JP3393507B2 - Automatic notification device and connection state recognition method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is capable of connecting at least one or more meter-reading means for collecting meter-reading information concerning the usage status of gas, water, electricity, etc. through a communication line. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic reporting device and a connection state recognition method for collecting meter reading information and automatically reporting the information to an information center, and particularly to a meter reading means for collecting meter reading information relating to the usage status of gas such as LP gas via a communication line The present invention relates to an automatic notification device and a connection state recognition method capable of connecting at least one of the above, collecting meter reading information for each meter reading means via a telephone line, and automatically reporting the information to an information center.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 7 (a) is a functional block diagram for explaining a conventional automatic notification device, and FIG. 7 (b) shows that the SW1 is turned on even though a gas meter is not connected.
A specific example in which the first gas meter is erroneously recognized to be connected depending on the state, FIG. 7C shows that the first gas meter is connected according to the ON state of SW1 in spite of the second gas meter being connected. Shows a specific example in which is mistakenly recognized as being connected.

A conventional automatic notification device of this type is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), a plurality of meter-reading means (that is, a figure) for collecting meter-reading information (specifically, the meter-reading value of the gas) relating to the usage status of gas at the LPG consumer. The first gas meter 4 and the second gas meter 5) are connected to each other, and each meter reading means (that is, the first gas meter 4 or the second gas meter 5) is connected.
Collects meter reading information from the gas meter 5) and automatically reports it to the information center (specifically, LPG dealer).
An automatic notification device A having a function of notifying that the remaining amount of a PG cylinder is low is disclosed.

Further, as the first gas meter 4 and the second gas meter 5, it is disclosed that a gas meter with a built-in microcomputer (a so-called gas microcomputer meter) having a microcomputer for executing various controls is usually used. .

The microcomputers incorporated in the gas microcomputer meters 4 and 5 are connected to the automatic notification device A via a communication line, and the gas microcomputer meters 4 and 5 are connected to the automatic notification device A in response to a message request command from the automatic notification device A. It has a function to check the usage status of gas at the LPG consumer provided, generate meter reading information, create a telegram of the generated meter reading information, and send the created telegram to the automatic notification device A via the communication line. It is disclosed.

As a result, the information center (LPG seller) can collect the meter reading information for each of the gas microcomputer meters 4 and 5 (that is, for each LPG consumer), and the remaining amount of the LPG cylinder becomes small. It is disclosed to recognize that

In the connection state recognition method executed by the automatic notification device A as described above, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the power of the automatic notification device A is turned on, or the CPU 1 provided in the automatic notification device A. Of the gas meter connection switches SW1 and SW2 connected to the CPU1 when the
The OFF state was detected.

The setting of the ON / OFF states of the gas meter connection switches SW1 and SW2 has been performed by the installer of the automatic notification device A.

Specifically, when the connection state recognition method is started, when the gas meter connection switch SW1 is detected to be in the ON state, the first gas meter 4 is connected to the CPU 1 via the terminal block 2. When it is determined that the gas meter connection switch SW1 is in the OFF state, it is determined that the first gas meter 4 is not connected to the CPU 1. For the same reason, when the gas meter connection switch SW2 is detected to be in the ON state, the second gas meter 5 causes the CPU via the terminal block 3.
If it is determined that the gas meter connection switch SW2 is OFF, it is determined that the second gas meter 5 is not connected to the CPU 1.

[0010]

However, in the conventional automatic notification device A and the connection state recognition method executed by this automatic notification device A, the ON / OFF states of the gas meter connection switches SW1 and SW2 are initially set. However, if the gas meter connection switches SW1 and SW2 were initially set to the wrong ON / OFF state because the automatic notification device A was installed, the gas meter is not connected even though the gas meter is connected. There is a technical problem that it may be erroneously recognized as a state, or may be erroneously recognized as a connected state even though the gas meter is not connected.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), SW1 is initially set to the ON state, although neither the first gas meter 4 nor the second gas meter 5 is connected. Then, there is a technical problem that the first gas meter 4 may be erroneously recognized as being connected accordingly.

7 (c), when the SW1 is initially set to the ON state in spite of the fact that the second gas meter 5 is connected, the first gas meter 4 accordingly responds. There was a technical problem that it might be erroneously recognized as being connected.

In other words, providing such gas meter connection switches SW1 and SW2 in the automatic notification device A has a technical problem that it imposes an initial setting work burden on the installer of the automatic notification device A. .

Further, the gas meter connection switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on in response to a change or additional connection of the gas meter.
There was also a technical problem that the installer of the automatic notification device A had to reset the ON / OFF state.

Further, as described above, the gas meter connection switches SW1 and SW1 are connected according to the connection change or the additional connection of the gas meter.
Since the ON / OFF state of W2 must be reset, the gas meter connection switches SW1 and SW2 are turned ON.
There is also a technical problem that a wrong setting of the ON / OFF state may newly occur.

Further, gas meter connection switches SW1 and S
Providing W2 in the automatic notification device A also has a technical problem that it becomes a factor of increasing the device cost.

An object of the present invention is to solve such conventional problems, and in particular, a meter reading means for collecting meter reading information relating to the usage status of gas, water, electricity, etc. through a communication line. One or more can be connected, and in an automatic reporting device that collects meter reading information for each meter reading device and automatically reports to the information center, a communication request is issued at a predetermined recognition timing before communicating with each meter reading device. The connection state is recognized by recognizing the connection status with the meter reading means that has transmitted and transmitted the communication request and the connection response has been confirmed, and the meter reading means whose connection response has been confirmed. By providing a controller that collects meter reading information to the meter reading means, it can automatically communicate with the gas meter and recognize the connection state of the gas meter based on the communication result. And to provide a multicast device and a connection state recognizing method.

Further, the gas meter connection switch can be eliminated, and the initial setting of the ON / OFF state of the gas meter connection switch can be omitted. As a result, even if the gas meter is connected, it may be erroneously recognized as an unconnected state. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic notification device and a connection state recognition method that can prevent the gas meter from being erroneously recognized as a connection state even though the gas meter is not connected.

Further, since the connection state of the gas meter can be recognized from the result of communication with the gas meter, the gas meter connection switch can be abolished from the automatic notification device. As a result, the above-mentioned initial setting work burden from the installer of the automatic notification device. It is an object to provide an automatic notification device and a connection state recognition method that can reduce the number of problems.

Further, as a result of being able to recognize the connection state of the gas meter based on the communication result with the gas meter, even if the connection change or the additional connection of the gas meter occurs, the connection change or the additional connection of the gas meter is communicated. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic notification device and a connection state recognition method that can be recognized accurately and quickly.

Further, since the connection state of the gas meter can be recognized from the communication result with the gas meter, the work of resetting the ON / OFF state of the gas meter connection switch in accordance with the connection change or the additional connection of the gas meter is eliminated. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic notification device and a connection state recognition method that can avoid a new setting error of the ON / OFF state of the gas meter connection switch.

Further, as a result of omitting the gas meter connection switch from the automatic notification device, it is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic notification device and a connection state recognition method capable of reducing the device cost.

[0023]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided meter reading information 1 relating to the usage status of gas, water, electricity and the like.
Meter reading means 1 for collecting 2a-1 via the communication line 4
2 is connectable to at least one or more, and the meter reading means 12
In the automatic reporting device 10 that collects the meter reading information 12a-1 for each and automatically reports to the information center 1, the communication request is transmitted at a predetermined recognition timing before communicating with each of the meter reading means 12, and the communication is performed. While recognizing the connection state with the meter reading means 12 in response to the request by using communication, the meter reading means 12 whose connection response is confirmed is recognized as the meter reading means 12 in the connected state, and the connection state is recognized. said have a controller 20 that performs the collection of meter reading information 12a-1 relative to the needle means 12, the controller 20, before
The communication request command is issued to the meter reading means 12 that responds to the communication request.
The meter reading means 1 that has transmitted the decree and received the communication request command
2 receives the electronic message information 12a having a predetermined format.
The message contained in the received message information 12a
Send the message information 12a using the meter reading information 12a-1
The recognition of the connection state for the meter reading means 12 is executed.
The automatic notification device 10 is configured as described above .

The meter reading means 12 in the present invention is
The usage status of gas, water, electricity, etc. (for example, the meter reading value for each predetermined period) is measured, and the message information 12a in a predetermined format is measured.
Is generated and transmits the message information 12a to the automatic notification device 10 in response to a message request from the automatic notification device 10. Further, the gas meter 12, which is a device form of the meter reading means 12, measures the usage status of gas such as LP gas, generates the electronic message information 12a in a predetermined format, and outputs the electronic message information in response to the electronic message request from the automatic notification device 10. It means a device that transmits 12a to the automatic notification device 10. In particular, the gas meter 12 with a built-in microcomputer for executing various controls,
Collectively referred to as a gas microcomputer meter. Further, as communication between the information center 1 and the automatic notification device 10, a no-ringing communication service (No-ringing Co
The automatic notification function in the mmunication Service, which is one of the additional services of the NTT subscriber telephone, is usually used.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, communication with the meter reading means 12 is actually performed, and the connection state of the meter reading means 12 can be recognized without human intervention based on the connection response result.
As a result, the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case.

Further, the meter connection switch can be eliminated and the initial setting of the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch can be omitted. As a result, even if the meter reading means 12 is connected, it is not connected and the installer does not. It is possible to avoid a switch setting that is erroneously recognized, and it is possible to avoid a switch setting that is erroneously recognized by the installer as the connection state even though the meter reading means 12 is not connected, and the reliability is improved.

Further, the meter connection switch can be eliminated from the automatic notification device 10 because the connection state of the meter reading means 12 can be quickly and accurately recognized without the need of human hands based on the result of the telegram communication with the meter reading means 12. As a result, it is possible to reduce the above-mentioned work load of the initial setting from the installer of the automatic notification device 10.

Further, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the meter-reading means 12 without human intervention based on the result of the telegram communication with the meter-reading means 12, and as a result, the meter-reading processing can be executed more quickly and more accurately than the conventional method. Even if a connection change work, an additional connection work, a removal work, etc. of the means 12 occur, it is possible to accurately and quickly recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of the meter reading means 12. Has the effect of becoming.

Further, the recognition type at the time of reset or power-on
The communication request is sent to the imming, and the meter reading means 12 sends the electronic message information.
The controller 20 receives the report 12a and sends the message information 1
By using the contents of 2a, the connection state of the meter reading means 12
Status can be recognized without human intervention, and it is faster and faster than before.
In addition to being able to execute accurate meter reading processing , the telegram reading means 12 sends a message based on the result of the telegram communication with the meter reading means 12.
The contents of the sentence information 12a are diverted and already set such as the reception result.
By diverting the resources that are lost, the meter reading means 12
It is possible to recognize the connection state of No. 1 without human intervention, and as a result of being able to execute the meter reading process more quickly and more accurately than in the past, as a result, the connection changing work of the meter reading unit 12, the additional connecting work, or
Even if removal work etc. occurs, confirmation at power-on
Send a communication request at the correct timing and connect the meter reading means 12
Accurately perform change work, additional connection work, disconnection work, etc.
It becomes possible to recognize the communication efficiently and quickly, and there is no need to reset the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch according to the connection changing work, the additional connecting work, or the removing work of the meter reading means 12. There is an effect that it is possible to avoid a new mistaken setting of the switch at the time of resetting and to improve the reliability.

Furthermore, as a result that the meter connection switch can be omitted from the automatic notification device 10, the cost of the device and the size of the device can be reduced.

The invention according to a second aspect is the automatic notification device 10 according to the first aspect, wherein the controller 20 is provided.
Is configured to transmit a communication request at the recognition timing at the time of resetting and execute recognition of the connection state with respect to the meter-reading means 12 in response to the communication request. is there.

The term "reset" in this claim means a process of directly resetting the hardware of the controller 20 or the automatic notification device 10 or a process of returning the control software to the initial state.

According to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In addition to the effect described in (1), the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset, the controller 20 executes communication with the meter reading means 12, and the meter reading means 1 is based on the connection response result.
It is possible to recognize the connection state of No. 2 without human intervention, and it is possible to perform the meter reading process more quickly and accurately as compared with the related art.

Further, the connection state of the meter-reading means 12 can be recognized by the result of the electronic message communication with the meter-reading means 12 without human intervention, and as a result, the meter-reading processing can be executed more quickly and more accurately than the conventional method. Even when connection change work, additional connection work, or disconnection work of the means 12 occurs, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at reset,
There is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and promptly recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of the meter-reading means 12.

The invention described in claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
In the automatic notification device 10 described in [1], the controller 20 is configured to transmit a communication request at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, and execute the recognition of the connection state with respect to the meter reading means 12 in response to the communication request. ing,
The automatic notification device 10 is characterized in that.

According to the invention of claim 3, claim 1
Alternatively, in addition to the effect described in 2, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, the controller 20 communicates with the meter reading unit 12, and the connection state of the meter reading unit 12 is manually determined based on the connection response result. Therefore, it is possible to perform the meter reading process more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case, without any intervention.

Further, the connection state of the meter reading means 12 can be recognized by the result of the electronic message communication with the meter reading means 12 without human intervention, and as a result, the meter reading processing can be executed more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional method. Even when a connection changing operation, an additional connecting operation, a disconnecting operation, or the like of the means 12 occurs, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on,
There is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and promptly recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of the meter-reading means 12.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claims 1 to 3.
In the automatic notification device 10 according to any one of the above items, the controller 20 has a display unit 260 that displays the connection status recognized by the meter reading unit 12, and is the automatic notification device 10.

According to the invention of claim 4, claim 1
In addition to the effect described in any one of 1 to 3, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on, and the controller 20 executes communication with the meter reading means 12 and based on the connection response result. It is possible to visually display the recognized connection state of the meter reading unit 12.

Further, even when the connection changing work, the additional connecting work or the removing work of the meter reading means 12 occurs,
A communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on so that the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of the meter reading means 12 can be recognized accurately and quickly by using a display form that visually appeals. Has the effect of becoming.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic notification device 10 according to the fourth aspect, the display means 260 is
A communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on or reset, and the connection status of the meter reading means 12 is indicated by the LED 2
The automatic notification device 10 is characterized in that the display is made by blinking 60.

The LED 260 in this claim means a Light Emitting Diode.

According to the invention of claim 5, claim 4
In addition to the effect described in (1), the controller 20 transmits a communication request at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or when the power is turned on, and the controller 20 executes communication with the meter reading means 12 and the connection of the meter reading means 12 recognized based on the connection response result. It is possible to visually display the state by using a simple display form based on the LED 260.

Further, even when the connection changing work, the additional connecting work, or the removing work of the meter-reading means 12 occurs,
A communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on, and a simple display form by the LED 260 that visually appeals for connection change work, additional connection work, or removal work of the meter-reading means 12 is used accurately and quickly. There is an effect that it becomes possible to recognize.

The invention according to claim 6 is the same as claims 1 to 5.
In the automatic notification device 10 according to any one of the above items, the controller 20 has a storage unit 270 that holds the connection status of the meter reading unit 12, and is the automatic notification device 10.

According to the invention of claim 6, claim 1
In addition to the effect described in any one of 5 to 5, since the connection status of the meter reading means 12 recognized at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on can be held in the storage means 270, a connection changing operation of the meter reading means 12, While the additional connection work or the removal work does not occur, the data of the connection situation held in the storage means 270 can be used, and as a result, it becomes unnecessary to communicate with the meter reading means 12 at each recognition timing, and the controller can be eliminated. It is possible to improve the throughput of 20.

[0047]

[0048]

[0049]

[0050]

[0051]

[0052]

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the meter reading information 12a-1 relating to the usage status of gas, water, electricity, etc. is sent to the communication line 4
It is possible to connect at least one or more meter reading means 12 for collecting via the meter reading information 12a for each meter reading means 12.
In the connection state recognition method used in the automatic notification device 10 that collects -1 and automatically notifies the information center 1, a communication request is transmitted at a predetermined recognition timing before communication with each of the meter reading means 12 is performed, A step of using communication to recognize the connection state with the meter reading means 12 in response to the communication request, and the meter reading means 12 for which the connection response has been confirmed is recognized as the connected meter reading means 12 and the connection state There possess a step of performing the collection of the meter reading information 12a-1 relative to the recognized meter reading unit 12, the connection state recognition processing step
Communicates with the meter reading means 12 that responds to the communication request.
The step of transmitting a request command and receiving the communication request command
The step of receiving the electronic message information 12a having a predetermined format from the meter reading means and the received electronic message information.
Using the meter reading information 12a-1 included ,
Execute the recognition of the connection status for the sent meter reading means.
And a message recognition processing step .

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, by adding the connection state recognition processing step to the conventional meter reading processing step, communication is actually executed with the meter reading means 12 and based on the connection response result. The connection state of the meter-reading means 12 can be recognized without human intervention, and the meter-reading process can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case.

Further, the meter connection switch can be eliminated and the initial setting of the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch can be omitted. As a result, even if the meter reading means 12 is connected, the unconnected state and the installer It is possible to avoid a switch setting that is erroneously recognized, and it is possible to avoid a switch setting that is erroneously recognized by the installer as the connection state even though the meter reading means 12 is not connected, and the reliability is improved.

Further, the meter connection switch can be eliminated from the automatic notification device 10 because the connection state of the meter reading means 12 can be quickly and accurately recognized without the need of human hands based on the result of the telegram communication with the meter reading means 12. As a result, it is possible to reduce the above-mentioned work load of the initial setting from the installer of the automatic notification device 10.

Further, the message recognition processing in the connection state recognition processing step
Depending on the physical process, the recognition timing at reset or at power-on
Communication request to the computer, and the telegram information 12 from the meter reading means 12
2a is received by the controller 20 and its message information 12a
By using the above contents, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the meter reading means 12 without human intervention, and as a result, it is possible to execute the meter reading process more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional method.
Even if the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, or the like occurs, the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, or the like of the meter reading means 12 can be accurately and quickly recognized. Produce an effect.

Further, the electronic message information 12a from the meter reading means 12
Resources already provided such as reception results using the contents of
The connection state of the meter reading means 12 by diverting
It can be recognized without any intervention, and as a result of being able to execute the meter reading process more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case, the contact of the meter reading means 12 is prevented.
Continuation change work, additional connection work, or disconnection work, etc.
Even if the
By sending a communication request to the metering device , the work of resetting the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch according to the connection change work, the additional connection work, or the removal work of the meter reading means 12 is eliminated. There is an effect that it is possible to avoid a new artificial setting error at the time of resetting, and the reliability is improved.

Further, as a result that the meter connection switch can be omitted from the automatic notification device 10, there is an effect that the device cost can be reduced and the device scale can be reduced.

The invention according to claim 8 is the connection state recognition method according to claim 7 , wherein the connection state recognition processing step transmits a communication request at the recognition timing when the automatic notification device 10 is reset. The method for recognizing a connection state includes the step of recognizing the connection state with respect to the meter reading means 12 in response to the communication request.

According to the invention of claim 8 , claim 7
In addition to the effect described in (1), a communication request can be transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset, communication with the meter reading means 12 can be performed, and the connection state of the meter reading means 12 can be recognized based on the connection response result without human intervention. As a result, it is possible to perform the meter reading process more quickly and accurately as compared with the related art.

Further, the connection state of the meter reading means 12 can be recognized without the need of human hands based on the result of the telegram communication with the meter reading means 12, and as a result, the meter reading processing can be executed more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional case. Even when connection change work, additional connection work, or disconnection work of the means 12 occurs, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at reset,
There is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and promptly recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of the meter-reading means 12.

The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 7 or 8.
In the connection state recognition method described in (1), the connection state recognition processing step transmits a communication request at the recognition timing when the power of the automatic notification device 10 is turned on, and the connection state for the meter reading means 12 responding to the communication request. The method for recognizing a connection state is characterized by including the step of recognizing.

According to the invention described in claim 9 , claim 7
Alternatively , in addition to the effect described in 8 , the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, the communication with the meter reading unit 12 is performed, and the connection state of the meter reading unit 12 is determined based on the connection response result without human intervention. Therefore, there is an effect that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case.

Further, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the meter reading means 12 without human intervention based on the result of the telegram communication with the meter reading means 12, and as a result, it is possible to execute the meter reading processing more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional method. Even when a connection changing operation, an additional connecting operation, a disconnecting operation, or the like of the means 12 occurs, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on,
There is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and promptly recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of the meter-reading means 12.

The invention described in claim 10 is the invention as claimed in claims 7 to 7.
9. In the connection state recognition method according to any one of 9 above,
The connection state recognition processing step includes a display step of transmitting a communication request at the recognition timing when the power is turned on or reset and displaying the recognized connection status of the meter reading means 12. It is a recognition method.

According to the invention described in claim 10 ,
In addition to the effect according to any one of 7 to 9 , by adding a display step to the connection state recognition processing step, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on, and the meter reading means 12 and It is possible to visually display the connection state of the meter-reading means 12 recognized by executing the communication based on the connection response result.

Further, even when the connection changing work, the additional connecting work, or the removing work of the meter reading means 12 occurs,
A communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on so that the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of the meter reading means 12 can be recognized accurately and quickly by using a display form that visually appeals. Has the effect of becoming.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claims 7 to 7.
10. The connection state recognition method according to any one of 10 , wherein the connection state recognition processing step includes a storage step of holding a connection state of the meter reading means 12.

[0070] According to the invention of claim 11, claim
In addition to the effect according to any one of 7 to 10 , by adding a storage step to the connection state recognition processing step,
Since the connection status of the meter reading means 12 recognized at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on can be held in the storage means 270, it is stored while the connection changing work, the additional connecting work, or the removing work of the meter reading means 12 does not occur. As a result of being able to use the connection situation data stored in the means 270, it is not necessary to communicate with the meter reading means 12 at each recognition timing, and the throughput of the controller 20 can be improved. Play.

[0071]

[0072]

[0073]

[0074]

[0075]

[0076]

[0077]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, an embodiment of an LP gas home security system using the automatic notification device 10 will be described.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an LP gas home security system to which the automatic notification device 10 according to the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, 1 is an information center,
Host computer 1a, DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency) transmitter / receiver 1b, and subscriber telephone set 1
c) and is connected to the nearest telephone exchange (not shown) via a telephone line 4 which is a form of communication line.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the automatic reporting devices 10, ..., 10 has a meter reading means 12 for collecting meter reading information 12a_1 concerning the usage status of gas, water, electricity or the like via the telephone line 4. At least one or more are connected. Further, each of the automatic reporting devices 10, ..., 10 has a controller 20 that collects the meter reading information 12a_1 of each of the meter reading means 12 and automatically reports the information to the information center 1.

The meter reading means 12 in the present embodiment measures the usage status of gas, water, electricity, etc. (for example, meter reading value for each predetermined period), generates the electronic message information 12a in a predetermined format, and the automatic notification device 10 Means a device that transmits the electronic message information 12a to the automatic notification device 10 in response to the electronic message request from the.

Particularly, the meter reading means 12 of this embodiment is L
The gas meter 12 measures the usage status of gas such as P gas, generates the electronic message information 12a in a predetermined format, and transmits the electronic message information 12a to the automatic notification device 10 in response to the electronic message request from the automatic notification device 10.

The gas meter 12 of the present embodiment is an LP gas LP gas incorporating a microcomputer for executing various controls.
It is desirable to use a gas microcomputer meter (hereinafter, as the meter reading means 12, two LP gas microcomputer meters 12 are used.
An embodiment in which 1, 122 are connected to the automatic notification device 10 will be described).

In addition, the information center 1 and the automatic notification device 10
The communication with the No ringing communication service (No-ringing Communication)
Service, an additional service for NTT subscriber phones 1
It is desirable to use the automatic notification function in 3).

Also, all the automatic notification devices 10, ..., 10
Have the same configuration and are connected to the nearest telephone exchange (not shown) through the telephone line 4. The information center 1 can be used by an LPG distributor, such as an LPG delivery point,
Each of the controllers 20, ..., 20 is installed at an LPG consumer.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the basic configuration of the automatic notification device 10 provided in the LP gas home security system of FIG.

Each automatic notification device 10, ..., 10 has the controller 20 as described above. The telephone line 4 is connected to the terminals L1 and L2 of the controller 20, the subscriber telephone 3b is connected to the terminals T1 and T2, the gas leak sensor 3c is connected to the terminals TC2 and TC3, and the shutoff valves (not shown) are connected to the terminals TC4 and TC5. The flow rate sensor switch 3d 'of the LP gas meter (LP gas microcomputer meter 12) having a built-in), and the controller 3e for controlling the shutoff valve of the LP gas meter (LP gas microcomputer meter 12) at the terminals TB1 to TB3.
Cylinder replacement switch 3 for terminals TB4, TB5 and TC1
f and indicator LED built in this switch 3f
3g are connected respectively.

The gas leak sensor 3c is independently supplied with AC 100 [V] through an outlet and is normally 6
[V], 0 [V] when power is off, 12 when gas leak is detected
The voltage of [V] is applied to the terminals TC2 and T of the controller 20.
Supply to C3.

The flow rate sensor switch 3d 'of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is turned on each time a constant flow rate of the LP gas flows through the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 to generate a pulse, which is supplied to the terminals TC4 and TC5 of the controller 20. To do.

The controller 3e uses the AC10 through the outlet.
0 [V] is independently supplied, and the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is responsive to the gas cutoff signal from the controller 20.
A shutoff valve closing drive signal for driving the shutoff valve therein is generated, and a power failure signal is supplied to the terminal TB3 of the controller 20 when the AC 100 [V] power supply is stopped due to a power failure.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram for explaining the basic configuration of the controller 20 provided in the automatic notification device 10 of FIG.

The controller 20, as shown in FIG.
It has a microcomputer (CPU) 231. CP
U231 has a built-in ROM 231a storing a control program and a RAM 231b storing various data,
It operates according to a flow chart described later based on the control program in the ROM 231a and the data in the RAM 231b. The CPU 231 also has a parallel data input / output port IO, input ports I1 to I8, output ports O1 to O4, and the like.

A DTMF MODEM (modulation / demodulation circuit) 232, a clock and a calendar 233 are connected to the parallel data input / output port IO via a data bus DB.

The DTMF MODEM 232 has a crystal oscillator 232a, and performs conversion between 4-bit parallel data representing numbers 0 to 9 processable by the CPU 231 and a DTMF signal transmitted through the telephone line 4.

The DTMF signal represents the numbers 0-9 in the combination of signals of two different frequencies. The clock / calendar 233 has a crystal oscillator 233a, and counts the clock with a counter to generate date data including year / month / day and time data including hour / minute, and supplies this to the CPU 231. The contents of the counter of the clock and calendar 233 are rewritten by the data supplied from the CPU 231, and the date data and time data generated by the clock and calendar 233 are corrected.

A terminal TB3 is connected to the input port I1 via a power failure detection I / F (interface) 234, and a power failure detection signal generated by the controller 3e (see FIG. 2) at the time of power failure is input.

A switch I / F 23 is connected to the input port I2.
The terminal TB4 is connected via 5 and the cylinder exchange signal generated by turning on the cylinder exchange switch 3f (see FIG. 2) is input.

A gas leak detection I / F is connected to the input port I3.
The terminal TC2 is connected via 236, and the gas leak sensor 3c (see FIG. 2) generates when a gas leak is detected.
A gas leak detection signal is input according to the voltage of 2 [V].

A meter reading meter I / F2 is connected to the input port I4.
The terminal TC4 is connected via 37, and the flow rate sensor switch 3 of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 (see FIG. 2) is connected.
A flow rate pulse generated by turning on / off d'is input.

The output of the battery detection circuit 238 is connected to the input port I5, and the 3V lithium battery 2 is connected.
When the battery detection circuit 238 detects that the voltage of 39 drops below a certain value, a detection signal is input.

A 16 Hz circuit 240 is connected to the input port I6.
When the 16 Hz detection circuit 240 detects that a call signal of 16 Hz applied via the capacitor C1 is received, the call detection signal is input. It

The TEL detection circuit 24 is connected to the input port I7.
If the TEL detection circuit 241 detects that the output of No. 1 is connected and the subscriber's telephone 3b is in use, the in-use detection signal is input.

A data setting switch 42 is connected to the input port I8, and when the data setting switch 42 is turned on, a data setting signal is input.

A clock pulse generator 43 is connected to the clock input port CK, and the CPU 231
The clock pulse used for the operation is input. A power supply circuit 244 is connected to the power input port VDD,
The power supply voltage required for the operation of the CPU 231 is supplied.

On the other hand, the output port O1 has a cutoff I / F 24.
A shutoff valve ON signal is output when the shutoff valve which is connected to the terminal TB1 through the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 (see FIG. 2) is closed. The output port O2 is connected to the terminal TC1 via the LED output I / F 246 and outputs an LED ON signal when the LED 3g (see FIG. 2) is turned on.

The output port O3 is connected to the control input of the switch circuit 247 and outputs a switch-on signal for turning on the switch circuit 247.

The switch circuit 247 turns on the switching transistor Q by turning on the switch circuit 247 to turn on the telephone line 4.
Is connected to the primary winding L1 of the coupling transformer T via the full-wave rectifier 248 and the switching transistor Q.

The secondary winding L2 of the coupling transformer T acts as a pseudo load on the telephone line 4, and the secondary winding L2 is connected to the DTMF M via the capacitor C2 and the amplifier 249.
The output of ODEM232 is DT via the capacitor C3.
The inputs of the MF MODEM 232 are respectively connected.

As described above, while the switch-on signal is being output to the output port O3, the DTM is sent between the automatic notification devices 10, ..., 10 and the information center 1 via the telephone line 4.
It becomes possible to send and receive data by the F signal.

The output port O4 is connected to the voltage converter 250.
Connected to the control input of the power supply converter 250, and outputs an ON signal when the power supply voltage V2 is supplied to the DTMF MODEM 232, the amplifier 249 and the like via the power supply converter 250.

The power converter 250 includes a power feeding circuit 24.
An output voltage V1 of 4 is supplied.

The power supply circuit 244 is connected to the terminal TC2 via the resistor R and the diode D1 and is connected to the gas leak sensor 3c.
Of the output voltage is supplied, and the voltage of the lithium battery 239 is supplied via the diode D2.

Reference numeral 251 denotes a manual changeover switch, which is connected to the telephone line 4 with the subscriber telephone 3b, the 16 Hz detection circuit 240, the TEL detection circuit 241, and the full-wave rectifier 248 when the contact is on the a side as shown in the drawing. When it is on the side of contact point b opposite to
Only to connect. Reference numeral 252 is a relay circuit, which functions to disconnect the subscriber telephone 3b from the telephone line 4 when a switch-on signal is output to the output port O3.

Next, the controller 20 having a connection state recognition function added to the new regulation will be described.

In addition to the conventional meter reading processing function (described later), the controller 20 sends a communication request at a predetermined recognition timing before communicating with each LP gas microcomputer meter 12, and the communication request is generated. The LP gas microcomputer meter 12 in which the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 whose connection response has been confirmed is connected while the connection state with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is recognized using communication.
It is characterized in that it has a function (connection state recognition function) of collecting meter reading information 12a_1 for the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 for which the connection state is recognized.

CPU provided in the controller 20
231 transmits a communication request at the recognition timing at the time of resetting, and the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 that has generated the communication request
It has a function of recognizing the connection state for.

Here, the reset means the controller 20.
And a process of directly resetting the hardware in the automatic notification device 10 or a process of returning the control software to the initial state.

By providing such a function, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting, the controller 20 executes communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, and the LP gas microcomputer meter based on the connection response result. It is possible to recognize the connection state of 12 without human intervention, and it is possible to perform the meter reading process more quickly and accurately as compared with the related art.

Further, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 without human intervention based on the result of the electronic message communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, so that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional case. As a result, LP
Even if the connection change work, the additional connection work, or the removal work of the gas microcomputer meter 12 occurs, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset, and the connection change work of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 and the additional connection are made. There is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and promptly recognize work, removal work, or the like.

Further, the CPU 231 controls the automatic notification device 10
It has a function of transmitting a communication request at the recognition timing when the power is turned on and recognizing the connection state to the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 for which the communication request has occurred.

By providing such a function, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, the controller 20 executes communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, and the LP gas microcomputer is based on the connection response result. The connection state of the meter 12 can be recognized without human intervention, and the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case.

Further, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 without human intervention based on the result of the electronic message communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, so that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional case. As a result, LP
Even if connection change work, additional connection work, or removal work of the gas microcomputer meter 12 occurs, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, and the connection change work of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is added. It is possible to recognize the connection work or the disconnection work accurately and quickly.

The CPU 231 has a function of executing the recognition of the connection state to the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 which has transmitted the electronic message information 12a by using the electronic message information 12a having a predetermined format received from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 (electronic message communication function). have.

Specifically, the CPU 231 sends a communication request command to the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 that has made a communication request, receives message information 12a from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 that has received the communication request command, Using the meter reading information 12a_1 included in the received electronic message information 12a, the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 that has transmitted the electronic message information 12a is recognized to execute the electronic message communication function.

By providing such a telegram communication function, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on, and the controller 20 receives the telegram information 12a from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 to receive the telegram information. 1
By using the contents of 2a, there is an effect that the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be recognized without human intervention, and the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case.

Further, by diverting the contents of the electronic message information 12a from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be recognized without manpower, and the meter reading is quicker and more accurate than before. As a result of being able to execute the process, even if the connection change work, the additional connection work, or the removal work of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 occurs, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, and the LP It is possible to accurately and accurately recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, and the like of the gas microcomputer meter 12 with high communication efficiency and speed.

Further, the controller 20 sends a communication request at the recognition timing at power-on or reset,
It has a display means 260 for displaying the recognized connection status of the P gas microcomputer meter 12.

As the display means 260, an LED for displaying the connection status of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 by blinking.
(Light Emitting Diode) 260
Is preferred. In addition, LED for indicator
It is also possible to combine 3 g.

The display form of the LED 260 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 in the description of the connection state recognition method.

By providing the LED 260 which blinks at the recognition timing at the time of power-on or reset, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on, and the communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is controlled. 20 executes LE to recognize the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 recognized based on the connection response result.
There is an effect that it becomes possible to visually display using a simple display form according to D260.

Even when the connection change work, the additional connection work, or the removal work of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 occur, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on, and the LP gas Microcomputer meter 12
It is possible to accurately and quickly recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the disconnection work, and the like by using a simple display form by the LED 260 that visually appeals.

Further, the controller 20 has a storage means 270 for holding the connection status of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12. In this embodiment, it is desirable to use the RAM 231b included in the controller 20.

By providing the storage means 270 as described above, the connection status of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 recognized at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on can be held in the storage means 270.
While the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of No. 2 are not performed, the data of the connection situation held in the storage means 270 can be used, and as a result, the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be used for each recognition timing. This eliminates the need for communication and improves the throughput of the controller 20.

Next, the meter reading processing function executed by the CPU 231 in accordance with a predetermined program will be described.

The meter reading processing function performed by the CPU 231 in accordance with a predetermined program includes a gas meter reading function, a gas remaining amount managing function, a gas shutoff logic function, a gas leak sensor monitoring function, a battery voltage detecting function, a clock and calendar function, and a setting. There are functions, test functions, and transmission control functions.

The outline of each function constituting the meter reading processing function will be described below.

First, the gas meter reading function will be described.

The pulse output from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 at a constant flow rate is received by the input port I4 via the meter reading I / F 237 and integrated, and the integrated value is stored in the RAM 23.
Store in 1b. The integrated value, that is, the meter reading value is, for example, 000
It is represented by a pulse number of 000 to 999999.

The above integrated value (meter reading value) is automatically notified to the information center 1. There are two ways to make a report.

One is a conventional regular notification, in which the integrated value is periodically transmitted to the information center 1 at the date (report cycle) and the time (report time) set in the initial setting.

The other one is to send the latest integrated value as a meter reading value to the information center 1 at a predetermined notification time on a predetermined set day every month.

Next, the gas remaining amount management function will be described.

The pulses input from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 at constant flow rates are integrated to calculate the remaining amount of LP gas in the cylinder. Information center 1 when the remaining amount of LP gas reaches the two remaining amount warning values set by the initial setting
Call. The amount of LP gas remaining is determined by the cylinder replacement switch 3
When f is turned on or when the remaining amount becomes 0, it is reset to the set cylinder capacity set by the initial setting.

When the cylinder exchange switch 3f is turned on, a cylinder exchange notification is sent to the information center 1, and at the same time, the confirmation LED 3g (built into the switch 3f) is turned on.

Next, the gas shutoff logic function will be described.

The gas consumption is monitored by a pulse from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 at a constant flow rate, and calculation is made at every unit time to determine an abnormality in the flow rate. When it is judged to be abnormal, the shutoff valve in the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is
A cutoff signal is output via the controller 3e, and the information center 1 is notified of this.

In order to determine the above-mentioned abnormality, the maximum total flow rate is set by the initial setting, and when the gas flows beyond the set maximum total flow rate, there is an erroneous opening of the gas plug or the rubber tube is dislocated. To judge. The above-described abnormality determination is performed when five pulses from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 are successively generated at intervals shorter than the pulse interval calculated from the set maximum total flow rate. Further, even when the maximum flow rate is exceeded, a gas shutoff signal is output to the shutoff valve via the controller 3e and the information center 1 is notified of that fact.

Next, the gas leak sensor monitoring function will be described.

The voltage signal (0 to 6 to 12 [V]) generated by the gas leak sensor 3c is monitored. Gas leak sensor 3
When the input from c becomes 9 ± 0.5 [V] or more 45
It is checked for a second, and when it becomes less than 9 ± 0.5 [V] before 45 seconds have passed, the state where the input from the sensor is monitored again is returned. When the state of 9 ± 0.5 [V] or more continues for 45 seconds or more, it is determined that there is a gas leak and a gas cutoff signal is output via the controller 3e to notify the information center 1 of the gas leak.

When the input voltage is less than 2 ± 0.5 [V], it is checked for 10 seconds. When the state of less than 2 ± 0.5 [V] continues for 10 seconds or more, the gas leak sensor 3c cannot operate. The information center 1 is notified of the abnormality of the gas leak sensor 3c, because it is judged that there is a disconnection, disconnection of the outlet, or the like. However, when the power failure detection signal is input from the controller 3e, the abnormality notification regarding the gas leak sensor 3c is not performed.

Next, the battery voltage detection function will be described.

When the battery detection circuit 238 detects that the voltage of the built-in lithium battery 239 has dropped,
The information center 1 is notified of the battery voltage drop. This notification occurs at a voltage about one month before it becomes inoperable.

Next, the clock and calendar functions will be described.

A clock is used for the transmission time of the above-mentioned regular notification, and a clock and a calendar are used for the transmission time and transmission date of the above-mentioned automatic meter-reading notification. Leap year corrections are done automatically.

The time data consists of hours and minutes (24 hours),
Date data consists of date. The time data and the date data are set by the initial setting, and then set and corrected for each notification.

Next, the setting function will be described.

The necessary message information 12a is R by default.
It is set in a predetermined area in the AM 231b. Message information 1
2a can be sequentially updated by the electronic message information 12a transmitted from the information center 1 at the time of reporting. The following is set as the electronic message information 12a.

1. User ID (user code number) 2. Telephone number for report (up to 11 digits) 3. Dial method (dial pulse / push button) 4. Notification time (timely notification and automatic meter reading notification time: hour and minute) 5. Notification cycle (periodical notification cycle: day [00 to 99]) 6. Report date (Automatic meter reading report date: day [00 to 28]) 7. Gas meter reading value (meter reading information 12a_1, meter reading value 6 digits) 8. Maximum total flow rate (3 digits [pulse / time]) 9. Set cylinder capacity (set cylinder capacity 6 digits [number of pulses]) 10. Remaining warning point 1 (first warning point [number of pulses]) 11. Remaining warning point 2 (second warning point [pulse count]) 12. Current time (current time: hour and minute) 13. Current date (current date: AD) When 00 is set as the notification cycle, the scheduled notification function is not performed. If 00 is set as the notification date, the automatic meter reading notification does not work.

Next, the test function will be described.

A function test can be conducted with the information center 1 through the telephone line 4. Automatic reporting device 10
When is on, if an abnormal signal is input, the line test information is transmitted to the information center 1. Other than the line test information, the current status is shown and transmitted.

Next, the transmission control function will be described.

When transmitting information to the information center 1, it is checked whether the subscriber's telephone set 3b is in use or an incoming call is being made, and waits until the telephone line 4 becomes empty.

If the telephone line 4 is empty, automatic dialing is performed according to the preset telephone number of the report destination.

When the information center 1 is busy, is erroneously connected or does not receive a response from the information center 1, or when the transmission is not normally completed, the telephone line 4 is once released and, for example, 5
Redial after 0 seconds. For example, if the information cannot be transmitted even by dialing a total of three times, the telephone is redialed after five minutes, for example. If the information cannot be transmitted even by three times of dialing at regular intervals in this redialing, the redialing is performed again, for example, after 5 minutes.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is actually executed, and the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is determined based on the connection response result without human intervention. Therefore, there is an effect that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case.

Further, the meter connection switch can be eliminated and the initial setting of the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch can be omitted. As a result, the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be installed in the unconnected state even though it is connected. It is possible to avoid a switch setting that is mistakenly recognized by a trader, and to avoid a switch setting that is falsely recognized by the installation trader and the connection state even though the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is not connected, thereby improving reliability. .

Also, the meter connection switch is abolished from the automatic notification device 10 because the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be quickly and accurately recognized by the result of the electronic message communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 without human intervention. As a result, it is possible to reduce the above-mentioned initial work load from the installer of the automatic notification device 10.

Further, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 without human intervention based on the result of the electronic message communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, so that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional case. As a result, LP
Even if the connection change work, the additional connection work, or the removal work of the gas microcomputer meter 12 occurs, the connection change work of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, the additional connection work,
Alternatively, there is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and promptly recognize the removal work and the like.

Further, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 without human intervention based on the result of the telegram communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, so that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional case. As a result, LP
O of the meter connection switch according to connection change work, additional connection work, or removal work of the gas microcomputer meter 12
Since the work of resetting the N / OFF state is eliminated, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a new erroneous setting of the meter connection switch at the time of resetting and to improve the reliability.

Further, as a result that the meter connection switch can be omitted from the automatic notification device 10, the cost of the device and the size of the device can be reduced.

Next, an embodiment of a connection state recognition method used in the automatic notification device 10 will be described.

This connection status recognition method is for recognizing the connection status of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 for collecting the meter reading information 12a_1 concerning the usage status of LP gas through the telephone line 4 by using the remote communication operation. Connection state recognition processing step (step S1 to step S5, or step S6 to)
Step S9), and the connection state recognition processing step is performed by each L
The LP gas microcomputer meter 1 for which a communication request is generated at a predetermined recognition timing (specifically, at the time of reset or power-on) before communicating with the P gas microcomputer meter 12.
The step of executing the recognition of the connection state with the communication terminal 2 using communication (step S2 or step S6), and the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 for which the connection response has been confirmed is recognized as the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 in the connection state (step S3,4,5
Or step S7,8,9), the connection state is recognized as L
And the step of collecting the meter reading information 12a_1 for the P gas microcomputer meter 12.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the connection state recognition method executed by the CPU provided in the controller 20 of FIG.

In the connection state recognition processing step, the LP which has transmitted the electronic message information 12a using the electronic message information 12a having a predetermined format received from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is transmitted.
A message recognition processing step (steps S3, 4, 5 or steps S7, 8, 9) for recognizing the connection state to the gas microcomputer meter 12 is executed.

In such a connection state recognition processing step, a step of transmitting a communication request command to the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 which has made a communication request (step S2 or step S).
6) and L which received the communication request command for the message information 12a
The step of receiving from the P gas microcomputer meter 12 (step S2 or step S6) and the recognition of the connection state to the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 that transmitted the electronic message information 12a using the meter reading information 12a_1 included in the received electronic message information 12a are executed. Message processing step (steps S3, 4,
5 or steps S7,8,9).

That is, by transmitting the communication request at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on, the controller 20 receives the electronic message information 12a from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 and uses the content of the electronic message information 12a, so that the LP The connection state of the gas microcomputer meter 12 can be recognized without human intervention, and the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case.

Further, by diverting the contents of the electronic message information 12a from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be recognized without manpower, and the meter reading is quicker and more accurate than before. As a result of being able to execute the process, even if the connection change work, the additional connection work, or the removal work of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 occurs, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on. And LP gas microcomputer meter 1
There is an effect that the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of 2 can be recognized accurately, efficiently in communication, and quickly.

That is, in the connection state recognition processing step, as shown in FIG. 4, the electronic message information 12a is received from the first LP gas microcomputer meter 121 (step S3) and the received electronic message information 12a is used. A message recognition processing step (steps S3, 4, 5) for recognizing the connection state for the meter 121 (steps S4, 5) is executed. That is, when the content of the received electronic message information 12a is normal (Y in step S3), the first LP gas microcomputer meter 1
Recognize that 21 is connected (Y in step S3 →
Step S5). When the content of the received electronic message information 12a is not normal (N in step S3), the first LP gas microcomputer meter 121 is recognized to be in an unconnected state (N in step S3 → step S4).

With the same gist, the connection state recognition processing step is
As shown in FIG. 4, the second LP gas microcomputer meter 122
From the electronic message information 12a (step S7), and using the received electronic message information 12a, the electronic message recognition processing step (steps S7, 8, 9) is executed. In other words, when the content of the received electronic message information 12a is normal (Y in step S7), it is recognized that the second LP gas microcomputer meter 122 is in the connected state (step S).
Y of 7 → step S9). Also, the received message information 12
If the content of a is not normal (N in step S7), the second
It is recognized that the LP gas microcomputer meter 122 is not connected (N in step S7 → step S8).

FIGS. 5A and 5B are specific examples of the connection state recognition method of FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, when it is uncertain what LP gas microcomputer meter is connected to the automatic notification device 10, the automatic notification device 10
Sends a communication request to the LP gas microcomputer meter 121 (122) using communication. When the electronic message information 12a is received from the first LP gas microcomputer meter 121 (that is, a response), and when the electronic message information 12a is not received from the second LP gas microcomputer meter 122 (that is, a no response), As shown in FIG. 5B, only the first LP gas microcomputer meter 121 that has received the electronic message information 12a is recognized as being in the connected state.

As described above, by adding the message recognition processing step to the connection state recognition processing step, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on, and the message information 12a is transmitted from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 to the controller. 20 receives the message information 12a, and the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be recognized without human intervention, and a more rapid and accurate meter reading process can be executed as compared with the conventional case.

Further, by diverting the already provided resources such as the reception result of the electronic message information 12a from the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, the LP gas microcomputer meter 12
The connection state of can be recognized without human intervention, and as a result of being able to execute the meter reading process more quickly and more accurately than before, as a result, connection change work, additional connection work, or removal work of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be performed. Even if it happens,
The communication request is sent at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, and the LP
It is possible to accurately and accurately recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, and the like of the gas microcomputer meter 12 with high communication efficiency and speed.

FIGS. 6A to 6D show the automatic notification device 1
0 and the LED 26 executed in the connection state recognition method
It is a waveform diagram used for 0 display form.

In the connection state recognition processing step, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on or the LP is reset.
It includes a display step (step S10) for displaying the recognized connection status of the gas microcomputer meter 12.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, L
If no P gas microcomputer meter 12 is recognized, the automatic notification device 10 does not generate a drive pulse for blinking the LED 260, so a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at power-on or reset, and the LED 260 blinks. do not do. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the first LP gas microcomputer meter 121 is recognized, the automatic notification device 1
Since 0 generates one drive pulse for blinking the LED 260, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on or when the LED 260 is blinked once. Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, the second LP gas microcomputer meter 1
When 2 2 is recognized, the automatic notification device 10 uses the LED 26
Since two drive pulses for 0 blinking are generated, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at power-on or reset,
The LED 260 blinks twice. Also, as shown in FIG. 6 (d), the first LP gas microcomputer meter 121 and the second L gas micrometer
When the P gas microcomputer meter 122 is recognized, the automatic notification device 10 generates three drive pulses for blinking the LED 260, so a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at power-on or reset, and the LED 260 blinks three times. To do.

By adding a display step to such a connection state recognition processing step, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on, communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is executed, and the connection response is sent. The connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 recognized based on the result can be visually displayed.

Even when the connection change work, the additional connection work, or the removal work of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 occur, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on, and the LP gas is sent. Microcomputer meter 12
It is possible to accurately and quickly recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the disconnection work, and the like by using a display mode that visually appeals.

The connection state recognition processing step may include a storage step (not shown) for holding the connection status of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 subsequent to step S10.
That is, by adding a storage step to the connection state recognition processing step, the connection status of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 recognized at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on can be held in the storage means 270. While the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of 12 do not occur, the data of the connection situation held in the storage means 270 can be used, and as a result, the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be used for each recognition timing. This eliminates the need for communication and improves the throughput of the controller 20.

As described above, according to the connection state recognition method of this embodiment, communication is actually executed with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 by adding the connection state recognition processing step to the conventional meter reading processing step. Then, the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be recognized based on the connection response result without manpower, and the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional case.

Further, the meter connection switch can be eliminated and the initial setting of the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch can be omitted. As a result, the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be installed in the unconnected state even if it is connected. It is possible to avoid a switch setting that is mistakenly recognized by a trader, and to avoid a switch setting that is falsely recognized by the installation trader and the connection state even though the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 is not connected, thereby improving reliability. .

Also, the meter connection switch is abolished from the automatic notification device 10 because the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 can be quickly and accurately recognized by the result of the electronic message communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 without human intervention. As a result, it is possible to reduce the above-mentioned initial work load from the installer of the automatic notification device 10.

Further, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 without human intervention based on the result of the electronic message communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, so that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional case. As a result, LP
Even if the connection change work, the additional connection work, or the removal work of the gas microcomputer meter 12 occurs, the connection change work of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12, the additional connection work,
Alternatively, there is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and promptly recognize the removal work and the like.

Further, the result of the electronic message communication with the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 allows the connection state of the LP gas microcomputer meter 12 to be recognized without human intervention, so that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case. As a result, LP
O of the meter connection switch according to connection change work, additional connection work, or removal work of the gas microcomputer meter 12
Since the work of resetting the N / OFF state is eliminated, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a new erroneous setting of the meter connection switch at the time of resetting and to improve the reliability.

Furthermore, as a result that the meter connection switch can be omitted from the automatic notification device 10, there is an effect that the device cost can be reduced and the device scale can be reduced.

[0197]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, communication with the meter-reading means is actually performed, and the connection state of the meter-reading means can be recognized based on the result of the connection response without human intervention. Compared with this, it is possible to perform the meter reading process more quickly and accurately.

Further, the meter connection switch can be eliminated, and the initial setting of the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch can be omitted. As a result, the installer is erroneous because the meter reading means is connected but the installation is wrong. It is possible to avoid the recognized switch setting, and to avoid the switch setting erroneously recognized by the installer as the connection state even though the meter reading means is not connected, and the reliability is improved.

Further, the result of the telegram communication with the meter reading means allows the connection state of the meter reading means to be recognized quickly and accurately without human intervention, and as a result, the meter connection switch can be eliminated from the automatic notification device. It is possible to reduce the above-mentioned initial work load from the installer of the notification device.

[0200] Further, the result of the telegram communication with the meter reading means allows the connection state of the meter reading means to be recognized without human intervention, and as a result, more rapid and accurate meter reading processing can be executed as compared with the conventional method, resulting in Even if connection change work, additional connection work, disconnection work, etc. occur ,
By transmitting the communication request at the recognition timing, it is possible to accurately and quickly recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of the meter reading means.

Also, the recognition type at the time of reset or power-on
Send a communication request to the imming and send the telegram information from the meter reading means.
Meter reading information received by the controller and included in the electronic message information
By diverting the content of the information, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the meter reading means without human intervention, and it becomes possible to perform more accurate and more accurate meter reading processing than before. Since the work of resetting the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch according to connection work or disconnection work is eliminated, it is possible to avoid a new mistaken setting of the meter connection switch at the time of resetting, which is reliable. There is an effect that the property is improved.

Further, as a result that the meter connection switch can be omitted from the automatic notification device, there is an effect that the device cost can be reduced and the device scale can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 2, claim 1
In addition to the effect described in (1), the controller sends a communication request at the recognition timing at the time of reset, and the controller executes communication with the meter reading means and can recognize the connection state of the meter reading means based on the connection response result without human intervention. As a result, it is possible to perform the meter reading process more quickly and accurately as compared with the related art.

Further, the connection state of the meter reading means can be recognized by the result of the electronic message communication with the meter reading means without any manual operation, and as a result, the meter reading processing can be executed more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional method. Even if connection change work, additional connection work, or disconnection work occurs, a communication request is sent at the recognition timing at the time of reset and the connection change work, additional connection work, or removal work of the meter reading means is accurately performed. In addition, it has the effect of enabling quick recognition.

According to the invention of claim 3, claim 1
Alternatively, in addition to the effect described in 2, the controller transmits a communication request at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, the controller executes communication with the meter reading means, and the connection state of the meter reading means is determined based on the connection response result without human intervention. Therefore, there is an effect that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case.

[0206] Further, the result of the telegram communication with the meter reading means allows the connected state of the meter reading means to be recognized without human intervention, and as a result, the meter reading processing can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case. Even if connection change work, additional connection work, or disconnection work occurs, a communication request is sent at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, and the connection change work, additional connection work, or removal work of the meter reading means is performed. This has the effect of enabling accurate and quick recognition.

According to the invention of claim 4, claim 1
In addition to the effect described in any one of 1 to 3, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on, and the controller executes communication with the meter reading means and recognizes based on the connection response result. It is possible to visually display the connection state of the meter-reading means.

Further, even if the connection changing work, the additional connecting work, or the removing work of the meter-reading means occurs, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on to change the connection of the meter-reading means. There is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and quickly recognize a work, an additional connecting work, a detaching work, and the like by using a display form that visually appeals.

According to the invention of claim 5, claim 4
In addition to the effect described in (1), the communication state is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on, the controller executes communication with the meter-reading means, and the connection state of the meter-reading means recognized based on the connection response result is indicated by the LED. This has the effect of enabling visual display using a simple display form according to.

Further, even if the connection changing work, the additional connecting work, or the removing work of the meter-reading means occurs, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on to change the connection of the meter-reading means. There is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and quickly recognize a work, an additional connection work, a detachment work, and the like by using a simple display form using an LED that visually appeals.

According to the invention of claim 6, claim 1
In addition to the effect described in any one of 5 to 5, since the connection status of the meter reading means recognized at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on can be held in the storage means, the connection changing work of the meter reading means, the additional connection work As a result, the connection status data held in the storage means can be used as long as no removal work or the like occurs, so that it is not necessary to communicate with the meter reading means at each recognition timing, and the throughput of the controller is improved. There is an effect that it becomes possible to do.

[0212]

[0213]

[0214]

[0215]

According to the invention described in claim 7, by adding the connection state recognition processing step to the conventional meter reading processing step, communication is actually executed with the meter reading means and the meter reading is performed based on the connection response result. It is possible to recognize the connection state of the means without manpower, and it is possible to perform the meter reading process more quickly and accurately as compared with the related art.

Further, the meter connection switch can be eliminated and the initial setting of the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch can be omitted. As a result, even if the meter reading means is connected, the unattached state and the installer are erroneous. It is possible to avoid the recognized switch setting, and to avoid the switch setting erroneously recognized by the installer as the connection state even though the meter reading means is not connected, and the reliability is improved.

[0218] Further, the meter connection switch can be eliminated from the automatic notification device because the connection state of the meter reading means can be quickly and accurately recognized without the need of human hands by the result of the electronic message communication with the meter reading means. It is possible to reduce the above-mentioned initial work load from the installer of the notification device.

Further, the result of the electronic message communication with the meter reading means allows the connection state of the meter reading means to be recognized without human intervention, and as a result, more rapid and accurate meter reading processing can be executed as compared with the conventional method. Even if connection change work, additional connection work, disconnection work, etc. occur ,
By transmitting the communication request at the recognition timing, it is possible to accurately and quickly recognize the connection change work, the additional connection work, the removal work, etc. of the meter reading means.

Also, the recognition type at the time of reset or power-on
Send a communication request to the imming and send the telegram information from the meter reading means.
Meter reading information received by the controller and included in the electronic message information
By diverting the content of the information, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the meter reading means without human intervention, and it becomes possible to perform more accurate and more accurate meter reading processing than before. Since the work of resetting the ON / OFF state of the meter connection switch according to connection work or disconnection work is eliminated, it is possible to avoid a new mistaken setting of the meter connection switch at the time of resetting, which is reliable. There is an effect that the property is improved.

Further, as a result that the meter connection switch can be omitted from the automatic notification device, there is an effect that the device cost can be reduced and the device scale can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 8 , claim 7
In addition to the effect described in, the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting, communication with the meter reading means is performed, and the connection state of the meter reading means can be recognized without human intervention based on the connection response result. As compared with the above, there is an effect that the meter reading process can be executed more quickly and accurately.

[0223] Further, the result of the electronic message communication with the meter reading means allows the connection state of the meter reading means to be recognized without human intervention, and as a result, the meter reading processing can be executed more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case. Even if connection change work, additional connection work, or disconnection work occurs, a communication request is sent at the recognition timing at the time of reset and the connection change work, additional connection work, or removal work of the meter reading means is accurately performed. In addition, it has the effect of enabling quick recognition.

According to the invention of claim 9 , claim 7
Alternatively , in addition to the effect described in 8 , the communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, communication is performed with the meter reading means, and the connection state of the meter reading means is recognized without human intervention based on the connection response result. As a result, it is possible to perform the meter reading process more quickly and more accurately than in the conventional case.

Further, it is possible to recognize the connection state of the meter reading means without the need of manpower by the result of the telegram communication with the meter reading means, and it is possible to execute the meter reading processing more quickly and accurately as compared with the conventional method. Even if connection change work, additional connection work, or disconnection work occurs, a communication request is sent at the recognition timing when the power is turned on, and the connection change work, additional connection work, or removal work of the meter reading means is performed. This has the effect of enabling accurate and quick recognition.

According to the invention described in claim 10 ,
In addition to the effect according to any one of 7 to 9 , by adding a display step to the connection state recognition processing step, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of reset or power-on, and communication with the meter reading means is performed. And the connection state of the meter reading means recognized based on the connection response result can be visually displayed.

Further, even if the connection changing work, the additional connecting work, or the removing work of the meter reading means occurs, a communication request is transmitted at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on to change the connection of the meter reading means. There is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately and quickly recognize a work, an additional connecting work, a detaching work, and the like by using a display form that visually appeals.

[0228] According to the invention of claim 11, claim
In addition to the effect according to any one of 7 to 10 , by adding a storage step to the connection state recognition processing step,
Since the connection status of the meter reading means recognized at the recognition timing at the time of resetting or power-on can be held in the memory means, it is held in the memory means while the connection changing work of the meter reading means, additional connection work, or removal work does not occur. As a result of being able to use the data of the connection status that has been established, it is not necessary to communicate with the meter reading means at each recognition timing, and the throughput of the controller can be improved.

[0229]

[0230]

[0231]

[0232]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an LP gas home security system to which an automatic notification device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the basic configuration of an automatic notification device provided in the LP gas home security system of FIG.

3 is a circuit diagram for explaining a basic configuration of a controller provided in the automatic notification device of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining a connection state recognition method executed by a CPU provided in the controller of FIG.

5A and 5B are specific examples of the connection state recognition method of FIG.

6 (a) to 6 (d) are waveform diagrams used for an LED display mode executed in the automatic notification device and the connection state recognition method.

FIG. 7 (a) is a functional block diagram for explaining a conventional automatic notification device, and FIG. 7 (b) shows SW1 in an ON state even though a gas meter is not connected. Accordingly, in the specific example in which the first gas meter is erroneously recognized as being connected, FIG. 7C shows that the first gas meter is connected according to the ON state of SW1 in spite of the second gas meter being connected. It shows a specific example in which it is erroneously recognized as being performed.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Information Center 4 communication lines 10 Automatic reporting device 12 Meter reading means (gas microcomputer meter) 12a Message information 12a_1 Meter reading information 20 controller 260 display means (LED) 270 storage means (RAM)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G08G 15/00 G06F 17/40 H04Q 9/00

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. At least one or more meter-reading means for collecting meter-reading information relating to the usage status of gas, water, electricity, etc. through a communication line can be connected, and the meter-reading information for each meter-reading means can be collected. In an automatic reporting device for automatically reporting to an information center, a communication request is transmitted at a predetermined recognition timing before communicating with each of the meter reading means, and the recognition of the connection state with the meter reading means in response to the communication request is communicated. And using
There is a controller that recognizes the meter-reading means for which the connection response has been confirmed as the meter-reading means in the connected state and collects the meter-reading information for the meter-reading means for which the connected state is recognized.
However, the controller is a meter reading means that responds to the communication request.
To the communication request command and receive the communication request command.
A message with a specified format from the meter reading means
The information included in the received electronic message information is received.
The meter reading information is used to correspond to the meter reading means that sent the message information.
Is configured to perform recognition of said connection status
That, automatic reporting device, characterized in that. 2. The controller is configured to transmit a communication request at the recognition timing at the time of resetting, and execute recognition of the connection state with respect to the meter reading means in response to the communication request. The automatic notification device according to claim 1. 3. The controller is configured to transmit a communication request at the recognition timing when power is turned on, and execute recognition of the connection state with respect to the meter reading means in response to the communication request. The automatic notification device according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The automatic notification device according to claim 1, wherein the controller has a display unit that displays the connection status recognized by the meter reading unit. 5. The display means is configured to transmit a communication request at the recognition timing when the power is turned on or reset, and display the connection status of the meter reading means by blinking an LED. The automatic notification device according to claim 4. 6. The automatic notification device according to claim 1, wherein the controller has a storage unit that holds a connection status of the meter reading unit. 7. At least one meter-reading unit for collecting meter-reading information relating to the usage status of gas, water, electricity, etc. via a communication line can be connected, and the meter-reading information for each meter-reading unit can be collected. In a connection state recognition method used for an automatic notification device that automatically notifies an information center, a communication request is transmitted at a predetermined recognition timing before communicating with each of the meter reading units, and a meter reading unit that responds to the communication request. Performing the recognition of the connection state of the communication using communication,
Possess a step of performing the collection of the meter reading information to the meter reading means for recognizing the meter reading means in the meter reading unit where the connection response has been confirmed in the connection state the connection state is recognized, the connection state recognition The processing step responded to the communication request.
A step of transmitting a communication request command to the meter reading means,
From the meter reading means that has received the communication request command, a predetermined former
And a step of receiving message information having a
Using the meter reading information included in the message information, the message
Confirm the connection status with the meter reading means that sent the information.
A connection state recognition method comprising a message recognition processing step to be executed . 8. The connection state recognition processing step includes a step of transmitting a communication request at the recognition timing when the automatic notification device is reset, and executing the recognition of the connection state with respect to the meter reading means in response to the communication request. The connection state recognition method according to claim 7 , further comprising: 9. The connection status recognition processing step transmits a communication request at the recognition timing when the power of the automatic notification device is turned on, and executes the recognition of the connection status with respect to the meter reading means in response to the communication request. The connection state recognition method according to claim 7 , further comprising: 10. The connection state recognition processing step includes a display step of transmitting a communication request at the recognition timing at power-on or reset and displaying a connection state recognized by the meter reading means. The connection state recognition method according to any one of claims 7 to 9 . Wherein said connection state recognition processing step, the connection state recognizing method according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the needle comprises a storage step of holding the connection context means, that is characterized.