JP2007206892A - Utility measuring system and adaptor used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an efficient utility measuring system by economically reducing establishment cost and communication cost while maintaining communicating function. <P>SOLUTION: The adaptor 20 of the utility measuring system comprises a communication means 21 performing communications from the adaptor 20 to a meter 10 or an external institution 30; and a determination means 22 determining the location of information to be transmitted to the external institution 30. When the determination means 22 determines that the information to be transmitted to the external institution 30 is in the meter 10, the communication means 21 performs first processing for communicating with the meter 10, acquiring a first information value from the meter 10 and transmitting it to the external institution 30. When the determination means 22 determines that the information to be transmitted to the external institution 30 is in the adaptor 20, the communication means 21 executes second processing for transmitting a second information value retained in a count means 23 to the external institution 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a meter for measuring a first information value related to a utility usage equivalent value, an adapter having a counting means for measuring a second information value from utility usage information output from the meter, and the first information. The present invention relates to a utility measurement system that is established with an external organization that collects at least one of a value and the second information value by communication, and an adapter used therefor.

In recent years, utility meters used for measuring utility usage such as gas have become more and more sophisticated by providing a security function and a communication function in addition to the original measurement function. In particular, after utility meters having a wired or wireless communication function with the center have been developed, automatic meter reading systems that perform automatic meter reading from the center are becoming widespread. As a utility meter used in such an automatic meter reading system, for example, there is an adapter type meter in which an adapter having an additional function (for example, a communication function) other than a metering function is provided in the utility meter (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ).
Here, the information transmitted from the utility meter to the center includes the first information value related to the utility usage equivalent value referred to in the present application. This first information value is, for example, a meter pointer value collected at the center once a month and subject to automatic meter reading, and is information that is measured and determined on the meter side.

Conventionally, a load survey system has been used in order to accurately predict the amount of utility supply to consumers, predict the usage amount by time zone, grasp the usage status by utility device, etc. (for example, patents) Reference 2).
In such a road survey system, information obtained from utility meters connected to various utility devices is collected at the center. At the center, various predicted values are calculated based on information transmitted from each utility device, and the utility supply amount and the like are determined from the calculation results.

JP 2002-150459 A JP 2000-298790 A

  Here, when an adapter type meter with a communication function capable of automatic meter reading as in Patent Document 1 is used and a load survey system as in Patent Document 2 is to be constructed, a communication device for performing communication with the center Are required for both the adapter and the meter. Such a system having two communication devices not only doubles the communication cost of course, but also causes inefficient and uneconomical results of redundantly providing devices having similar functions. Become.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to maintain a communication function in constructing a utility measurement system that performs automatic meter reading while enabling a load survey for utility equipment and the like. At the same time, the construction cost and the communication cost are reduced to eliminate waste and to achieve an efficient utility measurement system. Moreover, it is in the point which provides the adapter used for such a utility measurement system.

  A characteristic configuration of the utility measurement system according to the present invention includes a meter that measures a first information value related to a utility usage equivalent value, and a counting unit that measures a second information value from utility usage information output from the meter. A utility measurement system established between the adapter and an external organization that collects at least one of the first information value and the second information value by communication, wherein the adapter is connected to the meter or the external A communication unit that performs communication between the engine and a determination unit that determines a location of information to be transmitted to the external engine, and the determination unit determines that the information to be transmitted to the external engine is in the meter. The communication means communicates with the meter to obtain the first information value from the meter. When the first process for transmitting to the external engine is executed and the determination unit determines that the information to be transmitted to the external engine is in the adapter, the communication unit stores the second information held in the count unit. The second processing is to execute the second process of transmitting the value to the external organization.

  In the utility measurement system of this configuration, the adapter that acquires information from the meter includes a communication unit and a determination unit. Here, when the determination means determines that the information to be transmitted to the external organization is in the meter, the communication means communicates with the meter, and executes the first process of acquiring the first information value from the meter and transmitting it to the external organization. To do. Such a first information value is used in automatic meter reading. On the other hand, when the determination unit determines that the information to be transmitted to the external organization is in the adapter, the communication unit executes a second process of transmitting the second information value held in the count unit to the external organization. Such a second information value is used in a road survey. Thus, the meter can send and receive information to and from an external organization via the adapter communication means. Therefore, both the meter and the adapter need not be provided with communication terminals, respectively, and the cost for system construction can be reduced. Also, by sharing the communication means between the meter and the adapter, it is possible to reduce the communication cost while maintaining the communication function. Furthermore, when information is requested from an external institution, if the information is in the adapter, the communication means can respond directly from the adapter without starting the meter, so the load survey when performing automatic meter reading is efficiently performed. It becomes possible to eliminate waste.

  In the utility measurement system of the present invention, after the communication means acquires the first information value from the meter, an additional process of adding the second information value to the first information value and transmitting it to the external engine is executed. It is also possible to do.

  In the utility measurement system of this configuration, the communication means of the adapter allows the second information value obtained from the first information value related to the usage amount of the utility existing in the meter and the utility usage information output from the meter existing in the adapter. When it is necessary to transmit both to the external organization, the second information value can be transmitted with the first information value added. That is, since two pieces of information can be transmitted at a time in one communication, the communication cost can be reduced and the communication efficiency can be improved.

  In the utility measurement system of the present invention, the meter can be set to a meter identification number that can be transmitted to the adapter, and the adapter has a rewritable adapter identification number, and the meter acquired from the meter When the identification number is different from the adapter identification number, the adapter identification number can be rewritten to the same number as the meter identification number.

  In the utility measurement system of this configuration, when the initial setting mode (for example, a mode set during the installation work of the meter) is completed, a meter identification number is set in the meter. This meter identification number is information that can be sent to the adapter. If the meter identification number is different from the adapter identification number when the adapter first obtains the meter identification number, the adapter identification number is referred to as the meter identification number. Processing to rewrite to the same number is performed. Then, once the adapter number is rewritten, as long as it is the same number as the meter identification number, communication is performed without any new determination. In this way, measurement in a predetermined operation mode executed after the end of the initial setting mode is easily and reliably performed while identifying the meter.

  In the utility measurement system of the present invention, the adapter can shift to a predetermined operation mode after rewriting the adapter identification number to the same number as the meter identification number.

  In the utility measurement system of this configuration, when the initial setting mode is completed, it is possible to immediately shift to a predetermined operation mode (for example, a load survey mode or a non-load survey mode). This transition is triggered by the adapter rewriting its own adapter identification number to the same number as the meter identification number acquired from the meter. This transition can be confirmed by the adapter rewriting its own adapter identification number, so in the initial setting mode, it is caused by a miscellaneous signal or noise that may be generated by contact of a lead wire or the like during installation of the adapter. There is no risk of the adapter incorrectly counting the signal. As a result, battery consumption of the adapter can be prevented and accurate measurement can be performed.

  A characteristic configuration of the utility measurement system according to the present invention includes a meter that measures a first information value related to a utility usage equivalent value, and a counting unit that measures a second information value from utility usage information output from the meter. A utility measurement system established between the adapter and an external organization that collects at least one of the first information value and the second information value by communication, wherein the adapter is connected to the meter or the external A communication unit that performs communication between the engine and a determination unit that determines a location of information to be transmitted to the external engine, and the determination unit includes information to be transmitted to the external engine in the meter and the adapter. The communication means communicates with the meter, and from the meter, the communication means communicates with the meter. It acquires first information value lies in the fact that by adding the second information value held in the counting means to said first information value to perform additional processing to be transmitted to the external organization.

  In the utility measurement system of this configuration, the adapter that acquires information from the meter includes a communication unit and a determination unit. Here, when the determination unit determines that the information to be transmitted to the external engine is in the meter and the adapter, the communication unit communicates with the meter, acquires the first information value from the meter, and counts the first information value. An additional process is performed in which the second information value held in is added and transmitted to the external organization. Thus, the meter and the adapter can transmit and receive information to and from the external organization via the adapter communication means. Therefore, both the meter and the adapter need not be provided with communication terminals, respectively, and the cost for system construction can be reduced. Also, by sharing the communication means between the meter and the adapter, it is possible to reduce the communication cost while maintaining the communication function. Further, the communication means can transmit the second information value added to the first information value. That is, since two pieces of information can be transmitted at a time in one communication, the communication cost can be reduced and the communication efficiency can be improved. This makes it possible to efficiently perform a load survey when performing automatic meter reading, eliminating waste.

  In the utility measurement system of the present invention, the meter can be set to a meter identification number that can be transmitted to the adapter, and the adapter has a rewritable adapter identification number, and the meter acquired from the meter When the identification number is different from the adapter identification number, the adapter identification number can be rewritten to the same number as the meter identification number.

  In the utility measurement system of this configuration, when the initial setting mode (for example, a mode set during the installation work of the meter) is completed, a meter identification number is set in the meter. This meter identification number is information that can be sent to the adapter. If the meter identification number is different from the adapter identification number when the adapter first obtains the meter identification number, the adapter identification number is referred to as the meter identification number. Processing to rewrite to the same number is performed. Then, once the adapter number is rewritten, as long as it is the same number as the meter identification number, communication is performed without any new determination. In this way, measurement in a predetermined operation mode executed after the end of the initial setting mode is easily and reliably performed while identifying the meter.

  In the utility measurement system of the present invention, the adapter can shift to a predetermined operation mode after rewriting the adapter identification number to the same number as the meter identification number.

  In the utility measurement system of this configuration, when the initial setting mode is completed, it is possible to immediately shift to a predetermined operation mode (for example, a load survey mode or a non-load survey mode). This transition is triggered by the adapter rewriting its own adapter identification number to the same number as the meter identification number acquired from the meter. This transition can be confirmed by the adapter rewriting its own adapter identification number, so in the initial setting mode, it is caused by a miscellaneous signal or noise that may be generated by contact of a lead wire or the like during installation of the adapter. There is no risk of the adapter incorrectly counting the signal. As a result, battery consumption of the adapter can be prevented and accurate measurement can be performed.

  In the utility measurement system of the present invention, it is preferable that the meter can transmit a call start message that is a start command to the external organization.

  This type of calling process is a process that is required when the meter mainly acts on the system side when it is desired to transmit some information from the meter side to the external organization side. For example, when an abnormality as a device is detected on the meter side or when an abnormality is detected in a measurement value measured by the meter, it is necessary to send meter alarm information to the external engine side. Therefore, an active call activation message from the meter side can be transmitted. In this way, in the utility measurement system of this configuration, the meter transmits a call start message that is a start command to an external organization as needed, together with a function to perform a load survey in utility equipment, etc. It is possible to deal with cases where there is a need for processing on the side.

  In the utility measurement system of the present invention, the adapter may transmit a call start message that is a start command to the external organization.

  This type of calling process is a process that is required when the adapter mainly acts on the system side when it is desired to transfer some information from the adapter side to the external organization side. For example, when an abnormality as a device is detected on the adapter side, or when an abnormality is detected in information detected by the adapter, it is necessary to send adapter ram information to the external engine side. Therefore, an active call activation message from the adapter side can be transmitted. In this way, in the utility measurement system of this configuration, the adapter sends a call start message that is a start command to an external organization as necessary, along with the function of performing a load survey in utility equipment, etc. It is possible to deal with cases where there is a need for processing on the side.

  The characteristic configuration of the adapter used in the utility measurement system according to the present invention includes a communication unit that performs communication with a meter or an external organization, and a determination unit that determines the location of information to be transmitted to the external organization. However, when it is determined that the information to be transmitted to the external organization is in the meter, the communication means communicates with the meter, acquires a first information value measured by the meter from the meter, and transmits the first information value to the external organization. When the determination means determines that the information to be transmitted to the external organization is held by itself, the communication means performs a second process of transmitting the second information value measured by itself to the external organization. The point is to execute.

  In the adapter having this configuration, information (first information value or second information value) can be transmitted / received to / from a meter or an external organization through the communication means of the adapter. For this reason, it is not necessary for both the meter and the adapter to have communication terminals, respectively, and the cost for system construction can be reduced. Also, by sharing the communication means between the meter and the adapter, it is possible to reduce the communication cost while maintaining the communication function. Furthermore, when information is requested from an external institution, if the information is in the adapter, the communication means can respond directly from the adapter without starting the meter, so the load survey when performing automatic meter reading is efficiently performed. It becomes possible to eliminate waste.

  The characteristic configuration of the adapter used in the utility measurement system according to the present invention includes a communication unit that performs communication with a meter or an external organization, and a determination unit that determines the location of information to be transmitted to the external organization. However, when the information to be transmitted to the external organization is in the meter and it is determined that it is held by itself, the communication means communicates with the meter, acquires a first information value measured by the meter from the meter, and An additional process of adding the second information value measured by itself to the first information value and transmitting it to the external organization is executed.

  The adapter of this configuration adds the second information value measured by itself to the first information value acquired from the meter, and executes an additional process of transmitting the information to the external organization. Information value and second information value) can be transmitted at once. For this reason, the communication cost can be reduced and the communication efficiency can be improved.

  The adapter used in the utility measurement system of the present invention is capable of receiving a meter identification number set in the meter and has a rewritable adapter identification number, and the meter identification number acquired from the meter is When different from the adapter identification number, the adapter identification number can be rewritten to the same number as the meter identification number.

  In the adapter used in the utility measurement system having this configuration, when the initial setting mode (for example, a mode set during the installation work of the meter) is completed, a meter identification number is set in the meter. This meter identification number is information that can be sent to the adapter. If the meter identification number is different from the adapter identification number when the adapter first obtains the meter identification number, the adapter identification number is referred to as the meter identification number. Processing to rewrite to the same number is performed. Then, once the adapter number is rewritten, as long as it is the same number as the meter identification number, communication is performed without any new determination. In this way, measurement in a predetermined operation mode executed after the end of the initial setting mode is easily and reliably performed while identifying the meter.

  The adapter used in the utility measurement system of the present invention can shift to the predetermined operation mode after rewriting the adapter identification number to the same number as the meter identification number.

  In the adapter used in the utility measurement system having this configuration, when the initial setting mode is completed, the adapter can be immediately shifted to a predetermined operation mode (for example, a load survey mode or a non-load survey mode). This transition is triggered by the adapter rewriting its own adapter identification number to the same number as the meter identification number acquired from the meter. This transition can be confirmed by the adapter rewriting its own adapter identification number, so in the initial setting mode, it is caused by a miscellaneous signal or noise that may be generated by contact of a lead wire or the like during installation of the adapter. There is no risk of the adapter incorrectly counting the signal. As a result, battery consumption of the adapter can be prevented and accurate measurement can be performed.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments relating to a utility measurement system of the present invention and an adapter used therefor will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments and drawings described below, and any modifications can be made within the scope that can be implemented by those skilled in the art as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved. Modification is possible.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a utility measurement system 100 of the present invention that performs automatic meter reading while enabling a load survey for utility equipment and the like. In addition, in this invention, a utility is the energy or goods supplied to a consumer in various public services, for example, gas, electricity, water supply etc. are mentioned. In the present embodiment, a gas will be described as an example.

  The utility measurement system 100 of the present invention is established among the meter 10, the adapter 20, and the external engine 30. Here, the external engine 30 is typically a meter reading center 30 that performs automatic meter reading of the meter 10. Therefore, hereinafter, the external engine 30 will be described as the meter reading center 30.

As the meter 10, for example, a conventionally used diaphragm type meter can be used. The meter 10 is provided with a meter controller 11 and a pulse transmitter 12. The meter controller 11 measures the first information value related to the gas usage equivalent value. The value corresponding to the amount of gas used is, for example, the total integrated value of gas used by a customer during a predetermined period (for example, one month), and this is usually used as a meter indicator value. The pulse transmitter 12 transmits a pulse as gas use information. A count value obtained by counting this pulse by a counter 23 on the adapter 20 side, which will be described later, is called an adapter guideline value, and a load survey can be performed by detecting this adapter guideline value over time. In the present specification, the adapter guideline value is the second information value.
As a specific configuration example of the pulse transmitter 12, a transmitting magnet 12b is attached to the rotating shaft of a number wheel 12a indicating a pointer value as shown in FIG. 1, and the magnetic force from the transmitting magnet 12b is a bias magnet (not shown). Some devices generate pulses by turning on / off the reed switch 12c provided via the switch.

The adapter 20 is attached to the meter 10 and has a communication function to communicate various information with the meter 10 and a meter reading center 30 described later. Specifically, the adapter 20 includes a communication unit 21 and a determination unit 22. The communication means 21 is communicably connected to the meter controller 11 of the meter 10 and can receive a gas usage equivalent value (first information value) from the meter 10. Then, the first information value can be transmitted to the meter-reading center 30 via any communication device T. The determination unit 22 determines the location of information to be transmitted to the meter reading center 30. This determination will be described later in detail.
The adapter 20 further includes a counting unit 23 for acquiring gas use information (pulse) transmitted from the pulse transmitter 12 of the meter 10 and measuring a second information value (in this embodiment, a gas flow rate value). is doing. As described above, this second information value is also called an adapter guide value. Therefore, the adapter 20 can also transmit the second information value held by itself to the meter-reading center 30 via the communication device T. The communication means 21 also executes this communication process.
The power source 24 of the adapter 20 may be an internal power source such as a battery or an external power source such as an AC power source.

  The meter-reading center 30 collects at least one of the first information value and the second information value by communication. Then, based on these information values, a so-called road survey is also performed for predicting the future gas usage of the consumer. As a communication connection form between the meter-reading center 30 and the meter 10 via the adapter 20 and the communication device T, for example, there are patterns as shown in (a) to (d) of FIG.

In the utility measurement system 100 of the present invention, the communication means 21 provided in the adapter 20 can function not only as a communication means of the adapter 20 but also as a relay means for relaying the communication of the meter 10 depending on the situation. it can.
For example, when the determination unit 22 determines that the information to be transmitted to the meter reading center 30 is in the meter 10, the communication unit 21 communicates with the meter 10 and acquires a gas usage equivalent value (first information value) from the meter 10. And transmitted to the meter reading center 30. This process is defined as a first process in this specification. The first process is a process performed when normal automatic meter reading is performed. On the other hand, when the determination unit 22 determines that the information to be transmitted to the meter reading center 30 is in the adapter 20, the communication unit 21 reads the gas flow rate value (second information value) that is the adapter pointer value held in the count unit 23. Transmit to the center 30. This process is defined as a second process in this specification. The second process is a process performed when a load survey is performed.

In this way, the meter 10 can transmit and receive information to and from the meter reading center 30 via the communication means 21 of the adapter 20, and can execute the first process and the second process. Therefore, both the meter 10 and the adapter 20 do not need to have communication terminals, respectively, and the cost for system construction can be reduced.
In addition, by sharing the communication means 21 in the meter 10 and the adapter 20 as described above, it is possible to reduce the communication cost while maintaining the communication function.
Further, when information is requested from the meter reading center 30, if the information is in the adapter 20, the communication means 21 may execute the second process of responding directly from the adapter 20 without activating the meter 10. It is possible to efficiently perform a road survey when performing the operation, and there is no waste.

  The communication procedure of the communication unit 21 is determined by various determination logics determined by the determination unit 22. Then, seven examples (1st Example-7th Example) are shown about the communication procedure performed by the utility measurement system 100 of this invention.

  Prior to the description of each embodiment, for example, a description will be given of a transition process to an initial setting mode and a predetermined operation mode that is executed when the installation work of the adapter 20 is performed. The initial setting mode is a mode in which preparation for establishing the function of the adapter 20 is performed before automatic meter reading is started in a predetermined operation mode (for example, a road survey mode or a non-load survey mode). FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure in the initial setting mode, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a determination flow performed at the first point indicated by numeral 1 in the explanatory diagram of FIG. A determination is made as to whether the operation mode has been changed.

  First, the meter identification number is transmitted from the meter 10 to the adapter 20, and the determination in the adapter 20 is started as shown in FIG. 18 (S1 ′). At this time, the adapter 20 determines whether or not the meter identification number has been acquired from the meter 10 (S2 ′). The adapter 20 starts processing for ending the initial setting mode when the meter identification number is first acquired from the meter 10. When the initial setting mode ends, the utility measurement system 100 shifts to a predetermined operation mode described below.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the adapter 20 has a rewritable adapter identification number in the setting unit. The adapter identification number initially set can be, for example, an arbitrary four-digit number (***). The adapter 20 determines whether the meter identification number (for example, 0001) acquired from the meter 10 is different from the adapter identification number (***) that the adapter 20 has (S3 ′). When it is determined that they are different (S3 ′; YES), the adapter 20 rewrites its own adapter identification number to the same number (0001) as the meter identification number, and the rewritten adapter identification number and meter identification number are stored in the meter reading center 30. Transmit (S4 '). As a result of this rewriting process, the utility measurement system 100 completely ends the initial setting mode (S5 ′) and shifts to a predetermined operation mode (S6 ′). Once the adapter number is rewritten, as long as it is the same number as the meter identification number (S3 ′; NO), the meter 10 and the adapter 20 are in a predetermined operation mode with the meter reading center 30 without requiring a new judgment. Communication can be performed (S6 ').
As described above, by using the meter identification number and the adapter identification number, it is possible to easily and reliably perform measurement in a predetermined operation mode executed after the initial setting mode is completed while identifying the meter 10.
In addition, since the adapter 20 can confirm the transition from the initial setting mode to the predetermined operation mode by rewriting the adapter identification number of the adapter 20 in the initial setting mode, the adapter 20 can be touched during installation work of the adapter 20 There is no possibility that the adapter 20 erroneously counts miscellaneous signals that may be generated or signals due to noise. As a result, battery consumption of the adapter 20 can be prevented and accurate measurement can be performed.

1st Example 1st Example is an Example based on a normal automatic meter-reading, and while starting the meter 10 via the adapter 20 from the meter-reading center 30 side, the 1st information value which the meter 10 hold | maintains In this embodiment, the second information value held by the adapter 20 at that time is further collected. Therefore, the meter reading mode bit is set to 0.

2nd Example 2nd Example is an Example based on the state which is performing the road survey. While starting the adapter 20 from the meter-reading center 30 side, collection of the 2nd information value which the adapter 20 has is collected. In this embodiment, after repeated, the meter 10 is activated via the adapter 20 at a predetermined meter reading timing to collect the first information value. Accordingly, the meter reading mode bit is set to 1.

Third Example In this example, the collection of the first information value and the collection of the second information value are performed by transmitting the activation message from the meter reading center 30 side to the adapter 20 once. Accordingly, the collection of the first information value through the adapter 20 is performed once, and the first information value and the second information value at that time are simultaneously transmitted from the adapter 20.

Fourth Example and Fifth Example In the first to third examples, the meter reading center 30 actively starts a series of operations, but the fourth example is a meter reading center from the meter 10 side. This is an embodiment for explaining the processing when it is necessary to transmit alarm information to the 30 side, and the fifth embodiment is a processing when it is necessary to transmit alarm information from the adapter 20 to the meter reading center 30 side. It is the Example demonstrated.
These embodiments are additional operations that work actively in situations where the devices (adapter 20, meter 10) subordinate to meter reading center 30 need to transmit information.

Sixth Embodiment In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the transmission of alarm information is a problem, and the relationship between meter reading and load survey is basically executed separately. The example is an example in which the first information value and the second information value at that time are collected in a situation where a call is made from the meter side. In this case, there is an abnormality in these information values, and this is an example in the case of obtaining the correspondence.
Therefore, after receiving the call initiation message from the meter on the meter reading center 30 side, the first information value and the second information value are collected basically in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Seventh Example This example is also an example based on the same technical idea as the sixth example. In a situation where a call is made from the meter 10, the first information value and the second information value at that time are obtained. When collecting, the collection form of the third embodiment is adopted.
Therefore, after receiving the call start message from the meter 10 on the meter reading center 30 side, the first information value and the second information value are collected basically in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 shown in these embodiments indicate that the processing proceeds in the downward and upward directions.
Furthermore, the information described corresponding to the solid line arrow is the communication content communicated among the meter-reading center 30, the master unit T, the slave unit T, the adapter 20, and the meter 10.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point, the third point, and the fourth point among the first point to the fourth point indicated by numbers 1 to 4 in the explanatory diagram of FIG. .
In the communication procedure of the first embodiment, when the activation message is transmitted as an activation command from the meter reading center 30, the adapter 20 transmits the activation message to the meter 10, collects the first information value, and then The second information value is collected from the adapter 20.
The communication procedure is a flow indicated by a solid line in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the flow from the first point to the fourth point will be described.

<First point>
When the automatic meter reading by the utility measurement system 100 is started (step 1), the adapter 20 receives an activation message, and the determination unit 22 of the adapter 20 determines whether or not the communication unit 21 has received the activation message from the meter reading center 30. Determine (step 2). If the startup message has not been received (step 2; NO), appropriate processing according to the received content is performed (step 3). An appropriate process according to the received content is, for example, waiting until an activation message is received. In the first embodiment, since it is determined that the start message has been received (step 2; YES), it is next determined whether or not the meter reading mode bit is “0” (step 4). Here, the meter reading mode bit is a bit value indicating whether or not the utility measurement system 100 is in the load survey mode. If the meter reading mode bit is “0”, the non-load survey mode (normal automatic meter reading) is set. “1” indicates a load survey mode. In the first embodiment, since the meter reading mode bit is “0” (step 4; YES) and the utility measurement system 100 is in the non-load survey mode, the adapter 20 transmits an activation message to the meter 10 (step) 6).
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 3, when the meter reading mode bit is not “0” (step 4; NO), that is, when the meter reading mode bit is “1”, the utility measurement system 100 is in the load survey mode. Therefore, the communication means 21 does not transmit an activation message to the meter 10, and the gas flow rate held in the counting means 23 of the adapter 20 toward the meter-reading center 30 via an upstream connection terminal (for example, a slave unit). A value (second information value) is transmitted as a response (step 5). The transmission of the second information value toward the meter-reading center 30 is the second process described above.
Along with the processing at the first point, the meter 10 is activated, and the first information value of the adapter 20 is sent back from the meter 10. Then, the adapter 20 transmits this information to the meter reading center 30. The transmission of the first information value toward the meter-reading center 30 is the first process described above.

<Second point>
The processing at this second point is a response of the gas usage equivalent value (first information value) from the meter 10 in accordance with the startup message transmitted from the meter reading center 30 when the utility metering system 100 performs automatic meter reading. It is assumed that there was. After receiving the gas usage equivalent value (first information value), the meter-reading center 30 performs communication for requesting the gas flow rate value (second information value) to the adapter 20.

<Third point>
When the process at the third point is started (step 7), it is determined whether or not communication for requesting an operation from the meter-reading center 30 to the adapter 20 has been performed (step 8). When communication for requesting an operation is not performed (step 8; NO), an appropriate process according to the received content is performed (step 9). In the first embodiment, since it is determined that communication for requesting an operation has been performed (step 8; YES), it is determined whether an activation message has been transmitted to the meter 10 after the adapter 20 has been activated. (Step 10). Since the start message has been transmitted in the process so far (step 10; YES), it is then determined whether or not the end message has been transmitted after transmitting the start message to the meter 10 (step 11). ). If the end message has not been transmitted (step 11; NO), the end message is transmitted to the meter 10 (step 12), and then a response according to the request (in the first embodiment, the gas flow rate value (second information)). Value)) is executed (step 13). This process is the second process in the present application.
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 3, if the start message is not transmitted to the meter 10 in Step 10 (Step 10; NO), the process proceeds directly to Step 13.
Alternatively, when the end message is transmitted in step 11 (step 11; YES), the process proceeds to step 13 described above.

<4th point>
After the communication at the fourth point is started (step 14), it is determined whether or not the adapter 20 has received an end message from the meter-reading center 30 (step 15). If the end message has not been received (step 15; NO), appropriate processing according to the received content is performed (step 16). Since the end message has been received in the process so far (step 15; YES), it is determined whether or not the start message has been transmitted to the meter 10 after the adapter 20 is started next (step). 17). Since the start message has already been transmitted (step 17; YES), it is then determined whether or not the end message has been transmitted after transmitting the start message to the meter 10 (step 19). Furthermore, since the end message has been transmitted (step 19; YES), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is ended as it is (step 22).
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 3, if the start message has not been transmitted to the meter 10 in Step 17 (Step 17; NO), whether or not the adapter 20 or the meter 10 has made a call. Is determined (step 18). If a call has been made (step 18; YES), processing at the time of calling is performed (step 21), and then the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated (step 22). If the call is not made (step 18; NO), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated as it is (step 22).
If the end message has not been transmitted in step 19 (step 19; NO), the end message is transmitted to the meter 20 (step 20), and then the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is ended (step 22).

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure according to the second embodiment. 6 is a flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point, the third point, and the fourth point among the first point to the fourth point indicated by the numbers 1 to 4 in the explanatory diagram of FIG. .
In the communication procedure of the second embodiment, when an activation message is transmitted from the meter reading center 30 as an activation command, the adapter 20 responds to the activation message so as to prevent the power source (for example, battery) of the meter from being consumed. It is based on the road survey mode. As an example of a load survey mode, the meter reading center 30 requests the adapter 20 for the second information value of the adapter 20 at a frequency of once per hour, and the meter 10 automatically at a frequency of once a month. Operation that performs meter reading is mentioned. The communication procedure is a flow indicated by a solid line in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the flow from the first point to the fourth point will be described.

<First point>
When automatic meter reading by the utility measurement system 100 is started (step 23), the determination unit 22 of the adapter 20 determines whether or not the communication unit 21 has received an activation message from the meter reading center 30 (step 24). If the startup message has not been received (step 24; NO), appropriate processing according to the received content is performed (step 25). In the second embodiment, since it is determined that the start message has been received (step 24; YES), it is next determined whether or not the meter reading mode bit is “0”. In the second embodiment, the meter reading mode bit is not “0” (step 26; NO), but is “1”, and the utility measurement system 100 is in the load survey mode. Therefore, the adapter 20 is connected to an upstream connection terminal (for example, The gas flow rate value (second information value) held in the count means 23 of the adapter 20 is sent in response to the meter reading center 30 via the slave unit (step 28).
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 5, when the meter reading mode bit is “0” (step 26; YES), since the utility measurement system 100 is in the non-load survey mode as in the first embodiment, communication is performed. The means 21 transmits an activation message to the meter 10 (step 27).
Along with the processing at this first point, the second information value held by the adapter 20 is transmitted to the meter reading center 30. The transmission of the second information value toward the meter-reading center 30 is the second process referred to in the present application.

<Second point>
At this second point, when automatic meter reading is performed by the utility measurement system 100, a response of a gas flow rate value (second information value) has been received from the adapter 20 in accordance with an activation message transmitted from the meter reading center 30. It is a premise. Then, after the meter reading center 30 receives the gas flow rate value, the meter reading center 30 performs communication for requesting the gas use amount equivalent value (first information value) to the meter 10.

<Third point>
After the process at the third point is started (step 29), it is determined whether or not communication for requesting an operation from the meter-reading center 30 to the adapter 20 has been performed (step 30). If communication for requesting an operation has been performed (step 30; YES), an appropriate process according to the received content is performed (step 31). In the second embodiment, since it is determined that communication for requesting the gas flow rate value (second information value) is not performed (step 30; NO), the start message is sent to the meter 10 after the adapter 20 is started. Is determined (step 32). Until now, since the activation message for the meter 10 has not been transmitted (step 32; NO), the activation message is transmitted to the meter 10 (step 33).
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 5, if a startup telegram has been transmitted to the meter 10 in step 32 (step 32; YES), the gas usage equivalent value (first information) is directed to the meter 10. Communication to request (value).

<4th point>
After the process at the fourth point is started (step 35), it is determined whether or not the adapter 20 has received an end message from the meter reading center 30 (step 36). If the end message has not been received (step 36; NO), an appropriate process according to the received content is performed (step 37). Since the end message has been received so far (step 36; YES), it is determined whether or not the start message has been transmitted to the meter 10 after the adapter 20 is next started (step 38). . Furthermore, since the start message has been transmitted (step 38; YES), it is determined whether or not the end message has been transmitted after the start message has been transmitted to the meter 10 (step 40). Further, since the end message has not been transmitted (step 40; NO), after the end message is transmitted to the meter 20 (step 41), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is ended (step 43).
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 5, if the start message has not been transmitted to the meter 10 in step 38 (step 38; NO), whether the adapter 20 or the meter 10 has made a call or not. Is determined (step 39). If the call has been made (step 39; YES), the process at the time of calling is performed (step 42), and then the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated (step 43). If no call is made (step 39; NO), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated as it is (step 43).
If the end message is transmitted in step 40 (step 40; YES), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is ended as it is (step 43).

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point to the third point indicated by numerals 1 to 3 in the explanatory diagram of FIG.
The communication procedure of the third embodiment is a flow indicated by a solid line in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the flow at the first point to the third point will be described.
In this example, the collection of the first information value and the collection of the second information value are not performed separately as in the first embodiment, and the transmission of the first information value from the adapter 20 to the meter-reading center 30 is performed at that time. The second information value is attached.

<First point>
The flow at the first point (step 44 to step 49) is the same as the flow (step 1 to step 6) at the first point of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted here.

<Second point>
When the first information value is sent from the meter 10 to the adapter 20 and the processing at the second point is started (step 50), the adapter 20 receives a response of the gas usage equivalent value (first information value) from the meter 10. It is determined whether or not (step 51). When the response of the gas usage equivalent value (first information value) has not been received (step 51; NO), appropriate processing according to the received content is performed (step 52). In the third embodiment, since it is determined that the response of the gas usage equivalent value (first information value) has been received (step 51; YES), the adapter 20 uses the gas 10 equivalent value (first information value) of the meter 10. ) Is confirmed (step 53). Then, the gas use amount equivalent value (first information value) is added to the gas flow rate value (second information value) held in the counting means 23 of the adapter 20, and the response is transmitted to the meter reading center 30 (step 54). . As described above, when the addition process for adding the first information value to the second information value is performed, two pieces of information can be transmitted at a time by one communication, so that the communication cost can be reduced and the communication efficiency can be improved. There is an advantage that you can.

<Third point>
The flow (step 55 to step 63) at the third point is the same as the flow (step 14 to step 22) at the fourth point in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted here.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point and the second point indicated by numbers 1 and 2 in the explanatory diagram of FIG.
The communication procedure of the fourth embodiment is a case where communication is started by an alarm call (call activation message) from the meter 10 located downstream of the adapter 20.
The communication procedure in the fourth embodiment is a flow indicated by a solid line in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the flow at the first point and the second point will be described.
First, a call start message generated by the meter is sent from the meter 10 of FIG. 9 to the meter reading center 30 through the adapter 20, the slave unit T, and the master unit T. Then, in the meter reading center 30, it is determined that some event has occurred on the meter 10 side in response to the call activation message, and the call information that is the factor that the meter 10 called the meter reading center 30 is called. Request. This call information request is sent to the adapter 20.

<First point>
When the process at the first point is started (step 64), the determination unit 22 of the adapter 20 determines whether or not the communication unit 21 has received a call information request from the meter-reading center 30 (step 65). If the call information request has not been received (step 65; NO), an appropriate process according to the received content is performed (step 66). Appropriate processing here is waiting to receive a call information request. In the fourth embodiment, since it is determined that the call information request has been received (step 65; YES), it is next determined whether or not the adapter 20 has transmitted a call start message (step 67). Since the adapter 20 has not transmitted the call start message (step 67; NO), the adapter 20 transmits a call information request to the meter 10 located downstream (step 69).
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9, when the adapter 20 has transmitted a call start message (step 67; YES), the adapter 20 is connected to the meter reading center via a connection terminal (slave unit) located upstream. The call information is transmitted to 30 as a response (step 68). The call information in this case is, for example, meter alarm information.
With the transmission of the call start message from the adapter 20 to the meter 10, as shown in FIG. 9, the meter 10 returns meter alarm information to the meter reading center 30 side via the adapter 20.
When the meter reading center 30 receives the meter alarm information, the meter reading center 30 sends an end message back to the adapter 20.

<Second point>
When starting the process at the second point (step 70), it is determined whether or not the adapter 20 has received an end message from the meter-reading center 30 (step 71). If the end message has not been received (step 71; NO), appropriate processing according to the received content is performed (step 72). Appropriate processing is waiting to receive a termination message. In the fourth embodiment, since the end telegram has been received (step 71; YES), it is determined whether or not the start telegram has been transmitted to the meter 10 after the adapter 20 is next started (step 71). 73). In the fourth embodiment, since the activation message has not been transmitted (step 73; NO), it is next determined whether or not the adapter 20 or the meter 10 has made a call (step 74). In the fourth embodiment, since a call is made (step 74; YES), it is determined whether or not the adapter 20 is calling next (step 75). In the fourth embodiment, since it is not the adapter 20 that is calling, that is, the meter 10 (step 75; NO), after sending the end message to the meter 20 (step 76), the utility measurement system 100 The communication by is terminated (step 79).
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9, if an activation message has been transmitted to the meter 10 in Step 73 (Step 73; YES), after transmitting the activation message to the meter 10 next, It is determined whether or not the end message has been transmitted (step 77). If the end message has been transmitted (step 77; YES), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated as it is (step 79), and the end message is transmitted. Is not transmitted (step 77; NO), an end message is transmitted to the meter 20 (step 78), and then the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is ended (step 79).
Further, when neither adapter 20 nor meter 10 has made a call in step 74 (step 74; NO), or when adapter 20 has made a call in step 75 (step 75; YES), utility measurement is performed. Communication by the system 100 is terminated (step 79).

(5th Example)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point and the second point indicated by numbers 1 and 2 in the explanatory diagram of FIG.
The communication procedure of the fifth embodiment is a case where communication is started by a call start message (for example, an alarm call) from the adapter 20. The communication procedure in the fifth embodiment is a flow indicated by a solid line in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the flow at the first point and the second point will be described.
First, a call start message generated by the adapter 20 is sent from the adapter 20 of FIG. 11 to the meter reading center 30 via the slave unit T and the master unit T. Then, in the meter reading center 30, it is determined that some event has occurred on the adapter 20 side in response to the call activation message, and the call information that is a factor that the adapter 20 calls the meter reading center 30 is called. Request. This call information request is sent to the adapter 20.

<First point>
After the processing at the first point is started (step 80), the determination unit 22 of the adapter 20 determines whether the communication unit 21 has received a call information request from the meter reading center 30 (step 81). If the call information request has not been received (step 81; NO), appropriate processing according to the received content is performed (step 82). Also in this case, waiting for the call information request is an appropriate process. In the fifth embodiment, since it is determined that the call information request has been received (step 81; YES), it is next determined whether or not the adapter 20 has transmitted a call start message (step 83). In the fifth embodiment, since the adapter 20 has transmitted the call start message (step 83; YES), the adapter 20 sends the call information (for example, the adapter) to the meter reading center 30 via the upstream connection terminal (slave unit). Alarm information) is transmitted as a response (step 84).
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, when the adapter 20 has not transmitted a call start message (step 83; NO), the adapter 20 transmits a call information request to the meter 10 downstream. (Step 85).

  The meter reading center 30 returns an end message to the adapter 30 after receiving the adapter alarm information.

<Second point>
After the process at the second point is started (step 86), it is determined whether or not the adapter 20 has received an end message from the meter reading center 30 (step 87). If the end message has not been received (step 87; NO), an appropriate process according to the received content is performed (step 88). Appropriate processing is waiting for an end message. Since the end message has been received (step 87; YES), it is then determined whether or not the start message has been transmitted to the meter 10 after the adapter 20 is started (step 89). In the fifth embodiment, since the activation message has not been transmitted (step 89; NO), it is next determined whether or not the adapter 20 or the meter 10 is calling (step 90). In the fifth embodiment, since a call is made (step 90; YES), it is determined whether or not the adapter 20 is calling next (step 91). In the fifth embodiment, since the adapter 20 is calling (step 91; YES), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated as it is (step 95).
Although not the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, if an activation message has been transmitted to the meter 10 in Step 89 (Step 89; YES), after transmitting the activation message to the meter 10 next, It is determined whether or not the end message has been transmitted (step 93). If the end message has been transmitted (step 93; YES), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated as it is (step 95), and the end message is transmitted. Is transmitted (step 93; NO), an end message is transmitted to the meter 20 (step 94), and then the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated (step 95).
If neither the adapter 20 nor the meter 10 is calling in step 90 (step 90; NO), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated (step 95). Alternatively, if the adapter 20 has not made a call in step 91 (step 91; NO), after transmitting an end message to the meter 20 (step 92), the communication by the utility measurement system 100 is ended (step 95).

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point and the third point among the first point to the third point indicated by numbers 1 to 3 in the explanatory diagram of FIG.
The communication procedure of the sixth embodiment is a case where both the adapter 20 and the meter 10 make a periodic meter reading. The communication procedure is a flow indicated by a solid line in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the flow at the first point to the third point will be described.

First, a call start message generated by the meter is sent from the meter 10 of FIG. 13 to the meter reading center 30 through the adapter 20, the slave unit T, and the master unit T. Then, in the meter reading center 30, it is determined that some event has occurred on the meter 10 side in response to the call activation message, and the call information that is the factor that the meter 10 called the meter reading center 30 is called. Request. This call information request is sent to the adapter 20.
<First point>
The flow (step 96 to step 101) at the first point is the same as the flow (step 64 to step 69) at the first point in the fourth embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted here.
With the transmission of the call information request from the adapter 20 to the meter 10, as shown in FIG. 13, the meter 10 obtains the gas use amount equivalent amount (first information value) via the adapter 20. Send back to 30 side. As an example in which such a communication procedure is performed, call information sent from the meter reading center 30 in response to a call start message from the meter 10 when an abnormality or the like occurs in the first information value measured by the meter 10. The request may request a response of the first information value to the meter reading center 30 by the meter 10.

<Second point>
At this second point, the meter reading center 30 receives the gas usage equivalent value (first information value), and then requests the gas flow rate value (second information value) from the meter reading center 30 to the adapter 20. Communication is performed.

<Third point>
The flow (step 102 to step 111) at the third point is similar to the flow (step 70 to step 79) at the second point in the fourth embodiment.
In the fourth embodiment, it is determined in step 71 whether or not the adapter 20 has received an end message from the meter reading center 30, whereas in the sixth embodiment, the meter reading center 30 changes to the adapter 20 in step 103. Whether or not communication for requesting the gas flow rate value (second information value) is performed is determined. In the fourth embodiment, communication by the utility measurement system 100 is terminated in step 79, whereas in the sixth embodiment, a response corresponding to the request received in step 111 (in this embodiment, the adapter 20 The gas flow value (second information value) held in the counting means 23 is transmitted as a response). Only these two points are different. Therefore, the description is omitted here.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication procedure according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point to the third point indicated by numbers 1 to 3 in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 15.
In the communication procedure of the seventh embodiment, the adapter 20 refers to the response content of the gas usage equivalent value (first information value) of the meter 10 in order to reduce the communication frequency and communication time, and the gas usage equivalent value ( The first information value) is added to the gas flow rate value (second information value) held in the counting means 23 of the adapter 20, and responds to the meter reading center 30. The communication procedure is a flow indicated by a solid line in the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, the flow at the first point to the third point will be described.

  First, a call start message generated by the meter 10 is sent from the meter 10 to the meter reading center 30 through the adapter 20, the slave unit T, and the master unit T. Then, in the meter reading center 30, it is determined that some event has occurred on the meter 10 side in response to the call activation message, and the call information that is the factor that the meter 10 called the meter reading center 30 is called. Request. This call information request is sent to the adapter 20.

<First point>
The flow (step 112 to step 117) at the first point is the same as the flow (step 96 to step 101) at the first point in the sixth embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted here.

  Accompanying the transmission of the call information request from the adapter 20 to the meter 10, the meter 10 sends back an amount corresponding to the amount of gas used to the adapter 20 as shown in FIG. 15. As an example in which such a communication procedure is performed, a call originated by the meter reading center 30 in response to a call start message from the meter 10 when an abnormality or the like occurs in the first information value obtained by the meter 10. The information request may request a response of the second information value from the adapter 20 to the meter reading center 30 together with the first information value on the meter 10 side.

<Second point>
In the flow at the second point (step 118 to step 122), the gas use amount equivalent value (first information value) is added to the gas flow rate value (second information value) held in the counting means 23 of the adapter 20. This is the same as the flow (step 50 to step 54) at the second point of the third embodiment which is an embodiment responding to the meter reading center 30. Therefore, the description is omitted here.

  And in the meter-reading center 30, after receiving a gas flow rate value and a gas usage-equivalent value, an end message is sent to the adapter 20 side.

<Third point>
The flow at the third point (steps 123 to 132) is the same as the flow (step 70 to step 79) at the second point of the fourth embodiment. Therefore, the description is omitted here.

(Utility measurement method)
If the utility measurement system 100 of the said embodiment is used, the method of utility measurement can be performed. This is executed using at least one of the first information value related to the usage amount equivalent value of the utility measured by the meter 10 and the second information value measured by the adapter 20 from the utility usage information output from the meter 10. A utility measurement method, which includes a communication step for performing communication between the adapter 20 and the meter 10 or the meter reading center 30, and the adapter 20 executes a determination step for determining the location of information to be transmitted to the meter reading center 30; In the determination step, when it is determined that the information to be transmitted to the meter reading center 30 is in the meter 10, the adapter 20 communicates with the meter 10, acquires the first information value from the meter 10, and transmits the first information value to the meter reading center 30. 1 processing step is executed, and in the determination step, the meter reading is performed If the information to be transmitted to the centers 30 is determined to be in the adapter 10, the adapter 10 and has a feature in that to execute the second processing step of transmitting the second information value to themselves measuring meter reading center 30.

  If this utility measurement method is implemented, the adapter 20 can transmit and receive information (first information value or second information value) with the meter 10 or the meter-reading center 30 through the communication step. For this reason, both the meter 10 and the adapter 20 do not need to have communication terminals, respectively, the cost for system construction can be reduced, and the communication cost can be reduced while maintaining the communication function. Further, when information is requested from the meter reading center 30, if the information is in the adapter 20, it is sufficient to respond directly from the adapter 20 without starting the meter 10 in the communication step, so that automatic meter reading and load survey are efficiently performed. It becomes possible to eliminate waste.

  In the utility measurement method, after the adapter 20 acquires the first information value from the meter 10, the adapter 20 executes an additional processing step of adding the second information value to the first information value and transmitting it to the meter reading center 30. It is also possible.

  If this utility measurement method is carried out, two information (first information value) can be transmitted in one communication by executing an additional processing step of adding the second information value to the first information value and transmitting it to the meter reading center 30. And the second information value) can be transmitted at a time, so that the communication cost can be reduced and the communication efficiency can be improved.

  On the other hand, the following utility measurement method can also be executed. That is, a utility executed using at least one of the first information value related to the usage amount equivalent value of the utility measured by the meter 10 and the second information value measured by the adapter 20 from the utility usage information output from the meter 10. A measuring method, which includes a communication step for performing communication between the adapter 20 and the meter 10 or the meter reading center 30, and the adapter 20 executes a determination step for determining the location of information to be transmitted to the meter reading center 30, In the determination step, when it is determined that the information to be transmitted to the meter reading center 30 is in the meter 10 and the adapter 20, the adapter 20 communicates with the meter 10, acquires the first information value from the meter 10, and the first information A meter reading center with a second information value held by itself 0 and has a feature in that to perform the additional process step of transmitting to.

  If this utility measurement method is implemented, the adapter 20 can transmit and receive information (first information value or second information value) with the meter 10 or the meter-reading center 30 through the communication step. Therefore, both the meter 10 and the adapter 20 do not need to have communication terminals, respectively, the cost for system construction can be reduced, and the communication cost can be reduced while maintaining the communication function. Furthermore, it can transmit in the state which added the 2nd information value to the 1st information value. That is, since two pieces of information (first information value and second information value) can be transmitted at a time in one communication, the communication cost can be reduced and the communication efficiency can be improved. This makes it possible to efficiently perform a load survey when performing automatic meter reading, eliminating waste.

  In the utility measurement method described above, the meter 10 can be set with a meter identification number that can be transmitted to the adapter 20, and the adapter 20 has a rewritable adapter identification number and is acquired from the meter 10. Of course, when the meter identification number is different from the adapter identification number, the adapter identification number can be rewritten to the same number as the meter identification number. In this case, the adapter 20 can transition to a predetermined operation mode after rewriting the adapter identification number to the same number as the meter identification number.

(Another embodiment)
In the utility measurement system of the present invention, it is also effective to provide the adapter 20 with storage means (not shown) for storing the adapter pointer value (second information value) counted by the counting means 23. With such a configuration, the determination unit 22 can acquire the adapter pointer value as past time information from the storage unit and transmit it to the meter reading center 30. If such past adapter guideline values are used, a load survey can be executed immediately, and can be executed at an arbitrary time.
In addition, the meter reading center 30 acquires the adapter pointer value, which is past time information stored in the storage means, in one communication while acquiring the first information value for one month at the time of automatic meter reading. can do.

  The utility measurement system, the adapter used therefor, and the utility measurement method of the present invention can be used in various public services such as gas, electricity, and water.

Schematic showing the configuration of the utility measurement system of the present invention that performs automatic meter reading while enabling load surveys for utility devices, etc. The figure which shows the example of the communication connection form between the meter-reading center and meter via an adapter (a communication apparatus is included) Explanatory drawing which shows the communication procedure by 1st Example. The flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point, the third point, and the fourth point among the first point to the fourth point indicated by the numbers 1 to 4 in the explanatory diagram of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication procedure by 2nd Example. The flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point, the third point, and the fourth point among the first point to the fourth point indicated by the numbers 1 to 4 in the explanatory diagram of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication procedure by 3rd Example The flowchart of each determination logic performed in the 1st point-the 3rd point shown with the numbers 1-3 in the explanatory view of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication procedure by 4th Example The flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point and the second point indicated by numerals 1 and 2 in the explanatory diagram of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication procedure by 5th Example A flowchart of each determination logic performed at the first point and the second point indicated by numerals 1 and 2 in the explanatory diagram of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication procedure by 6th Example The flowchart of each determination logic performed in the 1st point and the 3rd point among the 1st point-the 3rd point shown with numerals 1-3 in the explanatory view of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the communication procedure by 7th Example The flowchart of each determination logic performed in the 1st point-the 3rd point shown with the numbers 1-3 in the explanatory view of FIG. Explanatory drawing showing the communication procedure in the initial setting mode The flowchart which showed the transfer process from the initial setting mode performed in the 1st point shown with the number 1 in the explanatory view of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 meter 20 adapter 21 communication means 22 determination means 23 count means 30 meter reading center 100 utility measurement system

Claims (13)

A meter for measuring a first information value related to a utility usage equivalent value;
An adapter comprising a counting means for measuring a second information value from utility usage information output from the meter;
A utility measurement system established with an external organization that collects at least one of the first information value and the second information value by communication,
The adapter includes a communication unit that performs communication between the adapter and the meter or the external engine, and a determination unit that determines the location of information to be transmitted to the external engine.
When the determination unit determines that the information to be transmitted to the external organization is in the meter, the communication unit communicates with the meter, acquires the first information value from the meter, and transmits the first information value to the external organization. Execute the first process,
When the determination unit determines that the information to be transmitted to the external organization is in the adapter, the communication unit performs a second process of transmitting the second information value held in the counting unit to the external organization. Utility measurement system.   2. The utility according to claim 1, wherein after the communication unit obtains the first information value from the meter, an addition process is performed in which the second information value is added to the first information value and transmitted to the external organization. Measuring system.   The meter can set a meter identification number that can be transmitted to the adapter, the adapter has a rewritable adapter identification number, and the meter identification number acquired from the meter is the adapter identification number. 3. The utility measurement system according to claim 1, wherein, if different, the adapter identification number is rewritten to the same number as the meter identification number.   The utility measurement system according to claim 3, wherein the adapter shifts to a predetermined operation mode after rewriting the adapter identification number to the same number as the meter identification number. A meter for measuring a first information value related to a utility usage equivalent value;
An adapter comprising a counting means for measuring a second information value from utility usage information output from the meter;
A utility measurement system established with an external organization that collects at least one of the first information value and the second information value by communication,
The adapter includes a communication unit that performs communication between the adapter and the meter or the external engine, and a determination unit that determines the location of information to be transmitted to the external engine.
When the determination means determines that the information to be transmitted to the external engine is in the meter and the adapter, the communication means communicates with the meter, acquires the first information value from the meter, and the first information A utility measurement system that performs an additional process of adding the second information value held in the counting means to the information value and transmitting the value to the external engine.   The meter can set a meter identification number that can be transmitted to the adapter, the adapter has a rewritable adapter identification number, and the meter identification number acquired from the meter is the adapter identification number. The utility measurement system according to claim 5, wherein if different, the adapter identification number is rewritten to the same number as the meter identification number.   The utility measurement system according to claim 6, wherein the adapter shifts to a predetermined operation mode after rewriting the adapter identification number to the same number as the meter identification number.   The utility metering system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the meter is capable of transmitting a call start message that is a start command to the external organization.   The utility measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adapter is capable of transmitting a call start message that is a start command to the external organization. A communication means for communicating with a meter or an external organization, and a determination means for determining the location of information to be transmitted to the external organization,
When the determination unit determines that the information to be transmitted to the external organization is in the meter, the communication unit communicates with the meter, acquires a first information value measured by the meter from the meter, and Execute the first process to send to the institution,
When the determination means determines that it owns information to be transmitted to the external organization, the communication means is used for a utility measurement system that executes a second process of transmitting the second information value measured by itself to the external organization. adapter. A communication means for communicating with a meter or an external organization, and a determination means for determining the location of information to be transmitted to the external organization,
When the determination means determines that the information to be transmitted to the external organization is in the meter and that it is held by itself, the communication means communicates with the meter and obtains a first information value measured by the meter from the meter. And an adapter for use in a utility measurement system that executes an additional process of adding the second information value measured by itself to the first information value and transmitting it to the external organization.   When the meter identification number set in the meter is receivable and has a rewritable adapter identification number, and the meter identification number acquired from the meter is different from the adapter identification number, the adapter identification number The adapter used for the utility measurement system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the same number as the meter identification number is rewritten.   The adapter used for the utility measurement system according to claim 12, wherein the adapter identification number is rewritten to the same number as the meter identification number, and then shifts to a predetermined operation mode.

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