JP4894384B2 - Gas appliance monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for identifying a plurality of gas appliances connected to a gas pipe after passing through a gas meter, individually monitoring the use state of gas, and extracting life information from the monitoring data.

  Conventionally, as this kind of monitoring device, the presence of abnormalities in the elderly and the homes requiring care is routinely detected without violating the privacy of the elderly living alone and the care recipients by monitoring the usage status of various types of energy. A system has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this patent document 1, the usage status of public services such as electricity, gas, and water in the contractor's house is detected for each individual contractor's house, and the life status of the contractor's house is measured via a network such as the Internet. At the time of judgment of abnormality by judging whether or not there is an abnormality in the contractor's house based on the change in the usage state of the public service of the contractor's house sent to the server operated by the life status confirmation company for confirmation This is a remote support system for the elderly / care recipients to give warnings. Standard usage data for public services at the contractor's house is set and compared with this standard data to determine the presence or absence of abnormalities. It is.

  In addition, as a method of confirming the safety of the person being monitored using the usage data of individual devices, there is a method of confirming the number of times the refrigerator door is opened and closing and outputting a safety confirmation signal. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, there is a gas meter that measures gas consumption. The gas meter measures a non-consumption period in which the fuel gas is not consumed by the consumer, and the non-consumption period reaches a preset allowable period. In some cases, it is determined whether or not warning information is output based on the determination result (for example, Patent Document 3).
JP 2003-6337 A JP 2003-185315 A JP 2003-156375 A

  However, the monitoring device disclosed in each of the above-mentioned patent documents needs to be provided with a dedicated device or means for acquiring a living information signal. In particular, in Patent Document 1, the electricity, gas, It is necessary to acquire usage data of public services such as water supply, and a dedicated monitoring agent for constantly monitoring the data is required, and a complicated system construction is required.

  Moreover, since the thing of patent document 2 detects the opening / closing operation | movement of the door of a refrigerator, and produces | generates a life information signal, it is necessary to provide the opening / closing operation | movement detection apparatus which is not required in a normal usage form, Therefore, it was necessary to construct a separate network for reporting the life signal.

  Moreover, since the thing of patent document 3 confirms a consumer's safety from the consumption state of gas, and judges that it is abnormal when there is no change in the measurement data of a gas meter, the gas appliance is used. When the condition worsens, the detection cannot be performed, leaving a problem with certainty.

  Furthermore, it is necessary to establish a dedicated notification network by connecting a telephone line or the Internet to a monitoring center or a specific notification destination as a means of reporting when an abnormality occurs, and a complicated system construction is required. It was.

  The invention of the present application solves the above-mentioned problems. In the case of reporting safety information using a portable terminal, the present invention is limited to cases where the presence of the portable terminal device is confirmed as a usable condition of the gas appliance. In addition to ensuring reporting means in the case of 1, the gas appliances used in the home are automatically identified, monitored as appliance usage data for each predetermined time period based on the discrimination data, and multiple determinations of the monitoring data By generating a life information signal based on conditions, the probability of false alarms is reduced and the life information signal is generated with high accuracy. Furthermore, the life information signal is generated by a wireless communication means built in the gas meter and a portable terminal device. By reporting, it is possible to report in the event of an abnormality even in an environment where a dedicated network is not established, and it is a relatively simple system for the safety information of elderly people who need to live alone or those who need care. In quickly and accurately detected, there is provided a gas appliance monitoring apparatus capable of informing.

In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the gas appliance monitoring apparatus of the present invention includes a flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate, a shut-off valve for shutting off a gas flow path, and a comparison for discriminating the type or usage pattern of the gas appliance. Registration storage means for storing a flow rate pattern as reference data, time zone setting means for arbitrarily setting a monitoring time zone, and conditions for generating a life information signal based on appliance information used for each monitoring time zone Appliance information setting means for each time zone to be set, appliance determination means for comparing the flow rate pattern of the registration storage means and the gas flow rate value measured by the flow rate measurement means to determine the gas appliance to be used or the usage pattern, and the monitoring time It is equipped with equipment-specific monitoring means for monitoring the usage status for each band and wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving various data. It is a device capable of individually monitoring the usage status and transmitting / receiving to / from the portable terminal device by wireless communication means, and the device-by-device monitoring means has started using the device with a signal from the flow rate measuring means When this is detected, the wireless communication means is instructed to start communication with the mobile terminal device, and the presence / absence of a response signal from the mobile terminal device is determined. If there is a response signal, the gas supply is continued. The appliance usage status is monitored, and when there is no response signal, the usage of the appliance is restricted by a predetermined warning action.

According to the above invention, in the case where the portable terminal device is used as means for confirming the safety information of the elderly living alone or the person in need of care using the flow rate data measured by the gas meter and reporting the safety information, the gas meter is built in. Check whether or not the mobile terminal device exists within the range where the report signal from the wireless communication means can be received. If not, for example, shut off the shut-off valve so that gas cannot be supplied and report A dedicated network has not been established by urging attention to start using gas appliances after placing a portable terminal device as a means, and ensuring a means of reporting in the unlikely event Even in the environment, it is possible to report when there is an abnormality, and it is possible to quickly and accurately detect and notify the safety information of elderly people who need to live alone or those who need care.

  Specifically, the life information signal that needs to be reported accurately and quickly is compared with a flow rate pattern for appliance discrimination in which appliance information such as the type or usage of gas appliances used in the home is set in advance. This makes it possible to discriminate the appliance with high accuracy, store the appliance discrimination result for each predetermined time zone, and use it as the appliance usage data for each time zone. Among the appliance usage data for each time zone, a plurality of predetermined conditions Since the life information signal is generated when satisfied, it is possible to generate a reliable life information signal while preventing misinformation due to irregularity, and based on the determination result for each predetermined time zone Therefore, it is possible to confirm an abnormality relatively quickly and to generate a life information signal with high accuracy using the functions of the gas meter. It is possible to simplify the configuration, and when the use of the instrument is started, the wireless communication means built in the gas meter and the portable terminal device which is a means for reporting the life information signal Since it is possible to use equipment when communication is established and communication is established between each other, even if the condition worsens during use of the equipment, ensure the function of reporting in the event of an abnormality It is something that can be done.

According to the gas appliance monitoring apparatus of the present invention, when using the portable terminal device as a means for confirming the safety information of the elderly living alone or the care recipient, using the flow rate data measured by the gas meter, and reporting the safety information In this case, it is confirmed whether or not the portable terminal device exists within a range in which the notification signal from the wireless communication means built in the gas meter can be received. If not, for example, the shut-off valve is closed and gas cannot be supplied. In this way, a dedicated network is established by alerting the user to start using gas appliances after placing the portable terminal device, which is a reporting means, in the vicinity, and ensuring the reporting means in the event of an emergency. It is possible to report when there is an abnormality even in an environment where is not built, and it is possible to quickly and accurately detect and notify the safety information of elderly people who need to live alone or those who need nursing care with a relatively simple system Than is.

The first invention is a registration memory for storing flow rate measurement means for measuring a gas flow rate, a shut-off valve for shutting off a gas flow path, and a flow rate pattern as comparison reference data for discriminating the type or usage of a gas appliance. Means, a time zone setting means for arbitrarily setting a monitoring time zone, and a device information setting means for each time zone for setting a condition for generating a life information signal based on the appliance information used for each monitoring time zone, A device determination unit that compares a flow rate pattern of the registration storage unit with a gas flow rate value measured by the flow rate measurement unit to determine a gas usage or usage pattern; And wireless communication means for sending and receiving various data, individually monitoring the type or usage status of multiple gas appliances connected to the piping after passing through the gas meter, and wireless communication The device is capable of transmitting / receiving to / from the portable terminal device, and the device-by-device monitoring means detects that the use of the device has been started by a signal from the flow rate measuring means, to the wireless communication means. Instructing the start of communication with the mobile terminal device, determining the presence / absence of a response signal from the mobile terminal device, and if there is a response signal, continue to supply gas and monitor the instrument usage status, In this case, the use of the appliance is restricted by a predetermined warning action.

  And the life information signal that needs to be reported accurately and quickly is compared with the flow rate pattern for appliance discrimination, which is preset with appliance information such as the type of gas appliance used in the home or usage pattern. High device discrimination is possible, and this appliance discrimination result is memorized for each predetermined time period to be used as device usage data by time zone. Since the information signal is generated, it is possible to generate a reliable living information signal while preventing irregular misreporting, and to make a determination based on the determination result for each predetermined time period, Since it is possible to quickly confirm abnormalities and to accurately generate life information signals using the functions of the gas meter, a dedicated device is provided separately. There is no need to simplify the configuration, and when the use of the instrument is started, between the wireless communication means built in the gas meter and the portable terminal device which is a reporting means for the life information signal Since it is possible to use equipment when communication is started and communication is established after mutual communication is established, even if the condition becomes worse during use of the equipment, it is possible to ensure a reporting function in the event of an abnormality. Is.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the life information signal is generated on the basis of a plurality of determination conditions set by the device information setting unit for each time zone from the device usage data for each time zone, The wireless communication means instructs the mobile terminal device to transmit the notification signal to an address registered in advance.

  Since the life information signal can be generated with high accuracy using the appliance determination function of the gas meter, there is no need to provide a dedicated device separately, and the configuration can be simplified and a dedicated network has been constructed. It is possible to report when there is an abnormality even in an environment where it is possible to detect the safety information of elderly people who need to live alone or those who need care, quickly and accurately using a relatively simple system, and can notify neighbors and families registered in advance. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication means and the mobile terminal device each have a unique authentication code, and have an authentication means for verifying the authentication code of the communication partner, and control the operation of the shutoff valve according to the verification result. It is characterized by.

  Then, when an authentication code is assigned to each of the wireless communication means and the portable terminal device, and the respective authentication codes are matched and matched, the gas can be supplied, so the resident can go out with the portable terminal device. The device can no longer be used while you are away, so safety can be ensured and the device can be used with the mobile terminal device to which the report is registered nearby. Even when the condition becomes worse, it is possible to ensure the function of reporting when an abnormality occurs.

The fourth invention is characterized in that the closed state of the shut-off valve can be automatically returned when the verification results of the authentication codes of the wireless communication means and the portable terminal device match.

  And even when the use of the instrument is started without the mobile terminal device and the shut-off valve is closed, the mobile terminal device is brought in and collation is performed with the wireless communication means, and the collation result is consistent. In this case, since the device automatically returns to the open state, it is possible to thoroughly use the device in a state where the reporting function is secured, and it is possible to reliably report the safety information of elderly people living alone and those requiring care it can.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of determination conditions set by the device information setting unit for each time zone is a life information signal based on a plurality of device usage information for each time zone at least twice in a predetermined time zone. It is characterized in that it is generated.

  The life information signal is generated based on the data of two or more preset time zones among the appliance determination data stored for each time zone. For example, the time from 6 am to 8 am In the case of data indicating that there is no appliance usage information in the time zone from 8 o'clock to 10 o'clock, it is determined that some kind of abnormality has occurred in living alone, and a life information signal is generated and output. According to this determination method, since the generation of the life information signal is determined based on the data of the two time zones, it is possible to generate a reliable life information signal while preventing erroneous reporting due to irregularities. In addition, in the case of data that there is information on the use of appliances continuously in the morning from 6 to 8 o'clock, from 8 to 10 o'clock, and from 10 o'clock to 12 o'clock, it is also possible to boiled food etc. When it is performed over a relatively long time with a low heat, it is judged that the condition is bad and the gas is forgotten to be stopped, and a life information signal is generated and output. According to this determination method, it is possible to determine an abnormal situation when there is appliance usage information, and a reliable life information signal can be generated. In this way, it is possible to relatively quickly determine the presence or absence of an abnormality when any life pattern is assumed using a combination of appliance usage data for two or more predetermined time periods.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of determination conditions set by the device information setting unit for each time zone generates a life information signal based on at least two or more pieces of appliance information among the appliance information obtained by the appliance determination unit. It is characterized by that.

  Then, when there is information that a plurality of appliances are not used in a predetermined time period, it is determined that there is an abnormality, so that it is possible to generate a reliable life information signal while preventing irregular reporting. For example, in the evening time zone, if there is usage information on the gas stove but there is no usage information on the hot water heater for the bath, it is determined as abnormal and a life information signal is generated. According to this determination method, since the determination is made based on whether or not the appliance is frequently used, it is relatively quickly determined that the life pattern has changed after one appliance has been used and the life pattern has changed. Can be confirmed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the plurality of determination conditions set by the device information setting unit for each time zone is a life information signal depending on whether or not predetermined device information is generated a plurality of times among the device information obtained by the device determination unit. Is generated.

In addition, it is possible to generate a reliable life information signal while preventing erroneous reporting due to irregularities by determining that there is an abnormality when there is information that a predetermined instrument has not been used multiple times in a predetermined time period. it can. For example, if the use of the gas stove is not confirmed in each time zone including breakfast and lunch, it is determined as abnormal and a life information signal is generated. According to this determination method, whether or not the usage data of the appliance to be used in a specific time period is generated is determined by a plurality of confirmations, so that the accuracy of abnormality confirmation can be improved.

In an eighth aspect of the invention, the plurality of determination means set by the device information setting device for each time zone generates a life information signal depending on whether or not predetermined device information is generated in a predetermined time zone. It is characterized by this.

  And, by setting the time zone when a specific device is used in the life pattern and judging whether or not the specific device is used, the accuracy of the device usage information according to the time zone can be improved. A life information signal can be generated.

The ninth invention is characterized in that the time zone setting means sets a monitoring time zone including at least a general meal time zone.

  And since the use information of gas appliances always generate | occur | produces in the monitoring time slot | zone containing a meal time slot | zone, the precision of the appliance usage information classified by time slot | zone can be improved by including this time slot | zone.

A tenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the wireless communication means transmits in a communication form that can be received by the wireless communication means built in the adjacent gas meter.

  And by sending so that all of the wireless communication means built in the gas meter existing in the receivable range can be received without specifying the receiving side address, elderly people living alone in the neighborhood and care recipients living in multiple homes Can be confirmed and contribute to the construction of a regional safety network.

The eleventh invention is characterized in that the wireless communication means operates an alarm device provided in the gas meter so that it can be confirmed that a life information signal is generated in an adjacent house.

  And when an abnormality occurs in the home of an elderly person living alone in the neighborhood or a person who needs care, the alarm device provided in the gas meter of the adjacent house is also activated, so the abnormality occurred in the neighborhood It can respond quickly and contribute to the construction of a safety network around the region.

The twelfth invention is characterized in that ultrasonic waves are used as the flow rate measuring means.

  And by using an ultrasonic wave, it is possible to measure an instantaneous flow rate, and it is possible to perform instrument discrimination with higher accuracy.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  A gas meter 2 is installed at the entrance of the gas supply pipe 1 of each household, and the gas is branched from the gas pipe 3 after passing through the gas meter 2 to a place where various gas appliances used at home are installed. Supplied. For example, a gas water heater 4 is installed outdoors, and hot water generated by the gas water heater 4 is installed in a kitchen hot water tap 5, a bath 6 in which a bathtub and a shower device are installed, a living room and the like through a water pipe. The floor heating 7 is supplied to form various usage forms.

  In addition, when indoors, gas is supplied to a gas table 8 installed in a kitchen, a gas fan heater 9 installed in a living room, a bedroom, or the like, and is used as needed.

  When the installed gas appliance is used and gas consumption occurs, the amount of use is measured by the gas meter 2, and the data is accumulated and stored every predetermined period. The data stored in the gas meter 2 is periodically collected by the gas company using the handy terminal 30, the collected data is brought back to the company, taken into the data management system 35, and the charge is settled for each customer. It is like that. As another gas meter reading system, there is an automatic meter reading system in which the gas meter and the management center are connected by a telephone line and the data stored in the gas meter is taken out by transmitting a data request message from the gas company. Yes, this automatic meter reading system has a function to report the gas meter abnormality information to the center and a function to receive various information from the center in addition to the function to regularly measure the amount of gas used. If a network using a telephone line is established between a central management center and a gas meter, it is possible to report the safety information of elderly people living alone or care recipients to the center etc. via a telephone line. There is no such a network, but a handy terminal such as the former is not used. In addition, there is no means to automatically report when an abnormality occurs in an individual meter reading system, and there has been a strong demand for the construction of a system that can automatically report the safety information of elderly people living alone or those who need care. .

  Therefore, the present invention has been studied with a focus on a system that can automatically report the safety information of elderly people living alone or care recipients in this individual meter reading system, and an example thereof is presented together with the drawings.

  First, in FIG. 1, the gas meter 2 has a built-in wireless communication means 25 for transmitting stored measurement data and the like to the handy terminal 30 so that a normal meter reading operation is performed. Further, the wireless communication means 25 has a function capable of communicating with a specific portable terminal device 34, and when the gas appliance is used, that is, the flow rate measuring means 12 of the gas meter 2 detects the generation of the flow rate. Then, a predetermined signal is transmitted from the wireless communication means 25, and the presence confirmation work of the portable terminal device 34 is performed. In the exchange of signals between the wireless communication unit 25 and the portable terminal device 34, a unique authentication code is set for each, and the portable terminal device 34 receives the authentication code transmitted from the wireless communication unit 25. When the collation result with the authentication code of the gas meter possessed by 34 coincides, a response signal including the authentication code is transmitted from the portable terminal device 34, and the wireless communication means 25 that receives this response signal receives the received authentication code and the possessed authentication. When it is determined whether or not the codes match, it is determined that the portable terminal device 34 serving as a reporting means in the event of a problem is nearby, and the gas supply operation is continued.

  At this time, if the verification result does not match in either of the authentication operations, it is determined that communication between the wireless communication unit 25 and the portable terminal device 34 is not established, and a warning operation is performed or the shutoff valve 15 is closed to close the gas. Stop supplying. This series of operations makes it possible to alert the user to use the gas appliance in a state where the presence of the reporting means is clarified, and is extremely useful in a life monitoring operation using a gas meter.

  Further, the authorization by the collation work to which the authentication code is given is an important element for specifying the portable terminal device 34 in which the report destination is registered in advance.

Also, if authentication is not possible in the initial authentication operation, for example, even if the device is used without the mobile terminal device 34 and the shutoff valve 15 is closed, the mobile terminal device 34 is brought. Since the collation work is performed with the wireless communication means 25 and the collation result matches, the device automatically returns to the open state. It is possible to reliably report the safety information of elderly people who need to live alone or those who need care.

  In addition to the reporting means using the mobile terminal device 34 as described above, as another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the wireless communication means 25 can transmit and receive data to and from adjacent gas meters. When a specific signal is generated, a notification signal for notifying that a specific signal has been generated is transmitted to an adjacent gas meter, and a notification signal from another gas meter is received in advance. You may make it have a function which performs alarm operation. In this case, as a notification signal to be transmitted when a specific signal is generated, a predetermined code number is assigned to distinguish it from a request signal from the handy terminal 30 or the management center 31, and further, the source is specified. If a code or the like is given, a more accurate notification function can be secured.

  The gas meter 2 is provided with a flow rate measuring unit 12 for measuring a gas flow rate. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of ultrasonic sensors is arranged in the gas flow path, and changes according to the flow rate flowing through the flow path. Some measure flow rate by measuring propagation time. Hereinafter, the configuration will be briefly described. The first transmitter / receiver 12A for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves and the second transmitter / receiver 12B for receiving or transmitting ultrasonic waves are arranged in the flow direction, and transmission / reception is performed by the measurement control unit 13 having switching means. Switching is possible, and the flow state of fluid such as gas is detected. The flow rate is measured by processing the signals of the first transmitter / receiver 12A and the second transmitter / receiver 12B. Specifically, the first transmitter / receiver 12A is first driven by the measurement control unit 13 and then the second transmitter / receiver 12B. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the upstream, that is, from the upstream to the downstream. Then, the signal received by the second transmitter / receiver 12B is amplified by the amplifying means provided in the measurement control unit 13, the amplified signal is compared with the reference signal, and after the signal equal to or higher than the reference signal is detected, the measurement control unit The above-described transmission / reception is repeated a predetermined number of times by the repeating means provided at 13, and each time value is measured by a time measuring means such as a timer counter provided at the measurement control unit 13.

  Next, transmission / reception of the first transmitter / receiver 12A and the second transmitter / receiver 12B is switched by the measurement control unit 13 having a switching unit, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the second transmitter / receiver 12B to the first transmitter / receiver 12A, that is, from downstream to upstream. A signal is transmitted, this transmission is repeated as described above, and each time value is measured. Then, the flow rate value is obtained by the signal processing means 14 in consideration of the size of the flow path 11 and the fluid flow state from the ultrasonic propagation time difference between the first transceiver 12A and the second transceiver 12B.

  In this way, since it is possible to accurately detect a flow rate change in a short cycle by obtaining a gas flow rate using ultrasonic waves, it is possible to detect a specific flow rate pattern associated with the type of appliance and usage pattern, It has a feature that it can reliably detect the types of gas appliances installed in the home and their usage. And by using this appliance discrimination function, various services can be provided. As an example, a gas appliance to be used in the home is automatically discriminated and predetermined based on the discrimination data. By monitoring device usage data by time of day and generating life information signals based on multiple judgment conditions of the monitoring data, the probability of false alarms as safety information for elderly living alone and those requiring care is reduced and accurate. While generating a living information signal, the living information signal can be notified to a report destination registered in advance using the mobile terminal device 34 described above, and further adjacent to the wireless communication means 25 built in the gas meter 2. Gas meters 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D are transmitted to the gas meters 2A, 2C in the range where the notification signals 25a to 25d can be received. 25a, in which it is possible to notify that the living information signal in the neighborhood of the gas meter 2 by receiving 25c is generated. At this time, the notification signals 25b and 26d cannot be received because the distance is long.

  In addition, a shutoff valve 15 is provided in the flow path 11 in which the flow rate measuring means 12 is disposed to shut off the gas flow when an abnormality occurs.

  Next, an example of the instrument discrimination function of the gas meter 2 will be described.

  In the gas meter 2, there is provided a registration storage means 16 for inputting and storing a flow rate pattern corresponding to the appliance information of the gas appliance to be used at home applied for by the user. And the memory | storage means 31 which memorize | stored the characteristic flow rate pattern of the gas flow rate according to the kind or usage form of the gas appliance matched with the code number is provided, and it uses it in the home where a user applies. By inputting a code number corresponding to the appliance information of the gas appliance into the information input means 32 from a keyboard or an external input device or the like, the flow rate pattern stored in the storage means 31 is extracted into the registration storage means 16 and stored as registration data. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the registration storage means 16 is composed of a rewritable memory card 22, in which information on gas appliances used in the home is written in advance and stored in a card storage unit 23 provided in the gas meter 2. You may make it accommodate so that attachment or detachment is possible.

  When the instrument information is input from the information input means 32 or when the registration storage means 16 composed of the memory card 22 or the like is inserted into the gas meter 2, the instrument information stored in the registration storage means 16 is used. The appliance signal registration means 17 for setting and registering the appliance signal for specifying the type of gas appliance to be used, the application-specific signal registration means 18 for specifying the usage form for each usage of the gas appliance to be used, and the time zone to be monitored Appliance having time zone-specific appliance information setting means 19 for setting a plurality of conditions by combining the time zone set by time zone setting means 33 to be set and the registration information of appliance signal registration means 17 and use-specific signal registration means 18 Identification means 20 is provided.

  The plurality of conditions combined by the time-zone appliance information setting means 19 can be arbitrarily set according to the characteristic usage of the gas appliance used based on the life pattern in each home, and the setting of the plurality of conditions The instruction can be made via the information input means 32. Further, in the case where the registration storage means 16 is composed of the memory card 22, as shown in FIG. 5, the equipment specifying means 20 including the equipment information setting means 19 for each time zone may be integrated into the memory card 22. Is. As a result, it is possible to manage the generation conditions of the life information signal as safety information of elderly people living alone and care recipients together with the information of gas appliances used in the home, and it is possible to improve convenience is there.

  Here, the appliance signal registration means 17 sets and registers a signal according to the type of appliance, for example, as shown in the following table (Table 1).

  Further, the application-specific signal registration means 18 sets and registers a signal for specifying a use form for each use of the appliance, for example, as shown in the following table (Table 2).

  The time zone-specific appliance information setting means 19 is a preset condition for generating a life information signal based on the appliance information used for each time zone set by the time zone setting means 33. As shown in the table (Table 3), a plurality of life information signal generation conditions are prepared assuming all life patterns.

  An appliance determination unit 24 for determining an appliance in use by comparing the flow rate value obtained by the signal processing unit 14 with the registration data (flow rate pattern) of the registration storage unit 16 is provided. The device-specific monitoring means 21 for monitoring the amount of gas used according to the usage status of the gas appliance determined in (1) is provided. This appliance-specific monitoring means 21 inputs the gas flow rate value obtained by the signal processing means 14 of the flow rate measuring unit 12, is managed together with the registration information of the gas appliance determined by the appliance determination means 24, and is requested by the gas company. Based on the life information signal from the appliance information stored for each time zone based on the life information signal generation condition determined by the appliance information setting means 19 for each time zone. It is determined whether or not signal generation is necessary, and if appliance information that satisfies even one of the generation conditions set in (Table 3) is generated, a life information signal is immediately generated and externally connected via the wireless communication means 25. This is a notification.

  As an example of the notification form, as described above, a notification route using the mobile terminal device 34 that enables automatic notification to a notification destination registered in advance by performing authentication confirmation, and wireless communication built in the gas meter 2 Notification to transmit the notification signals 25a to 25d to which the code number for distinguishing from the request signal from the management center 35 or the handy terminal 30 or the code specifying the transmission source is given to the adjacent gas meters 2A to 2D from the means 25. And a route.

As described above, when the life information signal is generated, the information is notified to the pre-registered report destination using the specific portable terminal device 34 that has previously recognized the signal for reporting the abnormal situation, and the adjacent gas meters 2A to 2D. Because the same notification signal is transmitted by the wireless communication means 25, the abnormalities occurring in the neighborhood can be quickly confirmed, and the safety confirmation of the elderly living alone or the care recipient can be confirmed all over the area. All of the wireless communication means 25 built in the gas meter existing in the receivable range without specifying the receiving side address as the notification form can be greatly contributed to the creation of a safe community. The wireless communication means 25 that has received the notification signal transmits a plurality of homes by performing a predetermined alarm operation with the built-in alarm device 27. In can be carried out to confirm the safety of living alone in the elderly or care who live in the neighborhood, are those that can contribute to the construction of the safety network of the whole area.

  Here, the outline of the instrument discrimination performed by the instrument determination unit 24 will be described. For example, a flow rate pattern as shown in FIG. As actual registration data, for example, data of a flow rate value every 0.2 seconds from the start of the instrument is stored for a predetermined time. Note that the data time interval does not need to be limited to 0.2 seconds, and can be arbitrarily set depending on the required appliance discrimination capability.

  The flow rate measuring unit 12 measures the gas flow rate at regular intervals, and when the newly measured gas flow rate value increases by more than a predetermined value from the previous value, it is determined that a new instrument has been used, and the flow rate change and registration memory The flow rate pattern corresponding to the instrument code registered in the means 16 is compared to determine the instrument being used.

  In addition, when a signal such as an abnormal flow rate is input from the flow rate measuring unit 12, safety is ensured by blocking the flow path 11 via the cutoff valve 15.

  In the present embodiment, four conditions are shown as the conditions for generating the life information signal of the appliance specifying means 20, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the combination is also safe for elderly people living alone or those requiring care. Any combination can be used as long as the information can be confirmed accurately.

  In addition, in the case where the registration storage means 16 has a detachable card-type insertion structure, it is assumed that the registration storage means 16 may be exchanged against the will of the gas company or may be forcibly removed due to mischief. Even if the information input means 32 is configured to be input, it may be operated by a person other than the gas company. In this embodiment, in order to prevent such an action, it is provided on the front side of the gas meter 2. In addition, an open / close detecting means 29 for detecting that the lid 28 has been removed is provided, and an authentication code transmitting means comprising a wireless key 10 carried by the gas company is utilized by using the wireless communication means 25 provided in the gas meter 2. An authentication code set in advance is transmitted, the authentication code is received by the wireless communication means 25, and the authentication code confirmation means 26 built in the gas meter 2 receives the authentication code. When it is determined that the card is normal, the detection signal of the open / close detection means 29 is invalidated to allow the memory card 22 to be replaced or changed by the information input means 32, and the authentication code is abnormal or the authentication code is received. If the cover 28 is removed without any warning, the warning means 27 informs the user that the memory card 22 cannot be replaced, removed, or changed by the information input means 32, or the shut-off valve 15 is activated. The flow path 11 is shut off and the use of the gas meter 2 is prohibited. By the above authentication flow, only the gas company or authorized contractor can exchange and remove the registration storage means 16 and change processing by the information input means 32, and prevent exchanges that are contrary to the intention of the gas company or mischief. ing.

In the gas appliance monitoring apparatus configured as described above, first, the user applies to the gas company for the type or form of use of the gas appliance to be used in the home, and the gas company uses the appliance information to gas. The device registration means 16 that inputs and stores the flow pattern for determining the device to be used from the flow rate value is created, and the conditions for generating the life information signal are set according to the user's life pattern, and each time zone is set. Register in the appliance information setting means 19. Thereafter, the registration data of the appliance registration means 16 and the flow rate value obtained by the flow rate measuring unit 12 are compared, and when the measurement data is managed and there is a request from a gas company or the like, it corresponds to the registration information of the gas appliance. The flow rate data is output, the request information is transmitted via the wireless communication means 25, and whether or not appliance information that satisfies the generation conditions registered by the hourly appliance information setting means 19 is generated is monitored. When a life information signal is generated, a signal for notifying an abnormal situation is notified to a report destination registered in advance using a specific mobile terminal device 34 that has been recognized in advance, and to the adjacent gas meters 2A to 2D. A similar notification signal is transmitted by the wireless communication means 25.

As described above, the gas monitoring apparatus of the present invention uses the portable terminal device 34 as a means for confirming the safety information of the elderly living alone or the care recipient by using the flow rate data measured by the gas meter and reporting the safety information. In this case, it is confirmed whether or not the portable terminal device 34 exists in a range in which the notification signal from the wireless communication means 25 built in the gas meter can be received. In such a case, the user should be alerted to start using the gas appliance after placing the portable terminal device 34, which is a reporting means nearby, so as to ensure the reporting means in the event of an emergency. Even in environments where a dedicated network is not established, it is possible to report when an abnormality occurs, and information on the safety of elderly people who need to live alone or those who need care can be quickly and accurately using a relatively simple system. Out, but that was to be broadcast.

  In addition, the life information signal that needs to be reported accurately and promptly is compared with the flow rate pattern for appliance discrimination in which the appliance information such as the type or usage pattern of the gas appliance used in the home is set in advance. High device discrimination is possible, and this appliance discrimination result is memorized for each predetermined time period to be used as device usage data by time zone. Since the information signal is generated, it is possible to generate a reliable living information signal while preventing irregular misreporting, and to make a determination based on the determination result for each predetermined time period, An abnormality can be quickly confirmed and a life information signal can be generated with high accuracy using the functions of the gas meter 2, so a dedicated device is provided separately. The configuration can be simplified, and when the use of the appliance is started, the wireless communication means 25 built in the gas meter and the portable terminal device 34 which is a reporting means for the life information signal are provided. Since it is possible to use equipment when communication is established and communication is established between each other, even if the condition worsens during use of the equipment, ensure the function of reporting in the event of an abnormality It is something that can be done.

  In addition, since an authentication code is assigned to each of the wireless communication means 25 and the portable terminal device 34 and the respective authentication codes are matched and matched with each other, gas can be supplied. Since it is impossible to use the appliance when it is out of the office, it is possible to secure the safety and use the appliance in the state where the portable terminal device 34 where the report destination is registered is nearby. Even when the condition becomes worse during use of the device, the reporting function at the time of abnormality can be surely ensured.

  Even when the use of the appliance is started in the absence of the mobile terminal device 34 and the shutoff valve 15 is closed, the mobile terminal device 34 is brought into the wireless communication means 25 and collation is performed. If the results match, the device automatically returns to the open state, so it is possible to ensure that the device is used in a state where the reporting function is secured, and to ensure the safety information of the elderly living alone and those requiring care You can report.

In addition, the plurality of determination conditions set by the time-zone appliance information setting means 19 may generate a life information signal based on a plurality of time-zone appliance use information at least twice in a predetermined time zone. The life information signal is generated based on data of two or more preset time zones among the appliance determination data stored for each time zone. For example, the time from 6 am to 8 am In the case of data indicating that there is no appliance usage information in the time zone from 8 o'clock to 10 o'clock, it is determined that some kind of abnormality has occurred in living alone, and a life information signal is generated and output. According to this determination method, since the generation of the life information signal is determined based on the data of the two time zones, it is possible to generate a reliable life information signal while preventing erroneous reporting due to irregularities. In addition, in the case of data that there is information on the use of appliances continuously in the morning from 6 to 8 o'clock, from 8 to 10 o'clock, and from 10 o'clock to 12 o'clock, it is also possible to boiled food etc. When it is performed over a relatively long time with a low heat, it is judged that the condition is bad and the gas is forgotten to be stopped, and a life information signal is generated and output. According to this determination method, it is possible to determine an abnormal situation when there is appliance usage information, and a reliable life information signal can be generated. In this way, it is possible to relatively quickly determine the presence or absence of an abnormality when any life pattern is assumed using a combination of appliance usage data for two or more predetermined time periods.

  Further, the plurality of determination conditions set by the appliance information setting unit 19 according to time zone are configured to generate a life information signal based on at least two or more appliance information among the appliance information obtained by the appliance determination unit 24, By determining that there is an abnormality when there is information that a plurality of appliances are not used in a predetermined time zone, it is possible to generate a reliable life information signal while preventing irregular reporting. For example, in the evening time zone, if there is usage information on the gas stove but there is no usage information on the hot water heater for the bath, it is determined as abnormal and a life information signal is generated. According to this determination method, since the determination is made based on whether or not the appliance is frequently used, it is relatively quickly determined that the life pattern has changed after one appliance has been used and the life pattern has changed. Can be confirmed.

  The plurality of determination conditions set by the device information setting unit 19 for each time zone generates a life information signal depending on whether or not predetermined device information is generated a plurality of times among the device information obtained by the device determination unit 24. In the case where there is information that a predetermined instrument has not been used a plurality of times in a predetermined time zone, it is determined that there is an abnormality, so that a reliable life information signal is generated while preventing false reporting by irregular be able to. For example, if the use of the gas stove is not confirmed in each time zone including breakfast and lunch, it is determined as abnormal and a life information signal is generated. According to this determination method, whether or not the usage data of the appliance to be used in a specific time period is generated is determined by a plurality of confirmations, so that the accuracy of abnormality confirmation can be improved.

  Further, the plurality of determination conditions set by the device information setting unit 19 according to time zone is configured to generate a life information signal depending on whether or not predetermined device information is generated in a predetermined time zone. By setting the time zone in which a specific device is used, and determining whether or not the specific device has been used, the accuracy of device usage information by time zone can be improved, and a reliable life information signal Can be generated.

  In addition, since the use information of the gas appliance is always generated in the monitoring time zone including the meal time zone, the accuracy of the appliance usage information for each time zone can be improved by including this time zone.

  In addition, the gas monitoring center 31 or the like is notified as a signal for notifying an abnormal situation, and a similar notification signal is transmitted to the adjacent gas meter by the wireless communication means 25, so that an abnormality occurring in the neighborhood can be quickly detected. It is possible to confirm the safety of elderly people who need to live alone and those who need care with the whole community, which can greatly contribute to the creation of a safe community.

  In addition, by transmitting so that all of the wireless communication means 25 built in the gas meter 2 existing in the receivable range can be received without specifying the receiving side address, it is necessary for elderly people living alone in the neighborhood in multiple households or necessary It is possible to confirm the safety of caregivers and contribute to the construction of a safety network around the community.

Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in the home of an elderly person living alone in the neighborhood or the person requiring care, the alarm device 27 provided in the gas meter or repeater of the adjacent house is also activated so that it occurred in the neighborhood. It can respond quickly to abnormalities and contribute to the construction of a safety network around the region.

  And by using an ultrasonic wave, it is possible to measure an instantaneous flow rate, and it is possible to perform instrument discrimination with higher accuracy.

  The present invention is not limited to a monitoring device that specifies the type of gas appliance used in the home and the usage pattern and manages it together with the flow rate data, but also identifies the type and usage pattern for a plurality of appliances used in the office or store, It can also be applied to devices that manage power consumption and water usage.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a gas monitoring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The figure which shows the relationship with the adjacent gas meter in the gas monitoring apparatus Control block diagram on the gas meter side in the gas monitoring device The figure which shows the accommodation form of the appliance registration means in the gas monitoring apparatus Another control block diagram on the gas meter side in the gas monitoring device The figure which shows an example of the flow pattern in the gas monitoring device

Reference Signs List 2 Gas meter 3 Gas piping 12 Flow rate measuring unit 16 Registration storage means 19 Equipment information setting means by time zone 20 Equipment specifying means 21 Monitoring equipment by equipment 24 Equipment judgment means 25 Wireless communication means 30 Handy terminal 33 Time zone setting means 34 Mobile terminal device 35 Administration Center

Claims (12)

A flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate, a shut-off valve for shutting off a gas flow path, a registration storage means for storing a flow rate pattern as comparison reference data for discriminating the type or usage of a gas appliance, and a monitoring time zone Time zone setting means for arbitrarily setting, appliance information setting means for each time zone for setting conditions for generating a life information signal based on appliance information used for each monitoring time zone, and the flow rate of the registration storage means Comparison of the pattern and the gas flow rate value measured by the flow rate measurement means to determine the gas appliance or usage pattern, instrument-specific monitoring means for monitoring the usage status for each monitoring time period, and transmission / reception of various data The wireless communication means is used to individually monitor the type or use status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to the pipe after passing through the gas meter. A device capable of transmitting / receiving to / from a terminal device, wherein the device-by-device monitoring means detects that the use of the device has been started by a signal from the flow rate measuring means, and is a portable terminal to the wireless communication means Instructs the start of communication with the device, determines the presence / absence of a response signal from the mobile terminal device, and if there is a response signal, continues to supply the gas to monitor the instrument usage status, and if there is no response signal, A gas appliance monitoring device that limits the use of appliances by the warning action of. When the life information signal is generated on the basis of a plurality of determination conditions set by the device information setting unit for each time zone from the device usage data for each time zone, the device-specific monitoring unit transmits a notification signal to the wireless communication unit. to instruct transmission, wireless communication means, the portable terminal device registered in advance to have the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein which is adapted to instruct transmission of the broadcast signal to the address to. Together with a respective authentication code unique to the wireless communication unit and the portable terminal device, an authentication means for collating the authentication code of the communication partner, a gas appliance according to claim 1, wherein for controlling the operation of the shut-off valve in accordance with the comparison result Monitoring device. If the authentication code collation result of the wireless communication means and the mobile terminal device are the same, automatically resettable and claims 1 gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the closed state of the shut-off valve. The plurality of determination conditions set by the device information setting means for each time zone are configured to generate a life information signal based on a plurality of time zone device use information at least twice in a predetermined time zone. Item 3. A gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Item 1 . A plurality of determination conditions to be set by the time zone appliance information setting means, according to claim 1, wherein which is adapted to generate a living information signal based on at least two or more appliance information of the appliance information sought appliance determination unit Gas appliance monitoring device. The plurality of determination conditions set by the device information setting unit for each time zone is configured to generate a life information signal depending on whether or not predetermined device information is generated a plurality of times among the device information obtained by the device determination unit. The gas appliance monitoring device according to claim 1 or 6 . A plurality of determination means which is set by the time zone appliance information setting means, the predetermined claim 1, wherein the appliance information has to generate a living information signal depending on whether occurring in a predetermined time period Gas Instrument monitoring device. Time zone setting means, at least typical diet gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein which is adapted to set a monitoring time zone comprises a time zone. The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the wireless communication means transmits in a communication form that can be received by the wireless communication means built in the adjacent gas meter. The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the wireless communication means operates an alarm device provided in the gas meter so as to confirm that a life information signal is generated in an adjacent house. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein an ultrasonic wave is used as the flow rate measuring means.