KR100893099B1 - Inspector and control method thereof, and remote inspection system using the inspector - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a meter and its control method, and a remote meter reading system using the meter. The meter having a malfunction detection function according to the external magnetic field according to the present invention, the flow of at least one of the fluid and electricity, and transmits the measured value to the remote meter reading server, the magnetic material is attached, the fluid to be measured Flow detection means for repeatedly moving a predetermined section in accordance with any one of flows of electricity; Magnetic force sensing means for sensing a change in magnetic force from the magnetic body in response to movement of the flow detecting means; Malfunction detection means for detecting an external magnetic force that causes a malfunction by disturbing the function of the magnetic force detection unit; Communication means for communicating with the remote meter reading server; Integrating a measurement value of any one of the flow rate and the amount of power based on the signal of the magnetic force detection means, and transmits a meter reading signal including the accumulated measurement value to the remote meter reading server through the communication means, the malfunction detection means When the external magnetic force detection signal is received from the control unit for generating a meter malfunction generating signal and transmitting to the remote meter reading server through the communication module, characterized in that it comprises.

Description

Meter and its control method, and remote metering system using the meter {INSPECTOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, AND REMOTE INSPECTION SYSTEM USING THE INSPECTOR}

1 is a view showing an example of a conventional gas meter reader,

2 is a schematic diagram of a remote meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a schematic functional block diagram of the meter of FIG. 2,

4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reed plate included in the meter reading device of FIG. 2 and a reed sensor that detects a magnetic material of the plate.

5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a magnet approaching the meter of FIG. 2 from the outside;

6A to 6C are views showing the attachment positions of the respective reed sensors used as the magnetic force detecting means and the malfunction detecting means of the meter of FIG.

7 is a control flowchart of a meter included in the remote meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

10: meter reader 11: communication means

12 control means 13 flow detection means

14: magnetic material 15: magnetic force detection means

16: malfunction detection means 17: storage means

20: meter case 21: circuit board

22: external magnetic material 30: repeater

40: remote meter reading server

The present invention relates to a meter and a control method thereof, and to a remote meter reading system using the meter, and more particularly, to a meter having a malfunction detection function according to an external magnetic field and a method of controlling the meter and a remote meter reading system using the meter. It is about.

There are various resources supplied by public companies and utilized in each household, for example, gas, water and electricity.

It is no exaggeration to say that these resources are essential for modern people to live.

These important resources, like other goods, must be purchased at a certain cost, and the amount of purchase is based on the amount used in each household.

Therefore, each household is equipped with a meter that can detect the amount of water, gas, electricity, etc., and the scale of the meter is rotated according to the amount of usage, so that the total accumulated amount can be known.

However, in the conventional meter reading, the meter readers visit the home periodically, and check the usage of the meter by checking the scale of the meter, thereby taking a method in which gas charges, electricity bills, and water bills are charged according to the checked amounts.

However, it is not easy for the meter readers to visit each household at a time, and the usage of each household is not easy to be aggregated. Accordingly, there has been a problem in that suppliers such as water, gas, and electricity cannot easily check the total supply and revenue on a specific date.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, a remote meter reading system has been proposed.

The remote meter reading system installs an automatic meter including a meter in each home, and periodically sends meter reading signals from the meter to a remote meter reading server that manages meter data remotely. At the same time, you can check the usage of each household at a specific date and time.

The structure of the meter reader used in such a remote meter reading system includes a scale rotating plate that rotates mechanically according to the use of gas, water, electricity, and the like, and attaches a small magnetic material to one region of the rotating plate, and a circuit board and a lower portion of the scale rotating plate. In addition, it may be configured in the form of attaching a reed sensor for switching operation according to the magnetic force change of the magnetic material on the circuit board.

For example, the appearance of a conventional integrated gas meter is shown in FIG.

There is an inlet (1 ') and an outlet (2') where gas enters, and when the gas flows through the inner tube, the scale indicating the gas usage is rotated to show the accumulated amount. That is, internally, the rotary blade attached to the rotor is rotated by the flow of gas, and when the rotor is rotated, a dial type mechanism that records the gas supply amount, that is, the dial scale 13 'is engaged.

Since the distance between the magnetic material attached to the scale rotating plate and the lead sensor 15 'of the circuit board 21' changes each time the scale rotates, the magnitude of the magnetic force changes according to the distance change, so that the lead sensor 15 ' The switching operation is performed, and according to the switching operation, the micro control or the like can sense the rotation of the scale 13 ′ to detect the amount of gas, water, electricity, and the like.

However, when detecting the amount of use based on the magnetic force variation according to the rotation of the rotating plate attached to a predetermined magnetic material, the sensor uses the magnetic force, so when a new magnetic material is approached by a malicious user from the outside, the normal meter reading The disadvantage is that you can't.

That is, although the switching operation of the lead sensor 15 'should be made only by the magnetic body attached to the rotating plate, if the switching operation of the lead sensor is interrupted by a new magnetic material from the outside, the correct reading is not performed. Therefore, there is a problem that can not be charged a normal usage fee.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the object of which is when the magnet or the like close to the outside of the meter reading device for generating a pulse signal using a magnet to interfere with the generation of the pulse signal for weighing It is to provide a meter and its control method, and a remote meter reading system using the meter to ensure that the correct meter reading.

In order to achieve the above object, a meter having a malfunction detection function according to an external magnetic field according to the present invention measures a flow of at least one of fluid and electricity, and transmits the measured value to a remote meter reading server. A flow detection means which is attached and repeatedly moves a predetermined section according to the flow of any one of fluid and electricity to be measured; Magnetic force sensing means for sensing a change in magnetic force from the magnetic body in response to movement of the flow detecting means; Malfunction detection means for detecting an external magnetic force that causes a malfunction by disturbing the function of the magnetic force detection unit; Communication means for communicating with the remote meter reading server; Integrating a measurement value of any one of the flow rate and the amount of power based on the signal of the magnetic force detection means, and transmits a meter reading signal including the accumulated measurement value to the remote meter reading server through the communication means, the malfunction detection means When the external magnetic force detection signal is received from the control unit for generating a meter reading signal generation failure signal and transmits to the remote meter reading server through the communication module.

In addition, the remote meter reading system according to the present invention to achieve the above object, the magnetic body is attached, flow detection means for repeatedly moving a predetermined section according to the flow of any one of the fluid and electricity to be measured; Magnetic force sensing means for sensing a change in magnetic force from the magnetic body in response to movement of the flow detecting means; Malfunction detection means for detecting an external magnetic force that causes a malfunction by disturbing the function of the magnetic force detection unit; Communication means for communicating with the remote meter reading server; Integrating a measurement value of any one of the flow rate and the amount of power based on the signal of the magnetic force detection means, and transmits a meter reading signal including the accumulated measurement value to the remote meter reading server through the communication means, the malfunction detection means A meter reading device that includes a control means for generating a meter reading fault generation signal when the external magnetic force detection signal is received from the meter and transmitting the meter reading signal to the remote meter reading server through the communication module, and when the meter reading signal is received from the meter reading, Remote meter reading server that generates and stores meter reading data for each meter based on the integrated value, and outputs a warning message including a meter identification number included in the malfunction occurrence signal when the malfunction occurrence signal is received from the meter. It is configured to include.

In addition, a meter reading control method having a malfunction detection function according to an external magnetic field according to the present invention in order to achieve the above object, the magnetic force from the magnetic body included in the flow detection means for moving in accordance with the flow of any one of fluid and electricity Detecting a change; Detecting a magnetic force of a magnetic material proximate from the outside of the meter; Generating a metering signal by accumulating the amount of any one of fluid and electricity according to a change in magnetic force from the magnetic material included in the flow detecting means; Generating a malfunction detection signal according to magnetic force detection of a magnetic material approaching from outside the meter; The metering signal is periodically transmitted to the remote meter reading server, and the malfunction detection signal is sent to the remote meter reading server immediately generated.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Remote meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a meter 10, a repeater 30, a remote meter reading server 40 as shown in FIG.

The remote meter reading server 40 stores the meter reading data transmitted from the meter reader 10 through the repeater 30, and displays the meter reading data if necessary so that the meter reading manager can check it, and is also transmitted from the meter reader 10. An error message of the meter reader 10 is output so that the meter manager can know. In the present embodiment, the error message of the meter reader 10 includes, in particular, a signal for detecting the proximity of a magnet or the like to the outside of the meter reader 10.

The repeater 30 performs short-range wireless communication with the meter reader 10, and communicates with the remote meter reading server 40 through a mobile communication network to read meter reading data received from the meter reader 10 by the remote meter reading server 40. It serves to transmit to. Here, the repeater 30 may communicate with the remote meter reading server 40 through a wired communication network. In addition, when the meter 10 and the remote meter reading server 40 directly communicates, the repeater 30 may be omitted.

In addition, the repeater 30 transmits a control signal transmitted from the remote meter reading server 40 to the meter reader 10 so that the meter reading server 10 can be controlled.

The repeater 30 is, for example, many generations, such as apartments, and if the number of meter readers 10 installed in each household is a large number to receive a signal from each meter reader 10, the remote meter reading server ( 40). Since the meter 10 has various types such as the water meter 10, the gas meter 10, and the electric meter 10, the repeater 30 may be installed according to the type corresponding to each meter, It is preferable to be configured to integrally manage the signal from each type of meter reader.

Meter reader 10 is a device for measuring the flow of at least one of the fluid and electricity, such as gas, water, and transmits the measured value to the remote meter reading server 40, as shown in FIG. 13), magnetic force sensing means 15, malfunction detection means 16, communication means 11, storage means 17, and control means 12.

The flow detecting means 13 includes a predetermined magnetic body 14 and repeatedly moves a predetermined section according to the flow of any one of fluid and electricity to be measured.

For example, in the conventional gas meter, the gas meter rotates according to the flow of gas generated each time the user uses the gas. The flow detecting means 13 in this embodiment has a mechanical configuration such as a conventional gas meter. It may be provided as. In other words, the flow detecting means 13 may be constituted by a meter that rotates by a consumer using a fluid such as gas, water, or electricity. Of course, the flow detection means 13 may be configured to reciprocate a predetermined space in accordance with the flow, rather than the manner in which the flow detection means 13 rotates according to the flow of fluid or electricity.

As described above, a predetermined magnetic body 14 is attached to the specific position of the flow detecting means 13, and the magnetic body 14 has a rotational movement (or reciprocating movement) amount, that is, rotation of the flow detecting means 13. It performs the function of notifying the number of times. Detailed description thereof will be provided later.

The magnetic force detecting means 15 detects a change in magnetic force from the magnetic body 14 attached to a specific position of the flow detecting means 13 in accordance with the movement (rotation or reciprocating motion) of the flow detecting means 13. That is, when the flow detecting means 13 rotates, the magnitude of the magnetic force from the magnetic body 14 detected at a specific position is changed. The magnetic force detecting means 15 detects such a change in magnetic force.

As a sensor which comprises the magnetic force sensing means 15, a reed sensor, a hall sensor, etc. are mentioned, for example.

An example of a specific operation of the magnetic force sensing means 15 is shown in FIG. 4.

In the same figure, the reed sensor 15 is shown as the scale rotating plate 13 and the magnetic force sensing means 15 as an example of the flow detection means 13.

That is, when the magnetic body 14 attached to the rotating plate 13 approaches the lead sensor 15 while the rotating plate 13 rotates due to the flow of fluid or electricity, the lead sensor 15 is short-circuited and continues. When the rotating plate 13 rotates and the magnetic body 14 moves away from the lead sensor 15, the lead sensor 15 is opened.

As described above, the reed sensor 15 acts as a kind of switch, and the current passing through the reed sensor 15 is interrupted according to the opening and the short-circuit of the switch. For example, the microcontroller may determine that a predetermined pulse signal is input. have. Detailed description thereof will be described later.

On the other hand, the connection of the switching circuit of the sensor and the microcontroller, etc. are easily understood by those skilled in the art, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The malfunction detecting means 16 performs a function of detecting an external magnetic force that interrupts the function of the magnetic force detecting means 15 and causes a malfunction. That is, the malfunction detection means 16 is a magnetic force by the magnetic body 22 in close proximity when the user arbitrarily approaches the magnetic body 22 such as a magnet to the outer case 20 of the gas meter reader 10 as shown in FIG. Perform the function of detecting.

The magnetic force of the magnetic body 22 proximate from the outside may disable the function of the magnetic force sensing means 15. That is, the magnetic force detecting means 15 performs the switching operation under the influence of the magnetic force from the magnetic body 14 attached to the flow detecting means 13 as described above. If the influence of 22) is affected, the correct switching operation cannot be performed. Thus, the malfunction detecting means 16 performs a function of detecting whether there is an external magnetic force that may affect the magnetic force detecting means 15.

Both the magnetic force detecting means 15 and the malfunction detecting means 16 may be configured to perform a switching operation according to a change in a predetermined magnetic force, but their functions are different from each other. That is, the magnetic force detecting means 15 performs a function of detecting a change in magnetic force from the magnetic body 14 attached to the flow detecting means 13 to perform a metering function which is a unique function of the meter 10, and a malfunction detecting means. 16 performs a function of detecting the magnetic force of the magnetic body 22 proximate from the outside of the meter reader 10, not from the magnetic body 14 of the flow detecting means 13.

Therefore, the malfunction detecting means 16 should be located where it is possible to detect the magnetic force of the external magnetic body 22 while not detecting the magnetic force of the magnetic body 14 of the flow detecting means 13. One such example is shown in FIGS. 6A-6C.

In FIG. 6A, a state in which a lead sensor (hereinafter referred to as a “error detection lead sensor”) as a malfunction detection means 16 is attached to a region on the front surface of the meter reader 10 circuit board 21 is illustrated. (10) A state in which a reed sensor (hereinafter referred to as a “magnetic sensing reed sensor”) as the magnetic force detecting means 15 is attached to a region on the rear side of the circuit board 21 is illustrated.

FIG. 6C shows a right side view of the meter 10 circuit board 21, the rotating plate 13 as the flow detecting means 13, and the meter 10 outer case 20.

That is, the meter reader 10 circuit board 21 is positioned below the rotating plate, and the magnetic force sensing reed sensor 15 may detect the magnetic force change from the magnetic body 14 attached to the rotating plate 13 on the back of the meter 10. It is attached to the upper end.

The malfunction detection reed sensor 16 reads the meter 10 so that the magnetic force from the magnetic body 22 near the outer case 20 can be detected without detecting the magnetic force from the magnetic body 14 of the rotating plate. The front surface of the circuit board 21 is located slightly below the magnetic force sensing reed sensor 15.

That is, the malfunction meter reading reed sensor 16 is attached a little lower than the magnetic force sensing reed sensor 15, so that the malfunction reading reed sensor 16 is generated from the magnetic body 14 at a position further away from the magnetic body 14 of the rotating plate 13. The switching operation is not performed for the magnetic force. On the other hand, the malfunction meter reading reed sensor 16 is located in front of the magnetic sensing reed sensor 15 (on the front of the substrate), so that the magnetic force of the magnetic body 22 approaching the outer case 20 of the meter 10 is near. For example, the switching operation may be performed at least equal to or earlier than the magnetic force sensing reed sensor 15.

6A to 6C are merely an example in which the malfunction meter reading reed sensor 16 and the magnetic force sensing lead sensor 15 are provided, and the malfunction meter reading reed sensor 16 and the magnetic force sensing lead sensor ( It may be appropriately positioned at a position that allows the function of 15) to be performed correctly.

The communication means 11 is for communicating with the repeater 30 and may include, for example, a Bluetooth, an IR (InfraRed), and a ZigBee communication module for performing near field communication. The communication means 11 transmits meter reading data or other error messages input from the control means 12 to the repeater 30, and controls the control signal of the remote meter reading server 40 received through the repeater 30. To 12.

The storage means 17 stores programs necessary for the operation of the meter reader 10 and temporary data generated when the program is driven, and in particular, a meter 10 identification number for identifying each meter 10 is stored.

The control means 12 integrates the measured values for the flow rate, the amount of power, and the like based on the signal of the magnetic force sensing means 15.

That is, the magnetic force detecting means 15 may detect the use of a fluid such as water or gas, or may detect the use of electricity. The control means 12 may measure according to the detection signal of the magnetic force detecting means 15. The value can be calculated.

As described above, the intensity of the magnetic force from the magnetic body 14 of the flow detecting means 13 changes according to the flow of fluid and electricity, and the magnetic force detecting means 15 detects this and, for example, the control means 12. If notified by the pulse signal, the control means 12 integrates the amount of fluid or electricity, i.e., the flow rate and the amount of power, using the input pulse signal. The integration method may use a method of counting an input pulse signal.

The control means 12 transmits the meter reading signal including the accumulated measurement value to the repeater 30 through the communication means 11, and the meter reading signal transmitted to the remote meter reading server 40 through the repeater 30. Is reached.

In addition, the control means 12 generates an error generation signal of the meter reader 10 when the external magnetic force detection signal due to the proximity of the external magnet is received from the malfunction detection means 16 and the repeater 30 through the communication means 11. By transmitting to, the malfunction generation signal is reached to the remote meter reading server 40 via the repeater (30).

Hereinafter, a control flow of the meter reader 10 included in the meter reading system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

First, at the same time as the start, the meter reader 10 undergoes an initialization process, in which case the time of the timer related to the transmission of the meter signal can be set to '0' (step S1).

When the control means 12 of the meter reader 10 receives a magnetic force detection signal by the magnetic force detection means 15 that detects a change in the magnetic force from the magnetic material 14 of the flow detection means 13 (step S2), The amount of fluid or electricity used is accumulated and stored in the storage unit (step S3). Subsequently, the control means 12 determines whether time has passed the transmission period of the meter reading signal (step S4). Here, the transmission period may be a day unit or a week unit.

If it is determined that the transmission period has not been reached yet, the control means 12 continues from step S2. If it is determined that the transmission period has been reached, the control means 12 identifies the identification number unique to the meter reader 10 from the storage. And the usage amount of fluid or electricity such as water and gas is extracted (step S5), and a metering signal is generated based on the extracted value (step S6).

The control means 12 transmits the meter reading signal thus generated to the remote meter reading server 40 (step S7). At this time, the meter reading signal may reach the remote meter reading server 40 via the repeater 30.

Subsequently, the control means 12 initializes the timer value associated with the meter reading signal transmission period (step S8).

On the other hand, the control means 12 may generate and transmit a metering signal for the amount of usage when the control signal is received from the remote meter reading server 40 (step S9) even if the transmission period is not reached. In other words, the control means 12 may perform steps S5 to S8.

In addition, when the malfunction detection signal 16 is input as the malfunction detection means 16 detects the magnetic force of the magnetic body 14 proximate from the outside of the meter reader 10, the control means 12 identifies the identification stored in the storage unit. The number is extracted (step S11), and a malfunction occurrence signal including a message indicating the proximity of the external magnetic material 14 is generated (step S12) and transmitted to the remote meter reading server 40 (step S13). At this time, the malfunction occurrence signal may also reach the remote meter reading server 40 via the repeater 30.

The above process can be repeated.

As described above, it is preferable that the meter reader 10 control means 12 periodically transmit the meter reading signal for the normal usage to the remote meter reading server 40, but a malfunction occurrence signal generated as a result of the external magnetic material 14. It is preferable to transmit to the remote meter reading server 40 immediately after generation.

When the remote meter reading server 40 receives such a malfunction occurrence signal, the remote meter reading server 40 outputs a corresponding message so that the administrator of the remote meter reading server 40 can check. The output device of the remote meter reading server 40 may be a display device for transmitting visual information or a speaker for delivering sound information. Although it may be stored in a temporary storage device or the like before being output to the output device, it is preferable to be displayed on a display or the like immediately after reception.

On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, but can be modified and modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. It will be apparent that such variations and modifications are included in the present invention as long as they belong to the appended claims.

As described above, according to the present invention, when an error is generated by approaching an external magnet arbitrarily to a meter reading meter using gas, water, electricity or the like, it may be detected and notified to a remote meter reading server.

As a result, a reading error caused by an external magnet or the like, i.e., an error in charge of a use fee can be reduced.

Claims (10)

delete delete delete delete delete delete In the meter for measuring the flow of at least one of the fluid and electricity, and transmits the measured value to the remote meter server, Flow detection means having magnetic material attached thereto and repeatedly moving a predetermined section according to the flow of any one of fluid and electricity to be measured; Located on the upper end of the rear surface of the circuit board provided at the lower end of the flow detection means, and maintains the off switching state when no magnetic force is applied, if the magnetic force from the magnetic body in response to the movement of the flow detection means is switched on Magnetic force sensing means for changing to a state; It is located lower than the magnetic force sensing means on the front surface of the circuit board and does not perform a switching operation on the change of the magnetic force lines generated by the movement of the flow detection means, but maintains an off switching state before the case surrounding the circuit board. Malfunction detection means for changing to an on-switching state when a magnetic force of a magnetic body approaching is detected; Communication means for communicating with the remote meter reading server; A storage unit for storing an identification address and a measurement value of the meter; Based on the signal of the magnetic force sensing means, the measured value of any one of the flow rate and the amount of power is accumulated and stored in the storage unit, and the communication means for reading the meter signal including an integrated measured value stored in the storage unit at a predetermined period. When the external magnetic detection signal is received from the malfunction detection means, and generates a meter failure occurrence signal including an identification address of the meter stored in the storage unit, the remote meter reading server immediately through the communication means. Metering means having a malfunction detection function according to an external magnetic field, characterized in that it comprises a control means for transmitting to. delete delete In the control method of the meter to measure the flow of at least one of the fluid and electricity, and transmits the measured value to the remote meter server, Detecting a change in magnetic force from the magnetic material included in the flow detecting means moving according to the flow of any one of fluid and electricity; Accumulate and temporarily store the amount of any one of fluid and electricity according to the change of the magnetic force from the magnetic material included in the flow detection means, and transmit the meter reading signal including the measured measurement value according to a predetermined period to the remote meter reading server. Making a step; Detecting a magnetic force of a magnetic material proximate from the outside of the meter; Generating a malfunction detection signal according to the detection of the magnetic force of the magnetic material proximate from the outside of the meter reader, regardless of whether the magnetic force change for the usage amount is integrated; And the malfunction detection signal is immediately transmitted to the remote meter reading server. The method of claim 11, wherein the malfunction detection signal is transmitted to the remote meter reading server.

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