JPH098932A - Automatic metering system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To attain a wireless system for an automatic metering system without revision of a specification of each equipment in an existing automatic metering system utilizing radio communication. CONSTITUTION: A 're-transmission request text' is stored in a dummy text storage means A6. A timer A5 starts measurement when a text transmission reception means A3 receives a text and finishes the measurement when a radio signal transmission reception means A4 receives the text. If the timer time is almost up before the text transmission reception means A3 receives the text from the radio signal transmission reception means A4, the timer A5 informs it to the dummy text storage means A6. Upon the receipt of a signal from the timer A5, the dummy text storage means A6 sends the 're-transmission request text' stored therein to a microcomputer meter. On the other head, a radio communication means B13 at a terminal equipment side is operated similarly.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic meter reading system for gas or the like using a telephone line, which is a currently popular meter and telephone line network control unit T-NCU (Terminal).
The present invention relates to a technology for performing wireless communication using a wireless adapter without changing the specifications of the current meter, T-NCU, and center timing in a system of wired connection between network control units).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a so-called automatic meter reading system has been introduced which absorbs an integrated value measured by a meter from a remote place using a telephone line or the like. FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a conventional automatic meter reading system. Reference numeral 1 is a gas pipe connected to a home, and 2 is a flow meter (so-called meter) provided in the middle of the gas pipe 1 for measuring the amount of gas used in the target home. A telephone line network control unit 14 is connected to the public telephone line 15 and is called a T-NCU. Reference numeral 16 is a data collection means for collecting and managing the gas meter information of each home in a management system (center) of a gas company or the like.

In FIG. 8, the flow meter 2 measures the flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas pipe 1, stores the integrated value electronically, and outputs the stored integrated value to the T-NCU 14. The T-NCU 14 sends the integrated data to the data collection means 16 of the center through the public telephone line 15 by no ringing communication. Here, not only the flow rate from the flow meter 2 but also the gas shutoff valve opening / closing information, the voltage drop information, etc. are transmitted to the data collecting means 16 of the center in the same procedure as above.
Further, there is a center side network control unit (C-NCU) on the public telephone line side of the data collection means 16 of the center.

On the other hand, it is also possible to communicate from the data collection means 16 of the center. That is, the data collection means 16 of the center sends various control information and data request information for the meter to the T-NCU 14 using the public telephone line 15. The T-NCU 14 sends the information to the meter 2.

Here, the flow meter 2 which is a meter and the T-NC
The U14 will be described in detail. Gas is roughly divided into city gas and LP gas, and when used for automatic meter reading, both are equipped with a control device called "micrometer". Communication with the T-NCU 14 is performed by this "microcomputer meter". "Micommeter" generally has a built-in timeout function,
If the received message cannot be received within a certain period of time after the message is transmitted, the communication is to be terminated. on the other hand,
The T-NCU 14 has a similar function. That is, the T-NC is transmitted within a certain period of time after the electronic message is transmitted to the "microcomputer meter" or the data collecting means 16 which is the center.
If U14 cannot receive the electronic message, the timeout is reached and the communication ends. Also, the C-NCU has a "timeout".

This "microcomputer meter" and T-NCU14
Is battery-powered, and has a specification that does not normally require replacement for 10 years. In addition, the "microcomputer meter" and T-NCU14
Are connected by wire and wired communication is performed in a predetermined message format.

[0007]

However, the above-mentioned conventional configuration has a problem that it cannot be applied to an automatic meter reading system using wireless communication. That is, when introducing an automatic meter reading system using wireless, a wireless communication device called a "wireless adapter" is newly required. This is a "microcomputer meter" or TN that has already been introduced to the market.
The purpose is to make the CU 14 wireless by introducing a "wireless adapter". here,
"Wireless adapter" is "Microcomputer meter" and T-NCU1
4 are connected by wire, and messages are exchanged between the "microcomputer meter" and the "wireless adapter" on the meter side, and between the T-NCU 14 and the "wireless adapter" in the conventional wired communication format. This is for performing wireless without changing the current specifications of the "microcomputer meter" and the T-NCU 14. At this time, the "wireless adapter" buffers the message received from the "microcomputer meter" or the T-NCU 14 once, converts it into a wireless communication format, and transmits it. Therefore, by introducing the "wireless adapter", the communication time becomes longer than that of the current automatic meter reading system, and the "microcomputer meter" and T-NCU14,
Then, it is possible that a timeout error occurs due to the timeout specification of C-NCU. Further, in wireless communication, the influence of an interfering signal from another system occurs, and the probability of communication failure increases when radio waves cannot be emitted or when radio waves are emitted. This phenomenon directly increases the communication time and increases the probability of a timeout error. Furthermore, "microcomputer meter"
Also, the T-NCU 14 is battery-powered as described above.
No annual replacement is required. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a similar driving method for the "wireless adapter" connected to it. As a driving method thereof, "intermittent communication" is conceivable for wireless communication. This is because the "wireless adapters" of each other regularly adjust the clock to keep the power of the wireless unit turned on.
It is an operation of turning on the power only when necessary and performing communication without performing N. Therefore, the "wireless adapter" will have to wait for a while until the wireless transmission of the electronic message from the microcomputer meter or the T-NCU 14 is received,
There is a problem that the communication time becomes long and the probability of a timeout error becomes higher.

The present invention solves the above problems and introduces a wireless automatic meter reading system using a "wireless adapter" without changing the specifications of the "microcomputer meter" and "T-NCU" in the conventional automatic meter reading system. The purpose is to do.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic meter reading system of the present invention has a meter having a communication function with the outside for measuring a flow rate value and performing remote control, and a wireless communication function. The terminal side wireless communication means A and the terminal side wireless communication means B for performing wireless communication with the terminal side wireless communication means A.
In the automatic meter reading system, which comprises a data collecting means for communicating with the terminal side wireless communication means B via a telephone line by the telephone line network control device, the terminal side wireless communication means A is predetermined. The timer A is configured to measure a certain time, a dummy message storage unit A for storing a predetermined message, and a message transmitting / receiving unit A for transmitting / receiving a message to / from the meter. The terminal side wireless communication means B is used for measuring a predetermined constant time from the time when the output signal is received and until the timer measures the constant time.
When a wireless communication signal from the device is not received, a signal is output to the dummy message storage unit A, and the dummy message storage unit A outputs a predetermined message stored internally by the output signal of the timer A. It is configured to output to the meter through the transmitting / receiving means A.

Further, a meter having an external communication function for measuring a flow rate value and performing remote control, a terminal side wireless communication means A having a wireless communication function, and a wireless communication with the terminal side wireless communication means A. In the automatic meter-reading system, which comprises terminal-side wireless communication means B for performing the communication and data collection means for performing communication with the terminal-side wireless communication means B via a telephone line by a telephone line network control device, The communication means B has a timer B for measuring a predetermined fixed time,
It is composed of a dummy message storage means B for storing a predetermined message and a message transmitting / receiving means B for transmitting / receiving a message to / from the data collecting means, and the timer B receives the signal output by the data collecting means. When the wireless communication signal from the terminal side wireless communication means A cannot be received until a predetermined fixed time is measured from the time point when the timer measures the fixed time, a signal is sent to the dummy message storage means B. And the dummy message storage means B outputs the predetermined message stored internally by the output signal of the timer B to the message transmitting / receiving means B.
Alternatively, the data may be output to the data collection means through the.

Further, a terminal side wireless communication means A having a telegram transmitting / receiving means A for receiving a response telegram output by a meter for a predetermined telegram and a telegram decrypting means for decrypting the response telegram received by the telegram transmitting / receiving means A. It is also possible to adopt a configuration as follows.

[0012] Further, the terminal side wireless communication means A having a message decoding means for decoding the response message output by the meter for a predetermined message and outputting the decoding result to the message transmitting / receiving means A may be adopted.

Further, the terminal side wireless communication means A having a message confirmation means for confirming only the arrival of the response message output by the meter for a predetermined message can be adopted.

Further, the terminal side wireless communication means A having a message confirmation means for confirming only the arrival of the response message output by the meter with respect to a predetermined message and outputting the confirmation result to the message transmitting / receiving means A. You can also

Further, the terminal side wireless communication having a message transmitting / receiving means B for receiving a response message output from the data collecting means for a predetermined message and a message decoding means for decoding the response message received by the message transmitting / receiving means A. A configuration of the means B can be adopted.

Further, the terminal side wireless communication means B having a message decoding means for decoding the response message output by the data collecting means for the predetermined message and outputting the decoding result to the message transmitting / receiving means B may be adopted. it can.

Further, the terminal side wireless communication means B may be provided with a message confirmation means for confirming only the arrival of the response message output by the data collection means for a predetermined message.

Further, the terminal side wireless communication means B has a message confirmation means for confirming only the arrival of the response message output by the data collection means for a predetermined message and outputting the confirmation result to the message transmitting / receiving means B. You can also do it.

Furthermore, a meter having a communication function with the outside for measuring a flow rate value or performing remote control, a terminal side wireless communication means A having a wireless communication function, and a wireless communication with the terminal side wireless communication means A. In the automatic meter-reading system, which comprises terminal-side wireless communication means B for performing the communication and data collection means for performing communication with the terminal-side wireless communication means B via a telephone line by a telephone line network control device, Communication means A
Is a timer A that measures a predetermined time
A dummy message storage unit A for storing a predetermined message, a data storage unit for storing the message output by the meter, a message stored in the data storage unit and a message output by the meter. And a telegram transmission / reception means A for transmitting / receiving telegrams to / from the meter. The timer A measures a predetermined time from the time when the signal output by the meter is received. At the same time, if the wireless communication signal from the terminal side wireless communication means B cannot be received before the timer measures a certain time, a signal is output to the dummy message storage means A, and the dummy message storage means A A predetermined message stored internally by the output signal of the timer A is output to the meter through the message transmitting / receiving means A, The data comparison means compares the response message for a predetermined message with the message stored in the data storage means and collects the comparison result or the response message for the predetermined message through the terminal side wireless communication means B. It can also be configured to output to the means.

Further, a meter having a communication function with the outside for measuring a flow rate value or performing remote control, a terminal side wireless communication means A having a wireless communication function, and a wireless communication with the terminal side wireless communication means A. In the automatic meter-reading system, which comprises terminal-side wireless communication means B for performing the communication and data collection means for performing communication with the terminal-side wireless communication means B via a telephone line by a telephone line network control device, Communication means B
Is a timer B that measures a predetermined time
A dummy message storage unit B for storing a predetermined message, a data storage unit for storing the message output by the data collection unit, a message stored in the data storage unit and the data collection unit. Is composed of a data comparison means for comparing the contents of the electronic message output by the device and a message transmitting / receiving device B for transmitting / receiving the message to / from the meter, and the timer B is predetermined from the time when the signal output by the data collecting device is received. And outputs a signal to the dummy electronic message storage means B only when the wireless communication signal from the terminal side wireless communication means A cannot be received until the timer measures the fixed time. The dummy message storage means B stores a predetermined message stored internally by the output signal of the timer B in the message transmission / reception means B. Flip is output to said data acquisition unit,
The data comparison means may be configured to compare a response message for a predetermined message with a message stored in the data storage device and output a comparison result or a response message for the predetermined message to the data collection device. You can also

[0021]

The present invention brings about the following actions by the above configuration.

The terminal side wireless communication means A and the terminal side wireless communication means B respectively include a timer A or a timer B and a dummy message storage means A or a dummy message storage means B12 therein. The “retransmission request message” is saved in the dummy message saving means A. The timer A starts measurement at the time when the wired signal transmitting / receiving means A receives a message and measures the time-out time of the microcomputer meter. Then, the measurement ends when the wired signal transmitting / receiving unit A receives the electronic message from the wireless signal transmitting / receiving unit A. If the wired signal transmission / reception means A is likely to time out before receiving a message from the wireless signal transmission / reception means A, the timer A notifies the dummy message storage means A to that effect. When receiving the signal from the timer A, the dummy message storage means A transmits the "retransmission request message" stored therein to the microcomputer meter.

In the terminal side wireless communication means B13, a message called "dummy message" is saved in the dummy message saving means B12. The timer B starts the measurement at the time when the wired signal transmitting / receiving means B receives the telegram, and measures the time-out time of the T-NCU. Then, the measurement ends when the wired signal transmitting / receiving unit B receives the electronic message from the wireless signal transmitting / receiving unit B10. If the wired signal transmitting / receiving means B10
If the time-out time is likely to occur before the message is received from the wireless signal transmitting / receiving means B10, the timer B11 notifies the dummy message saving means B12 to that effect. Upon receiving the signal from the timer B, the dummy message storage means B12 transmits the "dummy message" stored therein to the T-NCU. Here, the T-NCU sends the message to the center only by confirming the arrival of the message. When the center determines that the message is a "dummy message", the response message is not returned so as not to affect the system.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, 1 is a gas pipe connected to a home, 2
Is a flow meter (so-called meter) provided in the middle of the gas pipe 1 to measure the amount of gas used in the target home. Reference numeral 3 is a message transmitting / receiving means A for transmitting / receiving a message.
Reference numeral 4 is a wireless signal transmitting / receiving means A for transmitting / receiving a wireless signal. Reference numeral 5 is a timer A that measures time. Reference numeral 6 denotes a dummy message storage means A in which a predetermined dummy message is stored. Here, the electronic message transmitting / receiving unit A3, the wireless signal transmitting / receiving unit A4, the timer A5, and the dummy electronic message storing unit A6 are collectively referred to as a terminal side wireless communication unit A7. 8 is an antenna. Reference numeral 9 is a message transmitting / receiving means B for transmitting / receiving a message. Reference numeral 10 is a wireless signal transmitting / receiving means B for transmitting / receiving a wireless signal. Reference numeral 11 is a timer B that measures time. 12
Is a dummy message storage means B in which a predetermined dummy message is stored. Here, the electronic message transmitting / receiving unit B9, the wireless signal transmitting / receiving unit B10, the timer B11, and the dummy electronic message storing unit B12 are collectively referred to as a terminal side wireless communication unit B13. A telephone line network control unit 14 is connected to the public telephone line 15 and is called a T-NCU. Reference numeral 16 is a data collection means for collecting and managing the gas meter information of each home in a management system (center) of a gas company or the like.

In FIG. 1, the flow meter 2 measures the flow rate of gas flowing through the gas pipe 1, stores the integrated value electronically, and outputs the stored integrated value to the terminal side wireless communication means A7. The terminal side wireless communication means A7 receives the integrated data by the electronic message transmitting / receiving means A3 therein. Then, the integrated data is transmitted from the wireless signal transmitting / receiving means A4 to the antenna 8
Send to space through. This transmission data is taken in by the antenna 8 connected to the terminal side wireless communication means B13 and received by the wireless signal transmitting / receiving means B10. After that, the integrated data is sent to the electronic message sending / receiving means B9 and T
-Wired transmission to the NCU 14. The T-NCU 14 sends the accumulated data to the public telephone line 1 by no ringing communication.
5 to the data collection means 16 which is the center.
Here, in the meter, not only the flow rate from the flow meter 2 but also the gas shutoff valve opening / closing information, the voltage drop information and the like are transmitted to the data collecting means 16 which is the center in the same procedure as described above.

On the other hand, the data collection means 16 which is the center
It is also possible to communicate from. That is, the data collection means 16 which is the center sends various control information and data request information for the meter to the public telephone line 1 to the T-NCU 14.
5 is used for transmission. The T-NCU 14 outputs the information to the terminal side wireless communication means B13. The terminal side wireless communication means B13 receives the information by the electronic message transmitting / receiving means B9 therein. Then, the information is transmitted to the wireless signal transmitting / receiving means B1.
It transmits from 0 to the space through the antenna 8. This transmission data is taken in by the antenna 8 connected to the terminal side wireless communication means A7 and received by the wireless signal transmission / reception means A4. After that, the information is sent to the electronic message sending / receiving means A3, and from there, sent to the flowmeter 2.

Next, the operation of the flow meter 2, that is, the microcomputer meter, the T-NCU 14, and the C-NCU in the data collecting means 16 which is the center will be described in detail. Microcomputer meters currently on the market have a timeout function. This is a function of deciding a "timeout" and terminating the communication when the reception message cannot be received within a certain time after the microcomputer meter sends the message. Currently available Microcomputer Meter III (MM-I
In II), the timeout time is 10 seconds. On the other hand, the T-NCU 14 has a similar function. That is, when the response message is not returned within a certain period of time after the T-NCU 14 sends the message, it is judged as "timeout" and the communication is terminated. In addition, the C-NCU in the data collection means 16 which is the center also has "timeout".
Is equipped with functions.

Here, when wireless communication is introduced into the automatic meter reading system as in this embodiment, this "timeout" becomes a problem. That is, the terminal side wireless communication means A7
Since the integrated data of the measured values and various information from the center are once buffered by the terminal side wireless communication means A7 and the terminal side wireless communication means B13 by the terminal side wireless communication means B13, they are transmitted to the air as radio waves. The communication time becomes longer than when the microcomputer meter and the T-NCU 14 are connected by wire. Further, since the terminal side wireless communication means A7 and the terminal side wireless communication means B13 are battery-powered like the microcomputer meter and the T-NCU 14, the wireless section performs an intermittent operation. Therefore, the terminal side wireless communication means A7 and the terminal side wireless communication means B13 are respectively a microcomputer meter and a T-NC.
Even if a message is received from U14, it cannot be transmitted wirelessly until the next transmission timing.

Therefore, the terminal side wireless communication means A7 and the terminal side wireless communication means B13 respectively include the timer A5 or timer B11 and the dummy message storage means A6 or the dummy message storage means B12. A "retransmission request message" is saved in the dummy message saving means A6. This telegram is a telegram used in the conventional automatic meter reading system,
According to the specifications of the microcomputer meter, when the microcomputer meter receives this message, it transmits the message previously transmitted again. The timer A5 starts the measurement when the electronic message transmitting / receiving means A3 receives the electronic message, and measures the timeout time of the microcomputer meter. Then, the measurement ends when the electronic message transmitting / receiving unit A3 receives the electronic message from the wireless signal transmitting / receiving unit A4. If the message sending / receiving means A3 is likely to time out before receiving a message from the wireless signal sending / receiving means A4, the timer A5 notifies the dummy message saving means A6 to that effect. Upon receiving the signal from the timer A5, the dummy message storage means A6 transmits the "retransmission request message" stored therein to the microcomputer meter. When receiving the "retransmission request message", the micom meter retransmits the previously transmitted message. Also, the dummy message storage means A6 is a timer A.
Since the "retransmission request message" is transmitted based on the signal from 5, the microcomputer meter can receive the "retransmission request message" before it determines that it times out, and the communication ends with "timeout". Can be avoided. Further, the telegram transmitting / receiving means A3 ignores the previous transmission telegram output from the micom meter, thereby avoiding the influence on the system.

On the other hand, the terminal side wireless communication means B13 also performs the same operation. That is, the dummy message storage means B12 stores a message called "dummy message". This message is not used in the conventional automatic meter reading system. The timer B11 starts the measurement at the time when the electronic message transmitting / receiving means B9 receives the electronic message, and measures the timeout time of the T-NCU 14. Then, the measurement ends when the electronic message transmitting / receiving unit B9 receives the electronic message from the wireless signal transmitting / receiving unit B10. If the message sending / receiving means B9 is likely to time out before receiving the message from the wireless signal sending / receiving means B10, the timer B11 notifies the dummy message saving means B12 to that effect. When receiving the signal from the timer B11, the dummy message storage means B12 transmits the "dummy message" stored therein to the T-NCU 14. Here, the T-NCU 14 conventionally manages the arrival and end of transmission of a telegram, but does not analyze the contents of the telegram other than the “start telegram” when the communication starts and the “end telegram” when the communication ends. Therefore, even if the "dummy message" is not used in the conventional automatic meter reading system, the message is transmitted to the data collecting means 16 which is the center only by confirming the arrival of the message. When the data collection means 16 which is the center determines that the message is a “dummy message”, it does not return the response message so as not to affect the system. In addition, since the dummy message storage means B12 transmits the "dummy message" based on the signal from the timer B11, T
-The NCU 14 can receive the "dummy message" before the NCU 14 determines that it has timed out, and can prevent the communication from ending due to the "timeout". The above series of operations is shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. This sequence is used when the "microcomputer meter" is taken into the terminal side wireless communication means A, that is, when the "microcomputer meter" and the "wireless adapter" are integrated or when the "T-NCU" and the "wireless adapter" are integrated. It can also be applied when converted.

The following sequence can also be used. That is, in FIG. 3, the telegram transmitting / receiving means A3 inside the terminal side wireless communication means A7 receives the "previous transmission telegram" to be transmitted when the microcomputer meter receives the "retransmission request telegram". Then, the electronic message decoding means 19 decodes the electronic message contents. This is an effective means in the following cases. That is, after the telegram transmission / reception means A3 transmits the "retransmission request telegram" stored in the dummy telegram storage means A6 to the microcomputer meter, and before the response telegram from the microcomputer meter comes, the data from the wireless signal transmission / reception means A4 to the center data. When the message sent from the collecting means 16 is received, if the message from the data collecting means 16 which is the center is immediately sent to the microcomputer meter, the message sent from the data collecting means 16 which is the center. And the micom meter may collide with the previously transmitted telegram sent based on the “retransmission request telegram”.
Therefore, the message sending / receiving means A3 decodes the previously sent message sent by the microcomputer meter based on the "retransmission request message", and then sends the message sent from the data collecting means 16 which is the center to the microcomputer meter. It is possible to avoid the collision of telegrams such as. The same can be applied to the terminal side wireless communication means B13. That is,
When the data collection means 16 which is the center receives the "dummy message", it transmits a predetermined dummy response message. The dummy response message is received by the message transmitting / receiving unit B9 inside the terminal side wireless communication unit B13, and the message decoding unit 19 decodes the message content. As a result, the electronic message transmitting / receiving unit B9 causes the T-NCU 14 to store the dummy electronic message storing unit B1.
When the message transmitted from the microcomputer signal is received from the wireless signal transmitting / receiving unit B10 before the dummy response message from the data collecting unit 16 which is the center is transmitted after transmitting the “dummy message” stored in 2 If the message from the microcomputer meter is immediately transmitted to the T-NCU 14, the message sent from the microcomputer meter and the dummy response message sent by the data collecting means 16 which is the center based on the "dummy message" are generated. There is a risk of collision. Therefore, the message transmitting / receiving unit B9 decodes the dummy response message transmitted by the data collecting unit 16 which is the center based on the "dummy message", and then transmits the message transmitted from the micom meter to the T-NCU 14 so that It is possible to avoid such a message collision. Further, when the “timeout” inside the T-NCU 14 is performed not only for the message from the terminal side wireless communication means B13 but also for the message from the data collecting means 16 which is the center, the data collection which is the center By transmitting the dummy response message transmitted by the means 16 based on the "dummy message", the data collection means 1 which is this center
The "timeout" of the T-NCU 14 for the 6 side can also be avoided.

Further, the following sequence may be used. That is, in FIG. 4, the "previous transmission message" to be transmitted when the microcomputer meter or the data collecting means 16 receives the "retransmission request message" is the message transmitting / receiving means A3 inside the terminal side wireless communication means A7 or the terminal side wireless communication means. The electronic message transmitting / receiving means B9 inside B13 receives the message. However, the message confirmation means 20 only confirms the arrival of the message without decoding the contents. This is an effective means in the following cases. That is, the terminal side wireless communication means A7 or the terminal side wireless communication means B13 is a dummy response based on the previous transmission message or the "dummy message" based on the "retransmission request message" sent from the microcomputer meter and the T-NCU 14, respectively. By confirming only the arrival of the message without deciphering the content of the message, the power of the receiving unit can be turned off earlier than in the case of deciphering the message, and the current consumption can be reduced. This series of operations is shown in the sequence diagram of FIG.

Further, the terminal side wireless communication means A7 can be constructed as shown in FIG. That is, the terminal side wireless communication means A7 has the data storage means 17 and the data comparison means 18 inside. The electronic message transmitting / receiving unit A3 stores the electronic message sent from the microcomputer meter in the data storage unit 17. Then, the previously transmitted telegram transmitted by the microcomputer meter based on the “retransmission request telegram” and the data storage means 17
Data comparison means 1 for the previously received message saved in
8 compare. These two messages should originally be the same message. If the two messages differ, the data comparison means 1
Reference numeral 8 creates a message to that effect and transmits it from the wireless signal transmitting / receiving means A4 to the data collecting means 16 which is the center. As a result, it is understood that the data collection means 16 at the center knows the line abnormality between the microcomputer meter and the terminal side wireless communication means A7. Further, when this "retransmission request message" is exchanged between the terminal side wireless communication means A7 and the microcomputer meter, the original "retransmission request message" is transmitted from the data collecting means 16 which is the center to the terminal side wireless communication means A7. If the data comparison means 18 determines that the previously transmitted message transmitted by the microcomputer meter based on the "retransmission request message" is different from the previously received message stored in the data storage means 17, the microcomputer meter indicates "retransmission request message". It is also possible to have a configuration in which the previously transmitted telegram transmitted based on "is transmitted to the data collection means 16 which is the center. Thereby, the terminal side wireless communication means A7 can cover the error in the communication line. This sequence is shown in FIG.

[0034]

As described above, the automatic meter reading system of the present invention has the following effects.

The wireless adapter transmits the dummy message before the timeout of the microcomputer meter or T-NCU, so that the wireless adapter is used without changing the specifications of the microcomputer meter, T-NCU and C-NCU in the conventional automatic meter reading system. There is an effect that it can be made wireless.

Further, the wireless adapter receives and decodes the response message to the dummy message, so that the reliability between the wired communications can be improved as compared with the case where the dummy message is simply transmitted.

In addition, by confirming only the arrival of the response message with respect to the dummy message by the wireless adapter, it is possible to contribute to the reliability of the line and at the same time to reduce the consumption current as compared with the case where the dummy message is received and decoded. Wireless can be promoted.

In the one-way wired communication, the wireless adapter receives and decodes the response message to the dummy message and then transmits it by wire, so that collision of the message can be avoided.

In the unidirectional wired communication, the wireless adapter confirms only the arrival of the response message to the dummy message and then performs the wired transmission. Therefore, the consumption current is lower than that in the case where the response message is received and decoded and then the wired transmission is performed. It is possible to contribute to the reduction, and it is possible to promote wireless in the automatic meter reading system.

Further, by storing the previously transmitted telegram and comparing it with the response telegram for the dummy telegram, it is possible to diagnose the system failure and transmit the correct telegram, thereby greatly improving the reliability of the system in making the automatic meter reading system wireless. be able to.

That is, by using the above configuration, it is expected that the automatic meter reading system will be widely spread, and the safety management of gas etc. can be greatly affected. Furthermore, there is a great effect that it can contribute to the expansion of the use of wireless communication.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an automatic meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of the automatic meter-reading system in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is another block diagram of the automatic meter-reading system in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is another block diagram of the automatic meter-reading system in the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of the automatic meter-reading system in the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is another block diagram of the automatic meter reading system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of an automatic meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a conventional automatic meter reading system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Gas Pipe 2 Flow Meter (Meter) 3 Telegram Transmission / Reception Means A 4 Radio Signal Transmission / Reception Means A 5 Timer A 6 Dummy Telegram Storage Means A 7 Terminal Side Wireless Communication Means A 8 Antenna 9 Telegram Transmission / Reception Means B 10 Radio Signal Transmission / Reception Means B 11 Timer B 12 Dummy message storing means B 13 Terminal side wireless communication means B 14 Telephone line network control unit (T-NCU) 15 Public telephone line 16 Data collecting means (center) 17 Data storing means 18 Data comparing means 19 Message decoding means 20 Message confirmation means

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Masahiro Yamamoto 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Terue Matsumura, 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 72) Inventor Yoshiyuki Yokoamishiro 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshio Horiike 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture (72) Inventor Jun Fujiwara Tokyo Tokyo Coast Co., Ltd. 1-5-20 Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kiyohisa Ishikawa Tokyo Coast Co., Ltd. 1-5-20 Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hajime Furusawa Kato Tokyo 5-20 Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masahiro Yasui 4-1-2, Hirano-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City From Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (72) Akito Yokoyama 19-18 Sakurada-cho, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Toho Gas Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Koichi Ikegawa 19-18 Sakurada-cho, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Toho Gas Co., Ltd.

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A meter for performing communication with the outside for measuring a flow rate value and remote control, a terminal side wireless communication means A for performing wireless communication, and a terminal side wireless communication for performing wireless communication with the terminal side wireless communication means A. In the automatic meter-reading system comprising communication means B and data collection means for performing communication with the terminal side wireless communication means B via a telephone line by a telephone line network control device, the terminal side wireless communication means A is In the case where the wireless communication signal from the terminal side wireless communication means B cannot be received until a predetermined fixed time is measured from the time when the signal output from the meter is received and the timer measures the fixed time. A timer A that outputs a signal to the dummy message storage unit A, a dummy message storage unit A that stores a predetermined message, and a message that transmits and receives messages to and from the meter. An automatic meter-reading system configured to include a receiving unit A, and the dummy telegram storing unit A outputs a predetermined telegram stored internally by the output signal of the timer A to the meter through the telegram transmitting / receiving unit A. . 2. A meter for performing communication with the outside for measuring a flow rate value and remote control, a terminal side wireless communication means A for performing wireless communication, and a terminal side wireless communication for performing wireless communication with the terminal side wireless communication means A. In the automatic meter reading system comprising communication means B and data collection means for performing communication with the terminal side wireless communication means B via a telephone line by a telephone line network control device, the terminal side wireless communication means B is When the wireless communication signal from the terminal-side wireless communication means A cannot be received until the predetermined time is measured from the time when the signal output by the data collecting means is received and the timer measures the predetermined time. A timer B for outputting a signal to the dummy message storage means B, a dummy message storage means B for storing a predetermined message, a data collection means and a message. The dummy message storing means B is configured to include a message transmitting / receiving means B for receiving, and the dummy message storing means B outputs a predetermined message stored therein by the output signal of the timer B to the data collecting means via the message transmitting / receiving means B. Automatic meter reading system configured to 3. A terminal side wireless communication means A having a telegram transmission / reception means A for receiving a response telegram output by a meter for a predetermined telegram and a telegram decryption means for deciphering the response telegram received by the telegram transmission / reception means A. The automatic meter-reading system according to claim 1, which comprises 4. The terminal side wireless communication means A having a message decoding means for decoding a response message output by a meter for a predetermined message and outputting the decoding result to the message transmitting / receiving means A. Automatic meter reading system. 5. The terminal side wireless communication means A having a message confirmation means for confirming only arrival of a response message output by a meter for a predetermined message.
The described automatic meter reading system. 6. A terminal side wireless communication means A having a message confirmation means for confirming only arrival of a response message output by a meter for a predetermined message and outputting a confirmation result to a message transmitting / receiving means A. Item 1. The automatic meter reading system according to item 1. 7. A terminal side wireless communication having a telegram transmitting / receiving means B for receiving a response telegram output by a data collecting means for a predetermined telegram and a telegram decrypting means for decrypting the response telegram received by the telegram transmitting / receiving means A. The automatic meter-reading system according to claim 2, which is constituted by means B. 8. A terminal side wireless communication means B having a message decoding means for decoding a response message output from a data collecting means for a predetermined message and outputting the decoding result to a message transmitting / receiving means B. 2. The automatic meter reading system described in 2. 9. The automatic meter-reading system according to claim 2, further comprising a terminal-side wireless communication means B having a telegram confirmation means for confirming only the arrival of a response telegram output by a data collection means for a predetermined telegram. 10. A terminal side wireless communication means B having a message confirmation means for confirming only arrival of a response message output by a data collection means for a predetermined message and outputting a confirmation result to a message transmitting / receiving means B. The automatic meter reading system according to claim 2. 11. A meter for communicating with the outside for measuring a flow rate value and for remote control, a terminal side wireless communication means A for performing wireless communication, and a terminal side wireless communication for performing wireless communication with the terminal side wireless communication means A. In the automatic meter-reading system comprising communication means B and data collection means for performing communication with the terminal side wireless communication means B via a telephone line by a telephone line network control device, the terminal side wireless communication means A is In the case where the wireless communication signal from the terminal side wireless communication means B cannot be received until a predetermined fixed time is measured from the time when the signal output from the meter is received and the timer measures the fixed time. A timer A for outputting a signal to the dummy message storage means A, a dummy message storage means A for storing a predetermined message, and a message output by the meter are stored. The data storage means is compared with the response telegram for the predetermined telegram and the telegram stored in the data storage means, and the result of comparison or the response telegram for the predetermined telegram is collected through the terminal side wireless communication means B. It is composed of a data comparing means for outputting to the means and a telegram transmitting / receiving means A for transmitting / receiving a telegram to / from the meter, and the dummy telegram storing means A is internally stored by the output signal of the timer A and is set in advance. An automatic meter reading system configured to output a message to the meter through the message transmitting / receiving means A. 12. A meter for communicating with the outside for measuring a flow rate value and for remote control, a terminal side wireless communication means A for performing wireless communication, and a terminal side wireless communication for performing wireless communication with the terminal side wireless communication means A. In the automatic meter reading system comprising communication means B and data collection means for performing communication with the terminal side wireless communication means B via a telephone line by a telephone line network control device, the terminal side wireless communication means B is When the wireless communication signal from the terminal-side wireless communication means A cannot be received until the predetermined time is measured from the time when the signal output by the data collecting means is received and the timer measures the predetermined time. The timer B that outputs a signal to the dummy message storage unit B, the dummy message storage unit B that stores a predetermined message, and the data collection unit The data storage means for storing the applied telegram and the response telegram for the predetermined telegram and the telegram stored in the data storage means are compared and the comparison result or the response telegram for the predetermined telegram is sent to the data collection means. It is composed of a data comparing means for outputting and a telegram transmitting / receiving hand B for transmitting / receiving a telegram to / from the meter. The dummy telegram storing means B stores a predetermined telegram stored internally by the output signal of the timer B. An automatic meter reading system configured to output to the data collecting means through the electronic message transmitting / receiving means B.