KR20010093808A - Meter interface - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a means for reading a value of a meter corresponding to an amount of a product measured by a meter, the radio transmitting means and the radio transmitting means to at least one of a plurality of remote devices, each arranged to perform another function. Means for controlling transmission of a signal corresponding to the value read by the present invention, and an interface for providing meter readings to a plurality of remote devices each arranged to perform other functions.

Description

Meter Interface {METER INTERFACE}

The present invention relates to an interface for a meter, such as a water meter, a heat meter or an electric meter, and more particularly to an interface for a gas meter.

The meter not only measures the amount of goods supplied to the user, but also a payment meter that accepts money, tokens or 'smart cards' to provide a number of other applications, for example meter readings or goods away from the meter. Can be used to provide.

Each type of application requires a different type of meter. Alternatively readings are obtained from a meter provided with electrical or light output to indicate the amount of goods and such readings are obtained by a suitable module attached to the meter to perform the desired application.

However, since these meters can only support one application at a time, it is very inconvenient when more than one application is desired and expensive to install more than one meter. It was also cumbersome to add modules in an inconveniently positioned meter.

According to a first aspect of the invention one or more of said plurality of remote devices arranged respectively for performing means for receiving a first signal of a meter, radio transmission means and other functions corresponding to the quantity of goods measured by the meter. Means for controlling the wireless transmission means to transmit a second signal derived from the first signal using radio waves, the interface providing a meter reading to a plurality of remote devices each arranged to perform another function. do.

The interface allows a modular method to add another metering service to the base meter. RF technology makes it possible to use other services wherever the meter is located, away from the meter. If other services appear in the market, the meter having the interface of the present invention can accommodate them. The present invention provides a robust method that can incorporate even the emergence of innovative metering services in the global market by adding other remote devices without requiring any adjustments to the interface, thereby providing a wide range of new metering in the energy supply market. Can provide services. It is an object of the present invention to satisfy technical requirements that make the introduction of such services useful and to be consistent with open product access systems of competitive products. The interface of the present invention allows the meter owner to pay attention to the meter installation and at the same time provide a standard mechanism that can provide access to any meter service provider.

The wireless transmission control means allows transmission to be made to a plurality of remote devices simultaneously. These interfaces support more than one application at the same time, significantly increasing their usefulness. Alternatively, a plurality of interfaces may be arranged to transmit simultaneously to one remote device.

Wireless communication has the advantage that any number of remote devices can receive a signal with one transmission means without the need of any coordination when another remote device is added. The provision of such a transmission means can also provide the remote device away from the meter device without the unsightly connection between the meter device and the remote device. The interface is coordinated with the meter. The meter may be a flow meter, such as a gas meter. The meter or interface may be arranged to control the means for interrupting the supply of goods. If the meter is a flow meter, the shutoff means is a shutoff valve that blocks the flow of flow through the meter. The interface comprises means for receiving a signal from a remote device to close the blocking means.

Meters or interfaces that cooperate with the shutoff valves are useful when the remote device is a gas detector or lead device. If the remote device is a gas detector, the remote device can be located at the location where the gas is supplied from the meter and used to send a signal to the meter or interface to shut off the supply of gas through the valve when the gas is detected. If the remote device is a payout device, the remote device can be located at a convenient location away from the valve for the user's payment, and in the event of a credit failure, it can signal to close the valve, and a money / token / smart card can be supplied. It is done.

Embodiments of a remote device in accordance with another aspect of the present invention that are used in connection with the interface of the first aspect of the present invention include a coin, token, and smart card payment interface; A home automation interface providing communication with a consumer energy management office; A multi-fare meter providing the meter data to be manipulated based on the rate and date / time obtained from the supplier; A consumer display device that relays the meter index to a convenient location within the consumer's home; Automatic meter reading devices using the interface with any suitable medium, such as telephone line, wireless, power line, etc .; And an off-site meter reading device that uses a portable computer to read meter index and general data at a convenient location, such as a staircase at the front door of a consumer.

Each remote device has an antenna, ie a receiver, sealed within the receiving device housing that receives the transmission from the interface. The remote device may alternatively or additionally include a transmitter for transmitting a signal to the interface indicating gas is detected or inadequate. The antenna can act as a receiver and a transmitter. The remote device may communicate with the interface by sending a signal to the interface and waiting to receive a response.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 schematically illustrates an interface connected to a meter and in communication with a number of remote devices;

2A and 2B illustrate an interface applied to a conventional flow meter and capable of communicating with a remote device;

3 illustrates a system for controlling the interface shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B; And

4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an interface when receiving an input signal from a remote device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the interface 1 is arranged to receive a signal from the meter 2 indicating the amount of goods read by the meter 2 via the communication link 3. The interface 1 is arranged to send a signal indicative of the reading from the meter 2 to the plurality of remote devices 5-10 each having a different function via wireless transmission 4. Any remote device, which may be a gas detector, for example, may send a signal to the interface 1 to perform a special function, such as when the interface closes the valve to prevent the flow of gas through the meter. have.

An example of another remote device 6-10 is as follows:

6-prepaid interface / card reader

7-home automation interface

8-portable reading and payment device

9-Multi-rate (off-peak) meter

10-One or more other remote systems, such as a user display conveniently located away from the meter or automatic meter reader.

In addition, the present invention can provide another service to the meter when innovative new products are on the market.

The remote device 5-10 may have a receiver for receiving the transmission from the interface 1 and / or a transmitter for sending the transmission to the interface 1. The antenna may be used like a receiver and / or a transmitter.

2a shows an interface 1 applied in a conventional flow meter, in which case the gas meter 21 can operate according to the invention. The interface 1 has an inlet pipe 22 which is arranged to move a fluid, in this case fuel gas, to the inlet port 23 and an output pipe through which gas passes at the output port 25 of the gas meter 21. Physically supported by 24).

The interface 1 is temporarily supported by a meter 21 using a bracket or elastic clip with an inlet pipe 22 and / or an outlet pipe 24 and / or a bolt. Alternatively or additionally, the interface 1 penetrates the outer casing of the interface through which the inlet 22 and outlet 24 pipes pass to support the interface 1 placed on top of the gas meter 21. A hole may be provided. Alternatively, the interface 1 may be supported by one pipe, such as the outlet pipe 24 shown in FIG. 2B. In the illustrated embodiment, a standard meter bracket 38 and a standard pressure regulator 39 are provided. Alternatively or additionally, the interface 1 may provide one or two gas pipes which are additionally attached to the interface 1 when replacing the existing meter inlet 22 and outlet 24 pipes. . The provision of the interface 1 and at least one inlet and outlet pipe is particularly useful when the interface is provided with a blocking means in the form of a valve to stop the flow of gas and the blocking means is provided with an inlet or outlet pipe provided at the interface 1. Can be provided at

The interface 1 has a connector 26 connected to the gas meter 21 and in the gas meter 21 reads the capacity with control means 27 comprising a microprocessor and / or electronic components attached in a housing inside the interface. Can be provided. Some gas meters may supply an electrical or optical signal that may indicate the capacity of the gas being measured, in which case the connector 26 is a male or female plug suitable for connecting correspondingly with a male or female plug or socket on the meter 21. It has a socket. Some meters 21 have a dial or digital digit wheel, in which case a conventionally known photo detector is used to convert this reading into a suitable electrical signal received by the control signal 27 of the interface 1. Lose.

The control means housing not only powers the control means 27 but also supports a battery 28 that powers another system, such as the antenna 29 and the valve 30, described later.

The control means 27 modulates a signal indicative of the meter reading read from the meter 21 via the connector 26 and modulates the modulated signal received by the remote device or all remote devices 5-10 in which the meter reading is required. To the antenna 29.

In addition, the control means 27 can demodulate the signal received at the remote device 5-10 via the antenna 29. This signal may instruct the interface or meter to perform any suitable function and in this embodiment may be used to require the transmission of meter readings to the remote device or to prevent the flow of gas through meter 21. 30) to order to close. The valve 30 need not be provided inside the interface 1 but may be provided externally at an inlet or outlet connected to the meter. These four variants of the valve provide the following advantages.

1.Outside inlet: The combined regulator can be omitted considering the shut-off valve

2. External outlet: cost can be allocated directly from the gas supply

3. Internal inlet: Fire resistance can be omitted in consideration of shut-off valve

4. Inside Outlet: Conventional Solder Valve Position.

In order to meet the stability demands of the current, the interface 1 is provided with a manual valve reset 31 which opens the valve after the valve is closed. However, the valve 30 is arranged to be easily opened under command from a remote device via a wireless link.

Radio frequency (RF) communication eliminates the need for electrical wiring between the remote device and the gas meter. In this embodiment, a low power, short range radio link is used to provide communication between interface 1 and remote device 5-10 to reduce the risk of misleading or communicating with other remote devices. The UK antenna 29 preferably receives and transmits a signal at 184 MHz. All remote devices 5-10 are tuned to receive and send signals at the same frequency if necessary. If transmission of different frequencies is needed in different regions, this frequency can be easily obtained by replacing the frequency modulation device in the control means 27. The signal has a standard protocol that allows any manufacturer to use the interface and remote device.

3 schematically shows the structure of the control means 27.

The meter 2 is connected to the microcontroller 40 via a connector 26 selected according to the meter type described above. The microcontroller 40 is arranged to make a capacity measurement from the meter 2 via the connector 26 whenever necessary. The microcontroller 40 is also connected to the RF module 41 via the connector 42 to modulate the signal sent from the interface 1 to any remote device and to demodulate any signal received at the remote device. The RF module 41 is connected to the antenna 43 through the wiring 44. The antenna transmits and receives signals from the remote device 5-10.

The microcontroller 40 controls the valve drive circuit 45 through the wiring 46. The valve drive circuit 45 may close the valve 30 by applying a suitable signal on line 47 if the remote device gas detector detects a gas leak or if there is a credibility in the use of a charge meter. In addition, the microcontroller 40 may open the valve 30 when the interface indicates that there is no credit error in the charge meter. Alternatively, the valve 30 may be opened using only the manual valve reset 31 so that no gas discharge occurs when gas supply resumes.

Appropriate signal to microcontroller 40 via line 49 if connection 26 of meter 2 is broken or radio communication is broken to prevent changes in meter device and theft of gas and to reduce the risk of leakage. A tamper device 48 may be provided to send the. Upon receipt of the tamper signal, microcontroller 40 closes valve 30 to prevent the flow of gas.

The control means 27 is powered by a battery 50, preferably a 3.7V lithium battery. When the battery power is almost exhausted, the microcontroller 40 closes the valve 30 to prevent the flow of gas that has not yet been claimed. To save battery power, the interface 1 is powered up at regular intervals, for example every 2 seconds, and maintains this time if not specified by the remote device.

The interface 1 can send meter readings to each remote device at regular intervals, for example for 2 seconds, and operate as received by each remote device.

Alternatively or additionally, the remote device may be in wireless contact with the interface. For example, a remote user meter reading display or multi-fare meter may require current meter readings at regular intervals for a few seconds or minutes, or an off-site meter reader, for example a portable computer, for meter readings used for billing purposes. May require. The off-site meter reader may require meter reading simultaneously on multiple interfaces. The remote device may also send a command to the interface 1, such as a charge meter or gas detector, which commands the closing of the valve 30.

4 is a flow chart showing the sequence of actions performed by the microcontroller upon receipt of an input signal from a remote device.

Step 100 the microcontroller is idle;

Step 101, the microcontroller detects an input signal;

Step 102 the microcontroller is operating and waiting for data;

Step 103, the microcontroller decodes the required addressing data and determines its addressing;

Step 104 if addressing is not determined, go to step 100; if addressing is determined, go to step 105;

Step 105 the microcontroller decodes the remainder of the message and interprets it;

Step 106 if a message instructs the microcontroller to perform an action such as closing valve 30, the microcontroller performs this action;

Step 107 the microcontroller is switched to transmit;

Step 108 the microcontroller performs or interprets any necessary measurements;

Step 109 the microcontroller codes a response message indicating whether the current meter read or command has been executed;

Step 110 The microcontroller sends a reply message and moves to step 100.

Of course, some steps can be omitted if necessary. For example, a remote device that does not require the use of a shutoff valve does not use step 106 or a remote device that does not require a meter reading, such as a gas detector, may omit step 108 or steps 107 through 109.

The remote device used in connection with the interface is described below.

Gas detection means known in the art are provided with RF transmission means arranged to send a signal to the interface when the gas detection means detects a gas. The signal is sent to a specific interface connected to a meter that supplies gas in the area where the gas detector operates. When the interface receives the appropriate signal from the gas detector, the valve closes in cooperation with the interface.

Prepayment meters are a means of receiving payment, such as a coin meter or a card reader for receiving a so-called 'smart card', a means of monitoring the amount of gas consumed by communicating with the interface via RF receiving means, bad credit Control means for determining a signal and RF transmission means for commanding an interface, and the like. With a lead meter, the interface acts to close the valve in case of credit failure.

Home automation systems require means to receive meter readings from the interface and control means capable of operating the home system in accordance with the meter readings to reduce gas consumption and manage the temperature in the home.

The multi-rate remote device has a control relating time and / or date supply means, means for receiving meter readings from an interface comprising RF receiving means and capacity of gas consumed at different time and / or date with different rate rates. Means; This allows a multi-rate remote device to be applied to existing gas meters combined with a suitable interface without the need to supply a number of different gas meters operating at different dates depending on the effective rate on time or date.

The consumer display device includes display means such as an LCD, which can be located at a convenient place away from the meter, and RF receiving means for receiving the meter reading from the interface and displaying on the display means. The consumer display device may include an RF transmission means that requires reading of a current meter from the interface like any remote device.

The automatic meter reader has means for interacting with a suitable media access device, such as a telephone, and means for receiving meter readings from the interface. For example, the means for interacting with the telephone are arranged to contact a central meter reading receiver, such as a gas supplier's billing unit, via the telephone and supply the meter reading.

The off-site meter reader has a receiving means for receiving meter readings from one or more interfaces, for example as shown in FIG. Off-site meter readers can save time and money by eliminating the need for anyone modifying meter readings in certain areas, such as house prices, to access each house or meter installation.

While the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the details described above. For example, the interface 1 may be in the form of or cooperated with a part of the meter. If desired, two or more remote devices may be provided in the integrated device.

Claims (26)

Means for reading the value of the meter corresponding to the quantity of goods measured by the meter, Wireless transmission means, and And means for controlling the wireless transmission means to transmit a signal corresponding to the value read by the reading means to one or more of a plurality of remote devices each arranged to execute another function. Interface providing meter readings to a plurality of remote devices each arranged for execution. The method of claim 1, And said transmitting means is arranged to transmit simultaneously to said plurality of remote devices. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Means for receiving a signal from the remote device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Means for controlling the blocking means to allow or prevent the flow of goods measured by the meter. The method according to claim 3 and 4, And said means for receiving a signal from said remote device instructs said means for controlling said blocking means to open or close said blocking means upon permitting or blocking the passage of goods upon receipt of a suitable signal. The method of claim 3, wherein The means for receiving a signal from the remote device causes the reading means to read the value of the meter and corresponds to the value read by the reading means to one or more of the plurality of remote devices as soon as the control means receives the appropriate signal. Instruct to transmit a signal. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Said control means being arranged to transmit signals at regular intervals. Means for reading a value of the meter corresponding to the quantity of the product measured by the meter; Wireless transmission means; Means for controlling said wireless transmission means to transmit a signal corresponding to a value read by said reading means to at least one of a plurality of remote devices each arranged to execute another function; Means for receiving a signal from the remote device; And Means for controlling the blocking means to allow or block the passage of goods; The means for receiving a signal from the remote device, upon receiving an appropriate signal, executes another function, characterized in that the means for controlling the blocking means to open or close the blocking means to allow or prevent the passage of goods. Interface for providing meter readings to a plurality of remote devices each arranged for each other. A gas meter comprising an interface according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said shut-off means is a shut-off valve. Means for detecting gas and wireless transmission means for sending a gas detection signal to the interface according to claim 8 and to the meter according to claim 9 when the detection means detects gas, the interface receiving means A detection using the interface according to claim 8 and the meter according to claim 8, characterized in that it is arranged to instruct a means for controlling the blocking means to close the blocking means when receiving a gas detection signal. Device. Receiving means for receiving a signal corresponding to a value read by the reading means from means for receiving a payment, an interface according to claim 8 or a radio transmission means of the flow meter according to claim 9 according to claim 8, said receiving means Control means for determining a credit failure by comparing the output from the payment output with the output from the payment receiving means and a transmission means for transmitting a signal instructing the means for controlling the blocking means to close the blocking means when the credit failure expires. A device for charging using the interface of claim 8 or the meter of claim 9 in accordance with claim 8. According to the interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the receiving means for receiving a signal corresponding to the value read by the receiving means of the meter according to claim 9 and according to the signal received by the receiving means Or a control means for operating said at least one home system. The home automation device using the interface of any one of claims 1 to 8 or the meter of claim 9. Time and / or date supply means, receiving means for receiving a signal corresponding to the value read by the interface of any one of claims 1 to 8 and the reading means of the meter according to claim 9 and the time and / or date A multi-rate device employing the meter of claim 9 and the interface of any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises control means for correlating the reading of the time and / or date supplied by the supply means with the meter reading. Display receiving means for receiving a signal corresponding to the value read by the interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the reading means of the meter according to claim 9 and the reading of the meter received by said receiving means. A display device using the interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the meter according to claim 9, characterized by including display means. 10. Using the interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the meter according to claim 9, read on the interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the reading means of the meter according to claim 9. Receiving means for receiving a signal corresponding to the value and means for accessing the desired medium to send a signal corresponding to the reading of the meter received to the medium, and sending the meter reading to a suitable medium. Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a receiving means for receiving a signal corresponding to the value read by the interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the reading means of the meter according to claim 9. An off-site meter reading device using the interface according to claim 1 and the meter of claim 9. And a transmission means for transmitting a signal to the interface of any one of claims 1 to 8 and to the meter of claim 9 for transmitting a signal corresponding to the valve read by the reading means to the interface control means. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 16. An interface as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Gas meter as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detection apparatus as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. A soldering apparatus as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Home automation device as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Multi-rate device as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. A display device as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Automatic meter reading device as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Meter reading apparatus of the peripheral site as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings.