Information processing apparatus, communication system, notification method, and information processing program

Abstract

To improve the usability of a gas meter user by quickly coping with the deterioration of the operating state of a gas meter.SOLUTION: The third server 30, which is an example of the information processing apparatus, includes the reception unit 32 that sequentially receives the data indicating the operation status of the gas meter 5 or the wireless communication apparatus 6 collected by the wireless communication apparatus 6 associated with the gas meter 5, the calculation unit 33 that analyzes the temporal change of the data and determines whether the temporal change satisfies the predetermined condition, and the notification unit 34 that notifies the communication terminal 40 when the temporal change satisfies the predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a communication system, a notification method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are remote data collection systems that use wireless networks to collect and relay data such as meter readings that indicate the amount of electricity, water, gas, etc. used in each household, and transmit it to a remote data collection center such as a meter reading center. Such systems use technology to obtain information about the quality of communication.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a server on a network communicates with a wireless communication device attached to a gas meter, transmits and receives data related to periodic meter readings, gas usage, etc., and also acquires information related to communication quality. The information related to communication quality is, for example, information related to received radio wave strength, transmission and reception delays, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-220835 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Information related to communication quality includes indicators such as RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) and RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality). For example, a centralized monitoring server on a network requests (polls) wireless communication devices attached to gas meters to acquire such indicators, and acquires the indicators in response to the requests. In this type of processing, the user cannot acquire communication quality information sequentially.

[0006] The present invention provides an information processing device, a communication system, a notification method, and an information processing program that can quickly respond to a deterioration in the operating status of a gas meter and improve usability for gas meter users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing device according to the present invention has the following features. a receiving unit that sequentially receives data that indicates an operating status of at least one of the gas meter and the wireless communication device, the data being collected by a wireless communication device associated with the gas meter; a calculation unit that analyzes the change over time of the data and determines whether the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition; a notification unit that notifies the communication terminal when the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition, Information processing device.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a communication system according to the present invention has the following features. A communication system comprising the information processing device, the wireless communication device, and the communication terminal.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the notification method according to the present invention is characterized as follows. a step of sequentially receiving data indicating an operating status of at least one of the gas meter and the wireless communication device, the data being collected by a wireless communication device associated with the gas meter; analyzing the change over time of the data and determining whether the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition; a step of notifying a communication terminal when the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition; A notification method having the following.

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing program according to the present invention has the following features. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute each step described in the notification method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, usability for gas meter users can be improved.

[0012] The present invention has been briefly described above. The details of the present invention will become clearer by reading the following detailed description of the invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for transmitting data indicating communication quality in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for transmitting data indicating the battery voltage value of a wireless communication device in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows examples of graphs showing changes over time in communication quality indicators, where (A) is an example of a graph for RSRP, and (B) is an example of a graph for RSRQ. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows examples of graphs showing changes over time in the battery voltage value of a wireless communication device, where (A) is an example showing changes over a year, and (B) is an example showing changes over a day. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] 1, a communication system 1 according to an embodiment is a system for communicating with a wireless communication device 6 attached to a gas meter 5, transmitting and receiving data related to periodic meter readings, gas usage, etc., and understanding the operating status of the gas meter 5. The communication system 1 includes the wireless communication device 6, a first server 10, a second server 20, a third server 30, and a communication terminal 40. Each device in the communication system 1 is connected to be able to communicate via a network N such as the Internet, a mobile phone network, etc.

[0016] The wireless communication device 6 is attached so as to be associated with the gas meter 5 provided in each home or the like, and collects data indicating the operating status of the gas meter 5, including the amount of gas usage detected by the gas meter 5. This data is so-called LS (Load Survey) data for investigating gas demand, and also indicates the operating status of the wireless communication device 6 associated with the gas meter 5. In other words, the LS data is data indicating the operating status of at least one of the gas meter 5 and the wireless communication device 6 associated with the gas meter 5. The wireless communication device 6 transmits the collected LS data to the first server 10 via equipment such as a repeater and a base station and via the network N.

[0017] The wireless communication device 6 may be a type that is integrated with the gas meter 5, or a type that is externally attached to the gas meter 5. The wireless communication device 6 transmits the LS data to the first server 10 at predetermined intervals (for example, once a month, once a day, etc.). This eliminates the need for a meter reader to go and read the gas meter 5.

[0018] The first server 10 sequentially receives LS data from wireless communication devices 6 deployed over a wide area via a network N, for example, by WAN (Wide Area Network) communication. The first server 10 is, for example, an IoT-PF (Internet of Things - Platform) server operated by a telecommunications carrier or the like, and integrates the LS data from the wireless communication devices 6 at a gateway, and collects and stores the data in the cloud.

[0019] The second server 20 sequentially receives the LS data from the first server 10 via the network N, for example, by M2M (Machine to Machine) communication. The second server 20 is, for example, a centralized monitoring server shared by multiple gas suppliers. The second server 20 displays the results of receiving the LS data. A person in charge who checks the result display can request the wireless communication device 6 from the second server 20, as necessary, for the LS data, particularly indicators related to communication (WAN communication) quality such as RSRP and RSRQ.

[0020] The third server 30 sequentially receives data from the first server 10 via the network N, for example, by M2M communication. The third server 30 is a server operated, for example, on the cloud by a service provider or the like, and has an alert notification function. The third server 30 is an information processing device in the present disclosure. The notification (determination result) by the third server 30 is transmitted to the communication terminal 40, for example, via email or a messaging app.

[0021] The communication terminal 40 is a communication terminal used by a user such as a gas meter dealer, and receives and displays notifications from the third server 30 via the network N, for example, by Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication. The communication terminal 40 may be a portable device such as a tablet, smartphone, or mobile phone, or may be a fixed device such as a personal computer, or may be an AI (artificial intelligence) speaker, etc. The communication terminal 40 may be a communication terminal used by a gas business operator or a gas meter user (customer).

[0022] The operating status of the gas meter 5 or the operating status of the wireless communication device 6 associated with the gas meter is reflected in the LS data collected by the wireless communication device 6. The operating status of the gas meter 5 may deteriorate due to a decrease in communication quality caused by changes in the surrounding environment of the gas meter 5 (wireless communication device 6), or a decrease in the battery voltage of the wireless communication device 6 associated with the gas meter 5 caused by the usage status of the gas meter 5.

[0023] The person in charge (operator) of checking the second server 20 can request data related to communication quality, such as RSRP and RSRQ, from the second server 20 to the wireless communication device 6, and obtain the data, thereby understanding the operating status of the gas meter 5. However, since the user cannot obtain LS data sequentially, he or she cannot obtain or evaluate the communication quality, etc. Therefore, even if an unexpected situation occurs, such as when the operating status of the gas meter 5 deteriorates, it is difficult to respond quickly.

[0024] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the third server 30 functions as an information processing device that sequentially receives LS data via the first server 10, analyzes changes over time in the received LS data, and, if the changes over time satisfy a predetermined condition, notifies the user's communication terminal 40 to that effect. This enables the user to respond quickly even if an unexpected event occurs, such as a deterioration in the operating condition of the gas meter 5.

[0025] The LS data in this embodiment includes data on indicators relating to communication quality, such as RSRP and RSRQ, and the voltage value of the battery that is the power source for the wireless communication device 6 associated with the gas meter 5. RSRP is the power received in a 15 kHz band of a reference signal constituting LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication. RSRQ is a value calculated from RSRP and is an indicator indicating the quality of the received reference signal.

[0026] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the third server 30 according to the embodiment. The third server 30 includes a control unit 31, a receiving unit 32, a calculation unit 33, a notification unit 34, and an output unit 35.

[0027] The control unit 31 is an arithmetic processing unit (computer) that is responsible for overall control of the third server 30, and includes an input / output unit that exchanges data with external devices, a program that starts the third server 30, a storage unit that stores data, etc. The information processing program stored in the storage unit is read by the control unit 31, causing the third server 30 to execute processing described below.

[0028] The receiving unit 32 sequentially receives the LS data from the second server 20. The calculating unit 33 analyzes the change over time of the received LS data and determines whether the change over time satisfies predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions here are conditions related to the operating status of the gas meter 5, and include conditions related to the communication quality between the gas meter 5 and the wireless communication device 6, conditions related to the battery voltage value of the wireless communication device 6 associated with the gas meter 5, etc.

[0029] If the calculation unit 33 determines that the change over time in the LS data satisfies a predetermined condition, the notification unit 34 issues an alert notification to the communication terminal 40.

[0030] The third server 30 according to this embodiment analyzes changes over time in the LS data indicating the operating status of the gas meter 5 received from the wireless communication device 6, and notifies the communication terminal 40 when the changes over time satisfy a predetermined condition. Therefore, for example, when the LS data falls below a threshold, the third server 30 can notify the communication terminal 40. If the operating status of the gas meter 5 deteriorates, for example, by notifying the communication terminal 40, the user who received the notification can quickly respond to the deterioration in the operating status, for example, by having a dealer worker change the installation mode of the gas meter 5 and the wireless communication device 6. Therefore, usability for gas meter users can be improved.

[0031] Furthermore, the output unit 35 can output the analysis results obtained by the calculation unit 33. The output unit 35 is a display device that visually displays the output, a speaker that expresses the output audibly, or the like. The output unit 35 may be a communication unit that transmits the analysis results to the communication terminal 40 or other communication devices. Since the output unit 35 outputs the analysis results of the changes in the LS data over time, for example, a gas supplier or the like can check the analysis results and take appropriate action.

[0032] The calculation unit 33 visualizes the change over time of the LS data for a predetermined period, and the output unit 35 can output the visualized change over time as the analysis result. By visualizing the change over time and outputting it as the analysis result, for example, a gas supplier or the like can visually confirm the change over time of the LS data for a predetermined period and take appropriate action.

[0033] Furthermore, the calculation unit 33 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the change over time of the LS data falls below a threshold value. When an event occurs that may indicate a deterioration in the operating status of the gas meter 5 (wireless communication device 6), such as when the change over time of the LS data falls below a threshold value, the calculation unit 33 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, which makes it possible to respond quickly to the occurrence of the event.

[0034] Furthermore, the calculation unit 33 may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the change over time of the LS data falls below the threshold value for a predetermined number of consecutive days. Since the calculation unit 33 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied in a situation where there is a high possibility that an event that may have deteriorated the operating status of the gas meter 5 (wireless communication device 6) has occurred, such as when the change over time of the LS data falls below the threshold value for a predetermined number of consecutive days, it becomes possible to respond appropriately to the occurrence of the event.

[0035] The specific processing of the above-mentioned calculation unit 33 and output unit 35 will be described later (see FIG. 5).

[0036] The LS data is, for example, data indicating the communication quality between the gas meter 5 and the third server 30, or data indicating the battery voltage value of the wireless communication device 6 associated with the gas meter 5. This makes it possible to respond quickly when an abnormality in the communication quality or the battery voltage value occurs. Fig. 3 shows the processing when the LS data is data indicating the communication quality, and Fig. 4 shows the processing when the LS data is data indicating the battery voltage value of the wireless communication device 6.

[0037] 3 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for transmitting data indicating communication quality in the communication system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication device 6 associated with the gas meter 5 collects LS data of the gas meter 5 and makes a call (step S1). The wireless communication device 6 transmits the LS data to the first server 10 via the network N by WAN communication (step S2).

[0038] The first server 10 transmits the received LS data to the second server 20 and the third server 30 by M2M communication through the network N (steps S3, S3A, S3B). The second server 20 displays the communication quality based on the received LS data (step S4).

[0039] Every time the third server 30 receives new LS data, it updates a graph showing the change over time in the LS data, particularly the change over time in communication quality in this example, and determines whether the change over time in communication quality satisfies a predetermined condition (step S5). If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the third server 30 transmits a determination (alert notification) that the predetermined condition is satisfied to the communication terminal 40 via the network N (step S6), and the communication terminal 40 that has received the determination notifies the user by voice, display, etc. (step S7).

[0040] 4 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for transmitting data indicating the battery voltage value of the wireless communication device 6 in the communication system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this sequence, instead of step S4 in FIG. 3, the second server 20 displays the battery voltage value of the wireless communication device 6 based on the received LS data (step S8). Then, every time new LS data is received, the third server 30 updates a graph showing the change over time in the LS data, particularly the change over time in the battery voltage value of the wireless communication device 6, and determines whether the change over time in the battery voltage value satisfies a predetermined condition (step S9). The other steps are the same as those in FIG. 3.

[0041] In the third server 30, the receiving unit 32 may receive the LS data directly from the wireless communication device 6, and the calculation unit 33, the notification unit 34, and the output unit 35 may perform the above-mentioned processing. In other words, the first server 10 and the second server 20 are not essential for carrying out the invention, and the communication system 1 may be composed of the wireless communication device 6, the third server 30, and the communication terminal 40.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an example of a graph showing the change over time of the communication quality index determined in FIG. 3. The calculation unit 33 of the third server 30 visualizes the change over time of the LS data for a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be, for example, about three weeks to about one month as in this example, but is not particularly limited. The output unit 35 can output the change over time visualized by the calculation unit 33 as a graph of the analysis results as shown in this figure.

[0043] FIG. 5(A) is an example of a graph of RSRP, and FIG. 5(B) is an example of a graph of RSRQ. In the example of FIG. 5(A), RSRP decreases over time and falls below the RSRP threshold of −120. In particular, RSRP is below the threshold for five consecutive days, which is a predetermined number of days. In this case, the calculation unit 33 determines that the LS data satisfies the predetermined condition, and the notification unit 34 notifies the communication terminal 40. In the example of FIG. 5(B), RSRQ decreases over time and falls below the RSRQ threshold of −15. In particular, RSRQ is below the threshold for five consecutive days, which is a predetermined number of days. In this case, the calculation unit 33 determines that the LS data satisfies the predetermined condition, and the notification unit 34 notifies the communication terminal 40.

[0044] The third server 30 also creates a graph as shown in FIG. 6 showing the change over time in the battery voltage value of the wireless communication device 6 determined in FIG. 4, and the output unit 35 displays the graph, and the notification unit 34 notifies the communication terminal 40.

[0045] FIG. 6(A) is an example of a graph showing the change in battery voltage value over time on a yearly basis, and FIG. 6(B) is an example of a graph showing the change in battery voltage value over time on a daily basis. In the example of FIG. 6(A), the battery voltage value decreases over time (as years pass) and falls below the battery voltage threshold of 2.4 V after 10 years. In this case, the calculation unit 33 determines that the LS data satisfies the predetermined condition, and the notification unit 34 notifies the communication terminal 40. In the example of FIG. 6(B), the battery voltage value decreases over time (as days pass) and falls below the battery voltage threshold of 2.4 V on May 7th. In particular, the battery voltage value remains below the threshold for four consecutive days, which is the predetermined number of days. In this case, the calculation unit 33 determines that the LS data satisfies the predetermined condition, and the notification unit 34 notifies the communication terminal 40.

[0046] The user who receives the notification can quickly check the details of the event again and take measures such as replacing the gas meter 5 or changing the installation location of the wireless communication device 6, if necessary.

[0047] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0048] Here, the features of the information processing device, communication system, notification method, and information processing program according to the above-described embodiments of the present invention will be briefly summarized and listed below in [1] to [9].

[0049] [1] A receiver (32) that sequentially receives data collected by a wireless communication device (6) associated with a gas meter (5) and that indicates an operating status of at least one of the gas meter and the wireless communication device; a calculation unit (33) that analyzes the change over time of the data and determines whether the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition; and a notification unit (34) that notifies a communication terminal (40) when the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition. Information processing device (third server 30).

[0050] According to the information processing device having the configuration described in [1] above, the data indicating the operational status of the gas meter or wireless communication device received from the wireless communication device is analyzed for changes over time, and when the changes over time satisfy a predetermined condition, the communication terminal is notified. For example, the communication terminal can be notified when the data falls below a threshold. Therefore, when the operational status of the gas meter deteriorates, for example, the user of the gas meter dealer or the like who receives the notification can quickly respond to the deterioration of the operational status. Therefore, usability for gas meter users can be improved.

[0051] [2] An output unit (35) for outputting the analysis result by the calculation unit. The information processing device according to [1] above.

[0052] According to the information processing device having the configuration [2] above, the analysis result of the change in data over time is output, so that, for example, a gas supplier or the like can check the analysis result and take appropriate action.

[0053] [3] The calculation unit visualizes the change over time of the data for a predetermined period of time, The output unit outputs the visualized change over time as the analysis result. The information processing device according to [2] above.

[0054] According to the information processing device having the configuration described in [3] above, the changes over time are visualized and output as analysis results, so that, for example, gas suppliers can visually check the changes over time in data over a specified period of time and take appropriate action.

[0055] [4] The calculation unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the change over time of the data is below a threshold. The information processing device according to [1] above.

[0056] According to the information processing device having the configuration [4] above, when an event occurs that may indicate a deterioration in the operating status of the gas meter or the wireless communication device associated with the gas meter, such as when the change in data over time falls below a threshold, it is determined that a predetermined condition is met, making it possible to respond quickly to the occurrence of the event.

[0057] [5] The calculation unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the change over time of the data is below a threshold value for a predetermined number of consecutive days. The information processing device according to [1] above.

[0058] According to the information processing device having the configuration described in [5] above, when there is a high possibility that an event has occurred that may have caused a deterioration in the operating status of the gas meter or the wireless communication device associated with the gas meter, such as when the change in data over time falls below a threshold value for a predetermined number of consecutive days, it is determined that the predetermined condition is met, making it possible to respond appropriately to the occurrence of the event.

[0059] [6] The data is data indicating communication quality between the gas meter and the information processing device, or data indicating a battery voltage value of the wireless communication device. The information processing device according to [1] above.

[0060] According to the information processing device having the above configuration [6], it is possible to quickly respond when an abnormality occurs in the communication quality or the battery voltage value.

[0061] [7] A communication system comprising the information processing device according to any one of [1] to [6] above, the wireless communication device, and the communication terminal.

[0062] According to the communication system of the configuration [7] above, the gas supplier or the like who receives the notification from the communication terminal can quickly respond to the deterioration of the operating status, thereby improving the usability for gas meter users.

[0063] [8] A step of sequentially receiving data indicating an operating status of at least one of the gas meter and the wireless communication device, the data being collected by a wireless communication device associated with the gas meter; analyzing the change over time of the data and determining whether the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition; a step of notifying a communication terminal when the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition; A notification method having the following.

[0064] According to the notification method configured as described in [8] above, the change over time in data indicating the operating status of the gas meter or wireless communication device received from the wireless communication device is analyzed, and when the change over time meets a predetermined condition, the communication terminal is notified. For example, the communication terminal can be notified when the data falls below a threshold. Therefore, when the operating status of the gas meter deteriorates, for example, the gas supplier or the like that receives the notification can respond quickly to the deterioration of the operating status. Therefore, usability for gas meter users can be improved.

[0065] [9] An information processing program that causes a computer to execute each step described in [8] above.

[0066] According to the information processing program configured as described above in [9], the data indicating the operating status of the gas meter or wireless communication device received from the wireless communication device is analyzed for changes over time, and when the changes over time satisfy a predetermined condition, the communication terminal is notified. For example, when the data falls below a threshold, the communication terminal can be notified. Therefore, when the operating status of the gas meter deteriorates, for example, the gas supplier or the like that receives the notification can respond quickly to the deterioration of the operating status. Therefore, usability for gas meter users can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Communication Systems 5 Gas meter 6. Wireless communication devices 10 First Server 20 Second Server 30 Third server (information processing device) 31 Control Unit 32 Receiving unit 33 Arithmetic section 34 Notification Department 35 Output section 40 Communication terminal N Network

Claims

1. a receiving unit that sequentially receives data that indicates an operating status of at least one of the gas meter and the wireless communication device, the data being collected by a wireless communication device associated with the gas meter; a calculation unit that analyzes the change over time of the data and determines whether the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition; a notification unit that notifies the communication terminal when the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition, Information processing device.

2. an output unit that outputs the analysis result by the calculation unit; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The calculation unit visualizes the change over time of the data for a predetermined period of time, The output unit outputs the visualized change over time as the analysis result. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the calculation unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the change over time of the data falls below a threshold value; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The calculation unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the change over time of the data is below a threshold value for a predetermined number of consecutive days. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the data is data indicating communication quality between the gas meter and the information processing device, or data indicating a battery voltage value of the wireless communication device; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. A communication system comprising: the information processing device according to claim 1 ; the wireless communication device; and the communication terminal.

8. a step of sequentially receiving data indicating an operating status of at least one of the gas meter and the wireless communication device, the data being collected by a wireless communication device associated with the gas meter; analyzing the change over time of the data and determining whether the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition; a step of notifying a communication terminal when the change over time satisfies a predetermined condition; A notification method having the following.

9. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute the steps set forth in claim 8.

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