JP2002288279A - Management system for sales of energy - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management system for selling energy, which enables a dealer to greatly reduce loads related to business, such as inspection of meter, collection of money, configuration, security, maintenance and the like, and which will not makes customers inconvenience. SOLUTION: The management system for selling energy, which is constructed between the customer 1 and the dealer 2, is composed of a detecting means 10 that detects consumption of energy of the customer 1, a customer information output means 20, 20A that output customer information including the detected consumption of energy, a relay means 60 that relays the output customer information, a receiving means 30 that inputs and outputs the customer information via these means, a means 40 that servers and manages the customer information, a host computer 50 that has a calculation processing means, which calculates charges for the consumption of energy and properties of the customer, and a sales management information output means which inputs and outputs sales management information, including the calculated charges for the consumption of energy in and from the dealer 2, 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an energy sales management system constructed between a customer who is an energy consumer and a store which sells energy to the customer. It can be used as a gas sales management system that measures the amount and charges the gas usage fee.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, energy such as electricity and gas is sold by installing an electric meter, a gas meter, and the like for displaying energy consumption used by a customer who is an energy consumer. , The meter reads the consumption displayed on these meters, calculates an energy usage fee based on the energy consumption during the period, and bills the customer.

[0003]

However, in such a conventional method, in order to obtain the energy consumption of each customer, the dealer visits each customer and reads the meter, and calculates the meter manually on the spot. They had to collect money (collect fees), placing a heavy burden on dealers. In addition, when a failure or abnormality occurs in the energy supply system installed at the customer, conventionally, the customer basically reports information on the abnormality or the like to the store, and the store responds accordingly. Since the maintenance of each customer is performed, there is a problem in that it is not possible to receive quick and accurate response to an abnormality or the like occurring in the customer. Furthermore, containers such as gas cylinders filled with gas and kerosene tanks installed outside the house, such as liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene, predict when fuel will run out in each energy container installed at the customer. And there is a problem that the customer may feel inconvenience due to running out of fuel or the like. Also, in order to solve these problems, communication systems for liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene have already been generally available, but these systems are poor in workability and high in cost including the construction cost.

An object of the present invention is to increase the efficiency of delivery work and the maintenance and management work of energy supply equipment and measuring instruments, in addition to the business burden of a store such as meter reading and collection, and to reduce the customer's work. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive energy sales management system with improved workability that does not cause inconvenience to the user.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an energy sales management system according to the present invention is constructed between a customer who is an energy consumer and a store which sells energy to the customer. Detecting means for detecting the energy consumption of the customer, operating status / security information of energy consuming equipment, and various kinds of customer information including the energy consumption detected by the detecting means. Customer information output means for outputting as a wireless signal, relay means for relaying the wireless signal output from the customer information output means, and transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving customer information input via the relay means or without the relay means And an arithmetic processing unit that calculates an energy usage fee corresponding to the energy consumption based on the various types of customer information transmitted and received by the transmission and reception unit. Means, processing means of a remote equipment diagnosis based on operation information of the energy consumption, supply and measuring instruments,
And sales management information for transmitting and receiving necessary data that is processed online as sales management information to the store, such as arithmetic processing means for remotely monitoring information transmitted from connected devices such as measurement of meters, alarms, indoor sensors, etc. Output means;
It is characterized by having.

Here, the consumption detecting means detects the energy consumption of the customer as the consumption or the meter reading value, similarly to the electric / water meter, lamp / light oil, gas meter, etc. used in the meter reading business. It is preferable to employ one that can output the detected value as an electric signal or various measurement signals. The customer information output means such as the operation status of the energy consumption / supply / security equipment system outputs the customer information including the energy consumption detected by the consumption detection means as a signal. An arithmetic processing unit for managing input / output of information and a transmitting / receiving unit for outputting customer information output from the arithmetic processing unit as a signal or receiving a signal and outputting the signal to the arithmetic processing unit can be provided. The acquisition of the customer information by the customer information output means may be performed by outputting a control signal from the arithmetic processing unit to input / output the customer information to / from the consumption detection means. The customer information may be spontaneously output based on the energy consumption and the customer information detected by the security system and the consumption detection means.

[0007] Further, the relay means means for receiving a radio signal output from the customer information output means and transferring it to the receiving means. Specifically, portable radio, PHS (Personal H)
and various types of wireless signals utilizing an and-phone system, etc., and transferring customer information to receiving means through a public line or a dedicated wireless line.

[0008] The receiving means and the arithmetic processing means include:
It is configured as a computer system equipped with communication equipment such as a modem. The computer system constituting the receiving means obtains, for example, energy consumption from customer information of each customer input through a public line or a dedicated wireless line,
For example, the difference between the previous meter reading value of the customer stored on the hard disk and the currently obtained meter reading value is output to the arithmetic processing means as the energy consumption at the time of the current meter reading.

On the other hand, a computer system constituting the arithmetic processing means calculates an energy usage fee based on, for example, the energy consumption output from the receiving means, and uses the energy consumption and the energy usage fee as sales management information as sales management information. The information is output to the information output means, and the sales management information output means outputs the sales management information to the store corresponding to the customer.
It is to be noted that the store can freely output and process the input sales management information as a tool for sales to each customer for each purpose and carry out sales promotion activities.

According to the present invention, the means for outputting various types of customer information such as the energy consumption detected by the detecting means, the relay means, the receiving means, the arithmetic processing means, and the sales management information output means are provided. It is configured to be able to output to the retailer, so that not only can the retailer's meter reading, collection and delivery work be omitted, but also the dealer can conduct efficient sales activities to each customer, It is possible to greatly reduce the work load on the dealer. For example, since the sales management information output means outputs the sales management information of each customer to the store, the store automatically checks the remaining amount of the cylinder of the customer, etc., and saves the trouble of contacting the store to improve the efficiency. Delivery can be performed, and energy can be continuously consumed without causing inconvenience to customers.

Further, since the customer information output means is configured to output the customer information as a radio signal, there is no need to connect a cable between the customer information output means and a telephone line contracted by the customer, which simplifies installation work. In addition, there is no consent for construction, and the spread of the system can be promoted. In addition, since the communication system of the customer information output means is different from the telephone line to which the customer contracts, the customer does not feel inconvenience such as installation and agreement.

In the above, when the customer information output means is configured to be able to output energy consumption / supply / security equipment system information relating to the energy supply system of the customer in the customer information, the above-mentioned receiving means provides the customer information It is preferable that the information can be directly output to the store when it is detected that the information is included in the store. Here, for example, the security information refers to information relating to a failure of an energy supply system installed at each customer, and in the case of a liquefied petroleum gas supply system, gas leak cutoff information, alarm call, automatic switching valve call. , Information on battery voltage drop, equipment failure, insufficient gas remaining amount, and the like.

In this way, the customer information output means is configured to output, for example, security information in the customer information, and when the reception means detects that the security information is included in the customer information, the reception means sets the sales information. Since this security information is output directly to the store, if emergency security information such as gas leakage is detected, it can be transmitted directly to the store from the receiving means, and prompt response by the store Therefore, the customer can use the energy supply system with peace of mind.

Further, the above-mentioned consumption detecting means or customer information output means is configured to be able to output as customer information including information other than information such as energy consumption and security, delivery and equipment operation information. Is preferred. Here, the other information includes information on the home and nursing care of the customer,
Security information, equipment information such as fuel cells for distributed power supplies, general home life such as entertainment information for distributing video and music, various services provided by dealers and related businesses, and information for ordering Various information that can be considered in the processing terminal or the like can be considered. In order to include such information in the customer information, an information input / output terminal for receiving the information as an electric signal is separately provided in the consumption detection means or the customer information output means, and another information input / output terminal is provided in the information input / output terminal. An electronic device that outputs information or the like may be connected by a cable or wirelessly.

As described above, since it is configured to be able to output other information and the like in the customer information, the energy sales management system according to the present invention can be extended to other uses. It can be used as an information management system for use. Further, since information management of a customer can be constructed simply by providing an information input / output terminal in the consumption detecting means or the customer information output means, the cost required for each customer to construct an information management system can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to promote the spread of the system of the present invention.

Further, when the energy sales management system is provided with a collecting means for collecting an energy usage fee from a customer, the above-mentioned arithmetic processing means transmits the calculated energy usage fee together with various bills to the customer. It is preferable to be configured to be able to output to the collection means. here,
The collection means means face-to-face collection by a collector, collection at a handy terminal owned by the collector, and a financial institution such as a bank, a credit company, electronic money, and various financial services that can be settled online. For example, the arithmetic processing means
The energy usage fee, other service / sales charges, etc. are output to the financial institution contracted by the customer, and the financial institution debits the input energy usage fee from the customer's account as a billing amount, and the sales institution, the energy Transfer to suppliers and service providers.

Since the details of the consumption service such as the energy usage fee calculated by the arithmetic processing means are configured to be output to the financial institution contracted by each customer, for example, once a month By debiting the bill for the energy usage fee, the customer does not need to perform the procedure of paying the usage fee himself, and it is possible to reduce the trouble of the customer and greatly reduce the collection work of the store.

If the energy sales management system described above has an energy delivery means for delivering the container filled with energy to the customer as required, this energy delivery means is provided by the sales management information output means. Preferably, delivery to each customer is performed based on the management information. Specifically, as such an energy sales management system, a sales management system for liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, kerosene, and the like can be considered, and the consumption detecting means is a gas meter, a liquid measurement meter, or a gas meter installed at each customer. It becomes an energy meter or the like.

It is preferable that the energy delivery means includes a receiver for receiving a radio signal output from the customer information output means. That is, since the energy delivery means is provided with the receiver, the security information such as the warning signal, the maintenance signal, and the inquiry signal output from the customer information output means can be directly received when the energy delivery means patrols for delivery or the like. Can respond quickly.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an energy sales management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This energy sales management system, the customer 1, the store 2, a system that is set between the dealer 3, the gas meter 10,
Slave unit NCU (Network Control Unit) 20, master unit NCU
20A, receiving terminal computer 30, customer information management computer 40, and customer information management computer 50,
And a repeater 60. The information detected by the gas meter 10 is output as a radio signal from the slave unit NCU 20 including the customer information, and only the slave unit NCU 20 is received via the repeater 60 or the master unit NCU 20A, and is received via the public line 4 It is received at 30. Slave NC
U20, repeater 60 or base unit 20A may be installed outdoors. The customer 1 is provided with a gas cylinder 5 and a liquefied petroleum gas supply system including a pipe for guiding liquefied petroleum gas inside the gas cylinder 5.
Maintenance and the like are performed by the dealers 2 and 3.

Gas meter 10 as consumption detecting means
Is for detecting the remaining amount of liquefied petroleum gas in the container of the gas cylinder 5 installed in each customer 1 and the accumulated gas consumption (meter reading), and as shown in FIG. Sensor 1 for detecting liquefied petroleum gas pressure
1. A configuration including a flow control valve 12 for adjusting the flow rate of liquefied petroleum gas discharged from the gas cylinder 5 and a control unit 13 for controlling shutoff / return of the flow control valve 12 based on the detection result from the measurement sensor 11. Is done.

The control unit 13 has a function of detecting the amount of liquefied gas used based on the flow rate inside the gas cylinder 5 detected by the measuring sensor 11 and further integrating the value. It is stored as a meter reading value. If necessary, the receiving terminal computer 30 or the child unit NCU 20 goes to get information of the gas meter 10. The control unit 13
When it is detected that the pressure drop or abnormal flow rate detected by the pressure sensor 11 is detected, it is determined that an abnormality such as gas leakage has occurred,
A warning signal to that effect is output to the NCU 20.

NCU 20, 2 as customer information output means
0A includes an arithmetic processing unit 21, a transmission / reception unit 22, and a terminal connection unit 23. The arithmetic processing unit 21 stores a meter reading value output from the gas meter 13, a warning signal, and an electric signal input / output via the terminal connection unit 23, and stores a telephone number of a predetermined contact according to the type thereof. It has a function of selecting and securing a communication connection with the contact. For this reason, the arithmetic processing unit 21 includes a storage area for processing according to the type of the electric signal, determines the type of the electric signal input to the gas meter 10 and the terminal connection unit 23, and stores the corresponding processing content in the storage area. And output to the communication connection unit 22. Also, the arithmetic processing unit 21
Is provided with a clock function inside, and outputs a control signal to the gas meter 10 when a predetermined date and time comes, and reads a detected value to the control unit 13 of the gas meter 10.

The transmission / reception unit 22 converts an electric signal related to customer information output from the arithmetic processing unit 21 into a radio signal, and transmits the signal via the antenna unit 221 to the repeater 60 or the master unit NCU 2.
This is a portion that receives a signal transmitted from the receiving terminal computer 30 through the public line 4 or converts the signal into an electric signal and outputs it to the arithmetic processing unit 21.

Terminal connection part 23 as information input / output terminal
Are configured based on a predetermined communication standard. The terminal connection unit 23 includes equipment detection sensors 7 such as glass breakage detection sensors, medical devices 8 such as pacemakers, AV devices 9 such as televisions and audio devices, and fuel cells. And other electronic devices such as an information processing terminal 9B for providing ordering and service information, etc., and electric signals output from each electronic device can be connected through this terminal connection unit 23. Output to the arithmetic processing unit 21. The repeater 60 as a relay unit is, for example, a repeater that transmits a wireless signal of the slave 20, and is connected to the public line 4. The wireless signal received by the repeater 60 is sent to desired destinations 2 and 3 connected to the public line 4 via the public line 4.

Receiving terminal computer 3 as receiving means
Reference numerals 0 and 31 are configured as a computer system including a main body including a CPU and a hard disk, and a communication connection unit connected to the main body. The receiving terminal computers 30, 31 are installed in each customer 1 and connected to each terminal equipment, and perform processing according to the type of information included in customer information such as meter readings output from the slave unit NCU 20 and the master unit NCU 20A. Is the part that performs A plurality of the receiving terminal computers 30 and 31 are set for each area where the plurality of customers 1 or the stores 2 are controlled. Each of the receiving terminal computers 30 and 31 is configured to be able to output a control signal to the customer 1 under its control.
Specifically, each receiving terminal computer 30, 31
It has a program that operates on an OS that controls the PU, and although not shown, this program is developed on the OS to form a signal input / output unit, a signal type determination unit, each sensor information acquisition unit, and each sensor. An information processing unit, sensor information storage units, and customer information and store information output units are provided.

The signal input / output unit inputs customer information such as meter readings and warning signals from the NCUs 20 and 20A and the devices connected thereto, and conversely controls the NCUs 20 and 20A and the devices connected thereto. Is the part that outputs The signal type determination unit determines which of the customers 1 the signal is output from, and determines whether the input signal is an emergency warning signal of a connected device such as an energy supply device or a measuring device, or a normal energy supply signal. This is a part for determining whether the signal is an electric signal indicating a meter reading value of a connected device such as a device or a measuring instrument, delivery information, or a connected device. The information acquisition unit of the energy measuring device
For example, it is a part for acquiring the meter reading value, the used amount, the remaining amount, etc. and the customer ID information indicating the customer 1 among the information output from the gas meter 10 included in the customer information, and additionally operates the energy use equipment and the supply equipment. A function is also provided for determining whether the signal is an urgent warning or an urgent signal according to the type of the signal or the warning signal.

The energy consumption calculating section supplies the energy consumption and consumption at the time of the current meter reading based on the meter reading obtained from the customer information and the consumption history such as the previous meter reading recorded in the hard disk. This is a part that predicts according to the form and records the energy consumption utilization level of the customer including the current meter reading value on the hard disk. A part of the warning signal output from the energy measuring device 10 such as a meter is also processed by the energy consumption calculating section (described later). Then, the obtained energy consumption and consumption history are based on the current meter reading,
The information is output and stored together with the customer ID information to a customer information management computer 40, a wide area store, and a large host computer 50 capable of various online processing. A customer information management computer 40 serving as a store terminal output unit, and a large host computer 5 holding all customer data
Numeral 0 denotes a part for directly inputting / outputting information via a public line. The information input / output to / from the customer information management computers 40 and 50 includes the customer information, the accounts receivable / payable, and the management information , The energy consumption and usage form of each customer 1,
All information including a warning signal and a call signal held by a device connected to the NCUs 20 and 20A is included.

The host computer 50 holding the arithmetic processing means and the company information other than the customer information, for example, uses the energy consumption based on the payment form of each customer 1 output from the receiving terminal computer 30 and the energy consumption at the time of the current meter reading. Calculates energy consumption forecasts according to fees and delivery / supply modes, and connects online with other systems to collect and distribute information necessary for billing and energy sales / supply operations. The host computer 50 includes receiving terminal computers 30, 31,
Like the computer 40, the computer is configured as a computer system including a CPU and a hard disk. However, a CPU and a large-capacity hard disk faster than the receiving terminal computers 30, 31, and 40 are employed. The host computer 50 collectively distributes all customer information such as energy consumption, office information such as company information, and used device information output from the plurality of customer information management terminal computers 40.

The host computer 50 has a program developed on an OS for controlling the CPU, and although not shown, a signal input unit constructed by developing the program, energy usage fee, predicted value, etc. , A sales management information processing unit and an output unit, and a company information processing unit and an information output unit as an output unit. The energy usage fee calculation unit is a unit that calculates the energy usage fee based on the energy consumption input via the signal input unit. Specifically, referring to the unit price of liquefied petroleum gas stored in the hard disk in advance, regional information of each customer, usage frequency information, and the like, weighting is performed as necessary based on these information, and for each customer, It is possible to calculate an energy usage fee and an energy delivery predicted value.

For example, the calculated energy usage fee is output from the information output unit and is managed by each customer 2
In addition to outputting the energy usage fee, meter reading value, other application information and usage record information of the customer 1 as sales management information, the energy usage fee corresponding to the collection means 70 of the customer 1 such as a financial institution is also output. In the collection means 70, the energy use fee from the host computer 50 is deducted from the account of the customer 1 as a billing amount, and
Make a transfer to. Note that the collecting means 70 is not limited to such automatic debit, and for example, it is possible to send a transfer form to the customer 1 and the customer 1 can make a payment procedure at a bank, a post office, a convenience store, or the like. In the case of hand collection, a bill required for the collection can be issued by the customer information management computers 40, 50 and the like.

The customer information management computer 40 obtains customer information directly output from the receiving terminal computers 30 and 31, and sales management information from the host computer 50. On the basis of these pieces of information, the dealers 2 and 3 perform security work for each customer 1, delivery work using the energy delivery means 80 such as trucks, and service work for connected devices.
The delivery plan of the delivery means 80 is based on the sales management information which is processed by the host computer 50 and delivered to the computer 40.
It is set so that it can be supplied. Further, this delivery means 8
0 includes a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) 81 for receiving a radio signal transmitted from the above-mentioned NCUs 20 and 20A. For example, if an urgent warning signal or the like is received during patrol of the delivery means 80, the nearby You can search for and deal with customers. In addition, the store 2 responds to the lifestyle based on the energy supply and consumption system maintenance of each customer 1 based on the usage information and usage frequency information of the customer 1 included in the sales management information. Sales activities for new products and service systems.

Next, the operation of the above energy sales management system will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. [1] Meter reading / collection business Meter reading / collection business is performed once a month for general household use, specifically, in the following procedure. (1) When the date and time corresponding to the predetermined meter reading date and time is reached using the clock function of the NCU 20, the arithmetic processing unit 21 of the NCU 20
From the control unit 13 of the gas meter 10
, The meter reading of the gas meter 10 is output to the arithmetic processing unit 21 (process S1).

(2) Upon acquiring the meter reading value, the arithmetic processing unit 21 determines that this is the meter reading value from the gas meter 10, calls the telephone number of the receiving terminal computer 30 from the storage area, and dials (step S2). ). (3) Based on the call signal output from the arithmetic processing unit 21, the transmitting / receiving unit 22 outputs a communication signal (process S3),
A communication connection between the repeater 60 or the master unit NCU 20A and the receiving terminal computer 30 via the public line 4 is attempted. At this time, the arithmetic processing unit 21 monitors the connection state and determines whether or not the connection with the receiving terminal computer 30 has been secured (process S4). (4) If all the lines are blocked or if the line of the receiving terminal computer 30 is blocked, the connection with the receiving terminal computer 30 cannot be established.
Interrupts the output of the calling signal (process S5), waits for a predetermined time (process S6), and dials again.

(5) When the communication connection between the NCUs 20 and 20A, the repeater 60 and the receiving terminal computer 30 is secured (process S7), the customer information output from the arithmetic processing unit 21 is received via the public line 4. The signal is input to the signal input / output unit of the terminal computer 30. After the input customer information is subjected to predetermined conversion, the signal type determination unit acquires the customer ID information of the customer 1 (process S8), and the information included in the customer information relates to the meter reading business. Is there
It is determined whether the information is related to security information such as a warning signal or other connected systems (process S9). In this case, since it is related to the meter reading operation, the signal type determination unit determines that fact and proceeds to the next step. If the customer information includes security information, the security information will be described later in security work.

(6) Based on the judgment of the signal type judgment unit,
The gas meter information acquisition unit acquires the meter reading value included in the customer information in the receiving terminal computer 30 (process S10), and the energy consumption calculation is collected and distributed to the customer information management terminal,
This is performed by the host computer 50 calculating the energy consumption at the time of the current meter reading based on the acquired meter reading values (steps S11 and S12). (7) The host computer 50 calculates an energy usage fee based on the input energy consumption (processing S
13). The calculation is performed by weighting, as necessary, while taking into account the local information, the use information, the usage record information, and the like of the customer 1.

(8) When the calculation of the energy usage fee is completed, the host computer 50 outputs the energy usage fee together with the customer ID information of the customer 1 to the collection means 70 (process S14). Further, the host computer 50 uses energy consumption, meter reading, energy usage fee, customer ID information, application information, usage record information, and the like as sales management information.
From the sales management information output unit to the customer information management computer 40
(Step S15).

[2] Security Operations (1) If an abnormality is detected in the pressure drop inside the gas cylinder 5 detected by the measurement sensor 11, the control unit 13 may determine that an accident such as a gas leak has occurred. When it is determined that there is, the supply of the liquefied petroleum gas is interrupted by operating the flow control valve 12 (process S21), and the warning signal is sent to the NCU 20, 20A.
(Step S22). Note that abnormalities in pressure drop include, for example, a case where gas consumption is continued for several tens of minutes or more, a case where a sudden change in gas pressure and an abnormal flow rate are shown, and the like.

(2) The warning signal from the control unit 13 is NC
The input to the arithmetic processing unit 21 of U20
Performs processes S2 to S6 in the same manner as in the case of the meter reading business,
The communication connection with the receiving terminal computer 30 is secured (process S23). (3) After the process S8 is performed in the same manner as described above, the customer information including the warning signal output from the arithmetic processing unit 21 is subjected to the signal type determination unit to determine whether or not the warning signal is included. (Step S24). If the warning signal is not included, it is determined that the meter reading operation is normal, and the process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

(4) On the other hand, if it is determined that a warning signal is included, the gas meter information acquisition unit determines whether the content of the warning requires urgent action (processing S25). Specifically, when the warning signal of the gas meter is a warning that the pressure inside the gas cylinder 5 or the pipe is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, or the gas consumption measured by the gas meter is equal to or higher than a predetermined flow rate, an urgent alarm signal Is determined to be a warning signal indicating that the pressure drop inside the gas cylinder 5 has continued for a predetermined time, it is determined that the warning signal requires urgency.

(5) If it is determined that the warning signal needs to be dealt with urgently, the communication terminal (telephone, facsimile, pager) of the stores 2 to 5 is transmitted from the store terminal output section of the receiving terminal computer 30. Etc.), a warning signal is output via the public line (process S29). Further, if necessary, the operator of the receiving terminal computer 30 directly calls or faxes the customer 1 or the sales outlets 2, 3 and the responder 5 to check the status. In this example, the receiving terminal computers 30 and 31 are configured to automatically output a warning signal to the communication terminals of the stores 2 and 3. You may be comprised so that a call may be made arbitrarily based on the obtained information.

(6) The dealer 2 receiving the warning signal of the above (5)
5 perform a measure based on the warning signal (process S3).
0). Specifically, in the case of an urgent warning signal, for example, the customer 1 whose liquefied petroleum gas remaining amount is reduced is incorporated into the circulation route of the delivery means 80 to set a delivery plan. NCU2
In the case of an emergency warning signal of the equipment / system connected to 0, 20A, the corresponding maintenance staff of the dealers 2 to 5 is immediately dispatched, and the energy supply facilities / consumption of the gas cylinder 5 etc. of the customer 1 are consumed. Perform maintenance and repair of equipment and connected devices. Since the delivery means 80 includes the PDA 81 having a receiving function as described above, the N
When a warning signal is transmitted from the CU 20 and received by the circulating delivery means 80, it is possible to immediately take measures such as maintenance.

(7) The responders 2 to 5 complete the energy supply of the customer 1 or the maintenance of the system. For example, a button press for replacing the gas cylinder of the gas meter 10 and a shutdown of the gas meter are restored to confirm a normal measurement state and safety, and then restored (process S31). The gas meter 10
May be directly operated by the maintenance person or the customer 1, or may be remotely controlled via the public line 4 by outputting a control signal from the receiving terminal computer 30.

[3] Input and output of other information NCU 20, 20A, terminal connection part 23 of gas meter 10
The information other than the energy supply system such as liquefied petroleum gas output from the various sensors 7 to 9B connected to is connected to a system that manages the information and is processed. Specifically, the input / output information from the equipment detection sensor 7 is a system of a housing facility or a security company, and the input / output information from the medical equipment 8 is a care service, a system of a hospital or the like, and input / output from an AV equipment 9. Information is input and output information of energy consuming equipment such as music distribution companies, energy sales companies and equipment maintenance companies, input and output information from information terminals, listen to newspapers,
Flyer information, home delivery service ordering and public line 4
Customer information management computer 40 of dealers 2 through 5
Input and output.

The output information generated by these electronic devices 7 to 9B may be controlled by the NCU 20,
20A is input as it is, is not processed, is received by the receiving terminal computer corresponding to each device service,
As described above, the data is output through the processing units 21 of the NCUs 20 and 20A through the processing S2 to the processing S6, so that communication connection is made to each system using a telephone number or mail corresponding to the type of each output information. be able to. Also, information output from each of the receiving systems 30 and 31 is N
The type of the information input to the arithmetic processing unit 21 of the CU 20, 20A is confirmed, and the electronic devices 7 to 9 are selected according to the type of the input information.
B is output.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, since the configuration is such that the detection value detected by the gas meter 10 can be output to the store 2 via the NCUs 20 and 20A, the repeater 60, the receiving terminal computer 30, and the customer information management computer 40,
There is no need for the shop 2 to perform meter reading for each customer 1, so that meter reading work of the shop 2 can be omitted, and the business burden on the shop 2 can be greatly reduced.

Since the meter readings of each customer 1 are collected in the host computer 50 and output to the shop 2 as sales management information, the shop 2 takes into account the use, actual use, etc. of each customer 1. Energy delivery / maintenance and sales activities can be performed. Further, since the dealer 2 can grasp the residual amount of the liquefied petroleum gas in the gas cylinder 5 of the customer 1 as the sales management information regardless of the customer 1, the trouble of the customer 1 notifying the dealer 2 of the replenishment of the gas cylinder 5 is omitted. The customer 1 does not feel inconvenienced.

Since the signal to be called, such as the meter reading value of the NCU 20, NCU 20A and the repeater 60, is output as a radio signal, the NCU 20, 20A,
The cable connection between the repeater 60 and the telephone line contracted by the customer 1 becomes unnecessary, the installation work of the facilities including the NCU 20 and the like can be simplified, and the spread of the system can be promoted. In addition, when the NCU 20 or the like is different from the public line to which the customer 1 contracts, the signal output from the NCU 20 or the like becomes a dedicated line and does not cause inconvenience. Further, even when the customer 1 uses a telephone line contracted, the NCU 20
Since the construction of the communication system can be simplified, the cost for system construction can be reduced.

Further, the NCU 20 or the like can output including maintenance / operation information such as a warning signal and security information, and the receiving terminal computer 30 can determine whether the customer information includes the warning signal or not. The NCU 20 is configured to output a warning signal directly to the store 2.
When the maintenance / maintenance of the liquefied petroleum gas is required, the dealer 2 can promptly deal with the liquefied petroleum gas supply system.

Also, the NCU 20 can input and output as customer information information input and output from the equipment detection sensor 7, welfare / medical sensor 8, AV equipment 9, energy consuming equipment, information processing terminal and the like as electric signals. As a result, the energy sales management system according to the present embodiment can be used as another information management system as an application, and the convenience is improved. In particular, NCU20
Since the terminal connection unit 23 is provided in advance, the terminal connection unit 23 can be used as another information management system simply by connecting the devices 7 to 9B as needed, and its usefulness is high.

Further, the energy sales management system outputs the information on the energy usage fee output from the host computer 50 and the usage details / charges of the other information management system to financial institutions, related service providers, and the like. With such a configuration, the collecting means 70 of the financial institution or the like used by the customer 1 can deduct the energy usage fee, the usage details of the related service and the usage fee from the customer 1 account as a billing amount. it can. Accordingly, the customer 1 does not need to make payment or the like by himself, and the store 2 can automatically reduce collection work and automatically collect, maintain, and settle debts.

The sales management information output from the host computer 50 is configured to be input to the customer information management computer 40 of the store 2, so that a delivery plan is made based on the sales management information. In addition, efficient delivery of each customer 1 by the delivery means 80 can be realized, and the delivery work of the store 2 can be greatly rationalized. In addition, since the delivery unit 80 includes the PDA 81 that transmits and receives the radio signal output from the NCU 20, the warning signal output from the NCU 20 can be directly received during the patrol of the delivery unit 80, and prompt action can be taken. .

When the NCU 20 or the like does not depend on the public line owned by the customer 1, it is connected to another information management system based on the energy supply / delivery / security system, so that the communication cost in using the system is increased. And an energy life infrastructure network capable of promptly and simultaneously responding to billing and recovery together with energy usage charges. In addition to providing various services, by providing differentiated services to customers, it is possible to become a royal customer who is a good customer.

The specific structure and the like when the present invention is implemented are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be considered as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. In the above embodiment, the gas meter 10 and the NCU 20 are configured separately, but are not limited thereto. That is, it may be configured as a wired or wireless multifunctional gas meter or energy measuring device having an NCU function in advance.

Further, in the above embodiment, the NC
Although U20 is set, it is not limited to this. That is, one NCU may be configured to receive and output meter readings from gas meters of a plurality of dwelling units. By doing so, the installation cost and communication cost of the NCU can be reduced, and this is particularly useful in a high-density area or an apartment house. If the communication between the gas meter and the NCU is made wireless, the spread of the system can be further promoted.

In the above embodiment, the signal input / output from the NCU 20 or the like is configured to be transmitted and received by the repeater 60. However, the signal is input and received directly by the receiving terminal computer. Is also good. If the customer is equipped with a wireless parent and child telephone, a personal computer for the Internet, various communication devices, and the like, N
The communication device may receive a wireless signal output from the CU 20, and may directly input and output customer information via a public line.

Further, the transmission and reception destinations of the NCUs 20 and 20A may be a plurality of receiving terminal computers 30. The receiving terminal computer 30 receives and processes the other information management systems 7 to 9B connected to the NCU 20 or the like.
It may be shared with one. The customer information management computer 40 may be installed at a plurality of offices / branches depending on the target customer even at the same store, and the customer information management computer 40 shares the customer information with the customer information management computers of other different industries. And may be connected to the system. In addition, a specific structure or the like when implementing the present invention may be another structure or the like as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0058]

According to the present invention as described above, since the energy consumption detected by the consumption detecting means can be input to and output from the receiving means via the customer information output means, sales are made. The store can efficiently perform meter reading, collection, energy delivery, and maintenance / operation / security work of various connected devices for each customer, as well as details of use, fee collection, debt collection / maintenance, and the like. Further, it can be connected to another information management system, and by combining with the present energy online system, it is possible to provide an efficient and low-cost online system of an energy lifeline. As a result, it is possible to greatly reduce the energy supply / sales work load of the energy store, and to develop a new online business based on the present energy online system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of an energy sales management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a structure of a consumption detecting unit and a customer information outputting unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the energy sales management system in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the energy sales management system in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1 customer 2, 3 dealer 4 public line 10 gas meter (consumption detecting means) 20, 20A NCU (customer information output means) 30, 31 terminal computer (receiving means) 40 customer information management computer 50 host computer 60 repeater 70 collection Means 80 Delivery means (energy delivery means) 81 PDA (Portable Information Terminal)

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An energy sales management system constructed between a customer who is an energy consumer and a store that sells energy to the customer, wherein the energy consumption of the customer is bidirectionally operated without human intervention. , A customer information output unit for outputting customer information including energy consumption detected by the consumption detection unit as a wireless signal including mobile communication, and an output from the customer information output unit. Relay means for relaying the received wireless signal; transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving customer information input via the relay means; and energy consumption based on the energy consumption contained in the customer information transmitted / received by the transmitting / receiving means. An arithmetic processing means for calculating an energy usage fee and a provision service for each customer according to the consumption amount, and an energy usage fee and provision calculated by the arithmetic processing means -Bis and energy sales management system comprising: the sales management information output means, wherein the energy consumption and provide services, and outputs as a sales management information to the dealer. 2. The energy sales management system according to claim 1, wherein the consumption detecting means and / or the customer information outputting means includes an energy consuming / supplying device, a facility detecting sensor, a medical sensor, an AV device, An energy sales management system to which an information processing terminal device is connected so that use and consumption information thereof can be directly input and output. 3. The energy sales management system according to claim 1, wherein the customer information output means includes operation / security information on the energy supply system of the customer in the customer information. An energy sales management system characterized in that the operation and security information can be directly output to the system. 4. The energy sales management system according to claim 3, wherein said consumption detection means or said customer information output means includes supply / consumption equipment and other information other than said energy consumption and security information. Energy sales management, characterized in that it can be output as information for each customer such as energy consumption pattern, and that the lifestyle and home information of the customer can be subdivided for each group, and the optimal energy life proposal can be individually processed. system. 5. The energy sales management system according to claim 1, wherein the customer uses the energy usage fee, the Internet,
An energy sales management system comprising a charge collecting means linked with various payment method systems such as account transfer and credit. 6. The energy sales management system according to claim 1, further comprising an energy delivery means for delivering the container filled with energy to the customer as needed. The means performs arithmetic processing based on the sales management information output from the sales management information output means received by the transmission / reception means, and performs optimal delivery of containers, delivery vehicles, etc. to each customer. Energy sales management system. 7. The energy sales management system according to claim 1, wherein said transmission / reception means includes a transceiver for transmitting / receiving a radio signal. 8. The energy sales management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the system for transmitting / receiving a radio signal transmits an electric signal of a supply device / meter measuring device and its connection device once to a nearest device. Received by the device, the electrical signal is further composed of a repeater or another transmission device, the electrical signal can be stored in the parent and child transmitter, respectively, can be transmitted and received at the required date and time Energy sales management system. 9. An energy sales management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in addition to the system ID (customer code) registered and operated in the transmission / reception system, manufacture of the parent-child transmission itself including a repeater. An energy sales management system for transmitting and receiving numbers and ID identification data. 10. The energy sales management system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission / reception system device has an arithmetic processing means for automatically recognizing low power consumption regardless of the type of communication line. An energy sales management system characterized by: 11. The energy sales management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data to be transmitted and received is Internet, analog, X-
An energy sales management system characterized in that data can be transmitted and received in a short period of time, such as packet communication in which data is compressed, using a public line such as DSL, ISDN, ADSL, or optical fiber. 12. The energy sales management system according to claim 1, wherein the energy is gas, kerosene, light oil, or the like, and the consumption detecting means is a gas meter, a kerosene meter, or a water meter. An energy sales management system, characterized in that: 13. An energy sales management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the information online system based on the energy sales management system is a system in which an energy store simply supplies and sells energy. Rather, an energy sales management system characterized by supplying and selling information and services with high efficiency.