JP2007017251A - Measuring instrument and method concerning type approval and test of measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a measuring instrument capable of responding to a new charge system without spoiling public security as attaching the instrument to the consumer when introducing a new charge system. <P>SOLUTION: A measuring means 4 for measuring the measuring object, a memory means 7a for storing the measured value, an indicating means 3a for indicating the measured value and input/output means 8 for inputting/outputting signals from outside are provided to a measuring instrument which is necessary to get type approval and pass a test. By inputting signals using a pass key delivered by the authority of type approval, a part concerning the charge system among a program installed on the instrument is changed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a meter that can be reconstructed as a new fee meter and a method related to type approval and verification of the meter.

  Conventionally, from the viewpoint of consumer protection, electric meters such as watt-hour meters have been used in a publicly secured form under the “type approval / certification system for specific meters”. Furthermore, it is stipulated that the electric meter is provided with a display means that allows the consumer to read various amounts (measurement values, etc.) as a basis for calculating the price of the electricity consumed under various electricity tariff systems. As a result, there is a one-to-one correspondence with the fee system.

  However, in recent years, competition principles such as the liberalization of retailing of electric power have begun to be introduced in various forms as a means of improving efficiency in the electric power industry, and electric power supply companies other than electric power companies (called specific-scale electric power companies) have been established. , Has come to supply a certain amount of power.

  For this reason, electric power companies have made various measures to survive this competition, and one of the important measures is how to “level load (change to use of electricity with less load fluctuation)”. And increase the average load factor (equipment utilization rate). As these specific measures, the "hourly rate system" that tries to control the usage of electricity by changing the unit price of the electricity rate by season, by weekdays and holidays, or by the time of the day, or There is a “seasonal / time-based rate system” (Patent Document 1), and various leveling menus have been adopted, leading to today.

Further, in the taximeter field, it has been proposed to update the tax system fee system data by wireless communication (Patent Document 2).
JP-A-53-118177 JP 2002-312811 A

  Since electric meters correspond one-to-one with the individual tariffs that are introduced and immediately after the completion of verification (or self-inspection), they will be sealed so that the performance of the electric meters will not be changed. At that time, it was necessary to replace the newly developed electric meter in response to the new charge system.

For this reason, every time we try to introduce a new fee system, we develop, produce, obtain type approval, undergo a witness test of the prospective purchaser, and purchase a prospective purchaser. The electric meter is transported to the head office or branch office, or branch office / business office of the Nippon Electric Meters Inspection Office (hereinafter referred to as “Nippon Denshoku”) in the area of Remove the attached electric meter, attach the electric meter that you have carried, bring the removed electric meter home, store it as a removed good product, generate various expenses associated with the execution of various operations, or the electric meter For example, the generation of CO ₂ is inevitably caused by the transportation of the air.

  In addition, there is a loss of opportunity for use of the former electric meter for charge system that was taken back. Specifically, if the fee system does not change, it can be used as it is until the expiration date of the certification validity period (of course, no costs will be incurred), and the introduction of a fee system that the electric meter supports while crushing the certification validity period Will continue to be stored until the desired customer appears (naturally, warehouse storage costs will be incurred), and fortunately if the electrical meter is to be reused by another customer, it will be subjected to a predetermined test, It is confirmed that the characteristics of the electric meter are good products within the verification tolerance, and in addition, replacement of a normal electric meter leaves only a small remaining “validation period”. However, it is rare that the remaining “validation validity period” of the electric meter removed by switching to the new fee system is small, and the remaining “validation validity period” of the removed electric meter is a predetermined number of years. Less than Since the expenses relating to the replacement of the daily the regimen device is expensive, reuse shelved, and the like that it continues to be stored (dead storage).

  For this reason, in the end, the introduction of a new tariff system that was created to provide stable and efficient power supply in order to lower the electricity tariff, so that the electric meters used up to now are no longer used. In addition to the need for non-routine procurement / removal / replacement of the instrument as a result of the need for an electrical meter to be used, the actual usage period of the instrument is shortened, resulting in higher costs. It forced investment.

  In addition, since the above-mentioned type approval / verification system exists for electric meters, it is not necessary to simply change the fee system data.

(Object of the present invention)
A first object of the present invention is to provide a meter and a revalidation method that can support a new fee system without damaging public collateral while keeping the meter attached to the consumer when a new fee system is introduced. Is to provide.

  The second object of the present invention is to provide a provisional model approval method, a model approval method, a verification method, and a self-inspection method for a meter that can cope with a change in fee system.

  In order to achieve the first object, the present invention as set forth in claim 1 includes weighing means for weighing a measurement object, storage means for storing a measured value, display means for displaying the measured value, An instrument that has input / output means for inputting and outputting signals, and that is required to pass type approval and verification, and is installed in the instrument by inputting a signal using an encryption key issued by the entity that performs type approval. Some of the programs that are related to the fee system have been changed.

  Similarly, in order to achieve the first object, the present invention according to claim 5 provides re-verification information indicating re-validation information in response to a re-validation request corresponding to a new fee system. The re-validation method uses a private key that is decrypted with the public key issued by the type approval implementation body, and inputs the encrypted re-validation information to a meter that supports the new fee system. .

  In order to achieve the second object described above, the present invention as set forth in claim 6 is a provisional certificate indicating approval according to a provisional type approval application for verifying in advance a type approval application for an instrument to be performed in the near future. The type approval information is encrypted with a secret key that is decrypted with the public key issued by the type approval execution body, and the provisional type approval method is configured to issue the encrypted temporary type information.

  Similarly, in order to achieve the second object described above, the present invention as set forth in claim 7 provides the type approval information indicating the approval according to the type approval application for receiving the type approval of the instrument, The type approval method is such that encryption is performed using a secret key decrypted with the issued public key, and the encrypted type information is issued.

  Similarly, in order to achieve the second object described above, the present invention as set forth in claim 8 provides the verification information indicating the passing of the test according to the test request for receiving the test of the instrument by the implementing body of the type approval. The verification method is such that the encrypted verification information is input to the instrument by encrypting with the private key decrypted with the public key.

  Similarly, in order to achieve the second object, the present invention according to claim 9 is a publication in which self-inspection information indicating acceptance of a self-inspection according to a notification of self-inspection of a meter is issued by an implementation body of a type approval. The self-inspection method is such that the encrypted self-inspection information is input to the instrument by encrypting with a secret key decrypted with the key.

  According to the present invention, when introducing a new fee system, it is possible to cope with the new fee system without damaging public collateral while keeping the instrument attached to the consumer. Moreover, provisional model approval methods, model approval methods, verification methods, and self-inspection methods for such instruments can be provided.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention is as described in Examples 1 and 2 described later.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an electric meter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an electric meter 1 measures the amount of power consumed by a consumer, and includes a power supply circuit unit (not shown), a display unit 3 (consisting of a display unit 3a and a display unit 3b), a measuring unit 4, A setting unit 5, a control unit 6a, a control unit 6b, a storage unit 7a, a storage unit 7b, and an interface (I / F) circuit 8 are provided. Each of the storage units 7a and 7b includes a nonvolatile memory-1, a RAM-1, a ROM-1, a nonvolatile memory-2, a RAM-2, and a ROM-2. The control unit 6a and the storage unit 7a constitute a first arithmetic processing unit 9a, and the control unit 6b and the storage unit 7b constitute a second arithmetic processing unit 9b. Reference numeral 10 denotes an external communication function unit.

  The display 3a, the measuring unit 4, the setting unit 5, the control unit 6a, and the storage unit 7a constitute an electric meter according to a conventional technique. When the item to be displayed as an electric meter (for example, the model approval number) is changed (by rewriting or the like), the display 3b always displays the item to be replaced accordingly. It is controlled by the control unit 6b that mediates all communications that communicate with the outside. The ROM-1 stores instrument-specific information such as programs used in the control unit 6a and initial ID numbers. The RAM-1 stores / reads the processing data of the control unit 6a. The non-volatile memory-1 is a memory for storing processing conditions even when power is not supplied to the arithmetic processing units 9a and 9b of the electric meter 1. ROM-2 stores a program used in the control unit 6b, a public key issued by the type approval / certification subject, and the like. The RAM-2 stores / reads the processing data of the control unit 6b. The non-volatile memory-2 is a memory for storing processing conditions (document data and program data) even when power is not supplied to the electric meter 1. The non-volatile memory-2 stores at least instrument-specific information related to the type approval / verification of the electric instrument 1 decrypted with the public key.

  The control unit 6b mediates all of the communication exchanged between the sealed electric meter 1 and the outside through the interface (I / F) circuit 8 (by verification or self-inspection), and is described in the communication text. Predetermined processing is executed according to the command. In addition, the storage unit 7b stores (document) data of the control unit 6b and program data partially including a public key of Nidec Test received from Nidec Test.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart relating to a message analysis process of the control unit 6 b of the electric meter 1.

  FIG. 3 shows a display state of the display 3b after the electronic message analysis processing of the electric meter 1 is performed.

  1-3, various types of information (temporary meter type information, type information, verification or self-inspection information, re-verification information, etc.) received from NIPPON KENDEN, the subject of the type approval and verification of the electric meter 1, are not shown. When the information is input to the electric meter 1 using the handy terminal or the like (the information is input to the control unit 6b via the interface (I / F) circuit 8), the control unit 6b displays the information (for example, mode 02). The electronic message analysis process is performed, and it is determined that the information relates to the type approval, and the decryption process is performed with the public key of Nidec Test that has been issued from Nidec Test and stored in ROM-2 in advance. , “Plaintext”, non-volatile memory-2, new type approval / certification information, etc. (for example, part of the program such as judgment criteria changed by changing the fee system, number of time zones, symbols in the form of instruments) , Type approval number, type After rewriting as “year with approval indication”, rewrite this “information related to new type approval / verification” to the control unit 6a at the date and time of rewriting described in “information related to new type approval / verification”. Request. Note that mode 00 in FIG. 2 is a line connection processing mode for determining where to send the received signal (inside the instrument or outside the instrument).

  The control unit 6a that has received the above-mentioned message for “rewriting” performs the following operation.

1. When rewriting table data (when restart is not required)
Immediately, the above-mentioned “information related to new type approval / verification” is read from the nonvolatile memory-2, and the read instrument specific information is written into the RAM-1. Further, in order to store the changed instrument specific information even after power is not supplied to the arithmetic processing units 9a and 9b, the changed instrument specific information (data thereof) is also written in the nonvolatile memory-1.

2. When rewriting a program (when a restart is required)
“Measurement value etc.” Various data necessary for continuation of measurement are saved in the non-volatile memory 1 to enter the rewrite standby state (restart), and return to the control unit 6b that the rewrite standby state has been entered. The control unit 6b that has received the standby OK signal from the control unit 6a resets and initializes the control unit 6a. The initialized control unit 6a immediately reads out the above-mentioned “new model / test related information” from the non-volatile memory-2, and writes the read information to be rewritten into the RAM-1. Further, in order to store the instrument specific information whose setting has been changed even after the power is not supplied to the arithmetic processing units 9a and 9b, the “rewritten information” is also written in the nonvolatile memory-1. Thereafter, the control unit 6a starts various operations of the electric meter 1 according to the updated information.

  When a mode other than the modes 01 to 05 in FIG. 2 is input (the control unit 6b executes a process using a normal sentence that does not use the public key cryptosystem), the process simply goes to the relay function.

  With reference to FIG. Before the provisional model approval information is installed, the display is blank because the specific information of the instrument related to the model approval / verification of the instrument cannot be written. When the provisional model approval information is installed, the display 3b for displaying a part of the instrument specific information has the model approval number "----" and the shape symbol "AM3E1-40R (the reported instrument "Type name)", for example, "10" is displayed for the number of time zones, and "-" is displayed for the Japanese calendar year with the type approval display.

  By setting the number of spare time zones in the provisional model conditions, it becomes possible to verify the performance, function and structure under various conditions corresponding to various fee-based menus. It is possible to respond to various fee-based menus.

Before the type approval information is installed, all of the indicators 3b are blank, or the above-described display in which the above-mentioned “provisional type approval information” is input. When the type approval information is installed, the display 3b has the type approval number “3124”, the shape symbol “AM3E1-40R (type name of the reported instrument)”, the time zone For example, “10” is displayed for the number, and “-” is displayed for the Japanese calendar year with the model approval number.

  Before the verification information is installed, the display 3b displays the number described in the above-mentioned type approval information or the number of time zones reflecting the test contents by the manufacturer or the like. When the verification information is installed, the model approval number is “3124”, the symbol of the shape is “AM3E1-40R (the model name of the reported instrument)”, and the number of time zones is displayed on the verification request form. For example, “15” is displayed as “3”, which is the number of time zones described, and the Japanese calendar year with the model approval number.

  Before the self-inspection information is installed, the display 3b displays the time zone number reflecting the display described in the above-mentioned type approval information or the test contents by the designated manufacturer or the like. When the self-inspection information is installed, the display unit 3b displays the same numerical value and the like as when the above-described test information is installed.

  Before the re-verification information is installed, the display 3b displays the numerical values described in the above-described verification (or self-inspection) information. According to the above example, the model approval number is “3124”, the symbol of the shape is “AM3E1-40R (type name of the reported instrument)”, and the number of time zones is the number of time zones described in the certification request form. For example, “14” is displayed for a Japanese calendar year with a certain “3” and a model approval number. When the re-verification information is installed, the display 3b sequentially displays for a predetermined period of time under the state where the rewritten content (part of the re-verification information) is blinking together with an electronic beep. The approval number is, for example, “31124-1,” the shape symbol is “AM3E1-40R,” the number of time zones is, for example, “5,” and the Japanese calendar year with the model approval number is, for example, “15.” )

  When a predetermined time elapses, a beep is emitted again and the display returns to the current test information. It should be noted that the display change of the indicator 3b immediately after the re-verification information is input does not mean that the function of the electric meter is switched immediately after the input, and various functions that are in operation can be input while the verification information is being input. However, it does not switch immediately, and continues until immediately before a predetermined time (zero and zero) of the system start date or the contract start date included as one of the revalidation information. At a predetermined time on the start date, the function is switched based on the re-verification information input as the re-verification information, and the display is switched to the re-validation information.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart relating to the readout of information related to the type approval / verification of the first arithmetic processing unit 9a of the electric meter 1 and the arithmetic processing performed based on the information.

  In FIG. 4, information such as an initial program and an ID number used in the control unit 6 a responsible for arithmetic processing as the electric meter 1 is written in the ROM-1 in the manufacturing process of the electric meter 1.

  After power is supplied in step 100, it is determined in step 101 whether or not power is applied for the first time, for example, by checking the presence or absence of data in the non-volatile memory-1; Instrument specific information (initial value) such as ID number stored in ROM-1 is read and written in RAM-1 in step 103. The control unit 6a executes a power amount measurement process in step 104 based on the instrument specific information read from the RAM-1 according to the program stored in the ROM-1, and displays the measurement value on the display unit 3a in step 105. .

  If the control unit 6a determines that there is a rewrite request from the control unit 6b in step 107, the control unit 6a reads out new instrument specific information to be updated from the nonvolatile memory-2 in step 108, and in step 109 stores the information in the RAM-1 In addition, the updated new information is also written in the non-volatile memory-1 in order to store the updated new information after power is not supplied to the first arithmetic processing unit 9a in step 110. After writing, the control unit 6a returns to step 104, and the control unit 6a executes the weighing calculation process with the updated new information stored in the RAM-1 at step 110 and displays the measured value on the display 3a. repeat.

  Here, when the supply of power is once stopped, when the power is supplied again, in step 111, various processing data and instrument specific information are read from the nonvolatile memory-1 and written into the RAM-1.

  Thereafter, similarly, the control unit 6a continuously performs arithmetic processing using the instrument specific information stored in the RAM-1, that is, the instrument specific information at the time when the power is no longer supplied.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts of the type approval / verification of the electric meter 1 according to the first embodiment.

  5 and 6, at the start of system operation, a public key (Nippon Denshoku) public key and the corresponding ID number and password are issued to a manufacturer having an electric meter development business, and the system starts to operate at the latest. Until then, ID numbers and passwords applicable to all other manufacturers will be issued. A manufacturer having development work for an electric meter develops a base for the electric meter equipped with the public key.

[Provisional model application]
Temporary Model Approval Application ... (Manufacturers with electrical meter development work) After entering the Nidec Denshi / Headquarters homepage on the Internet, enter the above ID number and password, enter the provisional model application page, and apply soon When the specification of the planned electric meter is written and the provisional model application button is clicked, the application is accepted and a message indicating that the application has been accepted is displayed.

  Approval of provisional model: The above-mentioned application content is checked, and if there is no problem, the application is accepted. When the application is accepted, the application contents and the management information of NIPPON DENKI with respect to the application contents are encrypted with the NIPDEN's secret key and sent as the temporary model approval information. This completes the provisional model approval and the provisional model approval document.

  The manufacturer described above inputs the temporary model information to an electrical meter under development using a personal computer or a handy terminal. The temporary model information is decoded by the control unit 6b, and is written in the nonvolatile memory-2 as temporary model information of the instrument. The control unit 6b that has written the provisional model information in the nonvolatile memory-2 notifies the control unit 6a through the interface circuit 8 that a rewrite (command) signal for the instrument specific information is input.

  Receiving the notification that the instrument specific information has been rewritten, the control unit 6a receives the provisional model information, writes it into the nonvolatile memory-1, and stores it as the updated instrument specific information of the electric instrument 1. Thereafter, calculation processing based on the instrument specific information is started. The first visible change is the display on the display 3b. Rewritten information (model number “----”, shape symbol “(type name of the reported instrument)”, number of time zones (for example, “10”), and model number are attached to the display 3b. Japanese calendar year "-") is displayed as shown in FIG.

  By setting the number of time zones that can be spared in the provisional model conditions, it is possible to verify performance, function and structure under various conditions corresponding to various pricing menus. It can be confirmed that it corresponds to the price system menu.

[Type application]
Type approval application: The manufacturer submits a set of type approval application documents and a predetermined number of type electric test instruments, and waits for Nidec inspection type approval.

  Preparation of type (confirmation to approve) test ... Nippon Denshoku that received the above type approval application accepts the type approval application, confirms the application contents, and accepts this if there is no problem in the application contents , NIPDEN's management information for the application contents and application contents are encrypted using the above-mentioned secret key and entered (in the electric meter submitted at the time of application for type approval), within the range exceeding the type approval information Confirm that information is not accepted. The first visible change after inputting the above-mentioned type approval information is the display on the display 3b. The rewritten information (model number, eg “3124”, shape symbol “(type name of reported electric meter)”), number of time zones (eg “10”), and model number are attached to the display 3b. Japanese calendar year "-") is displayed.

  Type test: Verify the structure, performance and function under various conditions.

  Type approval: When the type test is passed, a recording medium (memory card, IC card, etc.) that stores the type approval information created with the Nidec Denshi secret key along with the type approval certificate is issued.

[Test]
Application for certification ... Businesses who wish to apply for certification have a set of certification request forms and one or more electric meters to be certified at Nichiden (National Headquarters, branch offices, branch offices / offices) within the jurisdiction of the electric power company to be delivered. Submit it and wait for the completion of the certification test.

  Examination test… Nippon Denso that received the above-mentioned examination request accepts the examination request and confirms the request contents. If there is no problem with the contents of the request, it accepts it and Encrypt management information etc. using the above-mentioned secret key, input it to the requested electric meter, and confirm that it will not accept information beyond the verification information, under various predetermined conditions Perform the test, determine pass / fail, seal the ones that passed, seal the test stamp, finish the work related to the test, and notify the test requester that the test has been completed. The first change that can be seen by inputting the above-described test information is the display on the display 3b. Rewritten information (model number, for example, “3124”, shape symbol “(type name of reported instrument)”, number of time zones (for example, “3”), and model number are attached to the display 3b. Japanese calendar year, for example, “15”) is displayed.

[Self-inspection]
Preparations for self-inspection ... Designated manufacturers who intend to conduct self-inspection will receive a confirmation letter of self-inspection at Nidec (Headquarters, branch offices, branch offices / offices). Submit a predetermined number (randomly extracted).

  Upon receiving the above confirmation notification, Nidec Inspection will accept the confirmation notification and confirm the contents of the self-inspection. If there are no problems with the inspection contents, it will be accepted, and the Nidec inspection for the inspection contents and self-inspection contents. After encrypting the management information using the above-mentioned secret key and inputting it into the electric meter (submitted at the time of confirmation notification) and confirming that information in a range exceeding the self-inspection information is not accepted, A recording medium storing the self-inspection information encrypted with the secret key is delivered to the requestee together with the self-inspection content confirmation.

  Execution of self-inspection ... The change first seen when the self-inspection information stored in the received recording medium is input to the self-inspection electric meter is the display on the display 3b as in the above-described verification. After confirming that it has been displayed, conduct tests under various predetermined conditions, determine pass / fail, seal those that pass, and attach a standard conformity indicia to complete the work related to self-inspection . The rewritten information (model number, for example, “3124”, shape symbol “(type name of reported instrument)”, number of time zones (for example, “3”), and model number are displayed on the above-described display 3b. The attached Japanese calendar year (for example, “15”) is displayed.

[Retest]
[Retest-1]
Preparation for re-verification request ... (Electric meters that have already been verified and are in operation without having to remove the electric meters should be re-verified on-site) Submit a specified number of electrical instruments with the same type approval number as the resume of the electrical instrument to be recertified to the headquarters).

  Upon receiving the revalidation request, Nichidenken confirms the content of the revalidation and, if there are no errors in the revalidation content, encrypts the revalidation content using the above-mentioned private key and submits the After entering the instrument and confirming that it will not accept information beyond the range of revalidation information, conduct a prescribed examination, and if it passes, notify the client that the request has been accepted.

  Request for re-verification: The electric power company's instrument management department (for each customer who requested to switch to a handy terminal with a communication terminal function (wireless) equipped with a predetermined re-verification request form creation program) ) And input it to the worker who performs the installation work on site. The local worker goes to the customer, connects a handy terminal with a communication terminal function that stores the above-mentioned re-verification conditions to an electric meter, and then operates the handy terminal to re-verify the NS Enter the acceptance page and press the re-examination request button to request re-examination of the electric meter. In return, re-verification information in which information necessary for re-verification is encrypted is sent. The above-described re-verification information is input to the electric meter via the handy terminal. Therefore, the local worker attaches a seal or the like to clearly indicate to the customer that the electric meter has switched to the function for the new fee system and has undergone re-verification, and finishes all work related to the re-validation.

[Retest-2]
Preparation for re-verification request… (Electric meters that have already been verified and are in operation can be re-verified on-site without removing the electric meter.) Submit to the (Headquarters) a specified number of electrical instruments with the same type approval number as the resume of the electrical instrument you wish to recertify with the recertification request.

  Upon receiving the revalidation request, Nichidenken confirms the content of the revalidation and, if there are no errors in the revalidation content, encrypts the revalidation content using the above-mentioned private key and submits the After entering the instrument and confirming that it does not accept information beyond the range of revalidation information, perform the prescribed verification test, and if it passes, store the revalidation information encrypted with the above private key Deliver the above-mentioned recording medium to the client along with the acceptance form of the request, and deliver the above-mentioned recording medium storing a copy of the re-examination request form and the re-verification information to Nidec Denshi / Branch (Branch → Branch / Office) .

  Request for re-verification: The electric utility's instrument management department inputs the re-verification information to the handy terminal, etc., and gives it to the operator who performs the installation work on site. The local worker goes to the customer, connects a handy terminal or the like in which the above-mentioned re-verification conditions are stored to the electric meter, and then presses a work start button to install the re-verification information.

  The change that is first seen when the received re-verification information is input to the electric meter is the display on the display 3b as in the above-described verification. When the input of the re-verification information is completed, for example, a beeping sound is made to notify the operator of the end of the input work, and the contents rewritten under the blinking state are sequentially displayed for a predetermined time {model number (For example, “3124”), symbol of the form “(the model name of the reported instrument)”, the number of time zones (for example, “5”), the Japanese calendar year with the model number (for example, “15”)} Is done. When the above-mentioned predetermined time elapses, a beep is emitted again and the display returns to the current test information. When the input operator confirms these operations and presses the confirmation button, the re-verification information and the predetermined information such as the ID of the electric meter are collected and recorded in the handy terminal or the like, and the re-verification processing of the electric meter is completed. . Therefore, the input worker puts a seal etc. to clearly indicate to the customer that the electric meter has switched to the function for the new fee system and has undergone re-verification, and finishes all work related to re-validation. .

  It should be noted that the display change of the indicator 3b immediately after the input of the re-verification information does not mean that the function of the electric meter is immediately switched immediately after the input, and various functions that are in operation can be performed while the verification information is being input. Even after the input, it is not switched immediately, and continues until just before a predetermined time of the system start date or the contract start date included as one of the revalidation information. At a predetermined time on the start date, the function is gradually switched to the function based on the revalidation information input by the revalidation action, and starts functioning as an electric meter corresponding to the new fee system.

  In addition, the above-mentioned information and the like of the handy terminal brought back is collected by a higher-level computer and managed by an electric power company's instrument management department.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the electric meter according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control unit b can read the meter reading data from the non-volatile memory-1 even when the control unit 6a is performing the measuring operation.

  In FIG. 7, an electric meter 1 measures the amount of power consumed by a consumer, and includes a power supply circuit unit (not shown), a display unit 3 (consisting of a display unit 3a and a display unit 3b), a measuring unit 4, Setting unit 5, control unit 6a, control unit 6b, storage unit 7 (consisting of ROM-1, RAM-1, nonvolatile memory-1, ROM-2, RAM-2 and nonvolatile memory-2), interface (I / F) circuits 8a and 8b are provided. The control unit 6a is connected to the nonvolatile memory-1, RAM-1, ROM-1, and nonvolatile memory-2 of the storage unit 7, and the control unit 6b is connected to the nonvolatile memory-2, RAM-2, ROM of the storage unit 7. -2 and non-volatile memory-1.

  The non-volatile memory-1 has a read / write function under the control of the control unit 6a, and functions as a read-only memory (reads meter reading data) under the control of the control unit 6b. The non-volatile memory-2 has a read / write function under the control of the control unit 6b, and functions as a read-only memory under the control of the control unit 6a (reads data related to type approval / verification and other commands). This point is mainly different from the first embodiment.

  The display 3a, the measuring unit 4, the setting unit 5, the control unit 6a, the non-volatile memory-1 of the storage unit 7, the RAM-1, and the ROM-1 constitute an electric meter according to the prior art. When the model number or the like changes, the display 3b is a display that always displays items that change with the change, and the display is controlled by the control unit 6b. The RAM-1 stores / reads the processing data of the control unit 6a. The ROM-1 stores instrument-specific information such as programs used in the control unit 6a and initial ID numbers. The non-volatile memory-1 has a processing condition (even if no power is supplied to the first arithmetic processing unit (consisting of a number in FIG. 7) (consisting of a number in FIG. 7) of the electric meter 1. Document data and program data), or a non-volatile memory for temporarily storing various data related to automatic meter reading. In addition, as a memory for storing a program necessary for operating the control unit 6a, there are ROM-1 and non-volatile memory-1, but ROM-1 has a program for embodying a base instrument, In addition, the nonvolatile memory-1 stores a program for correction to be changed. The non-volatile memory-2 has the processing condition and the control unit 6a even when no power is supplied to the second arithmetic processing unit (comprising the control unit 6b and the storage unit 7) "(not numbered in FIG. 7). This is a non-volatile memory for storing a correction program used in the above. The RAM-2 stores / reads the processing data of the control unit 6b. ROM-2 stores a program used in the control unit 6b (including a public key of Nidec Test received from Nidec Test) and instrument specific information such as an initial ID number.

  The control unit 6b describes in the communication text all the communications that the control unit 6a responsible for various controls of the electric meter 1 sealed by verification or self-inspection exchanges with the outside via the interface (I / F) circuit 8a. According to the command, it has the function of relaying it as it is or decrypting or encrypting it using the public key and the function of displaying the instrument specific information received from the outside of the instrument by the communication by the public key cryptosystem on the display 3b.

  In addition, the display after the said process which concerns on the indicator 3b of the electric meter 1 of a present Example is implemented is the same as the content shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, when a message is input to the control unit 6b via the interface (I / F) circuit 8a by a predetermined communication method, the control unit 6b performs a message analysis process, and performs processing according to the mode written in the message. Execute. In the present embodiment, the information related to the type approval / verification of modes 01 to 05 shown in FIG. 2 is encrypted with the private key of Nihon Denshoku, stored in a recording medium, and delivered to the applicant.

  When any of the above-described information of mode 01 to mode 05 is input, the result of decryption with the public key of Nichiden Ken stored in ROM-2 is written in nonvolatile memory-2, and then the interface (I / F) Via the circuit 8b, it is relayed to the control unit 6a according to a predetermined communication procedure that the instrument specific information has been changed (or changed to the designated date written in the message). . Receiving the information, the control unit 6a transfers the information to the non-volatile memory-1 that mainly manages the information, stores the information as subsequent instrument unique information, and calls the newly written instrument unique information, etc. into the RAM-1. Write.

  Thereafter, the control unit 6a performs the following operation.

  1. The arithmetic processing operation of the electric meter is started based on the instrument specific information read from the RAM-1 according to the program stored in the ROM-1.

  2. The arithmetic operation operation of the electric meter is started according to the new program stored in the nonvolatile memory-1.

  Further, when information other than mode 01 to mode 05 is input, the control unit 6b executes the processing of the received message content as it is (processing 11 to processing n in FIG. 2) (from the beginning to the mere relay function). To do.

[When system operation according to the present invention starts (immediately after)]
A public key (Nippon Denshoku) is issued to a manufacturer having an electric meter development business, and IDs and passwords corresponding to all manufacturers are issued.

[Development of electrical meters]
Temporary Model Approval Application ... After entering the website of Nidec Inspection / Headquarters on the Internet, enter the above ID and password to enter the provisional model application page, and write down the (predetermined) application form for the electrical instrument that is scheduled for application soon. Alternatively, attach a difference file (difference file that is the difference between before and after the change) and click the provisional model application button.

  Approval of Temporary Model: When the application is approved with respect to the above-mentioned application, provisional model information encrypted with the Nidec Denshi secret key is sent together with the provisional model approval document.

  The manufacturer described above inputs temporary model information to an electric meter under development using a personal computer or a handy terminal. The provisional model information is decoded by the control unit 6b and written to the nonvolatile memory-2 as the provisional model information of the instrument. The controller 6b that has written the provisional model information in the nonvolatile memory-2 has changed the instrument-specific information or the like via the interface (I / F) circuit 8a (or the designation written in the message). To the control unit 6a according to a predetermined communication procedure. The control unit 6a that has received the information moves the electronic message to the nonvolatile memory-1 that manages the message, stores it as subsequent instrument unique information, calls the newly written unique information, etc., and writes it to the RAM-1. .

  Thereafter, the control unit 6a performs the following operation.

  1. Based on the instrument specific information read from the RAM-1 according to the program stored in the ROM-1, the arithmetic processing operation of the electric instrument is started.

  2. The arithmetic processing operation of the electric meter is started according to the new program stored in the nonvolatile memory-1.

  The first visible change is the display on the display 3b. Rewritten information (model number “----”, shape symbol “(type name of the reported instrument)”, number of time zones (for example, “10”), and model number are attached to the display 3b. Japanese calendar year "-") is displayed.

  By setting the number of time zones that can be spared in the provisional model conditions, it is possible to verify performance, function and structure under various conditions corresponding to various pricing menus. It can correspond to the price system menu.

[Type application]
Application for type approval: The manufacturer submits a set of type approval application documents and a predetermined number of electric meters for type testing, and waits for the type approval of Nidec.

  Preparation of the type (confirmation to approve) test ... Nichidenken that received the above type approval application accepts the type approval application and confirms the application contents, and if there is no error in the application contents, accepts this, Encrypt the application contents using the above-mentioned secret key and input it (to the electric meter submitted at the time of application for type approval) to confirm that information beyond the type approval information will not be accepted. The first visible change after inputting the above-mentioned type approval information is the display on the display 3b. The rewritten information (model number, for example, “3124”, shape symbol “(type name of the reported instrument)”, number of time zones (for example, “10”), and model number is attached to the display 3b. Japanese calendar year "-") is displayed.

  Type test: Verify the structure, performance and function under various conditions.

  Type approval: When the type test is passed, a recording medium (memory card, IC card, etc.) storing the type approval information and the like created with the private key of Nidec Denshi together with the type approval document is issued.

[Test]
Certification request: The business operator who intends to apply for certification submits the electrical instrument that he / she wishes to undergo certification together with the certification request form to Nichiden Inspection (head office, branch office, branch office / business office) in 1 to 3 locations within the power company. Wait for the completion of the certification test of Nidec.

  Examination test… Nippon Denken, which has received the above-mentioned examination request, accepts the examination request and confirms the contents of the request. If there is no error in the contents of the request, it accepts it and encrypts the application contents using the above-mentioned secret key. , Input to the requested electric meter, confirm that it does not accept information in the range beyond the verification information, conduct tests under various predetermined conditions, determine pass or fail, and pass Items are sealed and a test seal is affixed to complete the work related to the test, and the test client is informed that the test has been completed. The first change that can be seen by inputting the above-described test information is the display on the display 3b. The rewritten information (model number, eg “3124”, shape symbol “(type name of the reported instrument)”), number of time zones (eg “3”), and model number are attached to the display 3b. Japanese calendar year (for example, “15”) is displayed.

  From the viewpoint of confidentiality, it is preferable that the number of departments that directly handle the private key is as small as possible. From the viewpoint of confidentiality, the department that accepts the examination and encrypts the contents of the request is set to one location of NIPPON DENKO / Headquarters. It makes sense to store it on a recording medium and give it to a branch office, branch office or office.

[Self-inspection]
Preparations for self-inspection: Designated manufacturers who want to conduct self-inspection are random among the electric meters that want to conduct self-inspection along with a confirmation request form for self-inspection at Nidec (Head Office, branch office, branch office, office) Submit the specified number of items.

  The Nidec test which received the above confirmation request accepts the confirmation request and confirms the content of the self-inspection, accepts this if there is no error in the inspection content, and encrypts the inspection content using the above-mentioned secret key, The above-mentioned recording medium storing the self-inspection information encrypted with the above-mentioned secret key after confirming that the information exceeding the self-inspection information is not accepted by inputting into the electric meter submitted at the time of confirmation request Issued to the client along with a self-inspection confirmation.

[Implementation of self-inspection]
The change first seen when the self-inspection information stored in the received recording medium is input to the self-inspection electric meter is the display of the display 3b as in the above-described test. After confirming that it has been displayed, conduct tests under various predetermined conditions, determine pass / fail, seal those that pass, and attach a standard conformity seal to complete the work related to self-inspection . Rewritten information (model number, eg, “3124”, shape symbol “(type name of the reported instrument)”, number of time zones (eg, “3”), model number Japanese calendar year with “,” for example, “15”) is displayed.

[Retest]
[Retest-1]
Preparation for recertification request ... (Electric meters that have already been validated and are in operation without having to remove the electrical meters will be re-verified on site) Submit a specified number of electrical instruments with the same type approval number as the resume of the electrical instrument to be recertified to the headquarters).

  Upon receiving the revalidation request, Nichidenken confirms the content of the revalidation and, if there are no errors in the revalidation content, encrypts the revalidation content using the above-mentioned private key and submits the After entering the instrument and confirming that it will not accept information beyond the range of revalidation information, conduct a prescribed examination, and if it passes, notify the client that the request has been accepted.

  Request for re-verification: The electric power company's instrument management department (for each customer who requested to switch to a handy terminal with a communication terminal function (wireless) equipped with a predetermined re-verification request form creation program) ) And input it to the worker who performs the installation work on site. The local worker goes to the customer, connects a handy terminal with a communication terminal function that stores the above-mentioned re-verification conditions to an electric meter, and then operates the handy terminal to re-verify the NS Enter the acceptance page and press the re-examination request button to request re-examination of the instrument. In return, re-verification information in which information necessary for re-verification is encrypted is sent. The above-described re-verification information is input to the electric meter via the handy terminal. Therefore, the local worker attaches a seal or the like to clearly indicate to the customer that the electric meter has switched to the function for the new fee system and has undergone re-verification, and finishes all work related to the re-validation.

[Retest-2]
Preparation for re-verification request ... (Electric meters that have already been verified and are in operation without having to remove the electric meters should be re-verified on-site) Submit a specified number of electrical instruments with the same type approval number as the resume of the electrical instrument to be recertified to the headquarters).

  Upon receiving the revalidation request, Nichidenken confirms the content of the revalidation and, if there are no errors in the revalidation content, encrypts the revalidation content using the above-mentioned private key and submits the After entering the instrument and confirming that it does not accept information beyond the range of revalidation information, perform the prescribed verification test, and if it passes, store the revalidation information encrypted with the above private key Deliver the above-mentioned recording medium to the client along with the acceptance form of the request, and deliver the above-mentioned recording medium storing a copy of the re-examination request form and the re-verification information to Nidec Denshi / Branch (Branch → Branch / Office) .

  Request for re-verification: The electric utility's instrument management department inputs the re-verification information to the handy terminal, etc., and gives it to the operator who performs the installation work on site. The local worker goes to the customer, connects a handy terminal or the like in which the above-mentioned re-verification conditions are stored to the electric meter, and then presses a work start button to install the re-verification information.

  The change that is first seen when the received re-verification information is input to the electric meter is the display on the display 3b as in the above-described verification. When the input of the re-verification information is completed, for example, a beeping sound is made to notify the operator of the end of the input work, and the contents rewritten under the blinking state are sequentially displayed for a predetermined time {model number (For example, “3124”), symbol of the form “(the model name of the reported instrument)”, the number of time zones (for example, “5”), the Japanese calendar year with the model number (for example, “15”)} Is done. When the above-mentioned predetermined time elapses, a beep is emitted again and the display returns to the current test information. When the input operator confirms these operations and presses the confirmation button, the re-verification information and the predetermined information such as the ID of the electric meter are collected and recorded in the handy terminal or the like, and the re-verification processing of the electric meter is completed. . Therefore, the input worker puts a seal etc. to clearly indicate to the customer that the electric meter has switched to the function for the new fee system and has undergone re-verification, and finishes all work related to re-validation. .

  It should be noted that the display change of the indicator 3b immediately after the input of the re-verification information does not mean that the function of the electric meter is immediately switched immediately after the input, and various functions that are in operation can be performed while the verification information is being input. Even after the input, it is not switched immediately, and continues until just before a predetermined time of the system start date or the contract start date included as one of the revalidation information. At a predetermined time on the start date, the function is gradually switched to the function based on the revalidation information input by the revalidation action, and starts functioning as an electric meter corresponding to the new fee system.

  In addition, the above-mentioned information and the like of the handy terminal brought back is collected by a higher-level computer and managed by an electric power company's instrument management department.

  The present invention is applicable not only to electric meters such as watt-hour meters, reactive watt-hour meters, and maximum demand watt-hour meters, but also to specific meters such as water, gas, and gasoline.

It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the electric meter which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart regarding the message | telegram analysis process of the control part 6b of the electric meter 1 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the display state of the indicator 3b after the message | telegram analysis process of the electric meter 1 of FIG. 1 was implemented. It is the flowchart which concerns on the read-out of the information which concerns on the model approval and a test | inspection of the 1st arithmetic processing part 9a of the electric meter 1 of FIG. 1, and the arithmetic processing performed based on this information. It is a part of flowcharts, such as model approval and a test | inspection of the electric meter 1 of FIG. It is the remaining part of flowcharts, such as type approval and a test | inspection of the electric meter 1 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the electric meter which concerns on Example 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electric meter 3 Display part 3a, 3b Display unit 4 Weighing part 5 Setting part 6a, 6b Control part 7, 7a, 7b Storage part 8, 8a, 8b Interface (I / F) circuit 9a, 9b Arithmetic processing part 10 Communication function Part

Claims (9)

  Passing the type approval and verification having weighing means for weighing the measurement object, storage means for storing the measured value, display means for displaying the measured value, and input / output means for inputting / outputting signals to / from the outside In the case of a meter that requires a license, the part of the program installed in the meter that is related to the charge system is changed by the input of a signal using the encryption key issued by the type approval implementation body. A characteristic instrument.   The instrument according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays instrument-specific information that changes due to a change in fee system.   3. The instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that causes the storage unit to store a part of a program related to a fee system that is changed by decrypting the signal using the encryption key.   The control means, when a signal using the encryption key is input, a part of the program related to the fee system encrypted with the secret key by the verification implementation entity is issued in advance by the implementation entity of the type approval, The instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a part of the program related to the fee system is changed by decrypting with the public key stored in the storage means.   Encrypt and encrypt the revalidation information indicating the revalidation pass according to the revalidation request to make the instrument comply with the new fee system with the private key decrypted with the public key issued by the type approval implementation body The revalidation method is characterized in that the revalidation information entered is input to a meter that corresponds to the new fee system.   Cryptographic type approval information indicating approval according to provisional type approval application to verify in advance the type approval application of the instrument scheduled to be performed in the near future is encrypted with a private key that is decrypted with the public key issued by the implementing body of type approval And a provisional model approval method characterized in that encrypted provisional model information is issued.   Type approval information indicating approval according to the type approval application for receiving the type approval of the instrument is encrypted with the private key decrypted with the public key issued by the type approval implementation body, and the encrypted type information is issued A type approval method characterized by that.   The verification information indicating the passing of the verification according to the verification request for receiving the verification of the meter is encrypted with the private key decrypted with the public key issued by the implementing body of type approval, and the encrypted verification information is stored in the meter. A test method characterized by input. The self-inspection information indicating the acceptance of the self-inspection according to the notification of the self-inspection of the instrument is encrypted with the private key that is decrypted with the public key issued by the implementing body of the type approval, and the encrypted self-inspection information is input to the instrument A self-inspection method characterized by that.

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