Communication terminal and water meter

Abstract

To provide a communication device or a water meter capable of providing dynamic water pressure.SOLUTION: Provided is a communication device 100 including an acquisition unit 175 for acquiring a flow rate from a water meter 200 or a slave device 100B, a communication unit 160 for communicating with a center 300, and a control unit 110 for calculating dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and transmitting the dynamic water pressure to the center via the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of communication terminals or water meters. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, homes, offices, and the like are equipped with water meters for measuring water usage. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-137866 (Patent Document 1) discloses a water leakage amount estimation device, method, and system. According to Patent Document 1, for each sudden increase in water leakage that occurred within a past first analysis period, the values ​​of multiple parameters that represent the state of the sudden increase in water leakage are estimated, and based on the values ​​of each parameter that represent the state of each sudden increase in water leakage during the estimated first analysis period, the values ​​of each parameter that represent the state of the sudden increase in water leakage during a most recent second analysis period that is shorter than the first analysis period are estimated, and the leakage amount of future sudden increase in water leakage is predicted based on the estimation results.

[0003] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2024-004250 (Patent Document 2) discloses a water leak detection system and a water leak detection method. According to Patent Document 2, the water leak detection system includes a plurality of pressure sensors distributed throughout a piping network and a monitoring device that estimates the location of a leak in the piping network. Each of the plurality of pressure sensors transmits measurement data of water pressure for each location in the piping network to the monitoring device. Based on the measurement data for each location in the piping network, the monitoring device calculates a dynamic water level relative to a predetermined reference value for each location in the piping network, and estimates the location of the leak based on changes in the dynamic water level for each location in the piping network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-137866 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-004250 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a communication terminal or water meter that can provide dynamic water pressure to a center. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication terminal comprising an acquisition unit for acquiring a flow rate from a water meter, a communication unit for communicating with a center, and a control unit for calculating dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and transmitting the dynamic water pressure to the center via the communication unit.

[0007] Alternatively, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water meter comprising a measuring unit for measuring a flow rate, a communication unit for communicating with a center, and a control unit for calculating dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and transmitting the dynamic water pressure to the center via the communication unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As described above, the present invention provides a communication terminal or a water meter that can provide dynamic water pressure to a center. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a communication terminal according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing meter reading data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing dynamic water pressure data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing communication history data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a water meter according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing data exchange related to the network system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing information processing in the communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing an example of light emission of the communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing a display example of a communication terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of an output from an external setting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of an output from a smartphone according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing data exchange related to a network system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing data exchange related to a network system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing data exchange related to a network system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing data exchange related to the network system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing data exchange related to the network system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing data exchange related to the network system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart showing data exchange related to the network system according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. First Embodiment

[0011] First, the overall configuration of a network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The network system 1 according to this embodiment mainly includes a water meter 200, a communication terminal 100, a network 500, a center-side network control device 400, a center server 300, and the like.

[0012] Water meter 200 is a meter used to measure the amount of water used by each home or office. Water meter 200 rotates an impeller disposed inside the water pipe using water flowing through the water pipe, and outputs the flow rate and integrated value of water passing through water meter 200 as a meter reading. Note that water meter 200 may be of another type, such as an electromagnetic type, in addition to using an impeller.

[0013] The communication terminal 100 is a device that can be attached as an add-on near the water meter 200. The communication terminal 100 is connected to the water meter 200 by wire, reads the meter reading value output by the water meter 200, and transmits the meter reading value to the server 300 using a communication antenna. In particular, in this embodiment, the communication terminal 100 calculates dynamic water pressure from changes in the meter reading value, i.e., the water flow rate, and provides the calculated value to the server 300. Note that dynamic water pressure is the kinetic energy of a fluid expressed as pressure.

[0014] The center server 300 acquires meter readings and dynamic water pressure from the communication terminal 100 via a network 500 such as the Internet, and calculates water usage fees for each home, office, and building.

[0015] In this way, even if the water meter 200 is not previously connected to a network, the network system 1 according to this embodiment can provide the meter reading value and dynamic water pressure to the server 300 by retrofitting the communication terminal 100 to the water meter 200. Such functionality will be described in detail below. <Communication terminal configuration>

[0016] Next, one aspect of the configuration of communication terminal 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Communication terminal 100 mainly includes a control microcomputer 110, a storage unit 120, a display unit 130, an operation interface 140, a communication module 160, a wireless interface 165, and a meter interface 175.

[0017] Microcomputer 110 is composed of a processor, memory, interface, etc., and controls each unit of communication terminal 100. For example, the processor of microcomputer 110 executes the processes described below in accordance with programs stored in ROM within microcomputer 110, storage unit 120, etc.

[0018] The memory unit 120 is composed of various RAMs (Random Access Memories), various ROMs (Read Only Memories), etc., and stores the control program, acquired meter reading values ​​and the date and time of acquisition, the date and time of communication failures, the number of communication failures, etc.

[0019] For example, the storage unit 120 stores meter reading value data 121 as shown in Fig. 3. The meter reading value data 121 stores, for each meter reading result acquired from the water meter 200, a correspondence relationship between the ID, the meter reading value, the acquisition date and time, a flag indicating whether or not the result has been transmitted, and the like.

[0020] The storage unit 120 also stores dynamic water pressure data 122 as shown in Fig. 4. The dynamic water pressure data 122 stores the correspondence between the ID, the period, the flow rate within that period, the dynamic water pressure for that period, and the like each time a dynamic water pressure calculation is performed.

[0021] The microcomputer 110 periodically calculates the dynamic water pressure based on the two meter readings. The method for calculating the dynamic water pressure is a common one and is not particularly limited. The microcomputer 110 periodically uploads the acquired meter readings and the calculated dynamic water pressure together with its own terminal ID to the center server 300.

[0022] The storage unit 120 also stores communication history data 123 as shown in Fig. 5. The communication history data 123 stores the communication results each time an attempt is made to transmit a meter reading to the server 300 via a base station of the currently used telecommunications carrier, or each time a meter reading is acquired. The communication ID, the date and time of communication, the ID of the used telecommunications carrier, the address of the used base station, the number of retries this time, and the number of communication failures related to the current telecommunications carrier are stored in association with each other.

[0023] 2, the display unit 130 is a digital display that displays text and images according to instructions from the microcomputer 110. The display unit 130 may be configured from a plurality of LED lights.

[0024] The operation interface 140 is configured with buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and receives various operation commands from the worker installing the communication terminal 100, a service person, a meter reader, and the like, and inputs them to the microcomputer 110.

[0025] The communication module 160 and the wireless interface 165 transmit various types of information to the center server 300 in accordance with instructions from the microcomputer 110. The communication module 160 and the wireless interface 165 constitute a communication unit. Alternatively, the communication module 160, the wireless interface 165, and the microcomputer 110 constitute a communication unit.

[0026] In this embodiment, the communication module 160 selects a base station with strong radio wave intensity from among the base stations of the telecommunications carrier designated by the microcomputer 110. Based on an instruction from the microcomputer 110, the communication module 160 transmits the meter reading value to the server 300 via the base station selected by itself.

[0027] Meter interface 175 requests various information from water meter 200 according to instructions from microcomputer 110 , and obtains various information from water meter 200 , such as an integrated value and flow rate, and passes it on to microcomputer 110 . <Water meter configuration>

[0028] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the water meter 200. As shown in Fig. 6, the water meter 200 includes a microcomputer 210, a storage unit 220, a display unit 230, a measurement unit 250, and a communication interface 275 as main components.

[0029] The microcomputer 210 is composed of a processor, a memory, an interface, etc., and controls each part of the water meter 200. For example, the processor of the microcomputer 210 executes the processes described below in accordance with a program stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 210, the storage unit 120, etc.

[0030] The storage unit 220 is composed of various RAMs, various ROMs, and the like.

[0031] Display unit 230 is a digital display that displays text and images according to instructions from microcomputer 210. For example, display unit 230 may be configured from a plurality of LED lights.

[0032] The measuring unit 250 includes an impeller disposed in the water pipe and a sensor that counts the number of revolutions of the impeller. The microcomputer 210 measures the amount of water flow based on a signal from the measuring unit 250.

[0033] The communication interface 275 transmits various types of information to the communication terminal 100 via a wired cable in accordance with instructions from the microcomputer 210 . <Center server configuration>

[0034] Next, we will explain the configuration of the center server 300. As shown in Fig. 7, the center server 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 310, a memory 320, an operation unit 340, and a communication interface 360 ​​as main components.

[0035] CPU 310 controls each unit of server 300 by executing a program stored in memory 320. For example, CPU 310 executes a program stored in memory 320 and performs various processes, which will be described later, by referring to various data.

[0036] Memory 320 is realized by various types of RAM (Random Access Memory), various types of ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and may be included in server 300, may be detachable from various interfaces of server 300, or may be a recording medium of another device accessible from server 300. Memory 320 stores programs executed by CPU 310, data generated by execution of programs by CPU 310, input data, other databases used for the service according to this embodiment, etc.

[0037] For example, the memory 320 stores meter reading data for each home. The meter reading data includes, for each customer, the customer's identification information, the customer's address, the history of meter readings, the history of dynamic water pressure, the name of the worker in charge, and the communication address of the worker's terminal.

[0038] The operation unit 340 receives commands from a service manager, operator, service technician, etc., and inputs the commands to the CPU 310 .

[0039] The communication interface 360 ​​transmits data from the CPU 310 to the center-side network control device 400, the communication terminal 100, and other devices via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 360 ​​receives data from the center-side network control device 400, the communication terminal 100, and other devices via the Internet, a carrier network, a router, etc., and passes the data to the CPU 310. <Information processing in network systems>

[0040] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, information processing in the network system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0041] First, water meter 200 periodically measures flow rate data (step S111). More specifically, microcomputer 210 measures the integrated value of water flowing through the water pipe every hour and accumulates the measured value in memory unit 220 as flow rate data.

[0042] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 requests the flow rate data via the meter interface 175 (step S112). Then, the microcomputer 110 acquires the meter reading value for one hour as the flow rate data from the water meter 200 (step S113).

[0043] The microcomputer 110 calculates the hourly dynamic water pressure from the hourly flow rate data based on the above formula and stores the calculated value in the storage unit 120 (step S114).

[0044] The microcomputer 110 transmits the hourly flow rate data, i.e., the meter reading value, and the hourly dynamic water pressure data to the center server 300 via the communication module 160 (step S115). The center server 300 responds to the communication terminal 100 that it has received the data (step S116). <Control of communication terminals>

[0045] Next, a detailed description will be given of the processing of the control microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 according to the present embodiment. The processor of the microcomputer 110 periodically executes the following processing in accordance with a program stored in the ROM or a program stored in the storage unit 120.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 9, microcomputer 110 is basically in a sleep mode (step S121).

[0047] When the meter reading time arrives (YES in step S122), microcomputer 110 acquires the meter reading value from water meter 200 via meter interface 175 (step S123).

[0048] The microcomputer 110 calculates the dynamic water pressure during the period from the meter readings acquired on the two dates and times (step S124).

[0049] The microcomputer 110 determines whether the dynamic water pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit and equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit (step S125). If the dynamic water pressure is not within the predetermined range (NO in step S125), the microcomputer 110 uploads the current dynamic water pressure as warning information to the center server 300 via the communication module 160 (step S126). At this time, it is preferable that the microcomputer 110 outputs the warning via an LED light serving as the display unit 130, as shown in FIG. 10. The microcomputer 110 also uploads the untransmitted meter reading values ​​and the meter reading dates and times to the center server 300 via the communication module 160.

[0050] The microcomputer 110 may store the maximum dynamic water pressure (minimum dynamic water pressure) in the memory unit 120 every day. If the maximum dynamic water pressure is within a set threshold range, no notification is made. Conversely, if the maximum dynamic water pressure is outside the set range, a notification is made.

[0051] If the dynamic water pressure is within a predetermined range (YES in step S125), the microcomputer 110 determines whether a predetermined number of days, for example, 30 days, have passed since the previous upload (step S127). If the predetermined number of days has passed since the previous upload (YES in step S127), the microcomputer 110 uploads the current dynamic water pressure and a group of meter reading values ​​from the previous upload as warning information to the center server 300 via the communication module 160 (step S126). The microcomputer 110 also uploads unsent meter reading values ​​and their meter reading dates and times to the center server 300 via the communication module 160. <Second embodiment>

[0052] In the above embodiment, when the dynamic water pressure is not within a predetermined range (NO in step S125), the communication terminal 100 outputs a warning via the plurality of LED lights serving as the display unit 130. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0053] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the communication terminal 100 may display a message indicating the determination result of the dynamic water pressure on a display serving as the display unit 130.

[0054] 12, an external setting device 600 may be connected to the communication terminal 100 via a connector 176 or a wired cable 177. The setting device 600 may then display a message indicating the determination result of the dynamic water pressure on its display.

[0055] 13, a smartphone 700 may be connected to the communication terminal 100 via wireless communication. The smartphone 700 may then display a message indicating the determination result of the dynamic water pressure on its display. <Third embodiment>

[0056] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the communication terminal 100 is the trigger to acquire one day's worth of meter readings from the water meter 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Information processing in the network system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 14.

[0057] First, the center server 300 requests the communication terminal 100 for dynamic water pressure data (step S211).

[0058] Upon receiving the request, the microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 acquires the meter reading from the water meter 200 via the meter interface 175 every few minutes or every few hours (step S212).

[0059] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 calculates the dynamic water pressure from the two consecutive meter readings obtained, and stores the calculated value in the storage unit 120 (step S213).

[0060] The microcomputer 110 transmits the calculated dynamic water pressure data to the center server 300 via the communication module 160 (step S214). <Fourth embodiment>

[0061] Alternatively, the center server 300 may be a trigger for the communication terminal 100 to acquire data that has already been accumulated in the water meter 200. Information processing in the network system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0062] First, the water meter 200 periodically acquires meter reading values ​​and stores them in the storage unit 220 (step S311).

[0063] The center server 300 requests the communication terminal 100 for dynamic water pressure data (step S312).

[0064] Upon receiving the request, the microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 requests and acquires the meter reading value from the water meter 200 via the meter interface 175 (step S313).

[0065] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 calculates the dynamic water pressure from two consecutive meter readings and stores the calculated value in the storage unit 120 (step S314).

[0066] The microcomputer 110 transmits the calculated dynamic water pressure data to the center server 300 via the communication module 160 (step S315). The center server 300 responds to the communication terminal 100 that the data has been received (step S316). <Fifth embodiment>

[0067] Alternatively, the communication terminal 100 may be a trigger to go and acquire data accumulated in the water meter 200. Information processing in the network system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0068] First, the water meter 200 periodically, for example, every hour, acquires a meter reading value and stores it in the storage unit 220 (step S411).

[0069] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 periodically, for example, every 24 hours, requests the water meter 200 for meter readings via the meter interface 175 (step S412) and acquires the meter readings for a predetermined period (step S413).

[0070] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 calculates the dynamic water pressure from two consecutive meter readings and stores the calculated value in the storage unit 120 (step S414).

[0071] The microcomputer 110 transmits the calculated dynamic water pressure data to the center server 300 via the communication module 160 (step S415). The center server 300 responds to the communication terminal 100 that the data has been received (step S416). Sixth Embodiment

[0072] In the above embodiment, the communication terminal 100 acquires the flow rate from the water meter 200, and calculates the dynamic water pressure from the flow rate. However, as shown in Fig. 17, a slave 100B that can communicate with the communication terminal 100 may acquire the flow rate from the water meter 200. Then, the slave 100B may transmit the flow rate to the communication terminal 100, which may cause the communication terminal 100 to calculate the dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and provide the dynamic water pressure to the center server 300. Seventh Embodiment

[0073] In the above embodiment, the communication terminal 100 calculates the dynamic water pressure. However, this is not limiting. For example, the water meter 200 itself may calculate the dynamic water pressure. Information processing in the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 18.

[0074] First, the microcomputer 210 of the water meter 200 periodically, for example, every hour, acquires the flow rate for one hour from the measuring unit 250 and stores the flow rate and the integrated value in the storage unit 220 (step S511).

[0075] Microcomputer 210 of water meter 200 periodically, for example, every 24 hours, calculates the dynamic water pressure based on the flow rate and stores the calculated value in memory unit 220 (step S512).

[0076] Microcomputer 110 of communication terminal 100 periodically, for example, every 24 hours, requests the meter reading value and dynamic water pressure from water meter 200 via meter interface 175 (step S513). Microcomputer 210 of water meter 200 transmits the meter reading value and dynamic water pressure to communication terminal 100 via communication interface 275 (step S514).

[0077] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 stores the meter reading value and the dynamic water pressure in the storage unit 120 (step S515).

[0078] The microcomputer 110 transmits the calculated dynamic water pressure data to the center server 300 via the communication module 160 (step S516). The center server 300 responds to the communication terminal 100 that the data has been received (step S517).

[0079] As shown in FIG. 19, the center server 300 may be the trigger to request the meter reading value or the dynamic water pressure. <Eighth embodiment>

[0080] In the above embodiment, the dynamic water pressure calculated by the water meter 200 is transmitted to the center server 300 via the communication terminal 100. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the water meter 200 may transmit the dynamic water pressure and the meter reading value directly to the center server 300 without going through the communication terminal 100.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 20, the microcomputer 210 of the water meter 200 periodically, for example every hour, acquires the flow rate for one hour from the measuring unit 250 and stores the flow rate and the integrated value in the memory unit 220 (step S611).

[0082] Microcomputer 210 of water meter 200 periodically, for example, every 24 hours, calculates the dynamic water pressure based on the flow rate that has already been measured, and stores the calculated value in memory unit 220 (step S612).

[0083] The microcomputer 210 of the water meter 200 transmits the calculated dynamic water pressure and meter reading data to the center server 300 via the communication interface 275 (step S616). The center server 300 responds to the water meter 200 that it has received the data (step S617).

[0084] The trigger is not limited to the water meter 200, and may be a configuration in which the meter reading value and dynamic water pressure are requested from the center server 300, as shown in FIG. <Summary>

[0085] In the above embodiment, a communication terminal is provided that includes an acquisition unit for acquiring flow rate from a water meter, a communication unit for communicating with a center, and a control unit for calculating dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and transmitting the dynamic water pressure to the center via the communication unit.

[0086] In the above embodiment, a communication terminal is provided that includes an acquisition unit for acquiring a flow rate from a sub-unit, a communication unit for communicating with a center, and a control unit for calculating dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and transmitting the dynamic water pressure to the center via the communication unit.

[0087] Preferably, the control unit transmits the flow rate and time used in calculating the dynamic water pressure to the center.

[0088] Alternatively, in the above embodiment, a water meter is provided that includes a measurement unit for measuring flow rate, a communication unit for communicating with a center, and a control unit for calculating dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and transmitting the dynamic water pressure to the center via the communication unit.

[0089] Preferably, the control unit transmits the flow rate and time used in calculating the dynamic water pressure to the center.

[0090] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1: Network system 100: Communication terminal 100B: Handset 110: Microcomputer 120: Storage section 121: Meter reading data 122: Dynamic water pressure data 123: Communication history data 130: Display section 140: Operation interface 160: Communication module 165: Wireless interface 175: Meter interface 176: Connector 177: Wired cable 200: Water meter 210: Microcomputer 220: Storage section 230: Display section 250: Measuring section 275: Communication interface 300: Center server 310: CPU 320: Memory 340:Operation unit 360: Communication interface 400: Center side network control device 500: Network 600: External setting device 700: Smartphone

Claims

1. an acquisition unit for acquiring a flow rate from a water meter; a communication unit for communicating with the center; a control unit for calculating a dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and transmitting the dynamic water pressure to the center via the communication unit.

2. an acquisition unit for acquiring a flow rate from the slave unit; a communication unit for communicating with the center; a control unit for calculating a dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and transmitting the dynamic water pressure to the center via the communication unit.

3. 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the flow rate and time used in calculating the dynamic water pressure to the center.

4. a measuring unit for measuring a flow rate; a communication unit for communicating with the center; a control unit for calculating dynamic water pressure from the flow rate and transmitting the dynamic water pressure to the center via the communication unit.

5. The water meter according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit transmits the flow rate and time used in calculating the dynamic water pressure to the center.

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