WO2004090832A1

WO2004090832A1 - Automatic meter reading terminals and system using a rotary encoder

Info

Publication number: WO2004090832A1
Application number: PCT/KR2004/000792
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young-Sik Lee
Original assignee: Bluemax Communication Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-04-07
Filing date: 2004-04-06
Publication date: 2004-10-21

Abstract

The present invention discloses a remote automatic meter reading (AMR) terminal for remotely metering wherein the metered values indicated in the meter can be read directly as digital values by using a rotary encoder thereby to perform AMR, and an automatic meter reading (AMR) system using this. A directly reading type of AMR terminal using the rotary encoder does not integrate by integrating a digital numerical value, but provides immediately a digital metered value corresponding to an analog numerical value upon metering. The present invention is intended to provide a AMR terminal includes an analog metering part which is moved in proportion to a flow of the object to be metered, and a gear part for rotating digit plate of a metered value display part in accordance with the movement of the analog metering part: wherein the AMR terminal includes rotary encoder, which are interlocked with the digit plates to provide encoder data corresponding to the digit of the digit plate, the rotary encoder is designed to generate a gray code of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in response to digit of the digit plate of rotating, a 1st check code of designating the turning from an even number to an odd number, and a 2nd check code of designating the turning from an odd number to an even number. And the meter-reading and control part identifies encoder data of each rotary encoder to correct errors occurred in case of using by combining with a plurality of rotary encoder as half engagement.

Description

AUTOMATIC METER READING TERMINALS AND SYSTEM USING

A ROTARY ENCODER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a meter being utilized for remotely meter reading at a distance place, and more particularly to a remote automatic meter reading (referred hereinafter to as "AMR") tenriinal for remotely metering wherein the metered values indicated in the meter can be read directly as digital¹ values by using a rotary encoder thereby to perform AMR, and a remote automatic meter reading (AMR) system using this.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, the rates of essential resources, such as a electricity, water, gas, etc, are deteπriined according to consumption amount used by consumers. Therefore, each meter has been installed in service equipment of each consumer for metering the used service amounts. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the conventional analog accumulating meter.

Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional meter comprises a analog metering part 12 having a circular plate rotating according to the consumption in order to metering the consumption, a gear part 14 for rotating digit plates of a metered value display part 16 measured by mechanical movement of the analog metering part 12, and the metered value display part 16 for accumulatively indicating the consumption amount according to rotation of the gear part 14.

As shown in FIG.2, the metered value display part 16 includes a plurality of digit plates 16-1 which are rotated according to the mechanical movement of a gear axle 16-2, wherein the digits 0 to 9 are recorded on the digit plate 16- 1 to be read by a metering-man of service company of electricity, gas, water and the like and each of them is represented in a decimal system according to the position of the digit plates.

And thus, in such conventional analog meters, there is a drawback that, for metering the consumed value on the meter, it is required for the metering-man to periodically visit to each consumer and to manually meter-read. Therefore, such a typical analog meters have a problem that it is required to pay a great deal of cost according to manually metering of the metering-man. And then, in order to overcome this problem in the prior art, a digital meter has been proposed to generate a digital pulse whenever a rotary circular plate of the analog meter is rotated, thereby meter-reading in a digital system. However, in such digital pulse system, there is a problem in which an eiToneous operation is apt to occur so that the reliability may be lowered and during acciimulating of result values the eiϊors are accumulated. And also, a image sensing system which senses images of the digit plates, has a problem in which the components or structure for image sensing are added so that a great deal of additional cost should be paid for this.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention has been proposed to solve the aforementioned problems and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a remote automatic meter reading (AMR) terminal with rotary encoders and a remote automatic meter reading (AMR) system using this for remotely meter-reading, wherein the rotary encoders are attached to a portion of the digit plates in the prior analog meter so that the metered values indicated in the meter can be read directly as digital values (i.e. a directly reading system) without accumulating the metered values. In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an automatic meter reading (AMR) terminal comprising: an analog metering part which is moved in proportion to a flow of the object to be metered; a gear part for rotating a plurality of digit plates of a metered value display part in accordance with the movement of the analog metering part; characterized by a plurality of rotary encoders which are interlocked with the digit plates to provide encoder data corcesponding to the digits of the digit plates; a tenxiinal ID setting part for setting the tenriinal ID; a communication part for commuricating with a server side for perforxning an AMR; and a meter-reading & control part which, if a condition for meter reading is made, controls the rotary encoders to use the encoder data inputted from the rotary encoders so that read and store the metered value and which, if a request of data is commanded from the server side, transmits the stored metered data together with a meter ID through the communication part.

On the otlier hand, for achieving the above objects, the present invention is directed to a remote automatic meter reading system comprising: an automatic meter reading (AMR) server, for giving a command to perform the AMR of Hie metered values according to consumption by each consumers, and for collecting tl e resultant data from meter reading, thereby charging and statistical processing; a collector for, if through the communication network is given the meter reading command from the AMR server, t nsmitting this command to an AMR tenninal; and an automatic meter reading (AMR) tenninal including: a plurality of rotary encoders which are interlocked with the digit plates to provide encoder data corresponding to the digits of the digit plates; a teirninal ID setting part for setting the terminal ID; a commumcation part for communicating with a server side for performing the AMR; and a meter-reading & control part which, if a condition for meter reading is made, controls the rotary encoders to use the encoder data inputted from H e rotary encoders so that read and store the metered value and which, if a request of data is commanded from the server side, transmits the stored metered data together with a meter ID through the coiTimunication part; wherein the AMR teπriinal, if through the local network is given tlie meter reading command from the collector, directly reads the metered value on the analog accumulating meter to transmit this value to the collector.

BRIEF DESCRDΉON OF THE DRAWINGS

Hereinafter, The above objects and various advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from Hie following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying, wherein: FIG. 1 and 2 are schematic views iUustrating a conventional analog accumulating meters;

FIG.3 is a schematic block diagram iftustrating the construction of a remote automatic meter reader (AMR) in which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the construction of a remote automatic meter reading (AMR) tenninal according to the present invention; FIG. 5 and 6 are schematic views showing an example of the rotary encoder according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows an example of output waveforms from the rotary encoder according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a metering operation procedure of a remote AMR terminal according to Hie present invention; FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a metered value reading operation procedure of a remote AMR tenninal according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the construction of a remote AMR system of using the AMR teiminal according to the present invention; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a metering operation procedure of a remote AMR system according to tl e present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an operation procedure of a AMR teirninal used in a AMR system according to the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram iΕusfrating the construction of a remote automatic meter reader in which the present invention is applied. Referring to FIG. 3, a remote automatic meter reader according to the present invention comprises an analog metering part 210, a gear part 220, and a metered value display part 240, wherein for ensuring the reliability of the meter, while the analog metering part 210, the gear part 220 and the metered value display part 230 are used as they was in the conventional system, a plurality of rotary encoder 241-1 ~ 241-kis attached to apluiality of digit plates 232-1 ~ 232-k of the metered value display part 230 to directly read the metered value in a digital system.

The analog metering part 210 includes a circular plate which is rotated in proportion to a flow of an object to be metered, as such water, gas, or electricity. And the gear part 220 uses the rotary motion of the analog metering part 210 to rotate the digit plates 232-1 ~ 232-k of the metered value display part 230 by a proper gear mechanism. Also tl e metered value display part 230 comprises the k of digit plates 232-1 ~ 232-k of, which are suitable to represent the digit possible to be metered to a maximum limit in accordance with a total capacity of meter, and the k rotary encoders 241 -1 ~ 241 -k, which is interlocked with the digit plates, to display the metered value, wherein whenever usually a lower rank unit of digit plate performs one revolution, a upper rank unit of digit plate turns by one step (1 of 10 partitions) to designate the metered value in a decimal system. For example, if the metered value display part includes 4 plates which are consisted of tl e digit plate of the one's figure, ten's figure, hundred's figure and thousand's figure, 2,4,3,7 is designated that the accumulating consumption power is 2,437 kW.

In particular, with a pivot of each digit plates 232-1 ~ 232-k being used in the present invention, are interlocked the rotary encoders 241-1 ~ 241-k for reading the figure indicated value

(tlie metered value) in a digital system. Here, the rotary encoders 241-1 ~ 241-k being used in Hie present invention, as shown in FIG. 5 and 6, is intended to provide the encoder data corresponding to the figure indicated value to read the metered value.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the construction of a remote automatic meter reading (AMR) terminal according to the present invention.

The AMR ^■terminal, as shown in FIG. 4, comprises a plurality of rotary encoders 241-1 ~ 241-k which are interlocked with the corresponding digit plates 232-1 ~ 232-k, a meter ID setting part 242 for setting a meter ID, a meter-reading & control part 243 which, if a condition for meter reading is made, controls the rotary encoders 241 -1 ~ 241 -k to receive the digital value inputted from the rotaiy encoders 241-1 ~ 241-k so that read and store the metered value and which, if a request of data is received from the server side, transmits the stored metered data together with a meter ID, a communication part 244 for data communication for remotely metering, a battery 245, and a electric power control part 246.

Referring to FIG. 4, the rotary encoders 241-1 ~ 241-k are connected with each digit plates 232-1 ~ 232-k, and the rotary encoders 241-1 ~ 241-k are rotated together with Hie coixesponding digit plates 232-1 ~ 232-k, thereby to simultaneously provide the encoder data conesponding to digit pads.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, an optical rotaiy encoders 241-1 ~ 241-k comprises a light source 41, a lens 42, a stationary disk 43, a rotary disk 44, a light receiving part 45, a output driving part 46, wherein, if tlie rotary disk 44 is rotated by the pivot 47, as a result, the amount of rotation

^■thereof is detected and thereby allowing the output driving part 46 to output a gray code, the 1^st check code and the 2" check code.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a rotary disk and rotary slit in the rotary encoder according to the present invention. While, in general, there are two lands of the rotary encoders as such a incremental type and an absolute type, the rotary encoder according to the present invention is a land of absolute type, to output the gray code value.

Refening to FIG. 6, the rotary disk 44 of the rotary encoder according to the present invention comprises, in large, a gray code region 44-1 ~ 44-4 which generates the gray code according to a degree of rotation, and a check code region 44-5 ~ 44-6 which informs of a change of tlie metered value. Also, Hie gray code region is sectioned into the 1^st figure 44-1 to the 4^th figure 44- 4 regions, and tl e check code region is sectioned into the 1^st check code region 44-5 which informs of turriing from an even number value to an odd number value and the 2^nd check code region 44-6 which informs of trjrning from an odd number value to an even number value.

Thus, the rotary encoder of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, generates 0 ~ 9 of 10 gray code values upon one revolution, and generates the check code at the position where the values is turned. The gray code values generated at this time are as in the following Table 1, the 1^st check code (Check code 1) is outputted as a pulse, at the position turned from an even number to an odd number as 0→1, 2→3, 4^→5, 6→7, and 8→9, and the 2^nd check code (Check code 2) is outputted as a pulse, at the position turned from an odd number to an even number as 1^→2, 3— >4, 5→6, 7→8, and9→0. [Table 1]

The meter ID setting part 242 sets each ID for identifying the meter of each consumer, the meter reading & control part 243 includes microprocessor (MCU), ROM, EEPROM, RAM, flash memoiy, etc, tl e meter ID setting part which receive data from the rotary encoder 241 - 1 ~ 241 -k, to read the metered value of the corresponding digit plates, and thereafter to store the red value into the EEPROM. At this time, the microprocessor (MCU) classifies its operation mode into a 'sleep mode', which is perfonned by the minimum power, a 'standby (STBY) mode', and a 'normal mode', to control for reducing the consumption power. Also in the sleep mode, while microprocessor (MCU) performs only the inner timer (RTC) function to operate by the minimum power, if the fixed period or condition is reached, it is waked-up thereby to operate in the standby mode. Further in the standby mode, microprocessor (MCU) applies the electric power to tl e communication part 244 to allow this part to normally perform the communication fbnction, and operates in the normal mode if a radio signal is received through the communication part 244. Besides, the electric power control part 246 controls the electric power of the battery 245 according to control of tlie meter reading & control part 243, to minimize the consumption power.

The communication part 244 comprises a wire modem or a wireless modem according to a character of a local network to communicate with the server side. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a metering operation procedure of a remote AMR terminal according to the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 8, Hie meter reading & control part 243, if a predetermined condition is reached and then a metering is requested, receives the encoder data inputted from the rotary encoders 241 - 1 ~ 241 -k which are interlocked and rotated together with the digit plates 232- 1 ~ 232- k (in steps SI and S2).

Thereafter, the meter reading & control part 243 reads figures of the digit plates 232-1 ~ 232- k from tlie inputted encoder data As shown in FIG. 9 described hereinafter is a procedure, which performs a process operation for reading the total metered value from the gray code input from the rotary encoder according to the present invention. At this time, in order to improve the reliability more and more, it performs repeatedly several times a step of the metered value reading process and thereafter, if the repetition time for this process reach a predetermined times (for example, 3 times), the resultant read values are compared with each other (in steps S3 to S6).

If tlie compared results are same each other, it stores the metered value as it is, and if the metered values aren't same each other, it averages the metered values and store the average value into the EEPROM (in steps S7 to S9).

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a metered value reading operation procedure of a remote AMR tenninal according to tl e present invention.

A procedure of reading the metered value from the gray code value inputted from the rotary encoders 241-1 ~ 241-k and the 1^st and the 2^nd check codes, is performed in regular order from the low figure to tl e high figure. For instance, in case where the gray code is consisted of 4 units (0000 ~ 9999) from one's figure to thousand's figure, the gray code is read in regular order from the one's figure to the thousand's figure and thereafter the resultant metered value is finally recognized.

Refening to FIG. 9, if a metering command is received, or if a time to meter is reached, the gray code value and the check code signal are inputted from the rotary encoder (in step 701). From tl e inputted gray code value, the digit X is identified.

Subsequently, by determining whether or not the digit X is of the one's figure (in step 703), is identified whether the identified digit is 9 or 0 (in step 714). If it is not 9 or 0 or if the check code is not 2, the X value is stored, And if the check code is 2 and the identified value is 9, an odd signal is generated to be transmitted to the next upper figure, and if the identified value is 0, a even signal is generated to be transmitted to the next upper figure (in steps 715 — 719).

If it is not of the one's figure and there is not the check code, whether the identified digit is 9 or 0 is identified. If it is not 9 or 0 or the check code is not 2, the X value is stored. Also if the check code is 2 and the identified digit X is 9, an odd signal is generated to be transmitted to the next upper figure. And if identified digit is 0, an even signal is generated to transmit to the next upper figure (in steps 715 -719)

In case where the identified digit is not the one's figure and there is the check code as well as the value received from the lower figure is an odd signal: If the check code is 1 and the identified digit X is an odd number, or if the check is not 1 and tl e digit X is a even number, the calculation of X-l is perfomied to be conⁿected (steps 705 -713). After that, whether the identified digit is 9 or 0 is identified. If it is not 9 or 0 or the check code is not 2, the X value is stored. Also if the check code is 2 and the identified digit X is 9, an odd signal is generated to be transmitted to the next upper figure. And, if checked digit is 0, an even signal is generated to transmit to the next upper figure.

In case where the identified digit is not the one's figure and there is tlie check code as well as tlie value received from the lower figure is not an odd signal: If the check code is 1 and the identified digit X is an even number, or if the check is not 1 and the digit X is an odd number, the calculation of X-l is perforated to be conected (steps 706 - 709). Thereafter, whether the identified digit is 9 or 0 is identified (step 714). If it is not 9 or 0 or the check code is not 2, the X value is stored. Also if the check code is 2 and the identified digit X is 9, an odd signal is generated to be ti nsmitted to the next upper figure. And if checked digit is 0, an even signal is generated to transmit to H e next upper figure. Hereinafter, various identified embodiments of remote metering operation according to the present invention will be explained in detail to be more easily understood with a concrete recognition example as follows.

An identified embodiment 1 [In case of identifying "1234"] [Table 2]

1. Identifying by itself the one's figure through Hie gray code. X=4.

2. Identifying in regular order whether it is Hie one's figure.

A.

3. Is tlie one's figure? If so, moving to Yes (to next step 714).

Identifying a

5. X = 9 or 0? (Detenriiiiiiig if the identified value from the gray code is 9 or 0). figure of one

If not, moving to No (to next step 719). 5. Storing tlie identified value from Hie gray code as it is. X= .

1. Identifying by itself the ten's figure through the gray code. X=3.

2. Identifying in regular order whether it is the one's figure.

3. Is tlie one's figure? If not, moving to No (to next step 704).

B.

4. Is there check code? (Assuming that there is not check code).

Identifying a If not, moving to No (to next step 714). figure often

5. X = 9 or 0? (Detenriitiing if tlie identified value from tlie gray code is 9 or 0). If not, moving to No (to next step 719).

6. Storing tl e identified value from tlie gray code as it is. X=3.

1. Identifying by itself Hie hundred's figure through the gray code. X=2.

2. Identifying in regular order whether it is tlie one's figure.

C. 3. Is tlie one's figure? If not, moving to No (to next step 704).

Identifying a 4. Is there check code? (Assuming that there is not check code). figure of If not, moving to No (to next step 714). hundred 5. X = 9 or 0? (Detenrtining if tl e identified value from Hie gray code is 9 or 0). If not, moving to No (to next step 719).

6. Storing tlie identified value from tlie gray code as it is. X=2.

D. 1. Identifying by itself tlie thousand's figure through Hie gray code. X=l . Identifying a 2. Identifying in regular order whether it is tlie one's figure. figure of 3. Is tlie one's figure? If not, moving to No (to next step 704). thousand 4. Is there check code? (Assuming thatthere is not check code). If not, moving to No (to next step 714).

5. X = 9 or 0? (Detennining if tlie identified value from Hie gray code is 9 or 0). If not, moving to No (to next step 719).

6. Storing tl e identified value from H e gray code as it is. X=l .

Final output Finally, identifying "1234".

An identified embodiment 2 [In case of identifying "2990": When tl e one's figure is "0" in a toning point where is toned from "9" to "0", the ten's figure and the hundred's figure indicates "9"] [Table 3]

A. 1. Identifying by itself tlie one's figure through tlie gray code. X=0.

Identifying a 2. Identifying in regular order whether it is the one's figure. figure of one 3. Is Hie one's figure? If so, moving to Yes (to next step 714).

4. X = 9 or 0? (Deteniiiriing if tlie identified value from the gray code is 9 or 0). If so, movingto Yes (to next step 715).

5. Check code = 2? If so, moving to Yes (to next step 716).

6. X = 9? If not, moving to No (to next step 718).

7. Generating an even signal.

8. Storing tlie identified value from tlie gray code as it is. X=0.

B. 1. Identifying by itself tlie ten's figure through Hie gray code. X=9.

Identifying a 2. Identifying in regular order whether it is H e one's figure. figure often 3. Is tlie one's figure? If not, moving to No (to next step 704).

4. Is there check code? If so, moving to Yes (to next step 705).

5. Is an odd signal? If not, moving to No (to next step 706).

6. Check code = 1? If so, movingto Yes (to next step 708).

7. X = even? If not, moving to No (to next step 714)

8. X = 9 or 0? If so, moving to Yes (to next step 715).

9. Check code=2? Ifnot, movingto No (tonextstep 719).

An identified embodiment 4 [In case of identifying "3999": all figures is at the boundary point] [Table 4]

figure often 3. Is tlie one's figure? If not, moving to No (to next step 704).

4. Is tliere check code? Ifso, movingto Yes (to next step 705).

5. Is an odd signal? Ifso, movingto Yes (to next step 710).

6. Check code = 1? If not, movingto Yes (to next step 711).

7. X = even? If not, moving to No (to next step 714)

8. X = 9 or 0? Ifso, moving to Yes (to next step 715).

9. Checkcode=2? ffso,movingtoNo(tonextstep 716).

10. X= 9? If so, movingto Yes (to next step 717).

11. Generating an odd signal.

12. Storing the identified value of tlie ten's figure. X=9.

C. 1. Identifying by itself the hundred's figure through the gray code. X=9.

Identifying a 2. Identifying in regular order whether it is tl e one's figure. figure of 3. Is tlie one's figure? If not, moving to No (to next step 704). hundred 4. Is tliere check code? If so, moving to Yes (to next step 705).

5. Is an odd signal? Ifso, moving to Yes (to next step 710).

6. Check code= l?lfnot, moving to Yes (to next step 711).

7. X = even? If not, moving to No (to next step 714)

8. X = 9 or 0? Ifso, moving to Yes (to next step 715).

9. Check code = 2? If so, moving to No (to next step 716).

10. X= 9? Ifso, movingto Yes (to next step 717).

11. Generating an odd signal.

12. Storing tlie identified value of tlie hundred's figure. X=9.

D. 1. Identifying by itself Hie tliousand's figure tlirougli the gray code. X=3.

Identifying a 2. Identifying in regular order whether it is the one's figure. figure of 3. Is tlie one's figure? If not, moving to No (to next step 704). thousand 4. Is tliere check code? Ifso, moving to Yes (to next step 705). (being at tlie 5. Is an odd signal? Ifso, movingto Yes (to next step 710). boundary point 6. Check code = 1? If not, moving to Yes (to next step 711). where is turned 7. X = even? If not, moving to No (to next step 714) from 3 to 4) 8. X = 9 or 0? If not, moving to No (to next step 719). 9. Storing tlie identified value of tlie thousand's figure. X=3. Finally, identifying "3999"

E. 1. Identifying by itself tlie tliousand's figure tlirougli tlie gray code. X=4(en-or).

Identifying a 2. Identifying in regular order whether it is tlie one's figure. figure of 3. Is tlie one's figure? If not, moving to No (to next step 704). thousand 4. Is there check code? Ifso, moving to Yes (to next step 705). (being at the 5. Is an odd signal? Ifso, moving to Yes (to next step 710). boundary point 6. Check code = 1 ? If not, moving to Yes (to next step 711). where is turned 7. X = even? Ifso, movingto Yes (to next step 713) from 3 to 4) 8. X=X-1 (X = 4-1 =3).

9. X = 9 or 0? If not, moving to No (to next step 719).

10. Connecting tlie tliousand's figure into X=3 to store this.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the construction of a remote AMR system of using the AMR tenninal according to tlie present invention.

Refe ing to FIG. 10, the remote AMR system is designed to connect the N remote AMR terminals 810-1 - 810-n, which are installed within a residential building of each customer, through a local network 802 to one collector 820-1, and connect M of collector 820-1 - 820-m through the communication network 804 to a remote AMR server 830. The local network 820 is a communication network for connecting the collectors 820-1 - 820-m to the remote AMR teixninals 810-1 ~ 810-n, and can be used in any type of a wire communication mode and in a wireless communication mode, hi a case of wireless communication system, an ISM (Industrial Scientific Medical) band can be used, or various type of system, such as a Blue Tooth, a wireless LAN and the like, can be used. In a case of wire communication system, a PLC (power line communication) system using a power line modem, a RS-232C system, a RS422 system, a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) modem system and the like can be used. Also, for the communication network 804 connecting tlie collectors 820-1 - 820-m to the remote ARM server 830, a wireless network (mobile coiiimunication network, PCS (Personal Communication System) network, TRS (Trunked Radio System) network, etc.), a wire network (PSTN), a satellite network, an internet and tlie like may be used. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a AMR procedure of a remote AMR system according to the present invention

Thus, tlie procedure in which the remote AMR is performed in the AMR system, as shown in FIG. 11, is achieved by tlie following processing method: if the server 830 asks AMR the coUector 820-1 for AMR, the collector 820-1 ask the AMR tenninal 810-1 for AMR thereby to receive the metered data and thereafter to transmit this data to the AMR server 830. At this time, in the AMR method, there are an "overall AMR" and an "individual AMR": the former being requested to be simultaneously performed through all AMR terminals 820-1 under the control of the collector 820-1, and the latter being requested to be perforated through only a especially designated AMR terminal 820-1.

Firstly, the collector 820-1 - 820-m have the information of the AMR teiminals 810-1 - 810-m within the area under the control of themselves and the information of ID of the collector 820-1 - 820-m. The collector ID can be predetermiried by using the inner nonvolatile memory or a predetennined switch, such information is inputted into the AMR server 830. The AMR server 830 transmits the packet of requesting the overall AMR to tlie collector

820-1 - 820-m. If the collector 820-1 - 820-m receives the AMR commands from the AMR server 830, the collector 820-1 - 820-m decodes the received AMR commands to classify the form of the commands, hi general, the format of the packet transmitted form the AMR server 830 to the collector 820-1 - 820-m includes a header and a phone number, a server phone number, a collector ID, an start address, an end address, Mormatiori, CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check), etc.

The collector 820-1 - 820-m receives a command from the AMR server 830. And thereafter, if tlie command is normal, the collector 820-1 - 820-m transmits an "ACK". Otherwise, if the command is abnormal, the collector 820-1 - 820-m transmits an "NAK" for requesting retransmission. Subsequently, tlie collector 820-1 - 820-m generates the wake-up command then to

^■transmits it to tlie AMR terminal 810-l ~ 810-min order to wake-up all the AMR terminals 810-1 - 810-m under tlie control of the collector 820-1 - 820-m according to the overall AMR command. And each AMR terminal 810-1 - 810-m is simultaneously waked-up and thereafter performs the AMR respectively to prepare an AMR data. Also, after that, the collector 820-1 - 820-m generates and transmits a packet for a data request, consequently the conesponding AMR teiminal 810-1 - 810-m transmits the AMR data to the corresponding collector 820-1 - 820-m.

Further, if the collector 820-1 - 820-m receives such AMR data, the collector 820-1 - 820-m stores temporarily and thereafter repeats operation procedures of requesting data and of receiving AMR data from a next AMR terminal 810-1 - 810-m. If the collector 820-1 - 820-m completes collection of tlie AMR data from all remote AMR terminals 810-1 - 810-m, the collector 820-1 - 820-m transmits a sleep command to all AMR tenxiinals 810-1 - 810-m to converts all remote AMR terminals 810-l ~810-m into a sleep state.

Moreover, if the collector 820-1 - 820-m receives the data request according to the overall AMR from the AMR server 830, the collector 820-1 - 820-m transmits the AMR data received through the local network 802 from the remote AMR teiminal 810-1 - 810-m to the remote AMR server 830.

Otherwise, in case of the individual AMR, the AMR server 830 fransmits a packet of requesting the individual AMR to the collector 820-1 - 820-m. If tlie collector 820-1 - 820-m receives an AMR commands from the remote AMR server 830, the collector 820-1 - 820-m decodes tlie received AMR commands to classify the form of the commands. Also, If the collector 820-1 - 820-m receives normally an AMR commands from the remote AMR server 830, the collector 820-1 - 820-m transmits an "ACK".

If the command is an individual AMR command, the collector 820-1 - 820-m transmits an individual wake-up packet to the conesponding AMR teiminal 810-l ~ 810-m in order to wake-up the especially designated one of AMR tenninals 810-1 - 810-m. The designated AMR terminal 810-1 - 810-m is waked-up according to the individual AMR command, and then performs the AMR to prepare AMR data. Subsequentiy, the collector 820-1 — 820-m generates and transmits a packet for data request with respect to the corresponding AMR terminal 810-1 - 810-m. Subsequentiy, the conesponding AMR terminal 810-1 - 810-m transmits tlie AMR data to tlie collector 820-1 - 820-m.

If tl e collector 820-1 - 820-m receives such AMR data, the collector 820-1 - 820-m checks whether or not tlie AMR data is normal. Thereby, if the AMR data is normal, the collector 820-1 - 820-m causes tlie coιτesponding AMR terminal 810-1 - 810-m to sleep individually. Also, after tlie collector 820-1 - 820-m stores temporarily the received AMR data, if the collector 820-1 - 820-m receives an individual data request from the remote AMR server 830, the collector 820-1 - 820-m transmits the mdividual AMR data of the designated AMR terminal 810-1 - 810-m to the remote AMR server 830. If the remote AMR server 830 has received normally the individual AMR data, tlie remote AMR server 830 transmits an ACK to the collector 820-1 - 820-m. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an operation procedure of a remote AMR terminal used in a remote AMR system according to the present invention.

While tlie remote AMR teiminals 810-1 - 810-m operates in the sleep mode, if the fixed condition is generated and then the wake-up is received, the remote AMR terminals 810-l ~ 810-m, supplies the electric power to the communication part 244 in the standby mode to turn-on this part 244 to perform a communication function (in steps 901 - 903)

Also, if the signal from the collector 820-1 - 820-m is received through the communication pail 244, tlie remote AMR terminals 810-1 - 810-m is converted into the normal mode and thereafter decodes the received command (in steps 904 - 906). And, as the result of decoding, if the received command is an AMR command, the remote AMR teraiinals 810-1 - 810-m performs the AMR process as shown in FIG. 8. And if it is a command of requesting the AMR data, the remote AMR terminals 810-1 - 810-m transmits the stored AMR data together with the corresponding AMR terminal ID. Also if it is a sleep command, the remote AMR teiminals 810-1 - 810-m is converted into tlie sleep mode thereby to operate in the minimum power mode until the next AMR (steps 907 -912).

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, it will be understood that this description is merely for purposes of illusfration. Specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, and this is for convenience only. Steps of tlie described systems and methods may be reordered or combined, and other steps may be included. Fmfher variations will be apparent to one sldlled in the art in light of this disclosure and are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As explained above, According to the present invention, there a advantage in that, because tlie AMR can be performed without directly inviting each consumer, personnel expense is reduced and thereby metering cost can be reduced. Also the present invention has another advantage in that, because the conventional analog system can be used as it is, the manual meter-reading can be perfonned as well as the rehability can be guaranteed in comparison with a digital pulse system. Furtiier the present hivention has yet another advantage in that, as directly reading the digit value of tlie metered value display part, an AMR terminal can be implemented inexpensively.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A remote automatic meter reading (AMR) teiminal including an analog metering part wliich is moved in proportion to a flow of the object to be metered, a gear part for rotating N digit plates of a metered value display part in accordance with the movement of the analog metering part; wherein tlie remote automatic meter reading (AMR) teiminal comprising:

N rotary encoders, which are interlocked with the N digit plates to provide encoder data corresponding to the digits of the digit plates; a teiminal ID setting part for setting the terminal ID; a communication part for communicatirig with a server side for perfoiming an AMR; and a meter-reading & control part which, if a condition for meter reading is made, controls the rotary encoders to use the encoder data inputted from the rotary encoders so that read and store the metered value and which, if a request of data is commanded from the server side, fransmits the stored metered data together with a meter ID through the cominunication part. j 2. A remote automatic meter reading (AMR) teiminal according to claim 1, wherein each rotary encoder generates gray code of 0, 1,

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, check code, and check code for designating the following tuniing position at the position turned from an even number to an odd number or at the position toned from an odd number to an even number.

3. A remote automatic meter reading (AMR) teiminal according to claim 2, wherein each rotary encoder comprises a rotary disk which includes a section for generating gray code of 4 figures, a section for generating 1^st check code of designating the tuniing from an even number to an odd number, and a section for generating 2ⁿ check code of designating the turning from an odd number to an even number.

4. A remote automatic meter reading (AMR) terminal according to claim 3, wherein the meter-reading & control part decodes the gray code inputted from the rotary encoder thereby to identify digit of the corresponding figure, and corrects the identified by the 1^st check and the 2^nd check code.

5. A remote automatic meter reading (AMR) terminal according to claim 4, wherein the meter-reacting & control part, when the identified value is odd, determines as normal if the 1^st check code is generated, and corrects the identified value into a value most approximate to the identified value if the 2^nd check code is generated, and also the meter-reading & control part, when the identified value is even, coirects it into the odd value most approximate to the identified value if the 1^st check code is generated, and deter iries the identified value as normal if the 2" check code is generated.

6. A remote automatic meter reading (AMR) terminal according to claim 4, wherein the meter-reading & control part, in case of reading the metered value, provides an odd signal if a digit of the lower figure is 9 and an even signal if a digit of the lower figure is 0, and also, upon identifying a digit of the upper figure, identifies a digit of the upper on basis of this.

7. A remote automatic meter reading (AMR) terminal according to claim 1, wherein the communication part is any one of a power tine modem, a wire modem and a wireless modem.

8. A remote automatic meter reading (AMR) system comprising: an automatic meter reading (AMR) server, for giving a command to perform a AMR of the metered values according to consumption by each consumers, and for collecting the resultant data from meter reading, thereby charging and statistical processing; a collector for, if through the communication network is given a AMR command from the AMR seiver, fransmiting this command to an AMR terminal; and an automatic meter reading (AMR) tenninal including: a plurality of rotary encoders which are interlocked with tlie digit plates to provide encoder data corresponding to the digits of the digit plates; a terminal ID setting part for setting tlie teiminal ID; a communication part for corrumiinicatiiig with a server side for performing AMR; and a meter-reading & confrol part wliich, if a condition for meter reading is made, controls the rotary encoders to use the encoder data inputted from tlie rotary encoders so that read and store the metered value and which, if a request of data is commanded from tlie seiver side, transmits the stored metered data together with a meter ID through the communication part; wherein the AMR terminal, if through the local network is given the AMR command from tlie collector, directly reads the metered value on the analog accumulating meter to transmit this value to the collector.

9. A remote automatic meter reading (AMR) system according to claim 8, wherein the local network, being a communication network for connecting the collectors to tlie corresponding AMR teiminals, is any one of a wire cornmunication mode and a wireless communication mode, and the communication network is more than any one of the wireless network, a wire network (PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network), a satellite network or a internet which connects the collectors to the AMR server.