JPS61234491A - Portable telemetering data collector/processor - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Application of the Invention] The present invention relates to a portable WI type meter reading data collection and processing system used during meter reading work for each consumer of water, gas, power, etc.

[Background of the invention]

We handle bill calculations, invoice creation processes, and processing of bills that occur after collecting meter reading data in industries that involve reading meters installed at each consumer such as water, gas, and electricity. All charges are processed.

Mechanization and rationalization are progressing, with four people using computers to process each food bill. However, the series of tasks at each kaikiya, from collecting meter reading data to inputting this data into a computer using card punches, is still done by hand.
It relies on human tactics centered on information transmission, and mechanization9 rationalization has been extremely slow, and a solution to this problem is desired. Below, we will explain the current system and its operations using the most common water meter reading as an example.

In the current water meter reading management system, most of the information and data such as each customer's address, name, *Jingei number, meter number, billing account number, past guideline values, usage amount, etc. are stored in a central location for management purposes. Statistical processing of a series of charge-related business processes and changes stored in computer files (by caliber).

(by district, etc.), data processing for managing the replacement of meters that are required to be replaced on a regular basis, and processing for creating notification cards for meter reading that print out the previous guideline values for each customer. All processes such as creating the previous charge transfer notice are performed mainly by this central computer.

On the other hand, in the needle work required by each iFS key person by meter readers, a so-called "one meter reading ledger" is conveniently used.This meter reading ledger is generally kept once for each customer, and is computerized by a central computer. The information and data (address,

Name, amount used, etc.) are printed or written. In addition, the meter reading ledger is divided into 1 pages for each of the 14 important households, and is arranged according to the meter reading area.
It is compiled into a book. Information recorded in the meter reading ledger,
The data matches the central computer file, but this is only because the contents of the meter reading ledger are manually entered into the central computer and the file is constructed.

Next, we will explain a series of processes from meter reading work and duties by meter readers to inputting the obtained data into the central computer.

First, the meter reader will receive a meter reading ledger that corresponds to each meter request in the meter reading area, an address, a name, a guideline value at the time of the meter reading, etc. are printed on the notification cart. They carry the "Account S4 Notification Form" and other equipment necessary for meter reading, and begin meter reading work in a predetermined order. At each customer's home, first read the current guideline value from the meter, enter it in the meter reading ledger corresponding to that customer, then calculate the difference from the previous guideline value, that is, the usage amount, and write it in the same meter reading ledger, and it will be exactly the same. The contents are then transferred to the notification card corresponding to that customer. The meter reader then checks whether the calculated usage amount is actually an appropriate value.This check is done by comparing it with the past usage amount recorded in the meter reading ledger.
The main objects of comparison are morning usage in the same month, t for the previous flight, and usage from the day before the previous flight. Through this check, the meter reader will immediately correct any errors such as misreading the meter, entry errors, or calculation errors. If there is a large deviation, we will conduct an investigation and pursue the cause from the standpoint that the cause is water leakage due to the pipework or the weight of appliances in the house.The actual situation is due to the water leakage. If the cause is a water leak, please note this in the meter reading ledger and clearly indicate that the value is an abnormal value.Once the above is completed, the meter reader's name will be listed in the meter reader column on the greeting card. After stamping the notification card and placing the bank transfer notice -f at the homes of the four important households, the meter reading work for -houses is completed.Then, the same work is carried out again for the next predetermined customer. During meter reading, depending on the customer, there may be cases where meter reading is not possible due to special circumstances (for example, the meter is buried, dogs are left unattended, etc.).In this case, please submit a notification form stating that meter reading is not possible. It is generally placed at the customer's home, and after returning to the waterworks bureau, it is processed in the form of certification, taking into consideration the past usage of the water. In this way, all the demand scheduled for the area will be recorded, taking into account the past usage performance and filling out the notice card with "estimated value". When the meter reading for the house is completed, the meter reader returns to the water supply area and looks at the meter reading ledger to check whether the meter reading for that area has been carried out without any omissions and whether the usage calculation is correct. Meters are read again for households, and corrections are made for calculation errors.This checking of missed meter readings, usage calculations, and rereading of meters for customers whose meter readings were missed is originally done in the order of meter reading for each of the four important homes. However, in reality, despite repeated checks, meter readings are omitted, calculation errors occur, and this is one of the problems that needs to be resolved. On the other hand, the above-mentioned shallow water consumer, S, whose meter cannot be read
For the q family, an appropriate estimated value is set by looking at the actual amount used F'i in the past two or three times and the same period one year ago, and this is treated as the certified value. In other words, for the consumer, this certified value is treated as the usage amount. In this way, meter reading for all customers in that meter reading area is completed,
A meter reading ledger containing the final meter guideline value and usage amount is submitted to the Waterworks Bureau, and the meter reader's work ends.

The meter reading ledger for each area submitted by each meter reader is compiled and delivered to the calculation center. The contents recorded in the meter reading ledger are transferred to punch cards by the key buncher at the calculation center, and then input into the central computer through the card league. The information punch-entered on this card does not cover all of the entries in the meter reading ledger, but at least one of each
! 4 mourning house numbers that can be judged to be important families, current meter guideline values,
There are concerns about the amount used. The central computer subtracts the previously stored spindle pointer value from the current pointer value input to calculate the usage amount, and also compares this result with the input usage amount to check for punch errors and needle reading impregnation entry errors. are doing. The meter reading ledger is checked repeatedly before being brought to the calculation center, but in reality there are still errors in the entries and calculations. Additionally, there are no punch errors caused by key bunchers, which shows the imperfections caused by human intervention, and at the same time, a solution is desired.

The above explanation is an overview of Kiso's meter reading operations using water as an example, but almost the same process is performed for gas + power.

In this way, in the conventional water, gas, electric power, etc. meter reading data collection and processing system, Iruma's intervention is required to collect and process meter reading data by a meter reader at each customer's home, from collecting meter readings to creating punch cards using a key buncher. As a result, data is unreliable due to entry errors, calculation errors, punch errors, etc.In addition, it takes a great deal of effort and time for meter readers to repeatedly check the data in order to reduce errors. It will take a while. In addition, card punching requires a great deal of labor and expense, and since the punching work occurs intensively after meter reading, small-scale calculation centers in particular have to struggle to secure key bunchers that are temporarily needed. You won't get any more. In addition, in order to check for punch errors and meter reading ledger entry errors, a central computer performs a convenient calculation based on the current input guideline value and the previous guideline value that has been memorized, and calculates the results and usage of the current input. Unnecessary processing and costs (such as checking the data) are incurred.Furthermore, the meter reading ledger has a limited amount of space, so only 2 to 3 squares of data can be entered in the - role, and it is not updated regularly. However, since past meter reading records are always required for meter reading, even if you switch to a new meter reading ledger, you may have to bring the old meter reading ledger with you, which not only burdens the meter reader but also increases meter reading time. This has led to a decline in efficiency.Also, considering only water meter reading, water leakage judgment is left to the meter reading staff, and there is a large number of leakage checks by meter reading personnel who fail to check abnormal debts by water meter reading. Become.

On the other hand, a one-band bill creation machine using a microprocessor for gas and electricity bills is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 56-68889, for example.
It is publicly known from the publication No. However, there is a problem in that there is no regulation as to what items the display device should display on the screen, and it cannot necessarily be said to be highly reliable.

[Purpose of the invention]

The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide meter readers with a sense of security, enable easy and reliable meter reading, and improve sowing efficiency. : To provide a YG band type test data collection and processing device.

[Summary of the invention]

The four features of the present invention are that at least the meter number of each customer, the customer's name, the current meter pointer value, and the previous meter pointer value are displayed on the same screen of the display device.

[Embodiments of the invention]

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

FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

In Figure 2, 1 is a central computer for management, and this file contains the address, 1 name, and 4g! of each customer required for meter reading. House number, meter number.

Information and data such as bill transfer account numbers, past meter readings, and usage are stored. The central computer 1 is generally located at a calculation center where a waterworks bureau or the like conducts its operations.

2 is a meter reading data processing device which includes a display 2a1 consisting of a CRT etc. for man-machine operation, a keyboard 2b, and a typewriter 'I' for printing out results etc.
c, 70 knobby device 12d, etc. are integrated. The meter reading data processing device 2 is installed at a central location for meter reading operations, such as a waterworks bureau. 3a and 3b are storage media for exchanging data between the central computer 1 and the meter reading data processing device 2, and in this embodiment a floppy disk is used. 4#'i A portable meter reading data collection and processing device conveniently used for meter reading work, with connector 4 as part of it.
1, and is configured to be able to transmit data between the meter reading data processing bag gL2 and the meter reading data processing bag gL2.

Next, first, an outline of the meter reading operation processing method shown in FIG. 2 will be explained.

First, information on all the customers who are subject to meter reading, including the address, name, household number, and meter number of each customer required for meter reading.

Information and data such as the charge transfer account number, the e-transferred charges, the meter guideline value at the previous meter reading, the amount used, the 1e dose from the time before the previous one, and the same month last year are selected by the central computer 1 and categorized by meter reading area. , and are outputted to the floppy disk 32 in the form of blocks arranged in the order of meter readings within the area (the order along the route of the meter readings).

The floppy disk 3a is delivered to the Waterworks Bureau from the calculation center where the central computer 1 is located, and is input into the meter reading data processing bag (It2) by the floppy device '1t2d. 1 for each meter reading area by operation 2b.
It is input to each of the portable meter reading data collection processing devices 4 as a block. In this state, the portable meter reading data collection device 4
All the information and data required for meter reading of all four important households in the area to be metered are entered in order of accuracy, and preparations for meter reading are completed. The inspector carries this one-band type meter reading data collection processing device 4 and starts meter reading work according to a predetermined order, collects meter reading data from each customer, and at the same time sends notifications including notifications of fee changes. Cards will be printed out and distributed to each customer. After completing the horizontal calculation of the approved consumer, it returns to the waterworks bureau, and the collected data is transmitted to the needle data processing device 4. 7 to the Fukonobi disk 3b, and if necessary, output the list of beak dose data using a typewriter 2Ci. The contents are input into the central computer 1.The central computer 1 updates its file with the input meter reading data, and performs a series of @ business administrative processes related to charges.

use! Second calculation processing is performed. Additionally, the updated file contents will be used as basic data for the next meter reading operation. The above is the basic processing flow of meter reading [4].

Next, the one-band type meter reading data collection processing device 4 will be explained using Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 8 of tJIJ.

FIG. 4 is a system block diagram of the J5g\I type meter reading data collection processing device.

In FIG. 4, 11#i? 11 is a microprocessor (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU) that performs control calculations; 12 is f (UM (!J-only memory) for storing programs;
, 13 is an AM (random access memory) for data storage, and 141'' is Il' for real data transmission with the upper layer.
15 is a real-time clock that keeps track of real time independently of the CPU 1, and is used for clock and calendar functions. 16 is a timer used for control, arithmetic processing, etc.; 17 is a printer that is used to print out information cards, charge transfer notices II#, etc.; and 18 is a control circuit for this printer 17.

As the printer 17, for example, a dot impact printer is used because it can print two pages and does not discolor even when used outdoors.The printer 019 is an M-crystal display. Part 1! ! While looking at the meter number 1 name of the key person, the previous meter pointer, etc., the current pointer value is input, and this lateral force value is displayed, as well as the usage amount after the S operation can be displayed. The liquid crystal display 19 has a sufficient display screen space so that the meter reader can confirm the information and perform accurate input and meter reading. For example, a liquid crystal display 19 having 20 digits and 4 lines is used. The display contents of the liquid crystal display 19 will be described later. 20t is a control circuit for the liquid crystal display 19, 21 is a keyboard, and 22 is a control circuit for the keyboard 21.

Each device from the CPU 1 to the keyboard 21 described above is connected by a bus 23.

24 is a battery that supplies power to each device; 25 is a battery that constantly monitors the voltage of the battery 24, and generates an alarm signal before the voltage drops to a point where each circuit cannot operate;
This is a panteri alarm circuit to send to.

Figures 1 and 3 show the 1st grade meter reading data collection processing device 114.
(indicates the formation of

FIG. 1D is a perspective view showing the outside, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the person in FIG. 1.

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, numeral 31 denotes a lower case which has a storage space and a mounting section for each component device to be described later, and is made by molding. 32t-j is also an upper case, and the upper case 31 and upper case 32d are tightened and integrated with screws (not shown).

33 is the CPUI 1 shown in the Jc4 diagram. ROMI 2゜RAM13 and each control circuit 1B, 20゜22
This is a printed circuit board on which electronic components constituting the circuit board are mounted, and is housed in the lower case 31. 34 is a printed circuit board 33
This shows the mounting space for electronic components mounted above.

35 is the printer installation pace, a part of which is the lower case 31
The tightening is fixed by a screw in a part of the part. Reference numeral 17 denotes a printer, which is fastened to a printer mounting base 35 with screws. 37 is roll paper for printer 17;
The figure shows how printer paper 37 is output via the printer 17. 39 is a battery storage part provided in a part of the lower case 31 and stores the LFC battery 24; 40 is a battery cover for fixing the batch IJ39; ) is inserted and fixed. The 41d connector is used for data transmission via the 7 real interface with the host and for the light frame of the battery 24. Consider drip-proofing when working outdoors with the 21ti keyboard (shut-type keys g -
I'm doing it. Keyboard 42 with 43d keyboard presser
While pressing 5c, -5 (τ) and screw 44 i
(Therefore, it is fixed to the upper case 32.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a liquid crystal display, a part of which is mounted on the upper case 32 with screws 46. 47 is a transparent plate for the purpose of drip-proofing, and is attached to the upper case 32 and the liquid crystal display 19.
The pressing is fixed between 0 and 0.

A printer cover for a 48ri printer that has a cutter part 49 of 37 in a part, and has a locking part in a part and is fitted into the upper case 32 and fixed to the housing. 50 is roll paper 3
7. A roll paper cover for replacement, which has a locking part in a part thereof and is inserted and fixed into the upper case 32.

The FAS diagram is a plan view showing an example of the key arrangement of the keyboard 21, including the numeric keypad and function keys! ll configured. The processing contents of each key will be explained below.

(1) 0 to 9: Next selection operation process of numerical manual and double @operation function keys (reference call).

(2) 4th clock: Calling the time (September 9th, 9:01am).

Display processing (3) Paper feed; Paper feed process for printer paper 37 (4) Estimation; Input processing when the current meter value is an estimate (valid only immediately before pressing the general setting key) (5) Clear; Current Refer to the process (6) of returning the meter to the state of waiting for input of the current guideline value in the clearing process of the operation/yon process; Recalling the past usage of the W mourning house during work.

It is used for display processing and has one function when combined with the numeric keypad.

((a) D-1 (behavior); Calling and displaying meter number 1 name, last year's month of use, and previous usage amount.

(b) Reference 2 (behavior) - Calling 9 display process of meter number 9 name, @times and usage amount 2 days ago.

(7) Calling; combination of two behaviors with 1 function processing (a) Calling (behavior); calling and displaying the customer's name from the customer's meter number; after the calling is complete; The meter is now waiting for the current guideline value to be input.

(B) Call 2 (behavior): During the meter reading, demand for missed meter readings up to that point! ! Home call display processing (8) a; Process to advance the customer according to predetermined meter reading ill (9) Return; backtracking process in predetermined meter reading order αO setting; time setting, current guideline value of meter setting.

Processing of meter number setting at the time of call (call 1) αυ Print; currently working a! ! Home notice information printer 17
Printing Command Processing Next, a meter reading operation using the 1-fail type meter reading data collection processing device 4 will be explained.

First, in order to start meter reading work for the -th customer, the user operates the clear key on the keyboard 21. As a result, the information and data of the first house are called up, and the sixth house is displayed on the liquid crystal display 19.
As shown in figure (a), meter number (44971), name (Hitachi Taro), and previous meter pointer value (3977)
will be displayed and the system will be waiting for input of the current meter pointer value. Next, the meter reader reads the guideline value from the customer's meter and inputs the guideline @[ using the numeric keys 0 to 9 of the keyboard 21. Current meter pointer value (4007)
The display on the display 19 after inputting is shown in Figure 6 (b).
become that way. Next, the usage amount is calculated (4007-3977=30) by operating the setting key shown in FIG. 5, and the usage amount (30) is additionally displayed as shown in FIG. 6(C). In this state, when the print key on the keyboard 21 is operated, the meter reading results are printed out on the roll paper 37 by the printer 17.

Depending on the customer, a transfer notification of the leopard return fee that has been inputted may also be printed out in advance from the central computer 1 via the meter reading data processing device #2. The printed notification card and transfer notification include the customer's name, address, customer number, meter reading date, and other necessary TW information. This completes the meter reading for the first *# house. Next, by operating the advance key on the keyboard 21, the predetermined and manually input fullf report and data for the next 4 nights are called up and displayed on the liquid crystal display 19, and the current meter pointer for the second house is called up. The system is now waiting for a value to be input. By repeating the same ◆ work as in the following, meter reading operations are performed one after another. C
If a human error occurs during meter reading operations, the user can correct it by operating the clear key on the keyboard 21, inputting P+, and setting, regardless of the previous violation of the r'i setting. It is possible. Furthermore, if for some reason it is necessary to change the predetermined order of meter reading and perform meter reading, this can be done by using both the return key and the forward key.

Next, a method of inputting estimated values will be explained. During meter reading work, a situation may arise where, for some reason, the meter number cannot be read and the meter's current guideline value must be input as an estimated value. In this case, it is first necessary to determine the estimated value of usage at the customer.6 In the additional embodiment of the present invention, by operating the key in Reference 1 (behavior), the figure 7 (a) is shown. As shown, the meter number of the OSO house (4497
1), Name (Hitachi Taro), amount used in the same month last year (40
), the previous usage amount (38) is called up and displayed. Also, by performing the key operation in reference 2 (behavior), the
), the usage amount (42) for the time before the previous time and the 1st history violet (50) for the time before the previous time are called up and displayed. By knowing these past usage records, the meter reader can determine the estimated value of the meter's current guideline value, and can input this. However, this value ri is only determined by the meter reader.
Since the estimated value is based on recalling and determining the past usage of the mourning house, it is necessary to print this out on the scent card as well. In this case, operate the Estimation key on the keyboard 21 and then the Setup key to return to the subcommittee (A) in Figure 6 (C).
This causes f3 to indicate that this value is an estimated value, and the comment "Sui" as an estimated value is additionally printed out on the notification card.

Next, we will explain how to handle a case where an incorrect usage amount occurs due to an input error, water leakage, etc. In this embodiment, an expected usage amount range is set and checked for each embroidery request. Calculate the average value of the usage amount for the past three times (Haku, Tomo, and the day before last) and the same month last year, and use this ±20% range as the expected range of usage. 6th
``IJO'' is displayed in part (C7) of Figure (C) to warn the meter reader. The meter reading Jj is displayed as ``Improper'', so first check to see if there are any errors in the meter reading or key input, and if necessary, make corrections and re-input or settings; If is displayed, operate the Reference 1 and Reference 2 (behavior) keys in the same way as when inputting the estimated value.By operating these keys, r) Compare with past usage results, Full prediction of water leakage is made without determining the deviation.If water leakage is predicted and fc is detected, check it and investigate the water location.

In the event of a water leak, we will notify you by notifying you of the fact on the notification card and inform you about the amount of water used after returning to the Waterworks Bureau.
processing is performed. If there is no water leakage but there is an indication of ``1 problem,'' the amount of water used will be determined to have occurred due to special circumstances at the customer and will be processed.In this case, the comment of ``IJIJO'' will be written on the notification card. Does not print out.

Next, the process of calling each F1 family from the meter number will be explained. As mentioned above, meter reading operations follow a predetermined order. However, there are situations in which a meter reading operation for a certain customer must be carried out at an arbitrary point in the work process due to forgetting to read the meter or due to special circumstances. In such a case, it becomes necessary to call the customer by some method. It can be called by operating the forward and backward keys on the keyboard 21, but if the order of a certain customer is shifted to Daifuku, the calling will take a lot of time. Therefore, a call key is provided on the keyboard 21 to allow calling of the S mourning house from the meter number. When the call key on the keyboard 21 is operated, a display as shown in FIG. 8(a) appears on the liquid crystal display 21, and the system is in a state of waiting for input of the n1 meta number. When the meter number (12345) is entered, the meter number (12345) is displayed as shown in Figure 8(b).
345) is called up, and the customer information and data corresponding to
Name (Hitachi Taro), current meter pointer value (1052
6) is displayed, indicating that the current meter pointer is currently waiting for 1 input. The above explained about calling O from the meter number, but N! Bury 1g with the required number □ Haru Enko Ashiko; Jin/S
・Calls from the i home number can be made using the same procedure.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, the customer's meter number 1 name and the meter pointer value of the stroke can be checked by looking at the same page, and the woman can input the current meter pointer gL, and the 1st dose can also be confirmed. Configure settings while checking on the same screen.

Since it can be printed, it eliminates input errors and allows meter readers to read meters reliably and reliably with a sense of security. In addition, when entering estimated bonds, input errors, water leaks, etc., the meter number 9 name, usage amount for the same month last year, ' @ times usage amount of the i mourning house can be displayed on the same screen, meter number 1 name, vI times usage amount etc. It is possible to call up and check on the same screen the number of dishes that are placed and used several times, which improves the efficiency of meter reading work.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a portable meter reading data collection and processing device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a beak construction diagram showing a simple example of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a system block diagram of the Hawk Tei type horizontal data collection processing device according to the present invention, and the key layout of the 5111AD keyboard. FIGS. 6 to 8 are plan views showing an example of the display of the liquid crystal display during meter reading work. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Central computer, 2... Meter reading data processing device, 3a, 3b... Floppy disk, 4... Meter reading data collection processing device, 11... Microprocessor, 12... For program storage ROM, 13... Data Kakudai Incorporated Patent Attorney Keio Ogawa 2nd Part

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A microprocessor that performs calculations, the operation of the microprocessor, a storage device for storing programs and data, a printer for outputting notification cards to customers, and a printer for data input and operation. In a portable meter reading data collection and processing device configured by providing an input keyboard, a display device for displaying information and data, and a transmission interface with a host computer in the same housing, the display device includes at least one screen on the same screen. A portable meter reading data collection and processing device characterized by being able to display each customer's meter number, customer name, current meter pointer value, and previous meter pointer value. 2. In claim 1, the display device displays on the same screen the usage amount of at least two items among the usage amount for the same month last year, the previous usage amount, the usage amount from the day before last, and the usage amount from the day before last. A portable meter reading data collection and processing device characterized by displaying the data.