JP2021060795A - Gas supply management system, gas supply management method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide: a gas supply management system capable of performing appropriate deliveries in accordance with gas usage situations and avoiding the shortage of gas to efficiently perform stable gas supply (deliveries); a gas supply management method; and a program.SOLUTION: Management means 13 in a gas supply management system has usage obtaining means 51 for obtaining a gas usage of a gas vessel for each supply destination facility at a high frequency and replacement rule determination means 52 for determining at least whether a replacement of an entire amount of the gas vessel arranged for each supply destination facility is performed or not on the basis of the gas usage, and delivers the gas vessel in accordance with the gas usage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a gas supply management system, a gas supply management method and a program for efficiently supplying (delivering) liquefied petroleum (LP) gas.

Conventionally, as a method of centrally performing meter reading of the amount of LP gas used and monitoring of the gas usage status arranged in multiple supply destination facilities, a communication transmission device (NCU) is connected to the gas meter and a communication line is used. There is known a system that detects the remaining amount of gas in an LP gas cylinder and collects a charge by connecting a gas meter to a centralized control device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, for the purpose of accurately predicting the replacement time of the gas bomb and executing the formulated delivery work in a short time, the input of the measured value from the gas meter is sequentially or periodically accepted, and the data aggregation device and the communication device. Is installed in the customer's house, and the measured value of the gas meter collected by the data aggregation device is transmitted to the arithmetic processing device via the communication line (optical communication line, public telephone line, wireless data communication line, etc.), and based on this, the customer A system for predicting daily gas consumption and deriving a delivery plan for fuel delivery work is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

In addition, conventionally, in order to avoid gas shortage, a plurality of gas cylinders (for example, two on the primary side and two on the secondary side) are arranged for one supply destination facility, and use is started from the gas cylinder on the primary side. , It is common to use the secondary side (preliminary use of the secondary side) when the primary side is empty, and one in use (primary side) is empty (empty). ) Detect the timing and go to delivery, install a new gas cylinder (new primary side) while using the secondary side, and install one of the two installed gas cylinders with the least remaining gas amount. Collection (exchange), so-called "alternate exchange" is performed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-117247 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-199552

However, in alternate exchange, even at the supply destination facility where two gas cylinders are installed, one gas cylinder is exchanged (delivered) when one is empty, and there is a limit to improving delivery efficiency. there were.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is possible to perform appropriate delivery according to the gas usage situation, avoid gas deficiency, and efficiently supply (deliver) stable gas. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas supply management system, a gas supply management method and a program.

The present invention is a gas supply management system that delivers a gas container according to the amount of gas used, and is a usage amount acquisition means for acquiring the usage amount of the gas for each supply destination facility of the gas container, and the use. A gas supply management system characterized by having an exchange rule determining means for at least determining whether or not to exchange the entire amount of the gas container arranged for each supply destination facility based on the amount. is there.

Further, the present invention is a gas supply management method for delivering a gas container according to the amount of gas used, the usage amount acquisition step of acquiring the gas usage amount for each supply destination facility of the gas container, and the usage amount acquisition step. Gas supply management characterized by having an exchange rule determination step of at least determining whether or not to exchange the entire amount of the gas container arranged for each supply destination facility based on the usage amount. The method.

Further, the present invention is a program characterized in that a computer executes the above-mentioned gas supply management method.

According to the present invention, a gas supply management system capable of performing appropriate delivery according to a gas usage situation, avoiding a gas deficiency, and efficiently supplying (delivering) a stable gas. , Gas supply management methods and programs can be provided.

It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the structure of the gas supply management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the information transmission device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) the schematic diagram which shows the structure of the information transmission device schematically, (b) the block diagram which shows the structure of the information transmission device, (c). It is a block diagram which shows the function of an information transmission device. It is a figure explaining the mobile terminal which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a block diagram which shows the structure of a mobile terminal, (b) is a block diagram which shows the function of a mobile terminal. It is a figure explaining the management apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is the schematic which shows the structure of the management apparatus schematically, (b) is the block diagram which shows the function of the management apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the threshold value which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of (a) gas supply management processing which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is (b) is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of delivery management processing. It is a flow figure which shows an example of the flow of the usage amount acquisition processing which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow figure which shows an example of the flow of exchange rule determination processing which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow figure which shows an example of the flow of the parameter setting process which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow figure which shows an example of the flow of the delivery prediction processing which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the method of determining the delivery period which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

An embodiment of the gas supply management system 10 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically showing an example of the overall configuration of the gas supply management system 10 of the present embodiment. The gas supply management system 10 efficiently performs operations such as meter reading, security, and delivery of LP gas by collecting information from LP gas meters 21 provided in each of a plurality of destination facilities U of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas. It is something to do. Here, the supply destination facility U is, for example, an LP gas installation facility provided on or near the premises of a residential facility (a detached house, an apartment house, an office, etc.) of an LP gas contractor, and is an LP. The location where gas is installed.

The gas supply management system 10 of the present embodiment is, for example, an LP gas meter 21, an information transmission means (information transmission device) 11, a management means (management device) 13, an information collection means 31, and a storage means (storage device). ) 30, a mobile terminal 12, and a communication line (network NW) to which they are connected. The network NW of this embodiment is a general term for wired and / or wireless communication line (network) NW and NW3.

The network NW1 is, for example, a wireless mobile communication network (including a base station, etc.), a wireless data communication network based on a wireless LAN system such as WiFi (registered trademark), and a short-range wireless communication standard (Bluetooth (registered trademark)). A wireless data communication network based on the wireless PAN system), a wireless MAN system such as WiMAX (registered trademark), a wireless data communication network based on the wireless WAN system, etc., and a network NW2 in which the management device 13 and the operator server device 14 are connected. Is, for example, a communication line constructed by a LAN, the Internet, a dedicated communication line (for example, a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line), a gateway, or the like. The form of communication may be wired or wireless.

Further, the network NW3 is, for example, a communication line using a power saving (low power) and wide area (long distance) wireless communication technology. "Power-saving (low-power) and wide-area (long-distance) wireless communication technology" means communication (in kilometers) that consumes less power and covers a wider area than WiFi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). A wireless communication technology that enables long-distance communication). Further, examples of the communication method (communication standard) include LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) and LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network). Hereinafter, a gas supply management system 10 using LPWA will be specifically described as an example of a power-saving (low-power) and wide-area (long-distance) wireless communication technology.

The gas supply management system 10 using LPWA is mainly an LPWA technology that uses a communication band (920 MHz band) that does not require a license in the acquisition (collection) of information (gas meter information) from the information transmission device 11. The configured network (communication line) NW3, that is, the LPWA network is used. The LPWA network enables low-cost, low-power consumption, wide-area (long-distance) wireless communication. The network NW3 is not limited to an LPWA network as long as it is a communication network (communication line) capable of wireless communication over a wide area (long distance).

The information transmission device 11 is externally or built-in to the LP gas meter 21, acquires information from the LP gas meter 21 (hereinafter referred to as gas meter information) at an arbitrary timing or a predetermined timing, and obtains information (hereinafter referred to as gas meter information) via the network NW3. It transmits to the collecting device 31 and / or the mobile terminal 12.

Here, the "gas meter information" is a unique number (for example, a serial number) that can identify each LP gas meter 21 (gas cylinder 20), a guideline value indicating the amount of gas used in a predetermined period for each gas cylinder 20, and safety information. This information includes at least (information for monitoring the pressure of each gas cylinder 20 and detecting a gas leak, etc.), the acquisition date (meter reading date) of this information, and the date when the gas cylinder 20 was replaced.

The gas meter information transmitted by the information transmission device 11 is automatically and arbitrarily collected by the collection device 31 and / or at a predetermined timing, and is transmitted to the storage device 30 via the network NW to which the collection device 31 is connected. Further, the gas meter information transmitted by the information transmission device 11 is collected by the mobile terminal 12 via the network NW3 and transmitted to the storage means 30 and / or the management device 13 via the network NW.

The collecting means (collecting device) 31 is a means for connecting to the network NW3 and collecting gas meter information transmitted by the information transmitting device 11, and is, for example, a radio base station compatible with LPWA communication or a radio base station. It is a fixed terminal that connects by wire (or wirelessly). Further, the collecting means 31 may be a radio base station for LPWA communication and / or mobile communication, or may be a mobile communication terminal connected to the radio base station. Further, the base station here may be an artificial satellite equipped with a base station capable of LPWA communication. The collecting device 31 stores and stores the acquired gas meter information in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 30 via the network NW.

The storage device 30 is a device that is connected to the network NW1 and stores various information including gas meter information, application programs, and the like, and is, for example, a server (cloud server) provided in a cloud environment.

The management device 13 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, storage means, input means, display means, communication means (all not shown in FIG. 1), etc., is connected to the network NW1, and is a storage device 30 via the network NW1. Acquires gas meter information and the like stored in and / or transmitted from the mobile terminal 12. Further, in this example, at least a part of the functions of the management device 13 are stored in the storage device 30 as an application program, and are configured to be used in the management device 13 by the cloud computing system.

Further, the management device 13 is connected to the gas operator server device 14. The management device 13 and the business server device 14 may be connected via, for example, a network NW, or may be connected by a dedicated line. Further, data such as personal information of the LP gas contractor and the function of the business server device 14 may be stored in the storage device 30 and configured to be used in the management device 13 by the cloud computing system.

The server device 14 for a business operator (supplier) is a known server device, and has the same CPU, ROM, RAM, storage means, input means, display means, communication means (all not shown) as the management device 13. Information that can be accessed only by a specific business operator (a person having a specific authority) (for example, personal information of a contractor (consumer) of the LP gas meter 21 (LP gas), etc.) ) Is stored.

In the present embodiment, the gas meter management information is stored in the database of the management device 13. As an example, this gas meter management information includes acquired gas meter information (and position information of the LP gas meter 21), but does not include personal information of the contractor (consumer) of the LP gas meter 21. The personal information of the LP gas contractor (consumer) is associated with the gas meter information of the management device 13 by acquiring it from the business server device 14 as needed. That is, the mobile terminal 12 carried by the meter reader or the delivery person is configured so that the personal information of the LP gas contractor cannot be retained (stored or displayed).

In the present embodiment, the mobile terminal 12 may be configured so that the personal information of the LP gas contractor cannot be retained (stored and displayed), and the management device 13 links the personal information with the position information. The personal information of the contractor (consumer) of the LP gas meter 21 may be retained.

In addition, when the gas meter information cannot be acquired by the mobile terminal 12, only the target LP gas meter 21 can acquire the contractor name and the like from the management device 13, or for the business operator via the management device 13. It may be acquired from the server device 14 and temporarily displayed.

The management device 13 manages only information on a single supplier (for example, each LP gas company, each LP gas company's branch office, filling station, distribution center, retail company, etc.) as gas meter management information. It may be one, or information about a plurality of supply sources may be managed for each supply source. When the management device 13 manages information about a plurality of supply sources for each supply source, a plurality of management devices 13 may be provided for each supply source, and one or a plurality of management devices 13 may be provided for each supply source. The management device 13 may manage information about a plurality of supply sources for each supply source. Further, when the management device 13 manages information on a plurality of supply sources for each supply source, the business server device 14 is contracted by each business operator (a person having a specific authority). One or more are provided so that only the information of the person can be accessed. Hereinafter, each configuration will be specifically described.

<Information transmission means>
The information transmitting means 11 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram schematically showing the configuration of the information transmission means 11 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information transmission means 11 in FIG. 2C. ) Is a block diagram showing the function of the information transmitting means 11.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the information transmission device 11 is connected to an LP gas meter 21 corresponding to each of the gas containers (gas cylinders) 20 arranged in the plurality of LP gas supply destination facilities U. This is a device that acquires gas meter information from the LP gas meter 21 and transmits it to the mobile terminal 12. The information transmitting device 11 may be configured to be connected to a fuel gauge and / or a regulator instead of (or in addition to) the LP gas meter 21.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the information transmission device 11 is attached to, for example, an LP gas supply pipe 25, and is attached to an external terminal 22 of each LP gas meter 21 via a wired connecting means 23. A connection unit 111 to be connected, an acquisition unit 112 that acquires and stores gas meter information of each LP gas meter 21, a communication unit 113 for wireless communication with a mobile terminal 12 and a collection device 31 via a network NW, and a battery 114. A control unit 115 for controlling various configurations, a memory 116, and the like are provided.

The information transmission device 11 uses a built-in battery (rechargeable battery (lithium ion battery or the like) that can be replaced together with the LP gas meter 21 or independently) 114 as a power source, and the entire information transmission device 11 stored in the memory 116 by the control unit 115. It performs processing such as executing various software programs and the like for realizing the operation of the above, and processing for transferring control signals and data.

A software program that performs information transmission processing and the like is stored in the memory 116, and when the program is executed, the information transmission device 11 executes the information transmission processing. By this information transmission process, the information transmission device 11 serves as an information transmission request receiving means 117 for receiving an information transmission request from the mobile terminal 12, an individual information transmitting means 118 for transmitting gas meter information for each LP gas meter to the mobile terminal 12, and the like. (Fig. (C)).

The information transmission device 11 (and the LP gas meter 21) has a configuration corresponding to the LPWA type network (communication line) NW3. That is, the information transmission device 11 is connected to each LP gas meter 21, or is built in each LP gas meter 21 to acquire gas meter information from each LP gas meter 21, but the communication unit 113 of the information transmission device 11, for example, is a network. It is also connectable to the NW3 and is configured to transmit gas meter information to the collecting means 31 on the network NW3. The communication unit 113 can also be connected to the network NW, and is configured to transmit gas meter information to the collecting means 31 and the mobile terminal 12 on the network NW.

Specifically, the information transmission request receiving means (information transmission request receiving processing) 117 periodically (for example, at a timing of once every 30 seconds) via the communication unit 113, the mobile terminal 12 and the collecting means (collecting device). ) Receive the information transmission request from 31. That is, for example, the information transmission device 11 automatically automatically switches between the standby mode in which the information transmission request receiving means 117 does not function and the reception mode in which the information transmission request receiving means 117 functions. That is, the information transmission request receiving means 117 functions periodically. Further, the individual information transmission means (individual information transmission processing) 118 acquires gas meter information from the LP gas meter 21 via the connection unit 111 or obtains gas meter information from the LP gas meter 21 when the information transmission request is received by the information transmission request reception means 117. The gas meter information that is periodically acquired in advance and stored in the memory 116 or the like is transmitted (wirelessly transmitted) to the mobile terminal 12 or the collecting device 31 via the network NW.

By using the LPWA network NW3, the information transmission device 11 can be driven with low power consumption, and the built-in battery 114 of the information transmission device 11 can be used for several years with, for example, two dry batteries. Become.

<Mobile terminal>
The mobile terminal 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. (A) is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 12, and FIG. (B) is a block diagram showing the functions of the mobile terminal 12.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the mobile terminal 12 can perform mobile communication carried by the meter reader (meter reader) of the LP gas meter 21, the delivery person of the gas cylinder 20, or the person in charge of the LP gas supply source. Gas meter information that is attached to a terminal device, a delivery vehicle of a gas cylinder 20, or the like and is capable of mobile communication, and is transmitted from an information transmitting device 11 and / or is transmitted from a collecting means 31 or a storage means 30. Is received and collected, and the gas meter information is transmitted (uploaded) to the management device 13 via the network NW. Further, information including gas meter information can be transmitted and received to and from the management device 13, the storage device 30, the information transmission device 11, and the like via the radio base station (collection device) 31 of the network NW (NW3).

The mobile terminal 12 is preferably, for example, a conventionally known smartphone, tablet terminal, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc., but can also be realized by a laptop computer, a handy terminal (dedicated terminal) capable of mobile communication, a mobile phone, or the like. can do. Here, the "supply source" of LP gas refers to LP gas contractors (consumers) such as, for example, each LP gas company, a branch of each LP gas company, a filling station, a distribution center, and a retail company. It is a general term for those who supply LP gas.

The mobile terminal 12 includes a CPU (control means) 120, a display means (display unit, display) 121, an input means 122, a memory 123, a communication means 124, and the like. The input means 122 is a general term for means for inputting information such as characters, images, and voices into the mobile terminal 12, and includes, for example, a keyboard (touch panel) for inputting characters, a camera for photographing an object and input (memorizing) it as an image. It is a microphone that inputs (stores) voice.

The CPU 120 performs processing for executing various software programs (application programs), operating systems (OS), etc. for realizing the operation of the entire mobile terminal 12 stored in the memory 123, data necessary for executing the programs, and the like. Performs processing such as storing a file or the like in a memory 123 or the like.

The communication means 124 communicates with the information transmission device 11, the management device 13, the storage means 30, and the collection means 31 via the network NW.

A software program (application program) that performs information collection processing and the like is stored in the memory 123, and when the program is executed, the mobile terminal 12 executes the information collection processing. This information collection process includes a geographic information display process, an information transmission request process, and an information reception / transmission process, whereby the mobile terminal 12 has a geographic information display means 127, an information transmission request means 128, and an information reception / transmission means. A function such as 129 is realized (Fig. (B)).

The geographic information display means (geographic information display process) 127 is an application program (process executed by this process) that realizes a so-called mapping system in which at least the position information of the gas cylinder 20 (and gas pipe, etc.) is superimposed and displayed on an electronic map. Is. By the geographic information display means 127, an electronic map within a predetermined range (distance) centered on the position of the mobile terminal 12 and the same supplier existing there (for example, an LP gas operator (or its branch or retailer, etc.), etc. )) Can grasp the location information of the gas cylinder 20 (of the consumer who has a contract with the same gas company). Specifically, when the mobile terminal 12 exists at a certain information acquisition point (meter reading point), the geographic information display means 127 provides a predetermined range from the information acquisition point (for example, a radius of about 200 m to 300 m around the information acquisition point). The electronic map within the range (range and distance) and the position of the gas cylinder 20 (LP gas meter 21) that exists within the range and is the target of meter reading of the same supplier can be displayed on the display means 121 of the mobile terminal 12.

The information transmission request means (information transmission request processing) 128 has a period (for example, 1) longer than a predetermined period (reception cycle of the information transmission request reception means 117 (30 seconds in this example)) at an arbitrary timing with respect to the information transmission device 11. Information transmission request is transmitted over (minutes, etc.)), gas meter information transmitted from the information transmission device 11 is received, and is linked with the position information of the gas cylinder 20 (supply destination facility) to the management device 13. The gas meter information is transmitted.

That is, when an information transmission request is transmitted to the information transmission device 11 at an information acquisition point where the information transmission request means 128 of the mobile terminal 12 is present, the geographic information display means 127 is within a predetermined range from the information acquisition point and within the range thereof. The position of the gas cylinder 20 (LP gas meter 21) to be read by the same supply source existing in the mobile terminal 12 is displayed on the display means 121 of the mobile terminal 12. Then, the information transmission device 11 connected to all the LP gas meters 21 displayed on the display means 121 transmits the gas meter information to the mobile terminal 12. Then, the mobile terminal 12 associates the position information of the target LP gas meter 21 with the received gas meter information by the geographic information display means 127, and transmits (uploads) it to the management device 13 via the network NW. When the same gas meter information of the LP gas meter 21 is transmitted from the mobile terminal 12 on the same day, the information of the management device 13 is overwritten (updated) with the latest gas meter information.

At this time, the gas meter information may not be received even though the mobile terminal 12 has transmitted the information transmission request due to deterioration of the communication condition or the like. Therefore, the geographic information display means 127 is configured so that the success or failure of acquisition of gas meter information for each target LP gas meter 21 can be displayed on the display means 121. As a result, the carrier of the mobile terminal 12 can grasp the position of the LP gas meter 21 in which the acquisition of the gas meter information has failed.

If there is an LP gas meter 21 that has failed to acquire gas meter information, the carrier of the mobile terminal 12 sends a re-information transmission request by moving from the information acquisition point as necessary, and reacquires the gas meter information. Try.

When the gas meter information cannot be acquired based on the information transmission request, the carrier of the mobile terminal 12 acquires the gas meter information by the information reception / transmission means (information reception / transmission processing) 129. The information reception / transmission means 129 is an application program for receiving input of gas meter information by the carrier (user) of the mobile terminal 12 and transmitting the gas meter information to the management device 13.

The information reception / transmission means (information reception / transmission processing) 129 displays, for example, the position information (map, address, etc.) of the LP gas meter 21 for which the gas meter information could not be acquired on the display means 121 of the mobile terminal 12. Based on the location information, the user of the mobile terminal 12 goes to the location of the LP gas meter 21 where the gas meter information could not be acquired, and for example, the camera (input means 122) of the mobile terminal 12 takes a picture of the LP gas meter 21 and provides information. The image data is input to the reception / transmission means 129. The information receiving / transmitting means 129 character-recognizes the unique number of the LP gas meter 21, the guideline value indicating the amount of gas used, the security information, etc. from the input image data of the LP gas meter 21, and displays the character information and the geographical information. The position information acquired from the means 127 is linked and stored in the memory 123 of the mobile terminal 12 as gas meter information together with the acquisition date (meter reading date) of the gas meter information. Alternatively, the information receiving / transmitting means 129 inputs character information such as a unique number of the LP gas meter 21, a guideline value indicating the amount of gas used, and security information by operating the touch panel (input means 122) of the mobile terminal 12 of the carrier. Is received and stored in the memory 123 of the mobile terminal 12 as gas meter information. Then, the information reception / transmission means 129 is associated with the gas meter information and the position information of the LP gas meter 21 acquired from the geographic information display means 127, and together with the acquisition date (meter reading date) of the gas meter information, the network NW (for example, a wireless mobile body). It is transmitted (uploaded) to the management device 13 via a communication line, a wireless LAN, or the like).

For example, when there is a member that shields radio waves around the information transmitting device 11, the mobile terminal 12 cannot acquire gas meter information. This problem also occurs in smart meters. In the present embodiment, even when the mobile terminal 12 cannot acquire the gas meter information by wireless communication with the information transmitting device 11, the gas meter information is acquired by the auxiliary information receiving / transmitting means 129, and the gas meter is acquired by the management device 13. Information can be sent. Further, in the case where the information receiving / transmitting means 129 acquires the gas meter information from the image data of the LP gas meter 21 taken by the camera of the mobile terminal 12, it is possible to leave evidence of meter reading execution.

The "case where the gas meter information cannot be acquired based on the information transmission request" includes the case where the information transmission device 11 is not installed and the gas meter information cannot be acquired. In this case, the position information (map, address, etc.) of the LP gas meter 21 cannot be displayed on the display means 121 of the mobile terminal 12, but the business operator grasps the supply destination facility U in which the information transmission device 11 is not installed. Therefore, go to the location and obtain gas meter information directly.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the information transmission device 11 having the built-in battery (rechargeable battery) 114 and the communication unit 113 for wireless communication with the mobile terminal 12 is connected to the existing LP gas meter 21 by wire. The gas meter information of the LP gas meter 21 can be transmitted to the mobile terminal 12, and can be transmitted from the mobile terminal 12 to the management device 13 in real time. By doing so, the gas meter information can be automatically acquired when necessary by using the existing LP gas meter 21 which does not have a permanent power supply for communication. Further, the mobile terminal 12 transmits an information transmission request for a predetermined period (for example, 1 minute) at an arbitrary timing, and the information transmission device 11 performs an information transmission request process for receiving the information transmission request from the mobile terminal 12. By performing the operation periodically (for example, once every 30 seconds), the power consumption of the information transmitting device 11 can be minimized.

Information on delivery predicted by the management device 13 (delivery destination (supply destination facility U, the same applies hereinafter), delivery route, information on delivery status, etc.) is transmitted to the mobile terminal 12 and can be displayed on the display means 121. ing. In addition, the mobile terminal 12 receives registration (update) of the delivery person's work schedule, delivery destination, delivery route, delivery status information, security check information, and the like, and the management device 13 and / or the storage device 30 receives such information. Is configured to be able to send. In addition, it is possible to read character and image information, scan barcodes, display (and output) delivery slips, and the like.

For example, the delivery person of the gas cylinder 20 registers his / her own work schedule, etc. in the management device 13 in advance via the mobile terminal 12, and registers / confirms / corrects (sends / receives) information on the delivery destination, delivery route, and delivery status. And so on.

In the gas supply management system 10 using LPWA of the present embodiment, as already described, the gas meter information transmitted by the information transmitting device 11 is automatically and arbitrarily timing (including a predetermined timing) by the collecting device 31. Is collected and transmitted to the storage device 30 via the network NW to which the collection device 31 is connected. The collection device 31 can collect gas meter information on a regular basis, for example, once a day at a fixed time (daily), and can also collect gas meter information at any time (at any time) as needed. Information can be collected.

In the storage area of the storage device 30, at least the supply destination facility U (unique number of the gas meter 21 (for example, the serial number of the gas meter 21)) and the gas meter information acquired for each date are stored. In addition, the management device 13 can acquire gas meter information and the like stored in the storage device 30.

That is, the management device 13 can remotely and automatically acquire the gas meter information transmitted by the information transmission device 11 regardless of the meter reading work of the meter reader (for example, the reception / collection process of the gas meter information by the mobile terminal 12). As a result, the management device 13 can frequently grasp the gas meter information including the gas consumption amount. Here, the high frequency means that the frequency is higher (higher) than the monthly frequency, and it means that the frequency is higher than the frequency such as once a month or once a week. Specifically, in the present embodiment, for example, gas meter information can be acquired on a daily basis to grasp the amount of gas used and the like. As a result, the management device 13 utilizes the acquired gas meter information for the monthly meter reading business in the LP gas sales business, calculates the usage amount on a daily basis, predicts the delivery, and performs the efficiency of the LP gas delivery business. Utilize for conversion. Specifically, it predicts the optimum delivery date and efficient (optimal) delivery route (delivery route) for delivering the gas cylinder 20, and indicates the number of gas cylinders 20 to be loaded on a plurality of delivery vehicles. Perform the process automatically.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the gas meter information is automatically collected and acquired by the collecting means (collecting device) 31 at an arbitrary timing, but when the communication line condition is bad or the information transmitting device 11 is not installed. There are cases (regions) where collection / acquisition by the collection device 31 is temporarily or constantly impossible, such as in the case of. Therefore, it is possible to collect and acquire the gas meter information by the mobile terminal 12 in parallel with the collection and acquisition of the gas meter information by the collecting means (collecting device) 31, and the management device 13 acquires the gas meter information and the like transmitted from the mobile terminal 12. It is possible.

In addition, for example, when gas meter information is acquired frequently such as daily and gas supply management (management of usage amount, predicted usage amount, next delivery date, etc.) is performed on a daily basis, the mobile terminal 12 assists. Even a configuration for acquiring gas meter information may be insufficient. For example, in the case of an abnormality in the communication line, the information collected by the mobile terminal 12 cannot be transmitted to the management device 13, and the person in charge goes to the corresponding supply destination facility U each time (daily). It may not be possible. In this way, even if the gas meter information cannot be automatically acquired on a daily basis, the gas supply is managed on a daily basis. Specifically, for example, in the storage area of the storage means 30, the gas meter information is stored on the day when the gas meter information can be acquired, and the day when the gas meter information cannot be acquired is left blank. In this embodiment, the day when the gas meter information could not be acquired is monitored, and in that case, the gas supply is managed on a daily basis based on the gas meter information acquired in the past (not on the target day). There is.

<Management means (management device)>
An example of the management device 13 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. (A) is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the management device 13, and FIG. (B) is a block diagram showing an outline of the functions of the management device 13.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the management device 13 connects to the storage device (for example, cloud server) 30 and the mobile terminal 12 via the network NW, and connects the business server device 14 and the network NW (for example, the Internet). For example, it is a server device (or personal computer (PC)) connected via a network such as a dedicated line), and is a CPU 130, ROM 131, RAM 132, storage means (storage device) 133, input means 134, display means 135, communication means 136. And so on.

The CPU 130 is used for processing to execute various software programs (application programs), operating systems (OS), etc. for realizing the operation of the entire management device 13 stored in the ROM 131, the storage device 133, etc., and for executing the programs. A process of storing necessary data, files, etc. in a RAM 132, a storage device 133, or the like is performed.

The storage device 133 stores an application program, an OS, a control program, a related program, and the like, and can be realized by, for example, a hard disk (HDD) or the like. The input means 134 can be realized by, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse or the like), a touch panel or the like. The display means 135 displays, for example, a response output or the like in response to an input from the input means 134, and can be realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display, or the like.

A software program (application program) that performs gas supply management processing or the like is stored in the storage device 133 (for example, ROM or the like). The software program may be stored in a computer-readable information storage medium such as a DVD-ROM or a CD-ROM. Further, a database is provided in the storage device 133, and the gas meter information and the position information of the LP gas meter 21 are stored in association with each other.

The communication means 136 communicates with the mobile terminal 12, the storage device 30, and the business server device 14 via the network NW.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the management device 13 includes a core processing means 55 and a delivery management means 50. The core processing means 55 mainly based on gas meter information, monthly (monthly) security management processing that reflects inspection information, delivery management (inventory management) processing that reflects inventory, database update processing such as customer information. , And other known core business processing.

The delivery management means 50 includes, for example, a usage amount acquisition means 51, an exchange rule determination means 52, a parameter setting means 53, a delivery prediction means 54, and the like so that the gas cylinder 20 can be efficiently delivered according to the amount of gas used. , Create and manage delivery plans. In addition to this, it is possible to predict the amount of gas used for each gas cylinder 20 based on the gas meter information, manage the delivery schedule of the gas cylinder 20, and manage the optimum delivery route.

A software program (application program) that performs gas supply management processing stored in a storage device 133 (for example, ROM) is read into a work area of RAM and managed by the CPU 130 executing the software program. The device 13 executes the gas supply management process. This gas supply management process includes a usage amount acquisition process, an exchange rule determination process, a parameter setting process, a delivery prediction process, and the like, whereby the management device 13 uses the core processing means 55 and the delivery management means 50 (usage amount). It functions as an acquisition means 51, an exchange rule determination means 52, a parameter setting means 53, a delivery prediction means 54), and the like.

In this example, the core processing means 55 and the delivery management means 50 (application programs that realize these functions) are stored in the storage device 30 and configured to be used in the management device 13 by the cloud computing system. .. However, not limited to this, the core processing means 55 and the delivery management means 50 (application programs that realize these functions) are stored in the storage means 133 of the management device 13 (storage means 133 connected to the management device 13). Is also good.

The delivery management means 50 will be further described. The usage amount acquisition means 51 acquires the gas usage amount (guideline value) for each supply destination facility U of the gas cylinder 20 included in the gas meter information acquired by the management means 13. In this example, the management means 13 frequently (eg, daily) acquires gas meter information. The usage amount acquisition means 51 can acquire the information at any time, whereby the gas usage amount (guideline value) for each supply destination facility U of the gas cylinder 20 can be acquired with high frequency (for example, daily).

Further, the usage amount acquisition means 51 calculates the remaining amount of gas in the gas cylinder 20 of the supply destination facility U based on the acquired gas usage amount, and also includes the latest predetermined period (for example, the acquisition date of the gas usage amount). The average daily gas consumption (hereinafter referred to as "average gas usage") for the latest (immediately before) 10 days, etc. is calculated. In addition, the average amount of gas used is integrated for the number of days, and the remaining amount of gas (predicted value of remaining amount of gas) predicted on a future date is calculated by subtracting it from the latest remaining amount of gas. Then, the latest gas usage amount, gas remaining amount, gas average usage amount, gas remaining amount predicted value, and the like are stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 133 or the collecting means 31.

The exchange rule determining means 52 determines at least whether or not to exchange the entire amount of the gas cylinders 20 arranged for each supply destination facility U based on the gas usage amount acquired by the usage amount acquisition means 51. Specifically, it is determined whether to replace the entire amount of the gas cylinder 20 or to replace the gas cylinder 20 alternately, and the exchange rule (switching between the total amount exchange and the alternate exchange) is automatically switched for each supply destination facility U.

Here, "alternate exchange" is an exchange rule (exchange method) generally used in the past, and exchanges a part of the total amount of gas cylinders 20 arranged for each supply destination facility U. Say. In this "alternate exchange" exchange rule (exchange method), for example, two gas cylinders 20 of a primary side gas cylinder and a secondary side gas cylinder are arranged in a certain supply destination facility U (for example, a detached house). If so, one of them is the secondary (preliminary) gas cylinder 20. Then, at the timing when the gas cylinder 20 on the primary side is used up (used up), the gas cylinder 20 on the secondary side is used for delivery, and of the two installed gas cylinders 20, the gas cylinder 20 on the primary side with the least remaining gas amount is used. And install a new (new primary side) gas cylinder 20. That is, even if a plurality of (for example, two) gas cylinders 20 are arranged for one supply destination facility U, the gas cylinders 20 to be exchanged in one delivery operation are a part (for example). 1, 1). In the case of alternate exchange, the safety is high from the viewpoint of gas shortage, but there is a limit to the improvement of delivery efficiency, so this exchange rule is suitable when the amount of gas used is large.

On the other hand, "total exchange" means exchanging the entire amount of the gas cylinder 20 arranged for each supply destination facility U. For example, when two gas cylinders 20 are arranged in a certain supply destination facility U (for example, a single-family house), the exchange rule (exchange method) for exchanging the two gas cylinders, which is the total amount, at the same time. In addition, for example, when two gas cylinders 20 are arranged in the front and the back due to the installation location of the gas cylinder 20, one (back side) is not substantially replaced, and the other (front side) is not replaced. When one is replaced continuously, it shall be included in "total replacement". In the total exchange, the remaining amount of gas in the gas cylinder 20 waits until the safe limit value (the limit value that can avoid the gas shortage), and the entire amount (for example, two) is exchanged in one delivery, so that the delivery efficiency is improved. It is a replacement rule that can be used and is suitable when the amount of gas used is small (when the amount of gas used is large, it is preferable to give priority to safety and avoid it).

Specifically, the exchange rule determination means 52 has a threshold value for determining the exchange rule (hereinafter, referred to as “exchange rule determination threshold value”), and the period during which the average gas usage exceeds the exchange rule determination threshold value (hereinafter, referred to as “exchange rule determination threshold value”). During the period when the amount of gas used is high), the exchange rule is changed alternately, and when the average amount of gas used falls below the threshold value for determining the exchange rule (when the amount of gas used decreases), the exchange rule is changed to the total amount exchange. Then, based on the gas usage amount (gas average usage amount) acquired with high frequency (for example, daily), the exchange rule is determined with high frequency (for example, daily), and alternate exchange and total amount exchange are automatically switched. It does not matter whether or not the value (threshold value) is included in the determination based on the threshold value or the like. That is, for example, "exceeding the threshold value" / "below the threshold value" may be replaced with "above the threshold value (reaching the threshold value)" / "below the threshold value" (the same applies to all the explanations of the present embodiment).

The amount of gas used generally fluctuates according to the season and usage conditions, for example, the amount of gas used is high in winter and low in summer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in order to grasp the gas usage state for each supply destination facility U, the gas usage amount is acquired frequently (for example, daily), the gas average usage amount for the immediately preceding plurality of days is calculated, and the gas is used. Determine if the usage is increasing or decreasing. Then, the average gas usage amount and the exchange rule determination threshold are compared, and if the average gas usage amount is large, the exchange rule of the supply destination facility U is alternately exchanged, and if the average gas usage amount is small, the entire amount is exchanged. .. In addition, based on the amount of gas used daily (the average amount of gas used that shows the tendency), alternating exchange and total amount exchange are automatically switched in real time.

The parameter setting means 53 sets and can change the parameters for delivery prediction according to the tendency of the gas usage amount (average gas usage amount) for each of the total amount exchange and the alternate exchange. Further, the parameter setting means 53 sets parameters for delivery prediction in a plurality of stages according to the average gas usage amount. This makes it possible to slidely change the delivery prediction (exchange timing) in the case of full exchange and the delivery prediction (exchange timing) in the case of alternate exchange in multiple stages according to the average gas usage. ..

Whether or not the gas cylinder 20 needs to be replaced depends on whether the remaining amount of gas (value calculated based on the amount of gas used) in the gas cylinder 20 is below the preset threshold value (exchange determination threshold value) (or "below the exchange determination threshold value"). If the threshold value is exceeded, the delivery prediction means 54, which will be described later, outputs a delivery instruction. Specifically, the exchange period (delivery period) of a plurality of days having a degree of freedom while avoiding gas deficiency is predicted based on the exchange determination threshold value, and the delivery instruction including this is output.

Further, in the present embodiment, parameters including the above exchange determination threshold value are provided in a plurality of stages (levels) according to the gas usage amount (tendency) of each supply destination facility U, and an appropriate level is appropriately set by the parameter setting means 53. Select and set. In other words, for example, the parameters for predicting delivery according to the amount of gas used on a daily basis (hereinafter referred to as “delivery prediction parameters”) are changed in multiple stages in a sliding manner and in real time, which is more appropriate (lean). Exchange can be done at the timing.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the threshold value of the present embodiment, and FIG. 5A is an example of an exchange rule determination threshold value for determining whether to perform total exchange or alternate exchange, and FIG. 5B is shown in FIG. Is an example of the delivery prediction parameter distribution table for each of the total exchange and the alternate exchange.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of exchange rule determination threshold values are set according to, for example, the total amount of gas cylinders 20 for each supply destination facility at one location. Here, two 50 kg gas cylinders 20 (100 kg in total) are arranged, two 40 kg gas cylinders 20 (80 kg in total) are arranged, and two 20 kg gas cylinders 20 (total amount) are arranged. 40 kg) An example of each exchange rule determination threshold value when arranged is shown.

Specifically, the exchange rule determination threshold value when the total amount is 100 kg is, for example, 1.5 kg / day as the average gas usage amount X (per day). The exchange rule determining means 52, for example, for the supply destination facility U having a total amount of 100 kg, the average gas usage amount X of the latest predetermined period (for example, the latest (immediately before) 10 days) calculated based on the gas usage amount acquired daily. If the amount exceeds 1.5 kg / day (when the amount of gas used is large), the exchange rule is changed to alternate exchange (switch to alternate exchange when the total amount is exchanged), and the average gas usage amount X is 1. If the amount is less than 5 kg / day (when the amount of gas used is small), the exchange rule is set to full exchange (if alternate exchange is performed, switch to full exchange).

Further, the exchange rule determination threshold value when the total amount is 80 kg is, for example, 1.0 kg / day as the gas average usage amount X (per day), and the exchange rule determination threshold value when the total amount is 40 kg is the gas average usage amount X. For example, 0.8 kg / day (per day). The total amount and the exchange rule determination threshold are set in advance, but can be changed respectively.

Further, as shown in the figure (b) and the figure (c), a delivery parameter distribution table for full exchange and alternate exchange is provided. Based on these, for example, the parameter setting means 53 sets a plurality of delivery prediction parameters for performing delivery prediction for each exchange rule of alternate exchange and total amount exchange. Delivery prediction parameters include, for example, an exchange determination threshold and exchange days. Further, the exchange determination threshold includes, for example, a prediction start threshold, an exchange threshold, and a delivery limit threshold. The number of exchange days is the number of days for determining the delivery period. In the example of the figure, the delivery prediction parameter of one level (one set) is a set of four items of a prediction start threshold value, an exchange threshold value, a delivery limit threshold value, and an exchange number of days. It should be noted that these delivery prediction parameters are examples, and the types of parameter items (for example, the types of threshold values) and the number of items can be changed as appropriate, and some of the items (sets) of the delivery prediction parameters shown in the figure can be changed. It may not be used, or another parameter item may be used.

The prediction start threshold value is a condition for determining the start of the delivery prediction process in the delivery prediction means 54, and the actual remaining amount of gas (value calculated based on the amount of gas used) in the gas cylinder 20 has reached (below) the prediction start threshold value. If), the delivery prediction process is started.

The exchange threshold is a threshold for setting the delivery period for the gas cylinder 20 (supply destination facility U) to be exchanged. The remaining amount of gas in the gas cylinder 20 is predicted based on the average amount of gas used X, and when the predicted remaining amount of gas (predicted value of remaining amount of gas) reaches (falls below) the exchange threshold value, it is replaced.

The delivery limit threshold (limit rate) is a threshold for setting the delivery period for the gas cylinder 20 (supply destination facility U) to be exchanged, and exceeds the limit for suspending delivery (if delivery / exchange is not performed immediately). It is the limit value. That is, it is a threshold value for determining the delivery limit date, and the date when the delivery limit threshold is reached is the delivery limit date. For example, the delivery limit threshold is selected so that the delivery limit date is a few days before the day when the predicted gas remaining amount in the gas cylinder 20 becomes 0%. When the predicted gas remaining amount reaches (falls below) the delivery limit threshold value, the gas is replaced with the highest priority.

As a result, the gas cylinder 20 whose gas remaining amount predicted value is between the exchange threshold value and the delivery limit threshold value becomes the gas cylinder 20 to be delivered (exchanged). In the present embodiment, delivery is performed during a certain period (delivery period) between the day when the exchange threshold is reached and the day when the delivery limit threshold is reached. The delivery period will be described later.

In the actual delivery of the gas cylinder 20, it is desirable to go around a plurality of (as many) destination facilities U on the same day, and the delivery route is optimized by a known method so that the plurality of destination facilities U can be efficiently delivered. Is planned. By setting the delivery period of a plurality of days as described above, the degree of freedom in optimizing the delivery route can be increased.

Further, the delivery prediction parameter can be set in a plurality of stages (levels) according to (the tendency) of the gas usage amount for each supply destination facility U. As a result, the delivery period can be changed in a slide manner by selecting (changing) the delivery prediction parameter in a slide manner based on the range of the average gas usage amount X. Therefore, it can be replaced at a more appropriate (lean) timing. Although these threshold values are set in advance, they can be set (adjusted appropriately) for each contractor according to the past usage status of each LP gas contractor.

A specific description will be given with reference to FIGS. (B) and (c). As an example, FIG. 3B shows a case where two 50 kg gas cylinders 20 (100 kg in total) are arranged at one supply destination facility U (exchange rule determination threshold value = 1.5 in FIG. 6A). [In the case of [kg / day]), this is an example of the delivery prediction parameter distribution table (Fig. (B)) for total exchange and the delivery prediction parameter distribution table (Fig. (C)) for alternate exchange. ..

As already described, in the present embodiment, alternating exchange and total amount exchange are switched according to the average gas usage amount X, and delivery prediction is performed according to the average gas usage amount X in each of the total amount exchange and the total amount exchange. The delivery prediction parameters to be performed slide step by step. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3B, in the total amount exchange, level 1 in the first range, level 2 in the second range, and level 3 in the third range are set from the one with the smaller average gas usage X. Has been done.

Further, as an example, as shown in FIG. 6C, in the alternating exchange, the level 4 in the first range, the level 5 in the second range, and the level 6 in the third range from the one with the smaller average gas consumption X are used. Level 7 in the 4th range and level 8 in the 5th range are set.

That is, as a whole, as the average gas usage X increases, for example, from summer to winter, the parameter setting means 53 has levels 1, 2, and 3 for total exchange, and levels 4, 5, 6, and 7 for alternate exchange. By sliding with 8, each delivery parameter is acquired, and the delivery prediction means 54 performs delivery prediction processing (and vice versa, of course).

With reference to FIG. 3B, since two gases are exchanged at the same time in the total amount exchange, the maximum amount of remaining gas (maximum remaining amount of gas) is 100 kg in this case. Specifically, when the average gas usage X, which is the switching condition (distribution condition), is small and 0.8 kg / day or less, the parameter setting means 53 uses the level 1 delivery prediction parameter, specifically, the prediction start threshold. The remaining amount of gas (value calculated based on the amount of gas used) is 15 [%], the remaining amount of gas (predicted value of remaining amount of gas) is 10 [%] as the exchange threshold, and the remaining amount of gas (remaining gas) is the delivery limit threshold. Acquire (set) 3 [%] in the quantity prediction value) and 5 [days] as the number of exchange days, and deliver this to the delivery prediction means 54.

The delivery prediction means 54 determines the delivery period of the gas cylinder 20 based on the set delivery prediction parameters. The delivery period will be determined later. For example, when the remaining amount of gas is less than 15% of the total amount (here, 100 kg) of the gas cylinders 20 on the primary side and the secondary side, the delivery prediction process is started. That is, the remaining gas of the prediction start threshold value, the exchange threshold value, and the delivery limit threshold value is the ratio of the residual gas to the total amount of the two gases.

When the average gas usage X increases and 0.8 <X ≦ 1.2, the delivery prediction parameter of level 2 is acquired, the average gas usage X further increases, and 1.2 <X. When ≤1.5, the delivery prediction parameter of level 3 is acquired. Then, when the average gas consumption X exceeds 1.5, the gas is switched to alternate exchange (Fig. (A)), and thereafter, the delivery parameter distribution table at the time of alternate exchange in Fig. (C) is referred to. .. The value of each delivery prediction parameter can be changed as appropriate.

With reference to FIG. 3C, delivery prediction parameters for alternating exchanges will be described. In the alternate exchange, 50 kg × 2 gas cylinders 20 are exchanged one by one, so that the maximum amount of remaining gas (maximum remaining amount of gas) is 50 kg.

Further, as an example, the switching condition (distribution condition) of the delivery prediction parameter is the usable days (secondary side) of the gas cylinder 20 on the secondary side calculated based on the average gas usage amount X instead of the gas average usage amount X. The number of usable days Y). Specifically, the number of usable days Y on the secondary side is a value (Y = 50 / X) obtained by dividing the maximum remaining amount of gas (here, 50 kg) for alternating exchange by the average amount of gas used X.

Further, in the figure (c), the case where the average gas consumption is the largest (level 8) is also described. This is an exchange rule (referred to as "cycle delivery") that allows the number of exchange days to be individually set and changed for each delivery destination (gas cylinder 20 of the supply destination facility U). In this case, since the delivery period is directly set, the exchange determination threshold is not set.

For example, the average gas usage X, which is a switching condition (distribution condition), is relatively small even in the alternating exchange, and the number of days Y (= 50 [kg] / X) that can be used on the secondary side based on the average gas usage X is 22. In the case of days or more (less than 33 days), the parameter setting means 53 uses the level 4 delivery prediction parameter, specifically, the remaining gas amount (value calculated based on the amount of gas used) as the prediction start threshold of 57.5. [%], Gas remaining amount (gas remaining amount predicted value) as replacement threshold 50 [%], delivery limit threshold gas remaining amount (gas remaining amount predicted value) 7 [%], replacement days 7 [days] Is acquired (set) and handed over to the delivery prediction means 54.

The delivery prediction means 54 determines the delivery period of the gas cylinder 20 based on the set delivery prediction parameters. The delivery period will be determined later. For example, when the remaining amount of gas is less than 57.5% of the total amount (here, 100 kg) of the gas cylinders 20 on the primary side and the secondary side, the delivery prediction process is started.

Here, the prediction start threshold value and the delivery limit threshold value in the case of alternate exchange are set by the ratio of the residual gas to the total amount (100 kg) of two gases, not the maximum remaining amount of gas (50 kg in this case) of alternate exchange. .. On the other hand, the exchange threshold is uniformly set by the total amount (50 kg) for one bottle. In this case as well, the value of each change parameter can be changed as appropriate, but when the exchange threshold value is changed, it is uniformly changed (to the same threshold value). For example, when the exchange threshold value is changed, all of levels 4 to 7 are 40%, 60%, and the like.

Further, when the average gas usage X increases and the number of days Y that can be used on the secondary side becomes 15 ≦ Y ≦ 21, the delivery prediction parameter of level 5 is acquired, and the average gas usage X further increases. When the number of days Y that can be used on the secondary side becomes 8 ≦ Y ≦ 14, the delivery prediction parameter of level 6 is acquired, the average amount of gas used X further increases, and the number of days that can be used on the secondary side Y is 6 ≦ Y ≦ Y ≦. When it becomes 7, the delivery prediction parameter of level 7 is acquired, the average gas usage X further increases, and when the number of usable days Y on the secondary side becomes Y <6, the cycle delivery of level 8 is performed. Switch. In this way, the delivery parameters corresponding to either the level of the figure (b) or the figure (c) are set according to the average gas usage amount X.

It should be noted that the levels do not always slide sequentially, and levels 1 to 8 are determined each time according to the calculated average gas usage amount X. Therefore, even if the average gas usage X is small and the delivery prediction parameter of level 2 (total exchange) is set, for example, if the average gas usage X increases sharply, the level 2 to, for example, the level It may be changed to the delivery prediction parameter of 6 (alternate exchange), and when the average gas usage X decreases sharply, it may be changed from level 6 to level 3 delivery prediction parameter, for example.

The switching conditions and delivery prediction parameter values shown in FIG. 5 are examples. Further, although the case where the remaining amount of gas is 100 kg is illustrated here, the delivery predictions in FIGS. (B) and (c) are predicted according to the maximum remaining amount of gas as shown in FIG. A parameter distribution table is provided for each. Further, the number of levels (number of stages) in the figure (b) and the figure (c) is not limited to this example, and for example, the total exchange stage may be two stages, or four or more stages. There may be. Further, the total exchange may be performed at only one level (no stage) without providing the stage of total exchange. Further, for example, the alternating exchange stage may be only one level, and the cycle delivery may not be set. Further, a plurality of levels are provided for total exchange, and alternate exchange may be performed at only one level or vice versa. That is, the delivery prediction parameters need be provided corresponding to at least one level for full exchange and alternate exchange, respectively, and one-step delivery prediction parameter for full exchange and one-step delivery prediction for alternate exchange. The parameters may be switchable.

Further, the number and combination of the gas cylinders 20 in the installed state in the figure (a) are not limited to the example in the figure, and may be, for example, a combination of 20 gas cylinders of 50 kg and 20 kg, or 3 or more gas cylinders of 50 kg.

Further, both the figure (b) and the figure (c) may include other items (for example, other threshold values and items for performing delivery prediction) as delivery prediction parameters, and are shown in the figure. Some of the items may not be included.

With reference to FIG. 4B again, the delivery prediction means 54 makes a delivery prediction based on the delivery prediction parameters set by the parameter setting means 53, and outputs a delivery instruction. A delivery slip is created based on the output delivery instruction, and is used for delivery plan data for predicting the optimum delivery route.

In the delivery prediction process, the delivery period of the gas cylinder 20 is determined based on the delivery prediction parameters. The determination of the delivery period will be described later, but the delivery prediction means 54 starts the delivery prediction process when the remaining amount of gas falls below the set prediction start threshold value, and based on the reference date, the gas cylinder 20 Determine the delivery period. The reference date is determined by the exchange threshold, the delivery limit threshold, and the exchange period.

To give a specific example, when the delivery prediction parameter set by the parameter setting means 53 is level 2 in FIG. 5B, the delivery prediction means 54 calculates the remaining amount of gas (calculated based on the amount of gas used). When the value) falls below 20% of the total amount (100 kg in this case) of the gas cylinders 20 on the primary side and the secondary side, the delivery prediction process is started and the remaining gas amount (gas remaining amount predicted value) becomes the exchange threshold (value). Of the predetermined period between the timing of reaching 15 [%]) and the timing of reaching the delivery limit threshold (5 [%]), the number of exchange period days (5 days) is determined as the delivery period of the gas cylinder 20, and the delivery instruction is given. Output.

As described above, the delivery management means 50 of the present embodiment can perform processing on a daily basis, for example, based on the gas meter information (gas usage amount) acquired with high frequency (for example, daily). Therefore, the increase / decrease (trend) in the amount of gas used can be grasped on a daily basis, and the replacement rule for the gas cylinder 20 can be selected and changed in real time. In addition, one delivery prediction parameter is selected according to the gas usage (average gas usage X) to be grasped daily from the delivery prediction parameters set in stages, and the delivery period is predicted based on the selection. And output the delivery instruction. Therefore, it is possible to drive (stand by) the remaining amount of gas to a safety limit value that prevents deficiency while responding to an increase or decrease in the amount of gas used at any time. In addition, this makes it possible to significantly improve delivery efficiency.

Next, the gas supply management method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. In the following example, processing at one supply destination facility U will be described, and it is assumed that two 50 kg gas cylinders 20 (100 kg in total) are installed in the supply destination facility U for delivery. The setting parameters shown in FIG. 5 are used.

<Gas supply management processing>
FIG. 6A is a flow chart showing an example of the processing flow of the gas supply management method, and FIG. 6B is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the delivery management processing.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the gas supply management method of the present invention includes a core processing and a delivery management processing. The core processing is mainly based on gas meter information, monthly (monthly) security management processing that reflects inspection information, delivery management (inventory management) processing that reflects inventory, database update processing such as customer information, and other known Performs core business processing of.

<Delivery management processing>
The delivery management process will be described with reference to FIG. The delivery management process performs usage acquisition process S01, exchange rule determination process S03, parameter setting process S05, delivery prediction process S09, etc., so that the gas cylinder 20 can be efficiently delivered according to the amount of gas used. Create and manage plans. Although not shown, in addition to this, the gas usage amount prediction process for each gas cylinder 20 based on the gas meter information, the delivery schedule of the gas cylinder 20, and the management process of the optimum delivery route are performed.

First, in step S01, initial processing and usage amount acquisition processing are performed. In the initial process, various initialization processes such as setting an initial value (for example, "alternate exchange") in the exchange rule are performed.

Further, in the usage amount acquisition process, the management device 13 frequently acquires the gas usage amount included in the gas meter information for each supply destination facility U acquired daily (for example, daily), and obtains the remaining amount of gas and the gas. The average usage amount is calculated and the process proceeds to step S03. The details of the usage amount acquisition process will be described later.

In step S03, the exchange rule determination process is performed. In the exchange rule determination process, at least it is determined whether or not to exchange the entire amount of the gas cylinders 20 arranged for each supply destination facility U based on the gas usage amount acquired in the usage amount acquisition process. Specifically, it is determined whether to replace the entire amount of the gas cylinder 20 or to replace the gas cylinder 20 for each supply destination facility U, and the total amount exchange and the alternate exchange are switched as necessary, and the process proceeds to step S05. The details of the exchange rule determination process will be described later.

In step S05, the parameter setting process is performed. In the parameter setting process, delivery prediction parameters are set and changed according to the tendency of gas usage (average gas usage) for each of total exchange and alternate exchange. In the parameter setting process, one of the delivery prediction parameters set in a plurality of stages (levels) is selected and set according to the average gas usage amount. This makes it possible to select the delivery prediction (exchange timing) in the case of total exchange and the delivery prediction (exchange timing) in the case of alternate exchange from a plurality of stages according to the average gas usage. The details of the parameter setting process will be described later.

In step S07, it is determined whether or not to perform the delivery prediction process based on the delivery prediction parameter (particularly, the prediction start threshold value) set in step S05. If so, the process proceeds to step S09, and if not, the process is performed. finish. In step S09, delivery prediction processing is performed. The details of the delivery prediction process will be described later.

The usage amount acquisition process will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The figure is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the usage amount acquisition process.

In step S101, the amount of gas used (guideline value) for each supply destination facility U of the gas cylinder 20 included in the gas meter information and whether or not the processing day is the replacement date of the gas cylinder 20 are acquired, and the storage device 133 and the storage device 133 are also used. It is stored in a predetermined storage area of the collecting means 31. The gas meter information is acquired by the management means 13 with high frequency (for example, daily), and the delivery management means 50 acquires and stores this information with high frequency (for example, daily) in step S103. Proceed to.

In step S103, it is determined whether or not the processing day is the replacement date of the gas cylinder 20. If it is the replacement date of the gas cylinder 20, it is determined that the target gas cylinder 20 is unused (the total capacity of the gas cylinder 20 is the remaining amount of gas), and the process proceeds to step S105. If not, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S105, the current exchange rule is determined, and in the case of alternate exchange, the process proceeds to step S107, and if not, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S107, the total amount of one gas cylinder 20 (here, 50 (kg)) is set as the initial value of the remaining amount of gas immediately after the alternate replacement. Further, in step S109, the total amount of two gas cylinders 20 (here, 100 (kg)) is set as the initial value of the remaining amount of gas immediately after the total amount is replaced.

In step S111, the amount of gas used acquired in step S101 is subtracted from the remaining amount of gas and set to a new remaining amount of gas (stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 133 or the collecting means 31).

In the next step S113, the average gas usage amount X is calculated. The average gas usage X is, for example, the average daily gas usage for the most recent predetermined period. Specifically, for example, including the acquisition date (the day) of the gas usage amount, the gas usage amount per day is calculated by going back 10 days or the like in the past from the acquisition date. In addition, the average amount of gas used is integrated for the number of days, and the remaining amount of gas (predicted value of remaining amount of gas) predicted on a future date is calculated by subtracting it from the latest remaining amount of gas. Then, the average gas usage amount and the predicted gas remaining amount are stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage device 133 or the collecting means 31, and the process is completed.

Next, the exchange rule determination process will be described with reference to FIG. The figure is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the exchange rule determination process.

In step S301, the latest average gas usage amount X calculated by the usage amount acquisition process shown in FIG. 7 is compared with the exchange rule determination threshold value (see FIG. 5A, 1.5 kg / day in this example), and the gas is compared. If the average usage amount X exceeds the exchange determination threshold value (the gas usage amount is large), the process proceeds to step S303, and if not, the process proceeds to step S309.

In step S303, it is determined whether or not the current exchange rule is full exchange, and if it is full exchange, the process proceeds to step S305, and if not, the process proceeds to step S307. In step S305, 50 (kg) is subtracted from the remaining amount of gas. If the exchange rule is total exchange, but the average gas usage X increases (rapidly), it is necessary to change to alternate exchange. In step S305, when the exchange rule for alternate exchange is changed, the initial value is changed to 50 kg, the current remaining amount of gas is recalculated, and the process proceeds to step S307. In step S307, the exchange rule is changed to alternate exchange.

Step S309 is a step to proceed when the average gas usage amount X is equal to or less than the exchange determination threshold value (the gas usage amount is small) in step S301, and the exchange rule is set to total exchange, and the process ends.

In this way, in the exchange rule change process, the exchange rule is determined as the daily process based on the gas usage amount (gas average usage amount) acquired daily, and the alternate exchange and the total amount exchange are automatically switched.

Next, the parameter setting process will be described with reference to FIG. The figure is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the parameter setting process.

In step S701, it is determined whether or not the current exchange rule is full exchange, and in the case of total exchange, the process proceeds to step S703, and if not, the process proceeds to step S705.

In step S705, a parameter setting process for total exchange is performed, and the process ends. Further, in step S706, a parameter setting process for alternating exchange is performed, and the process ends. In the present embodiment, the exchange rule is determined as a daily process based on the average amount of gas used (exchange rule determination process S03), and alternate exchange and total amount exchange are automatically switched. Further, different delivery prediction parameters are set depending on whether the exchange rule is total exchange or alternate exchange (that is, according to the average gas usage amount) (parameter setting process S05). As already described, the delivery prediction parameters may be provided corresponding to at least one level in each of the total exchange and the alternate exchange, and in the parameter setting process S05, the parameter setting process S703 for the total exchange or the parameter setting process S703 One of the parameter setting processes S705 for alternating exchange is selected.

Then, as a more preferable embodiment, when the delivery prediction parameters for total amount exchange are distributed in a plurality of stages as shown in FIG. 5B, one set of delivery is delivered in the parameter setting process S703 for total amount exchange. Select and set predictive parameters. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the delivery prediction parameters for alternating exchange are distributed in a plurality of stages, one set of delivery prediction parameters is selected in the parameter setting process S705 for alternating exchange. Set.

Specifically, in the parameter setting process S703 for total amount exchange, for example, the distribution table for amount exchange shown in FIG. 5B is referred to. When the average gas usage X is 0.8 kg / day or less, the parameter setting means 53 uses the level 1 delivery prediction parameter (prediction start threshold: 15 [%], exchange threshold: 10 [%], delivery. Acquire (set) the limit threshold value: 3 [%] and the number of exchange days: 5 [days]).

When the average gas usage X exceeds 0.8 kg / day and is 1.2 kg / day or less, the parameter setting means 53 uses the level 2 delivery prediction parameter (prediction start threshold value: 20 [%], exchange threshold value). : 15 [%], delivery limit threshold: 5 [%], exchange days: 5 [days]) is acquired (set).

When the average gas usage X exceeds 1.2 kg / day and is 1.5 kg / day or less, the parameter setting means 53 uses a level 3 delivery prediction parameter (prediction start threshold value: 25 [%], exchange threshold value). : 18 [%], delivery limit threshold: 8 [%], exchange days: 3 [days]) is acquired (set).

Further, in the parameter setting process S705 for alternating exchange, for example, the distribution table for alternating exchange shown in FIG. 5C is referred to. Then, the number of days that can be used on the secondary side Y (Y = 50 kg / X) is calculated based on the average amount of gas used X.

When the number of usable days Y on the secondary side is 22 days or more (less than 33 days), the parameter setting means 53 uses the level 4 delivery prediction parameter (prediction start threshold value: 57.5 [%], exchange threshold value: 50). Acquire (set) [%], delivery limit threshold value: 7 [%], exchange days: 7 [days]).

When the number of usable days Y on the secondary side is 15 days or more and 21 days or less, the parameter setting means 53 uses the level 5 delivery prediction parameter (prediction start threshold value: 62.5 [%], exchange threshold value: 50 [%]. ], Delivery limit threshold value: 10 [%], exchange days: 5 [days]) is acquired (set).

When the number of usable days Y on the secondary side is 8 days or more and 14 days or less, the parameter setting means 53 uses the level 6 delivery prediction parameter (prediction start threshold value: 70 [%], exchange threshold value: 50 [%]]. , Delivery limit threshold: 20 [%], number of exchange days: 3 [days]) is acquired (set).

When the number of usable days Y on the secondary side is 6 days or more and 7 days or less, the parameter setting means 53 uses the level 7 delivery prediction parameter (prediction start threshold value: 75 [%], exchange threshold value: 50 [%]]. , Delivery limit threshold: 25 [%], number of exchange days: 2 [days]) is acquired (set).

When the number of usable days Y on the secondary side is 8 days or more and 14 days or less, the parameter setting means 53 uses the level 6 delivery prediction parameter (prediction start threshold value: 70 [%], exchange threshold value: 50 [%]]. , Delivery limit threshold: 20 [%], number of exchange days: 3 [days]) is acquired (set).

When the number of usable days Y on the secondary side is less than 6 days, the parameter setting means 53 is individually set for each delivery destination (gas cylinder 20 of the supply destination facility U) as a level 7 delivery prediction parameter. Acquire (set) the value (only) of the number of exchange days.

Next, the delivery prediction process will be described with reference to FIG. The figure is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of delivery prediction processing. The delivery prediction process is a process that is started when the remaining amount of gas (value calculated based on the amount of gas used) falls below the prediction start threshold value (see FIG. 6B). The prediction start threshold value is acquired in the parameter setting process S05 (FIGS. 6B and 9).

First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not the exchange rule is total exchange, and if it is total exchange, the process proceeds to step S903 for determining the delivery period for total exchange. If the total amount is not exchanged, the process proceeds to step S905 to determine the delivery period for alternate exchange.

In step S903, the delivery period is determined based on the delivery prediction parameters (exchange threshold value, delivery limit threshold value, exchange days) set by the parameter setting process S05, based on the end date of the period. The delivery period determination process for full exchange will be described later.

In step S905, the delivery period is determined based on the delivery prediction parameters (exchange threshold value, delivery limit threshold value, exchange days) set by the parameter setting process S05, based on the start date of the period. The process of determining the delivery period for alternate exchange will be described later.

In step S907

In step S907, a delivery instruction and a delivery slip are output. The delivery instruction includes the above-mentioned delivery period and is used for creating delivery plan data and the like. The delivery instruction and the delivery slip are output, for example, when the exchange threshold value is reached (when the gas remaining amount predicted value falls below the exchange threshold value). Specifically, for a certain gas cylinder 20, the delivery period is determined in step S903 or step 905 based on the exchange threshold value, the delivery limit threshold value, and the number of exchange days set by the parameter setting process S05, and the remaining amount of gas determines the exchange threshold value at that time. Delivery instructions and delivery slips are output when the timing is lower. However, the output timing is not limited to this example. Then, based on the delivery instruction, the optimum exchange route is provided to the delivery person by a known method.

Here, as a delivery instruction when switching the total exchange to the alternate exchange, there are a case where two (total amount) are exchanged first and then one alternate exchange is performed from the next time, and a case where only one is exchanged.

For example, when the gas cylinder 20 is being used under the exchange rule of total exchange and the first gas cylinder 20 is used up and the remaining amount of gas in the second cylinder is 30 kg, the gas consumption amount (average gas usage amount X) increases sharply. The exchange rule judgment threshold (for example, 1.5 kg / day) may be exceeded.

In this case, as a delivery instruction, replace both the empty (used, primary side) gas cylinder 20 and the secondary gas cylinder 20 having, for example, 30 kg of gas remaining (total amount). There are cases where only one empty (used, primary side) gas cylinder 20 is replaced, and which one is selected as appropriate in consideration of the season, usage conditions and other factors. To.

Further, for example, when the gas cylinder 20 is being used under the exchange rule of total exchange, the remaining amount of gas on the primary side of the gas cylinder 20 is, for example, 30 kg, and the gas cylinder 20 on the secondary side is unused, the amount of gas used (gas average). The amount used X) may increase sharply and exceed the exchange rule determination threshold value (for example, 1.5 kg / day). In this case, as a delivery instruction, it is sufficient to replace only one gas cylinder 20 in use, that is, on the primary side.

The total exchange delivery period determination process S903 and the alternate exchange delivery period determination process S905 will be described with reference to FIG. The figure shows the concept of the delivery period determination, FIG. 3A is a conceptual diagram of the total exchange delivery period determination process S903, and FIG. 6B is a concept of the alternate exchange delivery period determination process S905. It is a figure. In the figure, the left side is the date on the past side, and the right side is the date on the future side.

The delivery prediction means 54 determines the delivery period of the gas cylinder 20 based on the reference date for each gas cylinder 20. The reference date is determined, for example, by the exchange threshold and the delivery limit threshold. As an example, the reference days are the day when the exchange threshold (ratio of the remaining gas amount (gas remaining amount predicted value) to the maximum gas remaining amount) is reached, and the delivery limit threshold (gas remaining amount (gas remaining amount) with respect to the maximum gas remaining amount). It is the day when the percentage of the predicted value) is reached, and the delivery period is a certain period between them. Here, in the time series, the date when the prediction start threshold is reached (the date when the delivery prediction processing is started) is the date on the oldest side, and the date when the remaining gas amount reaches the exchange threshold toward the future side, the delivery limit threshold. It will be the day to reach.

As shown in Fig. (A), when the exchange rule is full exchange, the delivery period is determined retroactively (advanced) from the reference date. The reference date is the day on the future side, and as an example, the day when the delivery limit threshold is reached.

Specifically, the date that goes back (advanced) to the predetermined number of days 0 or more (the number of exchange days D1 of the delivery prediction parameter) from the date when the delivery limit threshold of the delivery prediction parameter is reached is the date of the end of the delivery period (end of the delivery period). Day) T1 is set (1), and the date further advanced from the delivery period end date T1 by a predetermined number of days (period D2) is set as the delivery period start date (delivery period start date F1) (2). Then, delivery is performed within the delivery period from the delivery period start date F1 to the delivery period end date T1.

For example, when the acquired delivery prediction parameter is the level 2 parameter in FIG. 5B, the prediction start threshold is 20%, the exchange threshold is 15%, the delivery limit threshold is 3%, and the number of exchange days is 5 days. Is. In this case, the delivery prediction means 54 starts the delivery prediction process when the remaining amount of gas (actual value) of the gas cylinder 20 reaches 20% of the maximum remaining amount of gas (100 kg). Then, the day when the remaining amount of gas (predicted value of the remaining amount of gas) of the gas cylinder 20 reaches 3% of the maximum remaining amount of gas is calculated, and the date retroactive from that date to the number of replacement days (5 days) is set as the delivery period end date. Obtained as T1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the exchange rule is alternate exchange, the delivery period is determined by moving back (backward) from the reference date. The reference date is the date on the past side, and as an example, the date when the exchange threshold is reached.

Specifically, the delivery period start date F2 is set to the predetermined number of days 0 or more (the number of exchange days D3 of the delivery prediction parameter) from the date when the exchange threshold of the delivery prediction parameter is reached, which is deferred (deferred). The delivery period end date T2 (2) is the date that goes back a predetermined number of days (period D4) from the delivery period start date F2. Then, delivery is performed within the delivery period from the delivery period start date F2 to the delivery period end date T2.

For example, when the acquired delivery prediction parameter is a level 5 parameter in FIG. 5C, the prediction start threshold is 62.5%, the exchange threshold is 50%, the delivery limit threshold is 10%, and the number of exchange days is 5 days. In this case, the delivery prediction means 54 performs the delivery prediction process when the remaining amount of gas (actual value) of the gas cylinder 20 reaches 62.5% of the maximum remaining amount of gas (total of 100 kg on the primary side and the secondary side). Start. Then, the day when the gas remaining amount (gas remaining amount predicted value) of the gas cylinder 20 reaches 50% of the maximum gas remaining amount (total of 100 kg on the primary side and the secondary side) (the day when the primary side is switched to the secondary side) is set. The date calculated and deferred by the number of exchange days (5 days) from that date is calculated as the delivery period end date T2.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the average gas usage amount X and the remaining amount of gas in the gas cylinder 20 are calculated based on the gas usage amount (guideline value) acquired daily. Then, the exchange rule can be changed based on the average gas consumption X. Further, based on the average gas usage amount X, the delivery prediction parameter for total exchange and the delivery prediction parameter for alternate exchange are selected. More preferably, the delivery prediction parameters are provided in a plurality of stages (multiple levels, sets) for total exchange and alternate exchange, and can be selected in stages based on (range) the average gas usage. Then, a set of one parameter is selected from a plurality of delivery prediction parameters, delivery prediction is performed, and a delivery period and a delivery instruction are output. As a result, delivery plan data based on daily gas usage (actual value) can be created, and efficient delivery becomes possible.

According to the present invention, by improving the efficiency of operations such as meter reading, security, and delivery, it is possible to reduce the cost of supply and management, and by extension, it is possible to continuously provide cheap and safe energy to general consumers.

In the above embodiment, the case where the gas supply management system 10 is constructed by one management device 13 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-mentioned functions of the management device 13 are a plurality of functions. These functions may be realized by distributing them to devices (server devices, PCs, etc.).

Further, the gas meter management information of the management device 13 may be independently manageable.

Further, various data managed (generated and used) by the management device 13 (for example, data such as gas meter management information and delivery instructions) may be used in a system using a smart meter such as gas or electricity.

In the gas supply management system 10 using LPWA of the present embodiment, the management device 13 (delivery management means 50) can remotely and automatically acquire gas meter information at an arbitrary timing. As a result, the management device 13 (delivery management means 50) can grasp the gas meter information on a daily basis (as needed), and this can be utilized for improving the efficiency of the LP gas delivery operation. As a result, in the meter reading work of meter readers and the LP gas delivery business, which has a strong dependence on the gas cylinder delivery staff, there is no need to inherit personalized know-how, and the LP gas delivery business is always efficient. Is possible.

Further, by using LPWA, it is possible to cover a wide area user (supply destination facility U of the gas cylinder 20) at low cost and low power consumption.

Further, a part or all of each device (hardware) constituting the gas supply management system 10 may be replaced with software that realizes the same function as the device (hardware).

Further, the gas supply management system 10 and the like of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, as long as the gas meter information (at least the actual amount of gas used) can be acquired with high frequency (for example, daily), the configuration is not limited to the above-mentioned LPWA. In addition, gas meter information is acquired at a lower frequency than daily (for example, once every predetermined day (two days or more), once a week, once a month (monthly), etc.). It may be.

10 Gas supply management system 11 Information transmission device 11 Information transmission means 12 Mobile terminal 13 Management means 20 Gas cylinder (gas container)
21 Gas meter 30 Storage means 31 Collection means 50 Delivery management means 51 Usage acquisition means 52 Exchange rule determination means 53 Parameter setting means 54 Delivery prediction means D1 Exchange days D2 Period D3 Exchange days D4 Period F1 Delivery period start date F2 Delivery period start date T1 Delivery period end date T2 Delivery period end date U Supply destination facility

The present invention is a gas supply management system that delivers a gas container according to the amount of gas used, and is a usage amount acquisition means for acquiring the usage amount of the gas for each supply destination facility of the gas container, and the use. Based on the amount, at least an exchange rule for whether or not to exchange the entire amount of the gas container arranged for each supply destination facility is determined, and the exchange rule can be automatically switched as an exchange rule determining means. It is a gas supply management system characterized by having.

Further, the present invention is a gas supply management method for delivering a gas container according to the amount of gas used, and the management means obtains the amount of gas used for each facility to which the gas container is supplied. Based on the acquisition step and the management means, at least an exchange rule for whether or not to exchange the entire amount of the gas container arranged for each supply destination facility is determined, and the exchange rule is determined. has a conversion rule determining step Ru switch, with automatic, a gas supply management method characterized by.

Claims (15)

A gas supply management system that delivers gas containers according to the amount of gas used.
A usage amount acquisition means for acquiring the usage amount of the gas for each facility to which the gas container is supplied, and
An exchange rule determining means for at least determining whether or not to exchange the entire amount of the gas container arranged for each supply destination facility based on the used amount.
A gas supply management system characterized by having. Based on the usage amount, the exchange rule determining means can determine whether to perform a partial exchange for exchanging a part of the gas container arranged for each supply destination facility or the total amount exchange. ,
The gas supply management system according to claim 1. It has a parameter setting means for setting delivery prediction parameters based on the gas usage amount.
The gas supply management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gas supply management system is characterized in that. It has a delivery prediction means for predicting delivery based on the above parameters.
The gas supply management system according to claim 3, wherein the gas supply management system is characterized in that. The usage is obtained more frequently than monthly,
The gas supply management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas supply management system is characterized in that. It is equipped with information transmission means, collection means, management means, and communication line.
The information transmitting means acquires the information of the gas meter corresponding to the gas container and transmits it to the collecting means.
The collecting means collects the information transmitted from the information transmitting means, and the collecting means collects the information.
The management means includes the usage amount acquisition means and the exchange rule determination means.
The gas supply management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gas supply management system is characterized in that. The collecting means is either a base station, a terminal connected to the base station, or a mobile terminal capable of mobile communication.
The gas supply management system according to claim 6. It is a gas supply management method that delivers gas containers according to the amount of gas used.
A usage amount acquisition step for acquiring the usage amount of the gas for each facility to which the gas container is supplied, and a usage amount acquisition step.
Based on the usage amount, a replacement rule determination step for at least determining whether or not to perform a total amount exchange for exchanging the total amount of the gas container arranged for each supply destination facility, and
A gas supply management method characterized by having. In the exchange rule determination step, it is possible to determine whether to perform partial exchange for exchanging a part of the gas container arranged for each supply destination facility or exchange for the entire amount based on the usage amount. ,
8. The gas supply management method according to claim 8. It has a parameter setting step of setting delivery prediction parameters based on the gas usage.
The gas supply management method according to claim 8 or 9. It has a delivery instruction step that outputs a delivery instruction based on the above parameters.
The gas supply management method according to claim 10. The usage is obtained more frequently than monthly,
The gas supply management method according to any one of claims 8 to 11. Information from the gas meter corresponding to the gas container is acquired by the information transmitting means and transmitted to the collecting means.
Based on the information collected by the collecting means, the usage amount acquisition step and the exchange rule determination step are performed.
The gas supply management method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the gas supply management method is characterized. The usage amount is acquired more frequently than monthly.
The gas supply management method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the gas supply management method is characterized. A program comprising causing a computer to execute the gas supply management method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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