JP2518469B2 - Centralized automatic meter reading device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a centralized automatic meter-reading device having a plurality of distributed detecting means, for example, the consumption of water, gas, electricity, etc. arranged for each customer, and the centralized device The present invention relates to a centralized automatic meter-reading device that collects data intensively.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional centralized automatic meter reading device will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the entire structure, and FIG. 7 is a detailed diagram of the display circuit. In FIG. 6, a meter M, which is installed in each consumer and has a contact point that closes for each predetermined power consumption and outputs a signal of a state change, that is, meters M _{11 to} M _1n , M _{21 to} M _2n , In M _{n1 to} M _nn ,
Transmitter T, i.e. transmitter T ₁₁ through T _1n for converting a signal from the meter M in a predetermined detection _{signal, T 21 ~T 2n, T n1} ~T
_nn are connected. Note that these components are collectively referred to as the transmitter 1. A meter number as an identification number is given to each of the meters M, and the meter M and the transmitter T constitute a detecting means.

Transmitters T _{11 to} T _1n , T _{21 to} T _2n , T _{n1 to} T
_nn further has connection boxes B _{11 to} B _1n , B _{21 to} B _2n , B
_n1 .about.B _nn is connected, the transmission line 2 a plurality example every n
-1, 2-2, 2-n are connected to the first relay transmission device 3-1, 3-2, 3-n which is a relay transmission means. Each of the first relay transmission devices 3-1, 3-2, 3-n is connected to the second relay transmission device 5-1-5-n which is a relay transmission means via the transmission lines 4-1-4-n. It is connected.

In the first relay transmission device 3-1, the input interface 8 is connected to the transmission line 2-1, and converts the voltage level of the signal received via the transmission line 2-1 into a logical signal. The control circuit 9 comprises a microprocessor,
It is connected to the input interface 8 to read the logic signal and perform other data processing required for transmission. Counter 10 as storage means is connected to a control circuit 9, the transmitter _{T 11 ~T 1n, T 21 ~T} 2n, T n1 ~T nn data, i.e. the meter _{M 11 ~M 1n, M 21 ~M} 2n , M _{n1 to} M _nn representing the power consumption are accumulated as detection values.

The memory 11 stores data necessary for the operation of the control circuit 9, and the display circuit 12 (details described later, FIG. 7) is connected to the control circuit 9 to input / output data and display it.
The transmission / reception circuit 13 is connected between the control circuit 9 and the transmission line 4-1, and performs signal processing of transmission / reception.

In the second relay transmission device 5-1, the transmission / reception circuit 14 is connected to the transmission line 4-1 and transmits / receives signals to / from the transmission / reception circuit 13. The control circuit 15 receives the signal from the transmission line 4-1 and converts it into a transmission signal for output to the transmission line 6, or vice versa. The transmission / reception circuit 16 is connected between the transmission line 6 and the control circuit 15, and transmits / receives signals between these.

FIG. 7 shows the details of the display circuit 12, in which 17 is a display for displaying the room number of each customer, that is, the number of the meter M, and 18 is the content of the counter 10, that is, the meter M. Display that displays the detected value by
19 is an indicator for displaying an abnormality in the transmitter 1, for example, a disconnection, 20
Is an operation button for setting the initial value of the counter 10 and the like, and 21 is a button for issuing a command signal for data input / output and display, for example, to cause the control circuit 9 to read the contents of the operation button 20.

Next, the operation will be described. Transmitter T ₁₁ ~
T _1n , T _{21 to} T _2n , and T _{n1 to} T _nn output a predetermined detection signal for each predetermined power consumption amount, and the signals are connected box B.
_{11 to} B _1n , transmission line 2-1 and input interface 8
Is input to the control circuit 9 via. When the control circuit 9 detects a change in the signal of the input interface 8, the control circuit 9 outputs the signal to the counter 10 and advances the count by one step. By repeating this, each meter M is displayed on the counter 10.
Data is accumulated as a count value which is a detected value.

On the other hand, the central unit 7 outputs call signals in sequence to the second relay transmission units 5-1 to 5-n via the transmission line 6 in order to collect the count value of the counter 10 at the appropriate time.
For example, when the second relay transmission device 5-1 receives the call signal through the transmission / reception circuit 16, the control circuit 15 causes the transmission / reception circuit to
14, first relay transmission device 3-1 through transmission line 4-1
The selection signal is output to 3-n.

In the first relay transmission apparatus 3-1, when the control circuit 9 receives the selection signal via the transmission / reception circuit 13, the control circuit 9 reads the count value of the counter 10, and then the call signal and the selection signal described above. The data is sent to the central device 7 by following the reverse route and stored as a meter reading value in a storage unit (not shown). Similar processing is performed for the other first relay transmission devices 3-2 to 3-3.
-N and the other second relay transmission devices 5-2 to 5-n, the central device 7 collects the count values of all the meters M (hereinafter referred to as meter reading).

The meter reading value stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the central unit 7 is updated to a new meter reading value when a new meter reading is executed.

By the way, when such a device is initially activated, the relay transmission devices 3-1 and 3- of the counter 10 are
Since the contents of 2,3-n do not represent the actual power consumption, it is necessary to inform the central unit 7 of such contents as an initial value. Therefore, the meter-reader A goes to each customer to read the measured value of the meter M, and the meter-reader A displays the meter number of the meter M and the read measured value on the operation display circuit 12 by the transceiver (not shown). Then, the meter reading person B transmits the meter number and the measured value of the meter M received through the transceiver to the counter 10 of the transmitter 3-1 and transmits the meter reading to the other meter reading person B. When the person B finishes the operation of such initial setting, the meter-reader A who informs the meter-reader A of this through the transceiver moves to the next meter M, and the following
Repeat the procedure.

[0013]

The conventional centralized automatic meter-reading device is configured as described above, and the first relay transmission devices 3-1 and 3-2 are provided for each of the plurality of meters M.
In order to collect the data of the 3-n counter 10, that is, to perform meter reading, a specific meter M is automatically read at a specific date and time (hereinafter referred to as a meter reading date), or a plurality of types of detecting means having different meter reading dates, for example, electric 1 meter for water and gas
It is not possible to read with one centralized automatic meter reading device.

Further, since the charge system varies depending on the type of electricity, water, gas, etc., it is not possible to perform meter reading including the calculation of charges. Furthermore, the conventional centralized automatic meter reading device will not be able to perform the meter reading if new meter reading is performed. Since the meter reading value is lost, there is a problem that the intermediate data between the regular meter reading day and the next regular meter reading day cannot be confirmed.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. A meter reading date is set for each detecting means, and the detecting means set on the same meter reading day are automatically metered and calculated. It is also possible to do meter reading collectively for each type of detection means, it is possible to calculate the charge for each detection means, even at any date and time other than the regular meter reading date of each detection means The purpose is to obtain a centralized automatic meter reading device that can collect detection values.

[0016]

The centralized automatic meter reading device according to the present invention is set based on the date and time preset in the setting means, the identification number of the detecting means set corresponding to the date and time, and whether or not the meter reading value can be updated. The detection value obtained by the detection means having the identification number set on the specified date and time is obtained, and when the meter reading value can be updated, this detected value is updated and stored as a new meter reading value, and when the meter reading value is not updated, the meter reading value is updated. It is provided with a central device that outputs the detected value without doing so.

[0017]

The detecting means in the present invention emits a detection signal for each predetermined measurement amount of the object to be measured, and the accumulating means accumulates this as a detection value. This detected value represents the integrated value of the measured amount. The relay transmission means converts the detected value into a predetermined transmission signal and transmits it to the central unit.

In addition to the date and time and the identification number of the target detecting means, whether or not the meter reading value can be updated is set as the setting value in the setting means. The central device obtains the detection value corresponding to the detection means having the identification number set at the set date and time based on this set value, and when the meter reading value can be updated, this is stored as a new meter reading value and the meter reading is performed. When the value is not updated, the meter reading value is not updated and the detected value is output to the CRT, the printer or the like.
Therefore, if the meter reading value update is set to no, the meter reading value stored in the central device is not updated, so that the detection value of any detection means can be obtained at any date and time. Therefore, in the middle from the regular meter reading day to the next regular meter reading day, the central device can obtain the detection value corresponding to any detecting means and confirm the intermediate data.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the centralized automatic meter-reading device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration, the central unit 100 in FIG. The control unit 102 composed of a microprocessor, a storage unit 104 that stores the operational programs count value, the meter M ₁₁ ~M to be read count _The setting unit 106, which is a setting means for setting the address of the meter number, which is the identification number of _1n , and other setting values, and the logic signal and the transmission line processed by the control unit 102
A signal transmission unit 110 that performs signal conversion to and from a cyclic digital signal that is input and output to and from 50, and input / output control.
And a printer control unit 112 for outputting a counting result and the like by the arithmetic processing of the control unit 102, and a display unit 108 for displaying a count value and the like.

The setting unit 106 is, for example, a keyboard,
Functions as setting means, sets the address of the relay devices 200 to the meter M ₁₁ ~M _1n address and the meter M ₁₁ ~M _1n are connected. Although only one relay transmission device 200 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of relay transmission devices are connected to the central device 100. Further, set meter reading day for each meter M ₁₁ ~M _1n, type, per unit dose rates, whether to update the meter reading data files to be stored as a flat rate and meter reading values necessary detection value. The address signal transmitted / received between the central device 100 and each relay transmission device 200 is, for example, an 8-bit digital signal as a whole, and the upper 4 bits are used as the address of the relay transmission device and the lower 4 bits are used for each relay transmission. Used for the address of the meter M connected to the device.

Each relay transmission device 200 has a transmission line 1
Receives a cyclic digital signal from 50 and controls
A signal transmission unit that converts into a logical signal used in 204 or vice versa.
202, and a plurality of meters M, for example, meters M ₁₁ to
Connected to M _1n Boxes B _{11 to} B _1n and transmitters T _{11 to} T _1n
A counter 210 connected to an interface 212 and a control unit 204 connected via the counter 210 and advancing the count value by one each time a signal from each meter M is received;
A storage unit that stores the count value of the counter 210 connected to 04
208, an address setting unit 206 for setting the address code of each relay transmission device 200 and the address of each meter M connected to the relay transmission device 200, and the initial setting of each meter M when the central automatic meter reading device is activated. It is composed of an interface 214 and a connector 216 for connecting a portable operating device or the like (FIG. 2, which will be described later) for setting a display value.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a portable operating device connected to the connector 216. In FIG. 2, 400 is a portable operating device, 401 is a connector that is detachably connected to the connector 216 (FIG. 1), 402 is a thumbwheel switch for setting data consisting of the initial value of the meter M, and 403 is an operation. Button for stepping up the meter number, 404 is a changeover switch for enabling / disabling the initial value setting, 405 is a changeover switch for the value set in the thumbwheel switch 402
A memory button that can be set as an initial value in the counter 210 of the relay transmitter 200 only when 404 is valid, and a display unit 406 displays the meter number and the count value of the counter 200.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the setting unit 106 sets the address of each meter M, the date of meter reading, the type of meter (for example, electricity, water, gas, etc.), and the charge per unit usage amount according to the type (in the case where it is set in stages, A fixed fee specific to the detection device such as a charge table), management cost, and common cost, and whether to update the meter reading data file are set in advance.

The central unit 100, for example, when performing meter reading on a fixed day every month, the control unit 102 judges whether it is a meter reading date (step 1), and if it is the corresponding day, the setting unit 106 reads the meter reading date. The meter number, type, metered rate per unit measured amount, fixed rate, and whether the meter reading data file can be updated are read (step 2), and the address signal of the meter M is output (step 2). 3). This address signal is converted into a predetermined cyclic digital signal in the signal transmission unit 110, and then the transmission line
It is output to 150 as a call signal. When the meter is set to be read every other month, the address signal is output in the same way when the meter reading is done every other month, and when the scheduled meter reading is set on any day .

Transmission and reception of signals between the central device 100 and each relay transmission device 200 is performed by calling the relay transmission device 200 from the central device 100 by a sequential polling operation. The control unit 102 first sends out an address signal as a call signal. This address signal includes therein the address code of the relay transmission device (upper 4 bits) and the meter M (lower 4 bits) to identify which relay transmission device the central device 100 is for transmission. The relay transmission device 200 having an address code that matches the setting value of the address setting unit 206 of the relay transmission device is called as the partner of the signal transmission. That is, the call signal is input to the signal transmission unit 202 of each relay transmission device 200, converted into a predetermined logic signal, and output to the control unit 204.

Each control unit 204 compares the address code of each relay transmission device 200 set in each address setting unit 206 with the address code included in the input signal, and the call signal is transmitted to itself. It is determined whether or not the data is output by the relay transmission device 200, and if the address codes match, the relay transmission device 200 is called (step 4).
The relay transmission device 200 further sends the count value of the counter 210 corresponding to the meter M of the corresponding address stored in the storage unit 208 as a transmission signal to the central device 100 through a route opposite to the above-mentioned calling signal. (Step 5).

The control unit 102 of the central apparatus 100 separates the transmission signal from the relay transmission apparatus 200 received via the transmission line into an address signal and a pulse signal in synchronization with a predetermined timing signal. The address signal represents the address of the relay transmission device 200 and each meter M connected to each relay transmission device 200. The pulse signal is a transmitter T connected to each meter M each time each meter M detects a predetermined measurement amount.
Represents the count value of the pulse generated by, and is stored in the storage unit 104 as necessary. Then, the control unit 102 controls each meter M
The usage amount is calculated for each time from the difference between the count value of this time and the previous time, the usage amount is calculated for each type of the meter M, and the calculation result is stored in the storage unit (step 6).

Further, the control unit 102 of the central unit 100 multiplies the above usage amount by a predetermined charge per unit usage amount,
Alternatively, the charge corresponding to the above usage amount is determined by comparing with the charge table, and the fixed charge for each meter M is added to calculate the charge (step 7).

When the meter reading is executed and a new count value is obtained, the control unit 102 of the central unit 100 judges whether or not the meter reading value of the meter M is set to "OK" (step 8). . If the update is set to “OK”, the past and present meter reading values, update date and time, update conditions and the like stored in the storage unit 104 are output to the printer 114 or the like (step 9) and stored in the storage unit 104. The stored meter reading value is updated to the latest detected value (step 10). In addition, the address of the meter reading data file for which the update is permitted is output to the printer 114 as an update memo (step
11). FIG. 4 shows an output example of the printer (step 9) when the meter reading value is updated, and FIG. 5 shows an output example of the update memo (step 11). In FIG. 5, 501 is a house name, 502 is a recording title, 503 is a file update date, and 504 is an address of the updated file. House name 501
Is set by the setting unit 106.

If it is desired to confirm the intermediate data before the next regular meter reading date, the update is set to "impossible" and the address of the meter M to be confirmed is set in the setting section 106. In this case, proceed from step 8 to step 12
The control unit does not update the past meter reading value but displays the detected value obtained this time on the CRT or the like (step 13).

The procedure for initializing the measured value of the meter M in the counter 210 is the same as in the conventional apparatus. The meter reader A goes to the meter M and the meter reader B relays the connector 401 of the portable operating device shown in FIG. Connect to connector 216 on transmitter 200.
The meter reading person B sets the initial value data of the meter M notified by the meter reading person A by the transceiver to the thumb wheel switch 402, and when the push button 403 is operated, the thumb wheel switch is operated.
The setting value of 402 is read out as the initial value and
And is transferred from the control unit 204 to the counter 210 via the interface 214. Similarly, the initial values of the other meters M are also transferred. When the work is completed for one relay transmission device 200, the operation is moved to the next relay transmission device 200, and the above operation is repeated to carry out for all the relay transmission devices. The above operation can be performed when the changeover switch 404 is set to "enabled". 406 is displayed. Portable operating device 4
By adopting 00, the conventional individual relay transmission device 3-
The display circuit 12 provided in 1 to 3-n (FIG. 6) is omitted.

Since the number of relay transmission devices and meters connected to each other is different, if the central device 100 performs a polling operation and the number of meters or the like is stored by some means, a polling operation becomes useless. It is not necessary and is advantageous in terms of transmission processing capacity. For this purpose, it is possible to provide a relay transmission device connected to the central unit 100, and setting means or storage means for setting the number of meters with a switch or the like or inputting it with a keyboard or the like and storing it in an internal memory circuit. .

When the power is turned on as a system without setting, the initial processing is performed, and the meters are sequentially accessed from the central unit 100 side, and it is determined that only the meter with the responding meter number is connected, and that meter If the meter number is configured to be stored, the setting means can be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the counter 2
Storage unit of the central unit 1
Although the case of storing in 04 is shown, the count value may be multiplied by a predetermined multiplying factor to be used as the meter reading value.

The type of the meter M is a watt hour meter,
Besides electricity meter for power, water and sewer meter, water heater meter,
It may be a gas meter or the like. Further, the correspondence between the date and time such as setting the same type of detection device on the same meter reading date and the target detection means can be set arbitrarily.

[0036]

According to the present invention, whether or not the meter reading value can be updated is set in the setting means, and the detection value corresponding to the detecting means of the predetermined identification number is obtained at a predetermined date and time. The detected value is updated and stored as a new meter reading value, and when the meter reading value cannot be updated, the above-mentioned detected value is output without updating the meter reading value. The detection value of any detection means can be obtained at the central device at the time point, and the intermediate data on the date and time other than the regular meter reading date can be known.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portable operating device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a printer output example of meter reading values and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a printer output example of an update memo according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a conventional centralized automatic meter-reading device.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a display circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 central device, 102 control unit, 104 storage unit, 106 setting unit, 114 printer, 200 relay transmission device, 210 counter, M meter.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of detecting means, which are distributed and have a predetermined identification number, and emit a predetermined detection signal for each predetermined measurement amount, and the detection signals are accumulated as detection values for each detection means. Storage means, relay transmission means for converting the detection value into a predetermined transmission signal, date and time, the identification number of the detection means set corresponding thereto, and whether or not the meter reading value can be updated are stored as set values. Setting means, and the detection value obtained by the detection means having a predetermined identification number at a predetermined date and time via the relay transmission means based on the set value, and the meter reading value is updated when the meter reading value can be updated. Centralized automatic meter reading device, comprising: a central device for updating and storing as a new meter reading value and outputting the detected value without updating the meter reading value when the meter reading value is not updated.