Use quantity management system, data processor, and use quantity management method

Abstract

To complement lost data by introducing high versatility.SOLUTION: A system includes a flow sensor that is disposed at a bifurcation point between a first pipe through which a fluid resource flows and a second pipe which branches out from the first pipe and distributes the resource to a consumer, and that identifies a flow into the second pipe, a meter that is associated with the consumer and measures a use quantity of the resource by the consumer, and a data processor that receives a measured value from the meter and manages the measured value for each consumer. The data processor includes a lost data detection unit that detects as lost data a loss of the measured value to be received from the meter, a data arithmetic unit that specifies a complementation method dependent on the lost data on the basis of the layout of the flow sensor and meter, and computes a complementation value of the lost data using the specified complementation method and the flow to the second pipe, and a data complementation unit that complements the lost data with the complementation value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a usage management system, a data processing device, and a usage management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a system that uses a smart meter that automates meter reading for water, electricity, gas, etc., to manage the amount of usage by consumers. In the event that data from a smart meter is missing, there is a technology described in JP 2018-55166 A (Patent Document 1) to compensate for the missing data. This publication describes that "the load on the server when compensating for missing measurement data is reduced." and "When the server 30 acquires measurement data and a timestamp from the HGW 20, the server 30 includes a storage unit that stores the measurement data and the timestamp in the measurement data storage unit, and a notification unit that notifies the HGW 20 of the timestamp of the latest measurement data stored in the server 30. The HGW 20 determines whether there is any measurement data that has not been transmitted to the server 30 based on the timestamp of the latest measurement data transmitted from the server 30, and, if there is any measurement data that has not been transmitted, includes a request unit that requests the smart meter 10 to transmit the measurement data as missing measurement data, and a transfer unit that transfers the measurement data and the timestamp received from the smart meter 10 to the server 30." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-55166 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned conventional technology allows users to request and obtain data that has been measured by a smart meter but not yet transmitted. However, this technology does not take into account situations where the smart meter is unable to measure or where the smart meter itself is not operating, and is therefore not versatile enough. Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a highly versatile usage management system that can complement missing data even when the smart meter is unable to perform measurement or when the smart meter itself is not working. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one representative usage management system of the present invention comprises a flow sensor installed at a branching point between a first pipe through which a fluid resource flows and a second pipe branching off from the first pipe to deliver the resource to a consumer, the flow sensor identifying the flow rate to the second pipe, a meter associated with the consumer and measuring the amount of resource usage by the consumer, and a data processing device that receives measurement values ​​from the meter and manages the measurement values ​​for each consumer, wherein the data processing device comprises a missing data detection unit that detects missing measurement values ​​received from the meter as missing data, a data calculation unit that identifies a completion method according to the missing data based on the arrangement of the flow sensor and the meter, and calculates a completion value for the missing data using the identified storage method and the flow rate to the second pipe, and a data completion unit that completes the missing data using the completion value. Furthermore, one representative data processing device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a first database that accumulates the detection results of a flow sensor installed at the branching point between a first pipe through which a fluid resource flows and a second pipe that branches off from the first pipe to deliver the resource to a consumer, a second database that is associated with the consumer and holds measurement values ​​received from a meter that measures the consumer's usage of the resource in association with the consumer, a third database that indicates the arrangement of a plurality of the flow sensors and a plurality of the meters, a missing data detection unit that detects missing measurement values ​​received from the meter as missing data, a data calculation unit that identifies a completion method corresponding to the missing data based on the arrangement of the flow sensors and the meter, and calculates a completion value for the missing data using the identified storage method and the flow rate to the second pipe, and a data completion unit that completes the missing data using the completion value. Furthermore, one representative usage management method of the present invention is characterized in that a flow sensor is installed at a branch point between a first pipe through which a fluid resource flows and a second pipe that branches off from the first pipe to deliver the resource to a consumer, and identifies a flow rate to the second pipe; a meter that is associated with the consumer and measures the usage of the resource by the consumer; and a data processing device that is connected to the data processing device and receives measurement values ​​from the meter and manages the usage for each consumer, the data processing device including: a missing data detection step that detects missing measurement values ​​received from the meter as missing data; a data calculation step that identifies a completion method corresponding to the missing data based on the arrangement of the flow sensor and the meter, and calculates a completion value for the missing data using the identified storage method and the flow rate to the second pipe; and a data completion step that completes the missing data using the completion value. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to complement missing data with high versatility. Problems, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]Diagram of water volume sensor and smart meter in water usage management system [Diagram 2] Water level sensor diagram [Diagram 3] Configuration diagram of the usage management system [Figure 4] Illustration of the matrix for specifying the imputation method [Diagram 5] Flowchart showing the processing steps of the usage management method [Figure 6] Flowchart detailing the steps of missing data detection [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of a data calculation step. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing a detailed example of data calculation steps (part 1) [Figure 9] Flowchart showing a detailed example of data calculation steps (part 2) [Figure 10] Flowchart showing a detailed example of data calculation steps (part 3) [Figure 11] Flowchart detailing the data imputation steps [Figure 12] Flowchart showing details of information display step [Figure 13] Sensor information database diagram [Figure 14] Water volume database illustration [Figure 15] Meter reading result database diagram DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0009] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a water volume sensor and a smart meter in a usage management system according to a first embodiment. The usage management system shown in FIG. 1 is a system for managing water usage. The water supply has a main water supply pipe and a branch water supply pipe. The main water supply pipe is a first pipe that does not directly branch off from a water supply pipe. The branch water supply pipe is a second pipe that branches off from the main water supply pipe and to which a water supply pipe can be attached. The branch water supply pipe is sometimes called a small water supply pipe. In addition, the branch water supply pipe and the small water supply pipe may be distinguished from each other based on the diameter or other criteria, but in this embodiment, no distinction is made between the branch water supply pipe and the small water supply pipe, and all are called the branch water supply pipe.

[0010] The water flow sensor is a flow sensor that is installed at the branch point of the water distribution main pipe and the water distribution branch pipe. The water flow sensor detects the flow rate flowing from the branch point to the downstream water distribution main pipe, the flow rate flowing from the branch point to the water distribution branch pipe, or both. This allows the water flow sensor to identify the flow rate to the water distribution branch pipe. The smart meter is provided in association with a consumer and measures the amount of water used by the consumer. The smart meter also has a communication function. The smart meter measures the amount of water used at a predetermined interval (e.g., every few hours) and transmits the measurement result, ie, the measurement value, together with its own identification information to a data processing device (described later).

[0011] In Fig. 1, water flow sensors A to G are installed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the water distribution main pipe. Since each water flow sensor is provided at a branch point of the water distribution, for convenience, the branch points where the water flow sensors A to G are provided are referred to as the branch points of the water flow sensors A to G. A smart meter A1 is installed in a water distribution branch pipe branching off from the branch point of the water volume sensor A. In the water distribution branch pipes branching from the branch point of the water volume sensor B, smart meters B1 to B3 are installed. In the water distribution branch pipes branching from the branch point of the water volume sensor C, smart meters C1 to C4 are installed. In the water distribution branch pipes branching from the branch point of the water volume sensor D, smart meters D1 to D3 are installed. In the water distribution branch pipes branching from the branch point of the water volume sensor G, smart meters G1 to G2 are installed. In this way, the branch pipes may branch out further after branching off from the main pipe, but all of them have smart meters installed at their ends. Also, there is no route for water to flow from the branch pipes to the main pipe.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a water volume sensor. The water volume sensor is installed at the point where the branch water distribution pipe branches off from the main water distribution pipe. The water volume sensor preferably includes a sensor on the downstream side of the main water distribution pipe and a sensor on the branch water distribution pipe side. The sensor on the downstream side of the main water distribution pipe detects the amount of water that has flowed into and been added to the downstream main water distribution pipe. The sensor on the branch water distribution pipe side detects the amount of water that has flowed into and passed through the branch water distribution pipe. The sum of the amount of water that has flowed into the downstream side of the main water distribution pipe and the amount of water that has flowed into the branch water distribution pipe is equal to the amount of water that has flowed into the upstream main water distribution pipe.

[0013] In a configuration in which a sensor is provided on the side of the water distribution branch pipe, the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe can be directly detected. Even in a configuration where a sensor is not provided on the branch pipe side, the flow rate into the branch pipe can be determined based on the flow rate into the main pipe. The flow rate into the main pipe detected at the branch point one upstream of the target branch point is the amount of water flowing into the target branch point from the upstream of the main pipe, so the difference between this inflow amount and the amount of water flowing into the main pipe downstream from the target branch point is calculated, and this difference is regarded as the flow rate into the branch pipe at the target branch point.

[0014] 3 is a configuration diagram of the usage management system. The usage management system has a configuration in which a data processing device 30 is connected to a plurality of information sources via a network 20. The information sources include a water volume sensor (sensor on the downstream side of the water distribution main) 11a, a water volume sensor (sensor on the side of the water distribution branch pipe) 11b, and a smart meter 13. When there is no need to distinguish between water volume sensor 11a and water volume sensor 11b, they are referred to as water volume sensor 11.

[0015] The data processing device 30 includes a missing data detection unit 31 , a data calculation unit 32 , a data complementation unit 33 , an information processing unit 34 , a water volume database 41 , a meter reading result database 42 , and a sensor information database 43 .

[0016] When the data processing device 30 is a computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executes a predetermined program to realize the functions of a missing data detection unit 31, a data calculation unit 32, a data complementation unit 33, and an information processing unit . When the data processing device 30 is a computer, the water volume database 41, the meter reading result database 42, and the sensor information database 43 may be data stored on a hard disk drive or the like.

[0017] The water volume database 41 is a first database that accumulates the detection results of the multiple water volume sensors 11. The data processing device 30 receives the detection results of the water volume sensors 11 and registers them in the water volume database 41, thereby managing the flow rates of water flowing through the main water distribution pipes and branch water distribution pipes.

[0018] The meter reading result database 42 is a second database that holds the measurement values ​​received from the multiple smart meters 13 in association with consumers. The data processing device 30 receives the measurement values ​​and smart meter identification information from the smart meters 13 and registers them in the meter reading result database 42, thereby managing the water usage amount for each consumer.

[0019] The sensor information database 43 is a third database that indicates the arrangement of the multiple water volume sensors 11 and multiple smart meters. That is, the sensor information database 43 indicates how the main water distribution pipe and the branch water distribution pipes are connected and what kind of termination each branch water distribution pipe has.

[0020] The missing data detection unit 31 detects missing data as missing data when a measurement value is missing from the smart meter 13. The missing data can be determined by referring to the meter reading result database . The data calculation unit 32 identifies a method of complementing the missing data based on the arrangement of the water volume sensor 11 and the smart meter 13, and calculates a complement value for the missing data using the identified storage method and the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe. The data complementing unit 33 complements the missing data in the meter reading result database 42 with the complemented value obtained by the data calculation unit 32 . The information processing unit 34 displays the meter reading result database 42 in which the missing data has been stored by the data complementing unit 33 on a predetermined display or the like.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a matrix for specifying a complementation method. The arrangement of the water volume sensors 11 and smart meters 13 is stored in the sensor information database 43. From the arrangement of the water volume sensors 11 and smart meters 13, it is possible to know how many smart meters 13 are connected after branching off from the water distribution main. The number of smart meters 13 after branching off from the water distribution main is the number of smart meters. The number of smart meters 13 with missing measurement values ​​among the smart meters 13 after branching off from the water distribution main is the number of missing smart meters.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, the data calculation unit 32 determines that a first pattern (complementary pattern 1) is a case in which a single water supply pipe is installed after the branch from the main water distribution pipe to the branch water distribution pipe, a single smart meter 13 is installed corresponding to the single water supply pipe (number of smart meters = 1), and there is a gap in the measurement value of the meter (number of missing smart meters = 1). In addition, the data calculation unit 32 determines that a second pattern (complementary pattern 2) is established when multiple water supply pipes are installed after the branch from the main water distribution pipe to the branch water distribution pipe, multiple smart meters 13 are installed corresponding to the multiple water supply pipes (number of smart meters = 2 or more), and one of the multiple smart meters 13 is missing a measurement value (number of missing smart meters = 1). In addition, the data calculation unit 32 determines this to be a third pattern (complementary pattern 3) when multiple water supply pipes are installed after the branching of the main water distribution pipe into the branch water distribution pipe, multiple smart meters 13 are installed corresponding to the multiple water supply pipes (number of smart meters = 2 or more), and two or more of the multiple smart meters 13 are missing measurement values ​​(number of missing smart meters = 2 or more).

[0023] In the first pattern, the data calculation unit 32 uses the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe as a complementary value for the missing data. In the second pattern, the data calculation unit 32 subtracts the measurement values ​​of other smart meters 13 that are not experiencing any leakage from the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe to obtain a value to supplement the missing data. In the third pattern, the data calculation unit 32 subtracts the measurement values ​​of other meters that do not have any missing data from the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe, and then multiplies the measurement values ​​by a ratio calculated based on the past usage history of multiple smart meters 13 that have missing data, to calculate the complementary values ​​for two or more pieces of missing data.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the usage management method. The data processing device 30 sequentially executes a missing data detection step (S101) of detecting missing measurement values ​​of the smart meter 13 as missing data, a data calculation step (S102) of identifying a completion method according to the missing data based on the arrangement of the water volume sensor 11 and the smart meter 13 and calculating a completion value for the missing data using the identified storage method and the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe, a data completion step (S103) of completing the missing data with the completion value obtained by the data calculation step (S102), and an information display step (S104) of displaying the completed meter reading result database 42.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the details of the missing data detection step. The missing data detection unit 31 refers to the meter reading result database 42 to check whether there is missing data (S201). The measurement value transmitted from the smart meter 13 is the meter value indicating the cumulative amount of water used up to that point. When an operator checks the meter, the meter value indicating the cumulative amount of water used up to that point is also read visually, and this work is called meter reading. Therefore, the data processing device 30 stores the measurement value received from the smart meter 13 in the meter reading result database 42 under the item name of meter reading data. The meter reading data is the measurement value received from the smart meter 13, if there is one, and if there is a gap in the reception from the smart meter 13, the value is set to "null."

[0026] If the value of any of the meter reading data is "null" (S202; YES), the missing data detection unit 31 proceeds to a data calculation step. If there is no meter reading data whose value is "null" (S202; NO), the missing data detection unit 31 ends the process.

[0027] 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the data calculation step. The data calculation unit 32 specifies a complement pattern corresponding to the missing data detected by the missing data detection unit 31 according to the matrix shown in FIG. First, the data calculation unit 32 judges whether or not the pattern corresponds to the complementation pattern 1 (S301). If the pattern corresponds to the complementation pattern 1 (S301; YES), the data calculation unit 32 calculates a complementation value by processing the complementation pattern 1 (step S302) and proceeds to a data complementation step.

[0028] If the data does not correspond to the complementary pattern 1 (S301; NO), the data calculation unit 32 judges whether or not the data corresponds to the complementary pattern 2 (S303). If the data corresponds to the complementary pattern 2 (S303; YES), the data calculation unit 32 calculates a complementary value by processing the complementary pattern 2 (S304), and proceeds to a data complementary step. If the data does not fall under the complementation pattern 2 (S303; NO), the data calculation unit 32 calculates a complementation value by processing of the complementation pattern 3 (S305), and the process proceeds to a data complementation step.

[0029] 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing a detailed example of the data calculation step. First, the data calculation unit 32 inquires about the meter number of the smart meter 13 in which the defect has occurred (S401), and inquires about the number of the water volume sensor 11 connected to the smart meter 13 in which the defect has occurred (S402).

[0030] If the number of smart meters connected to the water flow sensor 11 is 1 (S403; YES), the data calculation unit 32 refers to the detection results of the water flow sensors 11 before and after the water flow sensor 11 where the loss occurred, and sets the difference in the water volume flowing through the main water distribution pipe as the complement value (S404), and proceeds to the data complementation step.

[0031] If the number of smart meters connected to the water volume sensor 11 is not 1 (S403; NO), the data calculation unit 32 determines whether the number of smart meters in which a loss has occurred is 1 or not. If the number of smart meters with a missing value is 1 (S405; YES), the data calculation unit 32 calculates a total value (c) by adding up the water volumes of the smart meters 13 with no missing value (S406). The data calculation unit 32 also calculates the total water usage (x) of the water distribution branch pipe that can be measured by the water volume sensor 11 (S407). Then, (x)-(c) is set as an interpolated value (step S408), and the process proceeds to the data interpolation step.

[0032] If the number of smart meters with defects is 2 (S405; NO), the data calculation unit 32 calculates a total value (c) by adding up the water volumes of the smart meters 13 with no defects (S409). The data calculation unit 32 also calculates the total water usage volume (x) of the water distribution branch pipe that can be measured by the water volume sensor 11 (S410). Then, the data calculation unit 32 calculates the total water volume (x1) of the smart meters 13 with defects by subtracting (x) from (c) (S411).

[0033] The data calculation unit 32 calculates the total average monthly water usage (x2) of the smart meters 13 in which the defect occurred (S412), and calculates the proportion (x3) of each smart meter 13 relative to (x2) (S413). The data calculation unit 32 calculates the water usage amount of each smart meter 13 where a deficiency has occurred by (x1)×(x3), sets this as a complemented value for each smart meter 13 where a deficiency has occurred (S414), and proceeds to the data complementation step.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the details of the data complementation step. The data complementing unit 33 complements the missing data in the meter reading result database 42 with a complement value calculated using a complement pattern corresponding to the missing data (S501). After that, the process proceeds to an information display step.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing details of the information display step. The information processing unit 34 displays a list of data in any database on a screen of a predetermined display or the like (S601). When displaying the list of the meter reading result database 42, the information processing unit 34 displays the meter reading result database 42 in which the missing data is stored by the data complementation unit 33.

[0036] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the sensor information database 43. As shown in FIG. The sensor information database 43 stores data in which a sensor number is associated with a next sensor ID, a previous sensor ID, and a connected smart meter number. The sensor number is identification information that uniquely identifies the water level sensor 11. The next sensor ID is identification information of the water volume sensor 11 connected on the downstream side. One or more next sensor IDs are associated with each other. The front sensor ID is identification information of the water volume sensor 11 connected on the upstream side. One or more front sensor IDs are associated with each other. When a water distribution branch pipe is separated, the connected smart meter number indicates identification information of one or more connected smart meters 13. When only the water distribution main pipe is separated from the water distribution main pipe, no smart meter 13 is connected, so the connected smart meter number becomes "null."

[0037] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the water volume database 41. The water volume database 41 is data that associates a sensor number with an acquisition start time, an acquisition end time, and a water flow volume. The water flow volume indicates the amount of water flowing per unit time based on the detection result of the water volume from the acquisition start time to the acquisition end time.

[0038] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the meter reading result database 42. As shown in FIG. The meter reading result database associates the smart meter number, the customer ID, the data acquisition time, and the meter reading data. The smart meter number is identification information that uniquely identifies the smart meter 13. The customer ID is identification information of the consumer corresponding to the smart meter 13. The data acquisition time indicates the time when the data was acquired from the smart meter. The meter reading data is a measurement value received from the smart meter.

[0039] As described above, the usage management system disclosed in the embodiments comprises a flow sensor (11) that is installed at the branch point between a first pipe through which a fluid resource flows and a second pipe that branches off from the first pipe to deliver the resource to a consumer, and that identifies the flow rate to the second pipe, a meter (13) that is associated with the consumer and measures the amount of resource usage by the consumer, and a data processing device 30 that receives measurement values ​​from the meter and manages them for each consumer, wherein the data processing device 30 is characterized by comprising a missing data detection unit 31 that detects missing measurement values ​​received from the meter as missing data, a data calculation unit 32 that identifies a completion method according to the missing data based on the arrangement of the flow sensor and the meter, and calculates a completion value for the missing data using the identified storage method and the flow rate to the second pipe, and a data completion unit 33 that completes the missing data using the completion value. With this configuration and operation, the usage management system can determine missing meter measurements from other data, thereby providing high versatility in complementing missing data regardless of whether the meter is measuring or not, or whether the meter is operating or not.

[0040] As an example, the fluid resource is water, the first pipe is a water distribution main that does not directly branch off into a water supply pipe, the second pipe is a water distribution branch pipe that branches off from the water distribution main and can have a water supply pipe attached to it, and after branching off from the water distribution main, the second pipe has one or more consumer water supply pipes attached to it, and there is no route for water to flow into the water distribution main after branching off from the water distribution main. In this example, the usage management system can accurately manage the amount of water usage.

[0041] As an example, the data calculation unit 32 may select a first pattern in which a single water supply pipe is attached after the branch to the water distribution branch pipe, a single meter is attached corresponding to the single water supply pipe, and a measurement value of the meter is missing; a second pattern in which a plurality of water supply pipes are attached after the branch to the water distribution branch pipe, a plurality of meters are attached corresponding to the plurality of water supply pipes, and a measurement value of any one of the plurality of meters is missing; and a third pattern in which a plurality of water supply pipes are attached after the branch to the water distribution branch pipe, a plurality of meters are attached corresponding to the plurality of water supply pipes, and a measurement value of the plurality of meters is missing. and a third pattern in which two or more of the multiple meters have missing measurement values, and the data calculation unit 32 uses the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe as a complement value for the missing data in the first pattern, subtracts the measurement values ​​of the other meters from the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe as a complement value for the missing data in the second pattern, and subtracts the measurement values ​​of the other meters from the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe and multiplies them by a ratio determined from the past usage records of the multiple meters with missing measurement values ​​to determine the complement value for two or more of the missing data in each pattern. This allows missing data to be imputed under a variety of conditions.

[0042] As one example, the flow rate sensor detects the flow rate into the second pipe, and the data complementing unit obtains a complement value for the missing data using the flow rate into the second pipe detected by the flow rate sensor. As another example, the flow sensor detects the flow rate from the branch point to the first piping, and the data complementation unit calculates the difference between the flow rate to the first piping upstream of the target branch point and the flow rate from the target branch point to the first piping, and uses the difference as the flow rate to the second piping at the target branch point to calculate a complement value for the missing data. In this way, whether the flow rate into the second pipe can be directly detected or indirectly determined, it is possible to complement the missing data.

[0043] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are included. For example, the above-mentioned embodiment is described in detail to easily explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to the embodiment having all the described configurations. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the deletion of the configurations, and it is also possible to replace or add the configurations. For example, in the above embodiment, water is exemplified as a fluid resource, but gas or oil may also be used. In the above embodiment, detailed description of the use of past usage records is omitted, but the past usage records may be data held by the data processing device 30 or may be data that exists externally and can be referenced. The format and method of use of the usage records are not important. In the above embodiment, the missing data is overwritten with the complementary value, but the complementary value may be managed so as to be distinguishable from the measured value. Also, instead of overwriting the missing data, the complementary value may be managed as separate data and replaced when displayed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 11: Water volume sensor, 13: Smart meter, 20: Network, 30: Data processing device, 31: Missing data detection unit, 32: Data calculation unit, 33: Data complementation unit, 34: Information display unit, 41: Water volume database, 42: Meter reading result database, 43: Sensor information database

Claims

1. a flow rate sensor that is installed at a branch point between a first pipe through which a fluid resource flows and a second pipe that branches off from the first pipe and delivers the resource to a consumer, and that identifies a flow rate into the second pipe; a meter provided in correspondence with the consumer and configured to measure the amount of the resource used by the consumer; a data processing device that receives the measurement values ​​from the meters and manages them for each consumer; The data processing device includes: a missing data detection unit that detects missing measurement values ​​received from the meter as missing data; a data calculation unit that identifies a complementation method according to the missing data based on an arrangement of the flow sensor and the meter, and calculates a complementation value of the missing data using the identified storage method and the flow rate into the second pipe; a data complementation unit that complements the missing data with the complement value; A usage management system comprising:

2. The usage management system according to claim 1, the fluid source is water; The first piping is a water distribution main pipe that does not directly branch off from a water supply pipe, The second pipe is a water distribution branch pipe that branches off from the water distribution main pipe and to which a water supply pipe can be attached, A usage management system characterized in that the second piping has one or more water supply pipes for consumers attached to it after branching off from the main water distribution pipe, and there is no route that flows into the main water distribution pipe after branching off from the main water distribution pipe.

3. 3. The usage management system according to claim 2, The data calculation unit includes: A first pattern in which a single water supply pipe is attached after the branch to the water distribution branch pipe, a single meter is attached corresponding to the single water supply pipe, and there is a gap in the measurement value of the meter; A second pattern in which a plurality of the water supply pipes are attached after the branch to the water distribution branch pipe, a plurality of the meters are attached corresponding to the plurality of the water supply pipes, and one of the plurality of meters has a missing measurement value; a third pattern in which a plurality of the water supply pipes are attached after the branch to the water distribution branch pipe, a plurality of the meters are attached corresponding to the plurality of the water supply pipes, and two or more of the plurality of the meters have missing measurement values; The data calculation unit includes: In the first pattern, the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe is used as a complementary value for the missing data, In the second pattern, the measurement value of another meter is subtracted from the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe to obtain a complementary value for the missing data; In the third pattern, the measurement values ​​of other meters are subtracted from the flow rate into the water distribution branch pipe, and then a ratio calculated based on the past usage records of the multiple meters with missing measurement values ​​is multiplied to calculate complementary values ​​for two or more of the missing data. A usage management system comprising:

4. The usage management system according to claim 1, The flow rate sensor detects a flow rate into the second pipe; The usage management system is characterized in that the data complementation unit determines a complement value for the missing data by using the flow rate into the second pipe detected by the flow rate sensor.

5. The usage management system according to claim 1, The flow rate sensor detects a flow rate from the branch point to the first pipe, The usage management system is characterized in that the data complementation unit calculates the difference between the flow rate into the first piping upstream of the target branch point and the flow rate from the target branch point to the first piping, and uses the difference as the flow rate into the second piping at the target branch point to calculate a complement value for the missing data.

6. a first database that accumulates detection results of a flow rate sensor installed at a branch point between a first pipe through which a fluid resource flows and a second pipe that branches off from the first pipe and delivers the resource to a consumer; a second database provided in association with the consumer and configured to hold measurement values ​​received from a meter that measures the amount of resource usage by the consumer in association with the consumer; a third database indicating a location of a plurality of said flow sensors and a plurality of said meters; a missing data detection unit that detects missing measurement values ​​received from the meter as missing data; a data calculation unit that identifies a complementation method according to the missing data based on an arrangement of the flow sensor and the meter, and calculates a complementation value of the missing data using the identified storage method and the flow rate into the second pipe; a data complementation unit that complements the missing data with the complement value; A data processing device comprising:

7. a flow rate sensor that is installed at a branch point between a first pipe through which a fluid resource flows and a second pipe that branches off from the first pipe to deliver the resource to a consumer, the flow rate sensor specifying a flow rate to the second pipe, a meter that is provided in correspondence with the consumer and measures the amount of the resource used by the consumer, and a data processing device that is connected to the meter and receives the measurement value from the meter and manages it for each consumer, a missing data detection step of detecting a missing measurement value received from the meter as missing data; a data calculation step of specifying a method of complementing the missing data based on an arrangement of the flow sensor and the meter, and calculating a complement value of the missing data using the specified storage method and the flow rate into the second pipe; a data complementation step of complementing the missing data with the complement value; A usage management method comprising:

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