JP2002107198A - Gas meter, supervisory apparatus and gas measurement monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas meter, a supervisory apparatus and gas measurement monitoring system which can improve reliability of judgment, concerning generation of an abnormal situation, such as gas leakage. SOLUTION: In a host computer 60, gas using information I containing a flow rate pattern of gas G with a gas apparatus 20 is obtained from a plurality of gas meters (10, 70, 80), and updated judgment information J3 is constructed on the basis of the gas using information I. The information J3 is constructed by a method, wherein the host computer 60 learns the used state of the gas G in plural consumer's houses, and contains various kinds of flow rate patterns of the gas G. After the information J3 is obtained from the host computer 60 and initial judgment information J1 which has been previously obtained is updated to the information J3, safety function is executed in the gas meter 10, on the basis of the information J3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas meter for measuring a flow rate of a fuel gas, a general device for comprehensively monitoring the operation and information of the gas meter, and includes the gas meter and the general device. The present invention relates to a gas metering monitoring system for monitoring a fuel gas consumption state by a consumer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in order to measure the consumption (gas flow rate) of household fuel gas (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "gas") by consumers, flow rates of a membrane type flow meter, a fluidic flow meter or the like have been used. Gas meters using gauges have been put to practical use. Recently, there has been known a device having a function (security function) of monitoring the gas consumption state in order to ensure the safety of consumers who use the gas, in addition to measuring the gas consumption. As a gas meter having a security function, for example, when recognizing a gas consumption state, a plurality of gas appliances (for example, a gas stove, a gas heater, a gas water heater, etc.) installed in a consumer's home are determined based on a gas flow pattern. ) May determine which gas appliance is operating (eg, a gas heater; hereinafter, also simply referred to as “operating appliance”). When the gas meter detects a gas flow pattern that does not correspond to the gas flow pattern of the operating tool, an abnormal situation such as a gas consumption state other than the gas usage by the consumer, for example, a gas leak has occurred. Then, a warning operation such as shutting off the gas supply to the gas appliance or issuing an alarm is performed.

[0003] The determination of the operating instrument by the gas meter is made by, for example, comparing "determination information" stored in advance in a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like with a detected gas flow pattern. This "judgment information"
Is for associating the gas flow pattern with the type of gas appliance. For example, it is installed at a consumer's house for a predetermined period (for example, one month) immediately after the consumer starts using the gas. It is constructed by making the gas meter learn the gas flow pattern by each of the gas appliances thus obtained. By constructing the “judgment information” through such a learning operation, it is possible to reflect the gas usage situation by the consumer in the judgment regarding the occurrence of an abnormal situation such as gas leakage. The learning operation using the gas meter described above may be performed a plurality of times as necessary after the consumer starts using the gas.

[0004]

However, in the conventional gas meter, the reliability of the determination when the occurrence of the abnormal situation is determined based on the "determination information" constructed through the learning operation described above is not sufficient. There was a problem that it was not. Because, for example, after the learning period, if a new gas flow pattern is generated by a gas appliance already registered in the “judgment information”, the gas consumption state at this time poses no danger to the consumer. This is because the gas meter may erroneously determine that the gas flow pattern at this time is due to the occurrence of an abnormal situation, even if it does not. As the above “case where a new gas flow pattern occurs”, for example, a case where a consumer continuously operates a gas appliance (for example, a gas heater) over the whole day on an extremely cold winter day is assumed. . It is assumed that such a problem similarly occurs when a new gas appliance not registered in the “judgment information” is installed in the consumer's house after the learning period.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a gas meter capable of improving the reliability of determination regarding occurrence of an abnormal situation such as gas leakage.
An object of the present invention is to provide an integrated device and a gas metering monitoring system.

[0006]

The gas meter according to the present invention comprises:
A flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the fuel gas consumed by one or more gas combustion devices, and a flow rate pattern of the fuel gas measured by the flow rate measuring means,
A determination means for determining the type of the gas-fired equipment operating from one or more gas-fired equipment, and initial determination information for determining the type of the gas-fired equipment operated by the determination means are stored. The storage means which can be updated and the gas use information including the flow pattern of the fuel gas measured by the flow measurement means and the type of the operating gas combustion equipment determined by the determination means are transmitted to the outside via a communication network. And a meter communication terminal means for externally receiving update determination information different from the initial determination information stored in the storage means via a communication network, and receiving the update determination information via the meter communication terminal means. Then, the updating means for updating the initial judgment information stored in the storage means to the update judgment information, and the type of the gas-fired equipment on which the judging means operates can be judged. When it detects a flow rate pattern of the fuel gas have, in which as and a shut-off means for cutting off the supply of fuel gas to one or more of the gas burning appliance.

In the gas meter of the present invention, the flow rate of the fuel gas consumed by one or more gas combustion devices is measured by the flow rate measuring means, and based on the flow rate pattern of the fuel gas measured by the flow rate measuring means. The type of the gas-fired device operating from one or more gas-fired devices is determined by the determination means. At this time, the determination of the type of the operating gas combustion equipment by the determination means is performed based on the initial determination information stored in the storage means. The gas communication information including the fuel gas flow rate pattern measured by the flow rate measurement means and the type of operating gas combustion equipment determined by the determination means is transmitted to the outside via the communication network by the meter communication terminal means. While being transmitted, update determination information different from the initial determination information stored in the storage means is received from the outside via a communication network,
When the update judgment information is received via the communication terminal means, the initial judgment information stored in the storage means is updated by the update means to the update judgment information. When the determining means detects the flow pattern of the fuel gas in which the type of the operating gas combustion equipment cannot be determined, the supply of the fuel gas to one or more gas combustion equipment is interrupted by the shutoff means.

In the gas meter according to the present invention, the determination means determines the maximum flow rate when the gas flow rate rises in the fuel gas flow rate pattern, the time required to reach the maximum flow rate from the state where the fuel gas is not consumed, and the maximum flow rate. The type of gas-fired equipment operating based on each parameter value, including the duration of the flow, the stable flow after the gas flow rises, the time required to transition from the maximum flow to the stable flow, and the duration of the stable flow May be determined.

Further, in the gas meter of the present invention, it is preferable to use at least one of the Internet and a telephone line as a communication network.

The general apparatus of the present invention is a general apparatus for generalizing and monitoring the operation and information of a plurality of gas meters, and includes one or more types of gas combustion apparatuses obtained by the plurality of gas meters and each type. Gas usage information including a flow rate pattern of fuel gas by the gas combustion equipment is collected, and based on the gas usage information, a plurality of gas meters are used to determine the type of the gas combustion equipment operating from one or more gas combustion equipment. A construction means for constructing update decision information for making a decision, and a general communication terminal means for causing the construction means and a plurality of gas meters to communicate with each other via a communication network are provided.

In the general device of the present invention, the construction means
After gas usage information including one or more types of gas-fired devices obtained by a plurality of gas meters and a flow pattern of fuel gas by each gas-fired device is collected,
Based on this gas usage information, update determination information for causing a plurality of gas meters to determine the type of the gas-fired device operating from one or more gas-fired devices is constructed. The construction means and the plurality of gas meters can communicate with each other.

The gas metering and monitoring system of the present invention is a gas metering and monitoring system including a plurality of gas meters and an integrated device, wherein the gas meters and the integrated device are connected to each other via a communication network. Transmitting, via a communication network, gas use information including a type of one or more gas-fired devices and a flow pattern of fuel gas by each gas-fired device to the supervising device; Constructing update determination information for causing a plurality of gas meters to determine the type of gas-fired device operating from one or more gas-fired devices based on the captured and gas usage information; Transmitting the update determination information to the gas meter via the communication network; and obtaining the update determination information in the gas meter. Updating the initial determination information for determining the type of the gas-fired device operating from one or more gas-fired devices to the update determination information; Alternatively, when detecting a fuel gas flow rate pattern in which the type of the operating gas combustion device cannot be determined from the two or more gas combustion devices, supply of the fuel gas to one or more gas combustion devices is performed. It includes a step of shutting off.

In the gas metering monitoring system of the present invention, first, gas usage information including one or more types of gas combustion equipment and a flow pattern of fuel gas from each gas combustion equipment is transmitted from a plurality of gas meters to a general equipment. It is transmitted via a communication network. Subsequently, the gas use information is taken in by the supervising device, and the plurality of gas meters are updated based on the gas use information so that the plurality of gas meters can determine the type of the gas combustion device operating from one or more gas combustion devices. Judgment information is constructed. Subsequently, the update determination information is transmitted from the central device to the plurality of gas meters via the communication network. Subsequently, the gas meter captures the update determination information, and the initial determination information for determining the type of the gas-fired device operating from one or more gas-fired devices is updated to the update determination information. Subsequently, when detecting a flow pattern of fuel gas from which the type of operating gas-fired device cannot be determined from among one or more gas-fired devices based on the update determination information, the gas meter detects 1 or 2 The supply of the fuel gas to the two or more gas combustion devices is shut off.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a gas metering monitoring system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gas metering monitoring system 100 is installed in, for example, a plurality of gas meters (eg, gas meters 10, 70, 80) installed in a plurality of consumer homes 1 using gas G and a monitoring center 50 located in a remote place. It is configured to include a host computer 60 that has been configured. The gas meters (10, 70, 80) and the host computer 60 are connected to each other via a communication line 40, and can communicate with each other via the Internet 30. here,
The “host computer 60” corresponds to a specific example of “control device” in the present invention.

The pipe H is a branch from the main pipe that supplies the gas G, and is connected to a gas appliance 20 installed inside the consumer's house 1. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that a plurality of gas appliances 20 (for example, a gas stove, a gas heater, a gas water heater, and the like) are installed in the consumer home 1. However, a plurality of gas appliances 20 are not necessarily installed, and only a single gas appliance may be installed.

The gas meter 10 is mainly used for measuring the flow rate of the gas G flowing in the pipe H.
It is installed near the outer wall of the consumer home 1. In addition to measuring the flow rate of the gas G, the gas meter 10 transmits “Gas usage information I1” to the host computer 60, and transmits the “update determination information J1” from the host computer 60.
3 "is received. The gas meter 7
0 and 80 transmit “gas use information I2” and “gas use information I3” to the host computer 60, respectively, similarly to the gas meter 10, and both “update determination information J”.
3 "is received.

The host computer 60 is for collectively monitoring the usage status of the gas G in a plurality of consumer homes, and is, for example, a large business computer. The host computer 60 is operable by a gas company or the like stationed in the monitoring center 50, and transmits “gas use information I1”, “gas use information I2”, and “gas use information I2” transmitted from the gas meters 10, 70, and 80. It receives the "gas usage information I3" (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "gas usage information I") and transmits the "update determination information J3" to each of the gas meters 10, 70, and 80. In particular, the host computer 60 has a function as a database server that constructs “update determination information J3” described later based on “gas usage information I” transmitted from the plurality of gas meters (10, 70, 80). ing.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration example of each unit constituting the gas metering monitoring system 100 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a configuration example of each unit will be sequentially described with reference to FIG.

First, the gas meter 10 is placed inside a housing,
A measuring unit 11 for measuring the flow rate of the gas G flowing in the pipe H, and a pressure sensor 12 for detecting the pressure of the gas G
And a CPU for controlling the entire operation of the gas meter 10
13 (Central ProccessingUnit; Central processing unit)
A RAM 14 for storing various information; a clock 15 for measuring time; a lithium battery 16 for supplying power to the CPU 13 and the like;
A shutoff valve 17 for switching the supply state of the gas G to the downstream side and a communication terminal unit 18 for connecting the CPU 13 to the Internet 30 are provided. Also,
A display unit 19 for displaying various information on the gas meter 10 is provided on the outer surface of the housing. Here, the measuring unit 11 corresponds to a specific example of “flow rate measuring unit” in the present invention, and the RAM 14 corresponds to a specific example of “storage unit” in the present invention. Further, the shutoff valve 17 is
The communication terminal unit 18 corresponds to a specific example of “blocking means” in the present invention, and the communication terminal unit 18 corresponds to a specific example of “meter communication terminal means” in the present invention.

The metering section 11 outputs a flow signal to the CPU 13 in accordance with the flow rate of the gas G flowing through the pipe H. As the measuring unit 11, for example, a fluidic element can be used.

The pressure sensor 12 detects the pressure of the gas G flowing in the pipe H, and outputs the detected pressure data to the CPU 13. As the pressure sensor 12, for example, a piezoelectric film sensor that generates a voltage corresponding to distortion caused by pressure can be used.

The CPU 13 takes in the flow rate signal outputted from the metering section 11 and the pressure data outputted from the pressure sensor 12 at predetermined time intervals, for example, based on a clock signal outputted from the clock 15. It has become. The CPU 13 repeatedly calculates the instantaneous flow rate of the gas G based on the taken flow rate signal, and calculates the integrated flow rate of the gas G by integrating the instantaneous flow rates acquired in the past at each calculation timing. CPU 13
Outputs, for example, flow rate data (instantaneous flow rate, integrated flow rate) and pressure data to the display unit 19 and stores them in the RAM 14 as necessary. Here, the measuring unit 11 and the CPU 13 correspond to a specific example of “flow rate measuring unit” in the present invention.

The CPU 13 has the following security functions to detect an abnormal situation such as gas leakage. That is, when the CPU 13 detects the consumption state of the gas G, the consumption state of the gas G at this time is due to use of the gas appliance 20 by the consumer or due to occurrence of an abnormal situation such as gas leakage. Is determined.
Specifically, the CPU 13 compares the detected flow rate pattern of the gas G with the “initial determination information J1” stored in the RAM 14 in advance. This “initial judgment information J1” is for associating the flow pattern of the gas G with the type of the gas appliance, and is, for example, a predetermined period (for example, one month) immediately after the consumer starts using the gas. 2), the CPU 13 learns the flow pattern of the gas G from the gas appliances 20 installed in the consumer's house 1. If the flow pattern of the gas G is registered in the “initial judgment information J1”, the CPU
13 judges that the gas appliance 20 (that is, the operating appliance) corresponding to the gas G flow rate pattern is operating, and determines that the consumption state of the gas G at this time is due to the use of the normal gas G. judge. The details of the “contents of the operating device determined by the CPU 13” will be described later. On the other hand, when the flow pattern of the gas G is “Initial judgment information J”
1 ", the CPU 1
3 determines that the consumption state of the gas G at this time is due to a factor other than the consumer's use of the gas G, for example, the occurrence of an abnormal situation such as a gas leak, and performs a series of warning operations. The warning operation includes, for example, output of the valve drive signal S1 to the shut-off valve 17, output of warning information to the display unit 19, and issuance of a warning. The CPU 13 stores the “gas use information I1” including the detected flow rate pattern of the gas G, the type of the operating tool, the execution status of the warning operation, and the like in the RAM 14 at any time, and for each predetermined period (data collection period; for example, one day). To the host computer 60. Here, the CPU 13 corresponds to a specific example of “determination means” in the present invention.

In particular, the CPU 13 has the following update function in order to improve the reliability of the execution of the warning operation. That is, the CPU 13 receives the “update determination information J3” transmitted from the host computer 60 every predetermined period (learning period; for example, one month),
The “initial judgment information J1” stored in the RAM 14 is updated to “update judgment information J3”. The “update determination information J3” is constructed by the host computer 60, and includes information such as a flow pattern of the gas G and a type of the gas appliance 20 which are larger than the “initial determination information J1” initially stored in the RAM. It contains information. Note that CP
When U13 performs the above update processing, for example, it performs a collation operation of a predetermined encrypted signal transmitted together with the “update determination information J3” from the host computer 60, and determines whether the information update procedure is normal. Is determined. Then, the CPU 13 performs the update process only when it is confirmed that the information update procedure is normal by the above-mentioned collation work.
After performing the update process, the CPU 13 executes the above-described security function based on the “update determination information J3”. here,
The CPU 13 corresponds to a specific example of “updating unit” in the present invention.

Here, with reference to FIG. 3, the "contents of the operating device determined by the CPU 13" will be described. FIG.
4 illustrates an example of a gas G flow rate pattern. In FIG. 3, the “vertical axis” represents the instantaneous flow rate Q (L (liter) / h (hour)) of the gas G, and the “horizontal axis” represents the consumption time T (h) of the gas G. Generally, when the gas appliance 20 is operated, the instantaneous flow rate Q of the gas G becomes, for example,
Increases (between points O and A) and becomes almost constant (points A and B), and then gradually decreases (points B and C).
(Interval) It becomes substantially constant again (points C to D). The instantaneous flow rate of gas G at points A and B and points C and D is Q1
(Maximum flow rate), Q2 (stable flow rate), and each point A, B,
The consumption time of the gas G in C and D is T1 (the time required from the state where the gas G is not consumed to reach the maximum flow rate Q1), T2 (the duration of the maximum flow rate Q1), and T3 (from the maximum flow rate Q1). Time required to shift to stable flow rate Q2), T4 (duration of stable flow rate Q2)
Then, these parameter values (Q1, Q2, T
1, T2, T3, and T4) have unique values corresponding to the type of the gas appliance 20 and its operating state. From this, it is possible to determine the operating appliance by determining which of the gas appliances 20 the above parameter values in the detected gas G flow rate pattern correspond to. In the “initial determination information J1” or “update determination information J3” used when the CPU 13 determines the operating device, the above-described parameter values corresponding to various gas G flow rate patterns by a plurality of types of gas appliances 20 are registered. Have been.

The gas meters 70 and 80 also receive the "update determination information J3" from the host computer 60 and perform the update process, similarly to the gas meter 10.

Next, a detailed configuration example of each unit of the gas metering monitoring system 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The shutoff valve 17 is driven in accordance with the valve drive signal S1 output from the CPU 13 to shut off the supply of the gas G to the gas appliance 20 (operating appliance recognition interruption).

The communication terminal unit 18 connects the CPU 13 and the Internet 30 and enables the gas meter 10 and the host computer 60 to communicate with each other. The communication terminal unit 18 connects the CPU 13 and the Internet 40 according to a connection request signal output from the CPU 13. At this time, the communication terminal unit 18 connects the connection destination (for example, the host computer 60) corresponding to the connection selection signal to the CPU 13 via the Internet 40 according to the connection selection signal output together with the connection request signal from the CPU 13. .

The display section 19 is composed of, for example, a display panel, and displays the flow rate data (instantaneous flow rate, integrated flow rate) and pressure data of the gas G.
The display unit 19 displays warning information output from the CPU 13 when an abnormal situation such as a gas leak occurs,
The situation of occurrence of an abnormal situation is communicated to consumers. Consumers or gas companies, etc.
Can be grasped visually, whereby the usage status of the gas G can be grasped.

Next, the host computer 60 installed in the monitoring center 50 controls the CPU 61 for controlling the entire host computer 60, the RAM 62 for storing various information, and connects the CPU 61 to the Internet 30. And a communication terminal unit 63. Here, the communication terminal unit 63 corresponds to a specific example of “overall communication terminal means” in the present invention.

The RAM 62 has a larger storage capacity than, for example, the RAM 14 mounted on the gas meter 10, and "initial update determination information J2" is stored in advance therein by a gas company. The “initial update determination information J2” is, for example, the host computer 60
In a predetermined period (for example, one year) immediately after the operation of
The usage status of gas G taken from a plurality of gas meters installed within the management jurisdiction of the host computer 60 is indicated by C
It is constructed by making the PU 61 learn.

The communication terminal 63 mounted on the host computer 60 has the same function as the communication terminal 18 mounted on the gas meter 10. That is, the gas company or the like operates the host computer 60 by operating, for example, a keyboard or the like, thereby connecting the host computer 60 to the Internet 30,
The host computer 60 can communicate with the gas meter 10. When the gas meter 10 requests connection to the host computer 60,
The communication terminal unit 63 automatically connects the host computer 60 to the Internet 30.

The CPU 61 has a processing speed higher than that of the CPU 13 mounted on the gas meter 10, for example. The CPU 61 captures “gas use information I” output from the gas meters 10, 70, and 80 for each data collection period (for example, one day), and learns the use status of the gas G in the plurality of consumer homes 1 during a learning period (for example, It has a construction function of constructing “update judgment information J3” by learning over one month). In particular,
The CPU 61 sequentially checks the flow pattern of the gas G from the plurality of gas appliances 20 included in the “gas usage information I” with the “initial update determination information J2” and updates the contents of the “initial update determination information J2” as needed. By doing so, the "update decision information J
3 "is constructed. In the following, an example of the content of the process of constructing “update determination information J3” by the CPU 61 will be described.

That is, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the flow pattern of the gas G by the arbitrary gas appliance 20 included in the “gas usage information I” is registered in the “initial update determination information J2”. I do. The information to be determined at this time includes, in addition to the flow rate pattern of the gas G by the gas appliance 20 whose operation state has been recognized by the gas meter 10, the operation state is not recognized by the gas meter 10,
The flow pattern of the gas G subjected to the warning operation is also included. The flow pattern of gas G is "Initial update judgment information J
2), the CPU 6
1 further determines whether the number of gas meters that have detected the gas G flow rate pattern at this time is equal to or greater than the safe number. The “safety number” is, for example, a value that is set in advance by a gas company, and is an index for determining the safety of the gas G consumption state through the result of detecting the flow rate pattern of the gas G by the gas meter. is there. Specifically, the number of safety units is, for example, a gas meter of a model having the same security function as the gas meter 10 (the gas meters 10, 7
0, 80, etc.), or 50% of the gas meters of a model having a security function similar to the gas meter 10.

When the detected number is equal to or greater than the safety number,
The CPU 61 determines that the consumption state of the gas G at this time is safe, calculates the above-described series of parameter values based on the flow pattern of the gas G, and uses the calculated parameter values as the operating state of the gas appliance 20. Is additionally registered in the content of the "initial update determination information J2" as new information for specifying Thereby, the content of the “initial update determination information J2” is updated. If the detected number is less than the safe number, the CPU 61 determines that there is a possibility that the consumption state of the gas G at this time may be inappropriate, and determines at a predetermined time during the learning period (preliminary time limit). The above collation / judgment work is continued until, for example, 20 days have elapsed). And
The CPU 61 checks the number of detected units again after the expiration of the preliminary expiration date, performs additional registration processing if the number of detected units has reached the safe number at this time, and if the detected number of units has not reached the safe number yet. Host computer 60
The information that the detected number has not reached the safe number is displayed on the monitor screen mounted on the PC. In this case, the gas company performs a safety confirmation test (reproduction test or the like) for confirming whether or not the flow pattern of the gas G at this time depends on the use state of the safe gas appliance 20. Or go to the consumer home 1 to check the usage status of the gas appliance 20. If the safety of the consumer is confirmed in the safety confirmation test or the like, the gas company manually performs additional registration processing. Of course, when the safety of the consumer cannot be confirmed in the security confirmation test or the like, the additional registration process is not performed.

On the other hand, when the flow pattern of the gas G by the gas appliance 20 included in the “gas use information I” is registered in the “initial update determination information J2”, the gas G If the number of gas meters that have detected the flow pattern has already reached the safe number,
U61 deletes the data including the obtained flow pattern of the gas G without performing the additional registration processing. If the number of detected gas meters is less than the safe number, the CPU 61
Performs the processing after the reconfirmation of the number of detected devices in the above-mentioned preliminary deadline. Thereby, when the safety of the consumer is confirmed, the gas company manually performs the additional registration process.

The contents of the “initial update determination information J2” are sequentially updated through the above-described series of construction processing, so that the “update determination information J3” is obtained when the learning period has elapsed.
Is constructed. After constructing "Update determination information J3",
The CPU 61 transmits “update determination information J3” to each of the gas meters (10, 70, 80). The details of the connection work with the Internet 30 by the CPU 61 and the communication terminal unit 63 when transmitting the “update determination information J3” are the same as the connection work with the Internet 30 by the CPU 13 and the communication terminal unit 18 described above. Here, the CPU 61 corresponds to a specific example of “constructing means” in the present invention.

In the "update determination information J3", information such as a flow pattern of gas G obtained by a plurality of gas meters is additionally registered by the CPU 61.
Depending on the sale of a new gas appliance or the like, information such as the flow pattern of the gas G corresponding to the new gas appliance may be additionally registered by the gas company.

Next, the operation of the gas metering monitoring system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the gas meter 10, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the host computer 60. Hereinafter, the operation of the CPU 13 of the gas meter 10 related to the updating function and the operation of the CPU 61 of the host computer 60 related to the construction function will be mainly described in order.

In the gas metering monitoring system 100, first, the gas meter 10 performs a preparation process for updating the "initial determination information J1". When performing this preparatory process, first, the measuring unit 11 is operated to measure the consumption (flow rate) of the gas G by the consumer (FIG. 4; step S).
101). Subsequently, an instantaneous flow rate of the gas G is calculated based on the flow rate signal output from the measuring unit 11 (FIG. 4; step S102). Subsequently, after detecting the flow pattern of the gas G (FIG. 4; step S103), the flow pattern of the gas G is collated with the “initial judgment information J1” stored in the RAM 14 and installed in the consumer home 1. Gas appliances (for example, gas appliances, gas heaters, gas water heaters, etc.) that are operating from among a plurality of gas appliances 20 (operating appliances;
For example, a gas heater is determined (FIG. 4; step S10).
4). Judgment work of these series of operating instruments (S101 to S101)
S103) is repeatedly performed over the data collection period (for example, one day), and the gas appliance 2 installed in the consumer home 1 is
The type of zero and the flow pattern of gas G by each gas appliance 20 are sequentially detected. At this time, when a flow pattern of the gas G not registered in the “initial determination information J1” is detected, a warning operation is performed as needed. These gas appliances 2
0, the flow pattern of the gas G, the execution status of the warning operation, and the like are referred to as “gas use information I1” at any time.
Stored in AM14.

Subsequently, when the data collection period has elapsed, the CPU 13 outputs a connection request signal to the communication terminal unit 18 to connect the CPU 13 to the Internet 30 (FIG. 4, step S105). Subsequently, the CPU 13
Outputs a connection selection signal to the communication terminal unit 18 from the host computer 6 as a connection destination of the communication terminal unit 18.
0 (FIG. 4; step S10)
6). At this time, the connection selection signal output from the CPU 13 is input to the communication terminal unit 63 of the host computer 60. Subsequently, the communication terminal unit 6 of the host computer 60 responds to the connection selection signal input to the communication terminal unit 63.
3 and the Internet 30 are connected. Thereby, C
The PU 13 and the host computer 60 (CPU 61) are connected via the Internet 30 and can communicate with each other (FIG. 4; step S107). Then, CPU1
3 transmits "gas use information I1" to the host computer 60 (CPU 61) (FIG. 4: step S1).
08). In the gas meters 70 and 80, a series of processes similar to those of the gas meter 10 described above (S101).
To S107), and the gas meters 70 and 80 transmit the "gas use information I2",
“Gas usage information I3” is transmitted.

Subsequently, in the host computer 60, the process of constructing the "update determination information J3" is performed by sequentially updating the contents of the "initial update determination information J2". When constructing the “update determination information J3”, first, the gas meters 10 and 7 are set within a learning period (for example, one month).
“Gas usage information I” is fetched from 0 and 80, and the flow pattern of gas G by the gas appliance 20 included in the “gas usage information I” is sequentially read as “initial update determination information J2” stored in the RAM 62. By checking, the gas G
It is determined whether the flow pattern is registered in the “initial update determination information J2” (FIG. 6; step 201). The information to be determined at this time includes:
Gas appliance 2 whose operation state is recognized by gas meter 10
In addition to the flow pattern of the gas G due to 0, the flow state of the gas G for which the operation state is not recognized by the gas meter 10 and the warning operation is performed is also included.

If the flow pattern of the gas G is not registered in the "initial update determination information J2" (FIG. 6, step S201N), the number of gas meters that have detected the gas G flow pattern at this time is Safety units (for example,
It is determined whether or not the number is equal to or more than 30% of the total number of gas meters (gas meters 10, 70, 80, etc.) of the model having the same security function as the gas meter 10 (FIG. 6; step S202).

If the number of detected gas meters is equal to or greater than the safe number (FIG. 6, step S202Y), it is determined that the consumption state of the gas G is safe for the consumer, and based on the flow pattern of the gas G. And a series of parameter values (Q
1, Q2, T1, T2, T3, T4, etc .; see FIG. 3) (FIG. 6; step S203). Subsequently, as a new information for specifying the operation state of the gas appliance 20, a series of calculated parameter values is referred to as “initial update determination information J2”.
And updates the content of "initial update determination information J2" (FIG. 6; step S204).

If the number of detected gas meters is less than the safe number (FIG. 6; step S202N), it is determined that the gas G consumption state may pose a danger to the consumer, and the learning period is set. The above-mentioned collation work (S201, S2
02) is continued. Then, the number of detected gas meters is checked again at the time of the preliminary expiration, and it is determined whether or not the detected number has reached the safe number at this time (FIG. 6; step S205). If the detected number has reached the safe number (FIG. 6; step S205Y), the gas G
A series of parameter values are calculated based on the flow rate pattern (FIG. 6; step S206), and additional registration processing is performed to update the content of the “initial update determination information J2” (FIG. 6; step S204). If the detected number has not reached the safe number yet (FIG. 6; step S205N),
The monitor screen mounted on the host computer 60 displays information indicating that the detected number has not reached the safe number. In this case, a safety confirmation test or the like is performed by the gas company, and when the safety for the consumer is confirmed, the gas company manually performs additional registration processing. If the safety of the consumer is not confirmed by a safety confirmation test or the like, no additional registration processing is performed.

On the other hand, if the flow pattern of the gas G is registered in the “initial update determination information J2” (FIG. 6, step S201Y), the number of gas meters that have detected the registered gas G flow pattern Is greater than or equal to the safety number (FIG. 6; step S20)
7). When the detected number is already equal to or greater than the safety number (Fig. 6;
In step S207Y), the data relating to the flow pattern of the gas G is deleted without performing the additional registration process. Also,
If the number of detected devices is still less than the number of safe devices (FIG. 6; step S207N), work after the re-confirmation of the number of detected devices is performed (FIG. 6; S205, S206).

According to the above procedure, additional registration processing is performed as needed, and the “initial update determination information J” stored in the RAM 62 is stored.
By sequentially updating “2”, “update determination information J3” is constructed when the learning period has elapsed (FIG. 6; step S208). In addition, this “update determination information J3” includes:
For example, information such as a flow pattern of gas G corresponding to a newly sold gas appliance may be separately registered by a gas company. Then, the constructed "update judgment information J
"3" is transmitted to each gas meter (10, 70, 80) (FIG. 6; step S209). At this time, a predetermined encryption signal for certifying that the "update determination information J3" is legitimate is transmitted together with the "update determination information J3". The connection work between the CPU 61 and the Internet 30 when transmitting the “update determination information J3” is the same as the connection work between the CPU 13 and the Internet 30 described above.

Subsequently, the gas meter 10 updates the "initial judgment information J1". "Initial judgment information J
When updating “1”, first, the host computer 60
Then, it checks the encrypted signal transmitted together with the "update determination information J3" to determine whether the encrypted signal is legitimate (FIG. 5; step S109). When it is determined that the encrypted signal is legitimate (FIG. 5; step S109)
In Y), “update determination information J3” is fetched and stored in RAM1.
4 is updated to "update determination information J3" (FIG. 5; step S110). By this updating process, the “initial judgment information J1” stored in the RAM 14 is erased, and the “update judgment information J3” is written in an empty area in the RAM 14. On the other hand, when it is determined that the encrypted signal is not a legitimate signal (FIG. 5; Step S
109N) is provided from the CPU 13 to the host computer 6.
0 to the gas meter 10
Interrupts a series of operations for. After the update process is completed, a security function (operating device recognition cutoff) is executed based on the “update determination information J3”.

As described above, in the gas metering monitoring system 100 of the present embodiment, the host computer 60
, "Gas usage information I" is acquired from a plurality of gas meters (10, 70, 80) via the Internet 30, and a learning operation is performed based on the "Gas usage information I" to obtain "Update determination information J3". Then, in the gas meter 10, the "update determination information J3" is acquired from the host computer 60 via the Internet 30, and the "initial determination information J1" which is stored in advance is updated to the "update determination information J3". . Since this “update determination information J3” is constructed by learning the usage status of gas G in a plurality of consumer homes 1, it is learned by learning the usage status of gas G in one consumer home. The amount of information is richer than the constructed “initial judgment information J1”, and includes more various flow patterns of gas G. Therefore, by executing the security function (operating appliance recognition and cut-off mechanism) in the gas meter 10 based on the "update determination information J3", the flow pattern of the new gas G by the gas appliance 20 is determined to be due to the occurrence of an abnormal situation. It is possible to improve the reliability of the determination regarding the occurrence of the abnormal situation, as compared with the related art in which the erroneous determination is made. Of course, the execution of the security function based on the “update determination information J3” is performed in the gas meters 70 and 80 other than the gas meter 10.

Further, in this embodiment, each parameter value (Q1, Q2, T1,
T2, T3, and T4) are determined to correspond to which of the gas appliances 20 to determine the operating appliance. In such a case, since the operating tool is strictly specified based on the plurality of parameter values described above, it is possible to accurately determine the operating tool.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the learning operation is performed in the host computer 60 composed of a large-sized computer, more information ("") in the learning operation process than in the case where the learning operation is performed in the gas meter 10. The gas usage information I ") can be processed in a shorter time. This is because the processing speed of the CPU 61 mounted on the host computer 60 is faster than the processing speed of the CPU 13 mounted on the gas meter 10, and
This is because the storage capacity of the AM 62 is larger than the storage capacity of the RAM 14. Due to an increase in the amount of information that can be processed and a reduction in the processing time, the host computer 60 can perform a complicated learning operation including collection of a plurality of parameter values in the flow pattern of the gas G and information on operating equipment. It becomes possible.

In the present embodiment, if the number of gas meters that have detected the flow pattern of an arbitrary gas G is less than the safe number, a safety check test or the like is performed by a gas company as necessary. When the safety for the consumer is confirmed by the safety confirmation test and the like, the flow pattern of the gas G at this time is additionally registered by the gas company. This contributes to improving the reliability of the judgment.

In the present embodiment, when a new gas appliance 20 is sold, the new gas appliance 2 is sold.
Since the flow rate pattern of the gas G corresponding to 0 is additionally registered by the gas company, this also contributes to the improvement of the reliability of the determination regarding the occurrence of the abnormal situation.

Further, in the gas meter 10 of the present embodiment, the “gas use information I” including the types of the plurality of gas appliances 20 and the flow rate pattern of the gas G by each gas appliance 20 and the like.
1 is transmitted to the outside and the function of updating the "initial judgment information J1" which is provided in advance to the "update judgment information J3" received from the outside is provided. Information ("Initial judgment information J1")
Can be updated to an appropriate one at any time, and the gas metering monitoring system 1
00 can be constructed. In addition, the effect regarding the said gas meter 10 is the same also in the gas meters 70 and 80. Of course, it is also possible to perform the above-described information update processing a plurality of times.

Further, the host computer 60 of the present embodiment sequentially updates the "initial update determination information J2" based on the "gas usage information I" taken from the plurality of gas meters (10, 70, 80). Since the “update determination information J3” is constructed, the “update determination information J3” including various gas G flow patterns can be constructed by reflecting the usage status of the gas G in a plurality of consumer houses. In addition, the host computer 60 can be used to construct the gas metering monitoring system 100 described above.

In the present embodiment, the Internet 30 is used as a "communication network" for connecting the units constituting the gas metering monitoring system 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As the communication network, in addition to the Internet 30 described above, for example, an intranet, an extranet, a wired telephone line (for example, an analog line and an ISDN line), a general-purpose mobile phone (for example, i-mode communication or PHS), Bluetooth, or the like A communication medium may be used. Of course, a plurality of communication networks (for example, the Internet 30 and a wired telephone line) may be used simultaneously. In any of the above cases, the same effect as when the Internet 30 is used can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the host computer 60 transmits the "update determination information J3" to the gas meter 10 after the elapse of the learning period (for example, one month). However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, the “update determination information J3” may be transmitted at any time. Specifically, for example, in the “gas usage information I1” taken into the host computer 60 from the gas meter 10, it is determined that the warning operation is to be performed by the gas meter 10, but the host computer 60 has already performed the warning operation. When a flow pattern of the gas G that is determined to be out of the execution target is included, the host computer 60 immediately transmits the “update determination information J3” to the gas meter 10 during the learning period. You may. Accordingly, particularly when the warning operation is frequently performed by the gas meter 10 due to the detection of the flow rate pattern of the gas G during the learning period, the frequency of the warning operation performed by the gas meter 10 is increased. Can be appropriately and promptly reduced.

[0059]

As described above, according to the gas meter according to the first to third aspects, the flow pattern of the fuel gas measured by the flow rate measuring means and the operating gas determined by the determining means are determined. While transmitting gas usage information including the type of combustion equipment to the outside via a communication network,
Since the initial judgment information stored in the storage means is updated to the update judgment information received from the outside via a communication network, the information for judging the operation status of the gas combustion equipment is updated as appropriate at any time. In addition, the gas meter can be used to construct the gas metering monitoring system of the present invention.

In particular, according to the gas meter of the present invention, the determining means reaches the maximum flow rate when the gas flow rate rises from the fuel gas flow rate pattern, and reaches the maximum flow rate from a state where the fuel gas is not consumed. It operates based on each parameter value, including the time required for the flow rate and the duration of the maximum flow rate, the stable flow rate after the rise of the gas flow rate, the time required to transition from the maximum flow rate to the stable flow rate, and the duration of the stable flow rate. Since the type of the gas-fired device is determined, the operating gas-fired device is strictly specified based on a plurality of parameter values in the fuel gas flow pattern. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the operating gas combustion device.

Further, according to the general device of the fourth aspect,
Gas usage information including one or more types of gas-fired devices acquired by a plurality of gas meters and a flow pattern of fuel gas by each gas-fired device is collected, and one or more gas meters are collected based on the gas usage information. Alternatively, since the update determination information for determining the type of the gas-fired device operating from the two or more gas-fired devices is constructed, the use status of the fuel gas in a plurality of consumer homes is reflected, The update determination information can be constructed so as to include various fuel gas flow rate patterns, and the gas metering monitoring system of the present invention can be constructed using the integrated device.

Further, according to the gas metering monitoring system of the fifth aspect, one or two or more types of gas combustion devices and a flow pattern of the fuel gas by each gas combustion device are included from the plurality of gas meters to the supervising device. The gas usage information is transmitted via a communication network, and based on the gas usage information, a plurality of gas meters are used by the integrated device to determine the type of the gas-fired device operating from one or more gas-fired devices. After constructing the update judgment information for
The update decision information is transmitted from the supervising device to the plurality of gas meters via the communication network, and the gas meter transmits 1 or 2
Since the initial judgment information for determining the type of the gas-fired device operating from among the above gas-fired devices is updated to the update judgment information, a new fuel gas consumption pattern by the gas-fired device is abnormal. It is possible to improve the reliability of the determination regarding the occurrence of an abnormal situation such as a gas leak as compared with the conventional case where the situation is erroneously determined to be due to the occurrence of a situation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a gas metering monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of each unit included in the gas metering monitoring system illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the content of determination of an operating instrument by a gas meter.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gas meter.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation following FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the host computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... consumer home, 10, 70, 80 ... gas meter, 11 ...
Measuring unit, 12: pressure sensor, 13, 61: CPU, 1
4, 62 RAM, 15 clock, 16 lithium battery, 17 shut-off valve, 18, 63 communication terminal, 19
... Display unit, 20 ... Gas appliances, 30 ... Internet, 4
0: communication line, 50: monitoring center, 60: host computer, 100: gas metering monitoring system, I (I1, I
2, I3) ... gas use information, J1 ... initial judgment information, J2
... initial update determination information, J3 ... update determination information, G ... gas,
H: piping, QA: instantaneous flow, QB: integrated flow, Q1, Q
2, T1, T2, T3... Parameter values.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shinichi Sato 1-5-20 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (72) Mitsushige Nishino 1-5-20 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tokyo F Term in Gas Co., Ltd. (Reference) 2F030 CC13 CF05 CF11 2F073 AA40 AB02 AB03 BB09 BB20 BC01 CC01 CC08 CC14 DD02 GG01 GG08

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of a fuel gas consumed by one or more gas combustion devices, and a flow rate of the fuel gas measured by the flow rate measuring means. Determining means for determining the type of operating gas-fired equipment from the above gas-fired equipment; and updating the determination means to store initial determination information for determining the type of operating gas-fired equipment. Possible storage means, and the gas usage information including the flow pattern of the fuel gas measured by the flow rate measurement means and the type of the operating gas combustion equipment determined by the determination means is transmitted to the outside via a communication network. Meter communication terminal for transmitting and receiving update determination information different from the initial determination information stored in the storage means from the outside via the communication network Means for updating the initial judgment information stored in the storage means to the update judgment information when the update judgment information is received via the meter communication terminal means; and Shut-off means for shutting off the supply of fuel gas to the one or more gas-fired devices when detecting a flow pattern of the fuel gas for which the type of the operating gas-fired device cannot be determined. A gas meter, characterized in that: 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines a maximum flow rate at the time of rising of the gas flow rate in the fuel gas flow rate pattern.
The time required to reach the maximum flow rate from the state where the fuel gas is not consumed and the duration time of the maximum flow rate, the stable flow rate after the rise of the gas flow rate, and the time required to shift from the maximum flow rate to the stable flow rate The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein the type of the operating gas combustion device is determined based on each parameter value including a time and a duration of the stable flow rate. 3. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the Internet and a telephone line is used as the communication network. 4. An integrated device for comprehensively monitoring the operation and information of a plurality of gas meters, the device comprising one or more types of gas combustion devices acquired by the plurality of gas meters and each of the gas combustion devices. Gas usage information including a fuel gas flow pattern is collected, and the plurality of gas meters are used to collect the gas usage information based on the gas usage information.
Or a construction means for constructing update determination information for determining the type of gas combustion equipment operating from two or more gas combustion equipments, and a communication network between the construction means and the plurality of gas meters. An integrated device comprising: an integrated communication terminal means for causing mutual communication. 5. A gas metering / monitoring system comprising a plurality of gas meters according to claim 1 and an integrated device according to claim 4, wherein the gas meter and the integrated device are connected to each other via a communication network. In the system, from the plurality of gas meters to the general equipment, gas usage information including one or more types of gas combustion equipment and a flow pattern of fuel gas by each gas combustion equipment via the communication network Transmitting, and capturing the gas usage information in the integrated device, and based on the gas usage information, the type of the gas combustion device operating from the one or more gas combustion devices to the plurality of gas meters. Constructing update judgment information for judging, and communicating the update judgment information from the general device to the plurality of gas meters. Transmitting over a network; capturing the update determination information in the gas meter;
Updating the initial determination information for determining the type of the gas-fired device operating from the one or more gas-fired devices to the update determination information; and in the gas meter, based on the update determination information. Detecting a flow pattern of the fuel gas from which the type of the gas-fired device that is operating cannot be determined from among the one or more gas-fired devices; Shutting off the gas supply.