JP2007329719A - Charging system using outlet and power line communication modem unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charging system which can suitably and efficiently charge for the use of electric power. <P>SOLUTION: A charging system using an outlet comprises: a central controller having a function of controlling the whole power line communication and a function of communicating with a server; at least one or more outlet system units which are connected to the same power line with the central controller and each of which has an outlet connector for supplying electric power to a user; and the server stored with predetermined information. Each of the outlet system units has: a detecting means for detecting an outlet plug being inserted; a switching means for supplying electric power from the power line to the outlet connector when the detecting means detects the insertion; a measuring means for measuring a power value, power consumption, a use time, etc., concurrently with the start of electric power supply; a charging money calculating means for calculating a charging amount of money based upon measured values; a display means for displaying the measured values and the charging amount of money in a visible state; and a power line communication means for transmitting the charging amount of money to the central controller and the server by the power line communication. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging system and a power line communication modem unit for charging a user who has received power supply in a service industry facility or a public facility.

  The power consumption due to the use of the electrical appliance can be calculated from the voltage applied to the load and the flowing current, and the amount of power used can be calculated by integrating the power and the usage time. Since the electricity bill is charged for this amount of power, the advantage of being able to determine the amount of power used is great.

A plurality of devices for displaying the amount of electricity and electricity charges and notifying the user when using appliances at home using the above calculation method have already been proposed. Can be mentioned. These Patent Documents 1 and 2 are used by being plugged into a household commercial power outlet, and include an outlet plug portion into which an electric appliance is inserted, and a display unit for displaying the amount of electric power used and the electricity charge. It is characterized by.
Utility model registration No. 3028133 Utility model registration No. 2602097

  In recent years, with the spread of electronic devices such as notebook computers and mobile phones, there is an increasing need to use and charge these electronic devices on the go. In order to cope with this, a service is considered in which electric power is provided in facilities such as cafes and hotel lobbies and charges are charged.

  Assuming that the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 are used for such services, each user can know the amount of electricity used and the electricity bill, and has a display unit for those who use it. It is also effective in that it can be implied that the power usage is charged. However, considering from the charge side, it is impossible to determine when the user starts using and when it ends, and how much the electricity charge is due to the use, and there is also a means to determine the customer who used it Since it does not exist, there is a need for a system that can charge for power usage appropriately and efficiently.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a charging system that can immediately determine a customer who uses power and can charge for power usage appropriately and efficiently. It is what.

  The invention according to claim 1 is connected to the central control device having the function of controlling the entire power line communication and the function of communicating with the server, and is connected to the same power line line as the central control device, and supplies power to the user. A system comprising at least one outlet system unit having an outlet connector and a server storing predetermined information, wherein the outlet system unit includes detection means for detecting insertion of an outlet plug; Switching means for supplying power from the power line to the outlet connector when insertion is detected by the detection means, measurement means for measuring the power value, power consumption, usage time, etc. at the start of power supply, and the measurement means Charge amount calculation means for calculating a charge amount based on the measurement value measured in step, and the measurement value and the charge amount Display means for displaying the information, and power line communication means for transmitting the measured value and the charge amount to the central control unit and the server by power line communication, and the measured value and / or the charge transmitted to the server. This is a charging system using an outlet characterized by charging a user based on the amount of money.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the outlet system unit is a unit provided with the respective means inside a housing case, and an outlet connector and the display means are provided on a surface of the case. And an outlet plug for connecting the entire outlet system unit to a power line line.

  The invention according to claim 3 is used in an environment where power line communication is possible, and the male side plug of the glasses plug, the female side connector of the glasses plug, the outlet connector, and the LAN connector are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing. In the housing, the male plug of the glasses plug, the female connector of the glasses plug, and the outlet connector are connected to each other by a power line line, and input from the LAN connector between the power line line and the LAN connector. A power line communication modem unit is provided with a power line communication (PLC) modem for superimposing communication signals on the power line line.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the user inserts the outlet plug into the outlet connector provided in the outlet system unit, the power supply is detected by detecting the outlet plug, and the subsequent power value, power consumption amount, The service provider is sent to the server because it is configured to measure the usage time, etc., calculate the billing amount based on this, and send the information on the measured value and the billing amount to the server using power line communication. It is possible to easily charge for the power usage based on the measured value information and the charged amount information. In this case, it is possible to charge alone using only the measurement value information, or it is possible to determine the actual charge amount by combining the measurement value information and the charge amount information.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the outlet system unit is a unit in which the respective means are provided inside the housing case, and is based on the outlet connector and the display means on the surface of the case. And a display unit that displays the information, and an outlet plug for connecting the entire outlet system unit to the power line line is provided, so that it is possible to introduce a charging system without requiring further construction in existing facilities. It becomes possible.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, by using this power line communication (PLC) modem unit, when using a notebook personal computer or the like, it is connected to an AC adapter so that the PLC modem unit can be connected from the notebook personal computer. The distance between the two can be shortened, and a short LAN cable is sufficient to connect them, so that the wiring does not get in the way. In addition, since the outlet connector is provided, even when there is only one wall outlet plug that can be used, the power can be further turned on, and the power can be turned on from a position close to the user. It becomes possible. For example, in a meeting or the like, when a plurality of people use notebook computers on a table, it is possible to distribute power on the table, and it is not time-consuming to secure power.

  The billing system using an outlet according to the present invention is connected to a central control device having a function of controlling the entire power line communication and a function of communicating with a server, and is connected to the same power line line as the central control device. A system that includes at least one outlet system unit having an outlet connector for supplying power, and a server storing predetermined information, wherein the outlet system unit includes detection means for detecting insertion of an outlet plug; Switching means for supplying power from the power line line to the outlet connector when plugging is detected by the detection means, measurement means for measuring the power value, power consumption, usage time, etc., together with the start of power supply, Charge amount calculation means for calculating a charge amount based on the measurement value measured by the measurement means; A display means for displaying the measurement value and the charge amount in a visible manner; and a power line communication means for transmitting the measurement value and the charge amount to the central control device and the server by power line communication. Charging a user based on the measurement value and / or the charge amount, the outlet system unit is a unit provided with the respective means inside a housing case, on the surface of the case, An outlet connector and a display unit for performing display based on the display means are provided, and an outlet plug for connecting the entire outlet system unit to the power line is provided. Hereinafter, description will be made based on the drawings.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the outlet system unit 10. This outlet system unit 10 has a built-in outlet system (a system for displaying charges and charging) inside the case 11, and as shown in FIG. A display unit 12 for displaying an electricity bill and the like and an outlet connector 13 for inserting an electronic device to be used are provided, and a LAN connector 14 is provided on the lower surface as shown in FIG. It is provided. And as shown in FIG.1 (c), the outlet plug 15 is provided in the back side, and this outlet plug 15 is inserted and used for the outlet connector from a commercial power source.

  In addition, the normal outlet connector 17 has a shape as shown in FIG. 1 (d), and the outlet plug to be inserted into the outlet plug 17 also has a plate-like terminal formed in parallel. There is a possibility that the entire system unit 10 is removed and the electronic device is used directly from the outlet connector. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 (e), the outlet connector 18 is deformed, and the outlet plug 15 in the outlet system unit 10 may have a shape corresponding to the deformed outlet connector. By using the shape, unauthorized use can be prevented.

  Next, the internal configuration of the outlet system unit 10 and the overall configuration of the charging system will be described with reference to FIG. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be described as a billing system that performs billing by managing the usage fee in each outlet system unit at one location by power line communication (PLC).

  2, 10a,..., 10n are the outlet system units shown in FIG. 1, and are connected to the power line 25 through the outlet plug 15, and 10a shows the detailed configuration. A central control unit 20 has a function of controlling communication performed with each outlet system unit, a function of transferring charging information from the outlet system unit to the server 31, and the like. For example, in order to prevent a plurality of the outlet system units 10a,..., 10n from simultaneously transmitting billing information, the outlet system units are instructed to control the communication timing.

  In FIG. 2, the outlet system unit 10 a is connected to the power line 25 at the outlet plug 15, and the power line is connected from the outlet plug 15 to the outlet connector 13 on the surface of the case 11 via the switch 23 and the filter 22. The power is supplied from the outlet connector 13 to the user's electronic device and the like. Here, the outlet connector 13 employs a mechanism for detecting that the user has inserted the outlet plug of the electronic device. For example, what is shown to Fig.4 (a)-(d) can be considered.

  FIG. 4A shows an example in which the shutter 32 is provided in the outlet connector 13 portion provided on the front surface of the case 11 of the outlet system unit 10. The opening / closing of the shutter 32 is detected, and when the shutter 32 is open, it is determined that the plug is inserted.

  FIG. 4B shows an example of detection by the pressure sensor 33. A projection 35 is provided on a part of the contact piece 34 into which the plug is inserted, and a pressure sensor 33 is provided at a position facing the projection 35. When the plug is inserted in this state, the protrusion 35 is pressed against the pressure sensor 33 by opening the contact piece 34, and the time when the pressure sensor 33 detects this is detected as the time of plug insertion.

  FIG. 4C shows an example in which a mechanical (or electrical) switch 36 is provided in place of the pressure sensor 33 in the case of (b). As in the case of (b), when the plug is inserted, the contact piece 34 opens and the projection 35 pushes the switch 36, and the point in time when the switch 36 contacts is detected as the plug insertion.

FIG. 4D shows an example of detection by the optical sensor 37. The optical sensor 37 includes a light emitting portion 37a and a light receiving portion 37b, and is in a state in which light is detected by the light receiving portion 37b when the plug is not inserted, but the plug blocks the space between the light emitting portion 37a and the light receiving portion 37b. Since it is inserted in a shape, light does not reach the light receiving portion 37b. Therefore, the time when the light receiving unit 37b no longer detects light is detected as the time when the lug is inserted.
The detection is not limited to the above described FIGS. 4A to 4D, and some kind of plug insertion detecting means is provided for detection, and the detection result is output to the control unit 21 described later.

  The switch 23 is for switching whether or not to supply power from the power line 25 to the user. When plug insertion is detected by the outlet connector 13, the detection information is input to the control unit 21, and the control unit 21 turns on the switch 23 after confirming the plug insertion to start supplying power to the user.

  The filter 22 has a function of preventing intrusion of noise from the device connected to the outlet connector 13 and a function of preventing noise entering the device connected from the power line 25 side from leading to reduction in communication efficiency. It has. Some devices have a high noise level, and this noise may reduce the quality of PLC communication. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent noise from entering in both directions by this filter 22. Normally, the filter is installed to prevent noise from entering the equipment from the power line, but in this embodiment, it is used to prevent noise from entering from the equipment to the power line. Different.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 26 denotes a power consumption measurement circuit, which is a circuit for obtaining a power value, a power consumption amount, a usage time, and the like using a current value and a voltage value at a measurement point 24 on a power line line. The information obtained here is input to the control unit 21, and the control unit 21 outputs these information to the display unit 12 to display them. Information such as the power value, power consumption, and usage time is also input to the first billing circuit 27, and the first billing circuit 27 calculates the billing amount for use using these information. Information on the billing amount calculated by the first billing circuit 27 is output to the power line communication unit 28 described later.

  The LAN connector 14 in FIG. 2 is provided on the lower surface of the outlet system unit 10 shown in FIG. 1B, and is configured to provide a connection to the Internet as well as power supply to the user. . By detecting that the LAN cable is inserted into the LAN connector 14 by some method, it is possible to charge for the use of the Internet. For example, the start of data communication may be detected, or the presence or absence of the insertion of a LAN cable at the LAN connector 14 may be detected.

  The result of detecting the insertion of the LAN cable in the LAN connector 14 is input to the control unit 21b described later. Further, a switch 29 for switching whether or not to allow data communication is connected between the LAN connector 14 and the power line communication unit 28, and when the insertion of the LAN cable is detected in the control unit 21b. The switch 29 is switched to enable data communication.

  At the same time that the switch 29 is switched to enable data communication, the second billing circuit 30 starts calculating the billing amount for the use of the Internet. Information on the billing amount calculated by the second billing circuit 30 is output to the power line communication unit 28 described later. The method for calculating the billing amount in the second billing circuit 30 may be, for example, a method that is determined only by the usage time, or may be a method that measures the amount of data communication and charges accordingly.

In FIG. 2, the external input device 16 is configured to input external input information for determining whether or not to permit as a condition for permitting the user to supply power and use the Internet. is there. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, a card reader is provided as an external input device 16 for inserting a card into the side surface of the outlet system unit 10 and performing reading. The card 19 for authentication may be inserted into this card reader, information may be read, and it may be determined whether or not to permit. Information for permitting the supply of power and the use of the Internet is written in the authentication card 19 to be used, and after reading this, the information previously registered in the central controller 20 or the server 31 and A method of determining whether or not to permit by collating can be considered. For example, the authentication card 19 may be lent out when the user makes a request to the service provider in advance to receive power supply or use of the Internet. Then, the card 19 may be acquired.
The mounting position of the card reader does not necessarily need to be on the side surface and may be anywhere as long as possible. The external input device 16 is not limited to the case where the card reader is provided, and various other authentication means are assumed. Anything is acceptable.

The power line communication unit 28 is for exchanging billing information, usage time, power consumption, and other communication data with the central controller 20 through the power line line 25. The power line communication unit 28 includes a PLC modem 38 therein. Is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the PLC modem 38 superimposes the modem signal on the power line 25 and performs an analog processing in the PLC modem, and an AC coupling network unit 39 that performs a process of extracting a signal component from the power line 25. An analog front end 40, a system control interface 41 that performs digital processing in the PLC modem and functions as an interface, and a power circuit 42 for internal operation are connected to the power line 25 by an AC plug 15. .
In such a configuration, information such as usage time and power consumption from the power consumption measuring circuit 26 and charging information from the first charging circuit 27 and the second charging circuit 30 are transmitted through the power line communication unit 28 through the power line line. 25, and is transmitted to the central controller 20 and further to the server 31. When Internet communication is performed through a LAN cable connected to the LAN connector 14, communication data from the LAN connector 14 is superimposed on the power line 25 through the power line communication unit 28 and is connected to the Internet from the central controller 20.
The information read by the card reader as the external input device 16 is also superimposed on the power line 25 through the power line communication unit 28, verified by the server 31, and the result is again controlled via the power line 25. It will be sent to the part 21.

  The control unit 21 switches the switch 23 and the switch 29 from the detection signal at the outlet connector 13, the detection signal at the LAN connector 14, the authentication information from the external input device 16, and the like to control the power supply and the data communication permission. For controlling the display unit 12 to display information such as power consumption, usage time, and billing amount. In FIG. 2, the part related to power use is described as the control unit 21 a and the part related to data communication is described as the control unit 21 b separately in the drawing, but these are only described separately for convenience of explanation. Instead, they can be configured as the same control unit 21.

  A specific usage mode in the above configuration will be described. First, the outlet system unit 10 main body shown in FIG. 1 is installed at a predetermined location in a facility that supplies power. Each of these outlet system units 10 is recognized as a separate one in the central controller 20. In this state, when an outlet plug such as an electronic device used by the user is inserted into the outlet connector 13 provided on the front surface of the main body of the outlet system unit 10, the insertion is detected at the outlet connector 13. When the user inserts the authentication card 19 into a card reader as the external input device 16 as shown in FIG. 1A, the card reader reads and this information is stored in the server 31 in advance. The verification result is collated with the authentication information and transmitted to the control unit 21. When the outlet plug is inserted into the outlet connector 13 and the information from the authentication card 19 matches that of the server 31, the switch 23 is switched to start supplying power to the user. To do.

  When power supply is started, the power consumption measuring circuit 26 measures the power value and the power consumption amount using the current value and voltage value at the measurement point 24 on the power line line, and the usage time is measured. . Information such as the power value, power consumption, usage time, and billing amount from the start of use is input to the control unit 21 as needed, and the control unit 21 instructs the display unit 12 to display such information. These pieces of information are transmitted to the server 31. When the user connects to the Internet from the LAN connector 14, the insertion of the LAN cable is detected and the switch 29 is switched to enable communication. The usage time etc. are also measured for this Internet use, and it becomes a billing object together with the use of power.

  When the user pulls out the outlet plug from the outlet connector 13 in order to stop using it, the outlet connector 13 detects this and transmits it to the control unit 21. A signal is transmitted from the control unit 21 and the switch 23 is switched to switch the power. Is terminated, and charging for power usage is also terminated. Regarding the use of the Internet, charging is continued while the LAN cable is plugged in. When the LAN cable is pulled out, the switch 29 is switched to terminate the communication, and charging for the Internet use is completed.

  The billing amount for power use is calculated by the first billing circuit 27 and then transmitted to the central control device 20 and the server 31 through the power line 25, and the billing amount for Internet use is calculated by the second billing circuit 30. And transmitted to the central controller 20 and the server 31 through the power line 25. Based on the billing information sent to the server 31, the provider of these services charges a usage fee to the user. Further, since the power value, the power consumption, the usage time, and the like are also stored in the server 31, these pieces of information may be reflected in the charge for the usage fee to the user. For example, in the case of use for a certain period of time, a service such as a discount can be provided.

  The billing system for power use performed using the outlet system unit 10 according to the present invention uses the outlet system unit 10 by inserting it into an outlet connector connected to the power line 25, and the service provider side is sent to the server 31. Thus, a fee is charged based on the billing information. Therefore, by using the outlet system unit 10 of the present invention, there is an advantage that a billing system can be introduced at a low cost without the need for construction or the like even in existing facilities.

  The first embodiment is a system for charging for power usage and charging for Internet usage, and each of the charging circuits calculates a charging amount and then transmits it to the central controller 20 and the server 31 through the power line 25. It was. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment through the power line 25. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a wireless LAN unit 43 is incorporated instead of the power line communication unit 28 of the outlet system unit 10 in FIG. The billing amount or the like may be transmitted to the server 31 by wireless LAN communication. In FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the wireless LAN unit 43 provided in the outlet system unit 10 has a function of transmitting charging information from the first charging circuit 27 and the second charging circuit 30 to the server 31 via the router 44. When Internet communication is performed through a connected LAN cable, the communication data from the LAN connector 14 is connected to the telecommunication line via the router 44, and the information is transmitted wirelessly to the router 44. To send to.
The information read by the card reader as the external input device 16 is also transmitted to the server 31 via the control unit 21, the wireless LAN unit 43, and the router 44, and collation is performed by the server 31. The data is transmitted to the wireless LAN unit 43 via the router 44 and then sent to the control unit 21.
The router 44 may be a router used for a normal wireless LAN, and does not include a unique configuration in the present invention.

With the configuration as described above, information such as the billing amount can be transmitted to the server 31 by wireless LAN communication, and the provider of these services provides the user with information based on the billing information sent to the server 31. You can charge a usage fee. Further, as in the first embodiment, it is also possible to transmit the power value, power consumption, usage time, etc. to the server 31 for storage, and to reflect these information in the charge for the usage fee to the user. is there.
In FIG. 3, a LAN cable is inserted and used for the use of the Internet, and a fee is charged for this. However, a wireless LAN may be used for the use of the Internet.

  In the first embodiment, the power line communication unit 28 is provided inside the outlet system unit 10, and charging information is transmitted through the power line line 25 using the PLC modem 38 included in the power line communication unit 28, and Internet communication is also performed. The power line line is configured. The outlet system unit 10 is for charging a person who uses power, but it is not always necessary to provide an internet connection function in the outlet system unit 10.

  For example, a PLC modem may be configured separately from the outlet system unit 10. FIG. 7 shows a PLC modem unit 45 used by being connected to an AC adapter of a notebook personal computer. As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the PLC modem unit 45 includes a glasses plug male 47, an outlet connector 48, glasses glasses on four side surfaces of a housing 46 formed of a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners. A plug knife 49 and a LAN connector 50 are provided. Specifically, for example, a case where the power cord is connected between a connector portion of a power cord of an AC adapter of a notebook personal computer and a power cord from an AC power source can be considered.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the PLC modem unit 45. In FIG. 6, a PLC modem unit 45 includes a glasses plug male 47, an outlet connector 48, and a glasses plug female 49 provided on the outer peripheral surface of a housing 46, which are connected to each other via a power line line. 50 is connected to the PLC modem 38.

  The PLC modem 38 includes an AC coupling network unit 39 that superimposes a modem signal on the power line 25 and extracts a signal component from the power line 25, an analog front end 40 that performs analog processing in the PLC modem, and a PLC. It consists of a system control interface 41 that performs digital processing in the modem and functions as an interface, and a power circuit 42 for internal operation, and is connected to a power line line of a commercial power source by a power cord connected to the spectacle plug female 49 portion. Is done.

  Next, a specific usage method will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, in many cases, the notebook personal computer 51 is configured to obtain power by an AC adapter 52, and a connecting portion 53 between the AC adapter 52 and the power cord 54 has a glasses plug shape. . When the notebook computer 51 is used, the glasses plug-shaped power cord 54 is usually inserted into the power cord connection portion 53 of the AC adapter 52. Here, the glasses plug male of the PLC modem unit 45 is used. The 47 portion is connected to the power cord connecting portion 53 of the AC adapter 52. Further, the power cord 54 is inserted into the eyeglass plug female 49 portion of the PLC modem unit 45. In this state, as shown in FIG. 6, the power supply line is connected to the spectacle plug male 47 portion and the spectacle plug female 49 portion inside the PLC modem unit 45, so that power is supplied to the notebook computer 51.

  Further, the LAN cable 55 connected to the notebook computer 51 is connected to the LAN connector 50 of the PLC modem unit 45 in order to connect to the Internet using power line communication. In this state, the communication signal from the notebook computer 51 is superimposed on the power line by the PLC modem 38 inside the PLC modem unit 45 and the signal is propagated from the power cord 54 through the outlet to the same power line line. It is transmitted to another PLC modem connected to the above and accessible to an optical cable, ADSL or the like. A communication signal is placed on an electric communication line such as an optical cable or ADSL for performing the Internet from another PLC modem. Needless to say, the PLC modem unit 45 can directly access an electric communication line such as an optical cable or ADSL.

  In this way, by using the PLC modem unit 45, the distance from the notebook personal computer 51 to the PLC modem unit 45 can be shortened, and a short LAN cable is sufficient to connect them, so that the wiring is obstructed. Never become. As shown in FIG. 8, the PLC modem unit 45 is provided with an outlet connector 48, so that the power of other electronic devices can be taken from the outlet connector 48 while using the notebook personal computer 51. Therefore, even when there is only one wall outlet plug that can be used, the power can be further turned on, and the power can be taken from a position close to the user. For example, in a meeting or the like, when a plurality of people use notebook computers on a table, it is possible to distribute power on the table, and it is not time-consuming to secure power.

  The PLC modem unit 45 is configured by a housing 46 made of a rectangular parallelepiped with rounded corners. However, the shape of the housing is not limited to this, and a glasses plug male 47 and an outlet connector are provided on the outer periphery. 48, glasses plug female 49, and LAN connector 50 are provided, and the housing may include a PLC modem 38. Various shapes of the housing are conceivable.

It is the schematic diagram showing the structure of the outlet system unit 10 used for this invention. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the whole charging system by outlet use at the time of using power line communication. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the whole charging system by outlet use at the time of using wireless LAN. (A)-(d) is the schematic diagram showing the detection method of the insertion of the outlet plug in each outlet connector. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a PLC modem 38. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a PLC modem unit 45. FIG. (A)-(d) is the front view and side view showing the structure of the PLC modem unit 45, respectively. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of use of a PLC modem unit 45. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Outlet system unit, 11 ... Case, 12 ... Display part, 13 ... Outlet connector, 14 ... LAN connector, 15 ... Outlet plug, 16 ... External input device, 17 ... Shape of normal outlet connector, 18 ... Deformed The shape of the outlet connector, 19 ... authentication card, 20 ... central control device, 21 ... control unit, 22 ... filter, 23 ... switch, 24 ... measurement point, 25 ... power line line, 26 ... power consumption measuring circuit, 27 ... first 1 charging circuit, 28 ... power line communication unit, 29 ... switch, 30 ... second charging circuit, 31 ... server, 32 ... shutter, 33 ... pressure sensor, 34 ... contact piece, 35 ... projection, 36 ... mechanical (or electrical) Switch 37, optical sensor, 38 PLC modem, 39 AC coupling network, 40 analog flow 41 ... System control interface, 42 ... (for internal operation) power supply circuit, 43 ... Wireless LAN unit, 44 ... Router, 45 ... PLC modem unit, 46 ... Housing, 47 ... Glasses plug male, 48 ... Outlet connector, 49 Glasses plug female, 50 ... LAN connector, 51 ... notebook computer, 52 ... AC adapter, 53 ... power cord connecting part, 54 ... power cord, 55 ... LAN cable.

Claims (3)

  A central control device having a function of controlling the entire power line communication and a function of communicating with a server; and at least an outlet connector connected to the same power line line as the central control device for supplying power to a user A system comprising one or more outlet system units and a server storing predetermined information, wherein the outlet system unit detects an insertion of an outlet plug, and the detection means detects the insertion. Switching means for supplying power from the power line line to the outlet connector, measurement means for measuring the power value, power consumption, usage time, etc. at the start of power supply, based on the measurement value measured by the measurement means Billing amount calculation means for calculating a billing amount and a display for displaying the measured value and the billing amount in a visible manner And a power line communication means for transmitting the measured value and the charged amount to the central control device and the server by power line communication, and a user based on the measured value and / or the charged amount transmitted to the server. Billing system using outlets, which is characterized by billing.   The outlet system unit is a unit provided with each means inside a housing case. The outlet system unit is provided with an outlet connector on the surface of the case and a display unit for displaying based on the display means. 2. The billing system using an outlet according to claim 1, further comprising an outlet plug for connecting the entire unit to the power line.   It is used in an environment where power line communication is possible, and is provided with a male plug of the glasses plug, a female connector of the glasses plug, an outlet connector, and a LAN connector on the outer peripheral surface of the housing. The male plug of the glasses plug, the female connector of the glasses plug, and the outlet connector are connected to each other via a power line line, and a communication signal input from the LAN connector is superimposed on the power line line between the power line line and the LAN connector. A power line communication modem unit, characterized in that a power line communication (PLC) modem is provided.

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