JP2004279185A - Inspection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspection apparatus capable of easily, speedily, and accurately inspecting meters. <P>SOLUTION: The inspection apparatus 100 is constituted in such a way as to automatically inspect a gas meter 2 through the use of communications and display the results of inspection on a display panel 21. By visually recognizing the results of inspection displayed on the display panel 21, it is possible for a workman engaged in inspection work to appropriately adapt to the gas meter 2 after grasping the operating state of the gas meter 2. Furthermore, by showing a consumer the results of inspection displayed on the display panel 21, it is also possible to visually convey the contents of the results of inspection to the consumer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inspection device used for inspecting a meter such as a gas meter.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, gas meters have been installed at each consumer's home to measure the amount of fuel gas consumed by consumers. A gas company measures gas consumption from a gas meter at regular intervals, and calculates a gas usage fee based on the meter reading.
[0003]
As a conventional gas meter, for example, a microcomputer meter provided with a microcomputer (hereinafter, simply referred to as “microcomputer”) for performing various functions has been widely used. As this type of gas meter, for example, a gas meter having a communication function capable of mutually communicating with the outside is known.
[0004]
As the external device for communicating with the gas meter, for example, a remote control device used for operating the gas meter (for example, see Patent Document 1), setting information stored in the gas meter, or setting of the setting A setting device used for rewriting information is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-04-051696 [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-11-108728
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in order to operate a gas meter installed in each consumer's house, for example, it is necessary to inspect the gas meter as needed. Specifically, for example, when a problem in actual use (for example, gas supply cutoff due to driving of a shutoff valve) occurs in the gas meter, it is determined whether the gas meter has failed and repaired. There are cases in which it is necessary to check whether or not it needs to be replaced. However, conventional external devices such as the above-described remote control device and setting device can operate the gas meter and rewrite the setting information, but cannot inspect the gas meter. When an inquiry is received from a consumer due to a problem in actual use of the gas meter, it is necessary for the worker who went to the site to inspect the gas meter easily, quickly and accurately, and then restore it. In addition, establishing an inspection system is urgently needed.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection device capable of easily, quickly, and accurately inspecting a meter.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An inspection apparatus according to the present invention is for inspecting a meter, and includes communication means for communicating with the meter, inspection means for inspecting the meter via the communication means, and inspection results by the inspection means. Display means for displaying information.
[0009]
In the inspection device according to the present invention, when the inspection unit inspects the meter while communicating via the communication unit, the display unit displays information including the inspection result.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
First, a configuration of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of the inspection apparatus 100.
[0012]
The inspection device 100 is connected to the gas meter 2 installed in the consumer's home 1 via the communication line 200 as needed, and is used to inspect the gas meter 2. The inspection apparatus 100 has a configuration in which a series of devices to be described later are housed inside a casing 10 made of, for example, plastic. On one surface of the housing 10, for example, a display panel 21 for displaying information related to the inspection work, and various operation buttons (cursor button 22, execution button 23, inspection button 24, A readout button 25, a manual button 26) and a speaker 27 for audio output are provided. Further, on another surface of the housing 10, a mounting port 28 for mounting a memory 15 described later is provided. The display panel 21 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel.
[0013]
Next, a detailed configuration of the inspection apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows a block configuration of the inspection apparatus 100.
[0014]
The inspection apparatus 100 includes, for example, a microcomputer 11, a memory 12, a communication interface (I / F) 13, and a battery 14 inside a housing 10. The memory 15 storing the inspection operation program P is mounted in the mounting opening 28.
[0015]
The microcomputer 11 operates based on the program P stored in the memory 15 and executes an inspection process while communicating with the gas meter 2 in response to an operation of an operator. For example, the microcomputer 11 performs a central processing unit (CPU). (A processing unit). The microcomputer 11 displays information related to the inspection process on the display panel 21 in response to the operation of the operator during the inspection process, and outputs a voice guide corresponding to the information displayed on the display panel 21 from the speaker 27. It has become. The microcomputer 11 stores information on the inspection processing in the memory 12 as necessary.
[0016]
The memory 12 is configured by a built-in storage device such as a random access memory (RAM), and stores information such as an inspection date, an inspection result, and an inspection history.
[0017]
The communication I / F 13 is an interface for external communication, and is used by the microcomputer 11 at any time when communicating with the gas meter 2.
[0018]
The battery 14 is configured by a built-in power source such as a rechargeable battery or a solar battery.
[0019]
The memory 15 stores a program P for an inspection operation, and is configured by a recordable storage device such as a compact flash (registered trademark). This memory 15 is detachable as needed.
[0020]
In addition, the gas meter 2 installed in the consumer's house 1 measures gas consumption. The gas meter 2 stores predetermined setting information F, and is operatively set based on the setting information F. The “setting information F” is, for example, a numerical parameter or a function parameter for setting the operation mechanism of the gas meter 2. As this "numerical parameter", for example, date information for setting the date, time information for setting the time, and the number of signal pulses per unit volume required when measuring the flow rate Pulse information, duration information for setting the duration required for the duration over cutoff mechanism, upper limit flow rate information for setting the upper limit flow rate required for the flow over cutoff mechanism, and information required for the pressure over cutoff mechanism The upper limit pressure information for setting the upper limit pressure is exemplified. The duration over cutoff mechanism is a mechanism that automatically shuts off the gas supply when the gas consumption time reaches the duration time, and the flow over cutoff mechanism or the pressure over cutoff mechanism is that the gas flow rate or pressure is This is a mechanism that automatically shuts off gas supply when the gas reaches the upper limit flow rate or upper limit pressure. Further, as the “functional parameter”, for example, inner pipe leak information for setting the content of processing to be executed when an inner pipe leak occurs, continuation time table information for setting an operation table of the duration over cutoff mechanism, The information includes seismic isolation information for setting the details of shutoff at the time of seismic sensing, and pressure drop shutoff information for setting the details of shutoff when the pressure of the gas drops.
[0021]
Next, the operation of the inspection apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 3 is for explaining the flow of the operation of the inspection apparatus 100, and FIGS. 4 to 13 show an example of a display screen displayed on the display panel 21 during the inspection work of the inspection apparatus 100. . Hereinafter, the operation of the microcomputer 11 at the time of inspection of the inspection apparatus 100 will be referred to.
[0022]
In the inspection apparatus 100, after the power is turned on, an operation mode is selected according to the operation buttons (the inspection button 24, the readout button 25, and the manual button 26) pressed by the operator.
[0023]
First, when the inspection button 24 is pressed, “batch inspection” is executed. In other words, while performing communication with the gas meter 2 via the communication I / F 13, inspections based on a plurality of preset inspection items are collectively performed (step S 101), and the inspection results are displayed on the display panel 21. (Step S102), a voice guide corresponding to the inspection result is output from the speaker 27 (Step S103). The “plurality of inspection items” is, for example, an operation state of devices such as a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, and a shutoff valve mounted on the gas meter 2. In the collective inspection, the operation state of each device is inspected by sequentially operating a series of devices on a trial basis. At this time, if the test result does not include a test result indicating an abnormality, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, while displaying a list of test results, for example, "all test results are normal" And output a voice guide. On the other hand, when the inspection result includes an inspection result indicating an abnormality, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a list of the inspection results is displayed together with a state of the abnormality and a factor for estimating the abnormality. Meanwhile, a voice guide is output, for example, "an abnormality was found in the shutoff valve". In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, for example, an abnormality is found with respect to the shut-off valve, the shut-off valve does not operate as “abnormal state”, and the operating mechanism of the shut-off valve is broken as “estimated cause of abnormality”, or It is confirmed that a foreign object is biting the operation mechanism. The "estimated cause of abnormality" is estimated based on information confirmed in the past as a cause of occurrence of an abnormality related to the operation state of the device.
[0024]
Second, when the read button 25 is pressed, “read setting information” is executed. That is, after the setting information F stored in the gas meter 2 is read (step S104), a voice guide is output (step S106) while displaying the setting information F on the display panel 21 (step S105). At this time, for the numerical parameters, if the setting information F changed from the initial setting is not included in the setting information F, for example, as shown in FIG. For example, an audio guide is output such as "There is no setting information changed from the initial setting". On the other hand, when the setting information F includes the setting information changed from the initial setting, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, only the setting information changed from the initial setting is selectively displayed. Meanwhile, an audio guide is output, for example, "There is setting information changed from the initial setting." Similarly, when the setting information F does not include the setting information changed from the initial setting, a list of the setting information F is displayed as shown in FIG. When the setting information F includes the setting information changed from the initial setting, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the setting information changed from the initial setting is output. Output audio guide while selectively displaying only.
[0025]
Third, when the manual button 26 is pressed, "manual inspection" is executed. That is, while outputting the voice guide (step S107), only the inspection items designated by the operator are selectively inspected. Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, while displaying an inspection item menu including a plurality of inspection items (step S108), a voice guide such as "Please select an inspection item" is given. Output. Thereafter, for example, in order to selectively check the operation state of the shut-off valve, the operator operates the cursor button 22 to move the cursor C on the screen to “3. When is pressed, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, while displaying the designated inspection item (step S109), a voice guide is output, for example, "Do you want to operate the shutoff valve?" Thereafter, in order to execute the inspection of the operation state of the shut-off valve, when the operator presses the execution button 23 after moving the cursor C to "Yes", the operation state of the specified shut-off valve is selectively changed. After the inspection (Step S110), the inspection result is displayed on the display panel 21 (Step S111). At this time, if there is no abnormality in the inspection result, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, while displaying that the operating state of the shut-off valve is normal, for example, a voice guide such as "the shut-off valve is normal" Is output. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a message that prompts the user to continuously check the operation state of another mounted device (for example, a pressure sensor) is also displayed. On the other hand, when there is an abnormality in the inspection result, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, together with the fact that there is an abnormality in the shutoff valve, as in the case shown in FIG. Along with the display, an audio guide is output, for example, "An abnormality was found in the shutoff valve."
[0026]
As described above, in the inspection apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the gas meter 2 is automatically inspected using communication, and the inspection result is displayed on the display panel 21. By visually recognizing the inspection result displayed in (1), the operator engaged in the inspection work can grasp the operating state of the gas meter 2 and take appropriate measures on the gas meter 2. Specifically, when an inquiry is received from a consumer because the shut-off valve of the gas meter 2 is operated and the gas supply is cut off, the result of inspecting the gas meter 2 using the inspection device 100 is shown in FIG. As shown, if an abnormality of the shut-off valve is discovered, the inspection valve is further examined in detail taking into account the presumed cause of the abnormality, and if it is finally determined that the shut-off valve has failed, the shut-off valve is shut down. Repair and replacement of the valve may be performed. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, no abnormality is found in the shutoff valve, and as shown in FIG. 7, the duration information of the setting information F is changed from the initial setting (for example, 2 hours) for some reason. If it is found that the setting has been changed to a short time (for example, 30 minutes), it is determined that the shut-off valve has not failed, and the setting information F is changed to return the duration to the initial setting. Just do it. Of course, if the inspection result displayed on the display panel 21 is shown to the consumer, the contents of the inspection result can be visually transmitted to the consumer. Therefore, by using the inspection device 100, the inspection of the gas meter 2 can be performed easily, quickly and accurately.
[0027]
In particular, in the present embodiment, since the batch inspection processing is executed in response to the operation of the inspection button 24, the inspection based on a plurality of inspection items is automatically performed collectively. Therefore, the inspection of the gas meter 2 can be performed more easily and quickly as compared with the case where the inspection based on a plurality of inspection items is individually performed. In this case, particularly, even an operator who is not familiar with the inspection work can easily inspect the gas meter 2.
[0028]
Further, in the present embodiment, the reading process of the setting information F of the gas meter 2 is executed in response to the operation of the reading button 25, and the setting information F is displayed on the display panel 21. The operator can easily and quickly grasp the setting information F stored in the gas meter 2. In this case, in particular, as described above, it is determined that the gas meter 2 has a problem in actual use due to the setting information F being changed from the initial setting for some reason. It is possible to avoid performing unnecessary repair work or replacement work by erroneously recognizing that the device has failed.
[0029]
In the present embodiment, when the setting information F includes the setting information changed from the initial setting, only the setting information changed from the initial setting is selectively displayed on the display panel 21. As a result, it is possible to easily grasp a change in the setting information F that may cause a problem in actual use of the gas meter 2.
[0030]
Further, in the present embodiment, since the manual inspection process is executed in response to the operation of the manual button 26, all the inspections based on the plurality of inspection items are not performed, and only the inspection based on the specific inspection item is performed. It is done selectively. Therefore, it is possible to selectively perform only a desired test as compared with a case where tests based on a plurality of test items are collectively performed. In this case, particularly, a worker who is familiar with the inspection work can inspect only the inspection items specified based on past inspection experience.
[0031]
Further, in the present embodiment, when an abnormality is found in the gas meter 2, the estimated factor of the abnormality is displayed on the display panel 21 together with the inspection result. Can be grasped more easily and quickly.
[0032]
Further, in the present embodiment, the program P for the inspection operation of the inspection apparatus 100 is stored in the recordable memory 15 such as a compact flash (registered trademark). When it is changed, it is not necessary to replace the existing inspection device 100 with another inspection device corresponding to the changed content, and it is only necessary to rewrite the program P to correspond to the changed content. Moreover, by attaching and detaching the memory 15, the memory 15 can be easily replaced. Therefore, it is possible to respond quickly and easily when the model of the gas meter 2 or the inspection item is changed.
[0033]
Further, in the present embodiment, since the audio guide corresponding to the information displayed on the display panel 21 is output from the speaker 27, the inspection result is visually recognized using the display panel 21, and furthermore, It becomes possible to recognize aurally based on the voice guide. Therefore, the inspection result can be grasped more easily and accurately.
[0034]
As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.
[0035]
Specifically, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the display panel 21 is configured by a liquid crystal panel. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display panel 21 may be an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. Such a panel may be used.
[0036]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the inspection apparatus 100 is configured to include the button-type operation mechanism. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the inspection apparatus 100 is configured to include the touch-panel operation mechanism. May be.
[0037]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the inspection apparatus 100 is configured to be a wired system using the communication line 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a wireless system not using the communication line 200 may be used. The inspection apparatus 100 may be configured as follows.
[0038]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the battery 14 which is a built-in power source is provided, and the inspection apparatus 100 is operated using the battery 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in (1), an external power supply unit 29 may be provided instead of the battery 14, and the inspection apparatus 100 may be operated by supplying power from the outside via the external power supply unit 29. The external power supply unit 29 is, for example, a power cord including an outlet for connecting to a commercial power supply, a connection cord for connecting to an external battery, and the like.
[0039]
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the gas meter 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to another meter, specifically, a water meter, a power meter, and the like. It is also possible to apply to. Also in this case, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the inspection device of the present invention, the meter is inspected while communicating and the inspection result is displayed, so that the inspection of the meter can be performed easily, quickly and accurately.
[0041]
In addition to the above, in the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, if inspections based on a plurality of inspection items are collectively performed, inspection of the meter can be performed more easily and quickly.
[0042]
Further, in the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, if only an inspection based on a specified inspection item is selectively performed among a plurality of inspection items, only a desired inspection can be selectively performed.
[0043]
Further, in the inspection device according to the present invention, when the inspection result including the inspection result indicating the abnormality is displayed together with the inspection result, the abnormality state and the estimated factor of the abnormality are displayed. The cause of occurrence can be grasped more easily and quickly.
[0044]
Further, in the inspection device according to the present invention, if the setting information of the meter is read and the setting information is displayed, the setting information of the meter can be easily and quickly grasped.
[0045]
Further, in the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, when the setting information includes the setting information changed from the initial setting, only the setting information changed from the initial setting is selectively displayed. If this is the case, it is possible to easily grasp a change in the setting information that may cause a problem in the actual use of the meter.
[0046]
Further, in the inspection apparatus according to the present invention, if the inspection operation program is stored in a detachable and recordable storage means, it is possible to quickly and easily cope with a change in a meter model, an inspection item, or the like. .
[0047]
In the inspection device according to the present invention, if an audio guide corresponding to the information displayed on the display unit is output, the inspection result can be grasped more easily and accurately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the inspection apparatus illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation flow of the inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display screen (no abnormality) displayed on the display panel at the time of batch inspection.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen (abnormality) displayed on a display panel during batch inspection.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display screen (no change from initial setting) displayed on a display panel when setting information is read.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen (changed from the initial setting) displayed on the display panel when setting information is read.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another display screen (no change from the initial setting) displayed on the display panel when setting information is read.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another display screen (changed from the initial setting) displayed on the display panel when setting information is read.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display screen displayed on a display panel during a manual inspection.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display screen following FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display screen (no abnormality) subsequent to FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display screen (with an abnormality) subsequent to FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a modification of the configuration of the inspection apparatus illustrated in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Consumer's house, 2 ... Gas meter, 10 ... Housing, 11 ... Microcomputer, 12 and 15 ... Memory, 13 ... Communication I / F, 14 ... Battery, 21 ... Display panel, 22 ... Cursor button, 23 ... Execute button , 24 ... inspection button, 25 ... read button, 26 ... manual button, 27 ... speaker, 28 ... mounting port, 29 ... external power supply unit, 100 ... inspection device, 200 ... communication line, C ... cursor, F ... setting information , P ... program.

Claims (11)

An inspection device for inspecting a meter,
Communication means for communicating with the meter;
Inspection means for inspecting the meter via the communication means,
A display unit for displaying information including a result of the inspection by the inspection unit. 2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit performs an inspection based on a plurality of inspection items collectively. 2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection unit selectively performs only an inspection based on a specified inspection item among a plurality of inspection items. When the test results include a test result indicating an abnormality,
The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit displays an abnormality state and an estimated factor of the abnormality together with the inspection result. The operation of the meter is set based on predetermined setting information,
Further, a reading means for reading the setting information is provided,
The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display unit displays the setting information read by the reading unit. When the setting information includes setting information changed from the initial setting,
The inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the display unit selectively displays only setting information changed from the initial setting. Furthermore, the inspection unit stores information including a program for performing an inspection operation, and further includes a storage unit that can be additionally written,
The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is detachable. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an audio output unit that outputs an audio guide corresponding to information displayed on the display unit. 9. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an external power supply unit for supplying power from outside. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a gas meter is inspected as the meter.

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