Water meter reading system

Abstract

To provide a water meter reading system that can be used for a long period of time by minimizing power required for operation, can reduce initial equipment costs, and can grasp a water usage situation at an early stage.SOLUTION: A water meter reading system 1 for performing the process from measuring a used amount of water to transmitting it to a meter reading server, includes a pulse detection / power supply control unit 2, a communication module 4, and a power supply unit 3. The power supply unit 3 starts supplying power to the pulse detection / power control unit 2 and the communication module 4 upon receiving a power supply start pulse signal, and stops supplying the power upon receiving a power supply stop pulse signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water meter reading system that measures the amount of water used in buildings that require tap water, such as ordinary homes and apartment buildings, and automatically communicates the meter reading results. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, water meters are read by humans visually inspecting them and recording the measurement results on a slip or inputting the results into a dedicated data processing terminal.

[0003] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram that shows a schematic example of the locations where water meters are installed and where water is used. As shown in Figure 1, tap water is supplied to a typical dwelling unit from the water main via a drinking water supply meter. The amount of water used is generally measured monthly by a professional meter reader, who then compiles and records the measured meter reading data and tallys it up on a dedicated computer or similar device before invoicing. However, there are problems such as the fact that labor costs and other expenses are always incurred, that it is difficult to collect statistics because it is not possible to make period-based comparisons due to lags in meter reading times, and that it is difficult to establish a supply system or supply plan because the current amount of usage cannot be instantly determined.

[0004] Conventional systems require humans to visit each household and take measurements, which means time constraints and reduced work efficiency due to the effects of weather on the working environment, which in turn increases expenses, negatively impacts water bills, and places a heavy burden on citizens.

[0005] To solve these problems, a system is needed that can automatically measure the meter reading of drinking water supply water meters, transmit the water supply data to a meter reading server, and bill for water charges.For example, an automatic meter reading system that uses digital meters for communication has been considered as a solution, and in recent years, the signal from the water meter is detected by a digital meter, and the signal is transmitted to a transmitting device installed, for example, on the wall of a building, via a signal wire, and communication is then carried out from the transmitting device to the meter reading server (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-003012 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the above-mentioned conventional system has a problem that the operating battery needs to be replaced at short intervals (1 to 2 years).In addition, since the data transmitter is located far from the water meter, construction work for laying a communication line between the water meter and the data transmitter is required, which tends to result in high initial equipment costs, making it less feasible.

[0008] In addition, it takes one to two months for water usage data to be compiled, which means that it is not possible to grasp water usage status in real time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a water meter reading system that requires minimal power to operate, can be used for a long period of time, can reduce initial equipment costs, and can quickly grasp water usage conditions.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention is a water meter reading system that is attached to a pulse-type water meter that transmits a water volume pulse signal and performs a process from measuring water usage to transmitting the water usage to a meter reading server, (A) a measurement reed switch that receives the water volume pulse signal from the water meter at every fixed water volume accumulation when the power is OFF; a one-shot pulse generating circuit that outputs a start pulse signal when the measurement reed switch starts to be driven; a one-shot pulse self-holding circuit that receives the output start pulse signal and outputs a power supply start pulse signal; a measurement processing microcomputer circuit for measuring the received water volume pulse signal and converting it into water volume data; A pulse detection and power supply control unit including: (a) a communication module including a CPU and a communication means, which transmits the water volume data to the meter reading server and outputs a communication completion signal to the pulse detection and power supply control unit after the transmission; (c) a power supply unit that uses a storage battery as a power source, and receives the power supply start pulse signal and starts supplying power to the pulse detection / power supply control unit and the communication module; Equipped with the one-shot pulse self-holding circuit receives the communication completion signal and outputs a power supply stop pulse signal; The power supply unit receives the power supply stop pulse signal and stops the power supply.

[0011] According to this aspect, the amount of tap water usage can be automatically measured and communicated to the meter reading server, so no manpower is required and it is not affected by the environment, and the entire system is activated only for a short period of time while it measures and transmits a certain amount of tap water usage, and is then turned off, and each time a certain amount of usage is measured, it transmits the data to the meter reading server, so the power required for operation is kept to a minimum and it can be used for a long period of time, the initial equipment cost can be reduced, and the water usage status can be grasped early. In addition, it can be used continuously without maintenance such as battery replacement or power supply, and it is only necessary to replace the entire system with a new one when replacing the water meter every seven years, so maintenance costs can be reduced and it is inexpensive.

[0012] It is also preferable that the measurement processing microcomputer circuit is started when the power supply from the power supply unit to the pulse detection and power supply control unit starts, and transmits the water volume data to the communication module. Since it is started only during measurement and communication, power consumption can be reduced.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the fixed amount of water is 1 cubic meter, and the one-shot pulse generating circuit is equipped with an insulated gate field effect transistor (MOSFET). Communication is completed about once a day, and high-speed switching minimizes power consumption, making it possible to suppress power consumption. Also, it is possible to make the system compact.

[0014] In addition, the communication means uses data communication using a mobile phone network or an IP phone line, It is preferable that the power supply unit, the communication module, the pulse detection and power supply control unit, and the antenna connected to the communication module are packed in a package that can be stored in the box of the water meter to form a cordless package. Since it can be stored in the storage box that stores the existing water meter, no construction costs are incurred. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the power required for operation can be minimized, allowing for long-term use, initial equipment costs can be reduced, and water usage conditions can be grasped at an early stage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic example of the installation locations of water meters and the locations where water is used. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a water meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the circuits of the water meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a table explaining the symbols shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the various parts of a water meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 3 is a timing chart of the water meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of a water meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the measurement and transmission processing steps performed by the water meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a water meter reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The water meter reading system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a water meter reading system which performs operations from measuring the amount of water usage to transmitting the amount of water usage to a meter reading server. As shown in Fig. 2, the water meter reading system 1 receives a water volume pulse signal measured from a water meter M, and transmits the data to the meter reading server S by wireless communication for mobile phones.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the circuits in the water meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a table for explaining the symbols shown in Fig. 3.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the various components of the water meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the water meter reading system 1 is made up of a power supply unit 3 equipped with a storage battery 31 for system operation, a pulse detection and power supply control unit 2, and a communication module 4, all of which are housed in the same package.

[0020] The water meter reading system 1 comprises: (a) a pulse detection and power supply control unit 2 having a measurement reed switch 21 that receives and drives a water volume pulse signal a transmitted by water meter M at each accumulation of a certain amount of water when a certain amount of water flows in a waterworks to which water meter M is attached when the power is off; a one-shot pulse generating circuit 22 that outputs a start pulse signal b when the measurement reed switch 21 starts to be driven; a one-shot pulse self-holding circuit 24 that receives the output start pulse signal b and outputs a power supply start pulse signal c1; and a measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23 that measures the received water volume pulse signal a to generate water volume data; (b) a communications module 4 having a CPU unit 41 and a communications unit 42, which transmits the water volume data measured by the pulse detection and power supply control unit 2 to a meter reading server S and outputs a measurement processing communication completion signal f, which is a communication completion signal, to the pulse detection and power supply control unit 2 after the transmission; and (c) a power supply unit 3 that is powered by a storage battery and starts supplying power to the pulse detection and power supply control unit 2 and the communications module 4 upon receiving the power supply start pulse signal c1. The signal between the communication module 4 and the pulse detection / power control unit 2 is shown in Figure 3 as an information exchange signal e between the measurement processing microcomputer circuit and the communication module circuit, and the information exchange signal e contains water volume data d as information to the communication module side, and a measurement processing communication completion signal f, which is a communication completion signal, as information to the pulse detection / power control unit side.

[0021] The one-shot pulse self-holding circuit 24 receives the measurement processing communication completion signal f and outputs a power supply stop pulse signal c2.

[0022] The power supply unit 3 receives the power supply stop pulse signal c2 and stops the power supply. The power supply start pulse signal c1 and the power supply stop pulse signal c2 are combined to form a power supply instruction signal c.

[0023] The measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23 is started when the power supply from the power supply unit 3 to the pulse detection and power supply control unit 2 starts, and transmits the water volume data to the communication module 4.

[0024] In the water meter reading system of this embodiment, the measurement reed switch 21 is a non-contact ON / OFF switch that uses a magnet. When water to be measured flows through the water meter, the impeller inside the meter case rotates, the amount of water is accumulated through the impeller gear, and a reed switch type transmitter is activated for each predetermined accumulated amount, and the measurement reed switch 21 attached to the meter case is activated by receiving a signal from the transmitter.

[0025] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned predetermined accumulated amount is 1 cubic meter (1000 liters), or about 1 ton. The capacity of a bathtub in an ordinary household is about 200 to 300 liters, and the amount of water used per month is about 20 tons for a single person and about 48 tons for a five-person household. In this embodiment, it takes about 10 seconds for the power to be turned on, measurement and communication to be completed, and the power to be turned off. Moreover, measurement and communication are only required about 1 to 4 times every two days, every time 1 ton (1 cubic meter) flows through the water meter, so power consumption is low and water usage can be grasped almost every day. In this embodiment, the water volume pulse signal a, which serves as a trigger to drive the measurement reed switch 21, is a signal that is emitted when the amount of water of 1 cubic meter is measured, and the water meter reading system 1 of this embodiment receives the water volume for every 1 cubic meter of accumulated water. The measurement reed switch 21 does not necessarily receive every 1 cubic meter of accumulated water.

[0026] According to the water meter reading system of the first embodiment of the present invention, a signal is output from the water meter at one pulse per cubic meter as shown in Fig. 2, and after data processing in the system of this embodiment, the signal is sent to the meter reading server S for water billing via mobile phone communication. After that, based on the results tallied by the meter reading server S, the waterworks manager bills each customer for the usage fee on a monthly basis.

[0027] The water meter reading system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention uses data communication using a mobile phone network as a communication means, but may also use data communication using an IP phone line using an LTE line. Since Wi-Fi is not used, there is no need to install a transmitter on a wall of a building, etc. The water meter reading system 1 is a cordless package in which a power supply unit 3, a communication module 4, a pulse detection / power supply control unit 2, and an antenna connected to the communication module 4 are all packed in a package that can be stored in a water meter box.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the water meter reading system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is composed of a storage battery 31 in the power supply unit 3, a power startup supply unit, a one-shot pulse generating circuit 22 in the pulse detection and power control unit 2, a one-shot pulse self-holding circuit 24, a measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23, and a communication module circuit in the communication unit 42. Each circuit is triggered by receiving a pulse signal from the water meter with the measurement reed switch, and works together as shown in Fig. 3. Normally, all circuits are in a stopped state with the operating power turned off, so power consumption is zero and the storage battery continues to maintain its full storage capacity.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a timing chart of the water meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of the water meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the circuit of the water meter reading system 1 starts a communication circuit by detecting a pulse from the water meter, and stops all circuits when communication ends. The one-shot pulse generating circuit 22 includes an insulated gate field effect transistor (MOSFET). When the use of tap water starts and the lead Sw of the water meter measures 1 cubic meter as shown in FIG. 6, the water meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention outputs a measurement signal of the water volume pulse signal a, and the one-shot pulse generating circuit 22 receiving the measurement signal outputs a start pulse signal b for only about 0.1 seconds. The start pulse signal b is a one-shot signal of the water volume pulse signal a.

[0030] Once the start pulse signal b is output, tap water continues to be used, and when the water meter reaches approximately 20% of 1 cubic meter, i.e., exceeds 0.2 cubic meters, it turns off, but the start pulse signal b is not output until the next measurement (the second cubic meter) is performed. Explaining this using the circuit shown in Fig. 7, the start pulse signal b is not output while a current is flowing through the one-shot pulse generating circuit 22, i.e., until the capacitor C shown in Fig. 7 is fully charged and while a current is flowing through the one-shot pulse self-holding circuit 24.

[0031] The one-shot pulse generating circuit 22 starts up upon receiving a startup pulse signal b for only about 0.1 seconds, and the one-shot pulse self-holding circuit 24 outputs a power supply start pulse signal c1 as a power supply instruction signal c to the power start-up supply unit, as shown in FIG. 3. The power start-up supply unit receiving this supplies startup power p to the measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23 and the communication module circuit, as shown in FIG. 3, and each circuit starts up.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the started-up measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23 receives a signal d from the one-shot pulse self-holding circuit 24 indicating that the water meter has measured 1 cubic meter, and outputs an information exchange signal e between the measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23 and the communication module circuit to the communication module circuit of the communication module 4, notifying the start of communication and at the same time transmitting the measurement data that 1 cubic meter of water usage has been measured.

[0033] The communication module circuit of the communication module 4 performs mobile phone communication via a communication antenna g, and sends information to a meter reading server S for totaling water charges, as shown in FIG.

[0034] At the point in time when communication with the meter-reading server S is completed, the communication module circuit outputs to the measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23 an information exchange signal e between the measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23 and the communication module circuit.

[0035] The measurement processing microcontroller circuit 23 outputs a measurement processing communication completion signal f, which is a communication completion signal, to the one-shot self-holding circuit 24 when it has completed a series of processes, i.e., processes from measuring 1 cubic meter of water usage to sending measurement data (1 cubic meter) to the water bill collection server, that is, one measurement and transmission operation.

[0036] When the one-shot pulse self-holding circuit 24 receives the measurement processing communication completion signal f from the measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23, it determines that the measurement and communication operations are completed and outputs a power supply stop pulse signal c2 as a power supply instruction signal c to the power start-up supply section to turn off the power to each circuit.

[0037] Upon receiving the power supply stop pulse signal c2, the power supply start-up supply unit stops the supply of power p, all circuits are stopped, and waits for the next water volume pulse signal a. When it receives the water volume pulse signal a again, it repeats the measurement and communication operations described above.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 6, the water meter reading system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention detects a rising signal (corresponding to b in Fig. 3) from OFF to ON of a pulse signal generated when the water meter detects the use of tap water, and the MOSFET circuit turns ON after a few milliseconds due to the capacitor C and the MOSFET circuit, turning ON the power supply of the measurement processing microcomputer. At the same time, a signal indicating that one cubic meter of tap water has been used (corresponding to d in Fig. 3) is output to the measurement processing microcomputer. Since a MOSFET is used in this embodiment, it can be made compact. In addition, since the power consumption is low, high-speed switching is possible with low power consumption.

[0039] The water meter reading system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is composed of a power supply unit 3 including a storage battery 31 for system operation to operate the entire system and a power start-up supply unit equipped with a power start-up / stop circuit, a pulse detection / power supply control unit 2 including a measurement processing microcomputer equipped with a measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23, and a communication module 4 for communicating with the meter reading server S.

[0040] When the measurement processing microcomputer equipped with the measurement processing microcomputer circuit 23 receives a signal (d in FIG. 3) indicating that one cubic meter of tap water has been used after the power is turned on and initial settings are started, it requests communication from the communication module 4. The communication module 4 communicates with the meter reading server S and transmits the usage of one cubic meter of tap water via the mobile phone network.

[0041] The water meter converts the measured water volume into a pulse signal, inputs this pulse signal, and each time measures water, turns on the power supply for the entire measurement system. After measurement, the metered measurement data is sent to the meter reading server S using the mobile phone wireless communication area. After transmission is complete, the power supply for the measurement system is turned off. The water meter reading system 1 only operates when the water volume pulse signal a is generated, and a series of measurement processes are carried out in a short time. This keeps the required power to a minimum. Therefore, after installation, the system can continue to measure water volume continuously for 10 years without replacement, maintenance-free, using a built-in small storage battery.

[0042] According to the water meter reading system 1 of Example 1 of the present invention, the water meter reading system 1 of this example is stored entirely within a conventional (existing) water meter storage box, eliminating the need for external wiring work for an operating power source or measurement pulse signals, making installation easy and inexpensive.

[0043] (operation) FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing the procedure of measurement and transmission by the water meter reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] In Fig. 8, the metering reed switch 21 receives a water volume pulse signal a, which is a signal detected for every cubic meter of usage from the water meter (S1). When the metering reed switch 21 detects the water volume pulse signal a, the power supply for operating the control / transmission PK (printed circuit board) of the pulse detection / power supply control unit 2 is turned ON (S2). Up to this point, this is hardware processing, and is a processing step in which the power supply is turned ON by the water volume pulse signal from the water meter.

[0045] Next, the software processing is executed. When the power is turned ON and the circuit is started, the Di signal (signal d indicating that the water meter has measured 1 cubic meter) is checked (S3). If the Di signal is ON (1 cubic meter has been measured), the information is organized as internal processing (specifically, "1" is set as the measurement data of the usage, and the communication date and time data received when the measurement data of the previous usage was communicated is combined), and a transmission process is performed to send the information to the server S for reading the measurement data of the usage (S4). The information to be transmitted is "1", which is the measurement data of the usage, and the calendar information from the previous communication (for example, 13:33:30 on January 1, 2023).

[0046] When the information transmission is completed, the calendar information is received, and then a completion signal (Do signal), which is a communication completion signal, is output to the relay RC as a signal indicating that the above-mentioned information has been transmitted to the meter reading server S (S5). The received calendar information is transmitted the next time communication is performed.

[0047] Thereafter, as hardware processing, a completion signal (Do signal) is sent to turn off the power supply self-holding (the part in FIG. 6 where the rising edge of relay RB returns to zero), and all power supplies are turned off (S6).

[0048] More specifically, the operation of the water meter reading system 1 is as follows.

[0049] 1) In a normal state, power is not supplied from the storage battery 31, and all the relays and control / transmission PKs shown in FIG. 7 are in a power-off state.

[0050] 2) The measuring reed switch 21 outputs a pulse signal (signal a in FIG. 3) when 1 cubic meter is measured, and turns OFF after 0.2 cubic meters. If there is no use within 0.2 cubic meters, it remains ON.

[0051] 3) When the measurement reed switch 21 is turned ON, the insulated gate field effect transistor Nch (MOSFET) is turned ON (signal b in Figure 3) until the capacitor C is charged, and the relay RA is turned ON (OFF after the capacitor is charged even if the measurement reed switch remains ON) (signal c in Figure 3, especially the power supply start pulse signal c1).

[0052] 4) The insulated gate field effect transistor Nch turns OFF when the capacitor C is fully charged. However, the relay RB, which turns ON when the relay RA turns ON, remains ON by self-holding as shown in Figure 6, even if the relay RA turns OFF.

[0053] 5) The condition for the relay RB to self-hold is that the control / transmission PK has not yet completed transmission of the measurement data indicating that the water usage is 1 cubic meter to the meter-reading server S.

[0054] 6) When relay RB performs self-holding, the power for control / transmission PK is turned on, it operates, and processing is performed.

[0055] 7) When relay RA is OFF (ON by break contact) in the control / transmission PK, 1 cubic meter of water usage is detected and the measurement data of 1 cubic meter of water usage is sent to the meter reading server S.

[0056] 8) When the control / transmission PK has finished sending the measurement data for 1 cubic meter of water usage to the meter-reading server S, it turns on the Do1 signal (signal f in Figure 3) and turns on relay RC (signal c in Figure 3, in particular the power supply stop pulse signal c2).

[0057] 9) When relay RC turns ON, the self-holding state of relay RB is released and relay RB turns OFF, and the control / transmission PK stops with the power turned OFF.

[0058] 10) The measurement lead Sw measures 1 cubic meter, then turns off 0.2 cubic meters later, the capacitor C self-discharges through resistor R, and the above-mentioned operation is repeated when the next pulse is generated.

[0059] 11) Immediately after power is supplied to the control / transmission PK, the power supply may become unstable, which may result in erroneous input (measuring 1 cubic meter). In order to prevent erroneous input, data processing is not performed at the rising edge of the water volume pulse signal that is measured when tap water is used, but rather after charging of capacitor C is completed and the signal has settled.

[0060] The water meter reading system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention receives a signal from a water meter, and inputs and processes the signal in units of one pulse in a pulse detection and power supply control unit 2, which is an I / O module. As shown in FIG. 5, the system supplies power from the power supply unit 3 to the communication module 4 and generates a start-up signal.

[0061] When the information processing is completed in the communication module 4, the pulse detection and power supply control section 2 stops (turns off) the power supply section.

[0062] According to the water meter reading system 1, the entire system is powered on just before tap water usage begins and the power is turned off when data processing is complete, thereby preventing wear on the lithium ion battery used as the storage battery 31 and ensuring long-term use.

[0063] The water meter reading system 1 is a water meter reading system that is placed adjacent to a water meter, and uses LTE and digital wireless (5G, 3G, etc.) mobile phone communication lines as a communication means.

[0064] The water meter reading system 1 also measures the amount of drinking water supply, automatically performs usage measurement and integration to bill for usage fees, accumulates the data in the meter reading server S, and performs billing operations, and includes a power start / stop circuit that detects a change in the measurement signal of the drinking water supply water meter from OFF to ON and supplies power to a system startup battery so that the system can operate. In this embodiment, the meter reading server S is a server on the cloud.

[0065] The water meter reading system 1 is equipped with a measurement processing microcomputer system in which the measurement processing microcomputer, activated by a power supply start-up circuit, performs software processing to send measurement data to the meter reading server S via the communication module 4 to determine that the water usage has been measured to be 1 cubic meter during internal processing.

[0066] In the measurement processing microcomputer system within the water meter reading system 1, when data has been sent to the meter reading server S, the work is completed and a measurement processing communication completion signal, which is a communication completion signal, is output, completing the series of operations, and the operating power supply for the entire system is turned off.Therefore, according to this embodiment, a long life for the power supply can be achieved.

[0067] The water meter reading system 1 uses an internal storage battery housed in the package, and consumes power only during operation. Furthermore, since the mobile phone communication device is housed in a single package and installed in the water meter box, there is no need for external power supply or installation work such as wiring communication lines, which was necessary in conventional systems, and this reduces costs.

[0068] It only starts up when it is measuring or communicating, so power consumption can be reduced. In addition, communication is completed about once a day, and the one-shot pulse that starts the startup can be generated by high-speed switching, so power consumption is minimized and power consumption can be reduced. It can also be made compact with high integration.

[0069] The package that houses the water meter reading system 1 is a waterproof bag that contains all the components such as the battery, I / O, and LTE communication module, and is sealed except for the connection part with the water meter. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is not affected by water leakage, rainwater, etc.

[0070] Water meters must be replaced every seven years under the Weights and Measures Act, but a small storage battery that is small enough to fit into the storage box of a water meter can be used for approximately eight years, allowing for long-term operation until the water meter needs to be replaced. The water meter reading system 1 of the present invention only requires replacing it with a new water meter reading system when the water meter is replaced every seven years, eliminating the need for maintenance costs. Although it is a storage battery, it is not repeatedly charged and discharged, but is used as a disposable battery. Dry batteries decay after three years, but storage batteries do not decay, so there is no need to replace them midway.

[0071] According to this embodiment, data is sent to the server almost every day, so freezing and leaks can be detected immediately, and in addition to calculating charges, it can be used as big data to create a usage map in real time. This allows you to know how much water is being used in which area, which can be useful in deciding what kind of water purification plants should be built in the future, increasing the number of usage scenarios.

[0072] In this embodiment, a pulse signal is sent when one ton is used, and measurements and communication are not performed in precise units of one liter. Usage amounts less than one ton are not transmitted, but this is resolved the next day or the day after, so there is almost no impact.

[0073] Data communication takes 10 seconds per time, so for example, if you use 1 ton per day, you only need to use the battery for 10 seconds per day. Also, if no measurement data is uploaded even once after 10 days, it is possible that the battery has died or that someone has collapsed, so the water meter reading system 1 can also be used as a monitoring system, making it highly convenient.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Water meter reading system 2 Pulse detection and power supply control section 21 Measuring reed switch 22 One-shot pulse generator circuit 23 Measurement processing microcomputer circuit 24 One-shot pulse self-holding circuit 3 Power supply section 31 Storage battery 4. Communication Module 41 CPU section 42 Communications Department M Water meter S Meter reading server

Claims

1. A water meter reading system that is attached to a pulse-type water meter that transmits a water volume pulse signal and performs a process from measuring water usage to transmitting the amount of water usage to a meter reading server, (A) a measurement reed switch that receives the water volume pulse signal from the water meter every time a certain amount of water is accumulated when the power is OFF, and is driven by the signal; a one-shot pulse generating circuit that outputs a start pulse signal when the measurement reed switch starts to be driven; a one-shot pulse self-holding circuit that receives the output start pulse signal and outputs a power supply start pulse signal; a measurement processing microcomputer circuit for measuring the received water volume pulse signal and converting it into water volume data; A pulse detection and power supply control unit including: (a) a communication module including a CPU and a communication means, which transmits the water volume data to the meter reading server and outputs a communication completion signal to the pulse detection and power supply control unit after the transmission; (c) a power supply unit that uses a storage battery as a power source and starts supplying power to the pulse detection / power supply control unit and the communication module upon receiving the power supply start pulse signal; Equipped with the one-shot pulse self-holding circuit receives the communication completion signal and outputs a power supply stop pulse signal; The water meter reading system, wherein the power supply unit stops the power supply upon receiving the power supply stop pulse signal.

2. 2. The water meter reading system according to claim 1, wherein the measurement processing microcomputer circuit is started when the power supply from the power supply unit to the pulse detection and power supply control unit starts, and transmits the water volume data to the communication module.

3. 3. The water meter reading system according to claim 1, wherein the fixed amount of water is one cubic meter, and the one-shot pulse generating circuit includes an insulated gate field effect transistor (MOSFET).

4. The communication means uses data communication using a mobile phone network or an IP telephone line, The water meter reading system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power supply unit, the communication module, the pulse detection / power supply control unit, and the antenna connected to the communication module are a cordless package packed within a packaging body that can be stored within the box of the water meter.

Images