JP2006350830A - Automatic meter reading system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic meter reading system capable of reducing economical and temporal loads of both respective energy supplying companies for supplying energy and consumers who use energy at energy using places. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic meter reading system is provided with a plurality of amount usage measuring means 2 for measuring amounts of a plurality of types of energy usages used each energy using place 1 of a private house and a company, respectively, a centralized control means 3 provided at the energy using place 1 to store information from all of the amount usage measuring means 2 within the energy using place 1 and a management center 5 for preparing a bill on the basis of information for a prescribed period stored by the centralized control means 3 for the prescribed period and transmitted at a time through a telecommunication line 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic meter reading system, and more particularly to an automatic meter reading system for energy such as water, gas, electricity, etc. used in each energy use place of a private house or company.

Conventionally, in each energy use place of private house or company, in order to measure the amount of energy used such as water, gas, electricity, etc., multiple types of use such as water meter, gas meter, watt hour meter, etc. A measuring device is installed. These use amount measuring devices have a function of displaying the amount of energy used, and are generally installed outdoors.
In order to perform meter reading of such a usage measuring device, each energy supply company such as a water company, a gas company, and an electric power company employs a meter reader independently. The meter reader goes to the energy usage place in charge in a small business area once a predetermined period (one month) and visually checks the energy usage displayed on the usage meter. The meter reader inputs the confirmed energy usage amount as monthly data into the hand recorder, issues a usage amount slip, takes it home, and inputs it into the host computer of his company. This meter reading operation requires walking outside regardless of the weather, and it is a heavy labor for the meter reader.
Therefore, conventionally, various meter reading systems have been proposed for facilitating the meter reading work of the meter reader (see Patent Document 1, for example).

In Patent Document 1, a reading unit is connected to a display of a water meter, a remote counter is connected to the reading unit via a cable, and the meter reading is provided with the remote counter on the upper part of a support column installed near the meter box. A system is disclosed. In this patent document 1, the meter-reading work at the time of snowfall in winter becomes easy by confirming the usage-amount of water supply with a remote counter.
JP 2003-99884 A

However, in the conventional meter reading system in which meter reading is performed by the meter reader as described above, each energy supply company must maintain the employment of a large number of meter readers even if the meter reading work is facilitated. Because the day could not be unified, it required a lot of expenses. Also, many people and time were required for billing and collection. In addition, the meter reading work performed by energy companies was similar for all companies, but because each company performed its own system, it could not be unified.
In addition, consumers who use energy such as water, gas, and electric power at each energy use place in private houses and companies, for the first time, use the energy consumption company's energy usage amount and usage fee according to the usage card from each energy supply company. Knowing, it was difficult for consumers to reduce energy usage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic meter reading system that can reduce the economic and time burdens of both energy supply companies that supply energy and consumers who use energy at the place where the energy is used. And

  In order to achieve the above object, an automatic meter reading system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of usage measuring means for measuring the usage of a plurality of types of energy used at each energy usage location of a private house or company, and the energy A centralized management unit that is provided at a place of use and stores information from all of the usage measurement means in the energy usage place, and is stored by the centralized management unit for a predetermined period and transmitted at a time via a telecommunication line. And a management center for creating a bill based on the information for the predetermined period.

  In addition, a plurality of usage measuring means for measuring the usage of each of a plurality of types of energy used in each energy usage location of a private house or company, and all of the energy usage locations provided in the energy usage location. Centralized management means for storing information from the usage measuring means, and automatic withdrawal based on the information for a predetermined period of time stored in the centralized management means and transmitted at once via a telecommunication line for receipt And a management center that issues a certificate.

The centralized management means includes a storage unit that stores the information from the plurality of usage measurement means in a time series, and is installed indoors, and an energy conversion usage amount based on the information in the storage unit And a display unit for displaying the usage fee and a calendar management unit for managing the date and time. The use amount measuring means has a large number of uneven portions or slits and is rotated with the use of energy, a light emitting portion for irradiating light, and the uneven portions or slits of the light shield plates. And an optical sensor for detecting the irradiated light.
Further, the centralized management unit includes a disconnection detecting unit that detects a disconnection between the usage amount measuring unit and the centralized management unit.
Further, the central management means has a built-in battery for power failure.

The present invention has the following remarkable effects.
The automatic meter reading system according to the present invention can automatically perform a wide range of meter reading operations for a plurality of types of energy, eliminates the need for a meter reader, and prevents data entry errors from occurring.
Further, it is possible to unify the meter reading business, the billing business, and the fee collection business. As a result, each energy supply company can realize significant cost savings.
Moreover, since each energy supply company can supply energy cheaply, a consumer can obtain energy cheaply.
In addition, consumers can easily reduce the amount of energy used, which can have a positive impact on environmental issues.
In addition, the usage amount measuring means can have a highly reliable structure against external noise.
In addition, it is possible to minimize the loss of information stored in the centralized management means.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments.
First, an outline of an automatic meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The automatic meter reading system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of usage measuring means 2 for measuring usage amounts of a plurality of types of energy used at each energy usage location 1 of a private house or company, and an energy usage location 1. And a central management means 3 for storing information from all the usage measurement means 2... In the energy usage place 1 and a management center 5.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of types of energy refers to water, gas, and electric power, which are respectively supplied from the water company, gas company, and electric power company to each energy use place 1.

The usage measurement means 2... Are a water usage measurement device 2a that measures the usage of water, a gas usage measurement device 2b that measures the usage of gas, and a power usage measurement device that measures the usage of power. There are three types, 2c.
The central management means 3 is a single unit, and is installed in a place where it can be seen indoors in this embodiment. And it is optically connected with the usage measuring means 2 ... (namely, the water usage measuring device 2a, the gas usage measuring device 2b, the electric power usage measuring device 2c) in the energy usage place 1. The central management means 3 has not only a function of storing information from each usage amount measuring means 2, but also a function of displaying energy usage and usage charges (details will be described later).

The management center 5 is a company established jointly by a water company, a gas company, and a power company. The management center 5 has a host computer 13, and this host computer 13 is electrically connected to the centralized management means 3 in each energy use place 1 via a telecommunication line 4 such as the Internet. And the management center 5 is performing the following as a business.
One is to create an invoice based on the information on the amount of energy used during the predetermined period that is stored in the centralized management means 3 for a predetermined period (one month) and transmitted at once via the telecommunication line 4. ing.
Alternatively, the bank connected to the electric line 4 based on the amount of energy used during the predetermined period stored in the centralized management means 3 for a predetermined period (one month) and transmitted at once via the telecommunication line 4 It is automatically withdrawn from 28 and a receipt is issued.

Next, details of the automatic meter reading system according to the present embodiment will be described.
1 and 2, the centralized management means 3 has a box shape, and the usage amount measuring means 2 ... (water usage measuring device 2a, gas usage measuring device 2b, power usage amount) at the connecting portion 27 ... The measuring device 2c) is optically connected with an optical fiber cable or the like. The central management means 3 is connected to the telecommunication line 4 (Internet) via the ID identifier 14. The ID identifier 14 adds a unique registration number, address, and the like of each energy usage location 1 to the monthly data transmitted from each energy usage location 1.
The central management means 3 is installed indoors and stores the information from the count calculation section 15, the plurality of usage measurement means 2... In time series, and stores information in the storage section 6. Based on this, it has a display unit 7 for displaying the energy conversion usage amount and usage fee, and a calendar management unit 8 for managing the date and time. Here, the converted usage is a value obtained by converting usage information (pulse signal) from the usage measuring means 2... Into an actual energy unit (for example, [kW · h], [m ³ ], etc.). I mean.
Further, the centralized management means 3 includes a disconnection detecting unit 11 for detecting a disconnection between the usage measuring means 2... And the centralized management means 3 and a built-in battery 12 for power failure.

  The count calculation unit 15 counts the number of pulses of the pulse signals from all the usage amount measuring means 2 to calculate the converted usage amount and usage fee of each energy (water supply, gas, electric power). At this time, a discount time zone at midnight is also taken into consideration.

The storage unit 6 is a place where the converted use amount and usage fee of energy calculated by the count calculation unit 15 can be recorded or deleted. The storage unit 6 includes a daily memory 6a and a monthly memory 6b.
In the daily memory 6a, the converted usage amount and usage fee of each day (24 hours from midnight) calculated by the count calculation unit 15 are recorded as daily data, and for one month. Is stored.
In the monthly memory 6b, the converted usage amount of energy accumulated up to the previous month and the usage fee for one month of the previous month are recorded as monthly data for the current month. Then, the daily data for one month stored in the daily memory 6a is added to form cumulative daily data for one month, and the cumulative daily data for one month is recorded in the monthly memory 6b. By adding to the monthly data, the monthly data recorded in the monthly memory 6b is updated every month.

The display unit 7 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or a CRT monitor. In the present embodiment, the display unit 7 is provided on the front surface of the box-shaped central management unit 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 7 displays, for example, “daily data”, “cumulative daily data (summarized daily data from the day after the previous deadline to the previous day) in one screen. ”,“ Monthly data ”etc. are displayed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the display contents of the display unit 7 can be switched to various screens such as a graph display by operating the operation buttons 18 arranged in parallel immediately below the display unit 7. ing.

  The calendar management unit 8 is a place for setting a deadline for each month and managing midnight discounts of energy. The calendar management unit 8 is electrically connected to the count calculation unit 15, and gives the count calculation unit 15 temporal conditions when calculating the converted usage amount and usage fee of energy.

  The disconnection detection unit 11 can detect disconnection between each usage measurement means 2 (water usage measurement device 2a, gas usage measurement device 2b, power usage measurement device 2c) and the centralized management means 3. ing. The disconnection detection unit 11 is electrically connected to an alarm bell 23 provided on the front surface of the central management means 3. When the disconnection detection unit 11 detects the disconnection, the alarm bell 23 notifies the person of the disconnection. At this time, it can be determined by, for example, how the alarm bell 23 sounds, which usage amount measuring means 2 is disconnected.

  The built-in battery 12 for power failure becomes a power source for operating the central management unit 3 instead of the normal power source 24 when power is not supplied from the normal power source 24 to the central management unit 3 due to a power failure. This power failure built-in battery 12 is rechargeable and is usually charged by a normal power source 24. When the power stored in the built-in battery 12 for power failure is used due to a power failure, the used amount can be recharged. That is, even if the power failure built-in battery 12 is used once, there is no need to replace the power failure built-in battery 12 with a new one.

  Next, FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are simplified diagrams showing the water usage measuring device 2a, the gas usage measuring device 2b, and the power usage measuring device 2c of the usage measuring means 2. The water usage measuring device 2a, the gas usage measuring device 2b, and the power usage measuring device 2c each have a light-shielding plate 9 that has a large number of uneven portions 17 and is rotated with the use of energy, and irradiates light. And a light sensor 10 for detecting light irradiated through the concavo-convex portion 17 of the light shielding plate 9.

The light shielding plate 9 is housed in a storage space 25 in which intrusion of light from the outside is blocked. As shown in FIG. 7, the light shielding plate 9 has a shape in which concave notched grooves are provided on the outer peripheral edge of the disk at a central angle and the like in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral edge portion provided with the concave notch groove is an uneven portion 17.
The light emitting part 16 is installed in the storage space 25 so as to irradiate light toward the concave-convex part 17 of the light shielding plate 9.
The optical sensor 10 is installed in the storage space 25 so as to be positioned on an extension line of a line connecting the light emitting part 16 and the uneven part 17 of the light shielding plate 9. In other words, the optical sensor 10 is installed such that the uneven portion 17 of the light shielding plate 9 is sandwiched between the light emitting portion 16 and the light emitting portion 16. The optical sensor 10 is optically connected to the rotation number count calculation unit 15 of the central management means 3. Then, the optical sensor 10 sends a pulse signal to the rotation number count calculation unit 15.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the water usage measuring device 2a has an impeller 19 rotated by a fluid, like a conventional tangential flow impeller flow meter. The above-described light shielding plate 9 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 21 of the impeller 19, and the light shielding plate 9 is rotated as the impeller 19 rotates. That is, the rotation of the impeller 19 is directly transmitted to the light shielding plate 9, and the structure is simplified.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas usage measuring device 2b has an impeller 20 like the water usage measuring device 2a. The impeller 20 of the gas usage measuring device 2b has a plurality of substantially semicircular blades 20a. A light shielding plate 9 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 22 of the impeller 20.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the power consumption measuring device 2 c has coil portions 26, 26 and generates an eddy current in the conductive light shielding plate 9 disposed between the coil portions 26, 26. Therefore, the light shielding plate 9 is rotated.

Next, based on FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, the automatic meter reading system having the above-described configuration performs automatic meter reading for a predetermined period (one month), and the flow until the fee for that period is collected I will explain later.
First, in each energy use place 1 such as a private house or company, each energy (water supply, water supply, measuring device 2a, gas usage measuring device 2b, power usage measuring device 2c) is measured by the usage measuring means 2. The amount of gas and power used is measured (step S1 in FIG. 8). Specifically, the amount of energy used is measured as a pulse signal when the optical sensor 10 detects light emitted through the concave and convex portion 17 of the rotating light shielding plate 9.

Next, the information measured by the usage measuring means 2... Is stored in the central management means 3. Specifically, on the basis of the pulse signal from the optical sensor 10 of each usage measuring means 2, the count calculation unit 15 of the central management means 3 converts the usage amount and usage fee of each energy (water, gas, power). And the daily data is recorded in the daily memory 6a of the storage unit 6 in time series (step S2 in FIG. 8).
The daily data from the next day to the previous day of the previous deadline is added and displayed on the display unit 7 as accumulated daily data (step S3 in FIG. 8).

  The recording of the daily data in the daily memory 6a and the display of the accumulated daily data on the display unit 7 are performed daily for one month. The calendar management unit 8 performs the calendar management. The calendar management unit 8 determines whether or not the deadline date has come (step S4 in FIG. 8).

If the calendar management unit 8 determines that it is midnight, the daily data for one month recorded in the daily memory 6a is added to be accumulated daily data for one month. Then, the accumulated daily data for one month is added to the previous month's monthly data recorded in the monthly memory 6b to obtain the current month's monthly data (step S5 in FIG. 8).
More precisely, at this time, regarding the converted usage, the converted usage of the cumulative daily data for one month is added to the converted usage of the monthly data of the previous month. However, with regard to the usage fee, the monthly usage fee of the previous month is overwritten with the usage fee of the cumulative daily data for one month. That is, the converted usage amount of each energy recorded as monthly data indicates the cumulative converted usage amount, and the usage fee indicates the usage fee for the most recent one month.

Thereafter, the monthly data (converted usage amount, usage fee) of the current month recorded in the monthly memory 6b is displayed on the display unit 7, and the daily data for one month in the daily memory 6a is updated to 0 ( The recording is erased (step S6 in FIG. 8).
Then, the deadline date set in the calendar management unit 8 is updated (the deadline date after one month) (step S7 in FIG. 8).

  Next, the central management means 3 sends the monthly data of the current month recorded in the monthly memory 6b through the ID identifier 14 and the host computer of the management center 5 at a time via the telecommunication line 4 (Internet). 13 is transmitted (step S8 in FIG. 8).

For the monthly data transmitted from the centralized management means 3 at each energy use place 1, the host computer 13 first specifies the transmission source by the ID (registration number, address) added by the ID identifier 14.
Then, the host computer 13 calculates a formal charge amount in consideration of a discount for a limited time based on the monthly data (step S9 in FIG. 8).

Next, the management center 5 confirms whether or not the energy usage place 1 that transmitted the monthly data of the current month is performing automatic withdrawal (step S10 in FIG. 8).
In the case of automatic withdrawal, the management center 5 withdraws the official billing amount from the bank 28 (step S11 in FIG. 8).
Then, the management center 5 creates and issues a receipt (step S12 in FIG. 8).

If the automatic withdrawal is not performed, the management center 5 creates a bill (with a time limit) and issues it by e-mail or mail (step S11 ′ in FIG. 8).
The consumer who has received the bill from the management center 5 pays the usage fee by the deadline (step S12 ′ in FIG. 8).
If the payment can be confirmed, the management center 5 creates and issues a receipt (step S13 ′ in FIG. 8).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the design can be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the host computer 13 of the management center 5 is electrically connected to the centralized management means 3 of each energy use place 1 via the Internet is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, It is also preferable that the management center 5 can communicate with the centralized management means 3 in each energy use place 1 by radio (not shown).
Moreover, in this embodiment, although the usage-amount measuring means 2 ... illustrated the case where there are three types, the water usage-amount measuring device 2a, the gas usage-amount measuring device 2b, and the power usage-amount measuring device 2c, The invention is not limited to this, and it may have four or more types of usage measuring means.
Further, in the present embodiment, the light shielding plate 9 has an example in which the uneven portion 17 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and instead of the light shielding plate 9 having the uneven portion 17, a slit portion is provided in the radial direction of the disk. It is also preferable to use a light-shielding plate having a shape provided with.

  As described above, the automatic meter-reading system according to the present invention includes a plurality of usage measuring means 2 for measuring the usage of a plurality of types of energy used in each energy usage location 1 of a private house or company, and an energy usage location. 1 and a centralized management means 3 for storing information from all the usage measurement means 2... In the energy usage place 1 and stored in the centralized management means 3 for a predetermined period and via the telecommunication line 4 at once. And a management center 5 that creates a bill based on the transmitted information for a predetermined period (one month), so that the amount of energy used in each energy use place 1 does not pass through people. It can be measured at the same time. Moreover, the management center 5 (established jointly by a plurality of energy supply companies) can easily obtain information on the amount of energy used at the plurality of energy usage locations 1 through the telecommunication line 4. As a result, since a wide range of meter-reading work for a plurality of types of energy can be performed automatically, a meter-reader becomes unnecessary and the meter-reading date can be unified. And since the meter reader becomes unnecessary, the occurrence of data entry mistakes can be prevented.

In addition, the management center 5 can create a bill based on information on the amount of energy used for a plurality of types, thereby making it possible to unify the meter reading work and the charge billing work.
As a result, each energy supply company can realize significant cost savings.
Moreover, since each energy supply company can supply energy cheaply, a consumer can obtain energy cheaply.

  In addition, a plurality of usage measuring means 2 for measuring the usage of a plurality of types of energy used in each energy usage location 1 of a private house or company, and the energy usage location 1 are provided in the energy usage location 1. Centralized management means 3 for storing information from all the usage measuring means 2... And automatically based on information for a predetermined period stored in the centralized management means 3 for a predetermined period and transmitted at once via the telecommunication line 4 Since it has a management center 5 that withdraws and issues a receipt, it can automatically perform a wide range of meter reading operations for a plurality of types of energy, eliminate the need for meter reading personnel, and unify the date of meter reading. And since the meter reader becomes unnecessary, the occurrence of data entry mistakes can be prevented.

In addition, the management center 5 automatically unloads and issues a receipt based on information on the usage of multiple types of energy, thereby unifying the meter reading work, charge billing work, and charge collection work. Can be planned.
As a result, each energy supply company can realize significant cost savings. For example, cost savings of 20% to 40% can be realized.
Moreover, since each energy supply company can supply energy cheaply, a consumer can obtain energy cheaply.

  In addition, the central management unit 3 is installed indoors and stores the information from the plurality of usage measurement units 2 in time series, and the energy conversion usage is based on the information in the storage unit 6. And the display unit 7 for displaying the usage fee and the calendar management unit 8 for managing the date and time, the consumer can view the daily data and monthly data displayed on the display unit 7 by visual observation indoors. It is possible to confirm or compare daily data and monthly data. This makes it easy for consumers to reduce the amount of energy they use and can also have a positive impact on environmental issues (nationally).

  The use amount measuring means 2 includes a light shielding plate 9 having a large number of concave and convex portions 17 or slits and rotated with the use of energy, a light projecting portion 16 for irradiating light, and a concave and convex portion 17 of the light shielding plate 9 or Since it has the optical sensor 10 that detects light irradiated through the slit, it can have a highly reliable structure against noise from the outside as compared with other magnetism and contact types.

  Moreover, since the centralized management means 3 has the disconnection detection part 11 which detects the disconnection between the usage-amount measuring means 2 and the centralized management means 3, it becomes possible to recognize the trouble by disconnection at an early stage, and centralized management means Loss of information stored in 3 can be minimized.

  Moreover, since the centralized management means 3 has the built-in battery 12 for power failure, the centralized management means 3 from the usage measuring means 2... Without interrupting the power supply to the centralized management means 3 even during a power failure. Information can be stored. Therefore, loss of information stored in the central management means 3 can be prevented.

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the automatic meter-reading system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows a centralized management means. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the display part of a centralized management means. It is a simplified cross-sectional front view showing a water consumption measuring device. It is a simplified sectional front view showing a gas usage measuring device. It is a simplified front view which shows an electric power usage-amount measuring apparatus. It is a top view which shows a light-shielding plate. It is a flowchart figure.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Energy use place 2 Usage measurement means 3 Centralized management means 4 Telecommunications line 5 Management center 6 Storage part 7 Display part 8 Calendar management part 9 Light-shielding plate
10 Light sensor
11 Disconnection detector
12 Built-in battery for power failure
16 Light emitting part
17 Concavity and convexity

  The present invention relates to an automatic meter reading system, and more particularly to an automatic meter reading system for energy such as water, gas, electricity, etc. used in each energy use place of a private house or company.

Conventionally, in each energy use place of private house or company, in order to measure the amount of energy used such as water, gas, electricity, etc., multiple types of use such as water meter, gas meter, watt hour meter, etc. A measuring device is installed. These use amount measuring devices have a function of displaying the amount of energy used, and are generally installed outdoors.
In order to perform meter reading of such a usage measuring device, each energy supply company such as a water company, a gas company, and an electric power company employs a meter reader independently. The meter reader goes to the energy usage place in charge in a small business area once a predetermined period (one month) and visually checks the energy usage displayed on the usage meter. The meter reader inputs the confirmed energy usage amount as monthly data into the hand recorder, issues a usage amount slip, takes it home, and inputs it into the host computer of his company. This meter reading operation requires walking outside regardless of the weather, and it is a heavy labor for the meter reader.
Therefore, conventionally, various meter reading systems have been proposed for facilitating the meter reading work of the meter reader (see Patent Document 1, for example).

In Patent Document 1, a reading unit is connected to a display of a water meter, a remote counter is connected to the reading unit via a cable, and the meter reading is provided with the remote counter on the upper part of a support column installed near the meter box. A system is disclosed. In this patent document 1, the meter-reading work at the time of snowfall in winter becomes easy by confirming the usage-amount of water supply with a remote counter.
JP 2003-99884 A

However, in the conventional meter reading system in which meter reading is performed by the meter reader as described above, each energy supply company must maintain the employment of a large number of meter readers even if the meter reading work is facilitated. Because the day could not be unified, it required a lot of expenses. Also, many people and time were required for billing and collection. In addition, the meter reading work performed by energy companies was similar for all companies, but because each company performed its own system, it could not be unified.
In addition, consumers who use energy such as water, gas, and electric power at each energy use place in private houses and companies, for the first time, use the energy consumption company's energy usage amount and usage fee according to the usage card from each energy supply company. Knowing, it was difficult for consumers to reduce energy usage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic meter reading system that can reduce the economic and time burdens of both energy supply companies that supply energy and consumers who use energy at the place where the energy is used. And

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic meter reading system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of usage measuring means for measuring the usage of a plurality of types of energy used at each energy usage location of a private house or company, and the energy A centralized management unit that is provided at a place of use and stores information from all of the usage measurement means in the energy usage place, and is stored by the centralized management unit for a predetermined period and transmitted at a time via a telecommunication line. Bei example a control center for issuing receipts and automatic withdrawal, together with creating a bill based on the information of the predetermined period was, the centralized management means, from all of the usage measuring means connected count calculating unit the converted amount and usage charge by counting the number of pulses of the pulse signal is calculated for each energy, the conversion use calculated by the counting calculator And groups converted amount of accumulation and the charge for the most recent month storage unit for recording the monthly data, the information of the storage unit while being installed indoors as well as time series stored RATES said use a display unit for displaying the converted usage and charge for energy have, possess and calendar management unit that manages the date and time, and further, the central management unit, the deadline is determined by the calendaring section The monthly data recorded in the storage unit is transmitted to the management center at a time via the telecommunication line .

The use amount measuring means has a large number of uneven portions or slits and is rotated with the use of energy, a light emitting portion for irradiating light, and the uneven portions or slits of the light shield plates. And an optical sensor for detecting the irradiated light.
Further, the centralized management unit includes a disconnection detecting unit that detects a disconnection between the usage amount measuring unit and the centralized management unit.
Further, the central management means has a built-in battery for power failure.

The present invention has the following remarkable effects.
The automatic meter reading system according to the present invention can automatically perform a wide range of meter reading operations for a plurality of types of energy, eliminates the need for a meter reader, and prevents data entry errors from occurring.
Further, it is possible to unify the meter reading business, the billing business, and the fee collection business. As a result, each energy supply company can realize significant cost savings.
Moreover, since each energy supply company can supply energy cheaply, a consumer can obtain energy cheaply.
In addition, consumers can easily reduce the amount of energy used, which can have a positive impact on environmental issues.
In addition, the usage amount measuring means can have a highly reliable structure against external noise.
In addition, it is possible to minimize the loss of information stored in the centralized management means.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments.
First, an outline of an automatic meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The automatic meter reading system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of usage measuring means 2 for measuring usage amounts of a plurality of types of energy used at each energy usage location 1 of a private house or company, and an energy usage location 1. And a central management means 3 for storing information from all the usage measurement means 2... In the energy usage place 1 and a management center 5.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of types of energy refers to water, gas, and electric power, which are respectively supplied from the water company, gas company, and electric power company to each energy use place 1.

The usage measurement means 2... Are a water usage measurement device 2a that measures the usage of water, a gas usage measurement device 2b that measures the usage of gas, and a power usage measurement device that measures the usage of power. There are three types, 2c.
The central management means 3 is a single unit, and is installed in a place where it can be seen indoors in this embodiment. And it is optically connected with the usage measuring means 2 ... (namely, the water usage measuring device 2a, the gas usage measuring device 2b, the electric power usage measuring device 2c) in the energy usage place 1. The central management means 3 has not only a function of storing information from each usage amount measuring means 2, but also a function of displaying energy usage and usage charges (details will be described later).

The management center 5 is a company established jointly by a water company, a gas company, and a power company. The management center 5 has a host computer 13, and this host computer 13 is electrically connected to the centralized management means 3 in each energy use place 1 via a telecommunication line 4 such as the Internet. And the management center 5 is performing the following as a business.
One is to create an invoice based on the information on the amount of energy used during the predetermined period that is stored in the centralized management means 3 for a predetermined period (one month) and transmitted at once via the telecommunication line 4. ing.
Alternatively, the bank connected to the electric line 4 based on the amount of energy used during the predetermined period stored in the centralized management means 3 for a predetermined period (one month) and transmitted at once via the telecommunication line 4 It is automatically withdrawn from 28 and a receipt is issued.

Next, details of the automatic meter reading system according to the present embodiment will be described.
1 and 2, the centralized management means 3 has a box shape, and the usage amount measuring means 2 ... (water usage measuring device 2a, gas usage measuring device 2b, power usage amount) at the connecting portion 27 ... The measuring device 2c) is optically connected with an optical fiber cable or the like. The central management means 3 is connected to the telecommunication line 4 (Internet) via the ID identifier 14. The ID identifier 14 adds a unique registration number, address, and the like of each energy usage location 1 to the monthly data transmitted from each energy usage location 1.
The central management means 3 is installed indoors and stores the information from the count calculation section 15, the plurality of usage measurement means 2... In time series, and stores information in the storage section 6. Based on this, it has a display unit 7 for displaying the energy conversion usage amount and usage fee, and a calendar management unit 8 for managing the date and time. Here, the converted usage is a value obtained by converting usage information (pulse signal) from the usage measuring means 2... Into an actual energy unit (for example, [kW · h], [m ³ ], etc.). I mean.
Further, the centralized management means 3 includes a disconnection detecting unit 11 for detecting a disconnection between the usage measuring means 2... And the centralized management means 3 and a built-in battery 12 for power failure.

  The count calculation unit 15 counts the number of pulses of the pulse signals from all the usage amount measuring means 2 to calculate the converted usage amount and usage fee of each energy (water supply, gas, electric power). At this time, a discount time zone at midnight is also taken into consideration.

The storage unit 6 is a place where the converted use amount and usage fee of energy calculated by the count calculation unit 15 can be recorded or deleted. The storage unit 6 includes a daily memory 6a and a monthly memory 6b.
In the daily memory 6a, the converted usage amount and usage fee of each day (24 hours from midnight) calculated by the count calculation unit 15 are recorded as daily data, and for one month. Is stored.
In the monthly memory 6b, the converted usage amount of energy accumulated up to the previous month and the usage fee for one month of the previous month are recorded as monthly data for the current month. Then, the daily data for one month stored in the daily memory 6a is added to form cumulative daily data for one month, and the cumulative daily data for one month is recorded in the monthly memory 6b. By adding to the monthly data, the monthly data recorded in the monthly memory 6b is updated every month.

The display unit 7 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or a CRT monitor. In the present embodiment, the display unit 7 is provided on the front surface of the box-shaped central management unit 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 7 displays, for example, “daily data”, “cumulative daily data (summarized daily data from the day after the previous deadline to the previous day) in one screen. ”,“ Monthly data ”, etc. are displayed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the display contents of the display unit 7 can be switched to various screens such as a graph display by operating the operation buttons 18 arranged in parallel immediately below the display unit 7. ing.

  The calendar management unit 8 is a place for setting a deadline for each month and managing midnight discounts of energy. The calendar management unit 8 is electrically connected to the count calculation unit 15, and gives the count calculation unit 15 temporal conditions when calculating the converted usage amount and usage fee of energy.

  The disconnection detection unit 11 can detect disconnection between each usage measurement means 2 (water usage measurement device 2a, gas usage measurement device 2b, power usage measurement device 2c) and the centralized management means 3. ing. The disconnection detection unit 11 is electrically connected to an alarm bell 23 provided on the front surface of the central management means 3. When the disconnection detection unit 11 detects the disconnection, the alarm bell 23 notifies the person of the disconnection. At this time, it can be determined by, for example, how the alarm bell 23 sounds, which usage amount measuring means 2 is disconnected.

  The built-in battery 12 for power failure becomes a power source for operating the central management unit 3 instead of the normal power source 24 when power is not supplied from the normal power source 24 to the central management unit 3 due to a power failure. This power failure built-in battery 12 is rechargeable and is usually charged by a normal power source 24. When the power stored in the built-in battery 12 for power failure is used due to a power failure, the used amount can be recharged. That is, even if the power failure built-in battery 12 is used once, there is no need to replace the power failure built-in battery 12 with a new one.

  Next, FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are simplified diagrams showing the water usage measuring device 2a, the gas usage measuring device 2b, and the power usage measuring device 2c of the usage measuring means 2. The water usage measuring device 2a, the gas usage measuring device 2b, and the power usage measuring device 2c each have a light-shielding plate 9 that has a large number of uneven portions 17 and is rotated with the use of energy, and irradiates light. And a light sensor 10 for detecting light irradiated through the concavo-convex portion 17 of the light shielding plate 9.

The light shielding plate 9 is housed in a storage space 25 in which intrusion of light from the outside is blocked. As shown in FIG. 7, the light shielding plate 9 has a shape in which concave notched grooves are provided on the outer peripheral edge of the disk at a central angle and the like in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral edge portion provided with the concave notch groove is an uneven portion 17.
The light emitting part 16 is installed in the storage space 25 so as to irradiate light toward the concave-convex part 17 of the light shielding plate 9.
The optical sensor 10 is installed in the storage space 25 so as to be positioned on an extension line of a line connecting the light emitting part 16 and the uneven part 17 of the light shielding plate 9. In other words, the optical sensor 10 is installed such that the uneven portion 17 of the light shielding plate 9 is sandwiched between the light emitting portion 16 and the light emitting portion 16. The optical sensor 10 is optically connected to the rotation number count calculation unit 15 of the central management means 3. Then, the optical sensor 10 sends a pulse signal to the rotation number count calculation unit 15.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the water usage measuring device 2a has an impeller 19 rotated by a fluid, like a conventional tangential flow impeller flow meter. The above-described light shielding plate 9 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 21 of the impeller 19, and the light shielding plate 9 is rotated as the impeller 19 rotates. That is, the rotation of the impeller 19 is directly transmitted to the light shielding plate 9, and the structure is simplified.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas usage measuring device 2b has an impeller 20 like the water usage measuring device 2a. The impeller 20 of the gas usage measuring device 2b has a plurality of substantially semicircular blades 20a. A light shielding plate 9 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 22 of the impeller 20.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the power consumption measuring device 2 c has coil portions 26, 26 and generates an eddy current in the conductive light shielding plate 9 disposed between the coil portions 26, 26. Therefore, the light shielding plate 9 is rotated.

Next, based on FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, the automatic meter reading system having the above-described configuration performs automatic meter reading for a predetermined period (one month), and the flow until the fee for that period is collected I will explain later.
First, in each energy use place 1 such as a private house or company, each energy (water supply, water supply, measuring device 2a, gas usage measuring device 2b, power usage measuring device 2c) is measured by the usage measuring means 2. The amount of gas and power used is measured (step S1 in FIG. 8). Specifically, the amount of energy used is measured as a pulse signal when the optical sensor 10 detects light emitted through the concave and convex portion 17 of the rotating light shielding plate 9.

Next, the information measured by the usage measuring means 2... Is stored in the central management means 3. Specifically, on the basis of the pulse signal from the optical sensor 10 of each usage measuring means 2, the count calculation unit 15 of the central management means 3 converts the usage amount and usage fee of each energy (water, gas, power). And the daily data is recorded in the daily memory 6a of the storage unit 6 in time series (step S2 in FIG. 8).
The daily data from the next day to the previous day of the previous deadline is added and displayed on the display unit 7 as accumulated daily data (step S3 in FIG. 8).

  The recording of the daily data in the daily memory 6a and the display of the accumulated daily data on the display unit 7 are performed daily for one month. The calendar management unit 8 performs the calendar management. The calendar management unit 8 determines whether or not the deadline date has come (step S4 in FIG. 8).

If the calendar management unit 8 determines that it is midnight, the daily data for one month recorded in the daily memory 6a is added to be accumulated daily data for one month. Then, the accumulated daily data for one month is added to the previous month's monthly data recorded in the monthly memory 6b to obtain the current month's monthly data (step S5 in FIG. 8).
More precisely, at this time, regarding the converted usage, the converted usage of the cumulative daily data for one month is added to the converted usage of the monthly data of the previous month. However, with regard to the usage fee, the monthly usage fee of the previous month is overwritten with the usage fee of the cumulative daily data for one month. That is, the converted usage amount of each energy recorded as monthly data indicates the cumulative converted usage amount, and the usage fee indicates the usage fee for the most recent one month.

Thereafter, the monthly data (converted usage amount, usage fee) of the current month recorded in the monthly memory 6b is displayed on the display unit 7, and the daily data for one month in the daily memory 6a is updated to 0 ( The recording is erased (step S6 in FIG. 8).
Then, the deadline date set in the calendar management unit 8 is updated (the deadline date after one month) (step S7 in FIG. 8).

  Next, the central management means 3 sends the monthly data of the current month recorded in the monthly memory 6b through the ID identifier 14 and the host computer of the management center 5 at a time via the telecommunication line 4 (Internet). 13 is transmitted (step S8 in FIG. 8).

For the monthly data transmitted from the centralized management means 3 at each energy use place 1, the host computer 13 first specifies the transmission source by the ID (registration number, address) added by the ID identifier 14.
Then, the host computer 13 calculates a formal charge amount in consideration of a discount for a limited time based on the monthly data (step S9 in FIG. 8).

Next, the management center 5 confirms whether or not the energy usage place 1 that transmitted the monthly data of the current month is performing automatic withdrawal (step S10 in FIG. 8).
In the case of automatic withdrawal, the management center 5 withdraws the official billing amount from the bank 28 (step S11 in FIG. 8).
Then, the management center 5 creates and issues a receipt (step S12 in FIG. 8).

If the automatic withdrawal is not performed, the management center 5 creates a bill (with a time limit) and issues it by e-mail or mail (step S11 ′ in FIG. 8).
The consumer who has received the bill from the management center 5 pays the usage fee by the deadline (step S12 ′ in FIG. 8).
If the payment can be confirmed, the management center 5 creates and issues a receipt (step S13 ′ in FIG. 8).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the design can be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the host computer 13 of the management center 5 is electrically connected to the centralized management means 3 of each energy use place 1 via the Internet is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, It is also preferable that the management center 5 can communicate with the centralized management means 3 in each energy use place 1 by radio (not shown).
Moreover, in this embodiment, although the usage-amount measuring means 2 ... illustrated the case where there are three types, the water usage-amount measuring device 2a, the gas usage-amount measuring device 2b, and the power usage-amount measuring device 2c, The invention is not limited to this, and it may have four or more types of usage measuring means.
Further, in the present embodiment, the light shielding plate 9 has an example in which the uneven portion 17 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and instead of the light shielding plate 9 having the uneven portion 17, a slit portion is provided in the radial direction of the disk. It is also preferable to use a light-shielding plate having a shape provided with.

As described above, the automatic meter-reading system according to the present invention includes a plurality of usage measuring means 2 for measuring the usage of a plurality of types of energy used in each energy usage location 1 of a private house or company, and an energy usage location. 1 and a centralized management means 3 for storing information from all the usage measurement means 2... In the energy usage place 1 and stored in the centralized management means 3 for a predetermined period and via the telecommunication line 4 at once. a control center 5 to issue a receipt is automatically debited as well as create an invoice based on the information of the transmitted predetermined period (one month), equipped with a centralized management unit 3, all usage connected The count calculation unit 15 that counts the number of pulses of the pulse signal from the measuring means 2 to calculate the converted usage amount and the usage fee for each energy, and the converted usage calculated by the count calculation unit 15 A storage unit 6 for storing the amount and usage charge in a time series and recording the cumulative converted usage amount and the usage fee for the most recent month as monthly data; And a display unit 7 for displaying the amount of energy used and a usage fee, and a calendar management unit 8 for managing the date and time. Further, the central management unit 3 determines the deadline date in the calendar management unit 8. And the monthly data recorded in the storage unit 6 are transmitted to the management center 5 at a time via the telecommunication line 4, so that a plurality of types of energy used at each energy use place 1 are transmitted . The amount used can be measured simultaneously without human intervention. Moreover, the management center 5 (established jointly by a plurality of energy supply companies) can easily obtain information on the amount of energy used at the plurality of energy usage locations 1 through the telecommunication line 4. As a result, since a wide range of meter-reading work for a plurality of types of energy can be performed automatically, a meter-reader becomes unnecessary and the meter-reading date can be unified. And since the meter reader becomes unnecessary, the occurrence of data entry mistakes can be prevented.

In addition, the management center 5 can create a bill based on information on the amount of energy used for a plurality of types, thereby making it possible to unify the meter reading work and the charge billing work.
As a result, each energy supply company can realize significant cost savings.
Moreover, since each energy supply company can supply energy cheaply, a consumer can obtain energy cheaply.

Also, the management center 5, based on the amount of information of a plurality of types of energy, by issuing receipts and automatic withdrawal, one of the meter reading operations and rates for billing and fee collection business Can be achieved.
As a result, each energy supply company can realize significant cost savings. For example, cost savings of 20% to 40% can be realized.
Moreover, since each energy supply company can supply energy cheaply, a consumer can obtain energy cheaply.

The central management means 3 includes a count calculation unit 15 that counts the number of pulses of the pulse signals from all connected usage measurement means 2 and calculates a converted usage amount and usage fee for each energy, and a count calculation unit. When installed indoors, the storage unit 6 that stores the converted usage amount and the usage fee calculated in 15 in a time series and records the cumulative converted usage amount and the usage fee for the most recent month as monthly data co in based on the information of the serial憶部6 and a display unit 7 for displaying the converted usage and charge for energy, a calendar management section 8 for managing the time, because it has a, is consumer, visually indoors The daily data and monthly data displayed on the display unit 7 can be confirmed, or the daily data and monthly data can be compared with each other. This makes it easy for consumers to reduce the amount of energy they use and can also have a positive impact on environmental issues (nationally).

  The use amount measuring means 2 includes a light shielding plate 9 having a large number of concave and convex portions 17 or slits and rotated with the use of energy, a light projecting portion 16 for irradiating light, and a concave and convex portion 17 of the light shielding plate 9 or Since it has the optical sensor 10 that detects light irradiated through the slit, it can have a highly reliable structure against noise from the outside as compared with other magnetism and contact types.

  Moreover, since the centralized management means 3 has the disconnection detection part 11 which detects the disconnection between the usage-amount measuring means 2 and the centralized management means 3, it becomes possible to recognize the trouble by disconnection at an early stage, and centralized management means Loss of information stored in 3 can be minimized.

  Moreover, since the centralized management means 3 has the built-in battery 12 for power failure, the centralized management means 3 from the usage measuring means 2... Without interrupting the power supply to the centralized management means 3 even during a power failure. Information can be stored. Therefore, loss of information stored in the central management means 3 can be prevented.

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the automatic meter-reading system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows a centralized management means. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the display part of a centralized management means. It is a simplified cross-sectional front view showing a water consumption measuring device. It is a simplified sectional front view showing a gas usage measuring device. It is a simplified front view which shows an electric power usage-amount measuring apparatus. It is a top view which shows a light-shielding plate. It is a flowchart figure.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Energy use place 2 Usage measurement means 3 Centralized management means 4 Telecommunications line 5 Management center 6 Storage part 7 Display part 8 Calendar management part 9 Light-shielding plate
10 Light sensor
11 Disconnection detector
12 Built-in battery for power failure
15 Count calculator
16 Light emitting part
17 Concavity and convexity

  The present invention relates to an automatic meter reading system, and more particularly to an automatic meter reading system for energy such as water, gas, electricity, etc. used in each energy use place of a private house or company.

Conventionally, in each energy use place of private house or company, in order to measure the amount of energy used such as water, gas, electricity, etc., multiple types of use such as water meter, gas meter, watt hour meter, etc. A measuring device is installed. These use amount measuring devices have a function of displaying the amount of energy used, and are generally installed outdoors.
In order to perform meter reading of such a usage measuring device, each energy supply company such as a water company, a gas company, and an electric power company employs a meter reader independently. The meter reader goes to the energy usage place in charge in a small business area once a predetermined period (one month) and visually checks the energy usage displayed on the usage meter. Then, the meter reader inputs the confirmed usage amount of energy into the hand recorder as monthly data, issues a usage slip, takes it home, and inputs it into the host computer of his company. This meter reading work needs to roam outside regardless of the weather, and it is a heavy labor for the meter reader.
Therefore, conventionally, various meter reading systems have been proposed for facilitating the meter reading work of the meter reader (see Patent Document 1, for example).

In Patent Document 1, a reading unit is connected to a display of a water meter, a remote counter is connected to the reading unit via a cable, and the meter reading is provided with the remote counter on the upper part of a support column installed near the meter box. A system is disclosed. In this patent document 1, the meter-reading work at the time of snowfall in winter becomes easy by confirming the usage-amount of water supply with a remote counter.
JP 2003-99884 A

However, in the conventional meter reading system in which meter reading is performed by the meter reader as described above, each energy supply company must maintain the employment of a large number of meter readers even if the meter reading work is facilitated. Because the day could not be unified, it required a lot of expenses. Also, many people and time were required for billing and collection. In addition, the meter reading work performed by energy companies was similar for all companies, but because each company performed its own system, it could not be unified.
In addition, consumers who use energy such as water, gas, and electric power at each energy use place in private houses and companies, for the first time, use the energy consumption company's energy usage amount and usage fee according to the usage card from each energy supply company. Knowing, it was difficult for consumers to reduce energy consumption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic meter reading system that can reduce the economic and time burdens of both energy supply companies that supply energy and consumers who use energy at the place where the energy is used. And

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic meter reading system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of usage measuring means for measuring the usage of a plurality of types of energy used at each energy usage location of a private house or company, and the energy A centralized management means for storing information from all of the usage measurement means in the energy usage place, and being stored in the centralized management means for a predetermined period of time and via a telecommunication line or wirelessly A management center that creates a bill based on the information of the predetermined period transmitted at a time and issues a receipt by automatic withdrawal, and the usage amount measuring means includes a large number of uneven portions or slits. A light-blocking plate that is rotated with the use of energy, a light-irradiating unit that irradiates light, and light that detects light irradiated through the concavo-convex portion or slit of the light-blocking plate It includes a capacitors, the said centralized management means calculates the converted usage and usage charge by counting the number of pulses of the pulse signals from the optical sensors all connected the usage measurement means for each energy A count calculation unit and a storage for storing the converted usage amount and the usage fee calculated by the count calculation unit in a time series and recording the cumulative conversion usage amount and the usage fee for the most recent one month as monthly data A display unit that is installed indoors and displays the converted usage amount and usage fee of energy based on information stored in the storage unit, a calendar management unit that manages date and time, the usage measurement unit, and the centralized management a disconnection detecting unit for sensing a disconnection between the means, anda power failure for internal battery charged by the normal power supply is usually further said centralized management means, in the calendar manager When deadline is determined, the monthly data recorded in the storage unit, and configured to send at once to the management center via the telecommunications line.

The present invention has the following remarkable effects.
The automatic meter reading system according to the present invention can automatically perform a wide range of meter reading operations for a plurality of types of energy, eliminates the need for a meter reader, and prevents data entry errors from occurring.
Further, it is possible to unify the meter reading business, the billing business, and the fee collection business. As a result, each energy supply company can realize significant cost savings.
Moreover, since each energy supply company can supply energy cheaply, a consumer can obtain energy cheaply.
In addition, consumers can easily reduce the amount of energy used, which can have a positive impact on environmental issues.
In addition, the usage amount measuring means can have a highly reliable structure against external noise.
In addition, it is possible to minimize the loss of information stored in the centralized management means.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments.
First, an outline of an automatic meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The automatic meter reading system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of usage measuring means 2 for measuring usage amounts of a plurality of types of energy used at each energy usage location 1 of a private house or company, and an energy usage location 1. And a central management means 3 for storing information from all the usage measurement means 2... In the energy usage place 1 and a management center 5.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of types of energy refers to water, gas, and electric power, which are respectively supplied from the water company, gas company, and electric power company to each energy use place 1.

The usage measurement means 2... Are a water usage measurement device 2a that measures the usage of water, a gas usage measurement device 2b that measures the usage of gas, and a power usage measurement device that measures the usage of power. There are three types, 2c.
The central management means 3 is a single unit, and is installed in a place where it can be seen indoors in this embodiment. And it is optically connected with the usage measuring means 2 ... (namely, the water usage measuring device 2a, the gas usage measuring device 2b, the electric power usage measuring device 2c) in the energy usage place 1. The central management means 3 has not only a function of storing information from each usage amount measuring means 2, but also a function of displaying energy usage and usage charges (details will be described later).

The management center 5 is a company established jointly by a water company, a gas company, and a power company. The management center 5 has a host computer 13, and this host computer 13 is electrically connected to the centralized management means 3 in each energy use place 1 via a telecommunication line 4 such as the Internet. And the management center 5 is performing the following as a business.
One is to create an invoice based on the information on the amount of energy used during the predetermined period that is stored in the centralized management means 3 for a predetermined period (one month) and transmitted at once via the telecommunication line 4. ing.
Alternatively, the bank connected to the electric line 4 based on the amount of energy used during the predetermined period stored in the centralized management means 3 for a predetermined period (one month) and transmitted at once via the telecommunication line 4 It is automatically withdrawn from 28 and a receipt is issued.

Next, details of the automatic meter reading system according to the present embodiment will be described.
1 and 2, the centralized management means 3 has a box shape, and the usage amount measuring means 2 ... (water usage measuring device 2a, gas usage measuring device 2b, power usage amount) at the connecting portion 27 ... The measuring device 2c) is optically connected with an optical fiber cable or the like. The central management means 3 is connected to the telecommunication line 4 (Internet) via the ID identifier 14. The ID identifier 14 adds a unique registration number, address, and the like of each energy usage location 1 to the monthly data transmitted from each energy usage location 1.
The central management means 3 is installed indoors and stores the information from the count calculation section 15, the plurality of usage measurement means 2... In time series, and stores information in the storage section 6. Based on this, it has a display unit 7 for displaying the energy conversion usage amount and usage fee, and a calendar management unit 8 for managing the date and time. Here, the converted usage is a value obtained by converting usage information (pulse signal) from the usage measuring means 2... Into an actual energy unit (for example, [kW · h], [m ³ ], etc.). I mean.
Further, the centralized management means 3 includes a disconnection detecting unit 11 for detecting a disconnection between the usage measuring means 2... And the centralized management means 3 and a built-in battery 12 for power failure.

  The count calculation unit 15 counts the number of pulses of the pulse signals from all the usage amount measuring means 2 to calculate the converted usage amount and usage fee of each energy (water supply, gas, electric power). At this time, a discount time zone at midnight is also taken into consideration.

The storage unit 6 is a place where the converted use amount and usage fee of energy calculated by the count calculation unit 15 can be recorded or deleted. The storage unit 6 includes a daily memory 6a and a monthly memory 6b.
In the daily memory 6a, the converted usage amount and usage fee of each day (24 hours from midnight) calculated by the count calculation unit 15 are recorded as daily data, and for one month. Is stored.
In the monthly memory 6b, the converted usage amount of energy accumulated up to the previous month and the usage fee for one month of the previous month are recorded as monthly data for the current month. Then, the daily data for one month stored in the daily memory 6a is added to form cumulative daily data for one month, and the cumulative daily data for one month is recorded in the monthly memory 6b. By adding to the monthly data, the monthly data recorded in the monthly memory 6b is updated every month.

The display unit 7 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or a CRT monitor. In the present embodiment, the display unit 7 is provided on the front surface of the box-shaped central management unit 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 7 displays, for example, “daily data”, “cumulative daily data (summarized daily data from the day after the previous deadline to the previous day) in one screen. ”,“ Monthly data ”etc. are displayed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the display contents of the display unit 7 can be switched to various screens such as a graph display by operating the operation buttons 18 arranged in parallel immediately below the display unit 7. ing.

  The calendar management unit 8 is a place for setting a deadline for each month and managing midnight discounts of energy. The calendar management unit 8 is electrically connected to the count calculation unit 15, and gives the count calculation unit 15 temporal conditions when calculating the converted usage amount and usage fee of energy.

  The disconnection detection unit 11 can detect disconnection between each usage measurement means 2 (water usage measurement device 2a, gas usage measurement device 2b, power usage measurement device 2c) and the centralized management means 3. ing. The disconnection detection unit 11 is electrically connected to an alarm bell 23 provided on the front surface of the central management means 3. When the disconnection detection unit 11 detects the disconnection, the alarm bell 23 notifies the person of the disconnection. At this time, it can be determined by, for example, how the alarm bell 23 sounds, which usage amount measuring means 2 is disconnected.

  The built-in battery 12 for power failure becomes a power source for operating the central management unit 3 instead of the normal power source 24 when power is not supplied from the normal power source 24 to the central management unit 3 due to a power failure. This power failure built-in battery 12 is rechargeable and is usually charged by a normal power source 24. When the power stored in the built-in battery 12 for power failure is used due to a power failure, the used amount can be recharged. That is, even if the power failure built-in battery 12 is used once, there is no need to replace the power failure built-in battery 12 with a new one.

  Next, FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 are simplified diagrams showing the water usage measuring device 2a, the gas usage measuring device 2b, and the power usage measuring device 2c of the usage measuring means 2. The water usage measuring device 2a, the gas usage measuring device 2b, and the power usage measuring device 2c each have a light-shielding plate 9 that has a large number of uneven portions 17 and is rotated with the use of energy, and irradiates light. And a light sensor 10 for detecting light irradiated through the concavo-convex portion 17 of the light shielding plate 9.

The light shielding plate 9 is housed in a storage space 25 in which intrusion of light from the outside is blocked. As shown in FIG. 7, the light shielding plate 9 has a shape in which concave notched grooves are provided on the outer peripheral edge of the disk at a central angle and the like in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral edge portion provided with the concave notch groove is an uneven portion 17.
The light emitting part 16 is installed in the storage space 25 so as to irradiate light toward the concave-convex part 17 of the light shielding plate 9.
The optical sensor 10 is installed in the storage space 25 so as to be positioned on an extension line of a line connecting the light emitting part 16 and the uneven part 17 of the light shielding plate 9. In other words, the optical sensor 10 is installed such that the uneven portion 17 of the light shielding plate 9 is sandwiched between the light emitting portion 16 and the light emitting portion 16. The optical sensor 10 is optically connected to the rotation number count calculation unit 15 of the central management means 3. Then, the optical sensor 10 sends a pulse signal to the rotation number count calculation unit 15.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the water usage measuring device 2a has an impeller 19 rotated by a fluid, like a conventional tangential flow impeller flow meter. The above-described light shielding plate 9 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 21 of the impeller 19, and the light shielding plate 9 is rotated as the impeller 19 rotates. That is, the rotation of the impeller 19 is directly transmitted to the light shielding plate 9, and the structure is simplified.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas usage measuring device 2b has an impeller 20 like the water usage measuring device 2a. The impeller 20 of the gas usage measuring device 2b has a plurality of substantially semicircular blades 20a. A light shielding plate 9 is fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 22 of the impeller 20.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the power consumption measuring device 2 c has coil portions 26, 26 and generates an eddy current in the conductive light shielding plate 9 disposed between the coil portions 26, 26. Therefore, the light shielding plate 9 is rotated.

Next, based on FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, the automatic meter reading system having the above-described configuration performs automatic meter reading for a predetermined period (one month), and the flow until the fee for that period is collected I will explain later.
First, in each energy use place 1 such as a private house or company, each energy (water supply, water supply, measuring device 2a, gas usage measuring device 2b, power usage measuring device 2c) is measured by the usage measuring means 2. The amount of gas and power used is measured (step S1 in FIG. 8). Specifically, the amount of energy used is measured as a pulse signal when the optical sensor 10 detects light emitted through the concave and convex portion 17 of the rotating light shielding plate 9.

Next, the information measured by the usage measuring means 2... Is stored in the central management means 3. Specifically, on the basis of the pulse signal from the optical sensor 10 of each usage measuring means 2, the count calculation unit 15 of the central management means 3 converts the usage amount and usage fee of each energy (water, gas, power). And the daily data is recorded in the daily memory 6a of the storage unit 6 in time series (step S2 in FIG. 8).
The daily data from the next day to the previous day of the previous deadline is added and displayed on the display unit 7 as accumulated daily data (step S3 in FIG. 8).

  The recording of the daily data in the daily memory 6a and the display of the accumulated daily data on the display unit 7 are performed daily for one month. The calendar management unit 8 performs the calendar management. The calendar management unit 8 determines whether or not the deadline date has come (step S4 in FIG. 8).

If the calendar management unit 8 determines that it is midnight, the daily data for one month recorded in the daily memory 6a is added to be accumulated daily data for one month. Then, the accumulated daily data for one month is added to the previous month's monthly data recorded in the monthly memory 6b to obtain the current month's monthly data (step S5 in FIG. 8).
More precisely, at this time, regarding the converted usage, the converted usage of the cumulative daily data for one month is added to the converted usage of the monthly data of the previous month. However, with regard to the usage fee, the monthly usage fee of the previous month is overwritten with the usage fee of the cumulative daily data for one month. That is, the converted usage amount of each energy recorded as monthly data indicates the cumulative converted usage amount, and the usage fee indicates the usage fee for the most recent one month.

Thereafter, the monthly data (converted usage amount, usage fee) of the current month recorded in the monthly memory 6b is displayed on the display unit 7, and the daily data for one month in the daily memory 6a is updated to 0 ( The recording is erased (step S6 in FIG. 8).
Then, the deadline date set in the calendar management unit 8 is updated (the deadline date after one month) (step S7 in FIG. 8).

  Next, the central management means 3 sends the monthly data of the current month recorded in the monthly memory 6b through the ID identifier 14 and the host computer of the management center 5 at a time via the telecommunication line 4 (Internet). 13 is transmitted (step S8 in FIG. 8).

For the monthly data transmitted from the centralized management means 3 at each energy use place 1, the host computer 13 first specifies the transmission source by the ID (registration number, address) added by the ID identifier 14.
Then, the host computer 13 calculates a formal charge amount in consideration of a discount for a limited time based on the monthly data (step S9 in FIG. 8).

Next, the management center 5 confirms whether or not the energy usage place 1 that transmitted the monthly data of the current month is performing automatic withdrawal (step S10 in FIG. 8).
In the case of automatic withdrawal, the management center 5 withdraws the official billing amount from the bank 28 (step S11 in FIG. 8).
Then, the management center 5 creates and issues a receipt (step S12 in FIG. 8).

If the automatic withdrawal is not performed, the management center 5 creates a bill (with a time limit) and issues it by e-mail or mail (step S11 ′ in FIG. 8).
The consumer who has received the bill from the management center 5 pays the usage fee by the deadline (step S12 ′ in FIG. 8).
If the payment can be confirmed, the management center 5 creates and issues a receipt (step S13 ′ in FIG. 8).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the design can be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the host computer 13 of the management center 5 is electrically connected to the centralized management means 3 of each energy use place 1 via the Internet is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, It is also preferable that the management center 5 can communicate with the centralized management means 3 in each energy use place 1 by radio (not shown).
Moreover, in this embodiment, although the usage-amount measuring means 2 ... illustrated the case where there are three types, the water usage-amount measuring device 2a, the gas usage-amount measuring device 2b, and the power usage-amount measuring device 2c, The invention is not limited to this, and it may have four or more types of usage measuring means.
Further, in the present embodiment, the light shielding plate 9 has an example in which the uneven portion 17 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and instead of the light shielding plate 9 having the uneven portion 17, a slit portion is provided in the radial direction of the disk. It is also preferable to use a light-shielding plate having a shape provided with.

As described above, the automatic meter-reading system according to the present invention includes a plurality of usage measuring means 2 for measuring the usage of a plurality of types of energy used in each energy usage location 1 of a private house or company, and an energy usage location. 1 and a centralized management means 3 for storing information from all the usage measurement means 2... In the energy usage place 1 and stored for a predetermined period by the centralized management means 3 via the telecommunication line 4 or wirelessly. And a management center 5 that creates an invoice based on information for a predetermined period (one month) transmitted at a time and issues a receipt by automatic withdrawal . Detects light irradiated through the uneven portion 17 or slit of the light-shielding plate 9 that has the uneven portion 17 or the slit and is rotated with the use of energy, the light emitting portion 16 that irradiates light, and the light-shielding plate 9 That the optical sensor 10 includes a centralized management means 3, all connected using measuring means 2 of each energy conversion usage and usage charge by counting the number of pulses of the pulse signal from the optical sensor 10 The count calculation unit 15 that calculates the amount of usage, the conversion usage amount and the usage fee calculated by the count calculation unit 15 are stored in time series, and the cumulative conversion usage amount and the usage fee for the most recent month are recorded as monthly data. A storage unit 6 that is installed indoors, displays a usage amount and a usage fee of energy based on information in the storage unit 6, a calendar management unit 8 that manages date and time, and a usage amount measuring unit 2 And the centralized management means 3 have a disconnection detecting unit 11 for detecting a disconnection between them and a built-in battery 12 for power failure that is usually charged by a normal power supply 24. Further, the centralized management means 3 includes a calendar management unit Tighten with 8 When the cut-off date is determined, the monthly data recorded in the storage unit 6 is transmitted to the management center 5 through the telecommunication line 4 at a time. The amount of energy used can be measured at the same time without human intervention. Moreover, the management center 5 (established jointly by a plurality of energy supply companies) can easily obtain information on the amount of energy used at the plurality of energy usage locations 1 through the telecommunication line 4. As a result, since a wide range of meter-reading work for a plurality of types of energy can be performed automatically, a meter-reader becomes unnecessary and the meter-reading date can be unified. And since the meter reader becomes unnecessary, the occurrence of data entry mistakes can be prevented.

In addition, the management center 5 can create a bill based on information on the amount of energy used for a plurality of types, thereby making it possible to unify the meter reading work and the charge billing work.
As a result, each energy supply company can realize significant cost savings.
Moreover, since each energy supply company can supply energy cheaply, a consumer can obtain energy cheaply.

In addition, the management center 5 automatically unloads and issues a receipt based on information on the usage of multiple types of energy, thereby unifying the meter reading work, charge billing work, and charge collection work. Can be planned.
As a result, each energy supply company can realize significant cost savings. For example, cost savings of 20% to 40% can be realized.
Moreover, since each energy supply company can supply energy cheaply, a consumer can obtain energy cheaply.

  The central management means 3 includes a count calculation unit 15 that counts the number of pulses of the pulse signals from all connected usage measurement means 2 and calculates a converted usage amount and usage fee for each energy, and a count calculation unit. The storage unit 6 that stores the converted usage amount and the usage fee calculated in 15 in a time series and records the cumulative conversion usage amount and the usage fee for the most recent month as monthly data, and is installed indoors Since it has the display part 7 which displays the conversion usage-amount and usage fee of energy based on the information of the memory | storage part 6, and the calendar management part 8 which manages a date, a consumer can display a display part by visual observation indoors. The daily data and monthly data displayed on the screen 7 can be confirmed, or the daily data and monthly data can be compared. This makes it easy for consumers to reduce the amount of energy they use and can also have a positive impact on environmental issues (nationally).

  The use amount measuring means 2 includes a light shielding plate 9 having a large number of concave and convex portions 17 or slits and rotated with the use of energy, a light projecting portion 16 for irradiating light, and a concave and convex portion 17 of the light shielding plate 9 or Since it has the optical sensor 10 that detects light irradiated through the slit, it can have a highly reliable structure against noise from the outside as compared with other magnetism and contact types.

  Moreover, since the centralized management means 3 has the disconnection detection part 11 which detects the disconnection between the usage measurement means 2 and the centralized management means 3, it becomes possible to recognize the trouble by disconnection at an early stage, and the centralized management means 3 Loss of information stored in 3 can be minimized.

  Moreover, since the centralized management means 3 has the built-in battery 12 for power failure, the centralized management means 3 from the usage measuring means 2... Without interrupting the power supply to the centralized management means 3 even during a power failure. Information can be stored. Therefore, loss of information stored in the central management means 3 can be prevented.

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the automatic meter-reading system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows a centralized management means. It is a principal part enlarged view which shows the display part of a centralized management means. It is a simplified cross-sectional front view showing a water consumption measuring device. It is a simplified sectional front view showing a gas usage measuring device. It is a simplified front view which shows an electric power usage-amount measuring apparatus. It is a top view which shows a light-shielding plate. It is a flowchart figure.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Energy use place 2 Usage measurement means 3 Centralized management means 4 Telecommunications line 5 Management center 6 Storage part 7 Display part 8 Calendar management part 9 Light-shielding plate
10 Light sensor
11 Disconnection detector
12 Built-in battery for power failure
15 Count calculator
16 Light emitting part
17 Concavity and convexity

Claims (6)

  A plurality of usage measuring means (2) for measuring the usage of a plurality of types of energy used in each energy usage location (1) of a private house or company, and the energy usage location (1) and the energy Centralized management means (3) for storing information from all of the usage measurement means (2) in the usage location (1), and the telecommunications line (4) stored in the centralized management means (3) for a predetermined period An automatic meter reading system comprising: a management center (5) that creates a bill based on the information of the predetermined period transmitted at one time via the network.   A plurality of usage measuring means (2) for measuring the usage of a plurality of types of energy used in each energy usage location (1) of a private house or company, and the energy usage location (1) and the energy Centralized management means (3) for storing information from all of the usage measurement means (2) in the usage location (1), and the telecommunications line (4) stored in the centralized management means (3) for a predetermined period An automatic meter-reading system comprising: a management center (5) that automatically withdraws and issues a receipt based on the information of the predetermined period transmitted at one time via the network.   The central management means (3) includes a storage section (6) for storing the information from the plurality of usage measurement means (2) in time series, and is installed indoors and is stored in the storage section (6). The automatic meter-reading system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a display unit (7) for displaying an energy usage amount and a usage fee based on the information, and a calendar management unit (8) for managing date and time.   The usage amount measuring means (2) includes a light shielding plate (9) having a large number of concave and convex portions (17) or slits and rotated with the use of energy, a light emitting portion (16) for irradiating light, The automatic meter-reading system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising: an optical sensor (10) for detecting light irradiated through the uneven portion (17) or the slit of the light shielding plate (9).   The said centralized management means (3) has a disconnection detection part (11) which detects the disconnection between the said usage-amount measurement means (2) and this centralized management means (3), Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 The automatic meter reading system described.   The automatic meter reading system according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the central control means (3) has a built-in battery (12) for power failure.

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