JPH1091650A - Portable meter-reading data gathering processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To collect the charge for use even if meter-reading operation can not be done for some reason by providing an input means which inputs the indication that meter-reading data regarding input is an estimated value when the estimated meter-reading data is inputted. SOLUTION: The keyboard 42 of the portable meter-reading data gathering processor consists of a ten-key and function keys. A meter is read, its indication is inputted with keys, and a setting key is pressed; and then the consumption is calculated automatically and a screen displaying the consumption appears on a display 45. With a print key pressed, an information card is printed out. If the meter can not be read for some reason, meter-reading data can be inputted as an estimated value. With an estimation key pressed, 'estimated' is displayed. This is transmitted to a station in the office eventually and can be printed on the information card when necessary.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable meter reading data collecting and processing apparatus suitable for collecting meter reading data represented by water, gas, electric power and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a business management system in the industry that involves meter reading of meters installed at each customer, such as water, gas, and electric power, a charge calculation that occurs after meter reading data is collected.
Invoice creation processing, fee transfer processing through financial institutions,
Computers have been introduced for various statistical processes.
It is being used and is being mechanized and streamlined. But,
From the collection of meter reading data at the customer to the input of this data to a card punch in a computer, a series of operations still rely on human tactics centered on handwritten information transmission, and the mechanization and rationalization have been extremely delayed. Therefore, a solution is desired. Hereinafter, the system currently being performed and its processing content will be described taking the most common water meter reading as an example.

[0003] In the current water meter reading management system, most of information and data such as the address, name, customer number, meter number, transfer account number of the customer, past meter reading value and usage amount of each customer are used for management. Stored in a central computer file. A series of sales-related business processes related to charges, usage statistics processing (by caliber, district, etc.), data processing for meter replacement management that requires periodic replacement, and the previous guideline value for each customer The process of creating a printed "notification card" for review, and the process of creating the previous toll transfer notice, depending on the customer, are all performed around this central computer.

On the other hand, in the meter reading operation of each customer by meter readers, a so-called “meter reading ledger” is used. This meter reading book is generally put together in one leaf for each demand,
The same information and data (address, name,
... Etc.) are printed or described. This meter reading book is a single leaf for each customer, but is classified for each meter reading area, and is arranged in the order of meter reading in the area, that is, in the order along the path when the meter reading person turns, and the number of the operation of the meter reading person ( In the following, work numbers are compiled into one volume for each area. As described above, the information and data described in the meter reading ledger correspond to the file of the central computer. Strictly speaking, the contents of the meter reading ledger are input to the central computer to form a file.

Next, a description will be given of the contents of processing when data obtained from meter reading work of each customer by meter readers is input to the central computer. First, the meter reader prints the “meter reading book” corresponding to each customer in the meter reading area, the “notice card” on which the address, name, and the guideline value at the time of the previous meter reading are printed, and the details of the account transfer of the previous usage fee. Bring the "Bank transfer notice" and other necessary equipment for meter reading, and start meter reading work in the order of the predetermined work number.

At each customer's house, first, the guideline value is read from the meter this time, and is written in a meter reading book corresponding to the customer. Next, the difference from the previous guideline value, that is, the used amount is calculated and similarly entered in the meter reading ledger, and the exact same contents are transferred to the notification card corresponding to the customer this time. Next, it is checked whether or not the used amount obtained here is a proper value. This check is performed by comparing with the past usage amount recorded in the meter reading ledger, but the comparison is made mainly on the usage amount in the same month one year ago, the previous usage amount, the fee before last use, etc. If the meter reader notices that there is a misreading of the meter, an entry error, a calculation error, or the like, the meter immediately corrects the error. However, even if the guideline values are correct this time, if there is a large deviation from the past usage, investigate whether there is a leak due to equipment failure in the piping or at the customer's home and investigate the cause. (Mostly due to actual water leakage). If the cause is water leakage, write that fact in the meter reading ledger and clearly indicate that the value is an abnormal value.

When the above is completed, the meter reader is stamped in the meter reader section of the notification card, the notification card and the account transfer notice are placed in the customer's house, and the meter reading business for one house is completed. Then, the operation is repeated for the next customer determined in advance. During the meter reading,
Some customers have special circumstances (for example, meter burial,
In some cases, meter reading is not possible due to free-range dogs. At this time, it is common to place a contact form stating that meter reading is not possible at the customer's home, return to the Water Bureau, and consider the past usage results and process it in a certified form ( This processing differs depending on the area, and in consideration of the past usage results on the spot, the "estimated value" is clearly written on the notification card, and may be left at the customer's house.)

[0008] In this way, when the meter reading of all the customers scheduled in the area is completed, the meter reader returns to the Water Bureau and checks the meter reading in the area without leaking while checking the meter reading book. Checks are made as to whether the quantity calculation is correct, etc., and a review is made again for customers who have missed meter reading, and corrections are made for calculation errors. The checking of the meter reading leakage and the calculation of the usage amount, and the re-metering of the meter reading leaking customer are originally determined by the order of the meter reading of each customer and should not be generated by the check at each customer's house. However, in reality, in spite of repeated checks, meter readings are missed or calculation errors occur, so that it is one of the things to be solved. On the other hand, with respect to the above-mentioned customers who have leaked water and those who cannot read meter, appropriate estimated values are set while observing the usage amounts of the past two or three times and one year ago, and these are processed as authorized values. . That is, for such a consumer, this certified value is treated as the usage amount. In this way, the meter reading for all customers in the meter reading area is completed, and the meter reading and the final meter guideline value and usage amount are entered to the Water Bureau, and the work of meter readers is completed.

[0009] The meter reading ledger of each area submitted by each meter reader is compiled and delivered to the calculation center. The contents described in the meter reading ledger are transferred to the punch card by the key puncher of the calculation center, and input to the central computer via the card reader. The contents punched into this card are not all the items described in the meter reading book,
It includes at least the number that can be determined to be each consumer, the current meter pointer value, and the amount used. The central computer subtracts the previous guideline value stored in advance from the current guideline value entered, and calculates the usage.
The result is compared with the input usage amount to check for a punch error and a meter reading book check error. As mentioned above,
The meter reading ledger is brought to the calculation center after repeated checks, but still there are actually writing errors and calculation errors. Also, it can not be said that there is no punch mistake due to key puncher,
It describes the imperfection of human intervention, and at the same time, its solution is desired.

The above description is an outline of the meter reading operation in the case of using water as an example, but almost the same processing is performed for gas and electric power.

[0011]

In such a conventional system for collecting meter reading data such as water, gas, electric power, etc., as will be clear from the above description, the meter pointer at each customer's house is indicated by a meter pointer. From reading the value to creating a punch card with a key puncher, it is done with human intervention, so there are mistakes in entry, miscalculation,
There is a problem that there is a punch error or the like and data reliability is low. In addition, a great deal of labor and time is required for the meter reader to repeat the check to reduce this mistake, a great deal of labor and cost is required for card punches, The problem is that the key puncher staff, which is required temporarily in a small-scale calculation center, must be secured temporarily because of the intensive occurrence afterwards, and furthermore, the central computer is used to check for punch errors and reading errors in the meter reading ledger. There is a problem that unnecessary processing and costs, such as the calculation of the usage amount based on the currently input guideline value and the previously stored previous guideline value, and the collation processing of this result with the usage amount of the current input are required. .

Further, since the meter reading operation is performed with the intervention of a meter reader, there is also a problem that the order of the meter reading operation for the customer is always changed. In the course of meter reading, it is checked whether there is any customer who has leaked during the previous meter reading operation or whether there is a customer who has leaked after the scheduled meter reading operation is completed. You have to check while looking at all the ledgers, which is a tough job. In addition, when a leak of meter reading work is found after returning to the Waterworks Bureau, the user has to go to the customer's home again, and unnecessary labor is expended. As described above, in the conventional system, there is a disadvantage that there is no means for easily calling and confirming a customer who has missed the meter reading operation at an arbitrary point in time or at the end of meter reading. In addition, in the conventional meter reading system, a great deal of labor is required for a classification work for each meter reading area of a notification card and a debit transfer notice outputted from the central computer before the meter reading work and a sorting work according to a meter reading order. I have. In addition, since the meter reading ledger has limited space, it can generally only be filled in for two to three years, and is updated regularly. However, as mentioned above, meter reading always requires past usage results. Therefore, even after switching to the new meter reading book, the old meter reading book must be brought for a while, which not only burdens meter readers but also reduces meter reading efficiency.

On the other hand, due to the special environmental work called meter reading, dirt of the meter reading book in the rainy weather, blurring of written characters, and a decrease in meter reading efficiency due to careful consideration to prevent this, and data entry with gloves in winter. It has drawbacks such as reduced efficiency. Furthermore, when considering only the water meter reading, there is a problem that the leak determination is left to the meter reading member. That is, the conventional system has a disadvantage that the meter reader forgets to check for an abnormal value due to water leakage. Also,
If the meter reading cannot be performed for some reason, such as a terrible dog, it will be the same as the usual omission of meter reading work, but there is also a problem that meter reading cannot be performed unless the reason is resolved, and the usage fee cannot be collected forever.

An object of the present invention is to provide a portable meter-reading data collecting and processing apparatus which can collect a fee for use even if meter reading cannot be performed for some reason.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a portable meter reading data collecting and processing apparatus for inputting meter reading data of each customer's house in a meter reading target area in accordance with an input screen of a display.
This is achieved by providing a key for inputting that the meter reading data relating to the input is an estimated value when inputting meter reading data estimated because meter reading cannot be performed for some reason.

If the meter reading operation cannot be performed for some reason, it is sufficient to input an estimated value. However, the estimated value is only a provisional value, and if there is too much usage fee, the customer's house will be troubled. However, in the present invention, since the meter reading data is clearly indicated by key input, it is possible to notify the customer's house and the management computer that the meter reading data is tentative data. It can be modified at any time.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 26 is a configuration diagram of a meter reading system using a portable meter reading data collecting and processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The files on the central computer 1 for management include:
Information data such as the address, name, customer number, meter number, transfer account number of charge, past meter reading value, usage amount, etc. of each customer required for meter reading service is stored. The central computer 1 is generally located at a calculation center or the like to which the Water Works Bureau outsources its work. The meter reading data processing device 2 includes a display 2a composed of a CRT or the like for man-machine operation, a keyboard 2b, and a typewriter 2 for printing and outputting results and the like.
c, a floppy device 2d and the like.
The meter reading data processing device 2 is installed in a place such as a water bureau, which is a center of meter reading business. Here, the storage media 3a and 3b for performing data exchange between the central computer 1 and the meter reading data processing device 2 use a floppy disk. The portable meter reading data collecting and processing device 4 used for meter reading has a connector part 4a in a part thereof, and is configured to be able to transmit data to the meter reading data processing device 2 by an RS232C interface or the like. I have.

Next, an outline of a processing method for meter reading work using the portable meter reading data collection processing device 4 which constitutes a part of the present system will be described. First, of the information and data on all customers who are subject to meter reading, the address, name, customer number, meter number, fee transfer account number, and the previous transfer of each customer required for meter reading The central computer 1 selects information and data such as the completed fee, the meter pointer value at the previous meter reading, the amount used, the amount used two times before, and the amount used the same month last year, and is classified and blocked for each meter reading area. (That is, the order along the direction of the turn of the meter reader), the floppy disk 3a
Is output to

The floppy disk 3a is delivered from the calculation center where the central computer 1 is located to the waterworks bureau, and is input to the meter reading data processing device 2 by the floppy device 2d. In the meter reading data processing device 2, by operating the keyboard 2b while watching the display 2a, each block is input to each of the portable meter reading data collecting and processing devices 4 as one block for each meter reading area. As a result, the portable meter reading data collection and processing device 4 stores all information required for meter reading of all consumers in the area where meter reading is to be performed.
The data is input in the order of meter reading, and preparation for meter reading is completed. The meter reader has the portable meter reading data collection processing device 4 and starts meter reading work in a predetermined order, collects meter reading data at each customer, and at the same time, includes a notice card including a notice of the transfer of the fee. Print out and distribute to each customer. The meter reader returns to the Waterworks Bureau after the meter reading of all customers is completed, and transmits the obtained data to the meter reading data processing device 2. The meter reading data processing device 2 outputs this data to the floppy disk 3b, and outputs a list of the usage data by the typewriter 2c as necessary. The floppy disk 3b is delivered from the waterworks bureau to the calculation center where the central computer 1 is located, and is input to the central computer 1. In the central computer 1, the file is updated according to the input meter reading data, and a series of business affairs related to the charge, a usage statistics process, and the like are performed. The updated file contents are used as basic data for the next meter reading operation. The above is the basic processing procedure of the meter reading operation in the present embodiment.

Next, the structure and operation of the portable meter reading data processing apparatus of this embodiment will be described. FIG.
2 is a functional block diagram of the portable meter reading data collection processing device 4. FIG. Portable meter reading data collection processing device 4 according to the present embodiment
Is a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a program storage ROM (read only memory) 12, a data storage RAM (random access memory) 13, and a serial controller for controlling serial data transmission with the meter reading data processor 2. A real-time clock 15 for counting real time independently of the interface circuit 14 and the CPU 11, a timer 16 used for control and arithmetic processing, a printer 17 used for printing out a notice card, a notice of transfer of a charge, and the like; The control circuit 18 of the printer 17
(A dot impact printer is preferable because it can print two sheets and does not discolor the paper for outdoor use, etc.), a liquid crystal display 19 (in this embodiment, 20 columns and 4 lines are displayed), a liquid crystal display control It comprises a circuit 20, a keyboard 21 and its control circuit 22, which are connected by a bus 23. In addition, a battery 24 for supplying power to each circuit, and a battery alarm circuit 25 for constantly monitoring the voltage and generating an alarm signal and sending it to the CPU 11 before the voltage is reduced to a level at which each circuit cannot operate. Is provided.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the portable meter reading data processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA 'in FIG. In FIG. 2, a lower case 31 having a storage space for each component and a mounting portion is made by molding. The same applies to the upper case 32, and the lower case 31
And the upper case 32 are tightened and fixed by screws (not shown) to be integrated. The printed circuit board 33 has the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the electronic components constituting each control circuit shown in FIG. 1 mounted in its mounting space 34, and is stored in the lower case 31. A part of the printer mounting base 35 is fastened and fixed to a part of the lower case 31 with screws. The printer 36 is fastened and fixed to a printer mounting base 35 with screws, and prints on a roll paper 37 for the printer. A battery 39 is housed in a battery storage section 38 provided in a part of the lower case 31, and is fixed by a battery cover 40.

The connector 41 is used for data transmission via the serial interface 14 and for charging the battery 39. The keyboard 42 is a sheet-type keyboard in consideration of drip-proofing during outdoor work. The keyboard presser 43 presses the keyboard 42 and is partially fixed to the upper case 32 by screws 44.
A part of the liquid crystal display 45 is fixed to the upper case 32 by screws 46. The transparent plate 47 for the purpose of design and drip-proof is pressed and fixed between the upper case 32 and the liquid crystal display 45. Printer cover 4
Reference numeral 8 denotes a printer paper having a cutter portion 49 and a catch portion, and is inserted and fixed to the upper case 32. Roll paper 3
The roll paper cover 50 for replacement has a hook portion at a part thereof, and is inserted and fixed to the upper case 32.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the key arrangement of the keyboard 42, which is composed of ten keys and function keys.

Next, the operation and functions of the portable data collection and processing device will be described in detail. In the following, the portable meter reading data collection processing device 4 is simply referred to as a terminal.

<< 1. Program Start> When charging is completed or when a battery is mounted, the keyboard does not operate normally because the control circuit in the CPU 11 is not initialized. Initial setting of the control circuit is performed by keying in the clear key in FIG.

<< 2. Receiving data with meter reading data processing device in the station >> After initializing the control circuit by key-in of the clear key, the serial interface circuit 14 is connected to the meter reading data processing device 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as a station).
, The terminal 4 is ready for serial data transmission. After that, the data transmission function is started by the operation of the station 2 in the station, so that the keyboard operation of the terminal 4 is not particularly required. The data from the station 2 includes the previous guideline amount, the previous / previous guideline amount, the three-time previous guideline amount, and the guideline amount for the same month last year for each customer.

When the clear key is pressed in after connecting the serial interface circuit 14, the transmission waiting state can be released.

<< 3. Clock setting >> By pressing the time key shown in FIG. 4, the contents shown in FIG. 5 appear on the display. Key in the year, month, day, hour, and minute in order, and finally Figure 4
The clock is set by keying in the setting key of. At the time of this key-in, the cursor automatically moves to the next digit to be input. Thereafter, by pressing the time key as required, the screen of FIG. 5 appears. date·
If the key-in is not required with the same numeral when inputting the hour and minute, the cursor can be moved by performing a key-in operation. Also, in the same figure, a1 indicates the number of the book to be read, and a2 indicates the number of the meter reading operation performed so far. Before the work, the work number becomes 1 (this is the number indicating the first customer in the predetermined patrol order. From the book number a1, which area is the subject of meter reading, and from the meter reading work number a2, To what extent the meter reading operation has been completed and the customer who should read the meter next time is known.), Work number = 0
Indicates that no customer data has been entered.

<< 4. Input of Meter Reading Data >> After the setting of the time is displayed, the customer who is the current work target is displayed by pressing the clear key. Hereinafter, the input operation of the meter reading data by operating the advance key and the return key in FIG. 4 will be described. First, when the advance key is pressed, FIG. 6 is displayed on the display. This screen is the basis of the meter reading operation, b1 is the water (or gas) meter number (6 digits), b2 is the customer name (14 digits), b3 is the type of pointer (5 digits), b4 is the current Pointer (input by meter reader, 5 digits), b5 last time pointer (5 digits), b6
Is the error display (5 digits), and b7 is the current usage (5 digits). When the meter is read and the pointer (this is now referred to as “4007”) is keyed in with ten keys, the screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Next, when you press the setting key, the data is input to the terminal, and at the same time the usage is automatically calculated,
The display becomes the screen of FIG. 8 in which the used amount is displayed as b7.

The input of the water meter reading data has been completed. Pressing the print key after inputting the water meter data for one house will print out the notification card. When the advance key is pressed after the printout, the screen of the next customer shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display.
By pressing the advance key in this way, the screen of the customer along the meter reading route is displayed on the display. On the notification card, a notification by calculation, a notification by meter reading, a fund transfer notification, and the like are printed.

<< 5. Unsteady operation >> When the meter reading value is input and the usage amount calculation results in an abnormal value due to the occurrence of water leakage or the like, an "Illegal" is displayed at b6 as shown in FIG. At this time, if the key-in of the reference-1 is used, the usage amount of the same period of last year and the previous usage amount are displayed as shown in FIG. 10, and if the key-in of the reference-2 is 2, it is displayed as shown in FIG.
Since the usage amount before and three times before is displayed, it is possible to easily compare with the past data. In addition, the judgment of the abnormal value
The determination value is received and stored at the time of linkage with the station 2 in the station, and is compared with the received value.

<< 6. Meter reading leak display >> Reference-3 By keying in, it is possible to display customers who have meter reading leaks. The display screen at this time is as shown in FIG. 12, and h1 to h4 indicate the operation numbers of the customers who have missed meter reading. When proceeding is keyed in, the display content of h1 indicates the work number of the next meter leak customer. By keying in the procedure as described above, the same display is sequentially performed, and thereafter, when there is no meter reading leakage customer, a buzzer alarm is issued. When returning is keyed in, the display is moved in the opposite direction to the above, and a buzzer alarm is issued when there is no meter reading leakage customer before the display operation number. If there are less than four meter reading customers, the work number = 0 is displayed in an unnecessary column as shown in FIG.

<< 7. Call display of customer >> In the apparatus of this embodiment, any customer who wants to perform meter reading or view file contents can be called, and a call key is used at this time. First, when a call key is entered, a screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. The following (1) to specify the customer
Any number of (3) may be given.

(1) Meter number: Enter the meter number (2) Customer number: Enter the customer number (if necessary, also enter the branch number) (3) Meter reading work number: Consistent number of meter reading work When the numerals 1 to 3 are input from the numeric keypad after the key-in, the shaded area of the corresponding portion in FIG. 14 blinks. When the corresponding number of the customer who wants to call is input to the blinking calling method and the setting is keyed in, the corresponding customer is displayed as shown in FIG. Furthermore, if you press the advance key, the basic screen of the next customer,
If you press the return key, the basic screen of the previous customer is displayed.
However, if there is no customer of the corresponding part in the calling operation, the display of FIG. 16 is displayed.

<< 8. Estimated Value Input >> When meter reading of a customer house cannot be performed for some reason, meter reading data can be input as an estimated value. If you press the estimation key,
As shown in FIG. 17, "sui" is displayed at m8. This is finally transmitted to the station 2 in the station and can be printed on the notification card if necessary.

<< 9. Battery status display >> (1) Battery alarm When the battery capacity is exhausted and the voltage starts to drop, all operations are suspended and the battery alarm is displayed on the display.
The alarm buzzer sounds at the same time as displaying for 0 second, and the keyboard is locked (FIG. 18).

(2) Battery recovery When charging is started from the backup state after the occurrence of a battery alarm, if the voltage rises to a voltage at which the circuit can operate, "Fukuden" shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the display and the keyboard is locked. Cancel.

<< 10. Transmission of Meter Reading Data to Station in Station >> The operation of the terminal 4 at this time is the same as in the case of receiving data, and data transmission is started by the station 2 in the station.

<< 11. Paper feed function >> When the paper feed key is pressed once, one line of paper feed is performed. If the key is kept pressed, the paper is fed while the key is kept pressed. This function is mainly used when replacing roll paper.

<< 12. Abnormal Processing >> In the present apparatus, all data necessary for the meter reading operation is transmitted from the station 2 and the contents are retained while the apparatus power is supplied. The man-machine when such data is normal is as described above. The case where the data is abnormal will be described below.

(1) The meter reading number is displayed as "0" when power is restored (memory content is undefined). When the clear, reference, and call keys are pressed in this state, the display shown in FIG. 20 is performed, and the man-machine processing except for the time becomes impossible.

(2) Check the collation of the customer file,
If there is an abnormality, the display shown in FIG. 21 is displayed, and the customer cannot be called.

The above is the details of the operation and functions of this embodiment. All of these functions can be easily realized by the technology of the conventional data processing apparatus, but the call processing which is a feature of the present embodiment will be described in more detail. As described in the above section 7, when calling the customer, "call" and key operations of "1" to "3" are performed, and the display at that time is shown in FIG. The calling process in the CPU 11 at this time is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, in the entire flow of the calling process shown in FIG. 22, the numerical value "1", "2" or "3" input after pressing the above-mentioned calling key is set in the search data address save A. ing. Next, according to the search mode, the branch B sets the value 1 of the search data address save A to 1,
One of 2 and 3 is selected, and if "1", the process moves to the search process C by the meter number, "2" to the search process D by the customer, and "3" to the search process E by the work number. If the search data is other than 1, 2, and 3, the process moves to the abnormal return code set F, and ends.

FIG. 23 shows a search process C based on the meter number.
FIG. Calculate the relative address containing the meter number in the data file of each customer (Step 1)
01), check the corresponding meter number in the file (Step 102), and if so, set the corresponding work number, address, etc. in the file (Step 105), set a normal return code (Step 106), and end. I do. If there is no corresponding meter number in the file, it is checked whether or not all the files have been completed (step 103). If not, the search for the corresponding meter number is continued.
When the file ends, an abnormal return code is set because there is no corresponding meter number (step 10).
4) Then finish.

FIG. 24 shows a search process D based on the customer number.
FIG. Calculate the relative address containing the customer number in the data file of each customer (step 2)
01), the corresponding customer number is confirmed in the file (step 202), and the same process as the above-described process using the meter number described with reference to FIG. 23 is performed on the customer number.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a search process E based on work numbers. First, it is checked whether the numerical value input by the operation keys is within the maximum value of the work number (301), and if abnormal, an abnormal return code is set (step 3).
05), waiting for re-input. If normal, the address of the corresponding work number in the file is calculated (step 30).
2), this address is set (step 303), a normal return code is set (step 304), and the process ends.

[0049]

According to the present invention, it is possible to know a customer who is to be read in the next order by looking at the screen, so that the operation can be performed without omission of meter reading.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a portable meter reading data collection processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a portable meter reading data collection processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a keyboard of the portable meter reading data processing device shown in FIG. 2;

5 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG. 2;

7 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

8 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

9 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

10 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter-reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

11 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

12 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

13 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

14 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a display screen example of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG. 2;

16 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

17 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 18 is a display screen example of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG. 2;

19 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

20 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

21 is an example of a display screen of the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a data calling process procedure in the portable meter reading data collection processing device shown in FIG. 2;

23 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a search process C shown in FIG.

24 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a search process D shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a search process E shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is an overall configuration diagram of a meter reading system.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 ... meter-reading data collection processing device 4a ... connector part ... 1
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Processor, 12 ... ROM for storing programs, 13
... RAM for data storage, 14 ... Serial interface circuit, 15 ... Real time clock, 16 ... Timer,
17 ... Printer, 19 ... Liquid crystal display, 21 ... Keyboard.

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] August 26, 1997

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a portable meter reading data collecting and processing apparatus for inputting meter reading data of each customer's house in a meter reading target area in accordance with an input screen of a display.
Input indicating meter reading data according to the input when entering the meter reading data estimated unable needle for some reason is an estimate
Input means to perform force and input indicating that the value is estimated
When transmitting meter reading data to the management computer,
Manages meter reading data as data indicating that it is an estimated value
This is achieved by providing means for transmitting to a computer for use .

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Akira Miyamoto 5-2-1, Omika-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Omika Plant, Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] In a portable meter reading data collection device for inputting meter reading data of each customer's house in a meter reading target area in accordance with an input screen of a display device, when reading meter reading data estimated because meter reading cannot be performed for any reason. A portable meter reading data collection processing device comprising a key for inputting that meter reading data relating to an input is an estimated value. 2. The portable meter reading data collecting device according to claim 1, wherein when the estimated meter reading data is printed, the fact that the meter reading data is an estimated value is also printed. 3. The portable meter reading data collection according to claim 1, wherein when the estimated meter reading data is transmitted to the management computer, the meter reading data is transmitted as data indicating that the meter reading data is an estimated value. Processing equipment.