JP2022074968A - Prepaid supply system for gas, electricity and water - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a prepaid supply system having high usability for a user of gas, electricity or water.SOLUTION: In a prepaid gas supply system 1, a prepaid amount 15 and a set value 16 (such as a cut-off flow rate and a cut-off time) for operation control for a gas meter 60 are carried in an information carrying unit 41 of a customer card 40 (prepaid card). When a customer charges the prepaid amount to the gas meter 60 by using the customer card 40, a set value set to the gas meter 60 is also changed. An operation for charging the prepaid amount to the gas meter 60 is essential, and the need for manual work for changing the set value by an operator of a gas company or the like and change work of the set value by a remote operation through communication is eliminated. The set value change for controlling an operation of the gas meter suitable for the customer can be efficiently performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a prepaid supply system that controls the supply of gas, electricity, and water based on the prepaid amount carried on the prepaid card.

For example, in a gas prepaid supply system, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the gas meter is provided with a card reading unit for reading a prepaid card including an IC card or the like. Every time gas is used through the gas meter, a settlement process is performed in which the gas usage fee is subtracted from the prepaid amount read from the prepaid card. When the prepaid amount reaches zero, the gas meter closes the built-in isolation valve and stops using the gas.

The gas prepaid supply system is suitable for the gas user to efficiently use the required amount of gas when the gas user (customer) has a short residence period and the gas user changes frequently in a short period of time. ing. For example, it is installed and used in weekly condominiums, rental housing, apartments, and the like. In such cases, it is often not possible to know in advance what kind of gas will be used. There is a possibility that the cutoff flow rate and cutoff time for forcibly shutting off the gas supply set as the safety mechanism of the gas meter may not be suitable for the gas usage mode of the gas user.

For example, when a prepaid gas meter is installed in a weekly condominium, the previous resident is a person who does not cook and is in a state of using gas to boil water with a kettle, and the subsequent resident is the opposite. In addition, if the person is in a gas-using state where he / she frequently cooks for a long time, the gas-using state will be significantly different. Regarding the cutoff time, for example, the cutoff value for the security of the previous resident may be "block after 60 minutes of continuous use", but if this is applied to the next resident as it is, "in 60 minutes". I can't cook because I cut it off. "

Therefore, in Patent Document 3, the applicant of the present application proposes a prepaid card type gas meter that is easy to use for gas users. This prepaid card type gas meter is equipped with an input operation unit for setting and changing the cutoff flow rate and cutoff time for safety. When the gas user is replaced, the person in charge of the gas company can operate the input operation unit to set the cutoff flow rate and the cutoff time suitable for the new gas user.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 09-7039 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-21153 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-28804

In the prepaid card type gas meter described in Patent Document 3, every time a gas user is frequently replaced, a person in charge of a gas company or the like goes to the installation location of the gas meter and performs an input operation to check the cutoff flow rate, cutoff time, and the like. It is set. In the case of a gas meter equipped with a wireless communication function, for example, a person in charge of a gas company sets or changes a set value for operating control of the gas meter by remote control.

In either case, manual work by a person in charge of the gas company is required. In addition, in the case of a stand-alone gas meter that does not have a communication function, or in the case of a gas meter installed in an installation location that is not suitable for communication, it is possible to change the setting value by remote control by communication. Can not.

Such a situation also occurs in a prepaid electricity supply system in which electricity charges are paid in advance and a prepaid water supply system in which water usage charges such as water charges are paid in advance. For example, in an electricity consuming place such as a house equipped with an electromagnetic cooker, it is desirable to change the setting value for controlling the safety function according to the lifestyle of the new electricity user every time the electricity user is replaced. ..

Furthermore, in any of the prepaid supply systems of gas, electricity, and water, when the prepaid amount is exhausted, the supply thereof is forcibly stopped. However, it may not be desirable from the viewpoint of safety that the supply is suddenly cut off during use. Therefore, if the prepaid amount is exhausted while using gas, electricity, or water, for example, a predetermined amount of gas can be shut off even after the prepaid amount is exhausted so that the gas can be shut off at the end of the use of gas or the like. , Electricity, may be set to use water. It is desirable that such a preliminary usable amount setting can also be changed as needed.

In view of these points, an object of the present invention is to change one or more set values for operation control such as forced shutoff of prepaid gas, electricity, and water supply to appropriate values. The purpose is to provide a prepaid gas, electricity, and water supply system that can be easily performed without relying on human labor and remote control by communication.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention presents information on a prepaid card in a gas, electricity or water prepaid supply system that controls the supply of gas, electricity and water based on the prepaid amount carried on the prepaid card. The prepaid card is used for meter operation control on the carrying part, along with the meter identification information of the meters (gas meter, power meter, water meter) that can use the prepaid card and the prepaid amount prepaid as the usage fee for gas, electricity or water. It is characterized by carrying one or more set values. The set values used for controlling the operation of the meter include, for example, a value that defines the conditions for forcibly shutting off the gas shutoff valve provided in the gas meter, a value that serves as a judgment standard for determining an operation abnormality by the gas meter, and the like. There is. Similarly, an electric shutoff mechanism such as a power meter and a breaker controlled by a water meter, a set value used when forcibly shutting off the water shutoff valve, and a detection set in the meter for detecting a preset operation abnormality. There is a discriminant value of.

Further, in the meter, the read meter identification information matches the storage unit, the card reader that reads the carrying information carried on the information carrying portion of the prepaid card, and the meter identification information stored and held in the storage unit. When the discriminant unit that determines whether or not the meter identification information matches, the prepaid amount update unit that updates the prepaid amount stored in the storage unit based on the read prepaid amount, and the meter identification information It is characterized in that it includes a setting value changing unit that changes the setting value set in the storage unit to the read setting value when they match.

As the setting value carried on the prepaid card, a value suitable for the lifestyle of the customer who uses the prepaid card is set. When a customer starts using gas, electricity, or water, the prepaid card is used to charge the meter with gas, electricity, or water usage fees, and the set value is read into the meter along with the prepaid amount, and the meter is already used. The setting value set in is automatically changed to the setting value carried on the prepaid card. Gas, electricity, and water can be used with the set values changed.

According to the present invention, when a customer charges a meter with a prepaid amount using a prepaid card, the set value is automatically changed at the same time. The operation of charging the prepaid amount to the meter is indispensable. Therefore, manual work for changing the set value such as operation by workers of gas, electricity, and water management companies, and remote control via communication are managed. The work of changing the set value by the person in charge of the company becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently change the set value for controlling the operation of the meter suitable for the customer.

Here, it may not be necessary to change the set value set in the meter. In order to deal with this, for example, the information carrying unit of the prepaid card may carry instruction information instructing whether or not the set value needs to be changed. In this case, the set value change unit of the meter reads the set value that has already been set only when the read instruction information indicates that the set value needs to be changed. You can change it to.

Further, the prepaid card can be issued for each customer as a customer card carrying customer identification information. In this case, a customer database in which meter identification information, set values, and instruction information are registered may be constructed in advance in a form associated with the customer identification information. In a card issuing machine equipped with a card charge function, the set value registered in the customer database when issuing a new customer card, charging or recharging the issued customer card, based on the registration information in the customer database. Should be written on the customer card.

The procedure for registering customer information in the customer database can be done face-to-face with the person in charge of the management company, but it can also be done by mail on a paper basis, or from a communication terminal such as a smartphone. You may also access the registration site on the company's Internet to complete the registration procedure. The customer information may include items related to the customer's gas usage pattern and the like, and based on this, the set value carried on the customer card can be determined in advance. The customer can issue and charge a customer card using the customer identification information issued by performing customer registration in the card issuing machine.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the gas prepaid type supply system to which this invention is applied. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the gas use start procedure in the gas meter of FIG. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the gas supply operation of the gas meter of FIG.

(overall structure)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is an example when the present invention is applied to a prepaid gas supply system. The present invention is similarly applicable to electricity or prepaid water supply systems such as tap water.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a prepaid gas supply system according to the present embodiment. The prepaid gas supply system 1 is issued by a management server 10 operated by a gas company or the like, a card issuing machine 20 which is a POS terminal set in a plurality of places, and a card issuing machine 20, and is issued by the card issuing machine 20. It includes a customer card 40, which is a prepaid card in which the prepaid amount is charged or recharged, and a gas meter 60, which is installed in each gas consumption area 50 and in which gas is supplied using the customer card 40.

(Management server)
The management server 10 is connected to the administrator PC 11 of the gas company via a communication line. Further, the customer database 12 is connected to the management server 10. In the customer database 12, customer identification information 13 that identifies each customer (gas user of each gas consumption area 50), meter identification information 14 that identifies the gas meter 60 of each gas consumption place, prepaid amount 15, operation of the gas meter 60 The set value 16 used for control is registered in an associated form. Further, the instruction information 17 instructing whether or not the set value 16A set in the gas meter 60 needs to be changed to the set value 16 is also registered in a form linked to the customer identification information 13.

The management server 10 includes a control unit 18 mainly composed of a computer, a communication unit 19 that communicates with each card issuing machine 20 via a general communication network 2 or the like, and transmits / receives data. There is. The control unit 18 functions as a database registration / update unit that registers, updates, and the like of the customer database 12 based on the input information from the administrator PC 11 and each card issuing machine 20 by executing the control program. Further, the control unit 18 drives and controls each unit, and uses the customer identification information 13 provided by each card issuing machine 20 to obtain the corresponding meter identification information 14, the set value 16, and the instruction information 17 from the customer database 12. It functions as an information providing unit that searches and outputs such information and provides it to the card issuing machine 20. Further, the control unit 18 functions as a data update unit that updates the customer database 12 based on the information received from the card issuing machine 20.

(Card issuing machine)
The card issuing machine 20 is an operation of a communication unit 23 that transmits / receives data to / from the management server 10 via a communication network such as a control unit 21 composed mainly of a computer, a storage unit 22, and a general communication line network 2. A display unit 24 is provided. Further, the card issuing machine 20 is a customer card 40, which is a card stocker 25 containing a new card 40A before the information is carried, a card reader / writer 26, and a read / writer 26 from the insertion / issuing port 27. A card transport mechanism (not shown) and other mechanical parts for transporting the new card 40A and the customer card 40 are provided along the card transport path (not shown) leading to the card stocker 25 via the light unit. The new card 40A, and therefore the customer card 40, comprises a contactless IC card in this example, and wirelessly communicates with the card reader / writer 26 to send and receive information. Further, the card issuing machine 20 includes a deposit processing unit 28. The deposit processing unit 28 may be any of a money processing mechanism that accepts banknotes and coins as a prepayment of gas usage fees, and a deposit processing mechanism that uses a credit card or other cashless payment service.

The control unit 21 drives and controls each of the above units to acquire customer information from the customer database 12 of the management server 10, an information acquisition unit, and a card issuing unit that issues a new customer card 40 using the acquired customer information. It functions as a card charge unit for updating the prepaid amount of the customer card 40 and an information providing unit for providing information to the management server 10.
When the customer inputs a new customer card 40 issuance request and customer identification information 13 via the operation display unit 24, the information acquisition unit uses the input customer identification information 13 to enter the customer database 12 of the management server 10. The registered meter identification information 14, set value 16, instruction information 17, etc. are acquired.
The card issuing unit drives and controls the card reader / writer 26 to obtain the meter identification information 14, the set value 16, and the instruction information 17, and the prepaid amount 15 corresponding to the prepayment received by the deposit processing unit 28. A new customer card 40 is created and issued by writing to the information carrier 41 of the new card 40A sent out from the card stocker 25 together with the customer identification information 13.
The card charge unit drives and controls the card reader / writer 26, and uses the new prepaid amount 15 corresponding to the prepayment received by the deposit processing unit 28, and the prepaid amount carried on the issued customer card 40. Perform a card charge operation to update 15.
The information providing unit provides the management server 10 with information on the new customer card 40 issued by the card issuing unit and information on updating the issued customer card 40 by the card charging unit.

The customer card 40 is a contactless IC card in this example, and the information carrying unit 41 of the customer card 40 has customer identification information 13, meter identification information 14 of a gas meter 60 in which the customer card 40 can be used, and a prepaid amount. 15, and the set value 16 and the instruction information 17 used for the operation control of the gas meter 60 are carried. The information written in the information carrier 41, that is, the carrier information includes customer identification information 13, meter identification information 14, and prepaid amount 15 which are information for using gas, and set values 16 and 16 used for operation control of the gas meter 60. In addition to the instruction information 17, information 31 for card authentication / identification such as card ID, issue date / time, issue location (or issuer ID), and card type information is also included.

(Gas meter)
At each gas consumption area 50, gas is supplied from the gas supply source 51 to the gas-using device 52 via the gas meter 60. The gas meter 60 supplies gas by the amount of gas that can be used corresponding to the prepaid amount 15 included in the carrier information of the customer card 40. The gas meter 60 performs wireless communication with the customer card 40 and reads the carrier information.

In the gas meter 60, a gas passage 62 is arranged inside the meter case 61. Gas is supplied from the gas supply source 51 to the gas-using device 52 via the gas passage 62 of the gas meter 60. A isolation valve 63 is arranged in the middle of the gas passage 62. A measurement unit 64 for measuring the gas flowing there is arranged in a portion downstream of the isolation valve 63.

Inside the meter case 61, a battery power source 65 for supplying driving power for each part, a control unit 66 mainly composed of a computer, and a card reader 67 having a communication function are arranged. The control unit 66 controls the drive of each unit, the calculation unit 71, which calculates the gas flow rate supplied to the gas-using device 52, the integrated value of the gas flow rate, the continuous gas use time, etc. from the measurement value of the measurement unit 64. It includes a drive control unit 72 and a storage unit 73 that stores and holds various types of information. By holding the customer card 40 over the gas meter 60, wireless communication is performed between them, and the carrier information of the customer card 40 is read by the card reader 67. The read carrier information is held in the storage unit 73 or the like under the control of the drive control unit 72.

A display unit 74 composed of a liquid crystal display or the like is arranged on the front surface of the meter case 61, and various information can be displayed under the control of the drive control unit 72. On the front surface of the meter case 61, a charge button 81 operated by a gas user (customer) is arranged at a position adjacent to the display unit 74 in order to activate the card reader 67. Further, a use start button 82 operated by a gas user is arranged to input a gas supply start command.

Here, the charge button 81 and the use start button 82 are also used when the person in charge of the gas management company sets / changes various set values. In this example, a person in charge of a gas management company is made to carry a special card (IC card) that can be read by the card reader 67. The special card is a card in which a code indicating that it is "for service" is written as card type information in its storage unit. The person in charge operates the charge button 81 to activate the card reader 67 to read the special card. Based on the read card type information, the drive control unit 72 of the gas meter 60 switches the operation mode to a control mode in which various setting values can be set / changed, and the charge button 81 and the use start button 82 are set to various setting values. It functions as an operation button for setting / changing. By operating these buttons 81 and 82, the person in charge can set / change various setting values, and after the setting / changing work is completed, the control mode can be returned to the normal operation mode by operating the buttons. can. Various set values that have been set or changed, for example, the cutoff flow rate 78 and the cutoff time 79, are held in the storage unit 73 as the set value 16A.

The drive control unit 72 functions as each of the following units by executing the installed control program.
Gas supply stop unit that controls the shutoff valve 63 to supply and stop gas. Settlement unit that subtracts the gas usage fee corresponding to the supplied gas flow rate from the prepaid amount 15. Installation / change of various set values as described above. The gas flow rate calculated by the set value change unit calculation unit 71 that sets or changes the cutoff flow rate 78 and the cutoff time 79 based on the operation input of the charge button 81 and the use start button 82 is the cutoff flow rate. When the gas forced shutoff unit charge button 81 for forcibly stopping the gas supply is operated when the gas continuous use time exceeds 78 or the cutoff time 79 is exceeded, the card reader 67 is pressed. Determining whether or not the read meter identification information matches the meter identification information stored in the storage unit 73 of the card reader activation control unit that activates and enables reading of the customer card 40 and special card. A prepaid amount update unit that updates the prepaid amount stored in the storage unit 73 based on the read prepaid amount when the determination unit confirms that the meter identification information matches.

When the gas user operates the use start button 82, the gas supply stop unit controls to switch the isolation valve 63 to the open state on condition that the prepaid amount remains. Further, the setting value changing unit also has a function of changing the setting of the cutoff flow rate 78 and the cutoff time 79, which are the already set setting values 16A, based on the setting value 16 and the instruction information 17 read from the customer card 40. ing.

In the prepaid gas supply system 1 having this configuration, the gas user performs a customer registration procedure with the gas company prior to using the gas. By this procedure, the customer database 12 contains customer information (address, name, gas consumption location information, customer identification information 13, meter identification information 14, set value 16, instruction information 17, etc. of the installed gas meter 60). ) Is registered. Further, the gas user is provided with the customer identification information 13. The set value 16 includes, for example, a value indicating each of the cutoff flow rate 78 and the cutoff time 79.

The gas user inputs the customer identification information 13 at the nearest card issuing machine 20, performs a payment procedure for a predetermined amount, pays the gas usage fee in advance, and writes the prepaid amount 15 corresponding to the prepaid amount. Purchase card 40. The issued new customer card 40 carries customer identification information 13, meter identification information 14, prepaid amount 15, set value 16, instruction information 17, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart showing a gas use start procedure in the gas meter 60 of the prepaid gas supply system 1. Explaining with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to start using the gas, the gas user operates the charge button 81 of the gas meter 60 (step ST1 in FIG. 2). When the charge button 81 is operated, the drive control unit 72 of the gas meter 60 activates the card reader 67 to enable card reading (step ST2). Further, the display unit 74 displays an operation instruction for the gas user.

When the gas user holds the customer card 40 over or touches the gas meter 60 according to the operation instruction, the card reader 67 reads the carrier information of the customer card 40 (step ST3). The drive control unit 72 authenticates the customer card 40 based on the card authentication information and the meter identification information 14 included in the read carrier information (step ST4 in FIG. 2), and reads the carrier information (card information). (Reading) is performed (step ST5 in FIG. 2).

The drive control unit 72 stores the read prepaid amount 15 as the prepaid amount 15A in the storage unit 73 (step ST6 in FIG. 2). (In the case of recharging the prepaid amount, the prepaid amount 15A stored in the storage unit 73 is updated). Further, the drive control unit 72 determines whether or not the existing set value 16A (cutoff flow rate 78, cutoff time 79) needs to be changed based on the read instruction information 17 (step ST7 in FIG. 2). When a change is requested, a process of changing the set value 16A already set in the storage unit 73 to the read set value 16 (cutoff flow rate, cutoff time) is performed (step ST8 in FIG. 2). .. As a result, the read set value 16 is held in the storage unit 73 as the set value 16A, and the shutoff control of the shutoff valve 63 is performed based on these.

When the gas user operates the use start button 82 of the gas meter 60 according to the displayed operation instruction, the drive control unit 72 opens the isolation valve 63 (steps ST9 and ST10 in FIG. 2). This makes it possible to supply gas via the gas meter 60.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart showing the gas supply operation of the gas meter 60. When the gas user uses the gas, the gas meter 60 measures the supplied gas and calculates the gas flow rate, the integrated value, the continuous gas use time, and the like (steps ST11 and 12). The drive control unit 72 calculates the gas charge of the used gas flow rate based on the preset prepaid gas charge system, and performs the settlement process of subtracting it from the set prepaid amount 15A (step ST13). It is determined whether or not the prepaid amount of 15A remains after the settlement (step ST14), and if it becomes zero, the isolation valve 63 is closed to stop the gas supply (step ST16), and the gas cannot be used. The reason or cause is displayed (step ST17), and the process ends.

Here, in the gas meter 60, the storage unit 73 holds the set values 16A of the cutoff flow rate 78 and the cutoff time 79, respectively. Either when the gas flow rate of the gas used becomes a large flow rate exceeding the cutoff flow rate 78, when the continuous use time of the gas becomes a long time exceeding the cutoff time 79, or when both of these are satisfied. One of these cases is set as the gas forced shutoff condition.

When the drive control unit 72 detects that the gas forced shutoff condition is satisfied (step ST15), the drive control unit 72 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the use of gas, closes the shutoff valve 63, and forces the gas supply. Quarantine (step ST16). After that, the fact that the gas cannot be used, the reason or the cause is displayed (step ST17), and the process is terminated.

When gas users are replaced, the gas usage pattern may change significantly. In such a case, it is desirable to change the set value 16A of the gas meter 60 so that the set value 16 (cutoff flow rate 78, cutoff time 79) suitable for the gas usage mode of the gas user is obtained. In the prepaid gas supply system 1 of this example, the customer card 40 carries a set value 16 suitable for the customer's gas usage pattern. When the gas meter 60 is charged with the prepaid amount 15 using the customer card 40, the set value 16 is read at the same time, and the gas is used for the cutoff flow rate 78 on the gas meter 60 side and the set value 16A for the cutoff time 79, respectively. It is automatically changed to a value suitable for the person.

The operation of charging the prepaid amount 15 to the gas meter 60 is indispensable. Therefore, the work of changing the set value 16A of the gas meter 60 by a worker of the gas company or the like, or the person in charge of the gas company by remote control via communication. However, the work of changing the set value 16A becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently change the set value for operating control of the gas meter 60 suitable for the gas user.

For example, when the gas user does not use the gas continuously for a long time, the cutoff time is set short. If the next gas user frequently uses the gas for a long time such as cooking, change the cutoff time to a long time. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary gas shutoff and improve convenience.

In the above example, the charge button 81 is arranged to reduce the power consumption, but the charge button 81 is omitted and the card reader 67 is always maintained in a state where the customer card 40 can be read. It is also possible to keep it. It is also possible to omit the use start button 82 and automatically start using the gas when the prepaid amount is charged. When the charge button 81 and the start-of-use button 82 are omitted, for example, on the back or inside of the meter case 61, a setting input operation unit for a person in charge of a gas management company to set / change various setting values. Should be placed.

1 Prepaid gas supply system 2 General communication network 10 Management server 12 Customer database 13, 13A Customer identification information 14, 14A Meter identification information 15, 15A Prepaid amount 16, 16A Set value 17 Instruction information 18 Control unit 19 Communication unit 20 card Issuing machine 21 Control unit 22 Storage unit 23 Communication unit 24 Operation display unit 25 Card stocker 26 Card reader / writer 27 Insertion issuing port 28 Deposit processing unit 31 Card authentication / identification information 40 Customer card 40A New card 41 Information carrying unit 50 Gas consumption area 51 Gas supply source 52 Gas use equipment 60 Gas meter 61 Meter case 62 Gas passage 63 Shutoff valve 64 Measuring unit 65 Battery power supply 66 Control unit 67 Card reader 71 Calculation unit 72 Drive control unit 73 Storage unit 74 Display unit 78 Shutdown flow rate 79 Shutdown time 81 Charge button 82 Start of use button

Claims (10)

In a gas, electricity or water prepaid supply system that controls the supply of gas, electricity or water based on the prepaid amount carried on the prepaid card.
The prepaid card is information that carries meter identification information of a meter that measures the supply amount of gas, electricity, or water that can be used by the prepaid card, the prepaid amount, and a set value used for operating control of the meter. It has a carrier and
The meter is
Memory and
A card reader that reads the carrier information carried on the information carrier of the prepaid card, and
A discriminating unit that determines whether or not the read meter identification information matches the meter identification information stored in the storage unit.
When the meter identification information matches, the prepaid amount update unit that updates the prepaid amount stored in the storage unit based on the read prepaid amount, and the prepaid amount update unit.
When the meter identification information matches, the set value changing unit that changes the set value stored and held in the storage unit to the read set value, and the setting value changing unit.
A prepaid supply system characterized by being equipped with. In claim 1,
The information carrying unit of the prepaid card carries instruction information indicating whether or not the set value stored in the storage unit needs to be changed.
The set value changing unit of the meter stores the read instruction information in the storage unit only when it indicates that the setting value stored in the storage unit needs to be changed. A prepaid supply system that changes the held set value to the read set value. In claim 2,
The prepaid card is a prepaid supply system that is a customer card in which customer identification information is carried on the information carrying part. In claim 3,
A card issuing machine that issues a new customer card and charges the issued customer card,
A customer database in which the meter identification information, the set value, and the instruction information are registered in a form associated with the customer identification information.
Equipped with
The card issuing machine
When a new customer card issuance request and the customer identification information are input, the meter identification information, the set value, and the instruction information are acquired from the customer database using the input customer identification information. Information acquisition department and
A deposit processing department that accepts prepayments for gas, electricity or water usage fees,
The acquired meter identification information, the set value, the instruction information, and the prepaid amount corresponding to the prepaid money received by the payment processing unit are newly written in the information carrier of the new card together with the customer identification information. The card issuing department that creates and issues the customer card of
A card charge unit that updates the prepaid amount carried on the customer card by using a new prepaid amount corresponding to the prepayment received by the deposit processing unit for the issued customer card.
Prepaid supply system with. In claim 4,
It is equipped with a management server that communicates with the card issuing machine by wire or wirelessly.
The management server uses the customer identification information provided by the card issuing machine to search the meter identification information, the set value, and the instruction information from the customer database, and the information acquisition unit of the card issuing machine. Provided to
The card issuing machine
It is provided with an information providing unit that provides information regarding a new customer card issued by the card issuing unit and information regarding updating of the issued customer card by the card charging unit to the management server.
The management server is a prepaid supply system including a data update unit that updates the customer database based on information received from the information providing unit. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The set value used for the operation control of the meter is
The meter for detecting a value that defines conditions for forcibly shutting off the supply of gas, electricity, or water by driving a shutoff mechanism that shuts off the supply of gas, electricity, or water, or a preset operation abnormality. A prepaid supply system that is a discriminant value for detection set to. The prepaid card used in a prepaid supply system that controls the supply of gas, electricity, or water based on the prepaid amount carried on the prepaid card.
A prepaid card comprising meter identification information of an available meter, the prepaid amount, and a set value used for controlling the operation of the meter. In claim 7, further
A prepaid card carrying instruction information indicating whether or not the set value set in the meter needs to be changed. A meter used in a prepaid supply system that controls the supply of gas, electricity, and water based on the prepaid amount carried on the prepaid card.
A storage unit that stores and holds the prepaid amount, meter identification information, and set values used for drive control of the meter.
A card reader that reads the carrier information carried on the prepaid card,
A discriminating unit that determines whether or not the read meter identification information matches the meter identification information stored in the storage unit.
When the meter identification information matches, the prepaid amount update unit that updates the prepaid amount stored in the storage unit based on the read prepaid amount, and the prepaid amount update unit.
When the meter identification information matches, the setting value changing unit that changes the set value stored and held in the storage unit to the read setting value, and the setting value changing unit.
A meter characterized by being equipped with. In claim 9.
When the loaded information included in the loaded information, the set value changing unit of the meter indicates that the set value needs to be changed only when the indicated information includes the indicated information. A meter that changes the set value stored in the storage unit to the read set value.

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