KR100970768B1 - Concentrated remote measurement system and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiment of the present invention relates to a collective remote metering system and a control method thereof, and in particular, by improving the metering system of the meter to allow a plurality of meters installed in the collective building to be remotely metered by time and place The present invention relates to a remote meter reading system and a method of controlling the meter that allow a meter to be read conveniently.

In the remote meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a meter for displaying the flow rate and the like, and a pulse generated from the meter is input so that the metered value is integrated, and a plurality of meter data to be stored from the accumulated metered value A meter reading device unit; and a main PC which sends a meter reading request signal to transmit the meter reading data; and a meter reading request signal of the main PC is transmitted to the meter reading device, and the meter reading data of the meter reading device is transferred to the main unit. A hub unit for transmitting to a PC; And a first transmission line for transmitting signals and data between the meter reading unit and the hub unit.

According to the remote meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is an advantage that the meter of the collective building can be metered remotely regardless of time and place.

In addition, since the metering data is stored in the memory in the form of a database, it is possible to reconfirm the previously read value and to check the flow rate and the amount of hot water used when the user desires.

In addition, since the remote meter reading system is configured in a ring type, it is easy to check whether there is a communication line failure, and even when a communication line failure occurs, the meter reading function can be continuously performed by using a line in the opposite direction.

Meter, Meter Unit, Hub Unit

Description

Collective remote metering system and its control method {Concentrated remote measurement system and method

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a collective remote meter reading system and a control method thereof.

Embodiment of the present invention relates to a collective remote metering system and a control method thereof, and in particular, by improving the metering system of the meter to allow a plurality of meters installed in the collective building to be remotely metered by time and place The present invention relates to a remote meter reading system and a method of controlling the meter that allow a meter to be read conveniently.

In general, various meters such as flow meters are installed in homes and businesses to measure the amount of water or electricity used. The user checks the amount of usage through the value displayed on the meter and charges the fee based on the amount of usage.

However, in the past, the meter reader had to visit the home or company to read the flowmeter and read the scale of the meter directly. Alternatively, when the user reads and records the meter value of the meter, the meter reader checks this and based on this, a usage fee has been charged.

After that, the indicator part of the meter was installed outside the home or company. And the meter reader was able to accurately measure the measured value even when the user is absent. However, even in this case, the meter reader had the disadvantage of having to visit every household to record the meter data.

In addition, in order to issue a bill, there is a inconvenience such as transferring the read data to a computer.

Thus, in recent years, there has been a demand from users and suppliers for the development of a remote meter, that is, a system that enables meter reading from a long distance even if the meter reader does not visit the home or company.

Embodiments of the present invention have been proposed to solve the problems as described above, by improving the meter reading system of the meter to allow a plurality of meters installed in the collective building to be remotely read, regardless of time and place It is an object of the present invention to provide a collective remote meter reading system that enables convenient meter reading.

In addition, a plurality of meters installed in a common residential facilities, such as apartments, officetels are to be read at the same time, and the purpose is to store and manage the reading data in the form of a database.

In addition, the remote meter reading system is provided with a meter unit and a hub unit for distributing the signal of the meter device unit, the purpose of the multi-generation meter reading to be made quickly and stably.

In addition, a ring-type network is configured in the remote meter reading system so as to diagnose whether a communication line has a failure, and when the communication line failure occurs, it is possible to continue the meter reading using another line.

In the collective remote meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the problems as described above, a meter for displaying the flow rate and the like, and the pulse generated from the meter is input so that the metered value is integrated, A plurality of meter reading device units configured to store meter reading data from the metered value; a main PC sending a metering request signal for transmitting the metering data; and a metering request signal of the main PC to be transmitted to the meter reading device unit. A hub unit configured to transmit meter reading data of the meter reading unit to the main PC; And a first transmission line for transmitting signals and data between the meter reading unit and the hub unit.

In addition, the control method of the collective remote meter reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of transmitting a meter request signal from the main PC to the hub unit; and the meter request signal from the hub unit through a first transmission line Transmitting the meter reading data stored in the memory of the meter reading unit to the hub unit through the first transmission line; And transferring the meter reading data from the hub unit to the main PC.

According to the embodiment according to the above configuration, by allowing a plurality of meters installed in the assembly building to be remotely metered, there is an advantage that the meter can be made conveniently without regard to time and place. And, there is an advantage that the cost can be reduced compared to the conventional remote metering device to implement such a system.

In addition, a plurality of meters installed in a common residential facilities such as apartments, officetels to be read at the same time, there is an advantage that the read data can be easily stored and managed in the form of a database.

In addition, the remote meter reading system is provided with a hub unit for distributing the signal of the meter reading unit and the meter, the multi-generation meter can be made quickly and stably. In addition, since a communication line such as an RS-485 line is used between the meter reading unit and the management office (main PC) of the collective building, the communication distance is long.

In addition, since the ring-type network is configured in the remote meter reading system, it is possible to diagnose whether a communication line has a failure, and there is an advantage that the meter reading can be continued using another line even when a communication line failure occurs.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings will be described a specific embodiment of the present invention. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention can easily suggest other embodiments within the scope of the same idea.

1 is a view showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a view showing a meter reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a first embodiment of the present invention 4 is a diagram illustrating a hub unit according to an example, and FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a ring network of a remote meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 4, the remote meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a meter 10 installed at each generation to display water consumption and hot water consumption, and a predetermined amount from the meter 10. A pulse is input, and a metering unit unit (MIU: Meter Interface Unit, 20) for accumulating the metered value from the pulses to be used, and is connected to the metering unit 20, the metering unit 20 The hub unit unit (MHU: Meter Hub Unit, 30) receiving the reading data from the main unit 40, and the main PC (40) receiving the reading data of the meter reading unit 20 from the hub unit 30 includes do.

In detail, the meter 10 includes a meter rotating part (not shown) equipped with a magnet, and a reed switch 11 to be turned on / off according to the rotation of the rotating part to generate a predetermined pulse.

Here, the reed switch 11 may be embedded in a scale plate (not shown) of the meter 10, and on / off is repeated every time the rotating part is rotated.

In addition, the meter reading unit 20 is provided with a plurality of inputs connected to the meter 10.

In FIG. 2, 104 input units are provided. In addition, the plurality of inputs are arranged in the horizontal direction, it is shown to form a plurality of layers. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of the input units may be adjusted according to the size and the number of households. In addition, the arrangement or shape can be adjusted.

The first input unit 21 of the plurality of input units includes a first terminal portion 21a and a second terminal portion 21b for transmitting a pulse generated from the reed switch 11 of the meter 10.

Similarly, the 104th input portion 24 of the plurality of input portions includes a first terminal portion 24a and a second terminal portion 24b for transmitting a pulse generated from the reed switch 11 of the meter 10. .

The meter reading unit 20 is provided with a data transmitting / receiving unit 26 for transmitting meter reading data stored in the meter reading unit 20 to the hub unit 30.

Here, the RS 485 port may be applied to the data transceiver 26 as a serial communication standard. In addition, the RS 485 port has a long maximum transmission distance of several km, and has an advantage that a plurality of data transmission / reception units may be provided.

In addition, the meter reading unit 20 is provided with a battery 25 to supply power to the meter reading unit 20. The meter reading unit 20 normally uses a constant voltage power supply (+ DC 12V), but may be read for 48 hours or more even when a power failure is caused by the battery 25.

Since the metered data is stored in the flash memory of the meter reading unit 20, the metered data may be stored even if the power is cut off.

If it is assumed that two meters are used in each generation, the 104 inputs of the meter reading unit 20 can read the meter used in 52 generations. In the case of a high-rise apartment, since two generations are standard on one floor of a line, when one meter reading unit 20 is installed on one line, a 26-story apartment may be read.

Therefore, in most domestic apartments, it may be sufficient that one meter reading unit is installed in one line. Of course, the number of the input unit is adjustable as described above.

In addition, the hub unit 30 is provided with a first data transceiver 31 and a second data transceiver 32 to be connected to the meter reading apparatus 20.

The first data transmission / reception unit 31 is provided with a first port 31a and a second port 31b to be connected to the data transmission / reception unit 26 of the meter reading unit 20. Similarly, the second data transmission / reception unit 32 is provided with a first port 32a and a second port 32b. The first port 32a and the second port 32b are for forming a ring network of a remote meter reading system.

Here, up to 32 meter reading units 20 may be connected to each of the data transmitting and receiving units 31 and 32. That is, up to 64 meter reading device units 20 may be connected to the hub unit unit 30 by the data transmitting and receiving units 31 and 32.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the remote meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of meter reading devices in which a network is formed in a hub unit part 30, the hub unit part 30, and a ring type are provided. The unit 20 is provided. In FIG. 4, it is shown that 32 of the meter reading device units 20 are connected to one hub unit unit 30.

Here, the ring network refers to a network configured to perform meter reading in both directions of the hub unit 30 with respect to the plurality of meter reading device units 20.

In detail, the first data transmission / reception unit 31 of the hub unit 30 includes a first port 31a connected to the first meter reading unit of the meter reading unit 20, and the meter reading unit 20. ) Includes a second port 31b connected to the thirty-second meter reading unit and a relay 31c provided on one side of the second port 31b and operable on / off.

Similarly, the second data transmission / reception unit 32 of the hub unit unit 30 includes a first port 32a, a second port 32a, and a relay 32c.

The meter reading method by the said ring network is demonstrated.

When the meter reading request signal is input from the main PC 40, the first data transmitting and receiving unit 31 is connected to the meter reading unit 20 while the relay 31c is turned off first. Metering is made clockwise around the port 31a. Then, in the meter reading apparatus part 20, a meter reading is performed in order from a 1st meter reading apparatus part toward a 32nd meter reading apparatus part.

In this process, when a communication failure occurs and the reading data is not read in any one of the meter reading device units 20, for example, the third meter reading device part, the third meter reading device part from the third meter reading device part Until the meter reading may not be made.

At this time, the relay 31c is turned on. Then, the meter reading data is transmitted from the first data transmitting / receiving unit 31 in both directions of the meter reading device unit 20.

In summary, the meter reading data may be collected from the meter reading unit 20 clockwise, that is, from the first meter reading unit toward the thirty-second meter reading unit with respect to the first port 31a.

At the same time, the metering data may be collected from the metering unit 20 counterclockwise, that is, from the thirty-second metering unit unit toward the first metering unit unit around the second port 31b.

In this case, in the above example, the meter reading data may be transmitted twice to the first meter reading unit and the second meter reading unit, and the meter reading data may be transmitted once to the meter reading unit below the third meter reading unit.

At this time, it can be seen that the third meter reading unit section is short-circuited.

Meanwhile, the second data transceiver 32 may operate in the same manner as the first data transceiver 31.

As a result, even if a communication line failure occurs, the remote meter reading system according to the present embodiment has an advantage that meter reading and data transmission can be performed through the meter reading unit 20 in the opposite direction due to the characteristics of the ring network.

In addition, the network configuration as described above has the advantage that it is possible to remotely diagnose the presence or absence of a communication line, and to easily find out the part where the failure occurs.

On the other hand, each meter reading unit 20 is provided with a dip switch (not shown) to set the unique number of the meter reading unit 20. Here, the dip switch is provided on the PCB of the meter reading unit 20 and used to change the function of the hardware, it can be used to variably set the initial value of a computer or peripheral device.

By the signal of the dip switch, the main PC 40 can easily recognize which reading device unit 20 transmits the reading data.

As a result, up to 104 meters 10 may be connected to one meter reading unit 20, so that the remote meter reading system may read up to 6,656 meters through the hub unit 30.

In addition, the hub unit 30 is provided with a connecting portion 33 to be connected to the main PC (40).

Therefore, the hub unit 30 receives the meter reading data from the meter reading unit 20 through the data transmitting / receiving units 31 and 32 and then to the main PC 40 through the connecting unit 33. Allow data to be sent.

In addition, the main PC 40, a meter program PC program may be installed. When the meter reading request is made through the program, the meter reading request signal may be transmitted to the meter reading device unit 20 through the hub unit 30.

Here, the main PC 40 may be installed in a management office for managing and supervising the collective building.

On the other hand, between the meter reading unit 20 and the hub unit 30, the meter reading request of the program is transmitted to the meter reading unit 20, the meter reading data of the meter reading unit 20 A first transmission line 50 is provided for transmission. Here, an RS 485 communication line may be applied to the first transmission line 50 as a communication protocol method.

As described above, since the RS 485 communication line may be provided with a plurality of data transmitters and a plurality of data receivers, an embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of meter reading device units 20 are connected to one hub unit unit 30. It can be considered suitable for.

In addition, between the hub unit 30 and the main PC 40, the meter reading request of the program is transmitted to the hub unit 30, the meter reading data of the meter reading unit 20 A second transmission line 60 is provided to allow transmission to the main PC 40.

The RS 485 communication line or the RS 232 communication line may be applied to the second transmission line 60. Here, the RS 232 communication line is another communication protocol scheme, and may allow one data transmitter and receiver to be connected.

In addition, when RS 232 communication is applied to the second transmission line 60, an RS 232 / RS 485 converter is provided to the system. That is, the communication from the meter reading unit 20 to the hub unit 30 is made by RS 485 communication, and the RS 232 communication is performed from the hub unit 30 to the main PC 40. Data communication can be achieved through the converter.

As described above, the metering method of the first embodiment in which the metering is performed by using a wired line (communication line) will be briefly described.

When a reading request is made in the reading program of the main PC 40, the reading request is transmitted to the hub unit 30 through the connecting part 33. The meter reading request is transmitted to the plurality of meter reading device units 20 through the data transmitting and receiving units 31 and 32.

Then, the meter reading data for each generation stored in the memory of the meter reading unit 20 itself is transmitted to the hub unit 30 through the data transmitting and receiving unit 26. The meter reading data is transmitted to the main PC 40 through the connection unit 33 and stored in the meter reading program.

Here, the function of the meter reading program will be briefly described.

The meter reading program may read the meter reading data collectively for each building, and may read the present meter reading data by the meter reading unit 20 or by generation.

And, it may be set to read the meter reading amount at a certain time (cycle), so that it is possible to check the historical meter reading data. In addition, data used for one month or one year may be stored for each generation.

Meanwhile, in the first embodiment, the main PC 40 has been described as being connected to the meter reading unit 20 through the hub unit 30. Alternatively, the main PC 40 may be connected to the hub unit 30. Without going through), it may be directly connected to the meter reading unit 20. At this time, an RS 485 transmission line may be connected between the main PC 40 and the meter reading unit 20.

Hereinafter, a remote meter reading system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, since the second embodiment differs only in the manner of transmitting and storing data from the hub unit unit compared with the first embodiment, the difference will be described mainly with reference to the description of the first embodiment. Reference numerals are used.

5 is a view showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the remote meter reading system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the hub unit 30 is connected to the RS 232 communication protocol and is connected to the Internet 80 by TCP / IP. The board 70 and a host PC 90 connected to the web board 70 through the Internet 80 are included.

In detail, the host PC 90 may be connected to the web board 70 through the Internet 80. After the host PC 90 is connected to the IP of the web board 70, the host PC 90 reads a meter reading request signal to the web board 70. To pass.

The host PC 90 may receive meter reading data of the meter reading unit 20. Here, the host PC 90 is provided with a metering PC program.

In addition, the user PC 100 may be connected to the IP of the web board 70 through the Internet (80). In this case, the user may check the meter data transmitted to the web board 70 through the Internet.

The metering request and metering data transmission method according to the second embodiment will be described.

In the reading PC program of the host PC 90, the reading request signal is transmitted by connecting to the IP of the web board 70 through the Internet 80. Then, the meter reading request signal may be transmitted to the web board 70 through the Internet 80, and may be transmitted to the meter reading unit 20 through the hub unit 30.

Here, a third transmission line 35 is provided between the web board 70 and the hub unit to transmit the meter reading request signal. In addition, an RS 232 communication line may be applied to the third transmission line 35.

The meter reading unit 20 transmits meter reading data for each generation stored in a memory to the web board 70 through the hub unit 30, and the web board 70 is connected to the Internet 80. Transfer to the host PC 90 through.

The transmitted data is stored and managed in the metering PC program.

Similarly, after connecting to the web board 70 through the user PC 100, the user will be able to check the meter reading data used in his home.

On the other hand, unlike the second embodiment, the web board 70 may not be connected to the hub unit 30, it may be used directly connected to the meter reading unit 20.

1 is a view showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a view showing a meter reading unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a view showing a hub unit unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 shows a ring network of a remote meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

5 is a view showing the configuration of a remote meter reading system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (14)

A meter for displaying the flow rate; A plurality of meter reading device units configured to input pulses generated from the meter so that the metered value is integrated and the metering data is stored from the accumulated metered value; A main PC sending a metering request signal to cause the metering data to be transmitted; A hub unit which transmits a metering request signal of the main PC to the meter reading unit and transmits meter reading data of the metering unit to the main PC; And A first transmission line for transmitting signals and data between the meter reading unit and the hub unit, The meter reading device unit, a collective remote meter reading system, characterized in that a dip switch for setting a unique number of the meter reading device unit is provided. The method of claim 1, Collective remote metering system, characterized in that the RS 485 communication line is applied to the first transmission line as a communication protocol method. The method of claim 1, A second transmission line for transmitting signals and data is provided between the main PC and the hub unit, and the second transmission line is applied with an RS 232 communication line or an RS 485 communication line as a communication protocol. Collective remote meter reading system. The method of claim 1, And a web board through which the main PC can be connected by the Internet between the main PC and the hub unit. The method of claim 4, wherein A third transmission line is provided between the web board and the hub unit to transmit a signal and data, and the third transmission line is applied with an RS 232 communication line as a communication protocol. system. The method of claim 1, In the hub unit, At least one data transceiver connected to the meter reading unit is provided, And a total of 32 meter reading devices connected to each data transmitting and receiving unit. The method of claim 6, Each data transmitting and receiving unit is provided with a first port and a second port connected to a plurality of meter reading unit, The hub unit is a collective remote meter reading system, characterized in that for performing the meter reading in both directions about the first port and the second port with respect to the plurality of meter device unit. The method of claim 7, wherein It further includes a relay that can control the on / off, In the state that the relay is turned on, the hub unit is a collective remote meter reading system characterized in that the bi-directional metering is performed to the plurality of meter reading device unit. delete A meter for displaying the flow rate; A plurality of meter reading device units configured to input pulses generated from the meter so that the metered value is integrated and the metering data is stored from the accumulated metered value; A main PC sending a metering request signal to cause the metering data to be transmitted; A hub unit which transmits a metering request signal of the main PC to the meter reading unit and transmits meter reading data of the metering unit to the main PC; And A transmission line for transmitting signals and data between the meter reading unit and the hub unit is included. The hub unit includes a data transmission and reception unit having a first port and a second port connected to the plurality of meter reading device units, The hub unit is a collective remote meter reading system, characterized in that for performing the meter reading in both directions about the first port and the second port with respect to the plurality of meter reading device unit. The method of claim 10, And a web board for enabling the main PC to be connected by the Internet, wherein the meter reading data is transmitted from the meter reading unit to the main PC via the web board. delete delete delete

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