JPH0256098A - Automatic inspection of meter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify a data setting operation without using any exclusive-use setting device and to reduce a facility cost by receiving the meter inspection data of gas, city water, electric power, etc., from a telephone set and rewriting the data. CONSTITUTION:A switch detecting means 11 detects whether a current mode is the mode to input communicating data or not, and when the current mode is the input mode, a push-button telephone set, etc., (not illustrated) to output a DTMF signal is connected to the automatic inspection meter by a relay switching means 12. Further, when a DTMF receiver means 13 previously receives the communicating data, a call processing control means 14 sets the communicating data to a storing means 15, displays the data on an LED display means 16, and communicates the meter inspection data based on the communicating data.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Industrial Application Field The present invention is an automatic meter reading system that automatically dials and reports meter reading data of gas, water, electricity, etc. based on notification data such as preset date and time and telephone number. Regarding equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, technologies such as home bus systems that utilize existing communication lines to transmit various types of information to remote devices and devices have been developed.

Conventionally, this type of automatic meter reading device uses a dedicated setting device to store various notification data, such as the forwarding destination dial number, dial type, and date and time of automatic data transfer, in a storage memory for transmitting meter readings. The measured values were then transmitted to a collection center or the like via existing communication lines.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, according to the above-mentioned conventional automatic meter reading device, the labor and cost required to develop and install a dedicated setting device increase.
There is a problem in that the manufacturing cost increases.

In view of the above conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic meter reading device that can set reporting data for reporting meter reading data via a line without using a dedicated setting device. .

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides means for receiving a DTMF signal, and when reporting data for reporting meter reading data via a line is received as a DTMF signal,
The notification data is converted into a digital signal and set.

Effect of the Invention With the above-described configuration, the present invention allows reporting data to be set using a button telephone or the like that outputs a DTMF signal, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated setting device.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic meter reading device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the automatic meter reading device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation|movement of the automatic meter-reading device of a figure.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 indicates a switch (S
W) Detection means 12 is a button telephone, etc. that outputs a DTMF signal when in a mode for inputting reporting data.
13 is a DTMF receiver means for receiving a DTMF signal; and 14 is a relay switching means for connecting a device (not shown) to this automatic meter reading device; 13 is a DTMF receiver means for receiving a DTMF signal; This is a call processing control means for setting in the storage means 15, displaying on the LED display means 16, and reporting meter reading data based on this reporting data.

In FIG. 2, 21 is a central office line (L, L) for reporting meter reading data, 22 is a push-phone type telephone that outputs a DTMF signal, and 23 is a central office line for reporting meter reading data, etc. A network control unit (N
CU), 23a is a DTMF receiving circuit that receives the DTMF signal from the telephone 22.

24, the telephone 22 is connected only to the central office line 21, or to the central office line 21 and D.
Relay 2 for connecting to both TMF receiving circuits 23a
5 is a switch for setting a report data input mode; 26 is a microcomputer for setting report data, etc. as described later; 27 is a storage device for storing report data and meter reading data; 281 -28d are LEDs for displaying notification data set in the storage device 27, and 29 is a power source.

Note that 31 is a meter for reading gas, water, electricity, etc., and 32 is a sensor for detecting gas leaks and the like.

The details of the processing operation of the microcomputer 26 are explained in the third section.
This will be explained using the flowchart shown in the figure.

First, when the switching signal of the switch 25 is input to the input/output section 26a, the SW detection section 26b detects this switching signal,
It is determined whether the mode is one in which report data should be set (step 41).

When it is determined that the setting mode is for data rewriting, a command is sent to the relay switching unit 26C and the relay 24 is switched (step 42).

When the relay 24 is switched and preparations for setting notification data are completed, the call processing control unit 26daDTMF reception unit 26e
It is determined whether the setting type code has been identified (step 43).

If it is determined that the setting type code has been received and identified, the DTMF receiving unit 26e inputs a setting signal from the telephone 22 via the DTMF receiving circuit 23a, and this setting signal causes the notification data to be transmitted. is rewritten (step 44).

When this notification data rewriting setting is performed, the LE
The D display section 26f displays this new data on the four light emitting elements 2.
It is displayed by the LED 28 having 8a to 28d (step 45).

Further, the call processing control unit 26d searches for an empty address in the storage device 27, sets a designated address, and stores the input data in the area corresponding to the type code of this designated address (
Step 46).

If the switch 25 is not turned on in step 41, the telephone 22 is connected only to the central office line 21 by controlling the relay 24 (step 47).

Effects of the Invention As explained in detail above, the automatic meter reading device according to the present invention is configured to be able to receive meter reading data from a telephone and rewrite it, so there is no need to provide a dedicated setting device. , it is possible to simplify the data setting operation and reduce equipment costs.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic meter reading device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the automatic meter reading device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation|movement of the automatic meter-reading device of a figure. 13...DTMF receiver means, 14...Call processing control means, 15...Storage means, 22...Telephone, 23
a... DTMF receiving circuit, 24... relay, 25...
...Switch, 26...Microcomputer, 27
...Storage device, 31...Meter. Name of agent: Patent attorney Shigetaka Awano and one other person

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) Storage means for storing reporting data for reporting meter reading data via a line, means for receiving a DTMF signal, and when the receiving means receives the reporting data as a DTMF signal, the reporting an automatic meter reading device comprising means for converting data into digital signals and storing the digital signals in the storage means. (2) The automatic meter reading device according to claim 1, wherein the DTMF signal receiving means receives reporting data from a telephone.