JP3334096B2 - Automatic notification device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic reporting device for automatically reporting meter reading data of gas, water, electricity, etc. to an information center.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of apparatus, an information center and a terminal are installed at a gas sales company such as LPG and a gas consumer, respectively, and these are connected by a communication line such as a telephone line. To the information center at regular intervals or on a designated date, and the gas company calculates the gas consumption based on the meter reading information and bills the customer for the gas usage fee. What has been proposed is proposed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-24694.

In the apparatus described in the above publication, a flow rate signal is input from a gas meter, counting is performed, and this count value is automatically reported as meter reading data indicating the gas usage, but the flow rate signal is transmitted to the gas meter itself. There is also a device that has a meter reading function for counting, and reads a meter reading value from a gas meter and reports it as meter reading data when a report is required.

[0004]

However, any of the above-mentioned conventional devices are provided only for the gas company to ascertain the amount of gas used in order to charge a fee, and perform only the reporting of meter reading data to the center. Is not yet available to use the meter reading data elsewhere. For this reason, customers can check the gas usage only at the time of billing from the gas company, and there is anxiety about not being able to grasp the gas usage in the process of using the gas, and the gas can be used safely. Could not be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and has as its object to provide an automatic notification device which enables a customer to check gas usage at an arbitrary point in time, thereby eliminating anxiety about the usage. The purpose is.

[0006]

To achieve the above object, an automatic notification device according to the present invention is installed at a consumer on a predetermined day, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG.
And read the meter reading values from the meter, comprising a notification means 31a ₁ automatically notify the information center through the communication line 4 a needle value read said as meter reading data, chromatic said meter
In automatic reporting device incorporated in the terminal device for a needle base point specifying means 31b _1, SW ₂ that specifies the read base point meter reading values from the <br/> meter, the main <br/> over in response to the manual operation Operating means SW for inputting a command to read the meter reading value from the
₁ and the base point specified by the meter reading base point specifying means.
Basic inspection needle value storage means 31b for storing the read meter reading values
₂ and the meter reading read according to the operation of the operation means
An end point meter reading value storage means 31b ₃ for storing the endpoint meter reading
The meter reading in the value storage means and the meter reading in the base
Taking the difference between the needle value, the calculation means 31a ₂ for calculating the amount of the specified base point to manual operation time of said operation means by the needle base point specifying means, for displaying the amount calculated by the calculating means Display means 38.

[0007] is characterized in that the needle base point designation means the a storage unit 31b ₁ which stores a date designated in advance.

[0008] said needle base point designating means, and characterized by a second operating means SW ₂ which is operated at any time.

[0009]

[0010]

In the above construction, the notifying means 31a₁Is a finger in advance
On a fixed dayInstalled at the consumerRead the meter reading from the meter
And the read meter reading is used as meter reading data in the communication cycle.
Via line 4Information centerReport automatically. Meter reading base point
Designation means 31b₁, SW_TwoIs the reading of the meter reading from the meter.
Specify the base point for the
Meter reading read fromIs the basic inspection needle value storage means 31b
_Two ToOperation meansSW ₁ From the meter in response to manual operation of
Input a command to read the needle value, and
Meter reading read fromIs the final inspection needle value storage means 31b _Three To
Respectively stored in the calculation means 31a _Two Is the final inspection needle value
The difference between the meter reading in the means and the meter reading in the base inspection needle value storage means
To calculate the usage and display the calculated usage
Since it is displayed in column 38, the meter installed at the consumer
Automatic notification device installed in the terminal
Operation switch SW by gas user at the time _Two Manual operation
Depending on the operation, the meter reading value at the stored base point and the current meter reading value
Calculate the difference withSimplify gas usage from base point to the present
You can simply know.

[0011] or the day designated as a base point by needle base point specifying means is stored in the storage means 31b _1, or because at any time it is manually operated operating switch SW _2, the operation by the gas user at any time by a manual operation of the switch SW _2, can be known from a fixed date to a predetermined or simplify the amount of gas used to date from any time.

[0012]

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gas metering system to which the automatic notification device according to the present invention is applied. In the figure, numeral 1 denotes a LP gas distributor mainly collecting metering data and issuing a bill. For example, it is a central information center installed in a branch office or a sub information center installed in, for example, a branch office or an LP gas distribution office of an LP gas distributor that handles sales and services for each region of the LP gas distributor. Each information center comprises a controller 1a comprising a host computer or a personal computer, a transmitting / receiving device 1b, and a subscriber's telephone 1c, and is connected via a telephone line 2 to a nearby telephone exchange (not shown). 3 ₁ to 3 _n are each an incorporating terminal unit automatic reporting device by installed in the present invention in LP gas consumption destination, all terminal unit the nearest (not shown) via the telephone line 4 have the same configuration Connected to the telephone exchange.

As shown in FIG. 3, each terminal has a controller 3a connected to the telephone line 4, a microcomputer gas meter 3b connected to the controller 3a, a subscriber telephone 3c, a gas leak sensor 3d, and the like. The microcomputer gas meter 3b has a flow sensor switch for turning on / off each time a predetermined amount of gas flows and generating one flow pulse signal, and a gas shutoff valve. In addition, microcomputer gas meter 3
b is a counter for inputting and counting the flow rate pulse signal generated by the flow rate sensor switch, holding the count value as meter reading data, outputting the count value in response to a request from the controller 3a, monitoring the gas flow rate, and monitoring the abnormal gas flow rate. And a microcomputer (CPU) that operates in accordance with a predetermined program that performs a task such as detecting the output to the controller 3a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 3a
The microcomputer 31 has a microcomputer (CPU) 31 that operates according to a predetermined control program. The CPU 31 has a built-in ROM 31a storing a control program and a RAM 31b storing various data. The microcomputer 31 is connected to the CPU 31 via an input / output (I / O) circuit 32. C
The PU 31 performs interactive communication with the microcomputer gas meter 3b connected via the I / O circuit 32. When a notification factor occurs, the PU 31 requests meter reading data from the microcomputer gas meter 3b. The transmitted meter reading data is read and transmitted to the report destination. Further, the CPU 31 responds to the microcomputer gas meter 3b via the I / O circuit 32 in response to an abnormal flow rate detection signal from the microcomputer gas meter 3b input via the I / O circuit 32 or a gas leak detection signal input from the gas leak sensor 3d. In response, a gas shutoff signal is output, and the gas shutoff valve is closed in the microcomputer gas meter to shut off the gas supply path.

The controller 3a also includes a calendar clock 33 for generating date data used for judging a report date at the time of regular reporting of meter reading data, and a modem (for demodulation) for communicating with a center. MODEM) 34, an incoming call detection circuit 35 for detecting an external call, the subscriber's telephone 3c.
Has a busy detection circuit 36 for detecting that the telephone line 4 is being used, and these are connected to the CPU 31. Reference numeral 37 denotes a coupling circuit for coupling the modem 34 to the telephone line 4. The controller 3a further includes a display 3 for displaying the gas usage amount to the customer at any time based on the meter reading data input from the microcomputer gas meter 3b.
8, an operation switch SW ₁ and SW ₂ for inputting a signal for selecting the contents to be displayed on the display unit 38, C
Code selection switch S for selecting the operation mode of PU31
And a W ₃ and SW _4, which are also connected to the CPU 31.

In the automatic notification device having the above configuration, the CP
U31 when the first mode by turning on the mode selection switch SW ₃ is selected, requests the output of the meter reading value to the microcomputer gas meter 3b periodic notification date of pre-stored gas meter reading values in a predetermined area of RAM31b In response to this, the meter reading value output from the microcomputer gas meter 3b is read and reported to the center as periodic meter reading data. Then, the meter reading value read from the microcomputer gas meter 3b is stored in the storage area A of the storage areas A to I shown in FIG.

Then, the CPU 31 determines the difference between the meter reading value stored in the storage area A and the value stored in the other storage area B, that is, from the regular reporting date of the meter reading to the next regular reporting date of the next month. The gas usage is calculated, and the calculated value is stored in the storage area C. Thereafter, stores the contents of the storage area A in the storage area B, and the value of the storage area C, is displayed during the display 38 for a predetermined time t _1, for example 1-2 days. Therefore, it is possible to know the gas usage based on the calculation of the gas usage fee to be charged at a later date based on the reported meter reading value, whereby it is possible to predict the amount of the gas usage to some extent.

When the first mode is selected,
Operation switch SW by manual operation ₁Is turned on,
Read the meter reading from microcomputer gas meter 3b
Is stored in the storage area A. Then, the CPU 31
Meter readings stored in rear A and stored in other storage area B
Operating from the difference between the measured value, that is, the reporting date of the meter reading
Switch SW₁Calculate gas usage up to manual operation
Then, the calculated value is stored in the storage area C, and
The value of the storage area C is changed, for example, for a certain time t_Two
Is displayed on the display 38 during the period. Therefore, report the meter reading
The amount of gas used after
You.

When the second mode is selected by turning on the mode selection switch SW ₄ , the CPU 31 reads the meter reading data value from the microcomputer gas meter 3 b at the beginning of each month (March 1) and stores it in the storage area D. Store. Then, the CPU 31 determines the difference between the meter reading value stored in the storage area D and the value stored in the other storage area E, that is,
From the beginning of the month to the end of the month (March 30, March 31, February 28
, Or the amount of gas used until February 29), and the calculated value is stored in the storage area F. Then, storage area D
Is stored in the storage area E, and the value of the storage area F is displayed on the display 38 for a certain period of time, for example, several seconds to several minutes.
To be displayed. Therefore, although the information is irrelevant to the gas usage fee, it is possible to know the gas usage amount of the previous month only during a certain period after the month is switched.

When the second mode is selected,
When the operation switch SW ₁ is turned on, it reads the meter reading values from the microcomputer gas meter 3b which is stored in the storage area D. Then, the CPU 31 calculates the difference between the meter reading value stored in the storage area D and the value stored in the other storage area E, stores the calculated value in the storage area F, and stores the calculated value in the storage area F. For example, it is displayed on the display 38 for a fixed time of several seconds to several minutes. Therefore, although the information is irrelevant to the gas usage fee, the gas usage amount for the current month can be known at any time.

When neither the first mode nor the second mode is selected, the operation switch SW _{2 is} manually operated.
Is turned on, the CPU 31 sets the microcomputer gas meter 3b
The meter reading is read from the storage area H.
Then, CPU 31 has the subsequent operation switch SW ₁ is turned on, and stores it reads the meter reading values from the microcomputer gas meter 3b in the storage area G. Then storage area G
Between the meter reading stored in the storage area H and the meter reading stored in the storage area H, that is, the operation switch SW by manual operation.
The gas consumption in the period from ₂ on until the operation switch SW ₁ is calculated, this calculated value with that stored in the storage area I, the indicator during this storage area a fixed time value of, for example, several seconds to several minutes I 38 is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to know the gas usage amount in an arbitrary period from the time when each operation switch is manually operated to the base point and the end point.

The details of the operation of the device outlined above are given in C
The following describes the processing performed by the PU 31 with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

The CPU31 starts operating by power-on, whether the mode selection switch SW ₃ in the first step S1 is on, the judgment is Y
In the case of ES, the process proceeds to step S2 to determine whether or not the date is a regular notification date by comparing the notification date data stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 31b with the date and time data from the calendar clock 33. And if the determination in step S2 is YES, that is, if it is a regular notification date, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, a meter reading data request is output to the microcomputer gas meter 3b, and the meter reading data transmitted from the microcomputer gas meter 3b is taken in in response to the request to read the meter reading value, and this is read in the next step S4. Regularly report to the center. This periodic report automatically dials the report destination telephone number stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 31b, thereby transmitting the meter reading read from the microcomputer gas meter 3b to the center connected via the telephone line 4 as it is. Done in The meter reading read in step S3 is stored in the storage area A of the RAM 31b in step S5, and then the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the calculation routine shown in FIG. 6 is executed, and in the first step S6a, the meter reading value in the storage area B is subtracted from the meter reading value in the storage area A so that the periodical notification date between two consecutive times is calculated. Find gas usage,
This is stored in the storage area C. Next, step S6b
In step (1), the meter reading value in the storage area E is subtracted from the meter reading value in the storage area D to determine the gas usage from the beginning of the current month, and this is stored in the storage area F. Further, thereafter, in step S6c, the meter reading value in the storage area H is subtracted from the meter reading value in the storage area G to obtain the gas usage amount for an arbitrary period, and this is stored in the storage area I.

After executing the calculation routine in step S6, the flow advances to step S7 to store the contents of the storage area A in the storage area B. Thereafter, the flow advances to step S8 to store the contents in the display 38 in the storage area C. the gas consumption is displayed for a predetermined time t ₁ proceeds from the step S9.

In step S9, the operation switch S
W ₁ is operated to determine whether or not the ON, the determination in step S9 is executed again the steps described above returns to step S1 when the be NO. When the determination in step S9 is YES, the process proceeds to step S10, in which a meter reading data request is output to the microcomputer gas meter 3b, and the meter reading value transmitted from the microcomputer gas meter 3b is fetched in response to the request to read the meter reading value. Read. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S11, where the meter reading value read from the microcomputer gas meter 3b is stored in the storage area A, and then the process proceeds to step S12. Step S
At 12, the same calculation routine as described above for step S6 is executed. After the execution of step S12, the process proceeds to step S13, where the gas usage amount in the storage area C obtained by taking the difference between the meter reading value in the storage area A and the meter reading value in the storage area B calculated in step S6a. from to display for a predetermined time t ₂ on the display unit 38 returns to step S1 to execute the above steps again.

[0029] When the determination in step S1 is be NO, i.e., whether the mode selection switch SW ₃ is when the second mode is selected by OFF, the mode selection switch SW ₄ proceeds to step S14 are ON Is determined, and if the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, today is the month
It is determined whether or not the date is based on the date and time data from the calendar clock 33. If the determination is $ O, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, it is determined whether or not the operation switch SW ₁ is turned on, the determination is Ν
In the case of O, the process returns to the step S1 to execute the above-mentioned steps again.

If the determination in step S15 is YES, that is, if it is the beginning of the month, step S16
To read the meter reading value from the microcomputer gas meter 3b and store it in the storage area D in the next step S17. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S18 to execute the same calculation routine as described above for step S6.
In the above step S6b of this routine, the gas use amount obtained by taking the difference between the meter reading value in the storage area D and the meter reading value in the storage area E is stored in the storage area F. After execution of the calculation routine stores the meter reading value during storage area D in the storage area E proceeds to step S19, then step S20 to proceed at a certain time the gas consumption stored in the storage area F t ₁ And then display step S2
Proceed to 1.

[0031] When the determination in step S21 is YES, i.e., meter reading by the flow proceeds to step S22, fetches the meter reading data requested to the microcomputer gas meter 3b wherein when the operation switch SW ₁ is turned on by a manual operation Read the value. Then, the process proceeds to step S23, where the read meter reading value is stored in the storage area D, and then the process proceeds to step S24. The gas usage amount obtained by taking the difference from the meter reading value in E is stored in the storage area F. After execution of the calculation routine is run again the above steps back from the gas use amount stored in the storage area F proceeds to step S25 to display for a predetermined time t ₂ in step S1.

When the determination in step S14 is ΝO,
That is, the mode selection switch SW _ThreeAnd SW_FourNozomi
If they are off, the operation proceeds to step S26 to operate the operation switch.
Switch_TwoIs turned on manually
If the determination is ΝO, the process proceeds to step S29.
If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S27. S
In step S27, the microcomputer gas meter 3b
The meter reading data
Is read and stored in step S28.
After storing in the rear H, the process proceeds to step S29. Steps
In S29, the operation switch SW₁By manual operation
To determine whether or not the switch is on, and this determination is
Sometimes, the process returns to step S1 and repeats the above steps.
And if the determination in step S29 is YES,
Proceed to step S30.

In step S30, the meter reading value is read by fetching the required meter reading data from the microcomputer gas meter 3b, and the subsequent step S31 is executed.
After storing in the storage area G, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, by executing the above-described step S6c of the calculation routine of FIG. 7, the gas usage amount obtained by taking the difference between the meter reading value in the storage area G and the meter reading value in the storage area H is stored in the storage area I. I do. After execution of the calculation routine is run again the above steps back from the gas use amount stored in the storage area I proceeds to step S33 to display for a predetermined time t ₂ in step S1.

As is apparent from the processing operation of the CPU 31 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
U31 reads the meter reading from the meter on the day designated in advance, and uses the read meter reading as meter reading data on the communication line 4.
Other as notification means 31a ₁ of reporting automatically via, RA for designating the read base point meter reading values from the meter
A meter reading value read from the meter in the base point specified by the specified date data or meter reading base point designating means consisting of the operation switch SW ₁ in M31b, meter reading read from the meter in response to the manual operation of the operation means comprising an operation switch SW ₂ the value, working as calculation means 31a ₂ for calculating the amount of the specified base point to manual operation time.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, a meter reading value is read from a meter installed at a consumer on a predetermined day, and this is automatically reported to an information center as meter reading data. a meter reading value read from the meter in the loading base meter reading values from, by the meter reading value read from the meter in response to the manual operation, since the display by calculating the amount of the specified base point to manual operation time, consumption
Incorporated into a terminal with a meter installed at the expense
In the automatic notification device, the gas usage from the base point to the present can be easily known by manual operation by the gas user at any time.

The day designated as the base point is stored or
Alternatively, since the manual operation is performed at an arbitrary time point, it is possible to easily know the gas usage amount from a predetermined fixed date or from the arbitrary time point to the present time by the manual operation at the arbitrary time point.

[0037]

Therefore, there is a meter installed at the consumer.
In the automatic notification device incorporated in the terminal, the customer can check the gas usage at any time, and can eliminate anxiety factor about the usage.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an automatic notification device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a notification system to which the automatic notification device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a terminal in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a controller in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data area in a RAM in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by a CPU in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of a calculation routine in FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

4 Communication line 31a ₁ Notification means (CPU) 31a ₂ Calculation means (CPU) 31b ₁ , SW ₂ Meter reading base point designation means (RAM, operation switch) 31b ₂ Unit inspection needle value storage means (RAM) 31b ₃ Final inspection needle value storage means ( RAM) SW ₁ Operation means (operation switch) 38 Display means (display)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G08C 15/00 H04Q 9/00 311

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A meter reading value is read from a meter installed at a consumer site on a predetermined day, and the read meter value is automatically reported to an information center via a communication line as meter reading data. Including a reporting means, the terminal having the meter
In automatic reporting device incorporated, the needle base point designating means for designating a read origin of meter reading values from the meter, an operating means for inputting an instruction to read the meter reading values from the meter in response to the manual operation, the needle base point specifying means Read at the base point specified by
A base inspection needle value storage means for storing the read meter value, and a meter reading value read in response to the operation of the operation means.
A final check needle value storage means, a meter reading in the final check needle value storage means, and a base check needle value class.
Calculating means for calculating a usage amount from a base point specified by the meter reading base point specifying means to a time point when the operation means is manually operated by taking a difference from a meter reading value in the storage means; An automatic notification device, comprising: display means for displaying. 2. The automatic notification device according to claim 1, wherein said meter reading base point specifying means is a storage means for storing said predetermined day. 3. The automatic notification device according to claim 1, wherein said meter reading base point designating means is a second operating means which is manually operated at an arbitrary time.