JP2005149278A - Energy monitor system, communication device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an energy monitor system which enables a user to confirm whether energy is consumed or not or the consumption amount of energy in his or her destination. <P>SOLUTION: The energy monitor system is provided with a meter 11 for measuring the flow rate of energy, a communication device 12 which is connected to the meter 11 and stores a measurement value therein, and a server 14 which is connected to the communication device 12 through a communication line and secures and monitors energy, and the user accesses the server 14 from an information terminal 15 through the communication line and inquires of the communication device 12 to confirm the current state of energy consumption, so that the user can confirm whether energy is consumed or not or the consumption amount of energy by the information terminal 15 from his or her destination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an energy monitoring system, a communication device, a control method, and a program in a server and a terminal connected via a network.

Conventionally, the amount of energy used for gas, electricity, water, etc. used by each household, each business office, and each region is a meter or a measurement control device (hereinafter collectively referred to as “meter”). ) Is periodically measured by a meter reader or an inspector to periodically perform meter reading or inspection (hereinafter collectively referred to as “meter reading”). However, it is regarded as a problem that such a meter reading requires a lot of manpower, time and cost. Therefore, in recent years, a system has been proposed in which meter reading / measurement is performed by a remote monitoring system using a communication network to reduce the manpower, time, and cost (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, an apparatus for connecting a gas meter to the gas meter, calculating the gas charge from the measured gas usage, setting the gas charge, etc., and a gas management system have been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-175656 JP 2002-071421 A

  However, since the conventional configuration is a system that calculates the usage amount of the section determined by the fee setting or manages it by the server, for example, it is uncertain whether the user has stopped the gas on the go. Even in this case, it was difficult to check the current use of gas on the spot, and it was difficult to check the safety of the house.

  This invention solves the said conventional subject, and provides the energy monitoring system, communication apparatus, control method, and program which can confirm the presence or absence or usage-amount of energy use at the place of going out at home. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the energy monitoring system of the present invention accesses a server from an information terminal through a communication line, makes an inquiry to a communication device, and confirms the current energy usage state. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm the presence / absence of energy use or the amount of use at the place of going out.

  In addition, the communication device of the present invention, when there is a request for energy flow measurement from the server, inquires the measured value at least twice by taking time to the meter, and the energy is used within a predetermined time from the calculation result. It is determined whether or not. Thereby, since the energy flow rate per unit time can be measured, the energy used for a certain fixed time can be detected by the communication device.

  In the communication apparatus control method according to the present invention, when a measurement request for energy flow is received from the server, the energy is determined from the procedure for inquiring the measured value at least twice by taking time from the meter and the calculation result. A procedure for determining whether or not it has been used during the time, a procedure for notifying the determination result to the server, a procedure for checking the determination result by an information terminal accessing the server, or an e-mail from the server to the information terminal To confirm the determination result. Thereby, since the energy flow rate per unit time can be measured, the energy used for a certain fixed time can be detected by the communication device.

  Further, the program of the present invention causes a computer to execute at least a part of the functions of the communication device, and a part or all of the communication device can be easily realized using a microcomputer or the like.

  The energy monitoring system, communication device, control method, and program of the present invention can check the presence or absence of energy usage or the amount of usage while away from home.

  1st invention is equipped with the meter which measures the flow volume of energy, the communication apparatus connected with the said meter, and memorize | stores a measured value, and the server which is connected with the said communication apparatus with a communication line, and performs the security monitoring of energy, By accessing the server from an information terminal via a communication line and making an inquiry to the communication device, an energy monitoring system for confirming the current energy usage state can be used to determine whether or not energy is used or where it is used. It becomes possible to confirm.

  In particular, according to the second invention, in the first invention, a time is taken from the communication device to the meter, the measured value is inquired at least twice, and it is determined from the calculation result whether energy is used within a predetermined time. As a result, the energy flow rate per unit time can be measured, so that the energy used for a certain time can be detected.

  In the third invention, in particular, in the first invention, when inquiring of the measurement value from the communication device to the meter at least twice, the time interval can be arbitrarily set, so that the type, size, and function of the meter Even when the flow and the detected amount of unit time are different depending on the user, an optimal system according to the user can be constructed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in particular, in the first aspect, measurement results obtained from the meter can be stored in a server, the server can be accessed via a communication line by an information terminal, and the measurement results can be viewed or electronic By being notified to a predetermined terminal by e-mail, it is possible to check the energy usage status at any timing even from the outside. In addition, since it can be viewed on your own terminal, if you send an email in cooperation with the home security function, you will not forget to check it, and you will have an accident caused by a gas leak or a leak. Can be prevented, and further home security effects can be realized.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server for performing energy security monitoring and a communication processing unit for performing transmission / reception of data, a control command generating unit for generating a measurement command for a meter for measuring a flow rate of energy according to an instruction from the server, A meter communication processing unit that transmits / receives data to / from the meter, a measurement value storage unit that stores the measurement value of the meter, and a usage state determination unit that determines a usage state of energy using the measured value , When there is a request for measuring the energy flow rate from the server, it takes time for the meter to query the measured value at least twice, and from the calculation result, determine whether the energy has been used within a predetermined time, The determination result is notified to the server, and the determination result is confirmed by an information terminal that has accessed the server, or the information terminal makes an electronic message from the server. By the communication apparatus notifies Le to confirm the determination result, it is possible measure the energy flow per unit time, can detect the energy used for a certain period of time by the communication device.

  And since the detection result can be notified to the server or the user from the communication device, whether the energy is used for a predetermined time is accumulated as data in the server, or the user grasps in real time. It is possible to prevent accidents caused by forgetting to turn off electricity or gas, and to reduce wasteful consumption of energy.

  In particular, the sixth invention includes a time interval setting unit that arbitrarily sets the time interval when inquiring measurement values from the server to the meter at least twice in the fifth invention. Even when the flow method and the detection amount of unit time differ depending on the size and function, an optimal communication device according to the user can be obtained.

  A seventh invention includes a meter that measures the flow rate of energy, a communication device that is connected to the meter and stores a measurement value, and a server that is connected to the communication device via a communication line and monitors energy security, The communication device includes a communication processing procedure for transmitting / receiving data to / from the server, a control command generating procedure for generating a command for measuring the meter according to an instruction from the server, and a meter communication for transmitting / receiving data to / from the meter. A processing procedure, a measurement value storage procedure for storing the measurement value of the meter, and a use state determination procedure for determining the use state of energy using the measured measurement value. If there is an error, take the time to the meter and inquire the measured value at least twice, A procedure for determining whether or not it has been used during the time, a procedure for notifying the determination result to the server, a procedure for checking the determination result by an information terminal accessing the server, or an e-mail from the server to the information terminal By using the control method of the communication apparatus having a procedure for confirming the determination result by notifying in (4), the energy flow rate per unit time can be measured, so that the energy used for a certain time can be detected.

  In the eighth invention, in particular, in the seventh invention, when the communication device makes an inquiry to the meter at least twice, a procedure for arbitrarily setting the time interval is provided. Even when the flow and the detection amount of unit time differ depending on the function, it is possible to construct an optimal communication device control method according to the user.

  The ninth invention is a program for causing a computer to execute at least a part of the functions of the communication device according to the fifth or sixth invention, whereby a CPU (microcomputer), RAM, ROM, storage device, I A part or all of the communication device can be easily realized by cooperating hardware resources such as an electrical information device, a computer, a server, etc. provided with / O. Further, the program can be easily distributed by recording on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
1 and 2 show an energy monitoring system for confirming the energy usage state using the information terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In the figure, the meter 11 has a function of measuring the flow rate of energy and performing in-home communication with the communication device 12 using radio. This wireless function is realized by a communication medium such as a wireless LAN, bluetooth (R) or specific low power wireless. The meter 11 is assumed to be an electric power meter, a water meter, a gas meter or the like that measures the cumulative amount of energy used, but a home appliance having a function of connecting to various networks including the Internet, such as an internet home appliance. Equipment, equipment (washing machine, microwave oven, water heater remote control, refrigerator, air conditioner, water heater, hot water use system, dryer, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, gas table, IH equipment, rice cooker, hot water toilet seat, electronic Lock), various security sensors (human sensor, security sensor), home server, TV, video, DVD equipment, personal computer, PDA and other information terminals, mobile phones, faxes, telephones, audio equipment, and their remote controllers It is.

  Hereinafter, in this embodiment, functions of a system related to a gas meter will be described. In addition, the communication device 12 is connected to the ISP using a communication medium configured by PSTN, ISDN, ADSL, CATV network, optical cable, PHS, wireless communication network, and the like, and is connected to the server 14 via the communication line, that is, the network 13. Is done. In addition, the communication device 12 has a function of mutually converting application protocols used in in-home communication and Internet communication, and holds a user authentication ID, password, and the like necessary for connection to the server 14. The communication device 12 includes storage means for storing the energy flow measurement value of the meter 11 and stores the energy flow measurement value obtained during communication with the meter 11 and holds it in time series together with time information. The communication device 12 is connected to an external communication network such as the Internet or a telephone line, and realizes a state where data can be transmitted to and received from the server 14 shown in FIG.

  Specifically, although not shown in FIG. 1, it is connected to an ISP (Internet Service Provider) via an NCU (Network Control Unit) or a router device using a protocol such as PPP (Point to Point Protocol), PPPoE, PPPoA, From there, a TCP / IP connection is made to the server 14 through the Internet. The server 14 monitors the security of in-home energy based on the data transmitted from the communication device 12. On the other hand, the information terminal 15 is also connected to an external network such as the Internet or a telephone line, and realizes a state in which data can be transmitted to and received from the server 14 shown in FIG. The current energy usage state can be confirmed by making an inquiry to the communication device 12.

  In FIG. 2, the sequence at the time of energy use state confirmation is shown. When going out and feeling uneasy about "I wonder if I stopped the gas at home," for example, when checking whether or not gas is being used in a mobile phone, first, the information terminal 15 represented by the mobile phone is used. The server 14 is accessed to transmit a gas use confirmation request 16. In response to this, the server 14 transmits a gas use confirmation request 17 to the designated communication device 12 in accordance with user information registered in advance. Upon receiving the gas use confirmation request 17, the communication device 12 transmits a first measurement value read request 18 a to the meter 11. Upon receiving the measurement value read request 18a, the meter 11 immediately notifies the communication device 12 of the current gas flow rate as a measurement value (notification of the measurement value m1) (19a). Receiving the measurement value notification, the communication device 12 holds the measurement value m1, waits for the measurement time T1 to elapse, and then transmits the second measurement value read request 18b to the meter 11 again. When the measurement value m2 notification 19b is returned from the meter 11, it is determined in the determination process 21 whether or not the gas is in use. The determination result is transmitted to the server 14 by the determination result notification 22, the determination result notification 23 is notified from the server 14 to the information terminal 15, and the determination result confirmation 24 is performed.

  As described above, the energy monitoring system according to the present embodiment includes a meter that measures the flow rate of energy, a communication device that is connected to the meter and stores a measured value, and is connected to the communication device and a communication line to secure energy. A server that performs monitoring, accesses the server from an information terminal via a communication line, and checks the current energy usage state by inquiring of the communication device, so that the presence or absence of energy usage can be found even when away from home. Or it becomes possible to confirm the usage-amount.

  In addition, by using the energy monitoring system in the present embodiment, data is regularly exchanged between the server 14 and the communication device 12 and upgrades are performed, so that an initial system can include a power meter, Adding a communication function with a water meter, etc., adding a home appliance control function (control of turning on / off the power supply or opening / closing of the main plug) and a home security function (alarm calling and key opening / closing control) it can.

  For example, when the user goes out, the home security function is activated, and when the user senses the use of gas when going out, the user's mobile phone is notified, and the user who has confirmed this can shut off the gas main plug from the mobile phone. In this way, by linking these controls to the measurement of the meter 11, it is possible to easily construct a system that further meets the needs of the user. And it is also possible to construct | assemble the energy management and control of the whole apartment, and the energy management system of the whole area by centrally managing these with the server 14. FIG. These can always be changed according to the needs of individual users.

(Embodiment 2)
3 to 8 show a communication apparatus, a control method, and a program according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the communication apparatus 12 according to the first embodiment. Data transmitted from the server 14 is received through the network communication processing unit 25 and analyzed by the data processing unit 26. The communication processing unit 25 performs various processes at the time of network connection such as mutual conversion of application protocols and authentication. The received data is identified by the data processing unit 26. If the received data is the use confirmation request 17 shown in FIG. 2, the control command generation unit 27 generates a measurement value read request 18a and the meter communication processing unit 28. To the meter 11.

  Further, when the measurement value m1 notification 19a is received from the meter 11, the measurement value is temporarily held in the measurement value storage unit 29, and when the measurement is performed twice or more, the use state determination unit 30 determines from these values. Thus, it is determined whether the energy has been used within a predetermined time. Then, the control command generation unit 27 generates a determination result notification 22 to the server 14 and transmits the data.

  A determination chart in the use state determination unit 30 of the communication device 12 is shown in FIG. When the use confirmation request 16 is received from the server 14 at S0, a measurement read request is transmitted to the meter 11 (S1), the measurement result is received from the meter 11 (S2), and the measurement result is held (S3). In other words, the energy flow rate is measured while holding the measurement interval N1 (= 2) and the measurement interval T1 (S4), and the measured values are held (m1, m2). If it is determined in S5 that the measurement set number N has been measured, the previous measured value m1 held and the current measured value m2 are compared in S6, and the difference is greater than the use state determination reference value M. Is “gas is used” (S7), and if it is smaller, it is determined that “gas is not used” (S8), and the server 14 is notified in S9.

  By these, the user can grasp | ascertain the present gas use state of a home immediately at arbitrary time. In addition, if this system is combined with a remote control function for opening and closing the gas plug, the gas main plug can be closed from the outside when the user forgets to turn off the gas, and accidents caused by forgetting to turn off the gas can be prevented.

  FIG. 5 shows a sequence in the case where the energy usage state is confirmed on an e-mail or the Web. The system configuration is the same as the sequence shown in FIG. 2, and the description of the components denoted by the same reference numerals is omitted. Here, the sequence after the exchange between the meter 11 and the communication device 12 is completed and the determination processing 21 in the communication device 12 is completed is shown. Therefore, the description of the measurement / judgment processing between the meter 11 and the communication device 12 immediately before is shown. Is omitted.

  The server 14 that has received the determination result notification 22 from the communication device 12 that has completed the determination process 21 stores the determination result data. When “mail notification” is designated by the user, the server 14 transmits the accumulated determination result to the information terminal 15 as a determination result mail notification 31 by e-mail. When “Web browsing” is designated, the server 14 converts the determination result data into an html file or the like, and when the data acquisition request 32 from the information terminal 15 is transmitted to the server 14, the information terminal The acquired data 33 is transmitted to 15 so that the data can be browsed 34.

  At this time, the timing of issuing the first measured value reading request 18a from the communication device 12 to the meter 11 may be the case when the use confirmation request 17 is received from the server 14, and is linked with other devices or home security functions. The trigger may be received from another device, or from the internal timer of the communication device. The type of trigger that issues the measurement value read request 18a of the communication device 12 does not depend on this system. For example, the communication terminal periodically obtains the energy usage state by polling or calling processing. And when it confirms from a place where it keeps a time-series meter state inside, it can confirm more quickly.

  As a result, it is possible to confirm the energy usage status at any timing even from the outside. In addition, since it can be seen on its own terminal, the energy monitoring system equipped with this communication device is linked with the home security function. For example, the home security function locks the house and the home security function provides security for going out. When the functions (sensor functions such as human intrusion detection and door / window open / close detection) are activated, use of energy such as gas is confirmed by the energy monitoring system. It is possible to take measures such as informing or automatically shutting off. As a result, it is possible to prevent a gas leakage accident due to forgetting confirmation, a leakage accident, etc., and realize a further home security effect.

  In the present embodiment, the measurement value is read twice from the communication device 12 to the meter 11. However, this may be measured any number of times as long as it is twice or more. By measuring twice or more, an average value can be obtained, or erroneous measurement values caused by measurement errors can be excluded, and the usage status of energy can be grasped more accurately.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in FIG. 2, when the measurement value is read twice from the communication device 12 to the meter 11, it is set as the measurement interval T <b> 1. As a result, the flow of gas and electricity and the detection amount of meter unit time change, so it is difficult to uniquely determine an appropriate value. Also, use the system for multiple purposes by setting the measurement interval according to the user's application, such as “I want to know if gas is not currently used” or “I want to know the gas usage pattern of my grandma's house” be able to. Therefore, an example in which the measurement interval T1 is set from the server 14 will be described.

  In order to set the measurement interval T1 from the server 14, setting data is included in the data of the use confirmation request 17 in FIG. FIG. 6 shows the data structure of the usage confirmation request 17. The use confirmation request 17 includes a request / response designating unit 35 that indicates whether the data is a request / response / notification, an information type designating unit 36 that indicates what kind of data it is, and a data unit 37. In order to designate the measurement interval T1, the data portion 37 includes a measurement number designation unit 38 for the measurement times 38a and 38b and a measurement interval designation unit 39 for the measurement intervals 39a and 39b (here, the measurement interval T1 is set). At the same time, the number of measurements can be set). The measurement number designating unit 38 designates the number of times of measurement, and the measurement interval designating unit 39 designates the measurement interval T1. The measurement interval designating unit 39 constitutes a time interval setting unit that arbitrarily sets the time interval when inquiring the measurement value from the server 14 to the meter 11 at least twice.

  FIG. 7 shows an internal configuration block of the communication device 12 when the measurement interval T1 is designated. The same components as those in the internal block diagram of FIG.

  Upon receiving the use confirmation request 17 set as shown in FIG. 6, the communication device 12 analyzes the data by the data processing unit 26, and then the measurement parameter setting unit 40 measures the number of times N1 and the measurement interval Tn (n = 1, 2, ..., N1).

  FIG. 8 shows an energy usage determination chart of the communication device when the measurement interval T1 is designated. The same parts as those in the determination chart shown in FIG. The communication device 12 that has received the use confirmation request 17 from the server 14 determines both parameters according to the measurement setting number N1 and the measurement setting interval Tn (n = 1, 2,..., N1) specified in the use confirmation request 17. Is set (S10, S11). Then, the measured value read request 18 is transmitted to the meter N1 times while waiting for the designated interval Tn (n = 1, 2,..., N1). Each time the measurement result is received, it is stored in the measurement value storage unit 29. After reading N1 times, the average value of the measurement data held in S14 is taken, and compared with the use state determination reference value M, it is determined and notified whether or not gas is being used.

  Here, in order to determine whether or not energy is used, an average value is taken, but it may not be an average value. For example, a value often used in statistics such as a maximum value and a minimum value may be used. Although the example in which the measurement interval T1 is set from the server 14 has been described here, the communication device 12 is provided with an input unit and directly set manually, or the communication device 12 is provided with a meter identification unit, and the type of meter is set. Accordingly, a setting method such as automatically setting an appropriate measurement interval T1 is also possible. Thereby, the measurement interval to a meter can be set appropriately according to the situation, and a system with a high degree of freedom that can correspond to system components, device performance, and user applications can be constructed.

  As described above, the communication device according to the second embodiment makes an inquiry to the meter 11 at least twice, inquires about the measured value at least twice, and determines whether energy is used within a predetermined time from the calculation result. Since the energy flow rate per unit time can be measured, the energy used for a certain time can be detected. Since the communication device can notify the server 14 or the user of the detection result, whether or not the energy is used for a predetermined time is stored as data in the server 14 or the user grasps in real time. It is possible to prevent accidents caused by forgetting to turn off electricity or gas, and to reduce wasteful consumption of energy.

  In addition, when inquiring the measurement value from the communication device 12 to the meter 11 at least twice, by setting the time interval arbitrarily, the flow method and the detection amount of the unit time may differ depending on the type, size, and function of the meter. Even in this case, an optimum system according to the user can be constructed. Then, the measurement result acquired from the meter 11 is accumulated in the server 14, and the information terminal 15 can access the server 14 through a communication line to view the measurement result, or notify a predetermined terminal by e-mail. Can receive. For this reason, it is possible to confirm the energy usage status at any timing even from the outside.

  In addition, since it can be viewed on your own terminal, if you send an email in cooperation with the home security function, you will not forget to check it, and you will have an accident caused by a gas leak or a leak. Can be prevented, and further home security effects can be realized.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the communication device has been described. However, as a communication device control method that causes the function of each component in the communication device to be performed as a procedure, as in the communication device, per unit time. The energy flow rate can be measured, and the energy used for a certain time can be detected.

  Furthermore, by using a program for causing a computer to execute at least part of the functions of the communication device in the present embodiment, part or all of the communication device can be easily realized using a microcomputer or the like. And versatility are improved, making it easier to build a system. In addition, the program can be distributed and installed easily by recording on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line.

  As described above, the energy monitoring system, the communication device, the control method, and the program according to the present invention make it possible to check the presence / absence or amount of energy usage on the go, so a gas meter, a power meter, a water meter, etc. It can be applied to various uses such as building a more multifunctional home security system and managing energy in units of condominiums and regions by connecting to and interlocking with home appliances and home security devices. it can.

The system block diagram of the energy monitoring system in Embodiment 1 of this invention Diagram showing the sequence when checking the energy usage status in the system The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the communication apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. Chart showing energy usage judgment in the communication device The figure which shows the sequence at the time of energy use state confirmation in the same communication equipment Configuration diagram showing use confirmation request data when specifying the measurement interval in the communication device Block diagram showing the internal configuration when specifying the measurement interval in the communication device Chart showing energy usage judgment when specifying measurement interval in the communication device

Explanation of symbols

11 Meter 12 Communication device 13 Network (communication line)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Server 15 Information terminal 25 Communication processing part 27 Control command production | generation part 28 Meter communication processing part 29 Measurement value memory | storage part 30 Usage condition judgment part 40 Measurement parameter setting part (time interval setting part)

Claims (9)

A meter that measures the flow rate of energy; a communication device that is connected to the meter and stores a measured value; and a server that is connected to the communication device through a communication line and monitors energy security, and the server has a communication line. An energy monitoring system that confirms the current energy usage state by accessing from the information terminal through the communication terminal and making an inquiry to the communication device. 2. The energy monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the communication device makes an inquiry to the meter at least twice and inquires about the measured value at least twice, and determines whether or not the energy is used within a predetermined time from the calculation result. The energy monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein the time interval can be arbitrarily set when the communication device makes an inquiry to the meter at least twice. The measurement result acquired from the meter is stored in a server, and the measurement result can be browsed by accessing the server via a communication line by an information terminal, or a predetermined terminal can be notified by e-mail. The energy monitoring system described in. A communication processing unit that transmits / receives data to / from a server that performs security monitoring of energy, a control command generation unit that generates a measurement command of a meter that measures the flow rate of energy according to an instruction from the server, and transmission / reception of data to / from the meter A meter communication processing unit that performs measurement, a measurement value storage unit that stores a measurement value of the meter, and a use state determination unit that determines a use state of energy using the measured measurement value. When a flow rate measurement request is made, the meter is inquired of the measured value at least twice, and whether or not energy is used within a predetermined time is determined from the calculation result, and the determination result is transmitted to the server. And confirming the determination result by the information terminal accessing the server, or notifying the information terminal by e-mail from the server Communication device for checking the determination result by the. The communication device according to claim 5, further comprising a time interval setting unit that arbitrarily sets a time interval when the server inquires of the meter about the measured value at least twice. A meter that measures the flow rate of energy; a communication device that is connected to the meter and stores a measured value; and a server that is connected to the communication device by a communication line and performs security monitoring of the energy. A communication processing procedure for transmitting / receiving data to / from a server, a control command generating procedure for generating a command for measuring the meter according to an instruction from the server, a meter communication processing procedure for transmitting / receiving data to / from the meter, and the meter A measurement value storage procedure for storing the measurement value of the battery and a use state determination procedure for determining the use state of the energy using the measured measurement value. The procedure for inquiring the measured value at least twice, and using the energy during the specified time based on the calculation result A procedure for determining whether or not a determination has been made, a procedure for notifying the server of the determination result, a procedure for confirming the determination result by an information terminal accessing the server, or an e-mail from the server to the information terminal A method for controlling a communication apparatus, comprising: a procedure for confirming the determination result by: The communication device control method according to claim 6, further comprising a step of arbitrarily setting a time interval when the communication device makes an inquiry to the meter at least twice. The program for making a computer perform at least one part of the function in the communication apparatus of Claim 5 or 6.

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