JP2013003032A - Water meter-based detecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the state of city water use to be determined from the reading on a water meter and any water leak or the like to be monitored without having to refit or remodel the water meter.SOLUTION: Whether or not city water is being used is determined by checking the reading on the indicator part of a water meter 10. For instance, the situation of a water conduction pilot 20, which is provided in the indicator part of the water meter 10 and rotated by water conduction, is shot with an image pickup element of a reading detection adaptor 32 and, if any change in image due to the rotation of the water conduction pilot 20 is detected, it is determined that city water is being used or, if no change in image due to the halt of rotation of the pilot is detected, it is determined that city water is not being used. The state of city water use or non-use may as well be determined by detecting the state of reading, such as a change in the rotation of a pointer or in the count of an integrating counter, both the pointer and the counter being provided in the indicator part of the meter.

Description

The present invention relates to a water meter detection device that discriminates the state of use of water from the display of a water meter provided for each dwelling unit and uses it for water leakage monitoring and the like.

  Conventionally, household water supply systems installed in general housing and condominiums such as condominiums install a water meter at the part where water pipes are drawn from the outside, accumulate the amount of water used, and measure the meter for billing I am doing so.

On the other hand, in the recent water meter reading system, the water meter installed in the home with the digitization of the water meter is connected online to the meter reading center of the local government's water bureau, etc., and the water consumption of each home is automatically metered. It is possible to do.

JP 2006-118948 A JP-A-11-296774 JP 2008-064558 A

  By the way, in the case of household water supply facilities, water leaks from water-use equipment and the joints of indoor water pipes in places such as kitchens, washrooms, bathrooms, washing machine places, and toilets during long-term residence. In some cases, if you come to a place where you can see the leaked water, you can find and respond to the leak.

  However, it is difficult to detect water leaks that occur in places where water pipes and water supply equipment are not visible, and water leaks occur when you notice that water charges are abnormally high compared to living conditions. Although it may be doubted, it is not easy to confirm whether or not the cause is a water leak.

  As a method for checking water leakage using a water meter, make sure that all faucets are closed and water is not being used. In this state, the water pilot (windmill-shaped rotating disk) provided in the water meter is rotating. Means that there is water leaking somewhere from the water meter to the faucet, and water agencies and other agencies have published such a confirmation method using the home pager, and repair if water leaks are found Guide to contact the supplier.

  However, water leaks are not routinely checked at home, and water leaks may be checked when water charges are unusually high, but this does not affect water charges so much. Such a water leak is not found and is left as it is.

  In addition, real estate management companies such as rental apartments manage a large number of properties, and may know the existence of properties that have leaked without being discovered over a long period of time. In many cases, there is a problem that buildings and various devices are damaged due to water leakage over a long period of time, and that it takes a lot of cost and time to repair them.

  Some electronic water meters have a function to detect water leakage, but electronic water meters are assumed to be used in automatic meter reading systems by suppliers such as the Waterworks Bureau. The water leakage information detected by the electronic water meter that is building the automatic meter reading system of the Waterworks Bureau cannot be used.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water meter detection device that can be used for monitoring water leaks by determining the state of use of water from the display of the water meter without requiring modification or modification of the water meter. And

  The present invention is characterized in that, in a water meter detection device, a display state in a meter display unit of a water meter is detected and a use detection signal indicating use of water is output.

The water meter detection device of the present invention,
A display detection unit that detects a situation of a water pilot rotating by water flow provided in the meter display unit and outputs a water pilot detection signal;
A usage status detection unit that detects the use of water based on the water pilot detection signal output from the display detection unit and outputs a usage detection signal;
Is provided.

The display detector
An illumination unit that illuminates the water pilot;
An imaging unit for imaging the water pilot;
An imaging control unit that captures a water pilot by the imaging unit and holds an image in a state where the illumination unit illuminates at a predetermined detection cycle;
With
The usage status detection unit outputs a usage detection signal when it is detected that the image of the water pilot has changed from the previous image.

The display detector
A light emitting unit for irradiating the pilot with detection light;
A light receiving unit that receives the reflected light of the detection light irradiated to the water passing pilot;
A light emission control unit that irradiates the water pilot with a detection light for a predetermined time every predetermined detection cycle, and outputs a pilot detection signal that changes according to the rotation of the water pilot from the light receiving unit;
With
The usage state detection unit outputs a usage detection signal when a change in the pilot detection signal is detected.

The water meter detection device of the present invention,
A display detection unit that detects the state of the pointer display unit that rotates and displays the amount of water passing through the meter display unit and outputs a pointer display detection signal;
A usage status detection unit that detects the use of water based on the pointer display detection signal output from the display detection unit and outputs a usage detection signal;
Is provided.

The display detector
An illumination unit for illuminating the pointer display unit;
An imaging unit for imaging the pointer display unit;
An imaging control unit that captures an image of the pointer display unit by the imaging unit and holds an image in a state of being illuminated by the illumination unit at a predetermined detection cycle;
With
The usage status detection unit outputs a usage detection signal when it is detected that the image of the pointer display unit has changed from the previous image.

The display detector
A light emitting unit that emits detection light to the pointer display unit;
A light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the detection light irradiated on the pointer display unit;
A light emission control unit that emits detection light from the light emitting unit to the pointer display unit and outputs a pointer display detection signal that changes according to the pointer rotation of the pointer display unit from the light receiving unit;
With
The usage state detection unit outputs a usage detection signal when a change in the pointer display detection signal is detected.

The water meter detection device of the present invention,
A display detection unit that detects the numerical status of the integration counter provided in the meter display unit and outputs a numerical status detection signal;
A usage status detection unit that detects the use of water based on the numerical status detection signal output from the display detection unit and outputs the usage detection signal;
Is provided.

The display detector
An illumination unit that illuminates a part including the lowest value of the integration counter;
An imaging unit for imaging a part including the lowest value of the integration counter;
An imaging control unit that captures an accumulation counter by the imaging unit and holds an image in a state of being illuminated by the illumination unit for each predetermined detection period;
With
The usage status detection unit outputs a usage detection signal when it is detected that the image of the integration counter has changed from the previous image.

The display detector
A light emitting unit for irradiating detection light to a part including the lowest numerical value of the integration counter;
A light receiving unit that receives the reflected light of the detection light irradiated to the portion including the lowest numerical value of the integration counter;
A light emission control unit that emits detection light from the light emitting unit to the integration counter and outputs a numerical status detection signal corresponding to a change in the lowest numerical value from the light receiving unit;
With
The usage status detection unit outputs a usage detection signal when a change in the numerical status detection signal is detected.

  When the usage status determination unit determines the usage status from the image captured by the imaging unit, the usage status determination unit obtains a sum of differences between pixel signals at the same pixel position in the previous image and the current image, and the total difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. When the water supply is used, it is determined that the water supply is not used.

The imaging unit is provided with a two-dimensional image sensor or a one-dimensional image sensor.

  According to the present invention, for example, an imaging unit for a water pilot that rotates by water flow provided in a display unit of a water meter, a pointer display unit that displays an integrated amount in an analog manner, an integration counter that digitally displays an integrated amount, etc. Since the display state changes according to the usage status of the water supply, and the display state changes according to the usage status of the water supply, it is determined that there is a change, and if there is no change, the water supply is not used. And a usage status determination signal indicating the determination result is output, so that a system for monitoring and notifying a water leak, for example, in a general household or a real estate management company using this usage status determination signal is simple and It can be easily constructed.

Moreover, since the water meter detection device of the present invention images the state of the meter display part from the outside or optically detects it, it is not necessary to modify or modify the water meter. It can be easily attached externally to detect and use the water usage.

An explanatory view showing an embodiment of a water meter detection device of the present invention for detecting the display of a water meter water pilot Explanatory drawing which took out and showed the display part of the water meter of FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the display detection adapter provided with the image sensor attached to the lid back side of the water meter of FIG. The block diagram which showed embodiment of the water meter detection apparatus by this invention Explanatory drawing which showed the water pilot image imaged in order in embodiment of FIG. The flowchart which showed the detection process by embodiment of FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed the water leak monitoring system using the water meter detection apparatus of this invention Explanatory drawing which showed the water usage pattern processed with the server provided in the system of FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed the pointer display part image imaged in order in another embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing which showed the integration counter image imaged in order by further another embodiment of this invention The block diagram which showed other embodiment of the water meter detection apparatus by this invention which optically detects the water pilot of a water meter Explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the display detection adapter of FIG. The time chart which showed the water flow adapter detection signal obtained by embodiment of FIG. The flowchart which showed the detection process by embodiment of FIG. Explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the display detection adapter which optically detects the display of the indicator display part of a water meter

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an embodiment of a water meter detection device according to the present invention for detecting a display of a water meter pilot.

  In FIG. 1, a water meter 10 includes an inlet 12 a and an outlet 12 b at a lower portion of a main body 12, an upper portion is closed with a glass plate 18, an opening 16 is provided, and a lid 14 is opened and closed with respect to the opening 16. Provided. A display plate 28 is arranged inside the glass plate 16 (on the lower side in the drawing), and a meter display unit in which a water flow pilot 20 and an integration counter 26 are arranged is provided.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the meter display portion of the water meter shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the meter display unit has a 1-liter integrating meter 22 for displaying the water flow pilot 20, 0 to 10 liters rotating in accordance with the water flow in an analog manner by rotating the pointer, and an analog for 0 to 100 liters by rotating the pointer. A 10-liter integrating meter 24 for displaying, and a mechanical integrating counter 26 for displaying the integrated water usage are provided.

  As is well known, the water meter 10 has a built-in impeller that rotates by passing tap water. The rotation of a magnet provided coaxially with the impeller is transmitted to a magnet gear arranged in isolation, and 1 through a gear train. By transmitting to the liter integrating meter 22, the 10 liter integrating meter 24, and the integrating counter 26, the water usage is integrated and displayed. Further, the water pilot 20 has a small reduction ratio with respect to the rotation of the impeller, and even if there is even a small amount of water, it rotates and displays that water is being passed.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the water meter detection device 30 of the present invention includes a display detection adapter 32 attached to the back side of the lid 14 of the water meter 10, and the display detection adapter 32 is connected by a signal line 34. The display detection adapter 32 incorporates an illumination unit and an imaging unit, and in this embodiment, the display of the water pilot 20 provided in the meter display unit of the water meter 10 is detected.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the structure of a display detection adapter provided with an image sensor attached to the back side of the water meter of FIG. In FIG. 3, the display detection adapter 32 is formed of a resin case, houses an image pickup device 36 known as a two-dimensional CCD or CMOS, and has an image pickup lens 38 disposed in front thereof.

  An illumination unit 40 using a white LED or the like is disposed in the vicinity of the image sensor 36 to illuminate a subject to be photographed. As the image pickup device 36, either a monochrome image pickup device or a color image pickup device may be used, and since a high resolution is not required, for example, one having about 100,000 to 300,000 pixels is used.

  The display detection adapter 32 is fixed to the back side of the lid 14 facing the water pilot 20 located inside the glass plate 18 by adhesion or the like. When the lid 14 is closed, the display detection adapter 32 is located immediately above the water pilot 20 and passes water. An image centered on the pilot 20 can be taken.

  The water meter 10 opens the lid 14 at the time of meter reading, and reads the numerical value of the integration counter 26. However, since the display detection adapter 32 is mounted on the back side of the lid 14, it is like a lid 14a shown in FIG. When it opens, it will be in the position removed from the opening 16, and even if the display detection adapter 32 is provided, the meter reading operation of the water meter 10 will not be hindered.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a water meter detection device according to the present invention. This is an example, and the separation and integration of each function can be performed arbitrarily. In addition, any or all of the functions may be executed by software (program) or may be executed by hardware.

  In FIG. 4, the water meter detection device 30 includes a processor 42 and a wireless communication unit 44 as a wireless transmission / reception chip, and further has a display detection adapter 32 provided outside and connected to a signal line, for example, Z-Wave (R) described later. Is provided as a wireless transmission / reception IC chip including a processor 60, a transmission circuit 56, and a reception circuit 58, and is, for example, 900 MHz according to a wireless communication protocol compliant with Z-Wave (R). Signals are transmitted and received through the antenna 46 using bands.

  The processor 42 is provided with a display unit 48 including a pilot lamp, an operation unit 50, a memory 52, and a battery power source 54 that supplies power to necessary units including the processor 42 and the wireless communication unit 44.

  The processor 42 is provided with functions of an imaging control unit 62 and a usage status detection unit 64. The imaging control unit 62 images the water pilot 20 by the imaging device 36 in a state where the water pilot 20 is illuminated by the illumination unit 40 provided in the display detection adapter 32 shown in FIG. Is stored in the memory 52.

  When the imaging control unit 62 captures the water pilot and stores the image in the memory 52, the usage status detection unit 64 determines that the current image is the previous one based on the image stored in the memory 52 in the previous imaging. When it is detected that the image has changed, the use of water supply is detected, and a use detection signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 44 to another device. On the other hand, when it is detected that there is no change from the previous image, the usage detection signal is not transmitted because the water supply is unused. In addition, what is necessary is just to respond | correspond by high-speed imaging, when rotation of the water flow pilot 20 is quick.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a water pilot image sequentially captured in the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 5A shows the previous image 68-1 captured last time, in which the water pilot image 70-1 is located. FIG. 5B is a current image 68-2 captured this time. In this case, since the water pilot has been rotated by water flow, the water pilot image 70-2 has a different rotational position 70-1. .

  The use state detection unit 64 provided in the processor 42 of FIG. 4 obtains the sum of the differences between the pixel signals at the same pixel position in the previous image 68-1 and the current image 68-2, and the difference sum is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The use of the water supply is detected and a use detection signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 44 to the outside. When the difference sum is less than the threshold value, the usage detection signal is not transmitted because the water supply is unused.

  Instead of the difference sum, a sum obtained by squaring the difference may be obtained and compared with a predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, the difference sum or the difference square sum may be calculated by cutting out the water pilot image portion without processing the entire image. As a result, the number of pixels to be processed can be reduced, and the accuracy of determining whether the water pilot is rotating or stopped can be increased.

  Also, depending on the rotation status of the water pilot, it is expected that the previous image and the current image will coincide with each other. Therefore, the difference sum between the images of a plurality of times, for example, three times or more is obtained and compared with a predetermined threshold value. Anyway.

  Further, the processor 42 is provided with a low battery failure monitoring function in which the power supply voltage of the battery power supply 54 becomes less than a predetermined level, and is automatically executed regularly in the background as a built-in test.

  Specifically, the low battery fault monitoring is performed by performing a built-in test in which a battery voltage supplied from the battery power supply 54 is read at a predetermined measurement time interval and compared with a predetermined threshold voltage. A failure is determined, a low battery failure flag is set in the memory 52, and a low battery failure signal is periodically transmitted from the wireless communication unit 44 to the outside until the low battery failure is resolved.

  When a commercial power supply is used instead of the battery power supply 54, the battery failure monitoring function is not necessary.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the detection process according to the embodiment of FIG.

  In FIG. 6, when the processor 42 of the water meter detection device 30 starts operation by supplying power from the battery power supply 54, initialization, self-diagnosis, reading of various settings, etc. are executed in step S1, and if there is no abnormality, step S2 is executed. Then, it is determined whether or not the imaging timing has been reached. If there is an abnormality in step S1, the process of step S1 is executed again, and if the predetermined number of times is exceeded, the process is stopped (not shown).

  When it is determined in step S1 that the imaging timing set for each predetermined period has been reached, the process proceeds to step S3, where the illumination unit 40 of the display detection adapter 32 is driven to illuminate the water pilot 20 portion of the meter display unit. Imaging control for imaging by driving the imaging element 36 is performed, and the water pilot image captured in step S <b> 4 is stored in the memory 52.

  Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S5, where the previous image and current image stored in the memory 52 are read to calculate the sum of the differences of the pixel signals at the same pixel position, and the difference sum is greater than or equal to the threshold value in step S6. When it is detected that there is, the process proceeds to step S7, a use detection signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 44 to the outside, and the process returns to step S2. When it is detected in step S6 that the difference sum is less than the threshold value, step S7 is skipped, and the process returns to step S2 without transmitting a use detection signal.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a water leakage monitoring system using the water meter detection device of the present invention. The water leakage monitoring system in FIG. 7 is an example of a water supply facility of a dwelling unit 100 of an apartment house such as a condominium, and a water meter 10 is arranged in a common box that can be confirmed from the outside passage side of the dwelling unit. A water pipe 11 is drawn into the dwelling unit 100.

  The water meter 10 is provided with the water meter detection device 30 of the present invention. The water meter detection device 30 determines the presence / absence of water usage based on the display detection of the water meter 10 and transmits a usage detection signal to the gateway device 106 constructing the power management system according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol. The transmission from the water meter detection device 30 to the gateway device 106 may be wired.

  On the other hand, the dwelling unit 100 is appropriately provided with a power outlet device 102 and a gateway device 106 for connecting to the Internet 108 as devices for constructing a power management system for managing the power consumption of the home appliances.

  For example, an air conditioner 104 is connected to the power outlet device 102. In addition to the air conditioner, various household appliances such as a refrigerator and a television are installed in the dwelling unit 100, and are similarly connected to a power outlet device installed separately.

  The power outlet device 102 is provided with a sensor for detecting power consumption and a wireless transmission / reception chip. When power is supplied by connecting a plug of a home appliance to an outlet, the power consumption is periodically measured, and a power detection signal is displayed. The data is transmitted from the wireless transmission / reception chip to the gateway device 106 according to a predetermined wireless communication protocol.

  The gateway device 106 converts the power detection signal transmitted from the power outlet device 102 according to the wireless communication protocol into an Internet communication protocol known as TCP / IP, and transmits it to the management server 110 via the Internet 108.

  The server 110 is provided with the function of the power management unit 120 as an application. Based on the power detection signal sent from the power outlet apparatus 102, for example, the total consumption specifying the power consumption per unit time and the period of the target device. The amount of power is obtained and transmitted to the mobile phone 116 serving as a user terminal, for example, via the mobile phone network 112 and the mobile phone base station 114 so that the user can view and manage the power consumption information of the home appliances of the dwelling unit 100. I have to.

  In order to provide a power management service, the server 110 is provided with a database 124. For example, the telephone number of the mobile phone 28 owned by the service subscriber, the subscriber information, and the power consumption information are indexed with the house ID that identifies the house. Etc. are stored. For example, a power meter number or a customer number is used as the house ID. The service for managing power consumption provided by the server 110 is, for example, a paid service provided to the subscriber of the mobile phone 116.

  The water meter detection device 30 of the present invention is provided with the same wireless transmission / reception chip as that provided in the power outlet device 102, and when the use of the water meter is detected based on the display detection of the water meter 10, a use detection signal is provided. The data is transmitted to the server 110 via the gateway device 106.

  Corresponding to the water meter detection device 30 of the present invention, the server 110 is provided with the function of the water leakage monitoring unit 122. Based on the use detection signal transmitted from the water meter detection device 30, the water leakage monitoring unit 122 generates a usage pattern indicating a transition of the usage status of the water supply, for example, with one day being the monitoring cycle, and the water leakage monitoring unit 22. If it is not possible to detect the unused time zone when the water supply is not used from this usage pattern (meaning that the water supply is continuously used), the water leakage is determined and The occurrence of water leakage is notified from the mobile phone 116 owned by the resident.

  When the dwelling unit 100 is a rental property, the real estate management company becomes a user, so the server 110 provides water leakage monitoring information in response to a browsing request from the real estate management company client 118 via the Internet 108.

  In the system of FIG. 7, since the gateway device 106 and the server 110 that construct the power management system to be used by the dwelling unit 100 are used in the water leak monitoring system, the dwelling unit 100 detects the water meter of the present invention. A water leak monitoring system can be easily constructed simply by installing the device 30.

  Signal transmission / reception performed in accordance with a wireless communication protocol by a power transmission / reception chip installed in the dwelling unit 100 and a wireless transmission / reception chip built in the gateway device 106 is assigned to, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification). Wireless communication part of the water meter detection device 30 using a short-range wireless communication protocol for sensor networks known as Z-Wave (R) and ZigBee (R) using a frequency of 900 MHz, that is, 950 to 957 MHz. This is also applied as 44.

  In particular, Z-Wave (R) is a wireless communication protocol developed for home automation, uses an intelligent mesh network topology, does not have a master node, for example, nodes A, B, and C are arranged. 7A, even if the node A and the node C are at a distance where they cannot communicate with each other, a message can be transmitted from the node A to the node C by the relay function of the node B located between them. It is suitable as a wireless communication protocol.

  ZigBee (R) provided as a short-range wireless communication standard for home appliances can also be used. In ZigBee (R), a node that functions as a coordinator and a plurality of nodes that function as routers can be used to construct a star-type network and a topology based on the coordinator. In the case of only, it is possible to construct a peer-to-peer network topology.

  The short-range wireless communication in the 900 MHz band such as Z-Wave (R) and ZigBee (R) has a transmission power of 1 mW or less as in the case of a specific low-power wireless station, and the line-of-sight communication distance is about several tens of meters when the power is 1 mW. It is.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a water usage pattern generated by the water leakage monitoring unit 122 provided in the server 110 of FIG. FIG. 8A shows the time, for example, 24 hours a day as a monitoring cycle. In addition, the water usage pattern is generated by sampling at predetermined time intervals during the detection cycle to detect usage. FIG. 8B is an example of a usage pattern of a general family consisting of a couple and a child. Water is used in the morning, noon, and night hours, and there is no water use in the bedtime hours from 0 to 6:00. . FIG. 8C shows a usage pattern of a single person, who uses water in the morning and at night, but does not use water in the absence hours and bedtime hours due to daytime work.

  In the unlikely event that water leaks with respect to such a normal usage pattern, the usage pattern is distributed continuously or entirely throughout the cycle over 24 hours a day. Therefore, in the server 110 of the present embodiment, for example, when it is not possible to detect unused water supply exceeding a predetermined time in a usage pattern of 24 hours a day, occurrence of water leakage is determined.

  In addition, as another embodiment of the water leakage determination by the server 110, a sleep time in which the water supply is not used, such as a predetermined time zone in which the water supply is not used in the usage pattern of 24 hours a day, for example, 0 to 5:00 is used. A band may be set, and the occurrence of water leakage may be determined when the use of water supply is detected during this sleeping time period. In addition to the sleep time zone, for example, in the case of a single person, an absent time zone may be set, and when water use is detected during this absent time zone, the occurrence of water leakage may be determined.

  Next, another embodiment of the water meter detection device of the present invention will be described. 1 to 3, the water meter detection device 30 is connected to a display detection adapter 32 attached to the back side of the lid 14 of the water meter 10 by a signal line 34. In this embodiment, the water meter 10 The display of the 1 liter integrating meter 22 serving as a pointer display unit provided in the meter display unit is detected. The display detection adapter 32 is arranged at a position where the display of the 1-liter integrating meter 22 can be imaged.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the 1 liter integrating meter 22 has a scale divided into 10 by a numerical value of 0 to 9, and when the pointer moves by 1 scale, it indicates 1 liter integration and 10 revolutions per rotation.

  The display detection adapter 32 has the same structure as that shown in FIG. 3, and takes a meter image with the imaging element 36 in a state where the portion of the 1 liter integrating meter 22 is illuminated by driving the illumination unit 40.

  The details of the water meter detection device 30 are the same as those in the block diagram of FIG. 4 except that the image captured by the image sensor 36 of the display detection adapter 32 becomes the image of the 1-liter integrating meter 22.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the integrated meter images sequentially captured in this embodiment. FIG. 9A shows a previous image 72-1 captured last time, in which an integrated meter image 74-1 is located. FIG. 9B shows a current image 72-2 picked up this time. In this case, since the pointer has been rotated by passing water, the position of the pointer is different in the integrated meter image 74-2.

  The use state detection unit 64 provided in the processor 42 in FIG. 4 obtains the sum of the differences between the pixel signals at the same pixel position in the previous image 72-1 and the current image 72-2 in FIG. 9 (difference sum of all pixels), When the difference sum is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the use of water supply is determined, and a use detection signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 44 to the outside. On the other hand, when the difference sum is less than the threshold value, the usage detection signal is not transmitted because the water supply is unused.

  It should be noted that the 10-liter integrating meter 24 may be imaged as a pointer display portion of the water meter 10 to determine whether water is used or not from the previous and current image changes, but the resolution is lowered when there is little water leakage. It is desirable to image and process the 1 liter integrating meter 22. Further, an image including the 1 liter integrating meter 22 and the 10 liter integrating meter 24 may be captured and processed.

  Next, still another embodiment of the water meter detection device of the present invention will be described. 1 to 3, the water meter detection device 30 is connected to a display detection adapter 32 attached to the back side of the lid 14 of the water meter 10 by a signal line 34. The display of the integration counter 26 provided in the meter display unit is detected. The display detection adapter 32 is arranged so that the display of the integration counter 26 can be imaged.

As shown in FIG. 2, the integration counter 26 mechanically displays a 5-digit value including the first place after the decimal point by rotating five number wheels, and the rightmost digit indicating the first place after the decimal point. Numbers 0 to 9 for cars are displayed in units of 0.1 m ³ (10 liters).

  The display detection adapter 32 has the same structure as shown in FIG. 3, and captures a counter image by the image sensor 36 while the illumination unit 40 is driven to illuminate the minimum digit value portion at the right end of the integration counter 26.

  The details of the water meter detection device 30 are the same as those in the block diagram of FIG. 4 except that the image captured by the image sensor 36 of the display detection adapter 32 becomes the image of the integration counter 26.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing an integration counter image taken in order in this embodiment. FIG. 10A shows a previous image 75-1 captured last time, in which an integration counter image 76-1 is located. FIG. 10B is a current image 75-2 captured this time. In this case, since the number wheel is rotating due to water flow during the detection cycle, the accumulated counter image 76-2 has numerical values 1 and 2. It rotates in between and a part of both is imaged.

  The usage state detection unit 64 provided in the processor 42 of FIG. 4 obtains the sum of the differences between the pixel signals at the same pixel position in the previous image 75-1 and the current image 75-2 in FIG. 10 (difference sum of all pixels), When the difference sum is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the use of water supply is detected, and a use detection signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 44 to the outside. When the difference sum is less than the threshold value, the usage detection signal is not transmitted because the water supply is unused.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the water meter detection device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the display change caused by the rotation of the water pilot of the water meter is changed from the reflected light by the irradiation of the detection light. It is characterized by optical detection.

  In FIG. 11, a battery power source 54 that supplies power to necessary units including a display unit 48, an operation unit 50, a memory 52, a processor 42, and a wireless communication unit 44 is provided for the processor 42.

  The display detection adapter 32 connected to the processor 42 by a signal line 34 optically detects the rotation of a water flow pilot provided in the meter display portion of the water meter 10.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing the structure of a display detection adapter mounted on the back side of the water meter of FIG. In FIG. 12, the display detection adapter 32 is formed of a resin case, and houses therein a light emitting unit 82 using an LED and a light receiving unit 84 using a photodiode, and the optical axes of the light emitting unit 82 and the light receiving unit 84 are It arrange | positions diagonally downward so that it may cross | intersect in the peripheral part which shifted | deviated from the center of the water flow pilot 20 located on the display board 28. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the water pilot 20 has a black and white windmill pattern divided into two on the surface, white is reflected, and black is hardly reflected. The intensity of the reflected light changes according to the change in black and white, and the light reception signal received by the light receiving unit 84 includes amplitude fluctuations according to the rotation of the water flow pilot 20.

  The display detection adapter 32 is also provided with a driving circuit for the light emitting unit 82 and a light receiving amplification circuit for the light receiving unit 84.

  FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the light reception signal output from the light receiving unit 84 of FIG. 12, FIG. 13A shows a case where the water pilot is rotating, and FIG. 13B shows a case where the water pilot is stopped. This is the case.

  When the water pilot 20 shown in FIG. 13A is rotating at a predetermined speed, a light reception signal whose amplitude changes between the upper and lower levels indicated by the dotted line in accordance with the change in reflected light due to the rotation of the black and white pattern. Obtained as a display detection signal. Further, when the water-flowing pilot 20 in FIG. 13B is stopped, a certain level that is an arbitrary level between the lower level and the upper level indicated by the dotted line, depending on the state of the monochrome pattern located at the reflection point. The received light signal is obtained as a display detection signal.

  Referring to FIG. 11 again, the processor 42 is provided with functions of a light emission control unit 78 and a usage status detection unit 80. The light emission control unit 78 drives the light emitting unit 82 of the display detection adapter 32 shown in FIG. 12 to irradiate the water pilot 20 with the detection light for a predetermined time and receives the reflected light at a predetermined sampling period. 13, and the water passage pilot detection signal that changes as shown in FIG. 13A according to the rotation of the water pilot 20 from the light receiving unit 80, or the water pilot 20 stops rotating as shown in FIG. A constant water flow pilot detection signal is output.

  The usage status detection unit 80 detects water usage when a predetermined change in the water pilot detection signal is detected, and transmits the usage detection signal from the wireless communication unit 44 to the outside. When a predetermined change in the water flow pilot detection signal is not detected, the use detection signal is not transmitted because the water supply is unused.

  As a method of detecting a change in the water pilot detection signal, a threshold level is set in the middle of the upper and lower levels in FIG. 13, and the detection signal is converted into a pulse signal based on whether or not the optical signal exceeds the threshold level. The detection pulses obtained during a predetermined light emission time are counted. If the pulse count value is 1 or more, for example, water use is determined, and if the pulse count value is 0, water supply unused is determined. Further, considering the error of the pulse count value due to the fluctuation of the water flow pilot detection signal, for example, a threshold value = 2 is set, and when the threshold value is exceeded, the use of water supply may be detected. Other configurations and functions are basically the same as those of the embodiment of FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the detection process according to the embodiment of FIG.

  In FIG. 14, when the processor 42 of the water meter detection device 30 starts operation by supplying power from the pond power supply 54, initialization, self-diagnosis, reading of various settings, etc. are executed in step S11. The process determines whether or not the detection timing has been reached. If there is an abnormality in step S11, the process of step S11 is executed again, and if the predetermined number of times is exceeded, the process is stopped (not shown).

  If it is determined in step S12 that the detection timing set for each predetermined period has been reached, the process proceeds to step S13, where the light-emitting unit 82 of the display detection adapter 32 is driven for a predetermined time to enter the water pilot 20 portion of the meter display unit. The detection light is irradiated, and a light reception signal obtained by receiving the reflected light of the water passing pilot 20 is read in step S14 and stored in the memory 52.

  In step S15, the light reception signal stored in the memory 52 is read and the change in amplitude is analyzed. In the analysis of the amplitude change, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the number of intersections with a threshold level set in the middle of a predetermined upper and lower level is obtained.

  Then, it progresses to step S16 and the presence or absence of an amplitude change is detected. For example, when the number of intersections obtained as an analysis result in step S15 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that there is a change in amplitude and water use is detected, and a use detection signal is transmitted from the wireless communication unit 44 to the outside in step S17. Then, the process returns to step S12. If the number of crossings is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold value in step S16, it is determined that there is no change in amplitude, and step S17 is skipped, and the process returns to step S12 without transmitting a use detection signal.

  In place of the processing in steps S14 to S15, the light reception signal may be converted into a pulse signal by setting a threshold value and counted, and the use of water supply may be detected from the pulse count value.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing the structure of a display detection adapter provided with a light emitting part and a light receiving part mounted on the back side of the lid for detecting the display of the pointer display part of the water meter, and the water meter detection device is the embodiment of FIG. Will be the same.

  In FIG. 15, the display detection adapter 32 is formed of a resin case, and houses therein a light emitting unit 82 using an LED and a light receiving unit 84 using a photodiode, and the optical axes of the light emitting unit 82 and the light receiving unit 84 are The pointer 22a deviated from the center of the 1 liter integrating meter 22 located on the display board 28 is arranged obliquely downward so as to intersect at a peripheral portion through which the pointer 22a passes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the 1 liter integrating meter 22 has a scale divided into 10 by a numerical value of 0 to 9, and when the pointer moves by 1 scale, it indicates 1 liter integration and 10 revolutions per rotation.

  The light emitting unit 82 is driven to emit light intermittently with a period that is sufficiently short with respect to the time for which the pointer 22a rotates once at the maximum water flow rate, and performs light reception sampling in synchronization with this. While the pointer 22a passes through the irradiation position of the detection light from the light emitting unit 82, the amount of reflected light incident on the light receiving unit 84 is greatly changed and the light reception signal is changed as compared with the case where the pointer 22a is not provided.

  A rotation pulse signal (10 liter integrated signal) is generated from the change in the light reception signal due to the passage of the pointer 22a. For example, when the rotation pulse signal is detected within a predetermined monitoring cycle, for example, a 30-minute cycle, the use of water supply is detected. Then, a usage detection signal is transmitted to the outside.

  The configuration in which the status of the meter display unit shown in FIG. 15 is optically detected by the display detection adapter 32 can be similarly applied to the detection of the numerical change of the integration counter 26 shown in FIG.

  In the above-described embodiment, a two-dimensional image sensor is used as an image sensor that images the meter display unit. However, a one-dimensional image sensor such as a line CCD may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the case of detecting the display of a mechanical integration counter provided in the water meter is taken as an example, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a water meter using a liquid crystal display or the like as the integration counter.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment has taken the case where the water meter detection apparatus is provided in the water meter of apartment houses, such as an apartment, and monitors the water leak of each dwelling unit, it is the same also about the water meter provided in the detached house. Applicable to.

  In the above embodiment, the water meter detection device of the present invention is used as an example of use, and a case where a water leakage monitoring system is constructed using a power management system that manages power consumption of home appliances is taken as an example. Therefore, it is possible to use an appropriate device management system that detects various environmental changes and optimally controls home appliances such as an air conditioner.

  In addition, when a wireless residential fire alarm (residential alarm) that detects and alerts a fire is installed in a dwelling unit or house where the water meter detection device of the present invention is installed, it is determined by a server. The result of water leakage may be transmitted to the residential fire alarm via the gateway device, and the occurrence of water leakage may be notified from the speaker of the residential fire alarm. In this case, the wireless transmission / reception chip of the residential fire alarm device may be the same as that of the gateway device, or if a communication protocol is different, a relay device that performs protocol conversion may be provided.

  Moreover, as a wireless communication part in the said embodiment, it is not necessarily necessary to use a commercially available wireless transmission / reception chip, and other modules, circuit blocks, etc. can be employ | adopted if the function is realizable.

  In addition, the processor shown in the above embodiment can replace some or all of its functions with other means such as wired logic. Other electrical and functional configurations including the processor can be appropriately integrated and abolished.

  In addition, the above-described embodiment is applicable not only to residential use but also to display detection of various types of water meters such as buildings and offices.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, includes appropriate modifications that do not impair the objects and advantages thereof, and is not limited by the numerical values shown in the above-described embodiments.

10: Water meter 11: Water pipe 12: Body 14: Lid 16: Opening 18: Glass plate 20: Water flow pilot 22: 1 liter meter 22a: Pointer 24: 10 liter meter 26: Integration counter 28: Display plate 30: Water supply Meter detection device 32: display detection adapter 34: signal line 35: pilot lamp 36: imaging device 38: lens 40: illumination unit 42, 60: processor 44: wireless communication unit 46: antenna 48: display unit 50: operation unit 52: Memory 54: Battery power supply 56: Transmission circuit 58: Reception circuit 62: Imaging control unit 66, 80: Usage state detection unit 68-1, 72-1, 75-1: Previous image 68-2, 72-2, 75 -2: Current images 70-1, 70-2: Water pilot images 74-1, 74-2: Integration meter images 76-1, 76-2: Integration counter image 78: Light emission Control unit 82: light emitting unit 84: light receiving unit 100: dwelling unit 102: power outlet device 104: air conditioner 106: gateway device 108: Internet 110: server 112: mobile phone network 114: mobile phone base station 116: mobile phone 118 :: real estate Management company client 120: Power management unit 122: Water leak monitoring unit 124: Database

Claims (11)

A water meter detection device that detects a display state in a meter display unit of a water meter and outputs a use detection signal indicating use of water.
In the water meter detection device according to claim 1,
A display detection unit that detects a situation of a water pilot rotating by water flow provided in the meter display unit and outputs a water pilot detection signal;
A usage status detection unit that detects the use of water based on the water flow pilot detection signal output from the display detection unit and outputs the use detection signal;
A water meter detection device comprising:
In the water meter detection device according to claim 2,
The display detection unit
An illumination unit that illuminates the water pilot;
An imaging unit that images the water pilot;
An imaging control unit that captures an image of the water pilot by the imaging unit in a state of being illuminated by the illumination unit for each predetermined detection period, and holds an image;
With
The usage status detection unit outputs the usage detection signal when it is detected that the image of the water pilot has changed from the previous image.
A water meter detection device characterized by that.
In the water meter detection device according to claim 2,
The display detection unit
A light emitting unit for irradiating the water pilot with detection light;
A light receiving unit for receiving reflected light of the detection light irradiated to the water pilot;
A light emission control unit that emits detection light from the light emitting unit to the water passing pilot for a predetermined time and outputs a pilot detection signal that changes according to the rotation of the water passing pilot from the light receiving unit at every predetermined detection cycle. When,
With
The usage status detection unit outputs the usage detection signal when a change in the pilot detection signal is detected.
A water meter detection device characterized by that.
In the water meter detection device according to claim 1,
A display detection unit that detects the status of the pointer display unit that rotates and displays the amount of water passing through the meter display unit and outputs a pointer display detection signal;
A use state detection unit that detects use of water based on the pointer display detection signal output from the display detection unit and outputs the use detection signal;
A water meter detection device comprising:
In the water meter detection device according to claim 5,
The display detection unit
An illumination unit that illuminates the pointer display unit;
An imaging unit for imaging the pointer display unit;
An imaging control unit that captures an image of the pointer display unit by the imaging unit in a state of being illuminated by the illumination unit for each predetermined detection cycle, and holds an image;
With
The usage status detection unit outputs the usage detection signal when it is detected that the image of the pointer display unit has changed from the previous image.
A water meter detection device characterized by that.
In the water meter detection device according to claim 5,
The display detection unit
A light emitting unit that emits detection light to the pointer display unit;
A light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the detection light irradiated on the pointer display unit;
A light emission control unit that emits detection light from the light emitting unit to the pointer display unit, and outputs a pointer display detection signal that changes according to the pointer rotation of the pointer display unit from the light receiving unit;
With
The usage status detection unit outputs the usage detection signal when a change in the pointer display detection signal is detected.
A water meter detection device characterized by that.
In the water meter detection device according to claim 1,
A display detection unit that detects a numerical state of an integration counter provided in the meter display unit and outputs a numerical state detection signal;
A usage status detection unit that detects the use of water based on the numerical status detection signal output from the display detection unit and outputs the usage detection signal;
A water meter detection device comprising:
In the water meter detection device according to claim 8,
The display detection unit
An illumination unit that illuminates a portion including the lowest numerical value of the integration counter;
An imaging unit for imaging a part including the lowest value of the integration counter;
An imaging control unit that captures an image of the integration counter by the imaging unit and holds an image in a state of being illuminated by the illumination unit for each predetermined detection period;
With
The usage status detection unit outputs the usage detection signal when detecting that the image of the integration counter has changed from the previous image.
A water meter detection device characterized by that.
In the water meter detection device according to claim 8,
The display detection unit
A light-emitting unit that irradiates detection light to a portion including the lowest value of the integration counter;
A light receiving unit that receives the reflected light of the detection light irradiated to the portion including the lowest numerical value of the integration counter;
A light emission control unit that irradiates the integrated counter with detection light from the light emitting unit, and outputs a numerical status detection signal according to a change in the least significant numerical value from the light receiving unit;
With
The usage status detection unit outputs the usage detection signal when a change in the numerical status detection signal is detected.
A water meter detection device characterized by that.
  In the water meter detection device according to any one of claims 3, 6 and 9, the usage state detection unit obtains a sum of differences between pixel signals at the same pixel position in the previous image and the current image, and A water meter detection device that detects the use of water when the difference sum is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

Images