JP3790746B2 - Liquid volume transmission system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid amount transmission system that transmits liquid amount information of tanks of various facilities such as a gas station, a kerosene shop, and a factory to a remote computer terminal such as a distribution center using a computer network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, the transmission of the tank liquid amount information is performed by using a tank liquid amount data transmission device as described in Patent Document 1, for example. In the thing of the said patent document 1, as shown in FIG. 4, in the gas station 100, the liquid level meter 200 which measures the liquid quantity in a tank, and the POS apparatus (at the time of sale) installed in the gas station 100 Management device) 300 is connected, and the data acquired by the POS device 300 from the liquid level meter 200 is converted into a modulation signal by the modem 400 and transmitted to the head office 600 or the like via the telephone line 500. At the head office 600 side, the modulation signal is demodulated by the modem 700 and supplied to the computer 800 for various management.
[0003]
In addition, in the patent document 2, the applicant of the present application disclosed a liquid amount transmission system that transmits and receives tank information detected by a liquid level gauge using a communication means such as a telephone line or wireless communication .
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-297700 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 3725875 [0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional liquid volume transmission system uses a telephone line or wireless communication as a communication means for transmitting and receiving liquid volume information, the liquid volume information cannot be transmitted simultaneously at a plurality of locations. When the amount information transmitting side or receiving side is present at a plurality of locations, there is a problem that a considerable time is required until transmission / reception of the liquid amount information is completed at all locations, and the data collection efficiency is extremely deteriorated.
[0006]
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to be able to simultaneously transmit and receive the liquid amount information of the tank at a plurality of locations and to receive the liquid amount information of the tank at every location.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has a liquid quantity transmission device in which signals from a liquid quantity detection unit, a leakage sensor, a water detection sensor, and a theft sensor installed in tanks of a plurality of gas stations are input via a liquid level gauge. A liquid quantity transmission system which is transmitted from the liquid quantity transmission device to a server via a computer network, stored and updated, and is centrally managed as liquid quantity information of a tank in each gas station, wherein the liquid quantity transmission device Are registered the amount of decrease in the amount of inventory that requires unloading for each tank, the information on the decrease in the amount of each tank in stock to a predetermined amount or less, and the detection unit installed in each tank and Abnormal conditions detected by the sensors are sent to the server, and the server periodically obtains the liquid level information of the tank from the liquid level transmission device of each gas station and constructs a database based on the time sequence. And, liquid amount information of a tank stored in the server is transmitted to the server to the computer terminal of the distribution center are accessible.
[0008]
In the above configuration, the liquid amount information of the tank can be transmitted when there is a change in the liquid amount information. In addition, the information on the amount of liquid in the tank to be transmitted includes predicted data for unloading and subsequent predictions predicted from the decreasing trend of the amount of liquid in the tank, leakage of liquid in the tank, theft, and water entering the tank. Signal information from the sensor to be detected, POS information from the POS device, and the like can be included.
[0009]
Furthermore, in the present invention, it is possible to incorporate only necessary information out of the transmitted tank liquid amount information into the receiving computer terminal.
[0010]
In addition, the amount of liquid information in the tank to be transmitted can be limited to information necessary for immediate unloading.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on examples shown in the drawings.
[0012]
Example 1
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In the tank of the gas station 1, signals from various detectors such as the liquid amount, a leak sensor, a water detection sensor, and a theft sensor are input from the liquid level gauge 2 to the liquid amount transmission device 3. The liquid volume information of the tank from the liquid volume transmission device 3 is TCP / IP communication etc. using a computer network such as LAN, WAN, Internet, intranet, etc. via communication lines and communication means such as ADSL, ISDN, DoPa. Thus, it is transmitted to the server 4 at any time in real time, stored and updated. The liquid amount information of the tank is transmitted to the server 4 not only from one gas station 1, but also from a plurality of gas stations n having the same configuration, and stored and updated. As a result, the liquid amount information of the tanks at each gas station is centrally managed.
[0013]
The tank liquid amount information stored in the server 4 is transmitted to the distribution center 5 or the like using the computer network. The data is transmitted to the computer terminal 7 of the distribution center 5 via the communication interface 6. The server 4 can also be accessed from a computer terminal such as a portable / PHS telephone 8 or a portable terminal (PDA) 9 equipped with functions such as mail, WEB browsing, i-appli / JAVA (registered trademark) application, etc. Is possible. This communication means is mainly constructed based on the remote access technology of the Internet.
[0014]
Hereinafter, the data processing regarding the liquid amount information of the tank on the user side such as the filling station 1 side, the server 4 side, and the distribution center 5 will be specifically described.
[0015]
(1) Gas station side The gas station 1 side collects the liquid level information of the tanks from various detection units such as the liquid level, leak sensor, water detection sensor, and theft sensor. As other information, it is possible to add information such as oil type information, tank capacity, and remaining tank capacity calculated from the liquid amount (inventory amount).
[0016]
The liquid quantity transmission device 3 periodically acquires such information, stores it inside, and transmits data to the server 4 at a predetermined cycle. The cycle in which the liquid amount transmission device 3 acquires data is generally in units of several minutes, and the cycle in which data is transmitted to the server 4 is in units of several tens of minutes.
[0017]
The liquid quantity transmission device 3 is configured so that a predetermined decrease amount of the inventory amount that needs to be unloaded can be registered for each tank, and when the tank inventory amount decreases below the predetermined amount, the information is transmitted to the server 4. ing. This registration may be directly input to the liquid amount transmission device 3 or may be registered by transmitting registration data from the computer 7 of the distribution center 5. In addition, after transmitting information that the tank inventory amount has decreased by a predetermined amount, if the tank inventory amount further decreases, the information can be transmitted. In addition, the liquid amount transmission device 3 can detect various abnormal states (for example, no remaining tank capacity, sudden change in capacity, leak detection, water detection, theft, etc.) by various detection units and various sensors. The information can be immediately sent to the server 4 by using the signal from the detection unit or various sensors as a trigger. As a result, for example, it is possible to cope with a case in which the change in the amount of the liquid in the tank is not in time for the data to be periodically transmitted to the server 4, such as when the change rapidly exceeds a predetermined change amount. is there. Further, the liquid quantity transmission device 3 can acquire and transmit the latest data in response to the immediate data request signal from the server 4.
[0018]
As described above, the liquid amount transmission system of the present invention is not only provided with a periodic data transmission function, but also a system that can immediately respond to occurrence of an abnormal condition and immediate data request.
[0019]
As described above, the gas station 1 and the server 4 are used in an environment that can always be connected by the Internet infrastructure (packet communication network such as ADSL, ISDN, CATV, dedicated line, DoPa). Operation is possible even with dial-up connection (intermittent connection), but in this case, it is not possible to respond to requests for immediate data.
[0020]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a POS device can be incorporated on the filling station 1 side. Normally, POS information is transmitted to the headquarters etc. several times a day using a telephone line or the like. However, the POS information from the POS device is acquired by the liquid quantity transmission device 3 and sent to the server 4. By transmitting, it is possible to store in the database for POS data management in the server 4. As a result, the POS information can also be browsed from the computer terminal on the user side.
[0021]
(2) The server-side server 4 can be an Internet server or an intranet server, and periodically acquires the liquid level information of the tank from the liquid level transmission device 3 of each gas station, and constructs a database based on a time sequence. . Further, urgent information due to an abnormal state is managed in another database. The same applies to immediate information requests, which are managed in a separate database.
[0022]
The basic database is time series data acquired periodically, and it is possible to graph the transition of the liquid volume and predict future changes by calculation processing based on the data in this database. . In addition, since the change in the tank fluid volume is collected in time axis units and collected in the server 4, the change in the fluid volume over time and the refueling cycle are calculated based on this data, and the next unloading is calculated. Predictions can be made.
[0023]
Various information is transmitted from the liquid amount transmission device 3 to the server 4, and the server 4 can select and receive only data necessary for unloading from the predetermined program. Also, the user side computer terminal can have a similar program so that only data necessary for unloading can be received, or the liquid amount transmission device 3 can have a similar program and unloading can be performed. It is also possible to transmit only data necessary for the server 4 to the server 4. The server 4 can process and prepare data in a data format corresponding to the computer terminal to be accessed.
[0024]
(3) When the user's computer 7 is a personal computer, the server 4 is accessed and the WEB page is browsed, so that the amount of liquid and various sensor information can be confirmed on the previous day, etc. It is possible to download such information as a data format that can be used for various application software such as spreadsheet software. Furthermore, necessary information can be acquired by e-mail according to preset conditions. It is also possible to request and display immediate information of a specific gas station among a plurality of gas stations by operating the WEB page.
[0025]
When the computer terminal on the user side is a mobile phone / PHS phone 8 or the like, the display screen is considerably smaller than the personal computer, so the dedicated WEB page created accordingly is accessed and browsed. It is also possible to acquire necessary information by e-mail according to preset conditions.
[0026]
A portable terminal (PDA) 9 can also be used in the same environment as a personal computer.
[0027]
As described above, in this embodiment, by using the computer network, it is possible to simultaneously transmit the tank liquid amount information from a plurality of gas stations, and the tank liquid amount information is centrally managed by the server 4. . The tank liquid amount information stored in the server 4 can be obtained from locations other than the distribution center 5.
[0028]
Example 2
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. In this embodiment, the Internet is used as a communication means.
[0029]
As in the first embodiment, the liquid level information in the tank is transmitted from the liquid level gauge 2 to the liquid level transmission device 3. The liquid quantity transmission device 3 has not only a modem function but also a web server function for accumulating and managing the liquid quantity information from the liquid level gauge 2. Information stored and managed in the liquid quantity transmission device 3 is provided on the Internet (intranet) via a HUB (hub) 10 and a modem 11 via a line that can be always connected, such as an ADSL line, ISDN line, or CATV. It can be browsed by a computer terminal such as a portable / PHS phone, a notebook personal computer, or a portable terminal (PDA).
[0030]
Since this embodiment does not have a server for aggregating data as in the first embodiment, the function is considerably limited as compared with the first embodiment, and individual WEB pages are browsed. However, when the scale is smaller than that of the first embodiment, a suitable system can be obtained.
[0031]
Example 3
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. In this embodiment, a packet communication network (DoPa network) is used as a communication means. In the present embodiment, the tank liquid amount information from the filling station 1 side is transmitted to the server 4 on the distribution center side via the DoPa terminal 12 and the DoPa network. The liquid amount information stored in the server 4 is transmitted to a computer terminal such as a PHS, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) notebook computer, etc. via an Internet line by an e-mail transmitter 13.
[0032]
Further, the personal computer can access the server 4 using a general telephone line or an Internet line, and can obtain necessary information.
[0033]
In addition, a part or all of Example 1, Example 2, and Example 3 can also be used in combination with other Examples.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
The effects of the present invention are as follows.
[0035]
1. It is possible to send and receive tank volume information at the same time on multiple senders and receivers, greatly improving data collection efficiency.
[0036]
2. Data can be collected from anywhere, and operational efficiency has been greatly improved.
[0037]
3. Since data can be freely processed, it is possible to collect only the data that is really necessary, which greatly improves convenience.
[0038]
4). If the number of connection sites on the facility side, such as gas stations, increases, the time spent on data processing will become enormous. However, by using a computer network, the routine processing of data can be automated by the server. Cost can be greatly reduced.
[0039]
5. By using a constant Internet connection, a large amount of data can be collected at a low cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a usage mode of a conventional tank liquid amount data transmission device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Gas station 2: Liquid level gauge 3: Liquid level transmission device 4: Server 5: Distribution center 6: Communication interface on the distribution center side 7: Computer terminal on the distribution center side 8: Mobile phone, PHS phone, etc. (computer terminal)
9: Mobile terminal, etc. (computer terminal)
10: HUB (hub)
11: Modem 12: DoPa terminal 13: E-mail transmitter

Claims (5)

It has a liquid level transmission device in which signals from liquid level detectors, leak sensors, water detection sensors, and theft sensors installed in tanks at multiple gas stations are input via a level gauge. A liquid quantity transmission system which is sent from a quantity transmission device to a server via a computer network, stored and updated, and is centrally managed as liquid quantity information in the tanks of each gas station,
In the liquid quantity transmission device, a reduction amount of the inventory amount that requires unloading for each tank is registered, and information on the reduction of each tank inventory amount to a predetermined amount or less is installed in each tank. The abnormal state detected by the detection unit and sensor is transmitted to the server,
The server periodically acquires the tank liquid level information from the liquid level transmission device of each gas station and builds a database based on the time sequence, and the tank liquid level information stored in the server is accessible to the server A liquid amount transmission system that is transmitted to a computer terminal of a distribution center . The liquid quantity transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the information transmitted to the server includes the information on the remaining amount of tank calculated from the oil type information, the tank capacity, and the inventory quantity added to the liquid quantity information. When an abnormal condition is confirmed by a sensor installed in a tank at a gas station, a signal transmitted from that sensor is used as a trigger and sent immediately to the server.
The liquid quantity transmission system according to claim 1, wherein a server constructs a database from the abnormal state information and notifies a user of the database . Based on the accumulated database, the server calculates the change in the amount of liquid over time and the refueling cycle, predicts the next unloading, and sends it to the computer terminal of the distribution center accessible to the server. The liquid amount transmission system according to claim 1, wherein the user side can request and display immediate information of a specific filling station among a plurality of filling stations by operating a WEB page . A POS device is installed in the gas station, and the POS information from the POS device is acquired by the liquid quantity transmission device and transmitted to the server, so that it is stored in the database for POS data management in the server and from the computer terminal on the user side The liquid quantity transmission system according to claim 1, which can be browsed .

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