JP2007316919A - Metering system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce meter reader's working load of meter reading work, and to accurately acquire the power consumption data of a meter. <P>SOLUTION: The metering system is provided with the meter, capable of metering the consumption of power used by a consumer out of power supplied from a supplier and having a transmission means for transmitting power consumption data, indicating consumption of power by a visible light transmission system and a meter-reading terminal apparatus, having a receiving means capable of receiving the power consumption data transmitted by the transmission means within the range of access of visible light. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a meter reading system, and is particularly useful when applied to accurately measure the amount of energy such as electric power, water, or gas while reducing labor required for meter reading.

  Conventionally, a supplier (for example, an electric power company) that supplies electric power is provided with a measuring instrument for measuring the amount of electric power used by the consumer on the side of the consumer (for example, a general household or a company) that uses electric power, A meter reading service is performed to read the value of electric energy (power consumption data) indicated by the measuring instrument. In this meter reading work, meter readers patrol the facilities of multiple consumers, visually observe the power usage data shown on the measuring instrument provided on each customer side, and use this on a dedicated terminal such as a handy terminal. Electric power consumption data is inputted and recorded (see Patent Document 1).

  Even though the task of visually observing the power consumption data and recording it manually is simple, the meter readers will read a large number of consumer meters for each meter reading operation. A great deal of effort will be required. In addition, the meter reader may erroneously input the power usage data to the dedicated terminal.

  On the other hand, there is a technique for preventing load and erroneous input on meter-reading work by transmitting power usage data from a measuring instrument to a dedicated terminal via wireless communication means using infrared rays or radio waves (see Patent Document 2).

  However, in the case of wireless communication means using infrared rays, improvement in communication speed is restricted because high-output infrared rays cannot be used from the viewpoint of eye protection. In the case of wireless communication means using radio waves, legal restrictions such as the Radio Law are required. In practice, it is not easy to use a measuring instrument and a dedicated terminal that use such wireless communication means, for example, because the use of such communication means is limited.

  In addition, each consumer's measuring instrument and a computer installed in the electric power company are connected via communication means such as the Internet, and the electric power company's computer uses the electric power consumption of each remote measuring instrument via the communication means. Although there is also an automatic meter reading system that automates the meter reading work by acquiring data (see Patent Document 3), it is necessary to provide equipment, communication lines, etc. on the customer side equipment in order to configure the system, There is also a problem that the cost for capital investment becomes enormous.

JP-A-5-76075 JP-A-10-255190 JP 2003-152881 A

  In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a meter reading system that can reduce the work load of meter reading work by a meter reader and can accurately acquire power usage data of a measuring instrument.

In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A measuring instrument having a transmitting means for measuring the amount of energy used by a consumer among the energy supplied from a supplier and transmitting the amount of energy used indicating the amount of energy used by a visible light communication method And a meter reading terminal device having receiving means capable of receiving the usage data transmitted by the transmitting means within the reach of visible light.

  In the first aspect, since the meter reading terminal device acquires the usage amount data of the measuring device via the communication means, the meter reader can easily and accurately perform the meter reading work by using the meter reading terminal device. it can. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous needle detection. Further, since the communication means uses a visible light communication method, it can be used safely without restriction of communication output as compared with the case of using radio waves or infrared rays.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the meter-reading system according to the first aspect,
In the meter-reading system, the measuring device transmits the usage amount data for each predetermined time zone to the outside through the transmitting means.

  In the second aspect, for example, usage data in a time zone such as night, daytime, week, or month can be managed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the meter-reading system according to any one of the first to second aspects,
The meter-reading terminal device has a transmission command transmission means for transmitting the usage data transmission command to the measuring instrument, while the measuring instrument has a transmission command receiving means for receiving the transmission command, and the measuring instrument In the meter reading system, the usage data is transmitted to the outside by the transmission means based on the received transmission command.

  In the third aspect, the usage data transmitted from the measuring instrument can be received at an arbitrary timing by transmitting a transmission command to the measuring instrument.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the meter-reading system according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The meter includes a management unit that manages usage data at the time of the previous meter reading of the meter-reading object set by the meter, and the terminal device for meter reading includes the latest usage data received by the receiving unit and The meter reading system includes a calculating unit that calculates a charge for the usage amount corresponding to a difference from the usage amount data at the previous meter reading.

  In the fourth aspect, by calculating the difference between the usage data at the previous meter reading held in the measuring instrument and the latest usage data, the usage from the previous meter reading can be grasped. As a result, for example, it is possible to calculate a fee based on monthly usage data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform meter reading work accurately and efficiently by exchanging power usage data between a measuring instrument and a meter reading terminal device via communication means using visible light. it can. In addition, by using visible light communication for data exchange, it is possible to avoid restrictions on use due to laws and regulations, which are problems when using communication means using radio waves, and influence on the human body. The meter reading system can be easily spread. Furthermore, since the meter reader can visually confirm the communication state between the measuring instrument and the terminal device for meter reading at the time of meter reading, the meter reading operation can be smoothly performed even when the illuminance in the environment such as dusk or night is low.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described. The description of the present embodiment is an exemplification, and the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the following description.

<Embodiment 1>
In the present embodiment, assuming that electric power is used as a meter-reading target, the meter-reader of the electric power company that is the supplier of this power uses the meter-reading terminal device to obtain power usage data from a meter provided on the consumer side. A system for obtaining an accurate and simple acquisition is realized. Thereby, for example, labor required for the meter reader can be reduced, and inaccurate acquisition of power consumption data due to erroneous input can be avoided. In addition, as a result of shortening the time required for meter reading work by systematizing the acquisition of power usage data, meter readers can spend the reduced time on sales activities for customers to improve customer service. Is possible.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a meter reading system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the meter reading system 1 of the present embodiment is applied when metering the amount of electric power used, and is a metering type meter that measures and integrates the amount of power used. The meter 10 and a meter-reading terminal device 20 that can communicate with the measuring instrument 10.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the measuring instrument 10 measures the power usage amount as power usage amount data, and transmits the power usage amount data measured by the weighing means 11 to the outside at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, the database 13 stores the power usage data measured by the weighing unit 11 at a predetermined timing, and manages the power usage data stored in the database 13. Management means 14 is provided.

  Further, visible light communication is adopted as the transmission means 12 of the weighing instrument 10. Here, visible light communication refers to a communication method for transmitting and receiving data using visible light as a communication medium, and transmits and receives data to be communicated as blinking light sources. In this visible light communication, the reachable range of light becomes the communicable range, so the reachable range of data is visible, the visible light is harmless to the human body, and there are no restrictions on use due to laws and regulations such as the Radio Law It has various advantages.

  The following effects can be obtained by using the visible light communication having such advantages for the exchange of power consumption data between the measuring instrument 10 and the meter-reading terminal device 20. That is, when radio waves or infrared rays are used, it is possible for a third party to intercept power usage data in the vicinity of the measuring instrument 10, but when using visible light communication, the third is within the reach of light. Since it can be easily confirmed that there is no person, interception of the power usage data can be prevented. Moreover, since there is no restriction | limiting by a law regulation, it is easy to provide such a measuring device 10 in each customer's facility, and the spread of the meter-reading system 1 can be promoted.

  In order to transmit the power usage data by such visible light communication, a visible light terminal window 15 on the measuring instrument 10 side is provided on the front panel 10a of the measuring instrument 10, and the meter reading to be described later is performed through the visible light terminal window 15. The power usage data can be transmitted to the terminal device 20 using visible light. Further, such power consumption data is transmitted to the outside based on a predetermined transmission command from the meter-reading terminal device 20 as will be described in detail later. That is, the visible light terminal window 15 provided in the measuring instrument 10 also serves as a predetermined transmission command receiving means (transmission command receiving means).

  The measuring instrument 10 is provided with a turntable 16 that rotates in accordance with the amount of power used, and a digital instrument panel 17 that can display a character string that represents power consumption data in conjunction with the turntable 16. The rotating plate 16 and the instrument panel 17 constitute the measuring means 11. Further, an instrument panel 17 is provided on the front panel 10 a of the measuring instrument 10 above the visible light terminal window 15. As a result, the meter reader can read the power consumption data displayed on the instrument panel 17 by visually observing the instrument panel 17.

  On the other hand, the meter-reading terminal device 20 is provided with receiving means 21 for receiving the power consumption data transmitted from the measuring instrument 10. The receiving means 21 acquires power usage data from visible light emitted from the measuring instrument 10. The reach of visible light is not particularly limited, but it should be within a few meters in consideration of the meter reader looking at the instrument panel 17 and allowing the meter reading terminal device 20 to receive only visible light. Is preferred.

  In order to receive such power usage data by visible light communication, a visible light terminal window 22 on the side of the meter reading terminal device 20 is provided at the tip of the meter reading terminal device body 20a. Thus, visible light including the power usage data transmitted from the measuring instrument 10 described above can be received. Thus, in this embodiment, since visible light communication was adopted as a communication method between the measuring instrument 10 and the meter-reading terminal device 20, for example, compared with long-distance wireless communication having a problem of radio interference, The meter-use terminal device 20 can receive the power usage data from the measuring instrument 10 more reliably.

  Further, the meter reading terminal device 20 of the present embodiment has a transmission means (transmission command transmission means) 23 for transmitting a predetermined transmission command to the measuring instrument 10 side so as to transmit the power usage data from the measuring instrument 10 to the outside. Is provided. In this embodiment, such a transmission means 23 transmits a predetermined transmission command to the visible light terminal window 15 on the measuring instrument 10 side via the visible light terminal window 22 provided in the above-described meter-reading terminal device 20. It is supposed to be. That is, the visible light terminal window 22 provided in the meter-reading terminal device 20 also serves as a transmission command transmission unit (transmission command transmission unit).

  Here, the predetermined transmission command may include, for example, information on a measurement period (monthly, time zone, etc.) and information such as a measuring instrument number. By including the information of the measuring instrument number in the transmission command, for example, the meter reading place where a plurality of measuring instruments 10 are arranged, the measuring instrument number (not shown) printed on the front panel 10a of the measuring instrument 10, etc. By setting the measuring instrument 10 side in advance so that the power consumption data is transmitted when the received measuring instrument numbers match in places where the panel 17 or the like cannot be visually confirmed, a plurality of measuring instruments A specific measuring instrument 10 can be reliably identified. Thereby, an erroneous needle can be prevented more reliably. Further, by including information such as the period in the transmission command, for example, by extracting specific power usage data managed in the database 13 by the management means 14 on the measuring instrument 10 side, It is possible to perform meter readings of specific power consumption such as power consumption during the daytime, and this information can be used as useful information when updating or reviewing the contract contents of the electric user.

  The meter reading terminal device 20 is provided with data storage means (not shown) so that customer information can be stored before meter reading. Thereby, although details will be described later, the customer can be confirmed by the measuring instrument number or the like at the time of meter reading.

  In the present embodiment, the meter reading terminal device 20 is further provided with an input means 24 including input keys 24a capable of manually inputting power consumption data. Thereby, when it is difficult to obtain the power usage data of the measuring instrument 10 by visible light communication, the power usage data can be directly input via the input unit 24.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the meter reading terminal device 20 compares the received power usage data with the power usage data at the time of the previous meter reading, so that the time between the previous meter reading and the latest meter reading time is compared. A calculating means 25 for calculating the amount of electricity used is provided. Thereby, the usage-amount of electricity can be calculated and a charge can be efficiently shown to the consumer (customer) corresponding to the measuring instrument 10.

  Further, the meter reading terminal device 20 of the present embodiment is provided with a screen display means 26 such as a liquid crystal. As a result, the power usage amount and the electricity charge calculated by the calculation unit 25 can be referred to via the screen display unit 26.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 3, the process flow until the acquisition of the power consumption data by the above-described meter-reading terminal device 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow of the meter reading terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, the measuring instrument number of the measuring instrument 10 is confirmed (step S1). Actually, the meter reader visually confirms the measuring instrument number displayed on the measuring instrument 10, compares it with the customer information to be measured in the data storage means, and confirms the contract (customer confirmation).

  Next, data communication of power consumption data is performed between the measuring instrument 10 and the meter-reading terminal device 20 (step S2). For example, in this embodiment, a transmission command is transmitted from the visible light terminal window 22 of the measuring instrument 10 by pressing a transmission command execution button (not shown) of the meter-reading terminal device 20. On the other hand, on the side of the measuring instrument 10 that has normally received this transmission command from the visible light terminal window 15, the management means 14 extracts power usage data from the database 13 based on the transmission command, and passes through the visible light terminal window 15. Then, the requested power usage data is transmitted to the outside, here the meter reading terminal device 20. The meter-reading terminal device 20 receives this power usage data through the visible light terminal window 22 which is the receiving means 21.

  Here, following step S2, it is determined whether or not the data communication of the power usage data has been normally performed between the measuring instrument 10 and the meter-reading terminal device 20 (step S3). At this time, when the meter-reading terminal device 20 has normally received the power usage data (step S3: Yes), the calculation means 25 calculates the latest power usage (electricity charge) (step S4).

  On the other hand, when the meter-reading terminal device 20 cannot normally receive the power consumption data (step S3: No), the power-usage data is manually input via the input means 24 of the meter-reading terminal device 20 ( Step S5). Thereby, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In the meter reading system 1 of the present embodiment, when the approach to the measuring instrument 10 is impossible in step S1, the measuring instrument number cannot be confirmed by visual observation. By including the information of the instrument number, it is possible to specify the measuring instrument 10 to be weighed and move to step S2.

  As described above, in the meter-reading system 1 according to the present embodiment, the meter-reading terminal device 20 acquires the power usage data of the meter 10 by visible light communication with respect to the meter 10. The meter reading operation of the power consumption can be performed easily and accurately, and erroneous meter reading can be surely prevented.

<Other embodiments>
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on Embodiment 1, this invention is not limited to Embodiment 1 mentioned above. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the data communication of the indicated number is performed between the measuring instrument 10 and the meter-reading terminal device 20 based on the transmission command. The power consumption data is always transmitted, and without transmitting a transmission command from the meter-reading terminal device 20, the meter-reading terminal device 20 is brought close to the reachable range of visible light to the measuring instrument 10, and this power The usage amount data may be received by the meter reading terminal device 20.

  In the first embodiment described above, the measuring instrument 10 that is an integrating meter has been described as an example. However, the measuring instrument 10 is not limited to this, and the measuring instrument may be a time zone measuring meter. In this case, the measuring instrument is provided with management means for managing the power usage data stored in the database for each predetermined set period. The power usage data in this database is managed by a management means in a predetermined period, for example, in a time zone unit such as a monthly unit, 30 minutes, or one hour unit.

  The present invention is preferably used for meter reading of household electricity, gas or water usage, but of course, in other industrial fields, it is applied to meter reading work in which a meter reader manually reads the meter. The same effect can be obtained.

It is the schematic which shows the meter-reading system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the meter-reading system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the processing flow of the terminal device for meter-reading which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Meter-reading system 10 Metering device 10a Front panel 11 Measuring means 12, 23 Transmission means 13 Database 14 Management means 15 Visible light terminal window 16 Turntable 17 Instrument panel 20 Metering terminal device 20a Metering terminal device main body 21 Receiving means 22 Visible light Terminal window 24 Input means 24a Input key 25 Calculation means 26 Screen display means

Claims (4)

A measuring instrument having a transmitting means for measuring the amount of energy used by a consumer among the energy supplied from a supplier and transmitting the amount of energy used indicating the amount of energy used by a visible light communication method When,
A meter reading terminal device having receiving means capable of receiving the usage data transmitted by the transmitting means within the reach of visible light;
A meter-reading system comprising: In the meter-reading system according to claim 1,
The metering system, wherein the measuring instrument transmits the usage data for each predetermined time zone to the outside via the transmission means. In the meter-reading system in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 2,
The meter-reading terminal device has a transmission command transmission means for transmitting a transmission command for the usage data to the measuring instrument, while the measuring instrument has a transmission command receiving means for receiving the transmission command,
The meter reading system, wherein the usage data is transmitted to the outside by the transmission means based on the transmission command received by the measuring instrument. In the meter-reading system in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The measuring instrument comprises a management means for managing usage data at the time of the previous meter reading of the meter-reading object set by the measuring instrument,
The meter-reading terminal device includes a calculation unit that calculates a charge on a usage corresponding to a difference between the latest usage data received by the receiving unit and the usage data at the previous meter reading. Meter reading system.

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