JPH10188187A - Method and device for automatic meter-reading - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the low-cost and high-efficiency automatic meter-reading of various meters by collecting the meter-reading values of plural meters while using power line communication through a power line pulled into plural houses and reporting these meter-reading values through a communication network to center equipment. SOLUTION: The voltage of a high voltage side three-phase power line 1 is dropped by a transformer 10 and branched to three systems of power lines 1-A, 1-B and 1-C and in order to enable power line communication by a network coupler 20, three systems are mutually connected in high frequency manner. Meter-reading terminals from 30-A1 to 30-Ai, from 30-B1 to 30-Bj and from 30-C1 to 30-Ck detect the meter-reading values of meters, etc., arranged in respective houses. These meter-reading values are collected by a collecting terminal 40 while using power lines 1-A, 1-B and 1-C and transmitted to a telephone network 50. Center equipment 60 is arranged at every branch office for electric power, tapped water or gas and performs prescribed processing based on the meter-reading values of respective meters received from the telephone network 50.

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 method and apparatus for automatically metering various meters such as a wattmeter, a water meter and a gas meter arranged in a plurality of houses. The present invention relates to an automatic meter reading method and apparatus capable of performing automatic meter reading of various instruments arranged in each house at low cost and with high efficiency by employing power line communication using a power line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, meter reading of various meters such as a wattmeter, a water meter, and a gas meter arranged in each house has been performed by a meter reader periodically patroling each house.

[0003] However, the conventional meter reading method based on patrol of meter readers is extremely troublesome, and in view of the presence of absence homes, etc., it is not always possible to read meters even when patrol, and the labor required for this is not always possible. In addition, there is a problem that the cost is enormous.

Therefore, an automatic meter reading system using a telephone line communication system has recently been proposed. In the automatic meter reading system using the telephone line communication system, a network control device capable of automatically making or receiving a call is provided in each house, and a center device that collects meter reading values sends a call to this network control device. Automatic meter reading of various meters, such as a wattmeter, a water meter, and a gas meter, arranged in each house through a telephone network by a call or an automatic call from the network control device to the center device.

[0005]

However, in the automatic meter reading system using the telephone line communication system, it is necessary to provide a network control device capable of automatically making or receiving a call for each house. However, there has been a problem that the introduction cost and the running cost are high, and the introduction is very difficult from an economical point of view.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel automatic meter reading method and apparatus which can perform automatic meter reading of various instruments arranged in each house at low cost and with high efficiency.

[0007]

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an automatic meter reading method for meter reading of a plurality of meters respectively arranged in a plurality of houses. Are collected using power line communication via power lines respectively drawn into the plurality of houses, and the collected plurality of meter reading values are notified to a center device via a communication network.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the meter reading is collected by meter reading means arranged in a specific one of the plurality of houses. And

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of houses are grouped in units of houses into which a power line supplied through the same transformer is drawn. The meter reading value collecting means is arranged.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the transformer supplies a transformed power to a plurality of power lines and transmits a high-frequency signal between the plurality of power lines. The power line communication between the plurality of series of power lines is performed via the network coupler by connecting via the network coupler.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the network coupler includes a plurality of coils wound around the same core and a plurality of capacitors respectively connected to the coils. It is characterized in that a plurality of series of power lines are connected at a high frequency.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the meter reading value is automatically detected by optical reading means provided in each of the meters.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the meter reading value is automatically detected based on a meter reading signal from a meter reading output terminal provided in the meter. .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the communication network is a public telephone line network, and the transmission of the meter reading is performed via a no-ringing network control means. And

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the meter reading is collected in response to a command from the center device.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the collection of the meter readings is periodically performed every time a predetermined period elapses.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic meter reading apparatus for meter reading of a plurality of meters respectively arranged in a plurality of houses, wherein the plurality of meter reading value detecting means for detecting the meter reading values of the plurality of meters respectively. Power line communication means for collecting a plurality of meter values detected by the plurality of meter value detection means using power line communication via power lines respectively drawn into the plurality of houses; and Meter reading value notifying means for notifying the center device of the plurality of meter reading values via a communication network.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, the power line communication means is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of meters, and the meter reading of the meter detected by the meter reading value detecting means is provided. A plurality of power line communication modems that transmit values using power line communication via the power line, and a power line communication via the power line, which is connected to the power line and transmits meter reading values of a plurality of meters transmitted from the plurality of power line communication modems. And a meter reading value collecting means for collecting the measured values.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the meter reading value collecting means is arranged in a specific house among the plurality of houses.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the invention, the plurality of houses are grouped in units of houses to which power lines supplied through the same transformer are drawn, and the meter reading value collection is performed. The means are arranged on a group basis.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the transformer supplies a transformed power to a plurality of power lines, and the power line communication means performs a high frequency transmission between the plurality of power lines. And a network coupler connected to the network.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the network coupler comprises a core, a plurality of coils wound around the core, and a plurality of coils respectively connected to the coils. And a capacitor.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, one end of each of the plurality of coils is grounded, and the other end is connected to each of the plurality of capacitors. Is characterized in that one end is connected to each of the plurality of coils and the other end is connected to each of the plurality of power lines.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, the meter reading value detecting means is provided in each of the meters, and optical reading means automatically reads the meter reading value of the meter. Storage means for storing the meter reading of the meter read by the optical reading means.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the meter reading value detecting means automatically measures a meter reading of the meter based on a meter reading signal output from a meter reading output terminal provided in the meter. And a storage means for storing the meter reading of the meter detected by the detection means.

According to a twentieth aspect, in the eleventh aspect, the communication network is a public telephone line network,
The meter reading value notifying means includes a no-ringing network control means connected to the center device via the public telephone line network.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the twentieth aspect, the meter reading value collecting means is activated in response to a command from the center device received by the no-ringing network control means, and connects the power line. The meter reading values of the plurality of meters transferred out by the plurality of meter reading value detecting means via the plurality of meter values are collected.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the meter reading value collecting means is automatically activated every time a predetermined period elapses, and detects the plurality of meter reading values via the power line. It is characterized in that meter readings of the plurality of meters transferred out by means are collected.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the meter reading value collecting means collects meter readings of the plurality of meters transferred by the plurality of meter reading means via the power line. Is performed at least twice to prevent the collection of meter readings of the plurality of meters from being lost.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the twentieth aspect, the meter reading value notifying means responds to a command from the center device received by the no-ringing network control means by the meter reading value collecting means. The collected meter reading values are transmitted to a center device via the public telephone network.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the twentieth aspect, the meter reading value notifying means periodically calls the center device via the no-ringing network control means and collects the meter data with the meter reading value collecting means. The plurality of meter reading values described above are transmitted to the center device via the public telephone network.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the meter reading value notifying means notifies the center device of the plurality of meter reading values collected by the meter reading value collecting means at least twice. In this way, it is possible to prevent the notification of the meter reading values of the plurality of meters from being lost.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the communication between the center device and the meter reading value collecting means automatically calls up the meter reading value collecting means. Communication control means for controlling communication via a network, and data processing means for processing data of meter reading values obtained by communication between the meter reading value collecting means by the communication control means, and I do.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first or eleventh aspect, the house includes a specific place.

[0035]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic meter reading system configured by applying the automatic meter reading method and apparatus according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the automatic meter reading system includes:
The meter readings of various meters, such as a wattmeter, a water meter, and a gas meter, which are respectively arranged in each house, are read by the power lines 1-A and B of the A system.
The automatic meter reading is realized by collecting the data via the power line 1-B of the system and the power line 1-C of the system C and transmitting the collected data to the center device 60 via the telephone network 50. Transformer 1 that steps down 1 and branches into three systems of power lines (single-phase three-line power lines) 1-A, 1-B and 1-C;
In order to enable power line communication between the three power lines 1-A, 1-B, and 1-C, the three power lines 1-A,
-B and 1-C are connected to each other in a high frequency manner, and the three power lines 1-A, 1-B and 1-
C-meter terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai, 30-A for detecting meter readings of various meters (hereinafter referred to as meters) such as meters respectively arranged in each house connected to C.
B1 to 30-Bj, 30-C1 to 30-Ck, connected to the power line 1-A of the A system, and the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-A
i, 30-B1 to 30-Bj, 30-C1 to 30-Ck
The meter readings of each meter detected in the above are converted to power lines 1-A, 1-B,
1-C, using power line communication to collect
And a center device 60 disposed at each business office for electric power, water, gas, etc., and performing a predetermined process based on the meter reading value of each meter received from the telephone network 50.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the transformer 10 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, this transformer 10
Is a three-phase R on the high voltage side of 6600V or 3300V,
The S and T power lines 1 are stepped down and branched into three systems of power lines (single-phase three-line power lines) 1-A, 1-B and 1-C.
-Y bonding, Δ-Δ bonding, YY bonding, or Y-Δ bonding. Here, the secondary side of S can be configured with a neutral ground (6 phase star connection) even in an open delta, and in the case of Y, a neutral ground can also be used.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of a single-phase three-wire system of Δ-open delta coupling among the configurations of the transformer 10 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, the transformer 10 includes a primary ill-connected delta 11 and a primary coil 1
An open delta-connected secondary coil 12 is magnetically coupled to each phase.

The primary coil 11 has 6600
A three-phase alternating current consisting of three phases R, S, and T on the high voltage side of V or 3300 V is applied, and the secondary coil 12 corresponding to the primary phase R-S outputs an A-system composed of phases R1, N1, and R2. Is output from the single-phase three-wire power line 1-A. Here, N1 of the single-phase three-wire power line 1-A is grounded, and the phase R
1, 100V between N1, and between phase R2, N1,
Power of 200 V is supplied between phases R1 and R2.

The secondary coil 12 corresponding to the primary phase ST outputs a B-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-B composed of phases S1, N2 and S2. Here, N2 of the single-phase three-wire power line 1-B is grounded, and the phase S
1, 100V between N2 and between phase S2, N2,
200V power is supplied in phases S1 and S2.

From the secondary coil 12 corresponding to the primary phase TR, a C-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-C composed of phases T1, N3 and T2 is output. Here, N3 of the single-phase three-wire power line 1-C is grounded, and the phase T
1, 100V between N3 and between phases T2 and N3,
Power of 200 V is supplied between phases T1 and T2.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of the network coupler 20 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4, the network coupler 2
0 indicates that the transformer 10 shown in FIG. 1 steps down the power line 1 of the three phases R, S, T on the high voltage side as shown in FIG.
A-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-A consisting of 1, N1, R2
And a configuration in the case of branching into a B-system single-phase three-line power line 1-B composed of phases S1, N2 and S2 and a C-system single-phase three-line power line 1-C composed of phases T1, N3 and T2. ing.

Here, the arrow indicated by a broken line in FIG. 4 is composed of a coil and a capacitor, as will be described later with reference to FIGS.
-R1, 11-R2, 11-S1, 11-S2, 11-
T1 and 11-T2 are shown.

That is, in FIG. 4, the phase R1 of the A-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-A is grounded at a high frequency via the circuit 11-R1, and the A-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-A is connected. Phase R of
2 is grounded at a high frequency via the circuit 11-R2, and similarly, the phase S1 of the B-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-B is connected to the circuit 11-R2.
-S1 is grounded at a high frequency, B-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-B is grounded at a high frequency via a circuit 11-S2, and C-system single-phase three-wire is connected. The phase T1 of the power line 1-C is grounded at a high frequency via the circuit 11-T1,
The phase T2 of the single-phase three-wire power line 1-C of the C system is a circuit 11-T.
2 is grounded at a high frequency, and as a result, the phases R1, R2 of the A-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-A and the B-system single-phase three-wire
The phases S1 and S2 of the power line 1-B of the line and the phases T1 and T2 of the power line 1-C of the C-phase single-phase three-wire line are connected to each other via magnetism at a high frequency. Single phase 3
-Line power line 1-A and B-system single-phase three-line power line 1-B
And power line communication between the single-phase three-line power lines 1 and 1C of the C system.

FIG. 5 shows a specific configuration of the network coupler 20 shown in FIG. The network coupler 20 shown in FIG. 5 includes a toroidal core 12 and six coils L1 to L wound around the toroidal core 12.
6. It is composed of six capacitors C1 to C6 connected to the coils L1 to L6, respectively.

Here, one end of each of the six coils L1 to L6 is grounded, and the other end of each of the six coils L1 to L6 is connected to one end of each of the capacitors C1 to C6. Each end is single phase 3 of A system
Connected to the phases R1, R2 of the power line 1-A of the line and the phases S1, S2 of the power line 1-B of the B-system single-phase three-wire and the phases T1, T2 of the power line 1-C of the C-system single-phase three-wire. Is done.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the network coupler 20 shown in FIG. 6, the series circuit of the coil L1 and the capacitor C1 corresponds to the circuit 11-R1 shown in FIG. 4, and the series circuit of the coil L2 and the capacitor C2 corresponds to the circuit 11-R2 shown in FIG.

Similarly, a series circuit of the coil L3 and the capacitor C3 corresponds to the circuit 11-S1 shown in FIG. 4, and a series circuit of the coil L4 and the capacitor C4 corresponds to the circuit 11-S2 shown in FIG. The series circuit of the coil L5 and the capacitor C5 corresponds to the circuit 11-T1 shown in FIG. 4, and the series circuit of the coil L6 and the capacitor C6 corresponds to the circuit 11-T2 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, the toroidal core 12
The black circles respectively attached to the six coils L1 to L6 wound around indicate the respective polarities of the coils L1 to L6.

FIG. 7 shows the power line 1-A of the A system shown in FIG.
A, that is, the state of the connection of the plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai to the power line 1-A of the A-system single-phase three-wire composed of the phases R1, N1, and R2 shown in FIG. is there.

In FIG. 7, a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A are shown.
1 to 30-Ai are meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ap, meter reading terminals 30-A (p + 1) to 30-Aq, meter reading terminals 30.
-A (q + 1) to 30-Ai, which are divided into three groups and belong to the first group.
-Ap are phases R1 and N of the A-system power line 1-A, respectively.
1, a meter reading terminal 3 belonging to the second group
0-A (p + 1) to 30-Aq are connected between the phases R2 and N1 of the A-system power line 1-A, respectively, and belong to the third group, the meter reading terminals 30-A (q + 1) to 30-Ai.
Are connected between the phases R1, N1, and R2 of the A-system power line 1-A, respectively.

Here, the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ap
The meter reading terminals 30-A (p + 1) to 30-Aq are single-phase two-wire 100V meter reading terminals, and the meter reading terminals 30-A.
(Q + 1) to 30-Ai are single-phase three-wire 100 V or 2
It is a meter reading terminal of 00V.

Note that the meter reading terminals of the above three groups are:
The power lines 1-A of the A system are grouped so that the load balance of each phase is the best.

FIG. 7 shows a plurality of meter reading terminals for the A-system power line 1-A, that is, the A-system single-phase three-line power line 1-A composed of the phases R1, N1, and R2 shown in FIG. 30
-A1 to 30-Ai, the B-system power line 1-B, that is, the phases S1, N2, S shown in FIG.
The state of the connection of the plurality of meter-reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj to the B-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-B composed of C and the C-system power line 1-C, that is, the phase T1 shown in FIG.
The connection of the plurality of meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck to the C-system single-phase three-line power line 1-C composed of N3 and T2 can be similarly configured.

FIG. 8 shows the power line 1-A of the system A shown in FIG.
A, that is, the specific configuration of the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai connected to the single-phase three-line power line 1-A of the A system including the phases R1, N1, and R2 shown in FIG. It is shown as.

In FIG. 8, the meter reading terminal 30 includes an optical coupler 31 for optically detecting the operation of the meter 30a with no torque using a light emitter and a light receiver, a counter 32 for counting the detection output of the optical coupler 31, and a counter 32. A power line communication modem 33, an optical coupler 31, a counter 32, and a power line communication modem for transmitting power line communication to the A-system single-phase three-line power line 1-A including the phases R1, N1, and R2 using the count value of 32 as a meter reading value. Power supply unit 3 that supplies drive power to 33
4 is provided.

When the meter 30a is a wattmeter, the rotation of the rotating plate of the wattmeter is detected by using the optical coupler 31, and the rotation speed of the rotating plate of the integrated wattmeter detected by the optical coupler 31 is detected. Is measured by the counter 32 to obtain a meter reading value.

When the meter 30a is a water meter or a gas meter, the number of driving steps of the water meter or the gas meter is similarly detected by using the optical coupler 31, and the water meter and the gas meter detected by the optical coupler 31 are detected. The meter reading value is obtained by counting the number of driving steps by the counter 32.

Here, as the counter 32, a counter constituted by using a flash memory can be used.

In the above description, the meter 30a
Has been described using the optical coupler 31 to detect the operation described above, and the detection output is counted by the counter 32 to acquire the meter reading value. However, a meter reading value output terminal for directly outputting the meter reading value is provided as the meter 30a. Alternatively, a configuration may be used in which a meter reading value is obtained based on an output signal from the meter reading value output terminal.

FIG. 8 shows meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai connected to the A-system power line 1-A shown in FIG.
Are shown, the meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj connected to the B-system power line 1-B and the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck connected to the C-system power line 1-C.
Can be similarly configured.

FIG. 9 shows the power line 1-A of the system A shown in FIG.
A, that is, a specific configuration of the collection terminal 40 connected to the single-phase three-line power line 1-A of the A system including the phases R1, N1, and R2 illustrated in FIG.

In FIG. 9, the collection terminal 40 is connected to the power line 1-A of the A system, that is, the phases R1 and N shown in FIG.
1, the meter reading terminal 30- connected to the A-system single-phase three-wire power line 1-A composed of R2 and connected to the A-system power line 1-A.
Meter reading terminal 30-B1 connected to B-system power line 1-B via A1 to 30-Ai and network coupler 20
30-Bj and a power line communication modem 41 for performing power line communication with meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck connected to the C-system power line 1-C, and a center device 60 via the telephone network 50 shown in FIG. A modem 43 for performing communication using the telephone line 50a, a no-ringing network control unit 44 for controlling outgoing and incoming calls to the center device 60 via the telephone network 50 by no-ringing, and A via the power line communication modem 41
Meter reading terminals 30-A1-3 connected to the system power line 1-A
Meter reading terminal 3 connected to 0-Ai, B power line 1-B
0-B1 to 30-Bj and meter reading values from the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck connected to the power line 1-C of the C system, and the collected meter reading values of the meter reading terminals are collected by the modem 43. And a control unit 42 for controlling transmission to the center device 60 via the no-ringing network control unit 44.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 45 denotes a telephone line 50.
1 shows a telephone connected to a.

FIG. 10 shows a power line communication circuit in the automatic meter reading system as a high frequency equivalent circuit centering on the power lines R1 and N1.

In FIG. 10, M0 to Mn denote power line communication modems provided in the collection terminal 40 and each of the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ck, respectively.
Are the collection terminal 40 and each of the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-
Power line communication modems M0 to Mn respectively provided in Ck
1 shows a carrier generation power supply at the time of power line communication according to the embodiment.

Further, Z1 includes the total load impedance of the power line communication path, Zc includes the network impedance of the network coupler 20, Z indicates the ground impedance of the transformer 10, and Z0 to Zn include the respective impedances of the power line communication modems M0 to Mn. The ground impedance (impedance at 100 KHz) is shown.

In the power line communication in this automatic meter reading system, the power lines R1, R2, S1, S2,
T1 and T2 have the same potential with respect to the ground (ground) in high frequency.

Each of the power line communication modems M0 to Mn has an ID code, and
The transmission modem alone can generate a communication carrier. In this case, a carrier frequency of 100 KHz to 400 KHz is used. Therefore,
While the carrier is being detected, the carrier cannot be transmitted from another power line communication modem. However, if the communication conditions are met, the carrier can be generated and transmitted.

FIG. 11 shows an equivalent circuit when the power line communication modem M0 is transmitting.

In FIG. 11, when the impedance Za of the transformer 10 is calculated by using each impedance as a high-frequency resistor for the sake of calculation, Za = Z + 1 / {(1 / Z1) + (1 / Zc)} = Z + Z1.Zc / ( Z1 + Zc) (1)

Here, the ground impedance of the transformer 10 is 10Ω, and the number of units fed from the transformer 10 is 3
Assuming that the power consumed by each of the 0 units is 30 A and 100 V, the current I flowing through the transformer 10 is 50 Hz.
And 30A × 30 units = 900A (2), and the power P supplied by the transformer 10 is:
At 50 Hz, 30A × 30 units × 100V = 90KVA (3)

Therefore, the total load impedance at 50 Hz is 90000 / (900 × 900) = 1 / 9Ω (4).

Therefore, the total load impedance Z1 at a frequency of 100 KHz is simplified as follows: Z1 = (1/9) × (100 KHz / 50 Hz) = 222Ω (5)

Similarly, the network impedance Zc can be calculated as follows: Zc = 1.5 × 1.5 / 0.3 = 7.5Ω (6)
From equation (1), a = Z + Z1 · Zc / (Z1 + Zc) = 18Ω (7)

Further, ground impedances Z0 to Z0 including respective impedances of the power line communication modems M0 to Mn.
Assuming that Zn is 7.5Ω (self-impedance of modem) + 100Ω (ground resistance) = 107.5Ω (8), and n = 30, this impedance Zb becomes Zb = 107.5 / 30 = 3.6Ω (9).

Therefore, the total impedance Zp of the power line communication in this automatic meter reading system is as follows: Zp = Za · Zb / (Za + Zb) = 18 × 3.6 / (18 + 3.6) = 3Ω (10)

By the way, in power line communication, the received power with respect to the communication power is inversely proportional to the equivalent impedance of the transmitting unit and the equivalent impedance of the receiving unit, so that P1 / P0 = (1 / 107.5) / (1/3) ) = 0.028 (11) When this value is roughly calculated by decibels, it is -15.5.
In power line communication in this automatic meter reading system, communication is possible up to -40 dB even if other losses are considered.

In the above description, the case where the transmission is performed by the power line communication modem M0 is shown, but the same applies to the case where the transmission is performed by the other power line communication modems M1 to Mn.

The collection terminal 40 is connected to the A-system power line 1-
Meter reading terminals other than meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai connected to A, that is, meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj connected to B-system power line 1-B and C-system power line 1
Also in the case of performing power line communication with the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck connected to -C, the power line communication can be performed in exactly the same manner except that a 7.5 Ω coupling loss occurs in the network coupler 20.

In the power line communication in the automatic meter reading system, for example, even when the load Z1 is cut by a noise prevention capacitor or the circuit between the load Z1 and the load Zc is short-circuited, the automatic meter reading system may be used. The power line communication network coupler 20 functions.

That is, if Z1 = 0 is set in the equation (1), Za = Z + 1 / {(1 / Z1) + (1 / Zc)} = Z = 10Ω (12)

Therefore, the total impedance Zp of the power line communication in this automatic meter reading system in this case is as follows: Zp = Za · Zb / (Za + Zb) = 10 × 3.6 / (10 + 3.6) = 2.46Ω (13) Become.

At this time, P1 / P0 = (1 / 107.5) / (1 / 2.46) = 0.0264 (14) When this value is roughly calculated by decibels, it is -15.8.
dB, and in the power line communication in the automatic meter reading system, the communication can be sufficiently performed in this case as well.

As described above, in the communication system of the automatic meter reading system, 1) a method is adopted in which the carrier of the power line communication is not put between the power lines, whereby the carrier of the power line communication flows upstream beyond the transformer 10. No (neutral point is set for each phase and carrier wave is magnetically canceled in power transformer) 2) No carrier wave is passed between power lines, so no blocking filter is required 3) Carrier wave between power lines Is not affected by line load fluctuations, spike noise, and noise filters for various devices. 4) The network coupler 20 is connected so as to always cancel the low-voltage wiring voltage. 5) It has technical merits such that the communication capacity is not affected even if various loads are added.

FIG. 12 conceptually shows the entire configuration of the automatic meter reading system having the above configuration.

In the automatic meter reading system shown in FIG.
The voltage of the three-phase power line 1 on the high voltage side is stepped down by a transformer (pole transformer) 10 disposed on a power pole 70, and the power lines (single-phase three-line power lines) 1-A, 1-B, -C, and thereafter each of the houses (homes) 100-A1 to 100 as a 2-core or 3-core lead-in power line via the network coupler 20 and the terminal box 90 similarly arranged on the telephone pole 70.
Pulled into 100-Ck.

Each house (each house) 100-A1-10
Of the 2-core or 3-core lead-in power lines drawn into 0-Ck, the A-system power line 1-A is connected to the meter reading terminal 30-A1.
30-Ai are connected to the B-system power line 1-B, and the meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj are connected to the B-system power line 1-B. The C-system power line 1-C is connected to the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck. Is connected.

Further, in the configuration shown in FIG.
Meter reading terminal 30-A connected to the power line 1-A of the A system.
A collection terminal 40 for collecting each meter reading value from each meter reading terminal 30-A1 to 30-Ck is arranged in the house (each house) 100-A1 in which the number 1 is arranged.
0 is connected to the A-system power line 1-A and to the center device 60 shown in FIG. 1 via the telephone line 50a.

The connection points of the collection terminal 40 are not limited to those shown in FIG.
It may be connected to either the B-system power line 1-B or the C-system power line 1-C.

FIG. 13 shows an outline of a communication system in the automatic meter reading system.

In FIG. 13, the power line 1-A of the A system includes the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai and the collection terminal 4-A.
0 is connected, and the meter reading terminal 30- is connected to the B-system power line 1-B.
B1 to 30-Bj are connected, and meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck are connected to the C-system power line 1-C.

The A-system power line 1-A, the B-system power line 1-B, and the C-system power line 1-C are connected to the network coupler 20.
Are connected to each other at a high frequency via the power line 1-A, the power line 1-B, and the power line 1
Using -C, the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai, the meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, and the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-30.
-Ck to enable power line communication.

In this automatic meter reading system, the collection terminal 40 is connected to the power line 1-A and the power line 1-A.
B, the plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai and the meter reading terminals 30-B by the power line communication using the power line 1-C.
1 to 30-Bj and meter reading values are collected from the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck.

The collection terminal 40 is connected to a telephone network 50 via a telephone line 50a.
Data communication is possible with the center device 60 connected via the network device 0b.

FIG. 14 shows the center device 6 shown in FIG.
0, collection terminal 40, a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-
Ai, meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, meter reading terminal 30
It shows a communication sequence between -C1 to 30-Ck.

The communication sequence shown in FIG. 14 is performed periodically, for example, once a month. By executing this communication sequence, the center device 60 causes the plurality of meter reading terminals 30 to operate.
-A1 to 30-Ai, meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-B
j, an automatic meter reading that acquires the meter reading values of the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck via the collection terminal 40 can be performed.

In FIG. 14, when the center device 60 performs the automatic meter reading, first, the center device 60 transmits the data to the collection terminal 4.
Place a call to 0. When the no-ringing network control unit 44 of the collection terminal 40 shown in FIG. 9 responds to this call by a no-ringing, the center device 60 sends a meter reading command to the collection terminal 40.

When receiving the meter reading command from the center device 60, the collection terminal 40 receives a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-A1.
30-Ai, the meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, and the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck are sequentially requested to read meter value data, and a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai, the meter reading terminals 30-A. B1 to 30-Bj, meter reading terminal 30-C1
A polling process for sequentially receiving meter reading value data from 30-Ck is performed.

More specifically, the meter reading command received from the center device 60 is transmitted to the no-ringing network controller 4 shown in FIG.
4. Inform the control unit 42 via the modem 43,
Is a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A using the power line modem 42.
1 to 30-Ai, meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, power lines 1-A for meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck,
Meter reading value data requests are sequentially transmitted via the power line 1-B and the power line 1-C, and in response to this, a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A are transmitted.
1 to 30-Ai, meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, meter reading value data sequentially transmitted from the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck via the power line 1-A, the power line 1-B, and the power line 1-C. Receive.

The polling process is performed at least twice. Here, the reason why this polling process is performed at least twice is that a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai, meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, and meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-C1.
This is to eliminate omission in collecting meter reading value data from 30-Ck.

A plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai and meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-A1
30-Bj, when the process of collecting the meter reading value data from the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck ends, the control unit 42 of the collection terminal 40 transmits the collected meter reading data of each meter reading terminal to
Modem 43 and no-ringing network controller 4 shown in FIG.
4. Transmission is made to the center device 60 via the telephone line 50a, the telephone network 50, and the telephone line 50b.

In the center device 60, the fee is automatically deducted based on the meter reading value data from each of the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ck received from the collection terminal 40, and the fee collecting process such as collecting the fee and issuing a receipt is performed. Do.

The center device 60 can be constituted by a personal computer having 1) an automatic dial function, 2) a communication control function, and 3) a data processing function.

In the sequence shown in FIG. 14, the collection terminal 40 is activated based on the call from the center device 60 to collect the meter reading value data from each of the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ck. The collection terminal 40
Automatically starts periodically and each of the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-
The meter reading value data from Ck is collected, and after collecting the meter reading value data, an automatic call is made to the center device 60 by using the no-ringing network control unit 44.
The meter reading value data collected from 0-A1 to 30-Ck may be transmitted to the center device 60.

FIG. 15 shows the configuration of FIG.
1, the collection terminal 40, the plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai, and the meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-B1 to 30-A1.
It shows a communication sequence between 0-Bj and the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck.

In the communication sequence shown in FIG. 15, the collection terminal 40 periodically transmits a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1.
To 30-Ai, the meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, and the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck, sequentially requesting meter reading value data, and a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai,
Meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, meter reading terminals 30-C1
A polling process for sequentially receiving meter reading value data from .about.30-Ck is performed.

Specifically, the control unit 42 shown in FIG.
Using the power line modem 42, a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1-
30-Ai, the meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, and the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck sequentially transmit meter reading value data requests via the power line 1-A, the power line 1-B, and the power line 1-C. In response, a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1
30-Ai, meter lines 30-B1 to 30-Bj, meter lines 30-C1 to 30-Ck to power line 1-A, power line 1
-B, receives meter reading value data sequentially transmitted via the power line 1-C.

The polling process is performed at least twice. Here, the reason why this polling process is performed at least twice is that a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai, meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-Bj, and meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-C1.
This is to eliminate omission in collecting meter reading value data from 30-Ck.

A plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai and meter reading terminals 30-B1 to 30-A1 to 30-A1 are controlled by the control unit 42 of the collection terminal 40.
When the process of collecting the meter reading values from the meter reading terminals 30-Bj and the meter reading terminals 30-C1 to 30-Ck ends, the control unit 42 of the collection terminal 40 illustrated in FIG.
, And automatically sends the collected meter reading data of each meter reading terminal to the modem 43, the no-ringing network control unit 44, the telephone line 50a, the telephone network 50, and the telephone line 50.
b to the center device 60.

In the center device 60, the fee is automatically deducted based on the meter reading data from each of the meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ck received from the collection terminal 40, and the fee collecting process such as collecting the fee and issuing a receipt is performed. Do.

[0115]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Meter readings of a plurality of meters respectively arranged in a plurality of houses are collected using power line communication via power lines drawn into the plurality of houses, and the collected plurality of meter readings are collected through a public network. Since the apparatus is configured to be notified, it is possible to provide a novel automatic meter reading method and apparatus which can perform automatic meter reading of various instruments arranged in each house at low cost and with high efficiency.

In the above description, the connection to the center device 60 is made via the telephone network 50. However, the connection to the center device 60 can be made by using other various exclusive networks.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of an automatic meter reading system configured by applying an automatic meter reading method and apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the transformer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a detailed configuration of a single-phase three-wire system of Δ-open delta coupling in the configuration of the transformer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a schematic configuration of the network coupler shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a structural diagram showing a specific structure of the network coupler shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the network coupler shown in FIG. 5;

7 is a circuit diagram showing a state of connection of a plurality of meter reading terminals 30-A1 to 30-Ai to an A-system power line 1-A shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a meter reading terminal connected to the A-system power line shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a collection terminal connected to the A-system power line shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a high-frequency equivalent circuit showing a power line communication circuit in the automatic meter reading system with power lines R1 and N1 as the center.

FIG. 11 is an equivalent circuit showing a time when the power line communication modem M0 is transmitting in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a diagram conceptually showing the entire configuration of the automatic meter reading system.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an outline of a communication system in the automatic meter reading system.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing a communication sequence between the center device, the collection terminal, and a plurality of meter reading terminals shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing another example of a communication sequence between the center device, the collection terminal, and a plurality of meter reading terminals shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 High-voltage side three-phase power line 1-A A-system power line 1-BB B-system power line 1-CC C-system power line 10 Transformer 20 Network coupler 30-A1 to 30-Ck Meter-reading terminal 40 Collection terminal 50 Telephone network 60 Center apparatus

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] January 21, 1997

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

A tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, the collection of the meter readings is periodically performed every time a predetermined period elapses.

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 6

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 6

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Fig. 9

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 9

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hideo Takahashi 1-2-8 Nakaochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Inside Nissho Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshio Matsuda 16-8-201 Tomikucho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Computer Science Laboratories, Inc.

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. An automatic meter reading method for meter reading of a plurality of meters respectively arranged in a plurality of houses, wherein the meter reading values of the plurality of meters are read using power line communication via power lines respectively drawn into the plurality of houses. An automatic meter reading method, comprising: collecting the plurality of meter reading values and notifying the center device via a communication network. 2. The automatic meter reading method according to claim 1, wherein the meter reading is collected by meter reading collecting means arranged in a specific house among the plurality of houses. 3. The plurality of houses are grouped in units of houses into which a power line supplied through the same transformer is drawn, and the meter reading value collecting means is arranged in each group. The automatic meter reading method according to claim 2. 4. The transformer according to claim 1, wherein the transformer supplies a transformed power to a plurality of power lines, and connects the plurality of power lines via a network coupler for transmitting a high-frequency signal. 4. The automatic meter reading method according to claim 3, wherein power line communication between a plurality of power lines is performed. 5. The network coupler according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of power lines are connected at a high frequency through a plurality of coils wound around the same core and a plurality of capacitors respectively connected to the coils. The automatic meter reading method according to claim 4, characterized in that: 6. The automatic meter reading method according to claim 1, wherein the meter reading value is automatically detected by optical reading means provided in each of the meters. 7. The automatic meter reading method according to claim 1, wherein the meter reading value is automatically detected based on a meter reading signal from a meter output terminal provided in the meter. 8. The automatic meter reading method according to claim 1, wherein the communication network is a public telephone line network, and the transmission of the meter reading value is performed via a no-ringing network control means. 9. The automatic meter reading method according to claim 1, wherein the collection of the meter reading values is performed in response to a command from the center device. 10. The automatic meter reading method according to claim 1, wherein the collection of the meter reading is performed periodically every time a predetermined period elapses. 11. An automatic meter reading device for meter reading of a plurality of meters respectively arranged in a plurality of houses, a plurality of meter value detecting means for detecting meter values of the plurality of meters, respectively, a plurality of meter value detections Power line communication means for collecting the plurality of meter readings detected by the means using power line communication via the power lines respectively drawn into the plurality of houses; and communicating the plurality of meter readings collected by the power line communication means. An automatic meter reading device for notifying the center device via a network of the meter reading value. 12. The power line communication unit is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of meters, and transmits a meter reading of the meter detected by the meter reading detecting unit using power line communication via the power line. A power line communication modem, and meter reading value collecting means connected to the power line and collecting meter reading values of a plurality of meters transmitted from the plurality of power line communication modems using power line communication via the power line. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 11, wherein: 13. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 12, wherein the meter reading value collecting means is arranged in a specific house among the plurality of houses. 14. The plurality of houses are grouped in units of houses into which a power line supplied through the same transformer is drawn, and the meter reading value collecting means is arranged in the group units. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 12, which performs the reading. 15. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the transformer supplies a transformed power to a plurality of series of power lines, and the power line communication means includes a network coupler for connecting the plurality of series of power lines at a high frequency. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 14. 16. The network coupler according to claim 14, further comprising: a core; a plurality of coils wound around the core; and a plurality of capacitors respectively connected to the coils. Automatic meter reading device as described. 17. One end of each of the plurality of coils is grounded, and the other end is connected to each of the plurality of capacitors. The one end of each of the plurality of capacitors is connected to each of the plurality of coils. 17. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 16, wherein the other end is connected to each of the plurality of power lines. 18. The meter reading value detecting means is provided in each of the meters, and optical reading means for automatically reading the meter reading value of the meter, and the meter reading value of the meter read by the optical reading means. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 11, further comprising: storage means for storing. 19. The meter reading value detecting means automatically detects a meter reading value of the meter based on a meter reading signal output from a meter reading output terminal provided in the meter, and the detecting means detects the meter reading value. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 11, further comprising: storage means for storing a meter reading value of the meter. 20. The communication network as set forth in claim 1, wherein the meter reading value notifying means includes a no-ringing network control means connected to the center device via the public telephone line network. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 11, wherein 21. The meter reading value collecting means, which is started in response to a command from the center device received by the no ringing network control means, and is transferred by the plurality of meter reading value detecting means via the power line. 21. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 20, wherein meter reading values of the meters are collected. 22. The meter reading value collection means, which is automatically started every time a predetermined period elapses, and collects meter reading values of the plurality of meters transferred by the plurality of meter reading value detection means via the power line. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein
2. The automatic meter reading device according to 2. 23. The meter reading value of the plurality of meters, wherein the meter reading value collection means collects the meter reading values of the plurality of meters transferred by the plurality of meter value detection means via the power line at least twice. 13. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 12, wherein a missing value collection is prevented. 24. The meter reading value notifying means, in response to a command from the center device received by the no ringing network control means, transmits the plurality of meter reading values collected by the meter reading value collecting means to the public telephone line network. 21. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 20, wherein the automatic meter reading is transmitted to a center device via the center device. 25. The meter reading value notifying means, which periodically calls the center device via the no-ringing network control means and transmits the plurality of meter reading values collected by the meter reading value collecting means via the public telephone network. 21. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 20, wherein the data is transmitted to the center device. 26. The meter reading value notifying means, which notifies the center device of the plurality of meter reading values collected by the meter reading value collecting means at least twice, so that the notification of meter reading values of the plurality of meters is lost. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 12, wherein the automatic meter reading is prevented. 27. The center device, comprising: automatic dial means for automatically calling the meter reading value collecting means; communication control means for controlling communication between the meter reading value collecting means via the communication network; 13. The automatic meter reading device according to claim 12, further comprising: a data processing unit configured to process data of a meter reading value obtained by communication with the meter reading value collecting unit by the control unit. 28. The automatic meter reading method or apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the house includes a specific place.