing is stored in the data storage unit 205 in accordance with the storage procedure stored in the data processing information storage unit 202 and the information on the timing of executing the storage procedure. Then, in accordance with the storage procedure stored in the data processing information storage unit 202 and the information on the timing of executing the storage procedure,
A read process of reading out predetermined data from the data stored in the data storage unit 205 is executed.

The data read by the reading process is transmitted together with the identification information of the gas meter 100 to the central data management device 300 arranged at an external distance, or in some cases to an external communication terminal device. .

When the central data management device 300 receives the data transmitted from the plurality of additional function units 200, the central data management device 300 receives the arithmetic processing corresponding to the type of the data and the identification information given to the data. It is executed by the arithmetic processing execution unit 302. The data that has been subjected to the arithmetic processing or the data that has been received and has not been subjected to the arithmetic processing is stored in the received data storage unit 303 separately for each identification information.

When a read command designating the type of data desired to be read and the identification information is input, the data corresponding to the type of data and the identification information designated by the read command is received data storage section 303. The received data reading unit 304 reads out from the data stored in.

Alternatively, a read command designating the type of data desired to be read and the identification information is sent from the information processing terminal device 400 such as the user's personal computer to the central data management device 300 via the communication means. The data read in response to the read command may be transmitted to the information processing terminal device 400 of the user who has transmitted the read command. That is, the central data management device 300 accepts a read command sent from the external information processing terminal device 400 via the communication means and specifying the type of data desired to be read and the identification information,
The reception data reading unit 304 has a function of reading the data corresponding to the type of data and the identification information designated by the read command from the data stored in the reception data storage unit 303. The information is transmitted to the information processing terminal device 400. By doing so, the central data management device 300 is accessed from the information processing terminal device 400 such as a user of each gas meter 100 or a personal computer owned by a service company in each region, and the received data storage unit 303 is stored in the received data storage unit 303. The data desired by the user can be read out from the stored data.

As described above, in the gas meter information system according to the present embodiment, the additional function unit 200 is provided outside or inside the gas meter 100 to perform a basic function as a general gas flow meter.
Since the gas meter 100 is added or added separately from its own configuration, the gas meter 100 main body does not have a complicated configuration such as a control circuit and overspecification, and a general function such as a security function and an automatic meter reading function is provided. The general gas meter 100, which has only a basic function as a gas flow rate meter and has a simple and inexpensive microcomputer, has a new convenience (flow rate measurement function and safety as a gas meter) that is highly convenient for users. Additional functions (other than functions and automatic meter reading functions) can be added.

Moreover, such an additional function unit 20
In the case of the conventional technique in which, for example, the central data management device 300 side performs the additional function that can be realized by adding or adding 0 to the outside or the inside of the gas meter 100, the gas flow rate It is necessary to communicate the data and the integrated value of the gas flow rate very frequently, and the total communication time may be extremely long. However, the gas meter information according to the present embodiment According to the system, a series of processes from extracting the data of the flow rate value and the integrated value of the flow rate from the gas meter 100, performing the arithmetic processing on the data, and transmitting the data to the central data management device 300 via the communication means. Operation,
The additional function unit 200 separate from the gas meter 100 consistently performs the arithmetic processing, and transmits the processed data to the central data management device 300 once or several times a day or every predetermined time. It is possible to reduce the usage time of the communication means as well as the power consumption due to the communication, which in turn results in the execution of additional functions. It is possible to prevent the life of the battery of the gas meter 100 from being shortened and the cost of using the communication means from becoming expensive.

In the above description, the gas meter 100
The case where the additional function unit 200 and the additional function unit 200 are separately housed in different cases, and the case of the additional function unit 200 is set to be attached to the outside of the case of the gas meter 100 has been described. However, the additional function unit 20
The mode in which 0 is attached to the gas meter 100 is not limited to this. In addition to this, the additional function unit 2
The housing 00 may be set so that it can be incorporated into the housing of the gas meter 100 or a notch provided in the housing of the gas meter 100.

As shown in an example in FIG. 7, the data processing information storage unit 2 is externally provided in the housing of the gas meter 100.
One or both of the socket 212 capable of mounting 02 and the socket 215 capable of mounting the data storage unit 205 from the outside may be provided. In this case, as a specific mode of the storage circuit elements of the data processing information storage unit 202 and the data storage unit 205 mounted in the sockets 212 and 215, for example, an EEPROM or a ROM is arranged and mounted on a small board, that is, a so-called Something like a memory stick or a memory board is suitable.

By providing the socket 215 to which the data storage unit 205 can be attached, the data storage unit 2 used until then, for example, when executing a new additional function.
If it is expected that the storage capacity of 05 will be insufficient, the data storage unit 205 having a larger capacity can be replaced with an extremely simple operation. Alternatively, when a new additional function is executed, if the storage capacity of the data processing information storage unit 202 that has been used until then is expected to run short, a larger-capacity data storage unit 205 is used as a socket. The replacement can be performed by an extremely simple operation of replacing the replacement with the 215. In addition, a socket 212 to which the data processing information storage unit 202 can be attached
By providing the data processing information storage unit 202 that has been used up to now with another data processing information storage unit 202 in which information of another data processing procedure has been written, externally via communication means or the like. It is possible to replace information of another data processing procedure without rewriting information of the data processing procedure.

The sockets 212 and 215 are
It goes without saying that, when the data processing information storage unit 202 and the data storage unit 205 are mounted, they are set to be connected to the data processing execution unit 204. By doing so, for example, even when the additional function unit 200 is housed in the housing of the gas meter 100, the data processing information storage unit 202 and the data storage unit 205 can be detachably attached to the sockets 212 and 215 from the outside of the gas meter 100. be able to.

According to the gas meter information system of the present embodiment having the above hardware configuration and the basic functions thereof, in addition to the security function and the automatic meter reading function of the conventional general microcomputer gas meter, It is possible to realize additional functions such as various new information services. Therefore, next, more specific examples of various new information services that can be realized by this gas meter information system will be described.

[Embodiment 1] In the gas meter information system according to the first embodiment, each additional function unit 200 has one
Data of the flow rate value (gas usage amount) is obtained from the gas meter 100 for each time zone defined by dividing the day by a predetermined time,
The data of the flow rate value for each time zone is collected at once for each time longer than a predetermined time, and the gas meter 100 is collected.
Together with the identification information of (1) to the external information processing terminal device 400 (such as the user of the gas meter 100) or the central data management device 300.

In the central data management device 300, the identification information of the gas meter 100 desired to be read, which is sent from the external information processing terminal device 400 via the communication means or is directly input to the central data management device 300. And a read command for specifying the time zone, and data for each time zone corresponding to the identification information specified by the read instruction,
It reads out from the data stored in the reception data storage unit 303, and transmits the read out data for each time zone to the information processing terminal device 400. In this way, it is possible to realize an information service that informs the user of gas usage statuses by time of day (such as changes in gas usage by time of day for each user). Data communication with the management apparatus 300 via the communication means can be performed with the minimum required frequency and time.

Further, in this case, in order to obtain the data of the gas flow rate value for each time zone by using the conventional general automatic meter reading function, the gas meter 10 is read from the central data management device 300.
It is necessary to repeatedly communicate with 0 to read the gas flow rate integrated value for each time zone through the communication means.
According to the system of this embodiment, the additional function unit 200
It is possible to collect the data of the flow rate value for each time zone for a long time, collect it all at once, and send it to the central data management device 300 or the like via the communication means.

Moreover, as a comparative example, the central data management device 300 collects the data of the gas flow rate integrated value output from the gas meter 100 by using the conventional general automatic meter reading function, and the time is calculated from the gas flow rate integrated value. When obtaining the gas flow rate value for each zone, at least the first and last two of the time zone should be obtained in order to obtain the flow rate value in one time zone.
By collecting the data of the integrated value of the gas flow rate at one time and calculating the difference between them, the data of the amount of gas used within that time zone will be obtained. As described above, in order to obtain the data of the gas usage amount in one time zone, in the conventional technique, the central data management device 300 and the gas meter 100 are used.
Since it is necessary to communicate at least twice with
Gas meter with 100,000 to 1 million cases 1
00 to obtain the data of the amount of gas used in a plurality of time zones, communication of several millions to several tens of millions of times is required, but according to the present embodiment, for example, per day If the data of the gas usage amount for each time zone is collectively transmitted at a time when the daily data collection is completed from the additional function unit 200 to the central data management device 300, communication per day is possible. It is possible to make the total number of times as many times as the number of users who are subject to the information service of the gas usage amount for each time period. It goes without saying that the setting of the time zone, the number of times of communication per day, the setting of the timing (the execution timing of the reading process), and the like can be appropriately changed.

[Embodiment 2] In the gas meter information system according to the second embodiment, each additional function unit 200 has one
Data of the integrated flow rate value is obtained for each time zone, which is obtained by dividing the day by a predetermined time, and the relevant unit price of the unit price set for each time zone is calculated for the data of the integrated flow rate value for each time zone. Multiply the unit price for the time zone. Then, the data of the charge amount for each time zone obtained thereby is collected together with the identification information of the gas meter 100 at a time every time longer than a predetermined time and the external information processing terminal device 400 or the central data management device 300. Send to.

In the central data management device 300, identification of the gas meter 100 desired to be read, which is sent from the external information processing terminal device 400 via the communication means or directly input to the central data management device 300. A read command designating the information and the time zone is accepted, and the charge amount data for each time zone corresponding to the identification information designated by the read command is read out from the data stored in the received data storage unit 303. . Then, the read charge amount data for each time zone is transmitted to the information processing terminal device 400.

In this way, it is possible to realize an information service of notifying the user of the amount of gas usage fee for each time zone.

Moreover, as in the first embodiment, the data collected by the additional function unit 200 from the gas meter 100 is collectively transmitted at a predetermined timing, so that the gas meter 100 and the central data management device are connected. The communication of data with 300 via the communication means,
It becomes possible to do it with the minimum necessary frequency and time.

It is needless to say that the setting of the unit price for each time zone, the number of times of communication per day, the setting of the timing thereof and the like can be appropriately changed.

[Third Embodiment] In the gas meter information system according to the third embodiment, each additional function unit 200 has one unit.
Data of the accumulated flow rate value is obtained for each day of the week by dividing the week into predetermined days, and the charge for that day out of the unit price set for each day for the accumulated flow rate data for each day of the week Multiply unit price. Then, the data of the charge amount for each day obtained thereby is collected at once for each day longer than a predetermined day or every week, and the gas meter 10 is collected at once.
The identification information of 0 is transmitted to the external information processing terminal device 400 or the central data management device 300.

In the central data management device 300, the identification information of the gas meter 100 desired to be read and the read command for designating the day of the week, which is sent from the external information processing terminal device 400 via the communication means, are accepted, and the read is performed. The charge amount data for each day of the week corresponding to the identification information specified by the command is read from the data stored in the reception data storage unit, and the read charge amount data for each day of the week is read by the information processing terminal. To the device 400.

In this way, it is possible to realize an information service in which the user is informed of the gas usage fee amount for each day of the week.

Moreover, as in the first embodiment, the data collected from the gas meter 100 by the additional function unit 200 is transmitted all at once at a predetermined timing. Therefore, the gas meter 100 and the central data management device are connected. The communication of data with 300 via the communication means,
It becomes possible to do it with the minimum necessary frequency and time.

Needless to say, the setting of the unit price for each day of the week, the number of times of communication per day, the setting of the timing thereof, and the like can be appropriately changed.

[Embodiment 4] In the gas meter information system according to the fourth embodiment, the additional function unit 200 has one each.
The data of the flow rate value is obtained at every predetermined time in the day, and the data at each time is collected together with the identification information of the gas meter 100 at once at a time longer than the predetermined time, together with the external information processing terminal device 400. Or the central data management device 30
Send to 0.

Then, the central data management device 300 calculates the total value of the data of the flow rate values sent from the plurality of additional function units 200 for each predetermined time, and obtains the data for the load survey.

In this way, it is possible to realize an additional function of collecting information for the load survey, which is useful for the gas company that manages gas supply.

Moreover, even when the load survey, which is an effective function for the gas company side, is performed, the data collected from the gas meter 100 by the additional function unit 200 is given a predetermined value, as in the first embodiment. Since it is configured to send all at once at the timing, the gas meter 1
It is possible to perform data communication between 00 and the central data management device 300 via the communication means with a necessary minimum frequency and time.

The selection of the user who is the target of the load survey (setting of the identification information of the gas meter 100 from which the load survey data is extracted), the number of times of communication per day and the timing thereof can be changed appropriately. Needless to say.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the gas meter information system according to the fifth embodiment, the additional function unit 200 obtains the data of the flow rate value for each predetermined time within one day or each day or every predetermined number of days, The data of the flow rate value are collectively sent to the external information processing terminal device 400 or the central data management device 300 together with the identification information of the gas meter 100 at once at a predetermined time or every time or number of days longer than the number of days. Send.

In the central data management device 300, the additional function units provided in the plurality of gas meters 100 corresponding to the plurality of specified identification information from the flow rate value data sent from the plurality of additional function units 200. 20
The data of the flow rate values transmitted from 0 are collectively stored in the reception data storage unit as one list. Or
The data in the list is stored in the external information processing terminal device 4
Send to 00.

In this way, for example, the data of the gas usage amount measured by each gas meter 100 provided in each of a plurality of restaurant businesses belonging to a franchise chain, etc., is collected into one list by the central data management device 300. It is possible to realize an information service in which the list can be checked by the information processing terminal device 400 provided at the main store of the franchise chain, for example.

Moreover, similarly to the first embodiment, the data communication between the gas meter 100 and the central data management device 300 can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

The specified plurality of pieces of identification information correspond to the information processing terminal device 400 provided at the central data management device 300 or the head office of the franchise chain.
It goes without saying that it can be rewritten by such as.

[Embodiment 6] In the gas meter information system according to the sixth embodiment, the additional function unit 200 obtains the data of the flow rate value for every predetermined time within one day or every day or every predetermined number of days, The data of the flow rate value are collectively sent to the external information processing terminal device 400 or the central data management device 300 together with the identification information of the gas meter 100 at once at a predetermined time or every time or number of days longer than the number of days. Send.

In the central data management device 300, the additional functions provided in the plurality of gas meters 100 respectively corresponding to the plurality of specified identification information in the flow rate value data sent from the plurality of additional function units 200. The total value of the flow rate data transmitted from the unit 200 is calculated, and the total value data is stored in the reception data storage unit. Alternatively, it is transmitted to the external information processing terminal device 400.

In this way, for example, the centralized data management device 300 calculates the aggregated value of the data of the gas usage amount measured by each gas meter 100 provided in each of a plurality of restaurant businesses belonging to the franchise chain, for example.
It is possible to realize an information service in which the totalized value is calculated and can be checked by the information processing terminal device 400 provided in, for example, the main store of the franchise chain. Alternatively, it is also possible to multiply the aggregated amount of gas usage for each hour by the unit price of the gas usage fee corresponding to each hour to obtain the data of the gas usage fee for each hour. is there.

Moreover, similarly to the first embodiment, the data communication between the gas meter 100 and the central data management device 300 can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

It is needless to say that the plurality of pieces of identification information specified above can be rewritten by the central data management device 300 or the information processing terminal device 400 provided at the head office of the franchise chain.

[Embodiment 7] In the gas meter information system according to the seventh embodiment, the additional function unit 200 obtains the data of the flow rate value for each predetermined time within a day or for each predetermined number of days, and the flow rate value is obtained. Of the data of, the flow rate of gas exceeds the judgment time set to a time longer than the specified time or the judgment period set to a number of days longer than the specified number of days If the following state continues, it is determined that some abnormal situation has occurred in the user of the gas meter 100 provided with the additional function unit 200, and the information indicating that the abnormal situation has occurred is The identification information of the gas meter 100 is sent to the central data management device 300.

In the central data management device 300, the information indicating that the abnormal situation has been transmitted from the additional function unit 200 is transmitted to the external information processing terminal device 400 designated in advance.

In this way, for example, the gas usage measured by the gas meter 100 installed in the dwelling of the elderly remains unused for a predetermined number of days such as 3 days or 1 week. In such a case, it is possible to realize an information service of notifying the contact information such as the child of the elderly person designated in advance that the safety of the elderly person should be confirmed.

Moreover, similarly to the first embodiment, the data communication between the gas meter 100 and the central data management device 300 can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

The predetermined number of days until the above notification is made (setting of the judgment time and the judgment period) can be set / changed as desired by the user who requests this information service. It is possible to provide information services that meet the demands of

[Embodiment 8] In the gas meter information system according to the eighth embodiment, the additional function unit 200 obtains the data of the flow rate value at every predetermined time and displays the temporal transition pattern of the data of the flow rate value. , It is possible to determine what kind of gas appliance is used by comparing it with a temporal transition pattern of gas flow rate values corresponding to the operation patterns of various gas appliances used on the downstream side of the gas meter 100. To do. The determined gas appliance is of a different type from the gas appliance specified as usable by the central data management device 300 or the external information processing terminal device 400 via the communication means in the time specified in advance. If so, information to that effect is transmitted to the information processing terminal device 400 of the user of the gas meter 100.

In this way, for example, when a gas appliance of a type other than the type designated in advance is used within a designated time zone, an information service of notifying the user of that fact can be realized. It will be possible.

Moreover, similarly to the first embodiment, the data communication between the gas meter 100 and the central data management device 300 can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

Further, regarding the designation of the above-mentioned time zone and the type of usable gas appliances, the user who requests this information service can set and change as desired, so that the demand of each user can be met. It is possible to provide information services that accurately meet the requirements.

[Embodiment 9] In the gas meter information system according to the ninth embodiment, the additional function unit 200 obtains the data of the flow rate value for each predetermined time, and displays the temporal transition pattern of the data of the flow rate value. In comparison with the temporal transition pattern of the gas flow rate value corresponding to the operation pattern for each type of various gas appliances used on the downstream side of the gas meter 100, what kind of gas appliance is used within the determination time Determine if it is a thing. Then, the gas usage amount for each of the determined types is integrated, and the integrated value of the gas usage amount for each type is multiplied by the unit price determined in advance for each type. The charge amount data for each type of appliance is collected together with the identification information of the gas meter 100 at once at a time longer than a predetermined time.
It is transmitted to the external information processing terminal device 400 or the central data management device 300.

In this way, it is possible to realize an information service in which, for example, the data of the usage amount of each type of gas appliance and the corresponding gas usage fee amount of each type is presented to the user's information communication terminal device or the like. It will be possible.

Moreover, similarly to the first embodiment, the data communication between the gas meter 100 and the central data management device 300 can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

Further, regarding the above-mentioned time zone, types of usable gas appliances, and information on operation patterns used as a reference pattern for determining the types, the user who requested this information service or the gas company specified. Alternatively, the additional function unit 2
00, it may be automatically determined, but in any case, since it is possible to set / change to a type that matches the type of gas appliance used by the user, the demand of individual users It is possible to provide information services that accurately meet the requirements.

[Embodiment 10] In the gas meter information system according to the tenth embodiment, the additional function unit 200 is
A deposit amount information storage unit is further provided, which receives information on the amount deposited as a prepaid fee from the external information processing terminal device 400 or the central data management device 300 via the communication means, and stores the information on the amount. .

The additional function unit 200 obtains the data of the integrated flow rate value for each predetermined time, and multiplies the integrated flow rate value by the predetermined unit price,
Calculate the gas usage fee for each hour. Then, the gas usage fee is subtracted from the deposit amount stored in the deposit amount information storage unit. The calculation result is stored in the deposit amount information storage unit and is also transmitted to the central data management device 300 via the communication means. When the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the gas usage fee from the deposit amount becomes less than or equal to a predetermined amount, the additional function unit 200 or the central data management device 300 informs the information processing terminal device 400 of the user that the remaining amount is small. Send.

In this way, for example, the user deposits a prepaid fee of a predetermined amount in advance, and from the deposited prepaid fee, the amount of gas used corresponding to the amount of gas used in the user's residence is used. It becomes possible to realize a prepaid fee service in which the fee is deducted and the user is notified when the remaining amount is low.

Moreover, similarly to the first embodiment, the data communication between the gas meter 100 and the central data management device 300 can be performed with the minimum necessary frequency and time through the communication means.

Here, for various new additional functions as described in each of the above-described embodiments, a general-purpose OS, middleware, etc. are installed in the additional function unit 200, and utility software is constructed using that as a platform. You may make it implement | achieve by it. That is, by using an MPU (microprocessor unit) equipped with a general-purpose OS or middleware, etc., the data processing execution unit 20 that can realize various new additional functions as utility software by using it.
4, the data processing information rewriting unit 203, the data processing information storage unit 202, and the like can be incorporated.

Further, in recent years, the battery incorporated in the gas meter tends to be required to have a long life such as 7 to 10 years or more. Therefore, in order to cope with this, as a power source for driving the additional function unit 200. In addition to the battery built in the gas meter, the additional function unit 200
A dedicated battery may be incorporated in the additional function unit 200.

In the above embodiments and examples, the case where the present invention is applied to a system using a gas meter has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a power meter, a tap water meter, and the like. It goes without saying that it can be applied to resource usage meters other than gas meters. Alternatively, it can be applied to a fuel meter installed in a store that sells fuel such as a gas station under a franchise system.

[0124]

As described above, the first to seventh aspects are as follows.
A gas meter information system according to any one of claims 18 to 23, an additional function unit according to any one of claims 18 to 23, a resource usage meter information system according to any one of claims 24 to 31, or any one of claims 32 to 38. According to the additional function unit described in 1 above, the additional function unit is provided outside or inside a resource usage meter such as a gas meter or other electric power meter, and the meter itself which performs a basic function as a general measuring instrument. In addition to the above configuration, the resource usage meter such as a gas meter is attached to the outside of the housing or added to the inside. It is possible to realize new additional functions that are highly convenient for users other than the automatic meter reading function and low power consumption. Can.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas meter information system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a gas meter in the gas meter information system shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an additional function unit in the gas meter information system shown in FIG.

4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a central data management device in the gas meter information system shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a case where an additional function unit is attached to the outside of the housing of the gas meter.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a case where an additional function unit is housed inside a housing of a gas meter.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a case in which a housing to which a data processing information storage unit can be externally mounted or a socket to which a data storage unit can be externally mounted is provided in a housing of a gas meter.

[Explanation of Codes] 100 ... Gas Meter, 200 ... Additional Function Unit, 20
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Unit side communication device, 202 ... Data processing information storage part, 203 ... Data processing information rewriting part, 204 ... Data processing execution part, 205 ... Data storage part, 300 ... Central data management device, 400 ... Information processing terminal device, 500 ... NCU

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04Q 9/00 311 H04Q 9/00 311H F term (reference) 2F030 CC02 CC03 CC13 CE01 CE09 2F073 AA07 AA08 AA09 AB02 AB03 AB05 AB12 CC01 CC07 GG01 GG04 2F075 GG04 GG15 5K048 BA36 DC07 EB10 HA01 HA02

Claims (38)

[Claims] 1. A gas flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate value, a gas flow rate integrating means for integrating gas flow rate values measured by the gas flow rate measuring means, and a gas integrated by the gas flow rate integrating means. Of the gas flow integrated value or the gas flow value measured by the gas flow measuring means, at least a gas meter having a measured value data conversion means for converting the gas flow integrated value into data, and the measured value data conversion in the gas meter At least one or both of the data of the gas flow rate integrated value data converted by the means, or the data of the gas flow rate value when the measurement value data conversion means converts the gas flow rate value into data. Information on the arithmetic processing procedure performed using it and the timing to execute it, and the data obtained by the arithmetic processing Data processing procedure storage means for storing information on a storage procedure for performing a storage process and timing for executing the storage procedure, and information on a read procedure for performing a read process on the stored data and information on a timing for performing the storage procedure; At least one of the data of the gas flow rate integrated value converted into data by the measurement value data conversion means, or the data of the gas flow rate value when the measurement value data conversion means converts the gas flow rate value into data. Alternatively, both data are arithmetically processed according to the information of the arithmetic processing procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and the information of the timing of executing it, and the data obtained by the arithmetic processing is the data processing procedure. Based on the information of the storage procedure stored in the storage means and the information of the timing of executing the storage procedure, Data is stored together with the identification information previously given to the gas meter that has measured the gas flow integrated value or gas flow value that is the source of the data, and the stored data is stored in the data processing procedure storage means. Data processing executing means for performing a reading process in accordance with information on a reading procedure and a timing for executing the reading process, a data storing means for storing data which is arithmetically processed and stored by the data processing executing means, and the data storing means. An additional functional unit including a data transmitting unit that transmits the data read out by the data processing executing unit from the stored data to the outside together with the identification information of the gas meter, and a plurality of the additional functional units. Data receiving means for receiving data transmitted from, and the data receiving means For the data, the received data operation processing execution means for performing operation processing corresponding to the type of the data and the identification information given to the data, and the data operation processed by the received data operation processing execution means, Received data storage means for storing separately the identification information of the data, or directly storing data received by the data receiving means for each identification information of the data, and type of data desired to be read When a read command designating the identification information is input, the data corresponding to the type of data and the identification information designated by the read command is input.
A reception data reading unit that reads out from the data stored in the reception data storage unit and a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the additional function unit are provided, and the additional function unit is separated from the additional function unit by a distance. A gas meter information system, comprising: a central data management device provided. 2. The gas meter and the additional function unit are separate bodies housed in separate housings, and the housing of the additional function unit is attached to the outside of the housing of the gas meter. The gas meter information system according to claim 1, wherein the gas meter information system is set as follows. 3. The gas meter and the additional function unit are separate bodies housed in separate housings, and the housing of the additional function unit is inside the housing of the gas meter or the gas meter. The gas meter information system according to claim 1, wherein the gas meter information system is set so that the gas meter information system can be incorporated into a cutout portion provided in the casing. 4. The additional function unit, wherein the data processing procedure storage means stores the information in a rewritable manner, and the data processing information rewriting means rewrites the information stored in the data processing procedure storage means. The central data management device further includes, via the communication means, a data processing for instructing the information rewriting means of the additional function unit of the information rewriting operation and the content of the rewriting. The gas meter information system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising information rewriting instruction means. 5. The central data management device accepts a read command, which is sent from an external information processing terminal device via communication means, and specifies a type of data desired to be read and identification information, and The received data reading means is provided with a function of reading data corresponding to the type of data and identification information designated by the read command from the data stored in the received data storage means, and the read data is read as described above. The gas meter information system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising data transmission means for transmitting the data to the information processing terminal device. 6. The additional function unit is provided with a socket in its housing, and the socket is configured such that the data processing procedure storage means and / or the data storage means can be detachably attached from the outside. The gas meter information system according to claim 2, wherein: 7. The gas meter is provided with a socket in its housing, and the socket has the data processing procedure storage means and / or the data storage means set to be removable from the outside, and 4. The gas meter information system according to claim 3, wherein the data processing procedure storage means and / or the data storage means is set to be connected to the data processing execution means via the socket. 8. The additional function unit obtains flow rate value data for each time zone defined by dividing each day by a predetermined time period, and obtains the flow rate value data for each time zone for the predetermined time period. Every longer time, collectively sent to the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device together with the identification information of the gas meter, the central data management device communicates from the external information processing terminal device The read command for identifying the identification information and the time zone of the gas meter desired to be read, which is sent through the means, is received, and the data for each time zone corresponding to the identification information designated by the read instruction is received data. The data is read out from the data stored in the storage means, and the read data for each time zone is transmitted to the information processing terminal device. Gas meter information system according to any one claim of the seven. 9. The additional function unit obtains data of an integrated flow rate value for each time zone obtained by dividing each day by a predetermined time, and the integrated flow rate data for each time zone is subjected to the above-mentioned processing. Multiply the charge unit price for the relevant time period among the charge unit prices set for each time period, and collect the obtained charge amount data for each time period for each time period longer than the predetermined time period. All together with the identification information of the gas meter to the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device, and the central data management device is sent from the external information processing terminal device via the communication means. A read command for specifying the identification information of the gas meter desired to be read and the time zone is accepted, and the charge amount data for each time zone corresponding to the identification information designated by the read instruction is received as the received data. 8. The data stored in the storage means is read out, and the read out data of the charge amount for each time zone is transmitted to the information processing terminal device. The gas meter information system according to item 1 above. 10. The additional function unit obtains data of integrated flow rate values for each day of the week by dividing each week by a predetermined day of the week, and for each day of the week for the data of the integrated flow rate value for each day of the week. Multiply the charge unit price of the day of the week set among the charge unit prices set in, and collect the obtained charge amount data for each day of the week for each day longer than the predetermined day or for each week. The identification information of the gas meter is transmitted to the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device at one time, and the central data management device is sent from the external information processing terminal device via a communication unit. Accepts a read command that specifies the identification information of the gas meter to be read and the day of the week, and receives the charge amount data for each day of the week corresponding to the identification information specified by the read command. The data read out from the data stored in the data storage means, and the read data of the charge amount for each day of the week is transmitted to the information processing terminal device. The gas meter information system according to any one of the items. 11. The additional function unit obtains data of a flow rate value at each predetermined time within each day, and collects the data for each time at a time longer than the predetermined time at once. The information is sent to the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device together with the identification information of the gas meter, and the central data management device sends the flow rate for each predetermined time from the plurality of additional function units. The gas meter information system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an aggregate value of the value data is calculated to obtain the data for the load survey. 12. The additional function unit obtains data of a flow rate value for each predetermined time or day or for each predetermined number of days within one day, and the data of the flow rate value is used for the predetermined time or one day or Every hour or days longer than the number of days,
Collectively send together with the identification information of the gas meter to the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device, the central data management device, the flow rate data sent from the plurality of additional functional units From among the above, the data of the flow rate values transmitted from the additional function units provided in the plurality of gas meters corresponding to the plurality of designated identification information are collectively stored in the reception data storage means as one list, or It is transmitted to the external information processing terminal device, and the plurality of specified identification information is set to be rewritable by the central data management device or the external information processing terminal device. Item 1
8. The gas meter information system according to any one of items 1 to 7. 13. The additional function unit obtains data of a flow rate value for each predetermined time or day or for each predetermined number of days within one day, and the data of the flow rate value is used for the predetermined time or one day or Every hour or days longer than the number of days,
Collectively send together with the identification information of the gas meter to the external information processing terminal device or the central data management device, the central data management device, the flow rate data sent from the plurality of additional functional units Among these, calculate the aggregate value of the flow rate data transmitted from the additional function units provided in the multiple gas meters respectively corresponding to the specified multiple identification information, and receive the aggregate value data. The plurality of pieces of identification information stored in the data storage means or transmitted to the external information processing terminal device are set to be rewritable by the central data management device or the external information processing terminal device. Claim 1 characterized by the above.
8. The gas meter information system according to any one of items 1 to 7. 14. The additional function unit obtains data of a flow rate value for each predetermined time period or for each predetermined number of days in a day, and sets the flow rate value data to a time longer than the predetermined time period. If the gas flow rate continues to be below the judgment threshold value for a long time or for a long time exceeding the judgment time set for the judgment time or the number of days longer than the predetermined number of days, the addition The user of the gas meter provided with the functional unit determines that an abnormal situation has occurred, and transmits the information indicating that the abnormal situation has occurred to the central data management device together with the identification information of the gas meter, and the central data. The management device transmits the information indicating that the abnormal situation has been transmitted from the additional function unit to a predesignated external information processing terminal device, and 8. The time or the determination period is set to be changeable by the central data management device or the external information processing terminal device via a communication unit. Gas meter information system described in. 15. The additional function unit obtains data of a flow rate value for each predetermined time, and a temporal transition pattern of the data of the flow rate value is used as an operation pattern of various gas appliances used on the downstream side of the gas meter. Is compared with the temporal change pattern of the gas flow rate value corresponding to, to determine what kind of gas appliance is being used, the determined gas appliance is the central data management device or If the gas appliance is of a type different from that designated by the external information processing terminal device via the communication means in advance at a designated time period, the user of the gas meter is provided with information to that effect. The time zone and the type of gas appliance that can be used at that time are determined by the central data management device or the external information processing terminal device. Gas meter information system according to one of claim any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is changeable set via the communication means Te. 16. The additional function unit obtains data of a flow rate value for each predetermined time, and a temporal transition pattern of the data of the flow rate value is obtained for each kind of various gas appliances used on the downstream side of the gas meter. Of the gas flow rate value corresponding to the operation pattern of the gas appliance, it is determined what kind of gas appliance is used within the determination time, and the determined gas appliance The gas usage amount for each type of gas appliance is integrated, and the integrated value of the gas usage amount for each type of gas appliance is multiplied by the unit price determined in advance for each gas appliance type. In addition, the data of the charge amount for each type of gas appliance is collected at a time longer than the predetermined time together with the identification information of the gas meter at one time together with the external information processing terminal device or the central data pipe. The operating pattern information for each type of gas appliance is set to be changeable via the communication means by the central data management device or the external information processing terminal device. The gas meter information system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 17. The additional function unit receives information on the amount of money deposited as a prepaid fee from an external information processing terminal device or the central data management device via the communication means, and stores the information on the amount of money. It further comprises a deposit amount information storage means, obtains data of an integrated flow rate value for each predetermined time, and multiplies the integrated flow rate value by a predetermined charge unit price to obtain the time. 8. A gas use charge for each of the above is calculated, and a calculation for subtracting the gas use charge from the amount stored in the deposit amount information storage means is performed. Gas meter information system described. 18. A gas flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate value, a gas flow rate integrating means for integrating gas flow rate values measured by the gas flow rate measuring means, and a gas integrated by the gas flow rate integrating means. Data conversion by the measurement value data conversion means in a gas meter provided with at least measurement value data conversion means for converting the gas flow integration value or the gas flow value measured by the gas flow measurement means into data. The data of the integrated gas flow rate, or at least one or both of the data of the gas flow rate when the measured value data conversion means converts the gas flow rate into data is performed. Information on the arithmetic processing procedure and the timing of executing the arithmetic processing, and a storage unit for storing and processing the data obtained by the arithmetic processing. Data processing procedure storage means for storing information on the order and timing of executing the data, and reading procedure for reading the stored data and information on the timing of executing the data, and the measured value data conversion means in the gas meter At least one or both of the data of the gas flow rate integrated value converted into data, or the data of the gas flow rate value when the measured value data conversion means converts the gas flow rate value into data. A storage procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means, which is operated in accordance with the operation processing procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and the timing information for executing the operation processing, and the data obtained by the operation processing is stored in the data processing procedure storage means. And, based on the information of the timing to execute it, the integrated value of the gas flow rate that is the source of the data or A gas meter that measures the gas flow rate value is stored together with identification information given in advance, and the stored data is stored according to the reading procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and the timing information for executing the reading procedure. Data processing executing means for performing read processing, data storage means for storing data arithmetically processed and stored by the data processing executing means, and data processing execution from data stored in the data storing means An additional function unit, comprising: data transmitting means for transmitting the data read and processed by the means together with the identification information of the gas meter to a central data management device provided at an external distance. 19. The additional function unit according to claim 18, wherein a housing for accommodating the additional function unit is set to be attached to the outside of the housing of the gas meter. 20. A housing for accommodating the additional function unit is set to be able to be incorporated into a housing of the gas meter or a notch provided in the housing of the gas meter. Item 18. The additional function unit according to item 18. 21. The data processing procedure storage means stores the information in a rewritable manner, and further comprises a data processing information rewriting means for rewriting the information stored in the data processing procedure storage means. A data processing information rewriting instruction means for instructing the information rewriting operation of the additional function unit to the information rewriting means of the additional function unit and the instruction of the rewriting content via the communication means. The additional function unit according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the additional function unit is provided. 22. A socket is provided in the casing of the additional function unit, and the socket is set so that the data processing procedure storage means and / or the data storage means can be detached from the outside. 20. The additional function unit according to claim 19, wherein: 23. A socket is provided in the housing of the gas meter, and the socket is configured such that the data processing procedure storage means and / or the data storage means is detachable from the outside, and the socket is provided through the socket. 21. The additional function unit according to claim 20, wherein said data processing procedure storage means is set so as to be connected to said data processing execution means. 24. A resource usage measuring means for measuring the usage of the resource to be measured, a resource usage integrating means for integrating the usage of the resource measured by the resource usage measuring means, and the resource usage And a measurement value data conversion means for converting at least the resource usage integrated value out of the resource usage integrated value integrated by the integration means or the resource usage value measured by the resource usage measuring means. In the case where the resource usage meter and the resource usage integrated value data converted into data by the measurement value data conversion means in the resource usage meter, or the measurement value data conversion means converts the resource usage value into data Is an operation processing procedure that is performed using at least one or both of the data of the resource usage value and the timing of executing it. Information, information about a storage procedure for storing the data obtained by the arithmetic processing and information about the timing for executing the same, and reading information for reading the stored data and information about the timing for executing the same. Data processing procedure storing means for storing the resource usage integrated value data converted by the measured value data conversion means in the resource usage meter, or the measured value data conversion means converts the resource usage value into data. In this case, among the data of the resource usage amount, at least one or both data are processed according to the information on the operation processing procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and the timing of executing the operation processing procedure. Then
The data obtained by the arithmetic processing is based on the storage procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and the information on the timing of executing the storage procedure, and the integrated value of resource usage or the resource usage that is the source of the data. The value is measured together with the identification information given in advance to the resource usage meter, and the stored data is used as information on the reading procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and timing for executing the reading procedure. Data processing executing means for performing read processing in accordance with the above; data storage means for storing the data processed and stored by the data processing executing means together with the identification information of the resource usage meter; and stored in the data storage means. The data read out by the data processing execution means from among the stored data is identified by the resource usage meter. An additional function unit having data transmission means for transmitting information to the outside, data reception means for receiving data transmitted from a plurality of the additional function units; and data received by the data reception means. The received data arithmetic processing execution means for performing arithmetic processing corresponding to the type of the data and the identification information given to the data, and the data arithmetically processed by the received data arithmetic processing execution means Received data storage means for storing separately for each identification information, or for directly storing data received by the data receiving means for each data identification information, and type of data desired to be read and identification information When the read command that specifies the is input, the data type and identification information specified by the read command are paired. The data you want to,
The reception data storage unit includes a reception data reading unit that reads data from the data stored in the reception data storage unit and a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the additional function unit, and is provided at a distance from the additional function unit. Centralized data management device and a resource usage meter information system. 25. The resource usage meter and the additional function unit are separate bodies housed in separate housings, and the housing of the additional function unit is the housing of the resource usage meter. 25. The resource usage meter information system according to claim 24, wherein the resource usage meter information system is set so as to be attached to the outside of the. 26. The resource usage meter and the additional function unit are separate bodies housed in separate housings, and the housing of the additional function unit is a housing of the resource usage meter. 25. The resource usage meter information system according to claim 24, wherein the resource usage meter information system is set so that it can be installed inside a body or in a notch portion provided in a housing of the resource usage meter. 27. In the additional functional unit, the data processing procedure storage means stores the information in a rewritable manner, and the data processing information rewriting means rewrites the information stored in the data processing procedure storage means. The central data management device further includes, via the communication means, a data processing for instructing the information rewriting means of the additional function unit of the information rewriting operation and the content of the rewriting. 27. The resource usage meter information system according to claim 24, further comprising information rewriting instruction means. 28. The central data management device accepts a read command, which is sent from an external information processing terminal device via communication means, and specifies a type of data desired to be read and identification information, and The received data reading means is provided with a function of reading data corresponding to the type of data and identification information designated by the read command from the data stored in the received data storage means,
The resource usage meter information system according to any one of claims 24 to 27, further comprising a data transmission unit that transmits the read data to the information processing terminal device. 29. A socket is provided in a housing of the additional function unit, and the socket is configured such that the data processing procedure storage unit and / or the data storage unit is detachably set from the outside. 26. The resource usage meter information system according to claim 25. 30. A socket is provided in a housing of the resource usage meter, and the socket is configured such that the data processing procedure storage unit and / or the data storage unit can be detachably attached from the outside. 27. The resource usage meter information according to claim 26, wherein the data processing procedure storage means and / or the data storage means is set to be connected to the data processing execution means via the socket. system. 31. The resource usage meter information system according to claim 24, wherein the resource is tap water, sewer water, liquid fuel, or electric power. 32. A resource usage measuring means for measuring the usage of the resource to be measured, a resource usage integrating means for integrating the usage of the resource measured by the resource usage measuring means, and the resource usage. And a measurement value data conversion means for converting at least the resource usage integrated value out of the resource usage integrated value integrated by the integration means or the resource usage value measured by the resource usage measuring means. Resource usage amount integrated value data converted by the measurement value data conversion means in the resource usage meter, or in the case where the measurement value data conversion means converts the resource usage value into data, Among the data, at least one or both of the data, the information about the arithmetic processing procedure and the timing of executing the arithmetic processing, and the arithmetic processing. Information about the storage procedure for storing and processing the data obtained and the timing for executing it,
A data processing procedure storing means for storing information on a reading procedure for reading the stored data and information on a timing for executing the reading procedure; and a resource converted to data by the measurement value data converting means in the resource usage meter. At least one or both of the data of the integrated value of the usage amount or the data of the resource usage value when the measured value data conversion means converts the resource usage value into data, the data processing procedure. Arithmetic processing according to the information of the arithmetic processing procedure stored in the storage means and the timing of executing it,
The data obtained by the arithmetic processing is based on the storage procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and the information on the timing of executing the storage procedure, and the integrated value of resource usage or the resource usage that is the source of the data. The value is measured together with the identification information given in advance to the resource usage meter, and the stored data is used as information on the reading procedure stored in the data processing procedure storage means and timing for executing the reading procedure. Data processing executing means for performing read processing in accordance with the above, data storage means for storing data which is arithmetically processed and stored by the data processing executing means, and the data processing from the data stored in the data storing means The data read out by the execution means is provided at an external distance together with the identification information of the resource usage meter. Additional function unit, characterized in that a data transmission means for transmitting the to the central data management unit. 33. The additional function unit according to claim 32, wherein a housing for accommodating the additional function unit is set to be attached to the outside of the housing of the resource usage meter. 34. A housing for accommodating the additional function unit is set to be able to be incorporated into a housing of the resource usage meter or a notch provided in the housing of the resource usage meter. 33. The additional function unit according to claim 32, wherein: 35. The data processing procedure storage means stores the information in a rewritable manner, and further comprises data processing information rewriting means for rewriting the information stored in the data processing procedure storage means. A data processing information rewriting instruction means for instructing the information rewriting operation of the additional function unit to the information rewriting means of the additional function unit and the instruction of the rewriting content via the communication means. The additional function unit according to any one of claims 32 to 34, which is provided. 36. A socket is provided in a housing of the additional function unit, and the socket is configured such that the data processing procedure storage unit and / or the data storage unit is detachably set from the outside. 34. The additional function unit as claimed in claim 33. 37. A socket is provided in the housing of the resource usage meter, and the socket is set so that the data processing procedure storage means and / or the data storage means can be attached and detached from the outside, and 35. The additional function unit according to claim 34, wherein the data processing procedure storage means and / or the data storage means is set to be connected to the data processing execution means via a socket. 38. The additional function unit according to claim 32, wherein the resource is tap water or sewer water, liquid fuel, or electric power.