JP2003149028A - Gauge examination device using nameplate - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To exactly and easily conduct gauge reading work of a gas meter. SOLUTION: A nameplate is fixed on a gas meter, on which a bar code is formed. The bar code indicates a discrimination code of the gas meter. The bar code on the nameplate is formed on a thin oxide film formed on the surface of a stainless steel plate by immerging in solution mixed with chromic acid and sulfuric acid, and selectively etching it. The content read with the bar code is indicated with a display and the information indicating the date of plug opening and the production company of the gas meter and the like are indicated on the display. The used quantity of gas is input with an inputting means and stored in a memory. The stored content in the memory is forwarded to a data base memory by connecting to a host computer after bringing the gauge-reading device back to a place of work.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a meter-reading device using a nameplate for carrying out a meter-reading operation of a gas meter for measuring the amount of city gas used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a portable meter-reading device is used to measure the amount of gas used by a gas meter for city gas, which is provided for each household. The value of the pointer, which is the usage amount of the gas meter, is input by operating the input means including the numeral keys to identify the number for identifying the gas meter. The identification code for identifying the gas meter is recorded on a piece of paper attached to the casing of the gas meter. Instead of directly recording the numbers on such a piece of paper, a bar code representing an identification code is recorded, and the bar code can be read by a bar code reader.

In such prior art, it is obvious that the paper piece on which the code for identifying the gas meter is displayed is inferior in durability because it is damaged or damaged by long-term use. Further, a meter-reading operator who performs a meter-reading operation may want to know information regarding the gas meter that is reading the meter, but in the prior art, such information cannot be obtained from the meter-reading device.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a nameplate which is capable of performing a meter reading work and improving the workability of the meter reading work by using a nameplate having excellent durability. It is to provide a meter-reading device to be used, a meter-reading method using the meter-reading device, and a gas meter manufacturing information processing method that enables such a meter-reading method.

[0005]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a bar code reading apparatus for a bar code reading apparatus, in which data relating to a gas meter is formed by a bar code, and the bar code of a name plate provided on the gas meter is read to read the bar code. It is a meter-reading device using a nameplate characterized by including a reader, a display means, and a control means which responds to the output of a barcode reader and displays the content of the barcode read by the display means.

Further, according to the present invention, a bar code for reading a bar code is used in a meter reading device in which data relating to a measuring device is formed by a bar code and the bar code of a name plate provided in association with the measuring device is read to read the bar code. It is a meter-reading device using a nameplate characterized by including a reader, a display means, and a control means which responds to the output of a barcode reader and displays the content of the barcode read by the display means.

Further, the present invention provides a bar code reader for reading a bar code in a meter reading device which uses a name plate for reading data of a device by a bar code and reading the bar code of a name plate provided in association with the device. A meter reading device using a nameplate, characterized in that it includes a display means and a control means that responds to the output of the barcode reader and displays the content of the barcode read by the display means.

According to the invention, the information data relating to the gas meter is recorded by the bar code formed on the name plate, and the meter reading operator uses the bar code reader to
The bar code on the name plate is read, and the content read from the bar code is displayed by the display means. The nameplate has excellent durability, and therefore, the workability of the meter reading work can be improved without making a mistake in the meter reading work.
The present invention is not limited to being carried out in connection with a gas meter, but the present invention may be carried out by providing a nameplate on a measuring instrument such as an integrating wattmeter and a water meter. The nameplate may be directly attached to the measuring instrument including these gas meters, integrated electricity meters and water meters, and other components, but may be provided separately in the vicinity of these measuring instruments, for example, the gas meter. A nameplate may be provided on a gate pillar or the like on which is provided. Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the measuring device, for example, a nameplate may be provided directly on the on-off valve and other devices and equipment, or in the vicinity of those devices and equipment. ,
Alternatively, a nameplate may be provided at a place sufficiently distant from those devices and facilities, and the information related to the devices and facilities may be displayed by a bar code on the nameplate. The bar code on the nameplate may be configured so that an identification code for identifying the measuring instrument including the gas meter and other instruments and equipment is displayed by the bar code. It is also possible to read the information by the reader with respect to the measuring device, the device, the equipment, etc. corresponding to the identification code from the memory or the like and display it on the display means.

The display means is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal panel or a cathode ray tube. Such a bar code reader, display means and control means are realized in a relatively small size and are portable.

Further, the present invention includes an input unit operated by an operator and a memory, and the control unit stores the contents of the bar code read by the bar code reader and the input data input by the input unit. , Is stored in the memory.

According to the present invention, the input means is at least
It is characterized in that a number indicating the value of the pointer, which is the usage amount displayed on the gas meter, is input.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the numeral indicating the value of the pointer displayed on the gas meter after replacement of the gas meter is inputted.

According to the present invention, the operator, who is a meter-reading operator, operates the input means and is provided with a memory, and thus the contents of the bar code read by the bar code reader and the input data input by the input means. And
Can be stored in memory. In this way, it is possible to easily perform the meter-reading work and prevent an error in the meter-reading work.

According to the present invention, the input data input by the input means may be, for example, the amount of gas used represented by the value of the pointer displayed by the counter of the gas meter or the like. It may be the value of the pointer of the gas meter after it is detached and a new gas meter is attached and replaced. The value of the pointer of the gas meter input by the input means is displayed by the display means or stored in the memory.

The value of the pointer may be a numerical value displayed by a counter, or an analog value indicated by a rotating hand, for example.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the memory stores information including an opening date of the gas meter, a manufacturing company name, a manufacturing date, an installation date, and a failure history.

According to the invention, the memory contains at least the date of opening, the name of the manufacturer, the date of manufacture, which is the information relating to the gas meter identified by the bar code on its nameplate,
The installation date and failure history are stored. Therefore, the meter-reading operator can read the data in the memory and use it for the meter-reading work, and can perform the accurate meter-reading work while checking. The information stored in the memory may include so-called customer information such as the purchase timing and repair status of the gas consumption facility in the house, building, etc. in which the gas meter, measuring instrument, instrument, facility, etc. are provided.

Further, according to the present invention, the name plate has an oxide film having a film thickness of 0.25 to 1 μm formed on the surface of a stainless steel plate by immersing it in a solution of a mixture of chromic acid and sulfuric acid. Is a nameplate on which a bar code is formed by partially irradiating and removing the laser light.

According to the present invention, there is used a name plate formed by engraving and etching a bar code with a laser beam on a color stainless steel plate whose surface is covered with an oxide film. This allows the nameplate to be fixed on the outer surface of the casing of the gas meter and read by the bar code reader of the present case. Such a nameplate can be used for a long period of time, is not deteriorated due to an adverse effect due to ultraviolet rays, wind and rain, and dirt, and has excellent durability. Therefore, the meter reading work of the gas meter can be performed accurately.

The present invention is also characterized in that the control means can output the contents stored in the memory to the outside.

Further, the present invention is (a) a memory for a database, in which a plurality of gas meters use gas, a gas meter opening date, a manufacturing company name, a manufacturing date, and an installation date. A database memory for storing information including date and failure history; and (b) storage contents from the memory of the meter reading device using the nameplate are given, and the amount of gas used is stored in the database memory. It further comprises a processing means for selectively reading out and outputting information for each gas meter from the database memory and storing it in the memory of the meter reading device.

According to the present invention, the value of the pointer of each gas meter is input and stored in the memory by the input means of the meter reading device using the name plate, the stored content of the memory is read and output, and the output memory. Is transferred to and stored in the database memory of the information processing device of the gas meter.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that at least a part of the information stored in the database memory is read out, output from the information processing device, transferred to the memory of the meter reading device and stored.

According to the present invention, the information stored in the memory, which is input and operated by the input means,
It can be output to the outside. Therefore, the meter-reading device of the present invention can be brought back to an office or the like, and the stored contents of the memory can be transferred to the memory for the database and stored therein to perform the meter-reading operation. In addition, the memory is the content of the score of the memory for the database, for example, the gas usage of the previous month
The meter reading work using the present meter reading device is performed by transferring the opening date, manufacturing company name, manufacturing date, installation date, failure history, etc. from the database memory to the memory and using the transferred information. It becomes easy for a person to check the meter reading accurately.

Further, according to the present invention, a name plate having a bar code representing an identification code of each gas meter is fixed to each gas meter, and the manufacturing date of the gas meter and the gas meter are configured in correspondence with the bar code of the name plate. This is a measuring device using a nameplate, characterized in that information about parts is stored in a manufacturing memory and the stored contents of the manufacturing memory are read out.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the stored contents of the manufacturing memory are transferred to and stored in the database memory in the above-described gas meter meter reading method.

According to the present invention, the identification code for identifying the gas meter is formed as a bar code on the nameplate fixed to the gas meter, and the manufacturing memory corresponds to the identification code represented by the bar code on the nameplate. Then, the date of manufacture of the gas meter and the information about the parts constituting the gas meter are stored. Therefore, by reading the bar code on the name plate with the bar code reader, the information of the gas meter identified by the identification code represented by the bar code can be known from the manufacturing memory. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily carry out operations such as production control at the gas meter manufacturing factory and maintenance and inspection at the time of use. The contents stored in the manufacturing memory can be transferred to the database memory and used for the gas meter reading operation. Therefore, as described above, the meter reading work can be performed accurately.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. The casing 42 of the meter reading device 41 includes the nameplate bar code reader 1, a display unit 43 realized by a liquid crystal panel, and an input unit 45 having a numeral key 44 for inputting a numeral. Further, the image information captured by the digital camera 46 can be input to the meter reading device 41 via the cable 47 which can be connected / disconnected, and the position of the meter detecting device 41 detected by the position detecting device 48 can be detected. It can be received at 41. The position detection device 48 may be configured to have a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, for example. Input / output circuit 49 of the meter-reading device 41
Can perform infrared communication 51 to exchange information. Furthermore, the meter-reading device 41 is provided with an acoustic output device 52 such as a speaker, and acoustic display is also possible.

The bar code reader 1 can read the bar code 4 formed in the bar code area 3 of the nameplate 2.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a meter reading operation using the meter reading device 41 of FIG. The meter-reading device 41 is downloaded from the terminal device 54 realized by a computer in the office 53 of the business office as indicated by reference numeral 55. A customer 57 equipped with the gas meter 56 uses the bar code reader 1 of the meter reading device 41 to read the bar code 4 (see FIG. 1 described above) from the nameplate 2 provided on the gas meter 56. The meter reading device 41 may also have a mobile phone function indicated by reference numeral 58, whereby it is also possible to confirm the information obtained by reading the bar code 4 of the nameplate 2.

A microphone 62 is provided in the casing 42 of the meter reading device 41. With the configuration including the numeral keys 44, the sound output device 52, and the microphone 62, the above-described mobile phone function 58 can be achieved.

Input means 45 provided in the meter reading device 41
Is operated by the meter-reading operator to input the value of the pointer indicating the amount of gas used which is displayed by the counter 59 provided in the gas meter 56. Gas meter 56
Measures the amount of gas used, and the counter 59 displays the integrated value of the amount of gas used, that is, the cumulative value. The meter-reading operator who carries the meter-reading device 41 carries out the meter-reading work, for example, every month.

After the meter reading work for one day, the meter reading operator returns to the office 53, transfers the information obtained by the meter reading by the meter reading device 41 to the terminal device 54 by data transfer indicated by reference numeral 61. .

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a usage state of the nameplate 2 fixed to the gas meter 56. In the gas meter manufacturing plant, the nameplate 2 is fixed to the outer surface of the casing 63 of the gas meter 56. The barcode 4 on this nameplate 2 is
It represents an identification code for identifying the gas meter 56. The gas meter 56 to which the name plate 2 is fixed is shipped,
Used by each customer 57. The nameplate 2 is used for meter reading by the above-described meter reading device 41, and when the gas meter 56 fails, the bar code 4 formed on the nameplate 2 is used.
Is read and used. At the time of inspection after the predetermined usable time of the gas meter 56 ends, the gas meter 56 is removed from the customer 57 and collected at the gas meter factory. In this way, the name plate 2 is used for a long period of time, for example, 10 years or more, after the gas meter 56 is manufactured and until full recovery.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the meter-reading device 41. Bar code reader 1 and input means 45
Is output to the processing circuit 65 realized by a microcomputer or the like. The processing circuit 65 drives the display means 43. The processing circuit 65 includes an input / output circuit 4
9 is connected, and the memory 66 is connected. The processing circuit 65 is also provided with means for achieving the cell phone function 58.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the processing circuit 65 of the meter reading device 41 shown in FIG. Moving from step s1 to s2, the operation mode of the processing circuit 65 is set. The operation modes include the above-described meter reading operation shown in FIG. 2, the gas meter 56, for example, periodic patrol inspection operation and data transfer operations 55 and 61 (see FIG. 2) using the input / output circuit 49, and other operations. Including. In step s3, it is judged which operation mode is set. If the operation mode is a meter reading operation, the process moves to step s4 and the display means 43 of the meter reading device 41 performs a display operation.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the display means 43 for explaining the display operation by the display means 43 of the meter reading device 41. Prior to performing the meter reading work, the memory 66 stores the identification number of the customer 57, which is the customer number, the customer name, which is the customer name, and a guideline value indicating the amount of gas used when the previous meter reading work was performed. The previous month guideline value, the amount used in the previous month (unit: m ³ ), the opening date when the gas meter 56 was installed and used, the past regular inspection date, and the charge class of the gas meter 56 are stored. Further, the meter reading date is input by the operation of the input means 45 and the meter reading operator who is the meter reading operator is input. At the time of meter reading of the gas meter 56 for each customer, the meter-reading operator operates the input means 45 to input the value of the counter 59 provided in the gas meter 56 which is the pointer value for this month. As a result, the processing circuit 65 subtracts the previous month's guideline value from the current month's guideline value to calculate the gas usage amount (unit m ³ ). The display means 43 is provided with a transparent sheet-like input means, a re-input switch 67, an instruction switch 68 for proceeding to the next operation, and the like. Such a sheet switch is the input means 45 described above. Form part of. At the customer 57, the nameplate 2 fixed to the gas meter 56
5 is input by the barcode reader 1 in step s5 of FIG. 5, and the pointer value of this month displayed by the counter 59 of the gas meter 56 is input by operating the input means 45. The information thus input by the input means 45 is stored in the memory 66.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing the recording paper 71 printed by the printer 69 provided in the meter reading device 41. In step s7 of FIG. 5, after the input operation by the input means 45 is completed, the processing circuit 65 operates the printer 69 connected to the processing circuit 65, and as shown in FIG. Perform printing operation. On this recording paper 71, the meter reading date, customer number, customer name, previous month guideline value, current month guideline value, gas use amount obtained by subtracting the previous month guideline value from this month guideline value, gas use amount in the previous month, charge classification, meter reader Information such as the name and contact information of the customer 57 by telephone is printed. The information entered by each customer 57 is
Stored in memory 66 as previously described. The contents of the stored memory 66 and the information on the calculation result such as the gas usage amount are stored in the memory 66. Memory 66
When the meter-reading operator returns to the office 53, the contents stored in (1) are transferred to the terminal device 54 by the input / output circuit 49.

When it is determined in step s3 in FIG. 5 that the patrol inspection operation has been set, steps s9 and s
At 13, it will be determined whether the patrol inspection work is a commissioned work or a direct control work.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the display means 43 when the patrol inspection work using the meter reading device 41 is performed. When the patrol inspection operation is set by the operation of the input means 45, as shown in the display means 43a of FIG.
Or the direct control 73 is displayed. The consignment operation represents a case where the gas manufacturing and sales company outsources the inspection to the company, and the work under direct control 73 represents that the gas manufacturing and sales company performs the inspection and inspection work. When the consignment 72 and the direct control 73 are selected, the cancel switch 74 and the decision switch 75 are used, and it is possible to accurately input and select the consignment 72 and the direct control 73. Commission 72
When the operation is selected, the display means indicated by reference numeral 43b displays the name 76 of the contractor who performs the patrol inspection work, and the name 77 of the person in charge of the construction. Further, when the patrol inspection work of the direct control 73 on the display means 43a of FIG. 8 is selected, the display of the display means indicated by the reference numeral 43c is performed. On the display means 43c, the name of the person in charge of patrol inspection 78 and the name of the business office to which the person in charge belongs 79
Is displayed. Reference numerals 43a to 43c may be collectively represented by reference numeral 43. When the consignment work is selected by the setting of the operation mode described above, the process moves from step s9 to step s10, the display operation of the display means indicated by reference numeral 43b in FIG. 8 is performed, and the work is under direct control in step s13. If it is determined, step s14
Then, the display operation of the display unit indicated by reference numeral 43c in FIG. 8 is performed.

Next, at step s11, the input means 45
By inputting, the repair content etc. at the time of patrol inspection work are input.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the display means 43 of the meter reading device 41 during the patrol inspection work. By the display means 43, the name of the contractor who carries out the patrol inspection work, the name of the person in charge of the contractor, the patrol inspection items such as inspection, repair and replacement,
Other work names are entered and the inspection memo writing area 8
1 is provided. By inputting handwriting in this area 81, the processing circuit 65 reads the input character and stores it in the memory 66. Information input by the input means 45 for other patrol inspection work is also stored in the memory 66.
Will be stored in. Such a store operation of the memory 66 is performed in step s12 of FIG. Even in the case of direct control work, the same input operation as described above is performed in step s15.
And the store operation to the memory 66 is performed in step s16.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the display means 43 of the meter reading device 41 in the patrol inspection operation. In the display means 43 shown in FIG. 10, the contents stored in the memory 66 are read and displayed. In FIG. 10, the display means 43 displays a patrol inspection date, a customer number, a gas usage amount from the previous month to the present month, a gas meter 56 opening date, a previous regular security patrol date, a manufacturer name of the gas meter 56 manufacturer, and a gas meter. 56 meter number, gas meter 56 manufacturing date, gas meter 56 installation date, gas meter 5
The name of the construction company that installed No. 6, the name of the person in charge of the construction company, safety information such as whether or not there is a registered fire, the charge classification of the gas meter 56, the classification of whether the gas meter 56 is a repair product or a new product, the gas meter Maker name of parts constituting 56, for example, a controller provided in the gas meter 56,
Information such as the name of the manufacturer of each component such as pressure switch, seismic sensor, shutoff valve, pilot fire, special setting information including safety duration, and trouble history are displayed. The trouble history includes the date when the gas meter 56 has failed, the type of failure, and information such as erroneous disconnection. Further, by a transparent sheet-like switch provided on the display means 43, a scroll instruction switch 83 and a screen changeover switch 84 for the information displayed by the display means 43, and the contents operated by these switches 83, 84 are stored in the memory 66. A decision switch 85 is provided which is operated to transfer and store. Each of these switches 83, 8
4, 85 form a part of the input means 45.

When it is determined in step s17 in FIG. 5 that the operation is the attachment or replacement of the gas meter 56, the display means 43 of the meter reading device 41 displays the attachment or replacement operation in the next step s18. Is done.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the display means 43 showing the state displayed by the display means 43 of the meter reading device 41 for the operation of mounting and replacing the gas meter 56. The gas exchange date input by the input means 46 of the gas meter 56 by the display means 43, the gas meter 56
The name of the contractor who performed the replacement work, the name of the person in charge of the contractor,
Customer number code before replacement of the gas meter 56, previous month guideline value stored in the memory 66 by the counter 59 before replacement of the gas meter 56, guideline value immediately before replacement of the gas meter 56 performed by the operator through the input operation of the input means 45 , Gas usage amount obtained by subtracting the previous month guideline value from the previous guideline value, customer number code after replacement, new gas meter counter 59 guideline value after replacement of the gas meter 56, and memo entry information by the operator, etc. are displayed. To be done. The contents input by the input means 45 are stored in the memory 66. Such input of the input means 45 is performed in step s19 of FIG. The information input by the input means 45 is stored in the memory 66 in step s20.

FIG. 12 shows an office 53 including a terminal device 54.
It is a figure which simplifies and shows the whole structure of the information processing apparatus of the gas meter with which it was equipped. One or more terminal devices 54
Is connected to the host computer 86 via a line 87 and constitutes a LAN (Local Area Network). The input / output circuit 88 of the terminal device 54 can perform communication 51 (see FIG. 1 described above) with the input / output circuit 49 of the meter reading device 41.

When the processing circuit 65 of the meter-reading device 41 determines in step s3 of FIG. 5 that the data transfer operation has been set, it is the transmitting operation from the meter-reading device 41 in the following steps s22 and s25. Or whether the meter-reading device 41 should perform a receiving operation.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing the display means 43 when the data transfer operation of the meter-reading device 41 is performed.
On the initial screen of this data transfer operation, the data transmission switch 89 or the data reception switch 90 is selected. These switches 89 and 90 form a part of the input means 45.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing the display means 43 during the data transfer operation of the meter-reading device 41. When data transmission or data reception is set in the display state of FIG. 13 described above, the display means 43 shown in FIG.
The display state of d is set. The identification code 91 of the meter reading device 41 is input, and for security, a password 92 input by the numerical key 44 of the input means 45 for exchanging information with the terminal device 54 is displayed, and the password 92 is also displayed. Password does not match the preset code, the password 93 re-entered by the input means 45
Is displayed. After that, the switches 94 and 95 for newly setting transmission / reception are operated. When the transmission is reset by the switch 94, the display state of the display means 43e shown in FIG. 14 (2) is displayed, and when the reception switch 95 is selected, the display state of the display means 43f shown in FIG. 14 (3). Becomes Reference numerals 43d to 43f are collectively referred to as reference numeral 4
Sometimes expressed as 3. Thus, in step s23 of FIG.
In s26, the transmission / reception operation is performed by the processing circuit 6 of the meter reading device 41.
5, the transmission / reception operation is performed, and step s2
In 4 and s27, the above-mentioned display operation shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is performed. After the display means 43e, 43f complete the transmission / reception operation shown in FIGS. 14 (2) and 14 (3), the completion of the transmission operation causes the completion of the transmission 96 to be displayed 96, and then the transferred memory 66. The operation 97 for erasing the stored content of the memory 66 is performed, and a display 98 for confirming whether the stored content of the memory 66 has been erased is performed. Further, to start the receiving operation, the display means 43f performs the display 101 for erasing the stored contents of the memory 66, and the display 102 for confirming the erasing operation. Thus the memory 66
After confirming that the contents of the store may be deleted,
The terminal device 54 displays the data reception operation display 103.
Receive data from.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a simplified electrical configuration of the terminal device 54. An input means 106 such as a keyboard and a mouse is connected to the processing circuit 105 realized by a microcomputer or the like, a display means 107 realized by a liquid crystal panel or a cathode ray tube is connected, and a database memory 108 is further connected.
Are connected. Further, the terminal device 54 is provided with an input / output circuit 88 for performing data with the meter reading device. The host computer 86 is also the terminal device 5 shown in FIG.
It has a configuration similar to that of No. 4.

FIG. 16 shows the terminal device 54 shown in FIG.
5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of FIG. When it is determined from step r1 to step r2 that the meter-reading device 41 performs the transmitting operation as shown in FIG. 14 (2) described above, the meter-reading device 4 is moved to the next step r3.
The operation of receiving the information from 1 via the input / output circuits 49 and 88 is performed. In step r4, the meter reading device 4 is thus
The information transmitted and received from 1 is stored in the database memory 108. In this way, the meter reading operator
The information input by operating the input means 45 of the meter reading device 41 in 7 and stored in the memory 66 is transferred to the database memory 108 and stored based on the identification code of each customer 57. .

As shown in FIG. 14 (3), the meter reading device 4
Prior to performing the meter reading operation using 1, the information stored in the database memory 108 is transferred to the memory 66 of the meter reading device 41 and written therein.
In, it is determined that the meter-reading device 41 is set to the receiving operation as shown in FIG. 14 (3). As a result, in step r7, the information regarding the customer 57 input from the input means 45 by the meter reading operator to read the meter is read from the database memory 108. At step r8, the information read from the database memory 108 is
It is transmitted from the input / output circuit 88 and given to the input / output circuit 49 of the meter reading device 41.

The data stored in the database memory 108 of the plurality of terminal devices 54 is provided in the host computer 86. It is transferred and stored in a similar database memory. Thus all customers 57
Information for each is stored in the data memory of the host computer 86, and it becomes possible to monitor all the gas meters 56.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a simplified overall structure of another embodiment of the present invention. In the gas meter production line 113, a nameplate bar code reader 115 connected to a terminal device 114 is connected. The bar code reader 115 reads the bar code 4 of the nameplate 2 fixed to the casing of the gas meter 56. The name plate 2 has the same configuration as described above. The bar code 4 on the name plate 2 represents an identification code for identifying each gas meter 56.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing information regarding the gas meter corresponding to the bar code 4 for each gas meter 56 in the manufacturing line 113. In the terminal device 114, the input means 121 is used to correspond to the identification code, which is the meter production number read by the bar code reader 115, and the number of meters, whether the product is new or repaired,
The date of manufacture, the name of the parts manufacturer that is the manufacturer of the parts that make up the gas meter 56, for example, the controller is made by ABC, the pressure switch is made by DEF, the seismic sensor is made by GHI, and the shutoff valve Is information set by JKL, information on special settings such as seismic bypass, and the company name of the shipping destination.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing information input by the input means 121 of the terminal device 114 corresponding to each gas meter 56 in the manufacturing line 113. In the manufacturing line 113, in correspondence with the identification code which is the meter manufacturing number read by the bar code reader 115,
Information on the meter manufacturing number, the number of meters, the classification of new or repaired products, the degree of instrumental error as a verification result, and information on whether the instrumental error is acceptable or not by the input means 121 of the terminal device 114. And the manufacturing date and time are input to the host computer 123.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing information input by the input means 119 of the terminal device 118 on the shipping line 116. In the gas line 56 manufactured in the manufacturing line 113, the bar code 4 of the nameplate 2 for each gas meter 56 is read by the bar code reader 117 in the shipping line 116. The terminal device 118 provided on the shipping line 116 receives the output of the bar code reader 117 and corresponds to the identification code, which is the meter production number of each gas meter 56, whether it is a meter number, whether it is a new product or a repaired product. The classification, shipping date, shipping company name, etc.
8 using the input means 119 of the host computer 123
Entered in.

The terminal devices 114 and 119 and the host computer 123 of the office 122 are the internal LAN.
They are mutually connected via the communication network 124.

In the manufacturing line 113, the laser beam writing means 125 is also connected. This laser light writing means 1
25 is connected to the host computer 123, and writes an identification code, which is a meter production number for identifying the gas meter 56, on the nameplate 2 for each gas meter 56.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a concrete structure of the host computer 123 in the embodiment shown in FIG. The host computer 123 includes an input unit 126, a memory 127, a bar code reader 128, and a display unit 129 realized by a liquid crystal panel or a cathode ray tube.
6 to 129 are connected to a processing circuit 131 realized by a microcomputer or the like. This processing circuit 13
Reference numeral 1 controls the laser beam writing means 125. Memory 1
In 27, the information described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20 is stored corresponding to each identification code of the gas meter 56. The terminal device 114 of the manufacturing line 113 and the terminal device 118 of the shipping line 116 are also shown in FIG.
Although it has a configuration similar to that of the host computer 123 shown in FIG. 3, these terminal devices 114 and 118 are not provided with the laser beam writing means 125.

FIG. 22 shows the processing circuit 13 shown in FIG.
It is a flow chart which simplifies and shows operation of 1. The process moves from step u1 to step u2, and the barcode reader 1
The identification code read by 15, 117 or the like is stored in the memory 127 in the next step u3.
Further, the input means 121, 119 of the terminal devices 114, 118
Information entered by the host computer 12
The information input by the input means 126 of No. 3 is also stored in the memory 127 in step u3. The information thus stored in the memory 127 can be displayed by the display means provided in each of the terminal devices 114 and 118, and can be displayed by the display means 129 provided in the host computer 123.
The store information of these memories 127 can also be transmitted to and stored in the database memory 108 by connecting the processing circuits 105 and 131 to each other. Therefore, it is also possible to use the information about the gas meter 56 transferred and stored in the database memory 108 for the meter reading operation of the gas meter 56.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the structure of the nameplate bar code reader 1 in a simplified manner. The bar code 4 formed in the bar code area 3 of the nameplate is irradiated with visible light 6 from a light emitting diode 5 which is a light source. The reflected light 7 reflected by the bar code 4 in the bar code area 3 by the visible light 6 is imaged on the light receiving surface 11 of the light receiving means 9 by the condenser lens 8.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing in simplified form the construction and operation of the nameplate bar code reader 1 shown in FIG.
The light emitting diodes 5 are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction 12 of the barcode 3 (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1), and the number of the light emitting diodes 5 may be, for example, 8 to 10. The light receiving line in the bar code area 3 along the longitudinal direction 12 by the light emitting diode 5 is indicated by reference numeral 13. The wavelength of visible light generated by the light emitting diode 5 is
For example, it may be 650 nm and may be red.

The condenser lens 8 is realized by, for example, a single aspherical convex lens or the like, and forms an image of the bar code 4 formed in the bar code area 3 on the light receiving surface 11 of the light receiving means 9. The light receiving surface 11 corresponds to the longitudinal direction 12 of the barcode area 3 and may have a length of, for example, 7 mm, corresponding to the imaged length. The light receiving means 9 is realized by a charge-coupled device, and, for example, 2000 to 10000 charge-coupled devices are arranged adjacent to each other corresponding to the longitudinal direction 12. For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, 40
It may be 96.

Referring again to FIG. 23, the control means 15 realized by a microcomputer or the like operates the drive circuit 16 for driving the light emitting diode 5.

FIG. 25 is a waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the nameplate bar code reader 1 shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. The driving circuit 16 has a total of 8 adjacently arranged.
25 (1) to FIG.
As shown in (8), each cycle W11 is formed by shifting by a predetermined time W1, and the cycle W11 is sequentially driven over a plurality of times. The time W1 is, for example, 1/1
The time W2 for driving the light emitting diode 5 and the rest time W3 between the adjacent driving times W2 may be equal to each other (W1 = W2 + W3, W2 = W3).

The light receiving means 9 continues the exposure operation a plurality of times n in the cycle W11, and performs the exposure operation as shown in FIG. 25 (9). This exposure time W21 is W21 = n · W11
It is represented by. Even if the light intensity of the light emitting diode 5 is relatively low and therefore the power consumption is reduced by setting the exposure time W21 longer, the barcode 4
Can be read accurately.

The output of the light receiving means 9 is given to the reading circuit 17. Each output from the light receiving means 9 given to the reading circuit 17 is shown by reference numeral 18 in FIG. The reading means 17 converts the read waveform 18 into analog /
It is converted by a digital converter and converted into a digital waveform indicated by reference numeral 19. The decoder 21 responds to the output of the reading circuit 17 and decodes the content represented by the barcode 4. The display means 22 realized by a liquid crystal panel or a cathode ray tube responds to the output of the decoder 21 and displays the decoded contents. The memory 23 is controlled by the control means 15 to store the output of the decoder 21 and read the content stored in the memory 23 to give it to the output circuit 24. The output circuit 24 outputs the output of the decoder 21 or the output representing the content read from the memory 23 to the connector 25.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the name plate 2. Nameplate 2
The bar code area 3 extending in the longitudinal direction 27 is formed in the area. A barcode 4 is formed in the barcode area 3. The barcode 4 has a space 28
And the bar portions 29 are alternately formed adjacent to each other. Further, the name plate 2 may be formed with identification characters, figures, symbols and the like.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the structure of the barcode area 3. FIG. 27 (1) is an enlarged sectional view of a part of the barcode 3, and FIG. 27 (2) is a diagram showing an output waveform detected by the light receiving means 10. An oxide film 33 is formed on the surface of the stainless steel plate 32 to form the name plate 2 which is a color stainless steel plate. The surface of the name plate 2 is selectively removed by laser light to form a space portion 28, and a bar portion 29 on which an oxide film 33 remains due to no irradiation of laser light is sequentially formed.
The film thickness h1 of the oxide film 33 may be, for example, 2 to 3 μm, and the depth h2 of the space portion 28 carved by the laser beam may be, for example, 7 μm. By irradiating the laser light, between the space portion 28 and the bar portion 29,
Since the inclined surface 31 is formed, the cross section of the bar portion 29 along the longitudinal direction 27 has a trapezoidal shape, and the space portion 28 has an inverted trapezoidal shape.

The space portion 28 and the bar portion 29 detected by the light receiving means 9 are detected by the light receiving means 9 as the lengths L1 and L2 along the longitudinal direction 27, respectively.

An oxide film 33 is formed on the surface of the stainless steel plate 32.
A method of forming the will be described. For stainless steel plates such as SUS304, surface finishing materials such as mirror finish, hairline finish, bright annealing (bright annealing), vibration finish, buff polishing finish, shot blast finish can be used. Finishing) and bright annealing (bright annealing finishing) are preferred because they do not cause diffused reflection. The stainless steel plate is a rectangular cut sheet material having a thickness of 0.4 to 2 mm. A solution containing chromic acid and sulfuric acid is kept at about 80 ° C., and a stainless steel plate is immersed in the solution to form an oxide film 33 on the surface. The film thickness of the oxide film 33 increases as the immersion time elapses. The film thickness h1 can be estimated and controlled by measuring the film formation potential. An interference color is generated by the oxide film 33, but changes to amber, blue, gold, red, and green as the film thickness h1 increases. Oxide film 33 obtained from wavelength of interference color
The film thickness h1 is extremely thin, 0.25 μm to 1 μm. If necessary, the oxide film is hardened to improve wear resistance.

Next, an etching method using laser light will be described. A scanning laser marker using a YAG laser was used. After the laser beam is expanded by the beam expander, it is reflected by the scan mirror attached to the X-axis galvanometer, then reflected by the scan mirror attached to the Y-axis galvanometer, and focused by the converging fθ lens to make the stainless steel plate. Laser light is irradiated in spots on a predetermined position on the surface. Along with the pattern, a computer was used to drive the X-axis and Y-axis galvanometers, and the surface of the stainless steel plate was etched by writing with a single stroke of laser light. The scan type laser marker is connected to a host computer and may automatically change the pattern or bar code to be etched or may store and manage the etched pattern or bar code together with other data.

Next, the bar code 4 will be briefly described. The bar code 4 is composed of a narrow bar (NB), a wide bar (WB), a narrow space (NS), and a wide space (WS), and the width ratios thereof may have the following relationship. Recommended.

NB: WB = NS: WS = 1: 2.5 (1) That is, the widths of the bars and spaces are predetermined dimensions and need to be uniform. Therefore, it is preferable that the surface of the stainless steel plate is flat with as few irregularities as possible.

The bar code reader 1 is a handy portable type using a CCD, and the visible light emitted from the bar code reader 1 is applied to the bar code 4, and the irregular reflection light from the bar code 4 is received by the light receiving means 9. To do. The signal received by the light receiving means 9 has an analog waveform 18, but after being converted into a digital waveform 19 by the reading means 17, the decoding circuit 21 discriminates NB, WB, NS, and WS respectively, and the information of the bar code 4 is obtained. Read the contents.

For example, in the first embodiment, the oxide film 33 formed on the surface of the stainless steel plate 32 is partially irradiated with laser light to partially remove the oxide film. Narrow space (NS) and wide space (W
S) removes the oxide film, while narrow bar (N
The oxide film may be left on the portions of B) and the wide bar (WB). In this case, it is necessary to make the surface of the stainless steel plate somewhat uneven to remove the oxide film, to cause diffuse reflection at the exposed base of the stainless steel plate, and to cause specular reflection at the surface of the oxide film.

As shown in FIG. 26, in the first embodiment, the oxide film 3 is formed on the surface of the stainless steel plate 32 in the plane of the stainless steel plate 32 in which the bar code is etched.
3 is formed. The film thickness h1 of the oxide film 33 is made relatively thick so as to produce a green interference color. Bar code area 3
Is drawn like a single stroke by running and irradiating laser light. In the bar code area 3, the space 28 is irradiated with laser light to remove the oxide film, while the bar 29 is not irradiated with laser light and the oxide film remains. The content information of the barcode is different for each stainless steel plate together with the identification character 31, and is managed and registered using a computer so that the same duplication does not occur.

In the second embodiment, the base of the stainless steel plate 32 is made a mirror surface, the oxide film 33 is removed from the narrow bar (NB) and wide bar (WB) portions, while the narrow space (NS) and wide space (NS) are removed. The surface of the oxide film 33 may be roughened and diffused by leaving the oxide film 33 in the portion (WS).

A bar code or the like may be etched only on one surface of the stainless steel plate 32, and a thermocompression bonding sheet (for example, product name 1604 manufactured by ThreeBond Co., Ltd.) may be attached to the other surface. This makes it easy to bond the stainless steel plate to other members. The general recommended heating temperature of the product name 1604 manufactured by ThreeBond Co., Ltd. is 130 to 140 ° C., whereas the heat resistance temperature of the oxide film of this embodiment is about 200 to 25.
Since it is 0 ° C, there is no problem. A transparent protective sheet that is easy to peel off may be attached to the surface of the stainless steel plate 32 where the bar code or the like is etched. This is preferable because the etched surface is protected during transportation and storage.

In this embodiment, a stainless steel plate 32 having a mirror-finished or bright-annealed surface and having a flat surface is used, and the spot where the laser beam is irradiated to remove the oxide film 33 has a spot diameter and an energy density of the laser beam. Concavo-convex is formed on the surface of the stainless steel plate 32 that is controlled and exposed to form diffused reflection as a space portion, while
The remaining oxide film 33 serves as a glossy surface and causes specular reflection.

Therefore, since the bar code or the like is etched by utilizing the strong oxide film 33 formed on the surface of the stainless steel plate 32, the bar code 4 can be accurately kept for many years with excellent weather resistance and little deterioration over time. It is easy to read, and stains can be easily wiped off and cleaned.
When a heat resistance test and a weather resistance test were conducted, the etched oxide film of the present invention was not denatured at a temperature of 250 ° C. or lower, and no deterioration was observed both indoors and outdoors.

Since the laser marker is used for etching, it is possible to easily manage / register the information content to be etched and share the information by using a computer.

The above engraved nameplate 2 is used in identification numbers indicating plates of railway cars, automobiles, ships, motorcycles, automobiles, etc., water meters, gas meters, identification numbers indicating plates of power meters, utility poles, and various equipment industries. It can be used as tower tanks, rotating machines, valves, valves, power receiving and distribution equipment, beverage vending machines, coin lockers, public telephone boxes, identification number display boards for mobile phones.

Stainless steel plate 3 in name plate 2 of the present invention
The film thickness h1 of the oxide film 33 formed on the surface 2 (see FIG.
7 (1)), the color under natural light such as sunlight is different.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the relationship between the film thickness h1 of the nameplate 2 and the light emitted by the light emitting diode 5. By changing the film thickness h1 of the oxide film 33 and changing the color, the reflectance can be changed as shown in FIGS. 28 (1) and 28 (2). At a wavelength of 650 nm of visible light, the reflectance is low for each color of purple, blue and green as shown in FIG. 28 (1). On the contrary, visible light having a wavelength of 650 nm has a high reflectance for each color of yellow, orange and red as shown in FIG. 28 (2). Therefore, it is relatively easy to read the white bar which is etched by the laser beam and removed, the blue bar part by the oxide film 33, the black bar part on the red background, and the purple bar part on the yellow background, but red on the white background. There is a high possibility that a reading error will occur in the bar portion of, the black bar portion on the blue background, and the like. In the present invention, the yellow, orange, or red oxide film 33 has high reflectance,
It is used as white, that is, the space portion 28. Oxide film 3
The thickness h1 of 3 is amber, blue, gold, red, green,
The thickness h1 is 0.1 to 0.2 μm, and in black, 1.
The thickness h1 may be 0 μm.

The characteristics of the light emitting diode 5 are shown in FIG. 28 (3).
Although it has a wavelength of 650 nm as shown in FIG. 2, in another embodiment, it may have a wavelength of 670 nm, for example, or may have a wavelength of another wavelength.

Since a nameplate having excellent durability in which deterioration due to adverse effects such as ultraviolet rays, wind and rain, and dirt due to long-term use is prevented is used and the bar code formed on this nameplate is read, a long-term use is possible. The bar code can be read accurately and erroneous detection can be prevented.

According to the present invention, the following embodiments are possible. (1) A film thickness of 0.2 formed by immersing the surface of a stainless steel plate in a solution in which chromic acid and sulfuric acid are mixed.
For a name plate for reading a bar code in which a bar code area of a name plate made of a color stainless steel plate having an oxide film of 5 to 1 μm is partially irradiated with laser light to form a part with and without an oxide film A bar code reader, comprising a light source for irradiating a bar code with visible light, a light receiving unit having a charge-coupled device arranged corresponding to a longitudinal direction of a bar code region and for reading a bar code image, and a bar code. And a condenser lens for forming an image of the image on a charge-coupled device.

According to the present invention, the bar code is irradiated with visible light from the light source, the reflected light of the bar code area is received by the light receiving means, and the charge coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) provided in the light receiving means. The image of the barcode is read by forming an image with a condenser lens. Thus, the nameplate can be used for a long period of time, for example, for 10 years or more, and can be accurately read without causing a false detection of the bar code.

(2) The light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged along the longitudinal direction of the bar code area, and the respective light emitting diodes are sequentially set in the longitudinal direction for a predetermined time W.
It is characterized in that it has a drive source that is shifted by 1 for a plurality of cycles W11, and the light receiving means performs an exposure operation for a plurality of cycles W11.

According to the present invention, a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the bar code area, and each light emitting diode is sequentially driven by the driving source in the longitudinal direction of the bar code area. The drive by this drive source is repeated over a plurality of cycles W11. The light receiving means performs the exposure operation over a plurality of periods W11, whereby a sufficiently large charge necessary for detection can be stored in the charge coupled device of the light receiving means. Therefore, the driving current of the light emitting diode can be as small as possible, and the barcode can be read accurately.

(3) The light emitting diode has a wavelength of 640 nm
The red light emitting diode that emits the light of, the blue light emitting diode that emits the light of 630 nm, or the white light emitting diode is used.

According to the invention, the light emitting diode is visible light, for example the red light emitting diode has a wavelength of 640 nm.
It is relatively easy to realize a semiconductor using such a light emitting diode, and the present invention can be easily realized. Moreover, such visible light wavelength 640n
m of light is used, and the light is detected by the light receiving means, so that infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, etc. contained in sunlight outdoors,
False detection due to visible light can be suppressed. In another embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting diode is 630
The light emitting diode may be a blue light emitting diode that emits light having a wavelength of nm, a white light emitting diode, or another light emitting diode.

(4) The light emitting diode of the light source is 8 to 10
The number of the charge-coupled devices of the light receiving means is 2000-1.
It is characterized in that 0000 pieces are arranged.

According to the present invention, in practice, the number of light emitting diodes is 8 to 10, the number of light receiving cells of the charge-coupled device is 2000 to 10000, and the charge-coupled device has 4096 (= 212), which makes it possible to miniaturize the configuration and read the barcode accurately. According to the present invention, since the color stainless steel is used, the color of the color should be individually displayed corresponding to each level for identifying the importance, priority order, danger level, etc. of the target equipment. The effect of being able to do is also achieved.

[0097]

According to the present invention, information such as an identification code for identifying a gas meter is recorded by a bar code on a nameplate provided on the gas meter, and this bar code is read by a bar code reader and read. The contents are displayed on the display means. The nameplate has excellent durability,
Accurate meter reading work can be performed with easy workability. In addition, the memory provided in the meter reading device,
The information about the gas meter is stored, and the information about this gas meter can be displayed by the display unit to accurately perform the meter reading work, and the information input by the input unit such as the gas usage amount of the gas meter can be stored in the memory. Then, the data can be transferred to the database memory provided in the information processing device of the gas meter. Therefore, information can be exchanged between the memory of the meter reading device and the database memory of the information processing device of the gas meter, and the workability of the meter reading work is improved. The information may be, for example, customer information, that is, the type, number, purchase time, and other data of gas consuming appliances in a house, a building, or the like.

According to the present invention, the information for each gas meter identified by the identification code represented by the bar code formed on the nameplate is stored in the manufacturing memory at the manufacturing factory of the gas meter. By using the information stored in the memory, the meter reading work can be performed accurately, and the maintenance and inspection of the gas meter becomes easy.

The present invention is applicable not only to gas meters but also to other various products such as electric power meters such as integrating electric power meters.
In connection with water meters, other measuring instruments, non-measuring instruments, equipment, etc., it can be widely implemented using nameplates.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a meter-reading operation using the meter-reading device 41 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a usage state of a nameplate 2 fixed to a gas meter 56.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a meter reading device 41.

5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a processing circuit 65 of the meter reading device 41 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a display unit 43 for explaining a display operation by the display unit 43 of the meter reading device 41.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a recording paper 71 printed by a printer 69 provided in the meter reading device 41.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a display unit 43 when performing a patrol inspection work using the meter reading device 41.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the display means 43 of the meter-reading device 41 during the patrol inspection work.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the display means 43 of the meter reading device 41 in the patrol inspection operation.

11 is a front view of the display means 43 showing a state displayed by the display means 43 of the meter reading device 41 for the operation of mounting and replacing the gas meter 56. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a simplified overall configuration of an information processing device of a gas meter provided in an office 53 including a terminal device 54.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing a display unit 43 when the data transfer operation of the meter reading device 41 is performed.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a display means 43 during a data transfer operation of the meter-reading device 41.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a simplified electrical configuration of the terminal device 54.

16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the terminal device 54 shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a simplified overall configuration of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows each gas meter 56 in the production line 113.
It is a figure showing the information regarding the gas meter corresponding to each barcode 4.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing information input by the input means 121 of the terminal device 114 corresponding to each gas meter 56 in the manufacturing line 113.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing information input by the input means 119 of the terminal device 118 in the shipping line 116.

21 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a host computer 123 in the embodiment shown in FIG.

22 is a flowchart showing a simplified operation of the processing circuit 131 shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a simplified configuration of a nameplate barcode reader 1.

FIG. 24 is a barcode reader 1 for nameplate shown in FIG. 23.
It is a figure which simplifies and shows the composition and operation of.

FIG. 25 is a waveform diagram for explaining the operation of the nameplate barcode reader 1 shown in FIGS. 23 and 24.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the nameplate 2.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a configuration of a barcode area 4.

28 is a diagram showing the relationship between the film thickness h1 of the oxide film 33 of the nameplate 2 and the light emitted by the light emitting diode 5. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols] 1 Nameplate bar code reader 2 nameplate 3 Bar code area 4 barcode 41 meter reading device 43 Display cut 45 input means 56 gas meter 59 counter 66 memory 86 Host computer 108 Database memory

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Shiro Iwane             67-23 Shinmachi, Taharahoncho, Isojo-gun, Nara (72) Inventor Kazuhisa Hatta             588-14 Hiharasoharaji-cho, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture (72) Inventor Nobuo Nishimura             6-2-15 Okamoto, Higashinada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Okamoto             Garden Heights 301 (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Saito             4-1-15 Fushimidai, Inagawa-cho, Kawabe-gun, Hyogo Prefecture F-term (reference) 2F030 CC13 CE22 CE26 CE27 CE28                       CE32                 2F070 AA02 BB05 BB07 CC06 CC11                       GG07 GG08 HH06 HH07 HH08                 5B058 CA40 KA02 KA04 KA06 YA20

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A bar code reader for reading a bar code, a display means, and a bar in a meter reading device using a name plate for reading data of a gas meter by a bar code and reading the bar code of a name plate provided on the gas meter. A meter-reading device using a nameplate, characterized in that it includes control means for displaying the content of the barcode read by a display means in response to the output of the code reader. 2. The control device includes an input unit operated by an operator and a memory, and the control unit stores, in a memory, the content of the barcode read by the barcode reader and the input data input by the input unit. The meter-reading device using the nameplate according to claim 1, which is stored. 3. The meter-reading device using a nameplate according to claim 2, wherein the input means inputs at least a numeral indicating a value of a pointer which is a usage amount displayed on the gas meter. 4. The meter-reading device using a nameplate according to claim 2, wherein a numeral representing a value of a pointer displayed on the gas meter after replacement of the gas meter is input. 5. The memory stores information including a gas meter opening date, a manufacturing company name, a manufacturing date, an installation date, and a failure history. A meter-reading device that uses the nameplate described in one of them. 6. The name plate has an oxide film with a film thickness of 0.25 to 1 μm formed by immersing it in a solution of chromic acid and sulfuric acid on the surface of a stainless steel plate. A name plate having a barcode formed by partially irradiating and removing light.
A meter-reading device that uses the name plate described in one of 5. 7. The meter-reading device using a nameplate according to claim 1, wherein the control means can output the stored contents of the memory to the outside. 8. (a) A memory for a database, comprising a gas usage amount of each of a plurality of gas meters, a gas meter opening date, a manufacturing company name, a manufacturing date, and an installation date.
A database memory for storing information including a failure history, and (b) contents stored from the memory of the meter reading device using the nameplate according to claim 7 are given, and the amount of gas used is stored in the database memory. An information processing apparatus for a gas meter, which further comprises processing means for selectively reading out and outputting information for each gas meter from a memory for a database and storing the information in a memory of a meter reading device. 9. The input means of the meter reading device using the nameplate according to claim 7, inputs the value of the pointer of each gas meter and stores it in a memory, reads and outputs the stored content of the memory, and the output memory 9. The method of meter reading of a gas meter, comprising: transferring the contents of claim 1 to a database memory of the information processing device of the gas meter according to claim 8 and storing the contents. 10. The meter reading of a gas meter according to claim 9, wherein at least a part of the information stored in the database memory is read out, output from the information processing device, transferred to the memory of the meter reading device and stored. Method. 11. A gas nameplate having a bar code representing an identification code of each gas meter is fixed to each gas meter, and the date of manufacture of the gas meter and information on the parts constituting the gas meter are associated with the bar code of the name plate. Is stored in the manufacturing memory, and the stored contents of the manufacturing memory are read out. 12. The manufacturing information processing for a gas meter according to claim 11, wherein the stored contents of the manufacturing memory are transferred to and stored in the database memory in the gas meter reading method according to claim 9 or 10. Method. 13. A bar code reader for reading a bar code in a meter reading device, wherein data on a measuring device is formed by a bar code, and a name plate for reading the bar code of a name plate provided in association with the measuring device is used. A meter reading device using a nameplate, characterized in that it includes a display means and a control means for responding to the output of a barcode reader and displaying the content of the barcode read by the display means. 14. A bar code reader for reading a bar code in a meter reading device, wherein data on a device is formed by a bar code, and a name plate is read by reading the bar code of a name plate provided in association with the device. A meter reading device using a nameplate, characterized by including: and a control means for displaying the read content of the barcode by a display means in response to the output of the barcode reader.