JP4394078B2 - Gas station communication system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication station communication station.

A measuring machine installed in a gas station needs to register various items such as the oil type of each measuring machine, the oil supply limit, and the display mode during installation and maintenance. In communication stations at gas stations, POS terminals and weighing machines are often manufactured by different manufacturers, and the setting items differ for each type of weighing machine. The telegram between the terminal and the weighing machine is not standardized, and there is a situation that the setting items of the weighing machine cannot be registered or changed from the POS terminal side. Therefore, registration and change of various setting items are performed one by one in front of each weighing machine with a registration switch of the weighing machine or a push button on the remote controller.
Therefore, there is a problem that the setting of each weighing machine is troublesome when adding weighing machines or correcting the registered items of weighing machines.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 below disclose that a relay device is provided on a communication line between a POS terminal and a weighing machine, and data is transmitted from the relay device to the weighing machine to register the weighing machine. .
JP 06-100093 (abstract) JP-A-11-018992 (abstract)

  However, since a signal for requesting refueling, a signal for permitting refueling, purchase information, and the like are frequently exchanged between the POS terminal and the weighing machine, a communication line between the POS terminal and the weighing machine. When the registration is performed from the relay device, the communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine must always be relayed, which is a serious problem when the relay device fails. That is, the relay device of the above-mentioned patent document relays all communications between the POS terminal and the weighing machine, so that when the failure occurs, the entire system is stopped, and it is fatal to the operation of the gasoline station that makes refueling impossible. Problems arise.

  In view of the above problems, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a fueling device capable of registering a metering device without going to the location of each metering device and not impairing the reliability of the system of the whole gas station. Providing a communication system.

  The communication system of the fueling station of the present invention has a communication line for connecting a POS terminal and a weighing machine and communicating between the two, and at least a refueling permission signal for permitting discharge of fuel oil at the time of refueling. A communication system at a filling station that transmits fuel oil purchase information from a terminal via a communication line to a POS terminal after refueling, and is connected to the communication line. A bypass that bypasses the main part that is a part of the communication line and performs communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine is provided, and the main part has a switch for opening and closing the main part. The control means for controlling the opening and closing of the switch is provided in the bypass in parallel with the switch, and the control means controls the opening and closing of the switch so that the main mode and the detour are controlled. Switch modes It is possible to perform communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine, and in the main mode, the communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine is performed by closing the switch. In the bypass mode, the switch is in an open state, the refueling permission signal is transmitted from the POS terminal to the meter through the bypass, and the purchase information is transmitted from the meter to the bypass. Can be transmitted to the POS terminal, and data from the input means connected to the control means can be transmitted to the weighing machine, and the switch can receive an open signal from the control means. Will be open only while is being transmitted.

  In this case, it is normally operated in the main mode, and can be operated in the bypass mode only when necessary for registration or the like. In the bypass mode, communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine is possible through bypass, and the registration data of the weighing machine input by the input means is transmitted to the weighing machine through the bypass via the control means. Thus, the weighing machine can be registered without going to the front of each weighing machine. It is also possible to input a request for reading the storage (for example, the total meter value) of the weighing machine from the input means and transmit it to the weighing machine. Another device (for example, a personal computer) may be connected to the control means, and data input from the other device may be transmitted to the weighing machine.

  In addition, since the switch is opened only when an open signal is transmitted from the control means, even when the power of the control means is turned off due to a failure or the like during the bypass mode, the switch is closed, Since the communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine is possible by switching to the main mode, the reliability of the entire system is not impaired.

  In the present invention, in the bypass mode, transmission of the refueling permission signal and purchase information and transmission of data input by the input unit may be relayed by the control unit.

  In this way, in the bypass mode, transmission of data input by the input means and communication between the POS and the weighing machine can be appropriately distributed by the control means.

In the present invention, a connector for connecting a detour device including the control means is connected to the communication line, and the detour device is connected to the communication line via the connector. When the detouring device is detached from the connector, the switch is closed.

This makes it possible to carry an expensive detour device without being always installed, and the service person only needs to connect the detour device to the connector when registration of the weighing machine or the like is required, thereby reducing costs. In addition, when the bypass device is not connected to the connector, the switch is closed and the operation is switched to the operation in the main mode. Communication is not hindered.
The bypass device may include input means and output means.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
overall structure:
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system of the present gas station includes a POS terminal (management device) 1 installed in the office of the gas station and a fuel field outside the office (actually refueling by stopping the car) And a plurality of weighing machines 2 provided in the area). The POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 are connected to each other by a communication line 4 such as an industry standard SS-LAN (RS485 standard), and data can be transmitted / received to / from each other via the communication line 4.

  A bypass 5 is connected in the middle of the communication line 4. The bypass 5 bypasses the main part 41 that is a part of the communication line 4 and performs communication between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2, and is provided in parallel to the main part 41. A bypass device 50 is connected to the bypass 5. The bypass 5 and the bypass device 50 are mainly provided in the office of the gas station.

  This system performs communication between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 by switching between a main mode in which communication is performed through the main unit 41 and a bypass mode in which communication is performed through the bypass 5. The mode switching and the communication in the bypass mode are controlled by the bypass device 50 as described later.

Weighing machine;
The weighing machine 2 is provided with an oil filler control means 31 made of, for example, a microcomputer. For example, an oil filler 32 and an oil nozzle 33 are connected to the oil filler control means 31. The oil filler 32 includes an oil feed pump (not shown) and a flow meter (not shown) for measuring the amount of oil supplied, and is connected to an oil supply nozzle 33 for oil supply. Each refueling machine 32 is provided with a nozzle hanger (not shown) for applying the oil supply nozzle 33 and a nozzle switch 34 for detecting whether the oil supply nozzle 33 is applied to the nozzle hanger.
The oil feeder, the oil nozzle, and the like may be provided for each oil type such as “regular”, “high octet”, and “light oil”.

  The oil filler control means 31 controls the oil filler 32, enables oil supply from the oil supply nozzle 33, counts the amount of oil supply, and communicates the POS terminal 1 (FIG. 1) via the communication line 4. ), An oil supply record (an example of purchase information) including the oil type and the amount of oil supply, ON / OFF information of the nozzle switch 34, an oil supply completion signal indicating completion of oil supply, and the like are transmitted.

POS terminal;
The POS terminal 1 (FIG. 1) manages the plurality of weighing machines 2 and the like, and the refueling transmitted from the refueling control means 31 (FIG. 2) of the refueling machine via the communication line 4 Input information and manage various information such as fuel oil sales and inventory. Further, the POS terminal 1 transmits a refueling permission signal for permitting fuel oil to be discharged from the refueling nozzle 33 (FIG. 2) to the measuring device 2 via the communication line 4 in a predetermined case.

Communication line;
As shown in FIG. 3, the communication line 4 that connects the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 includes a first line 4a and a second line 4b. The POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 are grounded by a ground wire GND.

Main part;
A switching terminal board 42 is connected in the middle of the communication line 4, thereby configuring a main part 41 that is a part of the communication line 4. The main portion 41 is provided with a relay switch (an example of a switch) 43 for opening and closing the main portion 41 (for switching between conduction / non-conduction of the main portion 41). The relay switch 43 includes a contact 43a that can be opened and closed and a coil 43b. When a current is passed through the coil 43b for excitation, the contact 43a is opened as shown in FIG. That is, the contact 43b is a normally closed b contact. That is, when no current flows through the coil (when an open signal described later is not transmitted), the relay switch 43 is in a closed state (conductive state). As the switch, a semiconductor switch may be used instead of a mechanical relay switch.

  In the vicinity of the main portion 41, a connector 7 for connecting a detour device 50 that bypasses the main portion 41 is provided. A weighing machine side branch line 61 branches from the relay switch 43 of the main portion 41 to the weighing machine side, and the branch line 61 is connected to the connector 7. A POS side branch line 62 is branched on the POS terminal side of the main part, and the branch line 62 is connected to the connector 7. The coil 43 b is connected to the connector 7 by a coil connection line 63.

Bypass device;
A bypass device 50 is connected to the communication line 4 via the connector 7. The bypass device 50 includes a microcomputer (an example of a control unit) 51, first to third communication interfaces I / F1 to I / F3, a keyboard (an example of an input unit) 52, and an LCD display unit (an example of an output unit). 53 and a power source 54 for supplying power to the detour device 50. The first to third communication interfaces I / F1 to I / F3, the keyboard 52, and the LCD display unit 53 are each connected to the microcomputer 51.

  The first communication interface I / F 1 is connected to the weighing machine side branch line 61 via a connector 7, and the second communication interface I / F 2 is connected to the POS side branch line 62 via a connector 7. It is connected. Thus, communication between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine via the weighing machine side branch line 61, the first communication interface I / F1, the microcomputer 51, the second communication interface I / F2, and the POS side branch line 62. By performing the above, a bypass 5 that bypasses the main portion 41 is configured.

  The microcomputer 51 of the bypass device 50 is provided on the bypass 5 in parallel with the relay switch 43, and includes a CPU 51a, and a storage unit 51b including a ROM and a RAM. The microcomputer 51 relays communication between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 through the bypass 5 and transmits data input from the input unit 52 or an external device to the weighing machine. In a predetermined case, data is output to the output means 53 or an external device.

  The microcomputer 51 is connected to the coil connection line 63 via the connector 7. Thus, by transmitting an open signal from the microcomputer 51 to the coil 43b, the coil 43b can be excited and the relay switch 43 can be opened. That is, the microcomputer 51 controls transmission / non-transmission of the open signal to control the opening / closing of the relay switch 43 and also controls communication through the bypass 5 (switches ON / OFF of relay of communication by the microcomputer 51). It is possible to switch between a main mode for performing communication through the unit 41 and a bypass mode for performing communication through the bypass 5. When the power of the bypass device 50 is OFF, an open signal is not transmitted, so the relay switch 43 is closed and communication through the bypass 5 is OFF (the microcomputer 51 does not relay communication). The main mode.

The keyboard 52 can be operated to input various data such as registration data for registering the weighing machine 2 and to select necessary processes such as reading out the memory of the weighing machine 2.
The LCD display unit 53 is capable of displaying selectable processes and various data such as data read from the storage of the weighing machine 2.

  For example, an external device such as a personal computer (an example of input / output means) 59 can be connected to the third communication interface I / F3. By connecting the personal computer 59, it is possible to transmit data input from the personal computer 59 to the weighing machine 2 via the bypass device 50 instead of the keyboard 52. Further, in place of the LCD display unit 53, it is possible to cause the personal computer 59 to output data. In this case, the operability is good and necessary data can be stored in the personal computer 59.

The detour device 50 is provided so as to be removable from the connector 7. Therefore, the bypass device 50 is detachably attached to the communication line 4. Thereby, the detour device 50 can be removed except when necessary.
When the detour device 50 is removed from the connector, the relay switch 43 is in a closed state (the main mode in which communication through the main portion 41 is performed).

Operation of this communication system:
Next, the operation of this communication system will be described.
The communication system performs communication between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 by switching between a main mode in which the main unit 41 is a communication path and a bypass mode in which the bypass 5 is a communication path.
The operation in the detour mode is performed only for a short time during which communication between the detour device 50 and the weighing machine 2 is necessary, and in other cases (normal case), the operation is performed in the main mode.

Main mode;
In the normal case, that is, when communication between the bypass device 50 and the weighing machine 2 is not requested or when the power of the bypass device 50 is OFF, the operation in the main mode is performed. In the main mode, since an open signal is not transmitted from the bypass device 50 to the relay switch 43, the relay switch 43 is in a closed state (the main portion 41 is in a conductive state) and communication through the bypass 5 is in an OFF state. Yes (the microcomputer 51 of the detour device 50 does not relay communication). Therefore, communication such as a refueling permission signal and purchase information between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 is performed through the main unit 41.
When the detour device 50 is not connected to the connector 7, the switch 43 is closed, so that communication in the main mode is performed.

Bypass mode;
On the other hand, communication between the bypass device 50 and the weighing machine 2 (transmission of registration data and the like to the weighing machine 2 and storage of the weighing machine 2 is performed by operating the keyboard 52 of the bypass device 50 and the external personal computer 59. The main mode is switched to the operation in the detour mode. In this bypass mode, communication of purchase information and a refueling permission signal between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2, transmission of data input by the keyboard 52, etc., and transmission of data from the weighing machine 2 to the bypass device 50 are performed. Transmission or the like is performed by being relayed by the microcomputer 51 of the bypass device 50.

  For example, when a desired process (e.g., reading out the total value of the weighing machine 2) is selected from the menu (a plurality of selectable processes) of the LCD display unit 53 using the keyboard 52, the microcomputer 51 of the bypass device 50 is connected to the relay switch. 43, an open signal is transmitted to the coil 43b to open the relay switch 43 (main part 41 is in a conductive state), and communication through the bypass 5 is ON (the microcomputer 51 relays communication). Thus, the mode is switched from the main mode to the bypass mode, and the bypass device 50 is interrupted in the communication line. At this time, if communication is being performed between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 through the main unit 41, the mode is switched after the end of the communication.

  And the microcomputer 51 transmits the request | requirement of an integrating | accumulating meter value to the weighing machine 2 via the bypass 5 from 1st communication interface I / F1. When the microcomputer 51 receives the accumulated value transmitted from the weighing machine 2 via the bypass 5, the accumulated value is stored in the storage unit 51b, and the mode is switched again. That is, the transmission of the open signal to the coil 43b is stopped, the relay switch 43 is closed, and the communication through the bypass 5 is turned off (the microcomputer 51 does not relay communication), thereby bypassing the mode. Switch from mode to main mode. Thereafter, the received totalizer value is displayed on the LCD display unit 53.

  When registering the weighing machine 2 from the detour device 50, for example, when data of a set value is created in advance by a personal computer 59 connected to the outside, and the data is transmitted from the personal computer 59 to the microcomputer 51 of the detour device, The mode is switched from the main mode to the bypass mode, and the bypass device 50 is interrupted in the communication line.

  Then, the microcomputer 51 of the bypass device 50 transmits a request for registration of the set value to the weighing machine 2 from the first communication interface I / F1 via the bypass 5. When the set value is stored in the weighing machine 2 and registration is completed, a registration completion signal is transmitted from the weighing machine 2 via the bypass 5, and when the registration completion signal is received by the microcomputer 51, the mode is changed to the main mode again. Switch.

  When data (for example, a refueling permission signal) is transmitted from the POS terminal 1 to the weighing machine 2 in the bypass mode, the microcomputer 51 receives the data from the second communication interface I / F2 and performs the first communication. Sent from the interface I / F1 to the weighing machine 1. In addition, when data (for example, purchase information) is transmitted from the weighing machine 2 to the POS terminal 1 during communication in the bypass mode, the microcomputer 51 receives the data from the first communication interface I / F1. Then, the data is transmitted from the second communication interface I / F2 to the POS terminal 1. That is, communication between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 is not blocked even in the bypass mode.

  Note that the communication data between the POS terminal 1 and the weighing machine 2 transmitted during the bypass mode is temporarily stored in the storage unit 51b of the bypass device 50, and the communication between the bypass device 50 and the weighing machine 2 is performed. It may be transmitted from the microcomputer 51 after waiting for the end of the above.

As described above, the preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art will readily consider various changes and modifications within the obvious range by referring to the present specification.
For example, by providing a separate switch also on bypass, it may be switched to conducting / non-conduction of the bypass.
Further, an external device other than a personal computer may be connected to the third communication interface.

  The present invention can be applied to a communication system in a gas station.

It is a schematic structure figure showing the whole gas station system composition concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows a weighing machine. It is a schematic block diagram which shows a detour device and its vicinity.

Explanation of symbols

1: POS terminal 2: Weighing machine 4: Communication line 41: Main part 43: Relay switch 5: Bypass 50: Bypass device 51: Control means 52: Input means 7: Connector

Claims (2)

It has a communication line that connects the POS terminal and the weighing machine and communicates between them. At least, a refueling permission signal that permits the discharge of fuel oil during refueling is sent from the POS terminal to the weighing machine via the communication line. A fuel station communication system that transmits fuel oil purchase information from a measuring machine to a POS terminal via a communication line after refueling,
A bypass connected to the communication line, bypassing a main part that is a part of the communication line, and performing communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine;
A switch provided in the main part for opening and closing the main part,
The bypass connection means provided in parallel with the switch via the branch line, by being connected to said communication line via said connecting means, detachably provided is diverted to the communication line Including the device,
The bypass device has a control means for controlling opening and closing of the switch in parallel with the switch,
When the bypass device is removed from the connection means, the switch is closed,
In a state where the bypass device is connected to the connection means , the control means controls the opening and closing of the switch, thereby switching between the main mode and the bypass mode and performing communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine. Is possible,
In the main mode, when the switch is closed, communication between the POS terminal and the weighing machine is performed through the main part.
In the bypass mode, the switch is in an open state, the refueling permission signal is transmitted from the POS terminal to the weighing machine through the bypass, and the purchase information is transmitted from the weighing machine to the POS terminal through the bypass. And can transmit data from the input means connected to the control means to the weighing machine,
The switch is a filling station communication system that is open only while an open signal is transmitted from the control means.   2. The communication station communication system according to claim 1, wherein in the bypass mode, transmission of the refueling permission signal and purchase information and transmission of data input by the input unit are relayed by the control unit.

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