JP4641825B2 - Discount charge promotion system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention discounts an energy usage fee for a specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device by a discount rate that increases in stages as the specific energy usage increases, and uses the general energy consumed by other energy consuming devices. Working hours of specific energy consuming equipment that enables higher discount rates to be applied to specific customers to whom discounts are applied through computer processing in cooperation with a discounted billing system that charges together with energy usage charges for quantity The present invention relates to a discount charge usage promotion system that calculates and presents

  As a method of charging a usage fee for the supply of energy such as city gas, LP gas, commercial power, etc., generally, an energy usage fee corresponding to the total amount of monthly energy usage is calculated and charged. On the other hand, in order to promote the introduction and use of a specific energy consuming device, a special discount rate is set for the energy consumption consumed by the specific device, and the energy consumed by other energy consuming devices. There is a method of charging together with the energy usage fee for the usage amount. For example, as an incentive to urge customers who use city gas to introduce and use floor heating, it is conceivable to discount a fee for the amount of gas used for floor heating.

  However, in order to accurately measure the energy consumption consumed by the specific energy consuming device and to charge a discount fee separately from the energy usage of other energy consuming devices, the meter is individually measured only for the specific energy consuming device. Since it is necessary to install a meter or to incorporate an energy usage measurement function in the specific energy consuming device, the introduction cost is high and not realistic.

  For this reason, a discount rate of, for example, 5% is uniformly applied to the monthly gas usage fee as an incentive to encourage the introduction of floor heating for customers who have floor heating facilities, for example, as a city gas price menu for home use. There are discount rate menus to be applied and special rate menus that are cheaper than the normal rate structure. Or, for customers who have multiple types of specific gas equipment, apply a higher discount rate uniformly to the monthly gas usage fee to encourage the introduction of specific gas equipment and the use of city gas There is a price menu.

  Also, instead of measuring the amount of energy used by the specific energy consuming device, the control information of the specific energy consuming device is acquired, the usage time is grasped, and the total total usage time is calculated. There has been proposed an energy charge calculation method and system for determining a discount amount according to the total usage time (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2002-288557 A

  However, the discount rate menu in which a discount rate of 5%, for example, is uniformly applied to the monthly gas usage fee has the following inconveniences.

  For example, since a discount fee is applied to the total amount of gas used every month, the discount rate cannot be set high, and the use promotion effect of the energy consuming equipment becomes dilute. In addition, a discount fee is not applied only to the increase in energy usage by energy consuming equipment that energy providers want to promote introduction and use, but a discount fee is applied to the total amount of gas usage every month. For this reason, if the effect of promoting the use of the energy consuming device cannot be obtained, a decrease in profits with respect to the amount of energy used that is not originally discounted increases the burden on the energy provider.

  Also, in the energy charge calculation method and system for determining the discount amount according to the total monthly usage time of the specific energy consuming device, it is necessary to acquire the control information of the specific energy consuming device and separately measure the usage time In order to discount the energy charge, additional costs are required for adding measuring devices and collecting data.

  Therefore, the amount of energy used by general energy consuming equipment other than the specified energy consuming equipment subject to promotion of use is estimated based on the actual value of energy usage before the introduction of the specified energy consuming equipment. By subtracting from the actual value of usage, the energy usage of the specific energy consuming equipment is estimated, and by applying a discount rate higher than the discount rate applied to the conventional total energy usage for the usage, A method for promoting the use of the specific energy consuming device has been proposed (for example, see Patent Application 2004-017772 by the present applicant).

  However, even if the energy usage of the specific energy consuming device can be estimated by some method, if the discount rate to be applied is uniform, it may not necessarily work as an incentive to use the specific energy consuming device. is there. Therefore, it is conceivable to promote the use of the specific energy consuming device by gradually increasing the discount rate of the energy charge with respect to the energy usage when the energy usage amount of the specific energy consuming device increases. In this case, the user of the specific energy consuming device can further increase the utilization promotion effect by grasping the energy usage amount in which the discount rate increases step by step and the current energy usage amount.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a discount that increases the energy usage fee for a specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device in stages as the specific energy usage increases. In a discount charge system that discounts the rate and charges together with the energy usage fee for the general energy consumption consumed by other energy consuming devices, to promote the use of specific energy consuming devices On the other hand, the present invention is to provide a discount charge usage promotion system that calculates and presents the usage time of a specific energy consuming device to which a higher discount rate can be applied.

In order to achieve the above object, a discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention provides an energy use charge for a specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device with a discount rate that increases in stages as the specific energy consumption increases. Higher discounts for specific customers to whom discounts are applied through computer processing in collaboration with discounted billing systems that discount and charge together with energy usage charges for general energy consumption consumed by other energy consuming equipment A discount charge utilization promotion system that calculates and presents the usage time of the specific energy consuming device to which the rate is applicable, and uses the energy per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device Variation pattern of amount or accumulated energy usage and the specific energy Storage means for storing one or a plurality of singular values of the specific energy usage amount in which the discount rate of the cost device increases stepwise; and the specific energy usage amount estimated in the discount fee accounting system in terms of the number of days in the accounting month Calculating a specific energy daily usage amount per day of the specific energy usage amount obtained by dividing the specific energy usage amount by referring to the variation pattern stored in the storage means, A daily usage time calculation means for calculating an elapsed time in which a cumulative energy usage amount per day when the energy consumption device is operated becomes the specific energy daily usage amount as a daily usage time per day of the specific energy consumption device; Detecting at least one target singular value greater than or equal to the estimated value of the specific energy usage from the singular values stored in the storage means; Calculating the specific energy target day usage obtained by dividing the number of days in the billing month, by referring to the variation pattern stored in the storage means, the specific energy consumption in the fluctuation pattern of the charging month Target day usage time calculation means for calculating an elapsed time when the accumulated energy usage amount per day when the device is operated becomes the specific energy target daily usage amount as a target day usage time per day of the specific energy consuming device; The first feature is to include the above.

  According to the discount charge utilization promotion system of the first feature, the daily usage time calculation means calculates the daily usage time per day of the specific energy consuming device to be discounted in the billing month, and the target daily usage time calculation means. Calculates the target daily usage time per day for a specific energy consuming device that is required for a discount rate higher than the discount rate applied in the charging month to be applied. The specific customer can be notified of the time, the target date usage time, or the time difference between the day usage time and the target date usage time. As a result, a specific customer, that is, a user of a specific energy consuming device, can grasp how many hours the daily usage time can be increased to apply a higher discount rate. Incentives to promote the use of equipment are effectively given. Here, when a specific customer is simply informed of the energy consumption of a specific energy consuming device for one month, the specific customer cannot easily grasp how much the energy consuming device should be promoted. According to the invention system, since information is given as the usage time per day, it is easy to easily promote the use.

  Further, since the storage unit stores the fluctuation pattern of the energy usage per unit time or the accumulated energy usage with respect to the elapsed time from the start of the operation of the specific energy consuming device, it accompanies the time lapse of the specific energy consuming device. In addition to energy consuming equipment with a constant energy consumption, the energy usage amount of the energy consumption amount varies over time, and the day usage time and target day usage time of the billing month can be calculated. Can also be supported.

Furthermore, the discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a discount in which an energy use charge for a specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device increases stepwise as the specific energy usage increases. In cooperation with the discount fee billing system that discounts by the rate and charges together with the energy usage fee for the general energy consumption consumed by other energy consuming devices, the computer calculation process allows more specific customers to receive discounts. A discount charge usage promotion system that calculates and presents the usage time of the specific energy consuming device to which a high discount rate can be applied, and is a per unit time with respect to an elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device. Variation pattern of energy usage or accumulated energy usage and the specific energy Storage means for storing one or a plurality of singular values of the specific energy use amount in which the discount rate of the rugged consumer device increases stepwise, and the specific energy use amount estimated in the discount fee billing system is the number of days in the billing month The specific energy daily usage amount per day of the specific energy usage amount obtained by dividing by is calculated, and the specific pattern is identified with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month by referring to the fluctuation pattern stored in the storage means. A daily usage time calculation means for calculating an elapsed time in which a cumulative energy usage amount per day when the energy consumption device is operated becomes the specific energy daily usage amount as a daily usage time per day of the specific energy consumption device; , based on the date the date using time use time calculating means is calculated to estimate the following month of the date use time billing month, stored in said storage means Referring to the fluctuation pattern, the number of days of the next month is calculated as a cumulative energy usage amount per day when the specific energy consuming device is operated for the estimated daily usage time with the fluctuation pattern of the month following the billing month. said multiplied amount, described above with specific energy use amount prediction means for calculating a predicted value of a specific energy consumption, the calculated specific energy consumption prediction unit from among the singular values stored in the storage means in the next month Detecting at least one target singular value greater than or equal to the predicted value of the specific energy usage in the next month, calculating a specific energy target daily predicted usage amount obtained by dividing the target singular value by the number of days in the next month, and storing the memory 1 when the specific energy consuming device is operated with the variation pattern of the month following the billing month with reference to the variation pattern stored in the means And a target day usage time calculation means for calculating an elapsed time when the accumulated energy usage amount of the day becomes the specific energy target daily predicted usage amount as a target day predicted usage time per day of the specific energy consuming device. This is the second feature.

  According to the discount charge utilization promotion system of the second feature, the daily usage time calculation means calculates the daily usage time per day of the specific energy consuming device to be discounted in the billing month, and the specific energy usage amount prediction means. Calculates the predicted value of the specific energy usage amount for the month following the billing month, and the target day usage time calculation means calculates the target date predicted usage time per day for the specific energy consuming device. In addition to the day usage time of the month, it is possible to notify the specific customer of the target usage time of the next month, or the time difference between the usage time of the billing month and the target usage time of the next month. In other words, if a specific customer uses a specific energy consuming device in the following month in the same way as the billing month, even if the temperature conditions in the billing month and the following month fluctuate, the fluctuation amount of the specific energy usage due to the temperature fluctuation is predicted. It is possible to notify how much the discount rate is increased by increasing the target day predicted usage time of the next month, that is, the usage time per day. As a result, a specific customer, that is, a user of a specific energy consuming device, can grasp how many hours of usage time can be increased per day in the month following the billing month to apply a higher discount rate. Incentives to facilitate the use of specific energy consuming equipment are effectively provided. In addition, the same effect as the first feature is achieved.

  Furthermore, in addition to the first or second feature, the discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention includes 1 of the specific energy consuming equipment converted by the daily usage time calculation means and the target daily usage time calculation means. At least one of each usage time per day and the time difference between each usage time is output on a usage statement slip or a predetermined display screen that informs the specific customer of the energy usage amount and the energy usage fee of the billing month A third feature is that output means for generating output data for the purpose is provided.

  In particular, according to the discount charge utilization promotion system of the third feature, the usage statement slip received by a specific customer every month includes the date usage time of the charging month, the target date usage time, or the day usage time and the target date usage time. Time difference etc. can be printed and notified to a specific customer. Since the usage statement slip is a slip that is always received by energy consumers including a specific customer every month, the use promotion of a specific energy consuming device can be promoted more reliably. Furthermore, on the computer display screen such as a search screen on the WEB where the specific customer can search the energy usage amount and the energy usage fee of the charging month via the Internet or the like, the daily usage time of the charging month, the target date usage time, or The time difference between the day usage time and the target day usage time can be displayed to notify a specific customer.

In order to achieve the above object, a discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention provides an energy use charge for a specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device with a discount rate that increases in stages as the specific energy consumption increases. Higher discounts for specific customers to whom discounts are applied through computer processing in collaboration with discounted billing systems that discount and charge together with energy usage charges for general energy consumption consumed by other energy consuming equipment A discount charge utilization promotion system that calculates and presents the usage time of the specific energy consuming device to which the rate is applicable, and uses the energy per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device Variation pattern of quantity or cumulative energy usage, the specific energy consumer The one or more singular values of the specific energy usage discount rate stepwise increases, and a storage means for storing a usage pattern defining the daily number of operations of said specific energy consuming device, the specific The total number of operation times of the energy consuming device in the billing month is calculated by summing the number of operation times per day for each day belonging to the billing month based on the usage pattern registered in advance in the storage means Calculating a specific energy unit usage amount per time of the specific energy usage amount obtained by dividing the specific energy usage amount estimated in the discount fee billing system by the number of operations in a billing month; Referring to the fluctuation pattern stored in the storage means, the specific energy consuming device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month. Once the unit operating time calculating means for calculating a unit used time per the specific energy consuming device elapsed time accumulated energy consumption is the specific energy unit usage of if, in the storage means Use of a specific energy target unit obtained by detecting at least one target singular value that is equal to or greater than the estimated value of the specific energy usage from the stored singular value, and dividing the target singular value by the number of operations in the billing month The amount of accumulated energy used when the specific energy consuming device is operated with the variation pattern of the billing month is calculated by referring to the variation pattern stored in the storage means. A target unit usage time calculating means for calculating an elapsed time as an energy target unit usage as a target unit usage time per time of the specific energy consuming device; The fourth feature is that it is provided.

  According to the discount charge usage promotion system of the fourth feature, the unit usage time calculation means calculates a unit usage time per time of a specific energy consuming device to be discounted in the billing month, and calculates a target unit usage time. Since the means calculates the target unit usage time per time of a specific energy consuming device necessary for applying a discount rate higher than the discount rate applied in the billing month, the system of the present invention The specific customer can be notified of the unit usage time, the target unit usage time, or the time difference between the unit usage time and the target unit usage time. As a result, a specific customer, that is, a user of a specific energy consuming device, can grasp how many hours of usage time can be increased for each use, and a higher discount rate can be applied. An incentive to promote the use of energy consuming equipment is effectively provided. Here, when a specific customer is simply informed of the energy consumption of a specific energy consuming device for one month, the specific customer cannot easily grasp how much the energy consuming device should be promoted. According to the invention system, since information is given as the usage time per time, the use promotion is easily carried out.

  Further, since the storage unit stores the fluctuation pattern of the energy usage per unit time or the accumulated energy usage with respect to the elapsed time from the start of the operation of the specific energy consuming device, it accompanies the time lapse of the specific energy consuming device. The unit usage time and target unit usage time of the billing month can be calculated not only for energy consuming equipment with a constant energy consumption, but also for energy consuming equipment whose energy usage fluctuates over time. Can also be supported.

Furthermore, the discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a discount in which an energy use charge for a specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device increases stepwise as the specific energy usage increases. In cooperation with the discount fee billing system that discounts by the rate and charges together with the energy usage fee for the general energy consumption consumed by other energy consuming devices, the computer calculation process allows more specific customers to receive discounts. A discount charge usage promotion system that calculates and presents the usage time of the specific energy consuming device to which a high discount rate can be applied, and is a per unit time with respect to an elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device. Variation pattern of energy usage or accumulated energy usage, the specific energy 1 or more specific values of the specific energy consumption which the discount rate is stepwise increased in cost equipment, and a storage means for storing a usage pattern defining the daily number of operations of said specific energy consuming device, Based on the usage pattern pre-registered in the storage means , the total number of operation times of the specific energy consuming device in the billing month and the following month, respectively, is calculated as the billing month or the next month. The operation frequency calculation means for calculating the total for each day to which the user belongs, and the specific energy usage amount obtained by dividing the specific energy usage amount estimated in the discount charge system by the operation frequency of the charging month. calculating the specific energy unit usage per, with reference to the variation pattern stored in the storage means, the changing pattern of the charging month Unit for calculating the elapsed time accumulated energy usage for a single case of operating the specific energy consumption equipment emissions is the specific energy unit dose units used time per the specific energy consuming device Based on the unit usage time calculated by the usage time calculation means and the unit usage time calculation means, the unit usage time of the month following the billing month is estimated, and the variation pattern stored in the storage means is referred to Then, the operation of the next month calculated by the operation frequency calculation means for the accumulated energy usage of one time when the specific energy consuming device is operated for the estimated unit usage time with the fluctuation pattern of the month following the billing month. the amount obtained by multiplying the total number of times, the specific energy consumption prediction means for calculating a predicted value of the specific energy consumption at the following month, in the storage means serial At least one target singular value that is equal to or greater than the predicted value of the specific energy usage amount in the next month calculated by the specific energy usage amount prediction unit is detected from the stored singular value, and the target singular value is detected in the next month Calculate a specific energy target unit predicted use amount obtained by dividing by the total number of operations , refer to the variation pattern stored in the storage means, and identify the specific energy in the variation pattern of the month following the billing month A target unit for calculating an elapsed time when the accumulated energy usage at one time when the energy consuming device is operated becomes the specific energy target unit predicted usage amount as a target unit predicted usage time per time of the specific energy consuming device. A fifth feature is that the apparatus includes a usage time calculation unit.

  According to the discount charge utilization promotion system of the fifth feature, the unit usage time calculation means calculates the unit usage time per time of the specific energy consuming device to be discounted in the billing month, and predicts the specific energy usage amount. The means calculates the predicted value of the specific energy usage amount for the month following the billing month, and the target unit usage time calculation means calculates the target unit predicted usage time per time for the specific energy consuming device. In addition to the unit usage time of the billing month, the specific customer can be notified of the target unit predicted use time of the next month or the time difference between the unit use time of the billing month and the target unit predicted use time of the next month. In other words, if a specific customer uses a specific energy consuming device in the following month in the same way as the billing month, even if the temperature conditions in the billing month and the following month fluctuate, the fluctuation amount of the specific energy usage due to the temperature fluctuation is predicted. It is possible to notify how much the discount rate is increased by increasing the target unit predicted usage time of the next month, that is, the usage time per time. As a result, a specific customer, that is, a user of a specific energy consuming device, can grasp how many hours of usage time can be increased for each use, and a higher discount rate can be applied. An incentive to promote the use of energy consuming equipment is effectively provided. In addition, the same effect as the fourth feature is achieved.

  Furthermore, in addition to the fourth or fifth feature, the discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention includes 1 of the specific energy consuming equipment converted by the unit usage time calculation means and the target unit usage time calculation means. Print output means for printing at least one of each usage time per time and a time difference between each usage time on a usage statement slip informing the specific customer of the energy usage amount and the energy usage fee of the billing month It is the sixth feature that it is provided.

  In particular, according to the discount charge utilization promotion system of the sixth feature, the usage statement slip received monthly by a specific customer includes the unit usage time of the billing month, the target unit usage time, or the unit usage time and the target unit usage time. Time difference etc. can be printed and notified to a specific customer. Since the usage statement slip is a slip that is always received by energy consumers including a specific customer every month, the use promotion of a specific energy consuming device can be promoted more reliably. Furthermore, on the computer display screen such as a search screen on the WEB where the specific customer can search the energy usage amount and the energy usage fee of the charging month via the Internet or the like, the daily usage time of the charging month, the target date usage time, or The time difference between the day usage time and the target day usage time can be displayed to notify a specific customer.

Furthermore, in addition to any one of the first to sixth features, the discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention is characterized in that the number of operations per day of the specific energy consuming device is different according to day of the week or The seventh feature is that the storage means stores the weekdays and holidays separately.

Furthermore, the discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to seventh features, the fluctuation pattern is stored in the storage unit according to a discount target billing month of the specific energy consuming device. It is an eighth feature that it is stored. Thus, taking into account the temperature conditions for each billing month, the day usage time and target date usage time for each billing month, the target date forecast usage time for the month following each billing month, the unit usage time and target unit usage time for each billing month Alternatively, the target unit predicted usage time of the month following each billing month can be calculated more accurately, and more accurate information on each usage time can be provided by a specific customer.

Furthermore, in addition to the eighth feature, the discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention is based on the average temperature of the billing month and the basis of the fluctuation pattern set in the billing month subject to discount corresponding to the billing month. A ninth feature is that a correction means for correcting the fluctuation pattern is provided based on the difference from the standard temperature. This makes it possible to more accurately calculate the day usage time and target day usage time or the unit usage time and target unit usage time for each billing month in consideration of temperature fluctuations based on the actual average temperature for each billing month. Therefore, it is possible to provide more accurate information on each usage time.

Further, in the discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention, in addition to any of the first to seventh features, the fluctuation pattern is a progress from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device at a predetermined standard temperature. A fluctuation pattern of energy usage per unit time or accumulated energy usage with respect to time is stored in the storage means, and the fluctuation pattern is corrected based on the difference between the average temperature of the billing month and the standard temperature. A tenth feature is that a correction means is provided. This makes it possible to more accurately calculate the day usage time and target day usage time or the unit usage time and target unit usage time for each billing month in consideration of temperature fluctuations based on the actual average temperature for each billing month. Therefore, it is possible to provide more accurate information on each usage time.

Furthermore, in addition to any of the above features, the discount charge usage promotion system according to the present invention is an apparatus in which the discount charge billing system accepts input of the type of the specific energy consuming device of a specific customer to which the discount is applied. Discount target device table in which information input means, type of specific energy consuming device, use time, discount rate are associated with each other and registered so as to be searchable, and actual energy usage in the billing month of the specific customer The usage record input means for receiving the input of the device, and the use time of the specific energy consuming device received by the device information input means is obtained by searching the discount target device table, and the billing month is included in the use time A discount application determining means for determining whether the specific energy consuming equipment is used and the special energy consuming equipment acquired by the discount application determining means. The customer's billing month and the reference actual energy usage of the same month are searched and obtained from the usage database, and the obtained energy actual usage is corrected with reference to the billing month and the temperature data of the reference month, General energy usage estimation means for estimating the corrected actual energy usage as the general energy usage in the billing month of the specific customer; and the specific energy usage in the billing month of the specific customer as the energy in the billing month. Specific energy usage estimation means for calculating a difference value obtained by subtracting the general energy usage estimated by the general energy usage estimation means from the actual usage; and determining that the billing month is included in the usage period as a discount application month The discount target device table is retrieved to obtain the discount rate according to the specific energy usage, Calculate the discount amount by multiplying the specific energy usage estimated by the constant energy usage estimation means by the unit price and the discount rate, and calculate the billing fee by subtracting the discount from the normal energy rate when no discount is applied An eleventh feature is that a discount fee calculating means is provided.

According to the discount charge utilization promotion system of the eleventh feature described above, a specific energy consuming device can be provided without providing additional equipment for each customer or each energy consuming device such as providing a meter meter for measuring specific energy consumption. Can be easily estimated, and the charging fee can be calculated by applying a discount rate that increases stepwise as the specific energy usage increases with respect to the estimated specific energy usage. As a result, in combination with the first to tenth features, the use of a specific energy consuming device can be promoted.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention (hereinafter abbreviated as “the present system” as appropriate) will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, description will be made assuming that city gas is the energy type targeted by the system of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
The system 1 according to the present invention increases the gas charge (corresponding to the energy use fee) with respect to the specific gas use amount (corresponding to the specific energy use amount) consumed by the specific gas device (corresponding to the specific energy consuming device). In cooperation with the discount charge system 30 that discounts with a discount rate that increases step by step and charges with the gas charge for general gas consumption consumed by other gas equipment other than the specified gas equipment, On the other hand, this is a discount charge usage promotion system that executes processing for calculating and presenting the usage time of a specific gas appliance to which a higher discount rate can be applied by computer processing.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a discount rate that increases stepwise as the specific gas usage increases. In the example of FIG. 1, the discount rate D increases stepwise from D1 to D2, D2 to D3, and D3 to D4 when the specific gas usage U is three singular values U1, U2, and U3 (m ³ ). . In the present embodiment, as the specific gas usage increases, the discount rate is calculated by applying the increased discount rate to the entire specific gas usage, thereby providing an incentive to promote the use of the specific gas equipment. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the system 1 of the present invention includes a daily usage time calculation unit 2, a target day usage time calculation unit 3, a specific energy usage amount prediction unit 4, an output unit 5, and a storage unit 10. The The storage means 10 stores the processing results of the above means 2 to 5, and the variation pattern of the gas usage amount G per unit time with respect to the elapsed time t from the start of operation of the specific gas equipment, and the discount rate are in stages. The singular value (U1, U2, U3) of the specific gas usage amount U that increases is stored. The storage unit 10 is also used to store the processing results of the units 31 and 33 to 37 of the discount fee billing system 30 described later.

In the present embodiment, a floor heating system is assumed as the specific gas appliance. An example of a variation pattern of the gas usage amount G (m ³ / h) per unit time with respect to the elapsed time t from the start of operation in the floor heating system is schematically shown in FIG. In the case of the floor heating system, the amount G of gas used is large during the rising period from the start of operation until the elapsed time t1 because the flooring and the like are cold. Further, since the room temperature is not yet sufficiently high between the elapsed times t1 and t2, the gas use amount G is larger than that in the steady state. After the elapsed time t2, since the room temperature is also stably in a steady state, the gas usage amount G is decreased for the operation only for maintaining the appropriate temperature. Therefore, in the steady state, the amount of gas used G per unit time required for enjoying a comfortable indoor environment can be reduced. Further, since the fluctuation pattern is affected by the temperature fluctuation, a fluctuation pattern standardized by the average temperature for each billing month is prepared for the billing month based on the experiment result and stored in the storage means 10. The fluctuation pattern is approximately represented by a broken line with transition points p1 to p5 shown in FIG. 3 as nodes, and each elapsed time t and gas usage amount G at the transition points p1 to p5 are stored in the storage means 10. .

  The daily usage time calculation means 2 calculates the specific gas daily usage F0 per day by dividing the specific gas usage U estimated by the discount charge system 30 by the number of days in the charging month, and is stored in the storage means 10. When the specific gas equipment (floor heating system) is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month, the elapsed time when the daily accumulated gas usage becomes the specific gas daily usage F0 is calculated as the day per day of the specific gas equipment. Calculated as usage time t0.

  The target day usage time calculation means 3 calculates the minimum target singular value Umin that is greater than or equal to the specific gas usage amount U estimated in the discount charge system 30 from the singular values (U1, U2, U3) stored in the storage means 10. The specific energy target daily usage amount Fx obtained by detecting and dividing the target singular value Umin by the number of days in the billing month is calculated, and the specific gas appliance (floor heating) is calculated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month stored in the storage means 10. The elapsed time when the accumulated gas usage per day when the system is operated becomes the specific gas target daily usage Fx is calculated as the target daily usage time tx per day of the specific gas equipment.

  Furthermore, the target day usage time calculation means 3 uses the specific gas usage of the month following the billing month predicted by the specific gas usage amount prediction means 4 described later from the singular values (U1, U2, U3) stored in the storage means 10. The minimum target singular value Umin ′ that is greater than or equal to the predicted value U ′ of the quantity is detected, and the specific gas target daily predicted usage amount Fx ′ that is obtained by dividing the target singular value Umin ′ by the number of days in the next month is calculated. When the specific gas device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the next month of the billing month stored in the table, the elapsed time when the accumulated gas usage amount for the day becomes the specific gas target day predicted usage amount Fx ′ is determined as the specific gas device for the next month. Is calculated as a target date predicted usage time tx ′ per day.

  The specific gas usage amount prediction means 4 (corresponding to the specific energy usage amount prediction means) is based on the daily usage time t0 calculated by the daily usage time calculation means 2 and changes in the next month of the billing month stored in the storage means 10. The predicted value U ′ of the specific gas usage amount for the next month is calculated using the pattern.

  The output means 5 prints out a predetermined slip sheet in order to issue a gas bill (discount fee) for the billing month calculated by the discount billing system 30 and a usage slip for notifying the total gas usage amount for the billing month. Create print output data. The output means 5 also creates output data for WEB output in order to provide the same information as the print output data on the WEB. The print output data and the output data for WEB output include the total gas usage W for the billing month, the specific gas usage U, the general gas usage V used in general gas equipment other than the specific gas equipment, and the gas charge ( In addition to the discounted charge), the daily usage time t0 calculated by the daily usage time calculation means 2, the target daily usage time tx calculated by the target day usage time calculation means 3, and the time difference (tx-t0) between them, The predicted value U ′ of the specific gas usage amount for the next month, the target day predicted use time tx ′ calculated by the target day use time calculation means 3, and the time difference between the target day predicted use time tx ′ and the day use time t0 (tx′−t0) ) Is included.

  Each means 2-5 of the system 1 of the present invention is composed of computer hardware and application software executed on the hardware.

  The system 1 of the present invention includes a discount fee billing system 30, a customer database server 12 that manages customer information including customer attributes for each customer, and a monthly basis for each customer via a predetermined computer network 11 such as a LAN or an intranet. It connects to the usage database server 13 that manages the actual usage, so that data can be transmitted and received, and the above processing is executed using the specific gas usage U of the estimated billing month estimated in the discount fee billing system 30.

  Further, the system 1 of the present invention and the discount fee billing system 30 are configured to be able to search the customer database 14 connected to the customer database server 12 and the usage database 15 connected to the usage database server 13. It is assumed that the present invention system 1, the discount fee billing system 30, the customer database server 12, and the usage database server 13 use a common customer identification number for individually identifying customers.

  The customer attributes managed by the customer database server 12 include, for example, the number of family members, the family composition (elderly, infants, etc.), the number of people staying at home in the daytime, and the type of house (distinguishing between detached and collective housing, distinguishing between wooden and concrete structures) ), Type and number of gas equipment used, residential area, etc.

  The input of the monthly actual usage amount for each customer to the usage amount database server 13 is performed by the meter reading meter reading the needle meter value set for each customer on a predetermined meter reading day every month and carrying the meter for portable use such as a handy terminal. Input to the terminal, the meter reading data is input by accessing the usage database server 13 via the input terminal 16 installed in the meter reading center or the like and connected to the computer network 10. Based on the customer identification number, the usage database server 13 calculates the actual usage of the meter reading month for each customer based on the customer identification number and registers it in the usage database 15. If the meter-reading meter is an automatic meter-reading meter, the usage database server 13 receives the meter-reading data transmitted from the automatic meter-reading meter every month on the predetermined meter-reading date via the automatic meter-reading data receiving device 17, Based on the received meter reading data, the actual usage amount of the meter reading month is calculated for each customer based on the customer identification number and registered in the usage amount database 15.

  In this embodiment, the discount fee billing system 30 includes a device information input unit 31, a discount target device table 32, a usage record input unit 33, a general energy usage estimation unit 34, a specific energy usage estimation unit 35, and a discount application determination unit. 36, a discount charge calculation means 37 is provided. Each means 31, 33 to 37 of the discount fee billing system 30 is composed of computer hardware and application software executed on the hardware.

  Next, regarding the functions of the respective means 2 to 5 of the system 1 of the present invention and the respective means 31 to 37 of the discount fee billing system 30 and their processing operations, the system configuration diagram of FIG. 2 and the flowcharts of FIGS. Will be described with reference to FIG. The system 1 of the present invention and the discount fee billing system 30 execute the following processing as part of billing processing for a plurality of customers in a certain billing month.

First, in the usage record input process of step # 1, when a billing process for a certain billing month is started, first, the use record input means 33 accesses the usage database server 13 for one customer to be processed and uses the amount. The database 15 is searched, and the actual usage (actual gas usage) J _NM of the customer in the billing month to be processed (assumed to be N year M month) is acquired and temporarily stored in the storage means 10.

  Next, in the device information input step of step # 2, the device information input means 31 accesses the customer database server 12 for the processing target customer, searches the customer database 14, and checks the customer attribute of the customer. Specifically, it is determined by the search whether or not the customer is a specific customer who owns the specific gas equipment subject to the discount fee (# 21). As one of the customer attributes, the device ID for specifying the device type of the specific gas device and the introduction time when the specific customer starts using the specific gas device are acquired from the customer database 14 and temporarily stored in the storage means 10. Then, the process proceeds to step # 3. If it is determined in the above determination (# 21) that the customer is not a specific customer, the actual usage amount acquired in step # 1 is used for the normal charging process (step # 8) without executing the process of the present invention. Perform. In step # 22, as will be described later, customer attributes such as the device ID, the introduction time, the number of families of the specific customer, the type of house, and the residential area are also acquired.

  Next, the following processing is executed in the discount application determination step of Step # 3. The discount application determination unit 36 searches the discount target device table 32 based on the device ID of the specific gas device acquired by the device information input unit 31 in step # 2, and uses the specific gas device used by the customer. To determine whether the billing month to be processed is included in the acquired use period. Here, if the billing month to be processed is not included in the acquired use time, the process proceeds to the normal billing process (step # 12), and if the billing month to be processed is included in the acquired use time, step Move to # 4.

  Here, the discount target device table 32 will be briefly described. For example, when there are a plurality of gas devices to be discounted, their device ID, device name, use time, and discount rate (D) to be applied are stored in a table format as one model and one record. The discount target device table 32 is stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage means 10, and the discount application determination means 36 and the discount fee calculation means 37 are configured to be searchable. The discount target device table 32 may be a multiplication rate (1-D) obtained by subtracting the discount rate from 1 instead of the discount rate (D). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the discount rate (D) is not uniform and increases step by step as the specific gas usage amount U increases. Therefore, the discount target device table 32 includes a singular value (U1). , U2, U3) and discount rates (D1 to D4) before and after each singular value are stored.

Next, in the general energy usage estimation step of Step # 4, the general gas usage (corresponding to the general energy usage) S0 in the billing month (assumed to be N year M month) to be processed by the specific customer is estimated. To do. In addition, general gas usage means the gas usage consumed by gas equipment other than specific gas equipment. Specifically, first, the general energy usage estimation means 34 accesses the usage database server 13 to search the usage database 15 and introduces the specific gas equipment acquired in step # 2 (assuming N years L However, the actual usage J _{(N-1) M} of the same month as the billing month (assuming it is M in _(N-1)) is acquired before L <M, and the actual usage J _{(N-1) M} is temporarily estimated as the general gas usage V (# 41). Next, once a month, an external weather database is accessed to obtain temperature data for each residential area in each month, and the storage unit 10 can search for the specific customer's temperature data. Temperature data T _NM and T _{(N−1) M} for the billing month (M month of N year) in the residential area and the same month (M month of (N−1)) before that are acquired (# 42). Here, the customer attributes including the number of families, the type of house, and the residential area of the specific customer are acquired together with the device ID and the introduction time in the device information input step of Step # 2. Next, the general gas at the temperature T _{(N−1) M} corresponding to the customer attribute of the specific customer is accessed by accessing the temperature sensitivity table created in advance for each customer attribute and stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage means 10. The correction coefficient A to the temperature T _NM for the usage V is acquired, the actual usage J _{(N−1) M} is multiplied by the correction coefficient A, and the general gas usage V at the corrected temperature T _NM is _calculated. (# 43). This correction is performed because the amount of gas used increases as the temperature decreases, and the temperature sensitivity varies depending on customer attributes.

Next, in the specific energy usage estimation step of step # 5, the specific energy usage estimation means 35 uses the specific gas usage U consumed by the specific gas equipment as the actual usage J in the billing month (N year M month). _The difference value (U = W−V) is calculated by subtracting the general gas usage V estimated in step # 4 from _NM (total gas usage W in the billing month).

  Next, in the discount charge calculation step of step # 6, the discount charge calculation means 37 calculates the discounted charge charge K1 for the charge month (N year M month) according to the following formula (1) or (2). In Equation 1, P is a unit price per unit gas usage, and D is a discount rate. Note that Equation 1 and Equation 2 are in an equivalent relationship in which one is derived from the other. Further, the first term on the right side of Equation 2 is equal to a normal billing fee that is not discounted, and the second term on the right side is the discount amount.

(Equation 1)
K1 = V * P + U * P * (1-D)
(Equation 2)
K1 = W × P−U × P × D

  Next, in the daily usage time calculation step of step # 7, the daily usage time calculation means 2 uses the specific gas usage amount U calculated in the specific energy usage amount estimation step of step # 5 as the billing month (N year M month). The specific gas daily usage F0 (= U / d) per day is calculated by dividing by the number of days d (# 71), and the fluctuation pattern of the billing month (N year M month) stored in the storage means 10 is calculated. The elapsed time when the accumulated gas usage amount per day when the specific gas device is operated becomes the specific gas daily usage amount F0 is calculated as the daily usage time t0 per day of the specific gas device (# 72).

  Next, in the target day usage time calculation step of step # 8, the target day usage time calculation means 3 is the minimum of the specific gas usage amount U or more among the singular values (U1, U2, U3) stored in the storage means 10. Target specific value Umin is detected (# 81), and a specific energy target daily usage amount Fx obtained by dividing the target singular value Umin by the number of days d of the billing month (N year M month) is calculated (# 82). The elapsed time when the accumulated gas usage amount per day when the specific gas device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month (N year M month) stored in the storage means 10 becomes the specific gas target daily usage amount Fx, Calculated as the target date usage time tx per day for the specific gas appliance (# 83).

  Next, in the specific gas usage amount prediction step of step # 9, the specific gas usage amount prediction means 4 is stored in the storage means 10 based on the daily usage time t0 calculated by the daily usage time calculation means 2. The predicted value U ′ of the specific gas usage amount for the next month is calculated using the fluctuation pattern of the month following the month (N year (M + 1) month). Specifically, for example, assuming that the specific gas device is a floor heating system, the average daily usage time of the specific gas device is the month of the billing month (M Assuming a constant fluctuation ratio Rt0 (M) according to (1), the daily usage time of the next month is set to t0 ′ by multiplying the daily usage time t0 of the billing month by the fluctuation ratio Rt0 (M). Then, using the fluctuation pattern of the following month (M year (M + 1) month), the gas usage amount G per unit time until the time elapsed from the start of operation until t0 ′ is integrated, and the specific gas day predicted usage amount per day. F0 ′ is calculated (# 91), and this is multiplied by the number of days d ′ of the following month to calculate a predicted value U ′ (= F0 ′ × d ′) of the specific gas usage amount for the next month (# 92). Note that the fluctuation ratio Rt0 (M) is, for example, the actual value of the fluctuation ratio Rt0 of the same month of the previous year calculated using the daily usage time t0 of each month of the previous year when the specified gas equipment has been used for more than one year. If it is used and the usage record is less than one year, a predetermined default value is used.

  Next, in the target day predicted usage time calculation step of Step # 10, the target day usage time calculation means 3 selects the specific gas of Step # 9 from the singular values (U1, U2, U3) stored in the storage means 10. The minimum target singular value Umin ′ that is equal to or higher than the predicted value U ′ of the specific gas usage amount predicted for the next month (N year (M + 1) month) predicted in the usage amount prediction step is detected, and the target singular value Umin ′ is determined as the number of days d ′ of the next month. The specific gas target daily predicted use amount Fx ′ (= Umin ′ / d ′) obtained by dividing by (1) is calculated (# 101), and the fluctuation of the next month (N year (M + 1) month) stored in the storage means 10 The elapsed time when the accumulated gas usage amount per day when the specific gas device is operated with the pattern becomes the specific gas target day predicted usage amount Fx ′ is set as the target date predicted usage time tx ′ per day of the specific gas device for the next month. Calculate (# 102).

Next, in the output process of step # 11, the following processing is executed. First, in order to issue a usage statement slip that informs a specific customer of the billing fee K1 and the total gas usage W of the billing month, the output means 5 creates print output data to be printed on a predetermined slip sheet (# 111). ). The print output data includes the actual energy usage amount J _NM (total gas usage amount W), the general gas usage amount V, the specific gas usage amount U, and the predicted value U of the specific gas usage amount for the next month. ', The gas charge (V × P) for the general gas use amount V in the billing month and the gas charge (U × P × (1-D)) or discount (U × P × D) for the specific energy use amount U Both and the charging fee K1 are generated, for example, in a predetermined table format and a graph format so that each value can be compared with each other. Furthermore, the print output data includes the daily usage time t0, the target daily usage time tx, their time difference (tx-t0), the target daily predicted usage time tx ', and the time difference between the target daily predicted usage time tx' and the daily usage time t0 ( tx'-t0). The output means 5 outputs the generated print output data to the predetermined slip issuing printer device 18 via the computer network 11, and the usage statement slip is printed out (# 112). As an example of printing on the usage statement slip, for example, “The amount of gas used for floor heating of M month XX was U (m ³ ) and the discount rate was D2. The floor heating usage time per day By increasing (tx-t0) hours, the discount rate will be D3, and in the following month, the average temperature will drop, so the floor heating gas consumption is expected to be U '(m ³ ). If the usage time is increased by (tx'-t0) hours from M month, the discount rate is expected to be D3, and floor heating can be used more economically. "

  In the output process of step # 11, when there is a request for browsing the billing contents from the specific customer via the Internet 20 (# 113), the output means 5 outputs the output data having the same contents as the print output data to the WEB. The data is output in the format (# 114). Specifically, a WEB server 19 that manages a homepage opened for a customer is connected to the system 1 of the present invention via the computer network 11 so as to be able to send and receive data to each other, and the WEB server 19 responds to the browsing request. In response, the specific customer and the billing month are specified, the output means 5 is requested to output the output data in the WEB format, and the output means 5 creates the output data corresponding to the specific customer and the billing month. 19 (# 115). The WEB server 19 transmits the received output data to the computer terminal 21 of the specific customer via the Internet 20. The output data can be viewed on the display screen of the computer terminal 21. Note that the output data may be displayed on a display screen of a kitchen remote controller, a water heater remote controller, or the like via the computer terminal 21 and the home network.

  When the determination in step # 2 (# 22) or the determination in step # 3 has shifted to the normal charging process (step # 12), in step # 12, the normal non-discounted charging fee K0 according to the formula 3 is used. Is calculated.

(Equation 3)
K0 = W × P

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the system of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the inventive system 1 ′ according to the second embodiment includes an operation frequency calculation means 6, a unit usage time calculation means 7, a target unit usage time calculation means 8, a specific energy usage. An amount prediction unit 9, an output unit 5, and a storage unit 10 are provided. The connection relationship between the discount fee billing system 30 and the peripheral devices 12 to 19 of the system 1 ′ of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that a unit usage time calculation unit 7 is provided instead of the daily usage time calculation unit 2, and a target unit usage time calculation unit 8 is provided instead of the target day usage time calculation unit 3. The operation frequency calculation means 6 is newly provided. Further, the output unit 5 and the storage unit 10 have the same basic functions as those in the first embodiment, but the data to be handled is the data generated by the units 6 to 9 and the processes of the units 6 to 9. This is slightly different from the first embodiment in that the data is used for the first embodiment.

  Also in the second embodiment, a floor heating system is assumed as the specific gas appliance. Accordingly, the storage means 10 stores the processing results of the means 6 to 9 and the processing results of the means 31 and 33 to 37 of the discount fee billing system 30, and the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific gas appliance. The variation pattern of the gas usage G per unit time with respect to t and the singular values (U1, U2, U3) of the specific gas usage U in which the discount rate increases stepwise are stored.

  The number-of-operations calculation means 6 calculates the number of times the specific gas equipment is operated in the billing month based on a usage pattern registered in advance in the storage means 10. The usage pattern includes, for example, the number of operations per day of a specific gas device of a specific customer (one operation is from start to stop, excluding those that are internally operated intermittently as operation control). Or register separately for weekdays and holidays. Specifically, a specific customer is interviewed for the number of drivings in an average usage pattern, and the result is registered as a usage pattern. For example, it is assumed that Monday to Friday go out in the daytime, so that it is used twice in the morning and evening, and the holiday is once throughout the day. Therefore, the operation number calculation means 6 calculates the number of days d1 for one operation, the number of days d2 for two operations and the number of days d3 for three operations from the usage pattern, The number of operations n in the billing month is calculated using the formula (4). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the number of driving times is not four times or more per day. However, when the number of driving times includes four or more times, the product of the number of days and the number of times of four times or more on the right side of the formula 4 May be added sequentially. In addition, the driving frequency calculation means 6 calculates the driving frequency n 'of the month following the billing month in the same manner.

(Equation 4)
n = n1 + 2 × n2 + 3 × n3

  The unit usage time calculation means 7 divides the specific gas usage amount U estimated by the discount charge billing system 30 by the operation number n of the accounting month calculated by the operation frequency calculation means 6, and the specific gas unit usage amount per operation. F2 (= U / n) is calculated, and the accumulated amount of gas used once when the specific gas appliance (floor heating system) is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month stored in the storage means 10 is a specific gas unit. The elapsed time for the usage amount F2 is calculated as a unit usage time t2 for a specific gas device.

  The target unit usage time calculation means 8 obtains the minimum target singular value Umin that is greater than or equal to the specific gas use amount U estimated in the discount charge system 30 from the singular values (U1, U2, U3) stored in the storage means 10. The specific energy target unit usage amount Fy (= Umin / n) obtained by detecting and dividing the target singular value Umin by the number of operations n in the billing month is calculated, and the billing month fluctuation stored in the storage means 10 is calculated. The elapsed time when the accumulated gas usage amount at one time when the specific gas device is operated with the pattern becomes the specific gas target unit usage amount Fy is calculated as the target unit usage time ty per time of the specific gas device.

  Further, the target unit usage time calculation means 8 uses the specific gas usage in the month following the billing month predicted by the specific gas usage amount prediction means 9 described later from the singular values (U1, U2, U3) stored in the storage means 10. A minimum target singular value Umin ′ that is greater than or equal to the predicted value U ′ of the quantity is detected, and a specific gas target unit predicted use amount Fy ′ obtained by dividing the target singular value Umin ′ by the number of operations n ′ in the following month is calculated; The elapsed time when the accumulated gas use amount of one time when the specific gas device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the next month of the billing month stored in the storage means 10 becomes the specific gas target unit predicted use amount Fy ′ is calculated as the following month. It is calculated as the target unit predicted use time ty ′ per time for the specific gas appliance.

  The specific gas usage amount prediction means 9 (corresponding to the specific energy usage amount prediction means) is based on the unit usage time t2 calculated by the unit usage time calculation means 7 and changes in the next month of the billing month stored in the storage means 10. The predicted value U ′ of the specific gas usage amount for the next month is calculated using the pattern.

  The output means 5 prints out a predetermined slip sheet in order to issue a gas bill (discount fee) for the billing month calculated by the discount billing system 30 and a usage slip for notifying the total gas usage amount for the billing month. Create print output data. In addition to the total gas usage W for the billing month, the specific gas usage U, the general gas usage V used in general gas equipment other than the specific gas equipment, and the gas charge (discounted), The unit usage time t2 calculated by the unit usage time calculation means 7, the target unit usage time ty calculated by the target unit usage time calculation means 8, the time difference between them (ty-t2), and the specific gas usage for the next month The predicted value U ′, the target unit predicted usage time ty ′ calculated by the target unit usage time calculation means 8, and the time difference (ty′−t2) between the target unit predicted usage time ty ′ and the unit usage time t2 are included.

  Each means 6-9 of the system 1 'of the present invention is composed of computer hardware and application software executed on the hardware.

  Next, functions of the respective means 5 to 9 of the system 1 'of the present invention and processing operations thereof will be described with reference to the system configuration diagram of FIG. 6 and the flowchart of FIG. The functions of the means 31 to 37 of the discount fee billing system 30 and their processing operations are the same as the processing steps # 1 to # 6 (see FIG. 4) of the first embodiment. Omit.

  Subsequent to step # 6 of the discount fee billing system 30, in the operation number calculation step of step # 13, the operation number calculation means 6 charges according to the calculation formula of the number 4 based on the usage pattern registered in the storage means 10 in advance. The number of operations n in the month (N year M month) is calculated. Further, based on the same usage pattern, the number of operations n ′ in the billing month (N year (M + 1) month) is calculated by the same calculation formula as in the above equation 4.

  Next, in the unit usage time calculation step of step # 14, the unit usage time calculation means 7 calculates the specific gas usage amount U calculated in the specific energy usage amount estimation step of step # 5 (see FIG. 4) as the billing month (N The specific gas daily use amount F2 (= U / n) per time is calculated by dividing by the number of operations n of year M month (# 141), and the billing month (N years) stored in the storage means 10 When the specific gas device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of (M month), the elapsed time when the accumulated gas use amount at one time becomes the specific gas daily use amount F2 is calculated as the unit use time t2 per time of the specific gas device. (# 142).

  Next, in the target unit usage time calculation step of step # 15, the target unit usage time calculation means 8 minimizes the specific gas usage amount U or more from the singular values (U1, U2, U3) stored in the storage means 10. Target specific value Umin is detected (# 151), and specific energy target unit usage amount Fy obtained by dividing target singular value Umin by the number of operations n in the billing month (N year M month) is calculated (# 152). The elapsed time when the accumulated gas usage amount becomes the specific gas target unit usage amount Fy when the specific gas device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month (N year M month) stored in the storage means 10. Then, it is calculated as the target unit usage time ty per time for the specific gas appliance (# 153).

Next, in the specific gas usage amount prediction step of step # 16, the specific gas usage amount prediction means 9 is stored in the storage means 10 based on the unit usage time t2 calculated by the unit usage time calculation means 7. The predicted value U ′ of the specific gas usage amount for the next month is calculated using the fluctuation pattern of the month following the month (N year (M + 1) month). Specifically, for example, assuming that the specific gas device is a floor heating system, the average use time of one time of the specific gas device is the month of the billing month (M assuming a constant variation ratio Rt2 (M) in response to) the variation ratio Rt2 in unit dosage time t2 billing month multiplied by the unit time of use of the following month (M) is a t2 '. Then, by using the fluctuation pattern of the next month (N year (M + 1) month), the gas use amount G per unit time until the time t2 ′ from the start of operation is integrated to predict the specific gas unit used per time. The amount F2 ′ is calculated (# 161), and this is multiplied by the number of operations n ′ in the next month to calculate the predicted value U ′ (= F2 ′ × n ′) of the specific gas usage amount in the next month (# 162). Note that the fluctuation ratio Rt2 (M) is, for example, the actual value of the fluctuation ratio Rt2 of the same month of the previous year calculated using the unit usage time t2 of each month of the previous year when the usage record of the specific gas appliance is one year or more. If it is used and the usage record is less than one year, a predetermined default value is used.

  Next, in the target unit predicted use time calculation step of step # 17, the target unit use time calculation means 8 selects the specific gas of step # 16 from the singular values (U1, U2, U3) stored in the storage means 10. The minimum target singular value Umin ′ that is equal to or more than the predicted value U ′ of the specific gas usage amount predicted for the next month (N year (M + 1) month) predicted in the usage amount prediction step is detected, and the target singular value Umin ′ is determined as the number of operations n in the next month. The specific gas target unit predicted use amount Fy '(= Umin' / n ') obtained by dividing by' is calculated (# 171), and the next month (N year (M + 1) month) stored in the storage means 10 is calculated. The elapsed time when the accumulated gas usage at one time when the specific gas device is operated with the fluctuation pattern becomes the specific gas target unit predicted usage amount Fy ′ is calculated as the target unit predicted usage time ty per specific gas device for the next month. Calculate as' (# 172).

Next, in the output process of step # 18, the following processing is executed. First, in order to issue a usage statement slip that informs a specific customer of the billing fee K1 and the total gas usage W of the billing month, the output means 5 creates print output data to be printed on a predetermined slip sheet (# 181). ). The print output data includes the actual energy usage amount J _NM (total gas usage amount W), the general gas usage amount V, the specific gas usage amount U, and the predicted value U of the specific gas usage amount for the next month. ', The gas charge (V × P) for the general gas use amount V in the billing month and the gas charge (U × P × (1-D)) or discount (U × P × D) for the specific energy use amount U Both and the charging fee K1 are generated, for example, in a predetermined table format and a graph format so that each value can be compared with each other. Further, the print output data includes a unit usage time t2, a target unit usage time ty, a time difference between them (ty−t2), a target unit predicted usage time ty ′, and a time difference between the target unit predicted usage time ty ′ and the unit usage time t2 ( ty'-t2). The output means 5 outputs the generated print output data to the predetermined slip issuing printer device 18 via the computer network 11 and prints out the usage statement slip (# 182). As an example of printing on the usage statement slip, for example, “M month XX floor heating gas usage was U (m ³ ) and discount rate was D2. Floor heating usage time per time By increasing (ty-t2) hours, the discount rate will be D3, and the average temperature will drop in the following month, so the floor heating gas consumption is expected to be U '(m ³ ). By increasing the heating usage time (ty'-t2) hours from M months, the discount rate is expected to be D3, and floor heating can be used more economically. "

  In the output process of step # 18, when there is a request for browsing the billing contents from the specific customer via the Internet 20 (# 183), the output means 5 outputs the output data having the same contents as the print output data to the WEB. The data is output in the format (# 184). Specifically, a WEB server 19 that manages a homepage opened for a customer is connected to the system 1 of the present invention via the computer network 11 so as to be able to send and receive data to each other, and the WEB server 19 responds to the browsing request. In response, the specific customer and the billing month are specified, the output means 5 is requested to output the output data in the WEB format, and the output means 5 creates the output data corresponding to the specific customer and the billing month. 19 (# 185). The WEB server 19 transmits the received output data to the computer terminal 21 of the specific customer via the Internet 20.

  In 2nd Embodiment, when the frequency | count of operation of a specific gas apparatus is once a day, it becomes the same as 1st Embodiment. Therefore, the system of the present invention of the second embodiment has a configuration that can cope with various usage forms of the specific gas equipment.

  Hereinafter, another embodiment of the system of the present invention will be described.

  <1> In each of the above embodiments, the specific gas use amount U used in the processing of the present invention system 1, 1 ′ uses the value estimated in the discount charge billing system 30. It is not limited to the estimation method exemplified in the form. Therefore, the configuration of the discount fee billing system 30 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. Further, the connection relationship between the peripheral systems 12 to 19 of the inventive system 1, 1 ′ is not limited to the above embodiment.

<2> In each of the above embodiments, the fluctuation pattern of the gas usage amount G (m ³ / h) per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific gas appliance is the standard temperature of each charging month for each charging month. The standardized variation pattern is stored in the storage means 10 and used for each processing of the present system 1, 1 ′. By the way, an error may occur between the average temperature of the billing month and the predicted average temperature of the following month from the standard temperature assumed when setting the variation pattern of each billing month. Accordingly, the present invention system 1, 1 ′ is provided with a fluctuation pattern correction means for correcting the fluctuation pattern based on the actual value of the average temperature of the billing month and the expected average temperature of the following month, and the corrected fluctuation pattern is processed by each of the above processes. Is preferably used. In the fluctuation pattern correction process, two or more fluctuation patterns close to the actual value of the average temperature or the predicted average temperature are extracted from the fluctuation patterns of each billing month stored in the storage unit 10, and the extracted fluctuation patterns are extracted. The elapsed time t at the transition points p1 to p5 and the value of the gas usage G per unit time are interpolated using the standard temperature of the variation pattern.

<3> In each of the above embodiments, the fluctuation pattern of the gas usage amount G (m ³ / h) per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific gas appliance is the standard temperature of each charging month for each charging month. The standardized variation pattern is stored in the storage means 10 and used for each processing of the present system 1, 1 ′. Instead, regardless of the billing month, a fluctuation pattern standardized at a plurality of standard temperatures (for example, in increments of 5 ° C.) is prepared in the storage means 10, and the actual value of the billing month average temperature and the following month Based on the predicted average temperature, a necessary variation pattern may be generated each time by interpolation processing using the standard temperature of the variation pattern.

  Regardless of the billing month, one fluctuation pattern standardized at a predetermined standard temperature is prepared in the storage means 10 and is necessary based on the actual value of the billing month average temperature and the expected average temperature of the following month. Based on the temperature sensitivity set for each transition point p1 to p5, the elapsed time t of the transition point p1 to p5 and the value of the gas usage G per unit time of the various variation points You may make it calculate the value of the gas usage-amount G per time t and unit time.

  <4> In each of the above embodiments, as the target singular value Umin, a minimum value is selected from the singular values (U1, U2, U3) above the specific gas usage amount U estimated in the discount charge system 30; As the target singular value Umin ′, the smallest value that is greater than or equal to the predicted value U ′ of the specific gas usage amount in the month following the billing month predicted by the specific gas usage amount prediction means 4, 9 from the singular values (U 1, U 2, U 3). However, the target singular value Umin and the target singular value Umin ′ may not be the minimum values, or may be a plurality of target singular values Umin and target singular values Umin ′ including the minimum values.

  <5> In the first embodiment, the target day usage time calculation means 3 calculates the target day usage time tx per day of the specific gas appliance in the target day usage time calculation step of step # 8, and step # 10. In the target date predicted usage time calculation step, the case of calculating the target date predicted usage time tx ′ per day of the specific gas appliance for the next month has been described. Either of the target date usage time tx and the target date predicted usage time tx ′ Only one of them is calculated, and in the output step of Step # 11, the target date usage time tx or the target date predicted usage time tx ′ of the output unit 5 calculated, or the time difference (tx−t0) or (tx '-T0) may be printed on the usage statement slip. When only the target date usage time tx is calculated, the specific gas usage amount prediction step in step # 9 is not required, and the specific gas usage amount prediction means 4 is also unnecessary.

  <6> In the second embodiment, the target unit usage time calculation means 8 calculates the target unit usage time ty per time of the specific gas appliance in the target unit usage time calculation step of step # 15. In the 17 target unit predicted usage time calculation step, the case where the target unit predicted usage time ty ′ per specific gas device for the next month is calculated has been described. However, the target unit usage time ty and the target unit predicted usage time ty ′ are described. Or the target unit usage time ty or the target unit predicted usage time ty 'on which the output means 5 is calculated, or the time difference (ty-t2) or (Ty'-t2) may be printed on the usage statement slip. When only the target unit usage time ty is calculated, the specific gas usage amount prediction step of step # 16 is not required, and the specific gas usage amount prediction means 9 is also unnecessary.

<7> In each of the above embodiments, the case where the storage unit 10 stores a variation pattern of the gas usage amount G (m ³ / h) per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific gas appliance is described. However, instead of the variation pattern, the variation pattern of the accumulated usage amount (m ³ ) of the gas usage amount G (m ³ / h) with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific gas appliance is stored in the storage unit 10. You may utilize for each process of this invention system 1,1 '.

  <8> In the above embodiments, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the description has been made assuming that there is one model of specific gas equipment, but two or more types of specific gas equipment may be used. In this case, steps # 7 to # 10 (see FIG. 5) other than the output process (# 11 and # 18) or steps # 13 to # 17 (see FIG. 7) are executed for each model. That's fine.

  <9> In the above embodiments, for convenience of explanation, the energy type is city gas, but the energy type is not limited to city gas.

  The discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention can be used to promote utilization of a specific energy consuming device. In particular, the energy usage fee for the specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device is discounted by a discount rate that increases in stages as the specific energy usage increases, and the energy for the general energy usage consumed by other energy consuming devices is reduced. It can be used for a discount fee billing system that charges together with a usage fee.

The figure which shows an example of the discount rate with respect to the energy usage charge with respect to the specific energy usage amount which the specific energy consumption apparatus consumed, and was set so that it might increase in steps as the specific energy usage amount increased The block block diagram which shows one Embodiment of the discount charge utilization promotion system which concerns on this invention The figure which shows typically an example of the fluctuation pattern of the energy usage per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the driving | operation start in a specific energy consuming apparatus. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing procedure of the discount charge billing system used with the discount charge utilization promotion system which concerns on this invention The flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence performed in one Embodiment of the discount charge utilization promotion system which concerns on this invention. The block block diagram which shows another embodiment of the discount charge utilization promotion system which concerns on this invention The flowchart which shows an example of the process procedure performed in another embodiment of the discount charge utilization promotion system which concerns on this invention.

1, 1 ': Discount charge utilization promotion system according to the present invention 2: Daily usage time calculation means 3: Target day usage time calculation means 4, 9: Specific energy usage amount prediction means 5: Output means 6: Operation frequency calculation means 7 : Unit usage time calculation means 8: Target unit usage time calculation means 10: Storage means 11: Computer network 12: Customer database server 13: Usage database server 14: Customer database 15: Usage database 16: Input terminal 17: Automatic meter reading Data receiving device 18: Printer device 19: WEB server 20: Internet 21: Computer terminal 30: Discount charge billing system 31: Device information input means 32: Discount target device table 33: Usage result input means 34: General energy usage estimation means 35: Specific energy usage estimation Determination means 36: Discount application determination means 37: Discount charge calculation means

Claims (11)

Energy usage for general energy consumption consumed by other energy consuming devices by discounting an energy usage fee for specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device by a discount rate that increases stepwise as the specific energy usage increases In cooperation with the discount fee billing system that charges together with the fee, the calculation time of the specific energy consuming equipment that can apply a higher discount rate to the specific customer to whom the discount is applied is calculated by computer calculation processing. A discount rate usage promotion system to present
Fluctuation pattern of energy usage or accumulated energy usage per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device, and the specific energy in which the discount rate of the specific energy consuming device increases stepwise Storage means for storing one or more singular values of the usage amount;
A specific energy daily usage amount per day of the specific energy usage amount obtained by dividing the specific energy usage amount estimated in the discount fee billing system by the number of days in the billing month is calculated and stored in the storage means. Referring to the fluctuation pattern, the elapsed time when the accumulated energy usage amount per day when the specific energy consuming device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month becomes the specific energy daily usage quantity A daily usage time calculating means for calculating the daily usage time per day of the energy consuming device;
A specific energy target obtained by detecting at least one target singular value that is equal to or greater than the estimated value of the specific energy usage from the singular value stored in the storage means, and dividing the target singular value by the number of days in the billing month. The daily usage amount is calculated , and the accumulated energy usage amount per day when the specific energy consuming device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month by referring to the fluctuation pattern stored in the storage means. A target day usage time calculating means for calculating an elapsed time as the specific energy target daily usage as a target day usage time per day of the specific energy consuming device;
A discount charge usage promotion system characterized by comprising: Energy usage for general energy consumption consumed by other energy consuming devices by discounting an energy usage fee for specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device with a discount rate that increases stepwise as the specific energy usage increases In cooperation with the discount fee billing system that charges together with the fee, the calculation time of the specific energy consuming equipment that can apply a higher discount rate to the specific customer to whom the discount is applied is calculated by computer calculation processing. A discount rate usage promotion system to present
Fluctuation pattern of energy usage or accumulated energy usage per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device, and the specific energy in which the discount rate of the specific energy consuming device increases stepwise Storage means for storing one or more singular values of the usage amount;
A specific energy daily usage amount per day of the specific energy usage amount obtained by dividing the specific energy usage amount estimated in the discount fee billing system by the number of days in the billing month is calculated and stored in the storage means. Referring to the fluctuation pattern, the elapsed time when the accumulated energy usage amount per day when the specific energy consuming device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month becomes the specific energy daily usage quantity A daily usage time calculating means for calculating the daily usage time per day of the energy consuming device;
Based on the day usage time calculated by the day usage time calculation means, the day usage time of the month following the billing month is estimated, and with reference to the variation pattern stored in the storage means, The amount of the specific energy consumption in the next month is obtained by multiplying the accumulated energy usage of one day when the specific energy consuming device is operated in the estimated daily usage time with the fluctuation pattern of the next month by the number of days in the next month. Specific energy usage amount predicting means for calculating the predicted value of
Detecting at least one target specific value above the predicted value of the specific energy consumption at the month after the specific energy consumption prediction unit was calculated from the singular value stored in the storage means, the target specific value Calculate a specific energy target daily predicted usage amount obtained by dividing by the number of days in the next month, refer to the variation pattern stored in the storage means, and identify the specific energy in the variation pattern in the month following the billing month. Target date usage for calculating the elapsed time when the accumulated energy usage amount per day when the energy consuming device is operated becomes the specific energy target daily predicted usage amount as the target daily predicted usage time per day of the specific energy consuming device Time calculation means;
A discount charge usage promotion system characterized by comprising:   At least one of each usage time per day of the specific energy consuming device converted by the day usage time calculation unit and the target day usage time calculation unit and a time difference between the usage hours is calculated as the billing month. 3. An output means for generating output data to be output on a usage statement slip or a predetermined display screen for notifying the specific customer of the energy usage amount and the energy usage fee. The discount rate promotion system described. Energy usage for general energy consumption consumed by other energy consuming devices by discounting an energy usage fee for specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device with a discount rate that increases stepwise as the specific energy usage increases In cooperation with the discount fee billing system that charges together with the fee, the calculation time of the specific energy consuming equipment that can apply a higher discount rate to the specific customer to whom the discount is applied is calculated by computer calculation processing. A discount rate usage promotion system to present
Fluctuation pattern of energy usage amount or accumulated energy usage amount per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device, the specific energy usage amount in which the discount rate of the specific energy consuming device increases stepwise Storage means for storing one or a plurality of singular values and a usage pattern that defines the number of operations per day of the specific energy consuming device;
The total number of operation times of the specific energy consuming device in the billing month is calculated by summing up the number of operation times per day for each day belonging to the billing month based on the usage pattern registered in advance in the storage means. Driving number calculation means,
Calculating the specific energy unit usage per the specific energy consumption obtained by dividing the specific energy consumption which is estimated at the discounted rate billing system in the operating frequency of billing month, in the storage means With reference to the stored variation pattern, an elapsed time during which the accumulated energy usage at a time when the specific energy consuming device is operated with the variation pattern of the billing month becomes the specific energy unit usage amount is determined. Unit usage time calculation means for calculating the unit usage time per time of the specific energy consuming device;
A specific value obtained by detecting at least one target singular value that is equal to or greater than the estimated value of the specific energy usage from the singular value stored in the storage means, and dividing the target singular value by the number of operations in the billing month. Energy target unit usage is calculated, and referring to the fluctuation pattern stored in the storage means, one cumulative energy use when the specific energy consuming device is operated with the fluctuation pattern of the billing month A target unit usage time calculating means for calculating an elapsed time when the amount becomes the specific energy target unit usage as a target unit usage time per time of the specific energy consuming device;
A discount charge usage promotion system characterized by comprising: Energy usage for general energy consumption consumed by other energy consuming devices by discounting an energy usage fee for specific energy consumption consumed by a specific energy consuming device by a discount rate that increases stepwise as the specific energy usage increases In cooperation with the discount fee billing system that charges together with the fee, the calculation time of the specific energy consuming equipment that can apply a higher discount rate to the specific customer to whom the discount is applied is calculated by computer calculation processing. A discount rate usage promotion system to present
Fluctuation pattern of energy usage amount or accumulated energy usage amount per unit time with respect to the elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device, the specific energy usage amount in which the discount rate of the specific energy consuming device increases stepwise Storage means for storing one or a plurality of singular values and a usage pattern that defines the number of operations per day of the specific energy consuming device;
Based on the usage pattern pre-registered in the storage means , the total number of operation times of the specific energy consuming device in the billing month and the following month, respectively, is calculated as the billing month or the next month. Driving frequency calculation means for calculating the total for each day to which it belongs ;
Calculating the specific energy unit usage per the specific energy consumption obtained by dividing the specific energy consumption which is estimated at the discounted rate billing system in the operating frequency of billing month, in the storage means With reference to the stored variation pattern, an elapsed time during which the accumulated energy usage at a time when the specific energy consuming device is operated with the variation pattern of the billing month becomes the specific energy unit usage amount is determined. Unit usage time calculating means for calculating the unit usage time per time of the specific energy consuming device;
Based on the unit usage time calculated by the unit usage time calculation unit, the unit usage time of the month following the accounting month is estimated, and the variation pattern stored in the storage unit is referred to, and The accumulated energy usage of one time when the specific energy consuming device is operated for the estimated unit usage time with the fluctuation pattern of the next month is multiplied by the total number of times of operation for the next month calculated by the operation frequency calculation means. the amount of the specific energy consumption prediction means for calculating a predicted value of the specific energy consumption in the next month,
At least one target singular value that is equal to or greater than the predicted value of the specific energy usage amount calculated in the next month calculated by the specific energy usage amount prediction unit is detected from the singular values stored in the storage unit, and the target singular value is determined. The specific energy target unit predicted usage obtained by dividing by the total number of operations in the next month is calculated, and the fluctuation pattern in the month following the billing month is referred to by referring to the fluctuation pattern stored in the storage means in a target unit estimated usage time per the specific energy consuming device once elapsed time accumulated energy consumption is the specific energy target units predicted usage of the case of operating the specific energy consuming device a target unit operating time calculating means for calculating,
A discount charge usage promotion system characterized by comprising:   At least one of each usage time per time of the specific energy consuming device converted by the unit usage time calculation unit and the target unit usage time calculation unit and a time difference between the usage times is calculated as the charge 6. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising output means for generating output data to be output on a usage statement slip or a predetermined display screen for notifying the specific customer of a monthly energy usage amount and an energy usage fee. The discount charge promotion system described in 1. 7. The usage pattern according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the number of operations per day of the specific energy consuming device is stored in the storage means by day of the week or by weekdays and holidays. The discount charge promotion system described in 1. The discount rate utilization promotion system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the fluctuation pattern is stored in the storage unit for each discount target billing month of the specific energy consuming device. Correction means for correcting the fluctuation pattern based on the difference between the average temperature of the charging month and the standard temperature that is the basis of the fluctuation pattern set in the discount target charging month corresponding to the charging month. The discount charge utilization promotion system according to claim 8 , wherein: The fluctuation pattern is stored in the storage means as a fluctuation pattern of energy usage per unit time or accumulated energy usage for an elapsed time from the start of operation of the specific energy consuming device at a predetermined standard temperature.
The promotion of use of a discounted charge according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising correction means for correcting the fluctuation pattern based on a difference between an average temperature of the billing month and the standard temperature. system. The discount fee billing system is
Device information input means for receiving input of the type of the specific energy consuming device of the specific customer to which the discount is applied;
A discount target device table in which the type of the specific energy consuming device, the use period, and the discount rate are associated with each other and registered so as to be searchable;
Usage record input means for receiving input of actual energy usage in the billing month of the specific customer;
Discount application determination means for acquiring the use time of the specific energy consuming device received by the device information input means by searching the discount target device table and determining whether the billing month is included in the use time; ,
Prior to the use time of the specific energy consuming equipment acquired by the discount application determination means, the actual energy use amount of the reference month of the specific customer billing month and the same month is searched and acquired from the use amount database, General energy for correcting the acquired actual energy usage amount with reference to the temperature data of the billing month and the reference month, and estimating the corrected actual energy usage amount as the general energy usage amount in the billing month of the specific customer Usage estimation means;
Specific energy usage estimation for calculating the specific energy usage in the billing month of the specific customer as a difference value obtained by subtracting the general energy usage estimated by the general energy usage estimation means from the actual energy usage in the billing month Means,
When the billing month is included in the usage period and determined to be a discount application month, the discount target device table is searched to obtain the discount rate according to the specific energy usage, and the specific energy usage estimation A discount charge calculation means for calculating a discount amount obtained by multiplying the specific energy usage estimated by the means by a unit price and a discount rate, and subtracting the discount amount from a normal energy charge when no discount is applied. When,
The discount charge utilization promotion system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , characterized by comprising: