JP2020042432A - Prepaid management terminal and gas management system with prepaid function - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a prepaid management terminal capable of appropriately adjusting charges for using gas, water or electricity based on a prepaid amount with an expiration date.SOLUTION: A prepaid management terminal 4 capable of writing a prepaid remaining amount for the usage of gas, includes a prepaid control unit 47 and a plurality of charge boxes 48 in which expiration dates are set. When gas charges are prepaid, a prepaid remaining amount v1, first of all, is written in the charge box 48(1), an expiration date t1 is set, and the prepaid amount is used for the adjustment of the gas charges. When the prepaid remaining amount v1 of the charge box 48(1) becomes zero, the charge box for adjustment is automatically switched to a next charge box 48(2). The gas can be used in a prepaid manner for a long period of time beyond the expiration date. The expired prepaid remaining amount is collected by a management server 6 via, for example, a communication line, and is returned to a customer in the form of a privilege, a prize, and otherwise.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a prepaid management terminal connected to or attached to a meter such as a gas meter, and a gas management system including the prepaid management terminal, in order to perform payment of gas, water or electricity usage charges by a prepaid system.

  As a method of adjusting usage fees for gas, water, electricity, and the like, a prepaid method is known in addition to a generally adopted postpaid method. For example, Patent Literatures 1 and 2 propose a prepaid system that can perform a prepaid gas fee processing by using a mobile phone without going to a specific place. In the prepaid system described in Patent Literature 1, when a gas charge is prepaid from a bank account using a mobile phone, the information is transmitted to a gas center. From the gas center, a program for using the gas meter is downloaded to the mobile phone. The gas user (customer) opens the gas meter using a mobile phone. This allows the gas user to use the gas for the prepaid amount.

  In the prepaid system described in Patent Literature 2, when a gas rate is prepaid from a bank account using a mobile phone, the information is transmitted to a gas center. The gas center specifies the gas meter from the received information and opens the gas meter. The gas meter switches to a state where gas can be used, and the gas user can use gas for the prepaid amount.

JP-A-2002-74238 Japanese Patent No. 4159345

  When gas, water, and electricity are supplied by the prepaid method, a prepaid amount paid by a user such as gas is stored and retained as a prepaid remaining amount. The usage fee of the gas or the like actually used is subtracted from the stored prepaid remaining amount. When the remaining amount of the prepaid money becomes small, a notification for prompting the user to pay an additional amount of the prepaid money is transmitted to a user terminal such as a portable terminal. When the prepaid amount is not charged and the remaining amount of the prepaid becomes zero, supply of gas or the like is cut off, and gas cannot be used.

  Here, an expiration date may be set for the prepaid amount in the settlement of the usage fee of gas or the like by the prepaid system. In the case of a prepaid system with an expiration date, when the expiration date expires, gas or the like cannot be used even though the prepaid amount remains. As a method for managing and adjusting the supply of gas or the like by the prepaid method, a method based on a prepaid method with an expiration date has not been proposed in the past.

  Further, in the case of gas, for example, a gas company may charge at a different unit price depending on the gas appliance used in order to promote sales of a specific gas appliance. Depending on the season, timing, length of usage period, amount of usage, etc., the basic fee or the usage fee for gas or the like may be changed. It is desired that such various fee structures can be easily adopted in the prepaid billing.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a prepaid management terminal and a gas management system that can appropriately perform supply management of gas, water or electricity, and settlement of a usage fee by a prepaid method with an expiration date. Is to do.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a prepaid management terminal and a gas management system capable of adjusting the usage fee of gas, water or electricity by a prepaid method with an expiration date by various charging methods.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a prepaid management terminal and a prepaid management system that can use gas by a prepaid method without using a dedicated gas meter equipped with a prepaid function.

  According to the present invention, a prepaid management terminal that manages supply and settlement of gas, water or electricity by a prepaid system includes a communication unit that communicates with the outside, a plurality of charge boxes, and a control unit. . In each charge box, a prepaid remaining amount corresponding to a prepaid amount of gas, water or electricity usage fee can be written, and a predetermined expiration date is set.

  When the control unit receives charge information indicating that the prepaid amount has been charged via the communication unit, the control unit writes a prepaid remaining amount corresponding to the prepaid amount into the charge box, and a setting function for setting an expiration date. , A function to select a charge box to be used to settle the usage fee from the charge boxes, and a usage fee generated by the use of gas, water or electricity received through the communication unit for the adjustment. And a payment function for performing payment using the remaining amount of prepaid written in the charge box. The setting function is a function for setting the expiration date in each of the charge boxes to the date and time when a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when a predetermined amount of the prepaid remaining amount is first written into an unused charge box. The selection function is a function of selecting a checkout charge box from available charge boxes whose prepaid remaining amount is not zero and whose expiration date is within the charge boxes.

  The prepaid management terminal of the present invention includes a plurality of charge boxes. When the remaining amount of prepaid is written in each charge box (when each charge box is charged), the expiration date is set. In the settlement of the usage fee, one of the available charge boxes within the expiration date is selected from the plurality of charge boxes and used as the adjustment charge box. For example, if there are two available charge boxes, the one with the earliest expiration date is used. When using a single charge box with an expiration date (prepaid remaining amount), it is necessary to reset once after the expiration date has expired, recharge and reset the expiration date. In the present invention, by sequentially using a plurality of charge boxes, gas, water, or electricity can be continuously used for a period exceeding the expiration date without inconvenience to a user or the like.

  In the present invention, the control unit may have a resetting function for resetting the expiration date. The re-setting function is to set the time when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the time when a predetermined amount of the prepaid remaining amount is written again in the state where the prepaid remaining amount is zero for the set expiration date of the charged box. Reset the date and time as the expiration date. By making the expiration date resettable, each charge box can be used repeatedly.

  In the present invention, when the prepaid remaining amount of the available charge box selected as the adjustment charge box becomes zero, or when the charge box expires, the selection function sets the adjustment charge box. , Select from the remaining available charge boxes. This prohibits the use of an expired charge box (expired prepaid remaining amount).

  Here, the charge box can include a first unit price charge box and a second unit price charge box used for settlement when the usage fee is charged at different unit prices. In this case, for example, the charge function distributes the prepaid remaining amount to the first and second unit price charge boxes and writes the same. For example, the gas usage fee of a specific gas appliance is set as a discount price, the gas usage fee of the gas appliance is settled using, for example, the remaining amount of the prepaid charge box in the first unit charge box, and the gas usage fee of the other gas appliances is settled. The usage fee is settled using the prepaid remaining amount of the second unit charge box. For example, a gas meter or a prepaid management terminal is provided with a gas usage metering function, and the gas usage used for each gas appliance (for each water heater, stove, and heating appliance) is measured. In the case of using the water heater to discount the charge, the gas charge for the use of the water heater is settled using the first unit charge box, and the gas charge for the other gas appliances is settled. This is performed using a charge box for two unit prices.

  Further, the charge box may include a charge box for the first period and a charge box for the second period having different usable periods. In this case, the charge function writes the prepaid remaining amount in the first period charge box during the first use period, and writes the prepaid remaining amount into the second period charge box during a second use period different from the first use period. Write to. The selection function selects the charge box for the first period as the charge box for settlement in the first use period, and selects the charge box for the second period as the charge box for settlement in the second use period.

  Further, the charge box may include a first user charge box and a second user charge box assigned to different users. In this case, the charge function writes the first user's prepaid remaining amount to the first user's charge box, and writes the second user's prepaid remaining amount to the second user's charge box. The selection function selects the charge box for the first user as the charge box for payment in the case of payment of the usage fee by the first user, and the second user in the case of payment for the usage fee by the second user. Charge box is selected as the checkout charge box. As described above, by using a plurality of charge boxes according to the unit price, the period, the user, and the like, it is possible to extremely easily realize various charging methods using the prepaid system.

  In addition to the charge box, it is also possible to arrange a spare charge box to which no expiration date is given. In this case, for example, when the remaining amount of prepaid money in the checkout charge box becomes zero and there is no usable charge box, the selection function temporarily selects the preliminary charge box as the checkout charge box. I do. In this way, when the user forgets to charge the prepaid amount, the use of gas or the like can be prevented from being suddenly cut off.

  It is desirable that the prepaid management terminal of the present invention also has a function of notifying the user of the remaining amount of prepaid and a function of notifying the user of the expiration. That is, the control unit has a remaining amount notification function of notifying the information on the prepaid remaining amount of the charge box to a predetermined notification destination and a deadline notification function of notifying the information on the expiration date to the predetermined notification destination. The remaining amount notification function generates a notification that the remaining prepaid amount is low when the total amount of the prepaid remaining amount of the available charge box decreases to a predetermined amount. The expiration notification function generates a notification to the user that the expiration is imminent just before the expiration date of the charge box used as the checkout charge box. By reporting the expiration date, it is possible to reduce the amount of prepaid money that cannot be used due to expiration.

  Here, the prepaid remaining amount that has expired and can no longer be used may be collected from each charge box to the collection unit. The prepaid remaining amount collected by the collection unit is returned to the user in the form of a privilege such as a prize, for example. Also, points corresponding to the remaining amount are given to the user, and various services according to the points are given to the user. Alternatively, it may be possible to recharge the prepaid remaining amount collected by the collection unit to the charge box whose expiration date is reset.

  The prepaid management terminal of the present invention is used, for example, built in a gas meter or externally connected (wired or wireless communication connection). When the gas user prepaid the gas fee, the charge information is transmitted from the user's portable terminal (user communication terminal) or a higher-level management company side device. When receiving the charge information via the communication unit, the control unit of the prepaid management terminal opens the gas shut-off valve built in the gas meter and enables the gas to be used by the gas available amount corresponding to the prepaid amount.

  In this case, between the gas meter and the prepaid management terminal, general message communication for performing a meter reading operation, an opening / closing operation of a shutoff valve for security, and the like may be used. Using a common gas meter or using a gas meter from a different manufacturer, the gas user can use the gas in a prepaid manner. When the prepaid function by the prepaid management terminal is stopped, for example, a higher management company-side device can charge a gas fee by a general post-payment method based on the meter reading information. Conversely, using the prepaid management terminal, it is also possible to temporarily switch the charging of the gas fee by the postpaid system to the charging of the gas fee by the prepaid system.

1 is a schematic system configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a gas management system to which the present invention has been applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portion centering on a prepaid management terminal in the gas management system of FIG. 1.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, the present invention is applied to gas supply management and settlement. The invention is equally applicable to the use of water or electricity and is not limited to the use of gas. In the case of water, the usage fee is not limited to the usage fee of tap water, but may be the usage fee of a water bottle delivered to a place where a bottle-type beverage server is installed.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a gas management system having a prepaid function according to the present embodiment. The gas management system 1 reads and monitors the meter reading information of the gas meter 3 via the gas meter 3, the prepaid management terminal 4, and the prepaid management terminal 4 installed at the gas consumption place 2 of each gas user. A centralized monitoring server 5 and a management server 6 for collectively managing customer information, gas usage fee, and the like are provided. The centralized monitoring server 5 and the management server 6 which are management company-side devices are operated by a management company 7 entrusted with management by each gas company 8.

  The gas management system 1 includes a communication terminal such as a personal computer 9 of each gas company 8 outsourced to the management company 7 and a user communication terminal 11 (owned by a user who uses gas at the gas consuming location 2). For example, a smart phone) and a management server 13 of a bank 12 used for remittance of a gas fee and the like are included.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram mainly showing the gas meter 3, the prepaid management terminal 4, the centralized monitoring server 5, and the user communication terminal 11. As shown in FIG. 2, gas can be supplied from a gas supply source (not shown) to each gas appliance (not shown) (heating appliance, stove, water heater, etc.) via a gas meter 3 to each gas consuming location 2. . The gas meter 3 is a so-called microcomputer gas meter. In the gas meter 3, a gas passage 32 for flowing a gas supplied to a gas-using device is arranged in a meter case 31, and a shut-off valve 33 is arranged at an intermediate position of the gas passage 32.

  On the downstream side of the shutoff valve 33 in the gas passage 32, a measuring unit 34 for measuring gas flowing therethrough is arranged. The measurement value of the measurement unit 34 is supplied to a control unit 35 mainly composed of a computer, and a gas flow rate and a flow rate integrated value are calculated. The control unit 35 includes a communication unit 36, and is generally performed with the prepaid management terminal 4 via a communication cable (not shown) connected to a communication terminal 37 which is an I / O port thereof. Electronic communication is performed to transmit meter reading information (gas flow rate, flow rate integrated value, etc.), call a meter, make various settings, and open / close the shut-off valve 33.

  The prepaid management terminal 4 used by being connected to the gas meter 3 includes a control unit 41, a meter-side communication unit 42 for performing communication between the communication unit 36 of the gas meter 3 as a communication unit, and the centralized central monitoring server 5. And a user-side communication unit 44 that communicates with the user communication terminal 11 owned by the customer. The control unit 41 includes a centralized monitoring-related control function unit 45 and a prepaid-related control function unit 46. The centralized monitoring-related control function unit 45 performs bidirectional communication (including a meter call report and meter reading information) performed between the gas meter 3 and the centralized monitoring server 5 via the meter-side communication unit 42 and the higher-level communication unit 43. Monitoring information, a setting command of the gas meter 3, etc.).

  The prepaid-related control function unit 46 manages the use of gas supplied via the gas meter 3 by a prepaid method. That is, the shut-off valve 33 of the gas meter 3 is opened and closed so that the supply of gas is controlled so that the gas can be used by the gas usable amount corresponding to the prepaid amount. The prepaid-related control function unit 46 is activated when it receives charge information indicating that the prepaid amount of the gas fee has been charged by the customer via the upper communication unit 43 or the user communication unit 44.

  The prepaid-related control function unit 46 includes a control unit 47 and a plurality of charge boxes 48 (48 (1), 48 (2)... 48 (n)). Each charge box 48 is a storage unit in which the prepaid remaining amount v1, v2,... Of the gas usage fee can be written. In this example, for example, a value (gas volume conversion value) representing the gas volume corresponding to the prepaid amount can be written as the prepaid remaining amount. When each charge box 48 is charged, expiration dates t1, t2,... Tn are set.

  The control unit 47 includes a charging function 49, a setting function 50, a resetting function 51, a selection function 52, a settlement function 53, a cutoff control function 54, and a notification function 55. The charge function 49 receives charge information (for example, information indicating gas volume) indicating that the prepaid amount has been charged, together with information such as user information, charge date and time, and charge location via the upper communication unit 43. , A function of writing the remaining prepaid amount corresponding to the prepaid gas volume into one of the charge boxes 48. The charge function 49 of the present example stores charge information in accordance with the order of charges previously given to each of the charge boxes 48, for example, the order of the charge boxes 48 (1), 48 (2),..., 48 (n). Each time it is received, the prepaid remaining amount is written into the charge box 48.

  The setting function 50 is a function for setting an expiration date for each charge box 48. In this example, the expiration date in each of the charge boxes 48 is set to the date and time when the same time has elapsed from the time when the predetermined amount of the prepaid remaining amount is first written into the unused charge box 48 (the first charge time). Set. The re-setting function 51 sets the prepaid remaining amount v1, v2... To zero, and sets a predetermined amount of prepaid remaining amount to the charge box 48 whose validity period t1, t2. This is a function for resetting a point in time at which a predetermined time has elapsed from the point in time of writing as an expiration date.

  The selection function 52 is a function of selecting, from the charge boxes 48, an adjustment charge box used for adjusting the gas usage fee. The selection function 52 of the present example extracts the charge box for settlement from the charge box 48 by extracting, from the charge box 48, a charge box whose remaining prepaid amount is not zero and which is within the expiration date as a usable charge box. Select a checkout charge box from the available charge boxes. In addition, when the prepaid remaining amount of one available charge box selected as the charge box for payment becomes zero or the charge box 48 expires, the charge box for payment is replaced with the remaining charge box. Select from available charge boxes to use for payment. Before the expiration date, an additional charge may be performed before the remaining amount of prepaid money in the checkout charge box becomes zero. Also in this case, the expiration date set at the time of the first charge is maintained as it is.

  The settlement function 53 subtracts the gas volume conversion value corresponding to the gas usage fee from the prepaid remaining amount written in the adjustment charge box based on the meter reading information of the gas meter 3 received via the meter-side communication unit 42, and subtracts. This is a function for performing a settlement process of writing a later value as a remaining prepaid amount. The shutoff control function 54 issues a command to open the shutoff valve 33 when charge information is received via the upper communication unit 43, and issues a close command for the shutoff valve 33 when the prepaid balance in the charge box 48 becomes zero. is there.

  In addition, the prepaid related control function unit 46 includes a notification function 55 for providing a service for a user who uses gas by the prepaid method. The notification function 55 has a remaining amount notification function of notifying the user communication terminal 11 as a predetermined destination of information on the prepaid remaining amount of the charge box 48. The reporting function 55 also has a term reporting function for reporting information on the expiration date of the checkout charge box to the user communication terminal 11.

  When the total prepaid remaining amount in the available charge box decreases to a predetermined amount (remaining low), the remaining amount notification function notifies the user that the prepaid remaining amount is low via the centralized monitoring server 5 to the user communication. The terminal 11 is notified. For example, when a gas cylinder for supplying LP gas is installed as a gas supply source in the gas consuming location 2, the control unit 47 determines the sum of the remaining amount of prepaid available charge boxes and the installed gas cylinder. Regularly check against the remaining gas. When the remaining gas amount in the gas cylinder falls below the total prepaid remaining amount (charged gas amount), the notification function 55 notifies a predetermined notification destination that the gas remaining amount in the gas cylinder is insufficient. Encourage gas filling.

  The expiration date notification function sends a notification to the user communication terminal 11 via the centralized monitoring server 5 to the effect that the expiration date is imminent at a time before the expiration date of the charge box 48 used as the charge box for settlement. appear. These prepaid gas related information can be transmitted to the user communication terminal 11 directly via the user communication unit 44 periodically or in response to a request from the user communication terminal 11.

  The prepaid management terminal 4 includes a display / operation unit 56 for displaying and inputting various information. The upper communication unit 43 of the prepaid management terminal 4 communicates with the centralized monitoring server 5 via a dedicated communication line or a general communication line. The user-side communication unit 44 of the prepaid management terminal 4 communicates with the user communication terminal 11 such as a smartphone via a mobile phone line such as LTE, a wireless PAN such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), or a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi. To communicate.

  The centralized monitoring server 5 operated by the management company 7 centrally monitors the gas usage status at each gas consuming location 2. The centralized monitoring server 5 includes a control unit 5a having a centralized monitoring function and a centralized monitoring database 5b. In the centralized monitoring database 5b, customer (gas user) information, gas usage status for each customer, operating status of each gas meter, and other information are registered.

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, the management server 6 communicatively connected to the centralized monitoring server 5 includes a control unit 6a having a gas charge management function based on the prepaid system and information necessary for using the gas based on the prepaid system. And a database (charge application DB) 6c for a charge application program that stores information necessary for charging the prepaid amount.

  The prepaid DB 6b holds information such as information on each gas company, customer information for each gas company, actual payment of the prepaid amount of each customer, and charge history of the prepaid amount. The customer information also includes information for specifying (authenticating) the user communication terminal 11 such as a customer's smartphone registered in advance. Based on this information, the control unit 6a manages, for each gas company, the identification information of each customer, the actual payment, the charged state of the prepaid amount, and the like. These management states can be viewed from the personal computer 9 of each gas company 8. The new customer is registered in the management server 6 from the gas company 8 side.

  In order to enable gas use by the prepaid system using the gas management system 1, the user of the gas sends the identification information, the user communication terminal information and other information to the management server 6 of the management company 7 in advance. After registration, the prepaid management application software (prepayment management application) 11a and the charging application software (charge application) 11b are downloaded from the management server 6, for example. Thereby, the customer can perform a procedure for gas use by the prepaid method using the user communication terminal 11.

  With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an outline of the processing when gas is used by the prepaid method will be described. First, in the gas consumption place 2, the shut-off valve 33 of the gas meter 3 is in a closed state, and the gas cannot be used. The customer who wants to use the gas activates the charge application 11b in the user communication terminal 11, or accesses a site on the Internet operated by the cloud server 60 managed by the management server 6, and sets the customer in advance. A transfer of the prepaid amount or a transfer process is requested to the designated bank account (S2: charge information).

  When the prepaid amount is deposited in the bank account, a deposit notice is transmitted from the management server 13 of the bank 12 to the personal computer 9 of the gas company 8 (S3: deposit notice), and the deposit information is stored in the management server 6 of the gas management company 7. (S4, S5: payment information). The deposit information is reflected in the charge application DB 6c, and is also reflected in the prepayment DB 6b associated with the charge application DB 6c. These databases 6b and 6c may be shared databases. Upon receiving the deposit information, the control unit 6a of the management server 6 transmits the deposit confirmation information to the user communication terminal 11 of the customer gas user via the cloud server 60 (S6: deposit information). In the user communication terminal 11 that has received the payment confirmation information, the prepaid management application 11a is activated, and the charge information can be transmitted to the prepaid management terminal 4 (S7: charge information). Alternatively, charge information is transmitted from the management server 6 to the prepaid management terminal 4 via the centralized monitoring server 5 (S7a: charge information).

  Upon receiving the charge information, the prepaid-related control function unit 46 of the prepaid management terminal 4 performs authentication based on the authentication information included therein, and sets a prepaid remaining amount v1 representing a usable gas volume in advance. The first charge box 48 (1) is written, and a command to open the shutoff valve 33 is transmitted to the gas meter 3 (S8: valve open). In the charge box 48 (1) in which the prepaid remaining amount v1 is written, a time point after a predetermined period has elapsed from the writing time point is set as an expiration date t1. When receiving the opening command, the gas meter 3 opens the shutoff valve 33. As a result, it becomes possible to use a volume of gas corresponding to the prepaid amount.

  The charging result, that is, the fact that the shut-off valve 33 is opened and the gas can be used, is transmitted from the prepaid related control function unit 46 of the prepaid management terminal 4 to the user communication terminal together with information such as the prepaid remaining amount v1 and the expiration date t1. 11 and the centralized monitoring server 5 (S9, S9a: charge result). When receiving the charge result, the prepayment management application 11a of the user communication terminal 11 transfers the charge result to the management server 6 of the management company 7 (S10: charge result). The management server 6 collates the received charging result and reflects the result on the prepayment DB 6b. The prepayment DB 6b cooperates with the centralized monitoring DB 5b of the centralized monitoring server 5, and the charge result is also reflected in the centralized monitoring DB 5b.

  During the period when the customer is using gas by the prepaid method, the settlement function 53 of the prepaid related control function unit 46 of the prepaid management terminal 4 is used based on the measured gas flow rate received via the meter communication unit 42. The prepaid remaining amount v1 is updated by subtracting the value (gas volume converted value) corresponding to the gas amount from the prepaid remaining amount v1 written in the charge box 48 (1).

  The prepaid management terminal 4 manages the prepaid remaining amount v1 of the charge box 48 (1) and the expiration date t1. When the total prepaid remaining amount of the available charge box decreases to a predetermined amount (remaining low), the reporting function 55 sends a report indicating that the prepaid remaining amount is low, directly or via the cloud server 60, Notify the user communication terminal 11. Similarly, the reporting function 55 transmits the user communication terminal via the cloud server 60 or directly before the expiration date of the expiration date t1 of the charge box 48 (1) used as the adjustment charge box. 11 is notified that the expiration is imminent.

  When the user who has received the remaining amount report adds and charges the prepaid amount, the selection function 52 of the prepaid management terminal 4 selects the next charge box 48 (2), where the prepaid remaining amount is charged. t2 is written. When the writing is performed, a time point after a predetermined period has elapsed from the writing time point is set in the charge box 48 (2) as the expiration date t2.

  When the prepaid v1 of the charge box 48 (1) used for adjusting the gas usage fee becomes zero, the selection function 52 indicates that the remaining amount of the prepaid is not zero and the expiration date is expired from the charge box 48. Unexpired charge boxes are extracted as usable charge boxes. In the case of this example, a predetermined amount of prepaid remaining amount v2 is written in the second charge box 48 (2), and is within the expiration date t2. The remaining charge boxes 48 (3), 48 (4), 48 (5),... Are unused, have zero remaining prepaid, and have no expiration date. Therefore, the second charge box 48 (2) is selected as a usable charge box. In this case, since a single charge box 48 (2) is extracted, it is used as it is as a checkout charge box. That is, the charge box for adjustment is automatically switched from 48 (1) to 48 (2), and the gas can be used continuously.

  When a plurality of charges are performed while the first charge box 48 (1) is used for settlement, the charge boxes 48 (2), 48 (3), 48 (4 )... Are charged in this order. In this case, a plurality of charge boxes are selected as usable charge boxes. In this case, the charge boxes 48 (2), 48 (3), 48 (4),.

  Here, in the case where the gas is not charged by the user of the gas in spite of the notification of the remaining amount, when the prepaid remaining amount becomes zero, the shutoff control function 54 turns off the gas meter 3. A command to close the valve 33 is issued (S1: valve closed). When the gas meter 3 receives the capping command, the gas meter 3 closes the shutoff valve 33 and forcibly ends the gas supply. In addition, even when the expiration date t1 of the charge box 48 (1) used as the charge box for settlement has expired, the shutoff control function 54 issues a plugging command and terminates the gas supply.

  In such a case, a spare charge box 61 is provided in addition to the charge box 48 in order to provide a service for the user of the gas, and after the remaining amount of the prepaid becomes zero, or when the expiration date expires. After that, a predetermined amount of gas may be continuously used. In this case, if the remaining prepaid amount v1 of the charge box 48 (1) selected as the charge box for settlement has become zero, the selection function 52 temporarily stops when there is no other usable charge box. Then, the preliminary charge box 61 is selected as the checkout charge box. The settlement function 53 uses the remaining amount written in the selected preliminary charge box 61 to settle the usage fee of the used gas. The expiration date is not set in the preliminary charge box 61 and is managed by the management company 7. The gas fee used by using the preliminary charge box 61 may be charged to the user and settled by a predetermined method.

  On the other hand, when the expiration date t1 of the charge box 48 (1) expires, the charge box for payment used for payment of the gas usage fee is switched to another charge box. The prepaid remaining amount v1 of the charge box 48 (1) may be a predetermined amount instead of zero. In this case, the remaining prepaid remaining amount v1 may be collected by using, for example, a remaining amount collecting unit 6d provided on the management server 6 side. The collected expired remaining amount can be refunded to the user as a prize or as a point conversion value for receiving a predetermined service. It is also possible to add the collected prepaid remaining amount at the time of the next charging by the user and write it in the charge box 48.

(Example of basic payment method)
As described above, in the adjustment of the gas usage fee, the prepaid remaining amount corresponding to the prepaid amount is treated as a gas volume conversion value, and the used gas amount is calculated based on the prepaid remaining amount written in the adjustment charge box. (Gas volume equivalent) is subtracted. Generally, the gas usage fee is composed of a basic fee and a metered fee. As a method of adjusting the basic charge, for example, a divided prepaid adjustment method in which a volume conversion value corresponding to a fixed amount of the basic charge is subtracted from the prepaid remaining amount of the adjustment charge box every day can be adopted. It is also possible to adopt a lump-sum post-payment settlement method in which only the basic charge is processed by post-payment.

(Usage of charge box)
The prepaid management terminal 4 of this example includes a plurality of charge boxes 48 (a plurality of prepaid remaining storage units) in which expiration dates are set. The plurality of charge boxes 48 can be used as follows.

  For example, a charge box for each unit price of the gas fee can be arranged in the charge box 48. For example, a charge box for a first unit price and a charge box for a second unit price used for settlement when gas usage fees are charged at different unit prices are included. In this case, the charge function 49, for example, distributes and writes the prepaid remaining amount corresponding to the received charge information to the first and second unit price charge boxes at a fixed distribution ratio. The allocation ratio may be specified, for example, via the user communication terminal 11.

  Further, charge boxes 48 for each period and season can be arranged. For example, a first period charge box and a second period charge box having different usable periods are arranged. For example, the charge box for the first period can be used in the first period from October to March, and the charge box for the second period can be used in the second period from April to September, for example. The charge function writes the remaining prepaid amount to the first period charge box during the first use period, and writes the remaining prepaid amount to the second period charge box during the second use period. The selection function 52 selects the charge box for the first period as a charge box for settlement in the first use period and causes the charge box for the settlement to be used for the settlement in the second use period. It can be selected and used for checkout.

  Furthermore, in the case where a plurality of short-term stayers use the same gas facility, a charge box for each gas user can be arranged. In this case, for example, a first user charge box and a second user charge box allocated to different users are arranged. When one user performs charging using the user communication terminal 11, the prepaid management terminal 4 is supplied with charging information together with the user identification information. For example, the prepaid remaining amount is written in the first user charging box, The expiration date is set. Similarly, when the other user charges, the prepaid remaining amount is written in the second user charge box, and the expiration date is set. The selection function 52 selects the charge box for the first user as a charge box for payment in the case of the payment of the usage fee by the first user and causes the charge box to be used for the payment, and in the case of payment of the usage fee by the second user. , A second user charge box is selected and used as a checkout charge box. Note that a reading function for reading user identification information, for example, biometric information such as fingerprint information, is provided on the gas appliance side, and it is determined whether the gas used by the user is the prepaid management terminal 4. To be supplied to

  Next, by using the charge box 48, it is possible to settle not only the gas usage fee but also the water and electricity usage fee. In the above example, the gas amount (gas volume converted value) is written in each charge box 48 of the prepaid management terminal 4 as the prepaid remaining amount corresponding to the prepaid amount. For example, in the case where the gas company 8 also sells electricity, for example, a process of converting the electricity usage fee used in the gas consuming location 2 into a gas amount and subtracting it from the remaining amount of prepaid money in the charge box 48. Should be performed.

  When the gas company 8 sells water, for example, a beverage server may be installed at the gas consuming location 2 and the gas company 8 may deliver both LP gas cylinders and water bottles for the beverage server. A process of converting the delivered water bottle cost into a gas amount and subtracting the same from the prepaid remaining amount of the gas charge box 48 may be performed. For example, when a water bottle delivery request is received from a user, an instruction for prepaid water bottle charges is transmitted from the management server 6 to the prepaid management terminal 4 via the centralized monitoring server 5 to perform a settlement process. Alternatively, the delivery person may input a payment command to the prepaid management terminal 4 and pay by postpay.

  In order to settle the gas, electricity and water usage charges using the gas charge box 48, the prepaid control unit 47 of the prepaid management terminal 4 requires the electricity usage fee and water usage fee (water bottle fee). May be added to a conversion function for converting the value into a gas amount.

  In the above description, the charge for electricity and water is settled using the charge box for gas charge settlement. The same applies to the case where the charge box for gas and water is settled using the charge box for electricity bills, and the case where the charge for gas and electricity is settled using the charge box for water charges. . It is also possible to assign a plurality of charge boxes 48 as charge boxes dedicated to the settlement of the usage fees of gas, water and electricity. That is, a part of the charge box 48 may be a charge box for gas bill settlement, the remaining part may be a charge box for electricity bill settlement, and the remaining may be a charge box for water bill settlement.

Reference Signs List 1 gas management system 2 gas consumption place 3 gas meter 4 prepaid management terminal 5 centralized monitoring server 5a control unit 5b centralized monitoring database 6 management server 6a control unit 6b prepaid database (prepaid DB)
6c Charge Application Program Database (Charge Application DB)
6d Remaining amount collection unit 7 Management company 8 Gas company 9 Personal computer 11 User communication terminal 11a Prepaid management application software (prepaid management application)
11b Charge application software (charge application)
12 Bank 13 Management server 31 Meter case 32 Gas passage 33 Shut-off valve 34 Measurement unit 35 Control unit 36 Communication unit 37 Communication terminal 41 Control unit 42 Meter side communication unit 43 Upper side communication unit 44 User side communication unit 45 Centralized monitoring related control function Unit 46 prepaid related control function unit 47 prepaid control unit 48, 48 (1), 48 (2), 48 (n) charge box 49 charging function 50 setting function 51 resetting function 52 selection function 53 settlement function 54 cutoff control function 55 Notification function 56 Operation unit 60 Cloud server 61 Reserve charge boxes v1, v2, vn Prepaid remaining amount t1, t2, tn Expiration date

Claims (12)

A prepaid management terminal that manages the use of gas, water or electricity by a prepaid method,
A communication unit for communicating with the outside;
A plurality of charge boxes capable of writing a prepaid remaining amount of gas, water or electricity usage fee and having a predetermined expiration date,
A control unit for controlling each unit,
Has,
The control unit includes:
Via the communication unit, upon receiving charge information indicating that the prepaid amount has been charged, a charge function of writing a prepaid remaining amount corresponding to the prepaid amount into the charge box;
A setting function for setting the expiration date;
From the charge box, a selection function to select a charge box for payment used to settle the usage fee,
A payment function for performing the payment processing of the usage fee by using the remaining amount of prepaid written in the payment box for payment, based on a usage flow rate at a usage location of gas, water or electricity received through the communication unit; With
The setting function is a function of setting the expiration date in each of the charge boxes to a point in time when a predetermined time has elapsed from a point in time when a predetermined amount of prepaid remaining amount is first written in the unused charge box,
The selection function is a function of selecting the checkout charge box from among the available charge boxes in which the prepaid remaining amount is not zero and which is within the expiration date.
Prepaid management terminal. In claim 1,
The prepaid management terminal, wherein the charge function writes the prepaid remaining amount in the charge box in accordance with an order given to each of the charge boxes in advance. In claim 1,
The control unit has a reset function of resetting the expiration date,
The resetting function is configured to perform the predetermined time from the time when a predetermined amount of the prepaid remaining amount is written in the state where the prepaid remaining amount is zero for the expired charge box once set. A prepaid management terminal having a function of resetting an elapsed time as the expiration date. In claim 1,
The selection function is performed when the prepaid remaining amount of the available charge box selected as the adjustment charge box becomes zero, or when the charge box expires. A prepaid management terminal for selecting a box from the remaining available charge boxes. In claim 1,
The charge box includes a first unit price charge box and a second unit price charge box used for settlement when the usage fee is charged at different unit prices,
A prepaid management terminal in which the charge function writes the remaining prepaid amount separately to the first and second unit price charge boxes. In claim 1,
The charge box includes a charge box for a first period and a charge box for a second period having different usable periods,
The charge function writes the prepaid remaining amount into the first period charge box during a first usage period, and writes the prepaid remaining amount into the second usage period during a second usage period different from the first usage period. Fill in the charge box for
The selection function selects the charge box for the first period as the charge box for settlement in the first use period, and uses the charge box for the second period as the charge box for settlement in the second use period. Prepaid management terminal to select. In claim 1,
The charge box includes a first user charge box and a second user charge box assigned to different users,
The charge function writes the remaining amount of prepaid money of the first user to the charge box for the first user, writes the remaining amount of prepaid money of the second user to the charge box for the second user,
The selection function selects the charge box for the first user as the charge box for settlement in the case of the settlement of the charge by the first user, and sets the charge box for the settlement of the charge by the second user. In such a case, a prepaid management terminal that selects the second user charge box as the checkout charge box. In claim 1,
In addition to the charge box, there is provided a preliminary charge box in which a predetermined amount of prepaid remaining amount is written,
The selection function is to temporarily select the preliminary charge box as the checkout charge box when the available charge box does not exist when the prepaid remaining amount of the checkout charge box becomes zero. Prepaid management terminal. In claim 1,
The control unit has a remaining amount notification function of notifying the information on the prepaid remaining amount of the charge box to a predetermined notification destination and a deadline notification function of notifying the information on the expiration date to a predetermined notification destination,
The remaining amount notification function, when the total of the prepaid remaining amount of the available charge box decreases to a predetermined amount, generates a notification that the remaining amount of the prepaid remaining is low,
A prepaid management terminal that generates a report to a user that the expiration is imminent at a time immediately before the expiration date of the charge box used as the checkout charge box. A gas meter with a built-in shut-off valve,
A prepaid management terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A user communication terminal on the gas user's side,
Via the prepaid management terminal, reading of the meter reading information of the gas meter, a monitoring server for monitoring the gas meter, and user information for specifying a gas user, and the gas usage performed via the user communication terminal A management company-side device provided with a management server that manages prepaid information indicating the content of prepaid processing of gas usage fees by a user,
The prepaid management terminal sends an opening command to the gas meter via the communication unit when the remaining amount of the prepaid is written to any of the charge boxes, and a closing command when the usable charge box is exhausted. Equipped with a shut-off valve opening / closing function that sends
A gas management system having a prepaid function for opening the shut-off valve when the gas meter receives the opening command to enable use of gas, and closing the shut-off valve when receiving the closing command to end the use of gas. . In claim 10,
The gas management system wherein the prepaid management terminal is built in the gas meter or externally attached to the gas meter. In claim 10 or 11,
The gas management system, wherein the monitoring server or the management server includes a remaining amount collection unit that collects an expired prepaid remaining amount from each of the charge boxes of the prepaid management terminal.

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