TWI841288B - Data collection device, terminal device, data collection system, data collection method, data transmission method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

A data collection device includes a setting unit and a meter reading value acquisition unit. The setting unit sets a group of terminal devices configured to acquire meter reading value data, and sets, for each group, a reference timing for transmitting the meter reading value data and a delay period from the reference timing. The meter reading value acquisition unit acquires meter reading value data transmitted from the terminal device at random timing within the delay period. The delay period is updated for each group based on a result of the acquisition of the meter reading value data by the meter reading value acquisition unit. The meter reading value acquisition unit acquires meter reading value data transmitted from the terminal device at random timing within the updated delay period.

Description

Data collection device, terminal device, data collection system, data collection method, data transmission method and program

The present invention relates to a data collection device, a terminal device, a data collection system, a data collection method, a data transmission method and a program.

In recent years, terminal devices such as smart meters that automatically read the usage of electricity, gas, tap water, etc. and transmit the meter readings to data collection devices have become increasingly popular. Among them, when the terminal devices transmit the meter readings to the data collection device at the same time, congestion may occur, causing the processing load of the data collection device.

As a related technology, a communication system is disclosed in which terminals are divided into a plurality of groups in mobile network communication, information about a specific time bandwidth is set for each group of terminals, and a delay time is calculated within the specific time bandwidth based on numbers generated by a random number generator as the delay time of each of the plurality of terminals.

[Prior Art Literature]

[Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016/157821

However, in the conventional technology, even if a specific time width is set for each group and meter reading data is transmitted at random time points, there is still a risk of congestion when additional terminal devices such as smart meters are added.

This invention was developed in view of such a situation, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can suppress the obstruction of data collection related to meter readings.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a data collection device in one aspect of the present invention comprises: a setting unit, which sets a group of terminal devices for acquiring meter reading value data, and sets a reference time point for transmitting meter reading value data and a delay period starting from the reference time point for each group; and a meter reading value acquisition unit, which acquires the meter reading value data transmitted by the terminal device at a random time point within the delay period, and the delay period is updated for each group according to the acquisition result of the meter reading value data in the meter reading value acquisition unit, and the meter reading value acquisition unit acquires the meter reading value data transmitted by the terminal device at a random time point within the delay period after the update.

In order to solve the above problem, another terminal device of the present invention comprises: a setting information acquisition unit, which acquires setting information about the reference time point for transmitting meter reading value data and the delay period starting from the reference time point and set in each group; and a meter reading value transmission unit, which transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device at a random time point within the delay period, and the delay period is updated for each group according to the acquisition result of the meter reading value data transmitted by the meter reading value transmission unit in the data collection device, and the meter reading value transmission unit transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device at a random time point within the delay period after the update.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, another aspect of the data collection system of the present invention is a data collection system including a terminal device for obtaining meter reading data and a data collection device for obtaining meter reading data from the terminal device. The data collection device comprises: a setting unit for setting the group of the terminal devices and setting the reference time point for transmitting the meter reading data and the delay period starting from the reference time point for each group; and a meter reading value acquisition unit for acquiring the meter reading data transmitted by the terminal device at a random time point within the delay period. The terminal device comprises: a setting information acquisition unit , which obtains setting information for setting the aforementioned reference time point and the aforementioned delay period in each group; and a meter reading value transmission unit, which transmits the meter reading value data to the aforementioned data collection device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period, and the aforementioned delay period is updated for each group according to the acquisition result of the meter reading value data in the aforementioned meter reading value acquisition unit, and the aforementioned meter reading value transmission unit transmits the meter reading value data to the aforementioned data collection device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update, and the aforementioned meter reading value acquisition unit acquires the meter reading value data transmitted from the aforementioned terminal device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, another data collection method of the present invention is to make the computer of the data collection device execute the processing including the following steps: a setting step, which sets the group of terminal devices that obtain meter reading value data, and sets the reference time point for the transmission of meter reading value data and the delay period starting from the aforementioned reference time point for each group; and a meter reading value acquisition step, which acquires the meter reading value data transmitted by the aforementioned terminal device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period, and the aforementioned delay period is updated for each group according to the acquisition result of the meter reading value data in the aforementioned meter reading value acquisition step, and in the aforementioned meter reading value acquisition step, the meter reading value data transmitted by the aforementioned terminal device is acquired at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, another data transmission method of the present invention is to make the computer of the terminal device execute the processing including the following steps: setting information acquisition step, which acquires the reference time point for transmitting the meter reading value data and the setting information set in each group from the aforementioned reference time point; and meter reading value transmission step, which transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period, and the aforementioned delay period is updated for each group according to the acquisition result of the meter reading value data transmitted in the aforementioned meter reading value transmission step in the aforementioned data collection device, and in the aforementioned meter reading value transmission step, the meter reading value data is transmitted to the aforementioned data collection device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, another aspect of the program of the present invention is a program that enables a computer to function as a data collection device. The program enables the aforementioned computer to function as the following: a setting unit that sets a group of terminal devices that obtain meter reading value data, and sets a reference time point for transmitting meter reading value data and a delay period starting from the reference time point for each group; and a meter reading value acquisition unit that obtains the meter reading value data transmitted by the aforementioned terminal device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period, and the aforementioned delay period is updated for each group based on the acquisition result of the meter reading value data in the aforementioned meter reading value acquisition unit, and the aforementioned meter reading value acquisition unit obtains the meter reading value data transmitted by the aforementioned terminal device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, another aspect of the program of the present invention is a program that enables a computer to function as a terminal device, and the program enables the aforementioned computer to have the following functions: a setting information acquisition unit that acquires the setting information for setting the reference time point for transmitting the meter reading value data and the delay period starting from the aforementioned reference time point in each group; and a meter reading value transmission unit that transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period, and the aforementioned delay period is updated for each group according to the acquisition result of the meter reading value data transmitted by the aforementioned meter reading value transmission unit in the aforementioned data collection device, and the aforementioned meter reading value transmission unit transmits the meter reading value data to the aforementioned data collection device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update.

According to the present invention, congestion in the collection of meter reading data can be suppressed.

1: Data collection system

100: Data collection device

101: Connecting machines

110,110a,110b: Smart meter

120:Communicator

130: IoT path terminal

140: Meter

201: Setting Department

202: Setting value notification unit

203: Meter reading data communication department

204: Setting value acquisition unit

205: Setting value processing unit

206: Maximum width consistency determination unit

210: User interface

220: Main data memory unit

221,221a: Group data table

222: Setting value table

230: Meter reading data storage unit

701: Setting value acquisition unit

702: Regular meter reading value processing department

703: Regular meter reading communication department

704: Setting value update unit

705: Setting value transmission unit

710: Setting value data storage unit

720: Meter reading data storage unit

730: Transmission history data storage unit

801:CPU (Central Processing Unit)

802: Memory

803: Communication I/F (interface)

804: Input device

805: Output device

FIG1 is a diagram showing the structure of a data collection system 1 in an implementation form.

FIG2 is a diagram showing the functional structure of the data collection device 100 in the data collection system 1.

FIG3 is a diagram showing an example of a login/change screen displayed by the user interface section 210.

FIG4 is a diagram showing an example of the group data table 221.

FIG5A is a diagram showing an example of the setting value data table 222.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the transmission timing of each group according to the setting value data.

FIG6 is a diagram showing an example of a warning displayed on the user interface section 210.

FIG7 is a diagram showing the functional structure of the connection device 101 in the data collection system 1.

FIG8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the computer device of each device included in the data collection system 1.

FIG9 is a flowchart showing an example of the login process of the connection device 101 performed by the data collection device 100.

FIG10 is a flowchart showing an example of receiving and processing of setting value data performed by the connection device 101.

FIG11 is a flow chart showing an example of the transmission processing of meter reading data performed by the connection device 101.

FIG12 is a flowchart showing an example of receiving and processing meter reading data performed by the data collection device 100.

FIG13 is a flowchart showing an example of the update process of the setting value data performed by the connection device 101.

FIG14 is a flowchart showing an example of the updating process of the setting value data performed by the data collection device 100.

FIG15 is a flowchart showing an example of the maximum width consistency determination process performed by the data collection device 100.

[Form used to implement the invention]

Below, the implementation form of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings. The implementation form described below is only an example, and the implementation form applicable to the present invention is not limited to the following implementation form.

(Implementation form)

(Composition of data collection system 1)

FIG1 is a diagram showing the structure of a data collection system 1 in an implementation form. The data collection system 1 is a system for automatically reading meters and collecting the usage of electricity, gas, tap water, etc. used in households. As shown in FIG1, the data collection system 1 includes: a data collection device 100, a smart meter 110 (110a, 110b), a concentrator 120, an IoT (Internet of Things) path terminal 130, and a meter 140. The data collection device 100, the smart meter 110a, and the concentrator 120 are connected to a network 190 and can communicate with each other using a mobile phone network or an optical communication network.

The data collection device 100 is, for example, a HES (headend system) server. The data collection device 100 collects meter reading data from each connected device. The data collection device 100 is further connected to a host server and transmits the collected meter reading data to the host server.

Each connected device connected to the data collection device 100 is grouped. The group is classified according to the type of the connected device or the area where the connected device is configured. For example, Groups 1 and 2 respectively represent the classification of multiple smart meters 110a. In addition, Group 3 represents the classification of smart meters 110b configured at the lower level of the concentrator 120. Group 4 represents the classification of meters 140 configured at the lower level of the IoT path terminal 130. Each group 1 to 4 is set to transmit meter reading data to the data collection device 100 at a different cycle.

The smart meter 110a is an electronic electricity meter that detects electricity digitally and has a communication function. The smart meter 110a directly transmits the meter reading data to the data collection device 100.

The concentrator 120 transmits various data such as meter reading data received from the lower-level smart meter 110b to the data collection device 100. Specifically, the concentrator 120 is connected to the lower-level smart meter 110b. The smart meter 110b is not connected to the network 190, but transmits the meter reading data to the concentrator 120 through other smart meters 110b by wireless multi-hop (bucket chain form). Specifically, each smart meter 110b has a wireless communication unit, which is used as a repeater to sequentially transfer the meter reading data to other smart meters 110b, and finally transmit the meter reading data to the concentrator 120. The concentrator 120 transmits the meter reading data received from the smart meter 110 to the data collection device 100.

The IoT path terminal 130 has a communication function for transmitting the meter reading data received from the lower meter 140 to the data collection device 100 through the smart meter 110a (or the communicator 120). The IoT path terminal 130 is connected to the lower meter 140. The meter 140 is a common meter or a special meter. The common meter is a meter used by multiple meter reading objects such as electricity, gas, and tap water. Although the special meter is not inspected according to a specific law (metering law), it meets a certain standard. For example, the special meter is a meter attached to various devices such as solar power generation or electric vehicles in homes. The communication between the IoT path terminal 130 and the meter uses a communication specification such as U-bus or ECHONET Lite (trademark registration). However, the above communication specification is only an example, and other communication specifications may also be used.

In addition, although the diagram shows that the smart meter 110b belonging to group 3 is connected to the communicator 120 and transmits the meter reading data to the data collection device 100 through the communicator 120, it is not limited to this. For example, the smart meter 110b can also be connected to the smart meter 110a. In this case, the meter reading data can also be transmitted to the data collection device 100 through the smart meter 110a of the group to which the smart meter 110b belongs.

The same is true for the meter 140. Specifically, although the meter 140 is shown in the diagram as being connected to the IoT path terminal 130 and transmitting the meter reading data to the data collection device 100 through the IoT path terminal 130, it is not limited to this. For example, the meter 140 can also be connected to the smart meter 110a. In this case, the meter reading data can also be transmitted to the data collection device 100 through the smart meter 110a of the group to which the meter 140 belongs.

(Functional structure of data collection device 100)

FIG2 is a diagram showing the functional structure of the data collection device 100 in the data collection system 1. In FIG2, the data collection system 1 includes: a data collection device 100 and a connection device 101. The connection device 101 (an example of a terminal device) includes smart meters 110a, 110b, a concentrator 120, an IoT path terminal 130, and a meter 140.

The data collection device 100 includes: a setting unit 201, a setting value notification unit 202, a meter reading value data communication unit 203, a setting value acquisition unit 204, a setting value processing unit 205, a maximum width consistency determination unit 206, a user interface unit 210, a main data storage unit 220 and a meter reading value data storage unit 230.

The setting unit 201 sets the setting value data of the group to which the connected device 101 belongs or each group. The setting unit 201 sets the group accepted by the user in the setting acceptance unit 211 of the user interface unit 210. Here, FIG. 3 is used to explain an example of a screen displayed on the user interface unit 210.

(Screen example displayed on the user interface section 210)

FIG3 is a diagram showing an example of a login/change screen shown in the user interface section 210. As shown in FIG3, a login/change screen 300 is displayed in the user interface section 210. The login/change screen 300 is displayed, for example, by accepting a click of a specific login start button from the top screen. The login/change screen 300 includes a connection device type selection button 301, a connection device ID input button 302, an IP address input button 303, a group ID selection button 304, a collection cycle input button 305, and a setting value data input button 306. Each button 301 to 306 is an example of the setting acceptance section 211.

The connection device type selection button 301 accepts the screen migration for registering the type of the connection device 101 (smart meter 110a, 110b, concentrator 120, IoT path terminal 130 and meter 140).

The connection device ID input button 302 is a screen for accepting input of the identification information of the connection device 101, that is, the connection device ID.

The IP address input button 303 is a screen for accepting input of the IP address of the connection device 101 to be logged in.

The group ID selection button 304 is a screen for accepting the input of the group identification information of the connection device 101 to be registered, that is, the group ID.

The collection cycle input button 305 is a screen for accepting input of the collection cycle or reference time point for setting the meter reading value data of each group. In addition, the collection cycle or reference time point is not limited to being input by the user, and can also be pre-set in each connected device 101. For example, the collection cycle can also be pre-set to a specific time of 15 minutes or 30 minutes according to the type (group) of the smart meter 110. In addition, when the collection cycle or reference time point is pre-set, the collection cycle input button 305 may not be displayed in the login/change screen 300.

The setting value data input button 306 is a screen transition for accepting input of the collection cycle (transmission cycle of meter reading value data) set in each group and the delay period (upper limit and lower limit) based on the reference time point, or input of the maximum width described later.

For example, when making a new registration or changing the registration content, the user presses buttons 301 to 306 in sequence to input the type of the connection device, the connection device ID, the IP address, the group ID, the collection cycle, the reference time point, the delay period (upper limit and lower limit) and the maximum width for the connection device 101 of the registration object. In this way, a new registration or a change of the registration content of the connection device 101 can be made. In addition, each connection device 101 can transmit the meter reading value data to the data collection device 100 at a random time point within the delay period set for each group.

When the setting unit 201 sets a group, the group data of the set group will be displayed and stored in the group data table 221 of the main data storage unit 220. In addition, when the setting unit 201 sets the upper limit value and the lower limit value, the setting value data of the set upper limit value and the lower limit value will be displayed and stored in the setting value data table 222 of the main data storage unit 220. Among them, the group data table 221 and the setting value data table 222 are described in detail.

(An example of group data table 221)

FIG4 is a diagram showing an example of the group data table 221. In FIG4, the group data table 221 includes items of "connected machine type", "connected machine ID", "connected machine IP address" and "group ID".

"Connected device type" indicates whether it is a smart meter 110a, a communicator 120, or an IoT path terminal 130.

"Connected device ID" displays the identification information of the connected device 101, which is the connected device ID.

"Connecting machine IP address" displays the IP address of the connecting machine 101.

"Group ID" displays the group identification information of the connected device 101, which is the group ID.

By using the user to input data in each item, the group data is recorded as a record. When citing an example, the group data table 221a displays the connection device type of "smart meter (smart meter 110a)", and displays the connection device ID as "1" and the connection device IP address as "10.11.12.13". In addition, it is displayed that the connection device 1001 belongs to the group with the group ID "1".

(An example of setting value table 222)

FIG5A is a diagram showing an example of the setting value data table 222. In FIG5A, the setting value data table 222 includes items of "group ID", "delay period", and "maximum width of delay period".

"Group ID" displays the group identification information of the connected device 101, which is the group ID.

"Delay period" includes "lower limit", "upper limit" and "width".

"Lower limit" displays the lower limit value (in minutes) of the delay period based on the collection cycle (transmission cycle of meter reading data) set in each group.

"Upper limit" shows the upper limit of the delay period (in minutes) based on the collection cycle set for each group. The delay period is the period after subtracting the lower limit from the upper limit. For example, when the upper limit is set to 10 minutes and the lower limit is set to 5 minutes, the delay period is "10-5" = 5 minutes.

"Maximum width of delay period" shows the maximum width of the delay period that can be updated.

The maximum width of the delay period is supplemented. Due to the increase in the number of connection terminals in the group, congestion, etc., there is a risk that the data collection device 100 cannot obtain meter reading data from the connection device 101. Therefore, in this embodiment, at least one of the "upper limit value" and the "lower limit value" can be updated (changed), and the maximum width that can be updated is specified. In addition, in this embodiment, the delay period is updated using the connection device 101.

By using the user to input data in each item, the setting value data is stored as a record. When giving an example, the setting value data table 222a shows that the lower limit value of the delay period is set to 5 minutes, the upper limit value is set to 10 minutes, and the maximum width of the delay period is set to 10 minutes for the connection device 101 with the group ID "1". In other words, the setting value data table 222a shows that the delay period is 5 minutes (=10 minutes-5 minutes) for the connection device 101 with the group ID "1", and the delay period can be extended to 10 minutes.

(An example of the transmission timing of data based on setting values)

FIG5B is a diagram showing an example of the transmission time of each group based on the setting value data. In FIG5B, the transmission time example 500 includes the items of "Group ID", "Collection cycle", "Base time" and "Collection time".

"Group ID" displays the group identification information of the connected device 101, which is the group ID.

"Collection cycle" displays the transmission cycle of meter reading data set in each group.

"Base Time" displays the base time set for each group to transmit meter reading data every hour.

"Collection Time" displays the time width of each hour during the delay period set according to the collection cycle, base time point and delay period.

As an example, the transmission time example 500a shows that the connection device 101 belonging to the group with group ID "1" uses 05 minutes and 35 minutes of each hour as the base time, and transmits the meter reading data at random time points within the 5-minute collection time (width).

(Notification regarding setting value data)

The setting value notification unit 202 transmits the setting value data stored in the setting value data table 222 to the connection device 101. Furthermore, when the concentrator 120 and the IoT path terminal 130 including the connection device 101 receive the setting value data, the setting value data is transmitted to the lower terminal (smart meter 110b, meter 140). When each connection device 101 receives the setting value data from the setting value notification unit 202, it stores the setting value data. In this way, the connection device 101 can transmit the meter reading value data to the data collection device 100 according to the time of the setting value data.

(Regarding the acquisition of meter reading data)

The meter reading value data communication unit 203 (an example of a meter reading value acquisition unit) acquires the meter reading value data transmitted from the connection device 101 at a specific time point based on the collection cycle, the reference time point, and the delay period (upper limit and lower limit). When the meter reading value data communication unit 203 acquires the meter reading value data, the meter reading value data is stored in the meter reading value data storage unit 230. In addition, when the meter reading value data communication unit 203 acquires the meter reading value data, the connection device 101 of the transmission source is selected, and a response signal is transmitted to the selected connection device 101. The response signal is a signal indicating that the data collection device 100 has acquired the meter reading value data.

(For updating of setting value data)

When the transmission of meter reading data from the connection device 101 to the data collection device 100 fails due to a blockage, the connection device 101 updates the setting value data (upper limit value and lower limit value) in response to the failure, and transmits the updated setting value data (an example of update information) to the data collection device 100. When the setting value acquisition unit 204 (an example of an update information acquisition unit) acquires the updated setting value data from the connection device 101, it outputs the acquired setting value data to the setting value processing unit 205. The setting value processing unit 205 updates the setting value data stored in the setting value data table 222 according to the setting value data acquired from the setting value acquisition unit 204.

Among them, the failure of one of the connection devices 101 in the group to transmit the meter reading data can be said to be a risk of obstruction in the collection of the meter reading data of the group. In other words, it can be said that the meter reading data transmission of other connection devices 101 in the group is also likely to fail. Therefore, in this embodiment, when one of the connection devices 101 in the group updates the setting value data, the setting value data of other connection devices 101 in the same group will also be updated. This point is described in detail below.

When the setting value processing unit 205 obtains the updated setting value data using the setting value acquisition unit 204, the group to which the connection device 101 of the setting value transmission source belongs is selected. The setting value processing unit 205 also updates the setting value data stored in the setting value data table 222 for other connection devices 101 belonging to the selected group.

Furthermore, the setting value notification unit 202 (an example of an update information transmission unit) transmits the updated setting value data to other connected devices 101 belonging to the group selected by the setting value processing unit 205. When other connected devices 101 receive the updated setting value data from the setting value notification unit 202, they memorize the setting value data. In this way, other connected devices 101 update the setting value data of their own devices by updating the setting value data of one connected device 101 in the same group. In this way, the connected device 101 transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device 100 at the time point according to the updated setting value data.

(Consistent determination of maximum width)

In this embodiment, the setting value data (upper limit and lower limit) can be appropriately updated using the connection device 101. In this embodiment, when the width (delay period) of the updated setting value data is the maximum width of the delay period, the setting value data cannot be updated afterwards. For this reason, the data collection device 100 will periodically perform the following maximum width consistency judgment and issue a warning in response to the judgment result.

The maximum width consistency determination unit 206 refers to the setting value data stored in the setting value data table 222, and regularly performs a maximum width consistency determination to determine whether the width (delay period) of the upper limit value and the lower limit value is consistent with the maximum width of the delay period. When the maximum width consistency determination unit 206 determines that the maximum width consistency determination is consistent, it outputs the determination result to the warning notification unit 212. When the warning notification unit 212 (an example of a notification unit) obtains the determination result from the maximum width consistency determination unit 206, it notifies a warning. Among them, an example of a warning displayed on the user interface unit 210 is explained.

(Warning displayed on user interface section 210)

FIG6 is a diagram showing an example of a warning displayed on the user interface section 210. As shown in FIG6, a warning screen 600 is displayed on the user interface section 210. The warning screen 600 includes a notification time and a group ID. The notification time is the time when a positive judgment result is obtained in the maximum width consistency judgment, for example, a time including year, month, day and second units. In this way, the user can display the login/change screen 300 (FIG. 3) on the user interface section 210 to reset the maximum width or re-register the group. In addition, in the warning screen 600, for example, a message urging a change in the setting of the maximum width or a message urging a re-registration of the group can also be displayed.

(Functional structure of connecting device 101)

FIG7 is a diagram showing the functional structure of the connection device 101 in the data collection system 1. In FIG7, the connection device 101 has: a setting value acquisition unit 701, a periodic meter reading value processing unit 702, a periodic meter reading value communication unit 703, a setting value update unit 704, a setting value transmission unit 705, a setting value data storage unit 710, a meter reading value data storage unit 720, and a transmission history data storage unit 730.

The setting value acquisition unit 701 (an example of the setting information acquisition unit) acquires the setting value data transmitted from the data collection device 100. The setting value data acquired by the setting value acquisition unit 701 includes newly registered setting value data and updated setting value data (update information). When the setting value acquisition unit 701 acquires the setting value data, the setting value data is stored in the setting value data storage unit 710.

The meter reading value data storage unit 720 stores the meter reading value data sequentially obtained by the connection device 101. The periodic meter reading value processing unit 702 obtains the meter reading value data from the meter reading value data storage unit 720 at a random time point during the delay period indicated by the set value data stored in the set value data storage unit 710, and outputs it to the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703. Specifically, the periodic meter reading value processing unit 702 generates a random number every time the reference time point is reached, and obtains the meter reading value data at a random time point during the delay period, and outputs it to the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703. Thus, the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 (an example of a meter reading value transmission unit) can transmit the meter reading value data to the data collection device 100 at a random time point within the delay period each time.

(For updates of setting values)

When the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 transmits meter reading value data, a response signal indicating that the meter reading value data has been obtained is received from the data collection device 100 within a specific period. When the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 receives the response signal within a specific period, the transmission history indicating successful transmission is stored in the transmission history data storage unit 730. On the other hand, when the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 does not receive the response signal within a specific period, the transmission history indicating failed transmission is stored in the transmission history data storage unit 730. In addition, the transmission history is an example of the acquisition result of the meter reading value data in the data collection device 100.

The setting value update unit 704 (an example of an update unit) updates the setting value data stored in the setting value data storage unit 710 according to the transmission history stored in the transmission history data storage unit 730. For example, the setting value update unit 704 updates the setting value data (upper limit and lower limit) within the maximum width range when a specific condition is met. The specific condition is, for example, a condition based on the ratio of transmission failures, specifically, a condition that the ratio of transmission failures in the recent specific number of times is above a critical value. In addition, the specific condition is not limited to being performed based on the ratio of transmission failures, but can also be performed based on the number of transmission failures. For example, the specific condition can be a condition that the transmission failures have been continuously performed for a specific number of times recently.

The setting value updating unit 704 updates at least one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value within the maximum width and within a specific period. Specifically, for example, the setting value updating unit 704 updates the lower limit value to "-y minutes" and the upper limit value to "+x minutes". In this way, the delay period is within the maximum width and is extended to "x+y minutes".

For example, the setting value update unit 704 updates to the maximum width (10 minutes) in stages. Specifically, the delay period can be extended by 2 minutes by changing "-y minutes" to "-1 minute" and "+x minutes" to "+1 minute" by the setting value update unit 704. In this way, by updating to the maximum width in stages, it is difficult to issue a warning. Therefore, the load on the operator related to the change of the maximum width can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the setting value updating unit 704 can also update to the maximum width (10 minutes) with one update. Specifically, the setting value updating unit 704 can change "-y minutes" to "-5 minutes" and "+x minutes" to "+5 minutes". This makes it easier to send warnings and makes it less likely that congestion will occur.

When the setting value updating unit 704 updates the setting value data, the updated setting value data is output to the setting value transmitting unit 705. When the setting value transmitting unit 705 (an example of an update information transmitting unit) obtains the updated setting value data from the setting value updating unit 704, the setting value data is transmitted to the data collecting device 100. In this way, the data collecting device 100 can update the setting value data stored in the setting value data table 222 for the connection device 101, and transmit the updated setting value data to other connection devices 101 in the group to which the connection device 101 belongs.

(Composition of each computer device)

FIG8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the computer device of each device of the data collection system 1. The computer 800 is installed in the data collection device 100 and the connection machine 101 respectively.

In FIG8 , the computer 800 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801, a memory 802, a communication I/F (interface) 803, an input device 804, and an output device 805.

CPU 801 manages the overall control of computer 800.

The memory 802 includes various memory media such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). ROM stores various programs. For example, the ROM memory of the computer 800 installed in the data collection device 100 stores the data collection program related to the present embodiment. The ROM memory of the computer 800 installed in the connection machine 101 stores the data transmission program related to the present embodiment. RAM is used as the working area of CPU 801. The memory 802 includes a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. The memory 802 can also be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 800, or it can be an external medium connected to the computer 800 through an interface such as the communication I/F 803. Furthermore, when the program is transmitted to the computer 800 via the communication I/F 803, the computer 800 receiving the transmission can also expand the program in the memory 802 and execute the processing.

The communication I/F 803 is connected to the network 190 via a communication cable, and is connected to other devices or machines via the network 190.

The input device 804 is used to input text, numbers, various instructions, etc. In the case of the data collection device 100, the input device 804 includes a touch panel input tablet, operation buttons, keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc.

The output device 805 includes a display for displaying images or a speaker for outputting sounds.

Next, using Figures 9 to 15, the processing performed by the data collection device 100 and the connection device 101 is explained.

(Login processing performed by the data collection device 100)

FIG9 is a flowchart showing an example of the login process of the connection device 101 performed by the display data collection device 100. In FIG9, the setting unit 201 receives the pressing of a specific login start button from the top screen, and determines whether the login of the connection device 101 is started for new registration or change registration (step S901). The setting unit 201 waits until the login starts (step S901: No). When the login starts (step S901: Yes), the setting unit 201 displays the login/change screen 300 (FIG. 3) (step S902).

Next, the setting acceptance unit 211 accepts input of various information regarding the newly registered or changed connected device 101 (step S903). Various information, such as the type, connected device ID, IP address, group ID, collection cycle, reference time point, upper limit and lower limit, etc., for the target connected device 101. Next, the setting unit 201 stores the group data and setting value data received in step S903 in the group data table 221 and the setting value data table 222 respectively (step S904). Next, the setting value notification unit 202 transmits the setting value data to the connected device 101 (step S905), ending a series of processing.

(Receiving and processing of setting value data performed by the connected device 101)

FIG10 is a flowchart showing an example of the reception process of the setting value data performed by the connection device 101. In FIG10, the setting value acquisition unit 701 determines whether the setting value data is received (step S1001). The setting value data here includes setting value data related to new registration or change registration. The setting value acquisition unit 701 waits until the setting value data is received (step S1001: No). When the setting value data is received (step S1001: Yes), the setting value acquisition unit 701 stores the received setting value data in the setting value data storage unit 710 (step S1002), and ends a series of processing.

(Transmission and processing of meter reading data performed by connected device 101)

FIG11 is a flowchart showing an example of the transmission processing of meter reading value data performed by the connection device 101. In FIG11, the periodic meter reading value processing unit 702 determines whether the reference time point has been reached (step S1101). The periodic meter reading value processing unit 702 waits until the reference time point is reached (step S1101: No), and when the reference time point is reached (step S1101: Yes), the set value data (upper limit value and lower limit value) stored in the set value data storage unit 710 is obtained (step S1102). Then, the periodic meter reading value processing unit 702 determines the transmission time point within the delay period (the width of the upper limit value and the lower limit value) and based on the random value (step S1103).

Next, the periodic meter reading value processing unit 702 determines whether the transmission time has been reached (step S1104). The periodic meter reading value processing unit 702 waits until the transmission time has been reached (step S1104: No), and when the transmission time has been reached (step S1104: Yes), the meter reading value data stored in the meter reading value data storage unit 720 is obtained (step S1105). Next, the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device 100 (step S1106).

Next, the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 determines whether a response signal for the meter reading value data transmission is received from the data collection device 100 (step S1107). If a response signal is received (step S1107: yes), the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 proceeds to step S1110. On the other hand, if no response signal is received (step S1107: no), the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 determines whether a certain time has passed (step S1108).

If the specified time has not passed (step S1108: No), the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 returns to step S1107. If the specified time has passed (step S1108: Yes), the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 adds "1" to the number of transmission failures (step S1109). Then, the periodic meter reading value communication unit 703 stores the transmission history data in the transmission history data storage unit 730 (step S1110), and ends a series of processing.

(Receiving and processing of meter reading data performed by the data collection device 100)

FIG12 is a flowchart showing an example of receiving and processing of meter reading value data performed by the data collection device 100. In FIG12, the meter reading value data communication unit 203 determines whether the meter reading value data is received (step S1201). The meter reading value data communication unit 203 waits until the meter reading value data is received (step S1201: No), and when the meter reading value data is received (step S1201: Yes), the meter reading value data is stored in the meter reading value data storage unit 230 (step S1202).

Next, the meter reading data communication unit 203 selects the connection device 101 as the transmission source (step S1203), and transmits the response signal to the selected connection device 101 (step S1204), thus completing a series of processing.

(Update process of setting value data performed by connected device 101)

FIG13 is a flowchart showing an example of the update process of the setting value data performed by the connection device 101. In FIG13, the setting value update unit 704 determines whether the update of the setting value data has passed a certain time (step S1301). The setting value update unit 704 waits until the certain time has passed (step S1301: No). When the certain time has passed (step S1301: Yes), the setting value update unit 704 obtains the setting value data (upper limit value and lower limit value) stored in the setting value data storage unit 710 (step S1302).

Next, the setting value update unit 704 determines whether the value obtained by subtracting the lower limit value from the upper limit value (delay period) is below the maximum width (step S1303). When it is determined that the delay period is below the maximum width (step S1303: yes), the setting value update unit 704 ends a series of processing. On the other hand, when the delay period is not below the maximum width (step S1303: no), that is, when the delay period is greater than the maximum width, the setting value update unit 704 obtains the most recent n transmission history data from the transmission history data storage unit 730 (step S1304).

Next, the setting value update unit 704 extracts the number of failures from the most recent n transmission history data obtained, and determines whether the extracted number of failures is above the critical value (step S1305). If the number of failures is not above the critical value (step S1305: No), that is, the number of failures is below the critical value, the setting value update unit 704 ends a series of processing.

On the other hand, when the number of failures is above the critical value (step S1305: Yes), the setting value updating unit 704 updates the upper limit value (e.g., "+x minutes") (step S1306) and the lower limit value (e.g., "-y minutes") (step S1307) of the setting value data stored in the setting value data storage unit 710. Then, the setting value transmission unit 705 transmits the setting value data updated by the setting value updating unit 704 to the data collection device 100 (step S1308), and a series of processing is terminated.

(Update processing of meter reading data performed by data collection device 100)

FIG14 is a flowchart showing an example of the update process of the meter reading data performed by the data collection device 100. In FIG14, the setting value acquisition unit 204 determines whether the setting value data updated by the connection device 101 is received (step S1401). The setting value acquisition unit 204 waits until the setting value data is received (step S1401: No).

When the setting value acquisition unit 204 receives the setting value data (step S1401: Yes), the setting value processing unit 205 refers to the group data table 221 and selects the group to which the source connection device 101 belongs (step S1402). Then, the setting value processing unit 205 updates the setting value data of the selected group (step S1403). Next, the setting value processing unit 205 searches for the connection device 101 belonging to the selected group (step S1404).

Next, the setting value notification unit 202 transmits the setting value data to all the connection devices 101 retrieved by the setting value processing unit 205 (step S1405), and a series of processing is terminated. Furthermore, when the connection device 101 receives the setting value data, the received setting value data is stored in the setting value data storage unit 710 by performing the receiving processing shown in FIG. 10 .

(Maximum width consistency determination processing performed by the data collection device 100)

FIG15 is a flowchart showing an example of the maximum width consistency determination process performed by the data collection device 100. In FIG15, the maximum width consistency determination unit 206 determines whether a certain time for performing the maximum width consistency determination has passed (step S1501). The maximum width consistency determination unit 206 waits until a certain time has passed (step S1501: No). When a certain time has passed (step S1501: Yes), the maximum width consistency determination unit 206 sets the group ID of the determination object to "1" (step S1502).

Next, the maximum width consistency determination unit 206 refers to the setting value data table 222 to obtain the setting value data corresponding to the set group ID (step S1503). Next, the maximum width consistency determination unit 206 determines whether the width (delay period) obtained by subtracting the lower limit value from the upper limit value is less than the maximum width (step S1504). If the delay period is less than the maximum width (step S1504: yes), the maximum width consistency determination unit 206 proceeds to step S1506. On the other hand, if the delay period does not fall short of the maximum width (step S1504: No), specifically, if the delay period matches the maximum value, the warning notification unit 212 issues a warning (step S1505).

Next, the maximum width consistency determination unit 206 determines whether the group ID is the maximum value of the registered group IDs (group ID max) (step S1506). If the group ID is not group ID max (step S1506: No), the maximum width consistency determination unit 206 adds "1" to the group ID (step S1507). After that, the process moves to step S1503, and the maximum width consistency determination unit 206 performs the maximum width consistency determination for the next group. On the other hand, if the group ID is group ID max (step S1506: Yes), that is, the maximum width consistency determination is completed for all groups, and a series of processing ends.

(Effect of implementation form)

As described above, the data collection device 100 of this embodiment collects the meter reading data transmitted from the terminal device at a random time point during the delay period for updating each group according to the acquisition result of the meter reading data. Thus, even if there is an increase in the number of smart meters 110a, 110b or meter 140, the transmission time from the connection device 101 can be appropriately dispersed because the delay period can be updated according to the collection result of the meter reading data. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the congestion of the collection of meter reading data can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in the data collection device 100 of the present embodiment, the delay period can be updated to the maximum width predetermined for each group. In this way, by setting the maximum period, the meter reading data can be collected within the maximum period allocated to each group. If the maximum period is not set, the transmission time of the meter reading data between the groups may overlap significantly, thereby causing congestion. According to the present embodiment, congestion in the collection of meter reading data for each group can be appropriately suppressed.

Furthermore, the data collection device 100 of this embodiment reports the situation when the delay period is updated to the maximum period. This can urge the change of the maximum period. Furthermore, by changing the maximum period, congestion can be prevented.

Furthermore, when the data collection device 100 of the present embodiment obtains the setting value data in a connection device 101 in a group, all the setting value data in the group are updated according to the obtained setting value data. In this way, the transmission failure of meter reading value data can be suppressed not only for the connection device 101 but also for other connection devices 101 in the group. In other words, congestion in the group can be prevented.

Furthermore, the connection device 101 of the present embodiment transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device 100 at a random time point of each group during the delay period of updating each group according to the transmission history data of the meter reading value data. Thus, even if there is an additional smart meter 110a, 110b or meter 140, etc., since the delay period can be updated according to the collection result of the meter reading value data, the transmission time point from the connection device 101 can be appropriately dispersed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the congestion of the meter reading value data transmission can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in the connection device 101 of the present embodiment, the delay period can be updated to the maximum width pre-set in each group. In this way, by setting the maximum period, the meter reading value data can be transmitted within the range of the maximum period allocated to each group. If the maximum period is not set, there is a risk that the transmission time of the meter reading value data between groups will overlap significantly, thereby causing a risk of congestion. According to the present embodiment, the congestion in the transmission of the meter reading value data of each group can be appropriately suppressed.

In addition, the connection device 101 of the present embodiment updates the delay period according to the transmission history data, and transmits the setting value data showing the updated delay period to the data collection device 100. In this way, each connection device 101 can update the delay period by itself. In addition, since the data collection device 100 only completes the update of the setting value data of the setting value data table 222, the processing overload in the data collection device 100 can be suppressed for the update of the delay period.

(Variations of implementation forms)

Next, the variants of the implementation are described. In the following variants, the contents described in the above implementation are appropriately omitted. The variants described below or the above implementation can also be appropriately combined.

(Variant 1)

In the above-mentioned embodiment, an example is described in which the setting value data is updated by the connection device 101 (setting value update unit 704). In place of or in addition to this example, in variant example 1, an example is described in which the setting value data is updated by the data collection device 100.

In variation 1, the meter reading data communication unit 203 (FIG. 2) of the data collection device 100 manages the delay period of each group. For example, the meter reading data communication unit 203 determines for each group whether meter reading data is transmitted from each connection device 101 during the delay period. When the meter reading data communication unit 203 receives meter reading data during the delay period, it will store the reception history indicating successful reception for the connection device 101 of the transmission source in the meter reading data storage unit 230. On the other hand, when the meter reading data communication unit 203 does not receive meter reading data during the delay period, it will store the reception history indicating failed reception for the connection device 101 of the transmission source in the meter reading data storage unit 230.

The setting value processing unit 205 extracts each connection device 101 for each group every time a certain period of time has passed for the setting value data to be updated. Then, the setting value processing unit 205 extracts the number of failures from the most recent n reception history data for each extracted connection device 101, with the delay period (upper limit and lower limit) being less than the maximum width as a condition. Furthermore, the setting value processing unit 205 determines whether the number of failures extracted is above a critical value. When the number of failures is above a critical value, the setting value processing unit 205 updates the delay period of the connection device 101.

When the delay period is updated using the setting value processing unit 205, the setting value notification unit 202 transmits the updated setting value data to all connected devices 101 in the group to which the connected device 101 to be updated belongs. Thus, when all connected devices 101 in the group receive the updated setting value data, the setting value data can be stored in the setting value data storage unit 710. In the same way, the connected device 101 can transmit the meter reading data to the data collection device 100 at the time of the updated setting value data.

As described above, the data collection device 100 of the modification example 1 updates the delay period for each group according to the reception process (obtained result) of the meter reading value data. In this way, in the data collection device 100, the delay period of each connected device 101 can be updated collectively. Therefore, according to the modification example 1, the transmission timing from each connected device 101 can be appropriately dispersed, so that the congestion of the meter reading value data collection can be suppressed.

(Variant 2)

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the setting unit 201 is described as an example of manually generating a group data table 221 and a setting value data table 222 according to the user's input. Instead of or in addition to such an example, in variant 2, the setting unit 201 is described as an example of automatically generating at least one of the group data table 221 and the setting value data table 222. In addition, the following is described as an example of automatically generating both the group data table 221 and the setting value data table 222.

In variant 2, the setting unit 201 is configured to obtain information on the connection machine type, connection machine ID, and IP address from each connection machine 101, and input the obtained information into the group data table 221. In addition, the setting unit 201 is configured to obtain location information from the connection machine 101, and determine a group (group ID) based on the location information. Specifically, the setting unit 201 determines to set the connection machines 101 located in a specific area as the same group. Then, the setting unit 201 inputs the determined group ID into the group data table 221. In this way, the group data table 221 can be automatically generated.

Furthermore, the setting unit 201 inputs the delay period (upper limit and lower limit) and the maximum width into the setting value data table 222 according to the type of the connected device 101 obtained and the set group. For example, the data collection device 100 pre-stores a table in which the type of the connected device 101, the number of connected devices belonging to the group, and the values (delay period and maximum width) are compared with each other in a specific memory unit. The setting unit 201 selects the values according to the type of the connected device 101 and the number of connected devices by referring to the table, and inputs the selected values into the setting value data table 222.

According to variant 2, the user's workload generated by the group data table 221 and the setting value data table 222 can be reduced.

Although several embodiments of the present invention are described, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms and can be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments or their variations are included in the scope or gist of the invention and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as included in the scope of the patent application.

Furthermore, the program for realizing the data collection system 1, the data collection device 100, and the connection device 101 described above may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into the computer system and executed. Furthermore, the so-called "computer system" includes hardware such as OS or peripheral devices. Furthermore, the so-called "computer-readable recording medium" is a storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory, SSD (Solid State Drive), a removable disk, an optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, etc., a hard disk built into the computer system, etc. Furthermore, the so-called "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a volatile memory (RAM) inside a server or client computer system that stores the program for a certain period of time, such as when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines. In addition, the above-mentioned program can also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a memory device to another computer system via a transmission medium or using transmission waves in the transmission medium. Among them, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program means a medium with the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or communication lines (communication lines) such as telephone lines. In addition, the above-mentioned program can also be used to implement a part of the aforementioned function. Furthermore, it is also possible to realize the aforementioned functions by combining with a program already recorded in a computer system, the so-called differential file (differential program).

Claims (12)

A data collection device comprises: a setting unit, which sets a group of terminal devices for acquiring meter reading value data, and sets a reference time point for transmitting the meter reading value data input by a user and a delay period starting from the reference time point for each group; and a meter reading value acquisition unit, which acquires the meter reading value data transmitted from the terminal device at a random time point within the delay period, and updates the delay period for each terminal device according to the acquisition result of the meter reading value data in the meter reading value acquisition unit, and updates the other terminal devices in the group in response to the update of one of the terminal devices in the group, and the meter reading value acquisition unit acquires the meter reading value data transmitted from the terminal device at a random time point within the delay period after the update. A data collection device as in claim 1, wherein the aforementioned delay period can be updated to a maximum period pre-set in each group. The data collection device of claim 2, wherein the device comprises: a notification unit, which notifies the situation when the delay period is updated to the maximum period. A data collection device as in any one of claim items 1 to 3, wherein the device comprises: an update information acquisition unit, which acquires the update information displayed in a terminal device in a group during the aforementioned delay period after the update; and an update information transmission unit, which transmits the aforementioned update information acquired by the aforementioned update information acquisition unit to other terminal devices in the group to which the aforementioned terminal device belongs. A terminal device comprises: a setting information acquisition unit, which acquires the reference time point for transmitting meter reading value data and the setting information set for the delay period starting from the reference time point input by the user for each group; and a meter reading value transmission unit, which transmits the meter reading value data to a data collection device at a random time point within the delay period, wherein the delay period is updated for each of the terminal devices according to the acquisition result in the data collection device using the meter reading value data transmitted by the meter reading value transmission unit, and the device itself is also updated in response to the update of other terminal devices in the group to which the device belongs, and the meter reading value transmission unit transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device at a random time point within the delay period after the update. A terminal device as in claim 5, wherein the aforementioned delay period can be updated to a maximum period pre-set in each group. The terminal device of claim 6 comprises: an updating unit, which updates the delay period according to the obtained result; and an update information transmission unit, which transmits the update information of the delay period updated by the updating unit to the data collection device. A data collection system includes: a terminal device for acquiring meter reading value data, and a data collection device for acquiring the meter reading value data from the terminal device, wherein the data collection device comprises: a setting unit for setting groups of the terminal devices, and setting a reference time point for transmitting the meter reading value data input by a user and a delay period starting from the reference time point for each group; and a meter reading value acquisition unit for acquiring the meter reading value data transmitted from the terminal device at a random time point within the delay period, wherein the terminal device comprises: a setting information acquisition unit for acquiring the setting information for setting the reference time point and the delay period in the setting information for each group. The meter reading value transmission unit transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device at a random time point during the delay period. During the delay period, each terminal device is updated according to the acquisition result of the meter reading value data in the meter reading value acquisition unit. In response to the update of one of the terminal devices in the group, the other terminal devices in the group are also updated. The meter reading value transmission unit transmits the meter reading value data to the data collection device at a random time point during the delay period after the update. The meter reading value acquisition unit acquires the meter reading value data transmitted from the terminal device at a random time point during the delay period after the update. A data collection method, wherein a computer of a data collection device executes a process including the following steps: a setting step, wherein a group of terminal devices for acquiring meter reading value data is set, and a reference time point for transmitting the meter reading value data input by a user and a delay period starting from the reference time point are set for each group; and a meter reading value acquisition step, wherein the meter reading value transmitted from the terminal device is acquired at a random time point within the delay period. During the aforementioned delay period, each of the aforementioned terminal devices is updated according to the result of obtaining the meter reading value data in the aforementioned meter reading value obtaining step, and in response to the updating of one of the aforementioned terminal devices in the aforementioned group, the other aforementioned terminal devices in the aforementioned group are also updated. In the aforementioned meter reading value obtaining step, the meter reading value data transmitted from the aforementioned terminal device is obtained at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update. A data transmission method, wherein a computer of a terminal device executes a process including the following steps: a setting information acquisition step, which acquires the reference time point for transmitting meter reading value data and the setting information set for the delay period starting from the reference time point for each group input by the user; and a meter reading value transmission step, which transmits the meter reading value data to a data collection device at a random time point within the delay period, wherein the delay period is set according to According to the results of the meter reading value data transmitted in the aforementioned meter reading value transmission step, each aforementioned terminal device is updated, and in response to the updates of other aforementioned terminal devices in the aforementioned group to which the self-device belongs, the self-device is also updated. In the aforementioned meter reading value transmission step, the meter reading value data is transmitted to the aforementioned data collection device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update. A computer program product having a program stored therein for making a computer function as a data collection device, wherein the program makes the computer function as a data collection device as follows: a setting unit for setting a group of terminal devices for acquiring meter reading value data, and setting a reference time point for transmitting the meter reading value data input by a user and a delay period starting from the reference time point for each group; and a meter reading value acquisition unit for acquiring the meter reading value data at a random time point within the delay period. The meter reading value data transmitted from the aforementioned terminal device is updated for each aforementioned terminal device according to the acquisition result of the meter reading value data in the aforementioned meter reading value acquisition unit during the aforementioned delay period, and in response to the update of one of the aforementioned terminal devices in the aforementioned group, the other aforementioned terminal devices in the aforementioned group are also updated. The aforementioned meter reading value acquisition unit acquires the meter reading value data transmitted from the aforementioned terminal device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update. A computer program product having a program stored therein for making a computer function as a terminal device, wherein the program makes the computer function as follows: a setting information acquisition unit for acquiring a reference time point for transmitting meter reading value data and setting information for setting a delay period from the reference time point for each group input by a user; and a meter reading value transmission unit for transmitting the meter reading value data to a random time point within the delay period. The data collection device updates each of the aforementioned terminal devices during the aforementioned delay period according to the results obtained in the aforementioned data collection device using the meter reading value data transmitted by the aforementioned meter reading value transmission unit, and updates the aforementioned device in response to updates of other aforementioned terminal devices in the aforementioned group to which the device belongs. The aforementioned meter reading value transmission unit transmits the meter reading value data to the aforementioned data collection device at a random time point within the aforementioned delay period after the update.