Microcomputer gas meter

Abstract

To provide a microcomputer-controlled gas meter that can reduce the occurrence of unnecessary shutoffs. [Solution] The microcomputer gas meter 1 includes a detection unit 13 that acquires detected values, a monitoring unit 14 that monitors whether the observed value exceeds the shut-off setting value and enables shut-off of the gas supply if it does, a shut-off value setting unit 15 that can update the shut-off setting value and has a relearning function that automatically relearns the shut-off setting value and updates it to the obtained relearned value, and a storage unit 12 that stores the processing program, the shut-off setting value, and the observed values. In some processing programs 12p of this microcomputer gas meter 1, a selected shut-off setting value is defined which is selected from the observed value calculated by the monitoring unit 14 or the shut-off setting value set in the past and is a value greater than the current shut-off setting value, and a process to reduce unnecessary shut-off is defined which includes either a decision by the monitoring unit 14 to avoid shut-off of the gas supply or an update setting of the shut-off value setting unit 15.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a microcomputer gas meter capable of shutting off gas supply based on a shut-off set value automatically learned as a safety measure by microcomputer control. More specifically, it relates to a microcomputer gas meter in which microcomputer control is performed to reduce the occurrence of unnecessary shut-offs caused by the shut-off set values automatically learned in the past.

Background Art

[0002] As a gas meter, there is known a microcomputer gas meter equipped with a microcomputer (microcontroller) that measures the amount of gas used in the installed gas consumer's house by control of the microcomputer and executes predetermined safety measures when an abnormality is suspected. In order to ensure safety and the like, such a microcomputer gas meter has inspection regulations and required safety functions determined by the Japan LP Gas Equipment Inspection Association, Inc. and the like, and safety measure processing by microcomputer control is executed in accordance with these. For example, when an abnormality such as gas leakage is suspected, such as when monitoring flow rate, usage time, and pressure and an abnormality is suspected or when a strong vibration is detected, a process of shutting off the gas supply is performed as one of the safety measures. In particular, for a microcomputer gas meter for liquefied petroleum gas (hereinafter referred to as "LP gas"), regarding the logical shut-off process of shutting off the gas supply when an abnormality is suspected by monitoring the usage flow rate and usage time, it is required to shut off the gas supply using a shut-off set value that is updated while automatically learning the consumption pattern in the gas consumer's house as an abnormality determination value in accordance with the matters determined by the inspection regulations and the like of the Japan LP Gas Equipment Inspection Association, Inc.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional microcomputer gas meter provided by the applicant of the present application that can perform logical shut-off processing using shut-off setting values ​​that are automatically updated while learning the consumption patterns of a gas consumer's home. This conventional microcomputer gas meter has a logical shut-off function that includes a first shut-off function that shuts off the gas passage (shuts off the gas supply) when the time during which gas flows continuously, i.e., the gas usage time, exceeds a preset continuous usage time shut-off setting value; a second shut-off function that shuts off the gas passage (shuts off the gas supply) when the total flow rate per unit time exceeds a preset total flow rate shut-off setting value; and a third shut-off function that shuts off the gas passage (shuts off the gas supply) when the increasing flow rate per unit time exceeds a preset increasing flow rate shut-off setting value (see paragraph

[0022] of Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, this conventional microcomputer gas meter has a learning function that, after being installed in a gas consumer's home, updates the shut-off settings (usage time shut-off setting, total flow rate shut-off setting, and increased flow rate shut-off setting) based on the consumption pattern of the gas consumer's home (see paragraphs

[0031] -

[0073] of Patent Document 1). This learning function includes initial learning, which is performed for the first time after installation in a gas consumer's home and updates the shut-off settings from the initial value to the initial learned value, and relearning, which, after the completion of initial learning, relearns the consumption pattern and updates the shut-off settings again if there is a change in the consumption pattern. Relearning includes increasing relearning, which updates the shut-off settings in an increasing direction, and decreasing relearning, which updates the shut-off settings in a decreasing direction.

[0005] In the initial learning phase, after observing a predetermined flow rate, the system learns the usage time, total flow rate, and increased flow rate for 14 days, divided into a 3-day early period and an 11-day late period. Based on the data from that period (for example, based on the maximum value multiplied by a safety factor), the shut-off setting value is updated.

[0006] Furthermore, in augmented relearning, if the consumption pattern is determined to be changing in a direction that increases gas consumption, the shut-off setting value is updated to increase. Specifically, the monitoring level for augmented relearning is set by multiplying the set shut-off setting value by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 55%), and relearning begins when the daily monitored observation value exceeds the monitoring level. Within the following predetermined period (e.g., 7 days), the shut-off setting value is updated to increase based on the number of data occurrences and the magnitude of the data exceeding the monitoring level.

[0007] Furthermore, in decrement relearning, if the consumption pattern is determined to be changing in a direction that decreases gas consumption, the shut-off setting value is updated to decrease. Specifically, the monitoring level for decrement relearning is set by multiplying the set shut-off setting value by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 36%), and relearning begins when the daily monitored observation value falls below the monitoring level. If the period during which the daily monitored observation value remains below the monitoring level continues for a predetermined period (for example, 28 consecutive days), the shut-off setting value is updated to decrease based on the data from that period. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-040909 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, conventional microcomputer gas meters, such as those described in Patent Document 1, often experience seasonal, unnecessary shutoffs (also known as "nuisance shutoffs") due to the effects of relearning, where the gas supply is shut off even if there are no safety issues. In other words, in a country with four distinct seasons like Japan, gas consumption patterns at gas consumers' homes change significantly between summer and winter. Gas usage decreases in summer, while it increases significantly in winter due to the installation of heating equipment, etc. In particular, the number of gas supply shutoffs increases sharply in early autumn (from late September to mid-October), when summer ends and preparations for winter begin. This is thought to be because, despite the shutoff setting being low due to relearning during the summer, gas usage increases, leading to a sharp increase in unnecessary shutoffs. When unnecessary shutoffs occur, gas consumers are inconvenienced by the hassle of unnecessary restoration work. Furthermore, in recent years, microcomputer gas meters have been equipped with wireless communication functions to share information with gas management centers, and when the gas supply is shut off, a notification is sent to the gas management center. Therefore, the gas management center faces the challenge of an increased workload in responding to gas shutoffs, particularly in the early autumn when unnecessary shutoffs are expected to be concentrated.

[0010] In view of these points, the object of the present invention is to provide a microcomputer gas meter that can reduce the occurrence of unnecessary shutoffs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above problems, the microcomputer gas meter according to the present invention is equipped with a microcomputer, and by executing control processing by the microcomputer, it measures the amount of gas used at the gas consumer's home where it is installed, and also executes predetermined safety measures when an abnormality is suspected.

[0012] This microcomputer gas meter is A detection unit that continuously acquires detection values ​​indicating the gas usage status at the gas consumer's home, A monitoring unit has a logical shut-off function that constantly calculates observed values ​​based on detected values ​​acquired by the detection unit, monitors whether the observed values ​​exceed the shut-off setting value which is used as an abnormality judgment value, and if it exceeds the limit, determines that an abnormal state exists and enables shut-off of the gas supply as a safety measure. The shut-off value setting unit has a learning function that allows the shut-off setting value to be updated, and which performs initial learning by collecting observed values ​​from the gas consumer's home for a predetermined period, and updates the shut-off setting value from the initial value set at the factory to the initial learned value obtained through initial learning, and a relearning function that automatically relearns based on observed values ​​from the gas consumer's home when predetermined learning conditions are met, and updates the shut-off setting value to the relearned value obtained through relearning, The microcontroller has multiple processing programs for executing control processing, the monitoring unit has block setting values ​​that it refers to when monitoring, the monitoring unit has calculated observed values, and the storage unit stores historical data based on block setting values ​​that the block value setting unit has previously updated and set using its learning function. Equipped with, Some of the processing programs among the multiple processing programs are defined to perform unnecessary shutoff reduction processing, which involves selecting a selected shutoff setting value that is larger than the current shutoff setting value by referring to historical data and using an observed value calculated by the monitoring unit, and including at least one of the following: a determination to avoid shutoff of the gas supply by the logical shutoff function of the monitoring unit and an update setting of the shutoff setting value by the shutoff value setting unit. It is characterized by the following.

[0013] In this microcomputer gas meter, The detection unit acquires at least the gas usage flow rate and gas usage time as detected values. The monitoring unit has the following logical shut-off functions: a total flow rate shut-off function which calculates the total flow rate of gas usage over a unit period acquired by the detection unit as one of the observed values, and shuts off the gas supply if it is determined that the calculated total flow rate is greater than the total flow rate shut-off setting value which is one of the shut-off setting values; an increasing flow rate shut-off function which calculates the change in gas usage flow rate over a unit time acquired by the detection unit from the gas usage flow rate over the immediately preceding unit time acquired by the detection unit as one of the observed values, and shuts off the gas supply if it is determined that the calculated change in flow rate is greater than the increasing flow rate shut-off setting value which is one of the shut-off setting values; and a continuous usage time shut-off function which calculates the continuous gas usage time as one of the observed values ​​based on the gas usage time, and shuts off the gas supply if it is determined that the calculated continuous gas usage time is greater than the continuous usage time shut-off setting value which is one of the shut-off setting values. The unnecessary shutoff reduction process revises the conditions for shutting off the gas supply by at least one of the following: total flow rate shutoff function, increasing flow rate shutoff function, and continuous usage time shutoff function.

[0014] In a first embodiment of a microcomputer gas meter, in which a first unnecessary shutoff reduction process is included as an unnecessary shutoff reduction process in some processing programs, The cutoff value setting unit has at least one scheduled execution function, which is either a calendar execution function that performs a process to update the cutoff value on a set date, or a timer execution function that performs a process to update the cutoff value after a set period has elapsed, or a temperature drop execution function that performs a process to update the cutoff value when a rapid drop in temperature is detected. As a process to reduce unnecessary shutoffs, the shutoff value setting unit updates the shutoff setting value, which is performed by at least one of the scheduled execution function and the rapid temperature drop execution function.

[0015] In this first embodiment of the microcomputer gas meter, The no-shutdown reduction process includes a cutoff value change branch process in which, when the gas supply has been shut off by the logic cutoff function in the past or when a reduction relearning has been performed to update the cutoff set value in the decreasing direction by the relearning function in the past, the cutoff set value is temporarily updated with the selected cutoff set value, and depending on the result of checking the observed values within a predetermined confirmation period, the cutoff set value is updated with the selected cutoff set value.

[0016] Also, in the microcomputer gas meter of this first aspect, As another branch process when the no-shutdown reduction process does not execute the cutoff value change branch process, the no-shutdown reduction process includes a cutoff value maintenance branch process in which the cutoff set value is not changed or the cutoff set value temporarily updated with the selected cutoff set value is returned to the cutoff set value before the temporary update.

[0017] Also, in the microcomputer gas meter of the second aspect that includes a second no-shutdown reduction process as the no-shutdown reduction process in some processing programs, The no-shutdown reduction process is executed when the monitoring unit determines that the total flow rate is greater than the total flow rate cutoff set value or the change flow rate is greater than the increase flow rate cutoff set value. In a period that is not the most recent past, a reduction relearning is performed to update the cutoff set value in the decreasing direction by the relearning function. Further, when the total flow rate or the change flow rate is less than or equal to the selected cutoff set value, the no-shutdown reduction process includes a cutoff avoidance branch process in which the monitoring unit is not caused to shut off the gas supply and the cutoff value setting unit is caused to update the cutoff set value with the selected cutoff set value.

[0018] In the microcomputer gas meter of this second aspect, As another branch process when the cutoff avoidance branch process is not executed, the no-shutdown reduction process includes a cutoff execution relearning branch process in which the monitoring unit is caused to shut off the gas supply and the cutoff set value at the time of shutting off the gas supply is used for relearning in the cutoff value setting unit.

[0019] Also, in the microcomputer gas meter of the third aspect that includes a third no-shutdown reduction process as the no-shutdown reduction process in some processing programs, When the monitoring unit determines that the gas continuous usage time is greater than the continuous usage time cutoff setting value, the unnecessary cutoff reduction process is executed. In a period that is not the most recent past, reduction relearning is performed to update the cutoff setting value in the decreasing direction by the relearning function. Further, when the gas continuous usage time is less than or equal to the selected cutoff setting value, the cutoff setting value is updated to the selected cutoff setting value in the cutoff value setting unit without shutting off the gas supply by the monitoring unit. Furthermore, by determining that the monitoring unit stopped before the gas continuous usage time exceeded the selected cutoff setting value, a continuous usage time cutoff avoidance branch process is executed to complete the process without shutting off the gas supply by the monitoring unit.

[0020] In this microcomputer gas meter of the third aspect, In the unnecessary cutoff reduction process, the continuous usage time cutoff avoidance branch process only proceeds during a period that does not exceed a predetermined number of days from a preset predetermined date.

[0021] Also, in this microcomputer gas meter of the third aspect, As another branch process when the continuous usage time cutoff avoidance branch process in the unnecessary cutoff reduction process does not complete, the unnecessary cutoff reduction process includes a continuous usage time cutoff execution relearning branch process that shuts off the gas supply by the monitoring unit and performs relearning using the cutoff setting value when the gas supply is shut off in the cutoff value setting unit.

[0022] In these microcomputer gas meters, As the selected cutoff setting value, it is preferable that the maximum past cutoff setting value or a cutoff value obtained by multiplying a predetermined coefficient by the past generated flow rate is used.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the microcomputer gas meter according to the present invention, by including an unnecessary cutoff reduction process in the processing program executed by the microcomputer, the occurrence of unnecessary cutoffs can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram of a microcomputer gas meter to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the first unnecessary shutoff reduction process performed by the microcontroller in the microcontroller gas meter shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the second unnecessary shutoff reduction process performed by the microcontroller in the microcontroller gas meter shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the third unnecessary shutoff reduction process performed by the microcontroller in the microcontroller gas meter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a microcomputer gas meter 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The microcomputer gas meter 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 1.

[0026] The microcomputer gas meter 1 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a microcomputer 10, and by executing control processing by the microcomputer 10, it measures the amount of gas used at the gas consumer's home C where it is installed, and also executes predetermined safety measures if an abnormality is suspected. This microcomputer gas meter 1 is installed in the middle of a gas pipe P connecting the gas supply source G (for example, an LP gas cylinder) and the gas consumer's home C, and is used to manage the gas supply to the gas consumer's home C. The microcomputer gas meter 1 is configured to measure the gas flow rate using either a membrane type or an ultrasonic type, and is a gas meter belonging to the category called "microcomputer-type flow detection automatic gas shutoff device for liquefied petroleum gas (Type S)" or "microcomputer-type flow detection automatic gas shutoff device for liquefied petroleum gas (Type E)" depending on whether it uses a membrane type or an ultrasonic type.

[0027] The microcomputer gas meter 1 is equipped with a gas flow path 2 for circulating gas internally. The microcomputer gas meter 1 also includes, as electronic devices, a flow detector 3 for detecting the gas flow rate, a shut-off valve 4 capable of blocking the fluid flow, a display module 5 for displaying information externally, an input module 6 for receiving operation instructions from an external source, a communication module 7 for communicating with external devices, and other electronic devices (not shown) such as a seismic sensor for detecting tremors caused by earthquakes, etc., and a temperature measuring instrument for measuring temperature. As mentioned above, the microcomputer gas meter 1 is also equipped with a microcomputer 10 that is electrically connected to these electronic devices and controls the operation of these electronic devices.

[0028] Gas flow path 2 is connected at both ends to a gas pipe P that leads gas from the gas supply source G, and to a gas pipe P that leads gas to the gas consumer's home C. Gas flows through gas flow path 2 just before it is supplied from the gas supply source G to the gas consumer's home C.

[0029] The flow detector 3 is an electronic fluid flow meter installed in the middle of the gas flow path 2 and detects the gas flow rate that flows through the gas flow path 2 and is supplied to the gas consumer's home C. The flow detector 3 outputs the detected gas flow rate as electronic data to the microcontroller 10, which will be described later.

[0030] The shut-off valve 4 is a solenoid valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. It is installed in the middle of the gas flow path 2, and when closed, it can shut off the gas flow in the gas flow path 2 at the location where it is installed. The shut-off valve 4 is switched between the open state and the closed state in response to a command from the microcontroller 10, which will be described later.

[0031] The display module 5 includes a display device such as an indicator or an LCD panel, and electronic data of the display content is provided from the microcontroller 10 (described later) to display information such as usage flow rate, setting status, and operating status to consumers, meter reading businesses, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "users").

[0032] The input module 6 includes various operation buttons and switches, such as a reset button, and receives operation instructions from the user. The input module 6 outputs the operation instructions from the user as electronic data to the microcontroller 10, which will be described later.

[0033] The communication module 7 has both wireless and wired communication capabilities, and can connect the microcomputer gas meter 1 to a computer terminal at a management center M operated by a gas company or the like via a communication network N such as the Internet, enabling it to transmit electronic data such as meter reading results and abnormal information, and receive electronic data such as update programs. In addition, the communication module 7 can be connected to a gas leak alarm K that provides gas leak warnings via voice messages, and can transmit electronic data indicating that a gas leak has occurred when it is detected.

[0034] The microcomputer 10 installed in the microcomputer gas meter 1 is a small computer device called a microcomputer, mainly composed of electronic elements such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. It is electrically connected to the flow detector 3, shut-off valve 4, display module 5, input module 6, communication module 7, and other electronic devices such as seismic sensors and temperature measuring instruments, and controls the operation of these electrically connected electronic devices. The microcomputer 10 has as its main functional units a central processing unit 11, a memory unit 12, a detection unit 13, a monitoring unit 14, a shut-off value setting unit 15, a display unit 16, an input unit 17, and a communication unit 18. In addition, the microcomputer 10 has a calendar function to acquire the date and time, and a timer function and clock function to measure the elapsed time of a set period in a countdown manner, similar to many computer devices.

[0035] The central processing unit 11 is electrically connected to each functional unit and is in charge of microcontroller control processing. It controls each functional unit while performing calculations by the CPU according to the processing program stored in ROM.

[0036] The memory unit 12 is a functional unit mainly composed of memory electronic elements such as ROM and RAM, and has a processing program memory area 12a, a setting value memory area 12b, a history memory area 12c, and a temporary storage data memory area 12d, and stores (stores) data necessary for the central processing unit 11 to execute microcontroller control processing. More specifically, the memory unit 12 stores in each memory area multiple processing programs that define the microcontroller control content, setting data such as block setting values ​​as abnormal judgment values, monitoring level setting values ​​and date setting values, history data such as past block setting values ​​(preferably from at least one year ago) obtained by the learning function of the block value setting unit 15 described later, past block processing history (preferably from at least one year ago) obtained by the monitoring unit 14 described later, detected values ​​detected by the detection unit 13 described later, and observed values ​​calculated by the monitoring unit 14, and other electronic data such as primary storage data necessary to execute control processing. Furthermore, the processing program storage area 12a of the storage unit 12 contains a processing program 12p among several processing programs that includes a process to reduce the occurrence of seasonally unwanted interruptions. The process to reduce unwanted interruptions will be described later.

[0037] The detection unit 13, under the command of the central processing unit 11, continuously acquires detection values ​​indicating the gas usage status at the gas consumer's home C where it is installed. More specifically, the detection unit 13 is electrically connected to the flow rate detector 3 and uses the detection value of the flow rate detector 3 to acquire the gas usage flow rate at the gas consumer's home C. The detection unit 13 also uses the calendar and clock functions of the microcomputer 10 to acquire the gas usage time at the gas consumer's home C. Furthermore, the detection unit 13 is electrically connected to a temperature measuring instrument (not shown) and uses the detection value of the temperature measuring instrument to acquire the temperature at the installation location. The detection unit 13 is also electrically connected to other electronic devices (not shown), such as seismic sensors that detect shaking caused by earthquakes, and acquires detection values ​​from these electronic devices. The detection values ​​acquired by the detection unit 13 are stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12, either entirely as is or aggregated and processed by the central processing unit 11, etc., according to the processing program.

[0038] The monitoring unit 14, under the command of the central processing unit 11, constantly calculates an observed value based on the detected value, monitors whether the calculated observed value exceeds the shut-off setting value, and if it exceeds it, determines that it is an abnormal state and has a logical shut-off function that enables the shut-off of the gas supply as a safety measure. More specifically, the monitoring unit 14 is electrically connected to the shut-off valve 4, constantly acquires the current detected value obtained by the detection unit 13, compares the observed value calculated based on the detected value with the shut-off setting value stored in the setting storage area 12b of the storage unit 12, and when the observed value exceeds the shut-off setting value, determines whether it is an abnormal state according to the processing program. If the monitoring unit 14 ultimately determines that it is an abnormal state, it sends a command to the shut-off valve 4 to close and shut off the gas flow path 2. As a result, the shut-off valve 4 shuts off the flow of gas through the gas flow path 2, and the gas supply to the gas consumer's house C is stopped. To explain further, the monitoring unit 14 has a first logical shut-off function, which calculates the total flow rate of gas usage over a unit period acquired by the detection unit 13 as an observed value, and has a total flow rate shut-off function that enables shut-off of the gas supply if it determines that the calculated total flow rate is greater than the total flow rate shut-off setting value, which is the first shut-off setting value. In addition, the monitoring unit 14 has a second logical shut-off function, which calculates the change in flow rate of gas usage over a unit time acquired by the detection unit 13 from the gas usage rate over a past unit time acquired by the detection unit 13 (for example, the amount of gas used over a unit time acquired in the previous measurement, the amount of gas used over a unit time acquired in the measurement two measurements ago, etc., the amount of gas used over a unit time selected according to a predetermined criterion), and has an increasing flow rate shut-off function that enables shut-off of the gas supply if it determines that the calculated change in flow rate is greater than the increasing flow rate shut-off setting value, which is the second shut-off setting value. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 14 has a third logical shutoff function, which calculates the continuous gas usage time as an observed value based on the gas usage time detected by the detection unit 13, and has a continuous usage time shutoff function that allows the gas supply to be shut off if it is determined that the calculated continuous gas usage time is greater than the continuous usage time shutoff setting value, which is a third shutoff setting value.In addition, the monitoring unit 14 has other shut-off functions, similar to conventional systems, including the logic shut-off function described above, a seismic sensor activation shut-off function that allows the gas supply to be shut off when a seismic sensor (not shown) is activated, a battery voltage drop shut-off function that allows the gas supply to be shut off when the battery voltage driving the device drops, a certification validity period expiration shut-off function that allows the gas supply to be shut off when the date determined by the calendar function of the microcomputer 10 indicates that the certification validity period has expired, and a test shut-off function that allows the gas supply to be shut off experimentally based on instructions from the user via the input module 6. The observed values ​​calculated by the monitoring unit 14 and the history of executed shut-offs are, as appropriate, aggregated and processed by the central processing unit 11, etc., according to the processing program, and stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12.

[0039] The shut-off value setting unit 15 is a functional unit that can update the shut-off setting value, which is stored as an abnormality determination value in the setting value storage area 12b of the storage unit 12. The shut-off value setting unit 15 can update the shut-off setting value to a predetermined value according to a processing program, but it also has a learning function and can update the shut-off setting value to a value obtained by learning the gas consumption pattern at the gas consumer's home C using the learning function. As a learning function, the shut-off value setting unit 15 has an initial learning function that performs initial learning by collecting observed values ​​at the gas consumer's home C for a predetermined period and updates the shut-off setting value from the initial value set at the factory to the initial learning value obtained through initial learning, and a relearning function that automatically relearns based on observed values ​​at the gas consumer's home when predetermined learning conditions are met and updates the shut-off setting value to the relearned value obtained through relearning. Furthermore, the blocking value setting unit 15 has at least one of the following scheduled execution functions: a calendar execution function that uses the calendar function of the microcontroller 10 to perform a process to update the blocking value on a set date, and a timer execution function that uses the timer function of the microcontroller 10 to count down a set period, and when it reaches zero, performs a process to update the blocking value. The learning function will be explained in more detail later. The blocking value updated and set by the blocking value setting unit 15 using the learning function is stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12, either entirely as is or aggregated and processed by the central processing unit 11, etc., according to the processing program.

[0040] The display unit 16 is electrically connected to the display module 5 and provides content to be displayed on the display module 5. More specifically, the display unit 16 provides the display module 5 with display content data indicating usage flow rate, settings, operating status, etc., according to a processing program.

[0041] The input unit 17 is electrically connected to the input module 6 and receives electronic data output by the input module 6 in response to operation instructions from the user. The central processing unit 11 executes a corresponding processing program according to the electronic data received by the input unit 17.

[0042] The communication unit 18 is electrically connected to the communication module 7 and, according to a processing program, provides electronic data to be transmitted to the external device of the communication partner by the communication module 7. The communication unit 18 also receives electronic data received by the communication module 7 from the external device of the communication partner. For example, the communication unit 18 provides the communication module 7 with electronic data indicating meter reading results and abnormal information to be transmitted to the management center M. The communication unit 18 also receives electronic data such as update programs received by the communication module 7 from the management center M. Depending on the electronic data received by the communication unit 18, the central processing unit 11 executes the corresponding processing program, such as installing the update program received by the communication unit 18. The communication unit 18 also provides the communication module 7 with electronic data indicating that a gas leak has occurred to be transmitted to the alarm K.

[0043] The microcomputer-controlled gas meter 1, configured in this way, not only collects data to measure and manage gas usage at the gas consumer's home C, which is installed under microcomputer control as described above, but the monitoring unit 14 also monitors whether the observed value exceeds the shut-off setting value. If it does, it determines whether there is an abnormal condition such as a gas leak and shuts off the gas supply to the gas consumer's home C as a safety measure. Furthermore, in the microcomputer-controlled gas meter 1, the shut-off setting value, which is the determination value for determining whether there is an abnormal condition, takes into account fluctuations in the consumption pattern at the gas consumer's home C. If it is determined that the consumption pattern has changed, the relearning function learns the changed consumption pattern and updates the shut-off setting value to a new value that takes the changed consumption pattern into account. The learning function in the microcomputer-controlled gas meter 1 basically follows the learning function of conventional microcomputer-controlled gas meters. However, in conventional microcomputer-controlled gas meters, relearning by this learning function often results in seasonal unnecessary shut-offs. For this reason, the microcomputer-controlled gas meter 1 has unnecessary shut-off reduction processing defined in some processing programs 12p stored in the memory unit 12 to reduce the occurrence of seasonal unnecessary shut-offs. In the following, we will first explain the learning function of the microcomputer gas meter 1, and then explain the process for reducing unnecessary shutoffs.

[0044] (Learning function) First, let's explain in more detail the learning function of the shut-off value setting unit 15 in the microcomputer gas meter 1. As mentioned above, the learning function of the shut-off value setting unit 15 includes an initial learning function for initial learning and a relearning function for relearning. Furthermore, the relearning function has two types: increasing relearning, which updates the shut-off setting value in an increasing direction, and decreasing relearning, which updates the shut-off setting value in a decreasing direction. Regarding relearning, there is normal mode relearning, which is performed automatically when it is determined that the consumption pattern has changed, and shut-off mode relearning, which is performed when the gas supply is shut off and then restored after being shut off by the logical shut-off function of the monitoring unit 14.

[0045] (1) Initial training In the initial learning function of the cutoff value setting unit 15 of the microcomputer gas meter 1, after the microcomputer gas meter 1 is installed in the gas consumer's home C, various cutoff settings (total flow rate cutoff setting, increased flow rate cutoff setting, continuous usage time cutoff setting) are updated to initial learning values ​​obtained by learning based on the gas consumption pattern of the gas consumer's home C. For example, in initial learning, when a gas flow rate of 21 liters / hour or more is observed in the learning start standby mode, the timer count for initial learning starts. Once initial learning begins, the 14-day initial learning period is divided into an early 3-day period and a later 11-day period, and the cutoff settings are updated according to the consumption pattern. Specifically, in the early 3-day period of initial learning, the total flow rate cutoff setting is 3.4 m 3 / hour, increased flow rate cutoff setting value is 2.5m 3The cutoff setting for continuous use time is set to 720 minutes per hour. Next, during the latter 11 days of initial learning, the total flow cutoff setting is provisionally set to the maximum value of the total flow for the first 3 days × a safety factor of 2.6, the increase flow cutoff setting is provisionally set to the maximum value of the individual flow for the first 3 days × a safety factor of 2.6, and the continuous use time cutoff setting is provisionally set to the longest gas usage time for each flow monitoring category (13 gas consumption categories) for the first 3 days × a safety factor of 2.6. Then, at the end of learning, the total flow cutoff setting is provisionally set to the maximum value of the total flow for the 14 days total (first and second halves) × a safety factor of 2.2, the increase flow cutoff setting is provisionally set to the maximum value of the individual flow for the 14 days total (first and second halves) × a safety factor of 2.2, and the continuous use time cutoff setting is provisionally set to the longest gas usage time for each flow monitoring category (13 gas consumption categories) for the 14 days total (first and second halves) × a safety factor of 2.2.

[0046] During the learning process, if the total flow rate, increased flow rate, or gas usage time exceeds the shut-off setting, the gas supply will be shut off, learning will be stopped, and the system will return to the learning start standby mode. However, if the gas usage time exceeds the shut-off setting, the system will only return to standby mode for relearning the continuous usage time shut-off setting.

[0047] (2) Increased retraining In the increased relearning function of the shut-off value setting unit 15 of the microcomputer gas meter 1, after the shut-off setting value has been updated to match the gas consumption pattern of gas consumer's home C, if the consumption pattern changes and gas consumption increases, various shut-off setting values ​​(total flow rate shut-off setting value, increased flow rate shut-off setting value, continuous usage time shut-off setting value) are updated to relearned values ​​obtained by relearning based on the gas consumption pattern of gas consumer's home C.

[0048] Specifically, in the process of increasing and relearning the total flow rate cutoff setting, 55% of the cutoff setting is set as "Monitoring Level 1," and the "Occurrence Rate Observation Period" (e.g., 7 days) starts when a total flow rate exceeding Monitoring Level 1 but below the cutoff setting is detected. The total flow rate cutoff setting is then provisionally set to the total flow rate at the start of the "Occurrence Rate Observation Period" multiplied by a safety factor of 2.6. With this provisional setting, if a total flow rate exceeding "Monitoring Level 1" but below the cutoff setting is detected at least once a day for two days during the "Occurrence Rate Observation Period" (7 days), including the initial measurement, the total flow rate cutoff setting is updated to a permanent setting of the maximum total flow rate multiplied by a safety factor of 2.2, and Monitoring Level 1 is changed to 55% of the cutoff setting updated with this permanent setting. On the other hand, if, with the total flow rate cutoff setting provisionally set, no total flow rate exceeding "Monitoring Level 1" but below the cutoff setting is detected during the "Occurrence Rate Observation Period" (7 days), other than the initial measurement, the provisional setting is stopped on the 7th day, and the total flow rate cutoff setting is returned to its state before the provisional setting. The process for increasing the flow rate cutoff setting value is the same as the process for increasing the total flow rate cutoff setting value (the process is the same as the explanation for increasing the total flow rate cutoff setting value, but with "total flow rate" replaced by "increased flow rate").

[0049] Specifically, in the process of increasing and relearning the continuous usage time shut-off setting, 37% of the shut-off setting is set as "Monitoring Level 1," and the "Occurrence Rate Observation Period" (e.g., 7 days) starts when gas usage time exceeding Monitoring Level 1 but below the shut-off setting is detected. The continuous usage time shut-off setting is then provisionally set to gas usage time at the start of the "Occurrence Rate Observation Period" × safety factor of 2.6. With this provisional setting, if gas usage time exceeding "Monitoring Level 1" but below the shut-off setting is detected for two days, including the initial measurement at the start of the "Occurrence Rate Observation Period" (7 days), the continuous usage time shut-off setting is updated to a permanent setting of the maximum gas usage time × safety factor of 2.2, and Monitoring Level 1 is changed to 37% of the shut-off setting updated with this permanent setting. On the other hand, if the continuous usage time cutoff setting is provisionally set, and no gas usage time exceeding "monitoring level 1" and below the cutoff setting is detected during the "occurrence rate observation period" (7 days), except for the one instance at the start, the provisional setting will be deactivated on the 7th day, and the continuous usage time cutoff setting will be returned to its state before the provisional setting was applied.

[0050] (3) Decrease relearning In the reduction relearning function of the shut-off value setting unit 15 of the microcomputer gas meter 1, after the shut-off setting value has been updated to match the gas consumption pattern of gas consumer's home C, if the consumption pattern changes and gas consumption decreases, various shut-off setting values ​​(total flow rate shut-off setting value, increased flow rate shut-off setting value, continuous usage time shut-off setting value) are updated to relearned values ​​obtained by relearning based on the gas consumption pattern of gas consumer's home C.

[0051] Specifically, in the relearning of the reduction of the total flow rate shut-off setting, 36% of the shut-off setting is set as "monitoring level 2," and the timer starts when a total flow rate below monitoring level 2 is detected. After the timer starts, if a total flow rate of "monitoring level 2" or higher is detected, the timer is reset. After the timer starts, if a total flow rate below monitoring level 2 is detected for 28 consecutive days without adding days where the gas flow rate was less than 21 liters / hour to the number of days, the total flow rate shut-off setting is updated to a value equal to the maximum total flow rate multiplied by a safety factor of 2.2, and monitoring level 2 is changed to 36% of the shut-off setting value updated with this value. The relearning of the reduction of the increase flow rate shut-off setting is performed in the same way as the relearning of the reduction of the total flow rate shut-off setting (the process is the same as the explanation of the relearning of the reduction of the total flow rate shut-off setting, but with "total flow rate" replaced by "increased flow rate").

[0052] Specifically, in the relearning of the reduced continuous usage time shut-off setting, 36% of the shut-off setting is set as "monitoring level 2," and the timer starts when gas usage time below monitoring level 2 is detected. After the timer starts, if gas usage time of "monitoring level 2" or higher is detected, the timer is reset. After the timer starts, if gas usage time below monitoring level 2 is detected for 28 consecutive days without adding days where the gas flow rate was less than 21 liters / hour, the continuous usage time shut-off setting is updated to a value equal to the maximum gas usage time multiplied by a safety factor of 2.2, and monitoring level 2 is changed to 36% of the shut-off setting value updated with this value.

[0053] (4) Relearning during shutdown mode (Relearning after logical shutdown) In the microcomputer gas meter 1, relearning is performed when the monitoring unit 14 recovers after a logical shutdown caused by its logical shutdown function.

[0054] Specifically, during relearning after logical shutdown, the shut-off valve 4 is first opened, and a safety check for recovery is performed for approximately one minute. If a gas flow rate of 21 liters / hour or more is observed during this safety check, relearning starts. In the case of total flow rate shutdown or increasing flow rate shutdown, the total flow rate shutdown setting value, the increasing flow rate shutdown setting value, and the continuous usage time shutdown setting value are relearned during relearning after logical shutdown. In the case of continuous usage time shutdown, only the continuous usage time shutdown setting value is relearned during relearning after logical shutdown.

[0055] (Unnecessary interruption reduction process) Next, the unnecessary shut-off reduction process will be explained in detail. The unnecessary shut-off reduction process is defined in some processing programs 12p and involves referring to historical data to select a selected shut-off setting value that is larger than the current shut-off setting value, or using an observed value calculated by the monitoring unit 14. This process includes at least one of the following: a decision to avoid shut-off of the gas supply by the logical shut-off function of the monitoring unit 14 and an update setting of the shut-off setting value by the shut-off value setting unit 15. The unnecessary shut-off reduction process reviews the conditions for shut-off of the gas supply by at least one of the total flow rate shut-off function, the increasing flow rate shut-off function, and the continuous usage time shut-off function. In the microcomputer gas meter 1, three patterns of unnecessary shut-off reduction processes, the first to third, are defined as specific unnecessary shut-off reduction processes.

[0056] Figures 2 to 4 are flowcharts showing the unnecessary shutoff reduction process performed by the microcontroller 10 in the microcontroller gas meter 1. Figure 2 shows the first unnecessary shutoff reduction process, Figure 3 shows the second unnecessary shutoff reduction process, and Figure 4 shows the third unnecessary shutoff reduction process. Referring to these figures, the unnecessary shutoff reduction process performed by the microcontroller 10 in the microcontroller gas meter 1 will be explained.

[0057] (1) First unnecessary interruption reduction process The first unnecessary interruption reduction process is applied to reduce the occurrence of unnecessary interruptions in any of the logical interruptions, including total flow interruption, increased flow interruption, and continuous usage time interruption. The interruption value setting unit 15 updates the interruption setting value, and this process is automatically executed on a predetermined date (hereinafter referred to as the "execution date") by either the calendar execution function or the timer execution function of the interruption value setting unit 15 of the microcontroller 10.

[0058] Specifically, the first unnecessary shutoff reduction process uses the settings for the execution date, the first decision period (N1), and the second decision period (N2) to make processing decisions. These settings are predetermined. The initial value for the execution date is set to September 1st, for example, to account for a situation where the number of gas supply shutoffs increases sharply due to a sudden increase in gas usage when the shutoff setting value has decreased through reduction learning, around the beginning of autumn (late September to mid-October) when summer ends and preparations for winter begin. Also, for example, the initial value for the first decision period (N1) is set to 365 days (1 year) to refer to data from the same period of the previous year. Also, for example, the initial value for the second decision period (N2) is set to 60 days to refer to relatively recent data. Note that the initial values ​​for these settings can be different dates or periods (number of days), and these settings can be changed as needed.

[0059] With these settings configured, the first unnecessary interruption reduction process starts its scheduled execution on the execution date set by the calendar function of the microcontroller 10, as shown in Figure 2 (S1).

[0060] When the first unnecessary interruption reduction process starts its scheduled execution (S1), it first refers to the history data stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12 and performs a past logical interruption occurrence determination (S2) to determine whether or not a logical interruption has occurred within the first period (N1).

[0061] Next, if the past logical interruption occurrence determination (S2) determines that no past logical interruption has occurred (been established), the history data stored in the history storage area 12c of the memory unit 12 is referenced to perform a past reduction learning establishment determination (S3), which determines whether or not reduction relearning was established within the first period (N1).

[0062] In both the past logical blocking occurrence determination (S2) and the past reduction learning completion determination (S3), if it is determined that no past logical blocking occurred or that past reduction learning was not completed, the blocking setting value remains unchanged and is not updated (S4), and the first unnecessary blocking reduction process is completed.

[0063] On the other hand, if either the past logical blockage occurrence determination (S2) or the past reduction learning completion determination (S3) determines that a past logical blockage has occurred or that past reduction learning has been completed, the blockage setting value is selected by referring to the history data stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12 and is provisionally set to a selected blockage setting value that is larger than the current blockage setting value (in this embodiment, the past maximum blockage setting value) (S5), and accordingly the display unit 16 changes the display on the display module 5 (S6).

[0064] After the selection block setting value (in this embodiment, the past maximum block setting value) is provisionally set (S5) and the display is changed (S6), a pre-setting determination (S7) is then made to determine whether or not there are any observed values ​​exceeding monitoring level 2 (for monitoring level 2, see the explanation of the learning function above) within the second period (N2).

[0065] If the pre-setting judgment (S7) determines that there are no observed values ​​exceeding monitoring level 2, the shut-off setting value is returned to the original shut-off setting value immediately before the provisional setting (S8). Accordingly, the display unit 16 returns the display module 5 to its original display immediately before the provisional setting (S9), and the first unnecessary shut-off reduction process is completed.

[0066] On the other hand, if the pre-setting determination (S7) determines that there are observed values ​​exceeding monitoring level 2, the blocking setting value is updated to the provisionally set selective blocking setting value (in this embodiment, the past maximum blocking setting value) as the final setting (S10), the history of blocking setting values ​​in the history data stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12 is updated (S10), and the first unnecessary blocking reduction process is completed.

[0067] Thus, the first unnecessary shutoff reduction process includes a shutoff value change branching process in which, if the gas supply has been shut off by the logical shutoff function in the past year or if the shutoff setting value has been reduced and relearned by the relearning function in the past year, the shutoff setting value is temporarily updated to a selected shutoff setting value, and the shutoff setting value is updated to a selected shutoff setting value depending on the results of checking the observed values ​​within a predetermined confirmation period.

[0068] Furthermore, the first unnecessary blocking reduction process includes, as an alternative branching process when the blocking value change branching process is not executed, a blocking value maintenance branching process that either does not change the blocking setting value or returns the blocking setting value that was temporarily updated with the selected blocking setting value back to the blocking setting value before the temporary update.

[0069] The above example of the first unnecessary interruption reduction process is an example in which scheduled execution starts on the execution date set by the calendar function of the microcontroller 10 (S1). However, for the first unnecessary interruption reduction process, it is also possible to start scheduled execution (S1) after the period set by the timer function of the microcontroller 10 has elapsed. In that case, the processing after the determination of past logical interruption occurrence (S2) is the same as when scheduled execution is started by the calendar function.

[0070] (2) Second unnecessary interruption reduction process The second unnecessary shutoff reduction process is applied to reduce the occurrence of unnecessary shutoffs for total flow rate shutoff and increased flow rate shutoff. When the observed value exceeds the shutoff setting value, logical shutoff by the shutoff value setting unit 15 is not performed unconditionally. Instead, a decision is made on whether or not to perform a shutoff, and logical shutoff is performed only if necessary.

[0071] Specifically, the second unnecessary interruption reduction process uses the settings for the first decision period (N1) and the second decision period (N2) to make its processing decisions. These settings are predetermined. For example, the initial value of the first decision period (N1) is set to 365 days (1 year) to refer to data from the same period of the previous year. Also, for example, the initial value of the second decision period (N2) is set to 30 days to refer to data from relatively recent times. Note that the initial values ​​of these settings may be different periods (number of days), and these settings can be changed as appropriate.

[0072] With these settings configured, the second unnecessary interruption reduction process starts when the monitoring unit 14 begins monitoring the total flow rate and the increasing flow rate using the total flow rate interruption function and the increasing flow rate interruption function, as shown in Figure 3 (S20).

[0073] The second unnecessary cutoff reduction process starts (S20), and when the monitoring unit 14 determines that the observed values ​​(total flow rate, increased flow rate) have exceeded the cutoff setting value (S21), the monitoring unit 14 refers to the history data stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12 and performs a past cutoff learning success determination (S22) to determine whether cutoff relearning has been achieved between the first period (N1) and the second period (N2).

[0074] In the past reduction learning success determination (S22), if it is determined that reduction learning has been successful in the past, a blockage avoidance determination (S23) is performed, which determines whether the current total flow rate and increase flow rate are less than or equal to a selected blockage setting value (in this embodiment, the past maximum blockage setting value) which is greater than the current blockage setting value, by referring to the history data stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12.

[0075] If the blocking avoidance judgment (S23) determines that the current observed value is less than or equal to the selective blocking setting value, then in this process, the monitoring unit 14 will not perform logical blocking, and the blocking value setting unit 15 will update the blocking setting value to the selective blocking setting value (S24). Accordingly, the display unit 16 will change the display on the display module 5 (S25), the second unnecessary blocking reduction process will be completed, and the monitoring unit 14 will resume monitoring in normal mode.

[0076] On the other hand, if the past decrease learning is not established in the past decrease learning establishment judgment (S22), or if the current observed value is determined to be greater than the selected shut-off setting value in the shut-off avoidance judgment (S23), the monitoring unit 14 determines that total flow shut-off or increased flow shut-off is established, and the gas supply to gas consumer's house C is logically shut off (S26), completing the second unnecessary shut-off reduction process. In addition, when the system is restored after total flow shut-off is established or after increased flow shut-off is established, the aforementioned relearning of the shut-off mode (relearning after logical shut-off) is performed.

[0077] Thus, the second unnecessary shutoff reduction process is executed when the monitoring unit 14 determines that the total flow rate is greater than the total flow rate shutoff setting value or that the change in flow rate is greater than the increase flow rate shutoff setting value. This process includes a decrease relearning function that updates the shutoff setting value in a decreasing direction over a period of at least one year in the past, but not the most recent period. Furthermore, if the total flow rate or change in flow rate is less than or equal to the selected shutoff setting value, the monitoring unit 14 does not shut off the gas supply, and the shutoff value setting unit 15 updates the shutoff setting value to the selected shutoff setting value.

[0078] Furthermore, the second unnecessary shutoff reduction process includes a shutoff execution relearning branch process as an alternative branch process when the shutoff avoidance branch process is not executed. This branch process causes the monitoring unit 14 to shut off the gas supply and the shutoff value setting unit 15 to relearn using the shutoff setting value at the time the gas supply was shut off.

[0079] (3) Third unnecessary interruption reduction process The third unnecessary interruption reduction process is applied to reduce the occurrence of unnecessary interruptions during continuous usage time interruption. When the observed value exceeds the interruption setting value, logical interruption by the interruption value setting unit 15 is not performed unconditionally. Instead, a decision is made on whether or not to perform interruption, and logical interruption is performed only if necessary.

[0080] Specifically, the third unnecessary interruption reduction process uses the settings for the first judgment period (N1), second judgment period (N2), third judgment period (N3), and predetermined date for processing decisions. These settings are predetermined. For example, the initial value of the first judgment period (N1) is set to 365 days (1 year) to refer to data from the same period of the previous year. Also, for example, the initial value of the second judgment period (N2) is set to 30 days to refer to relatively recent data. Also, for example, the initial value of the third judgment period (N3) is set to 120 days to refer to data from a relatively medium period. Note that the initial values ​​of these settings may be different periods (number of days), and these settings can be changed as appropriate.

[0081] With these settings configured, the third unnecessary interruption reduction process starts when the monitoring unit 14 begins monitoring for continuous usage time interruption using the continuous usage time interruption function, as shown in Figure 4 (S30).

[0082] The third unnecessary shutdown reduction process is started (S30), and when the monitoring unit 14 determines that the observed value (usage time) has exceeded the shutdown setting value (S31), the monitoring unit 14 refers to the history data stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12 and performs a past shutdown learning completion determination (S32) to determine whether shutdown relearning has been completed between the first period (N1) and the second period (N2).

[0083] If the past reduction learning success determination (S32) determines that reduction learning has occurred in the past, then the next step is to determine whether the day on which the observed value (gas usage time) is determined to have exceeded the shut-off setting value (S31) falls within the third determination period (N3) from a predetermined date. This determination is made in order to confirm the shut-off avoidance period (S33).

[0084] In the shutdown avoidance period confirmation determination (S33), if it is determined that the date is within the third determination period (N3) from a predetermined date, then a provisional shutdown avoidance determination (S34) is performed, in which the current usage time is selected by referring to the history data stored in the history storage area 12c of the storage unit 12 and it is determined whether or not it is less than or equal to a selected shutdown setting value (in this embodiment, the past maximum shutdown setting value) which is greater than the current shutdown setting value.

[0085] If the preliminary blockage avoidance judgment (S34) determines that the current observed value is less than or equal to the selective blockage setting value, then logical blockage will not be performed by the monitoring unit 14 in this process. Instead, the blockage value setting unit 15 will update the blockage setting value to the selective blockage setting value (S35). Subsequently, the monitoring unit 14 will perform a final blockage avoidance judgment (S36) to determine whether the observed value (usage time) has stopped without exceeding the selective blockage setting value. If it has stopped without exceeding the value, the third unnecessary blockage reduction process will be completed, and the monitoring unit 14 will resume monitoring in normal mode.

[0086] On the other hand, if the past reduction learning is not established in the past reduction learning establishment judgment (S32), if the shut-off avoidance period confirmation judgment (S33) is determined to be outside the third judgment period (N3) from the predetermined date, if the current observed value is determined to be greater than the selected shut-off setting value in the provisional shut-off avoidance judgment (S34), or if the observed value (usage time) exceeds the selected shut-off setting value in the final shut-off avoidance judgment (S36), the monitoring unit 14 determines that continuous usage time shut-off is established, the gas supply to gas consumer's house C is logically shut off (S37), and the third unnecessary shut-off reduction process is completed. In addition, upon recovery after continuous usage time shut-off is established, the aforementioned relearning of the shut-off mode (relearning after logical shut-off) is performed.

[0087] Thus, the third unnecessary shutoff reduction process is executed when the monitoring unit 14 determines that the continuous gas usage time is greater than the continuous usage time shutoff setting value. A decrease relearning process is performed to update the shutoff setting value in a direction that decreases over a period of at least one year in the past, but not the most recent period. Furthermore, if the continuous gas usage time is less than or equal to the selected shutoff setting value, the monitoring unit 14 does not shut off the gas supply, but instead causes the shutoff value setting unit 15 to update the shutoff setting value to the selected shutoff setting value. In addition, the monitoring unit 14 determines that the gas usage time stopped before it exceeded the selected shutoff setting value, thereby executing a continuous usage time shutoff avoidance branch process that completes the process without shutting off the gas supply.

[0088] Furthermore, the third unnecessary shutoff reduction process includes a continuous usage time shutoff execution relearning branch process, which is another branch process if the continuous usage time shutoff avoidance branch process is not completed. This branch process causes the monitoring unit 14 to shut off the gas supply and the shutoff value setting unit 15 to relearn using the shutoff setting value at the time the gas supply was shut off.

[0089] (Effects / Actions)

[0090] As described above, the microcomputer gas meter 1 includes a detection unit 13 that constantly acquires detected values ​​indicating the gas usage status, a monitoring unit 14 that constantly monitors whether the observed value exceeds the shut-off setting value and has a logical shut-off function that enables shut-off of the gas supply if it does, a shut-off value setting unit 15 that can update the shut-off setting value and has a learning function that includes an initial learning function that updates the shut-off setting value from the initial value set at the factory to an initial learning value obtained through initial learning, and a relearning function that automatically relearns based on observed values ​​at the gas consumer's home and updates the shut-off setting value to the relearned value, and a storage unit 12 that stores a processing program for the microcomputer 10 to execute control processing, a shut-off setting value that the monitoring unit 14 refers to when monitoring, and observed values ​​calculated by the monitoring unit 14. As a result, the microcomputer gas meter 1 is configured as a gas meter that, under the control of the microcomputer 10, measures the amount of gas used at the gas consumer's home C where it is installed, and can execute predetermined safety measures when an abnormality is suspected using a shut-off setting value that is updated as appropriate considering the gas usage pattern at the gas consumer's home C. Furthermore, in the microcomputer gas meter 1, the memory unit 12 stores historical data of shut-off setting values ​​that have been updated by the relearning function of the past shut-off value setting unit 15, and the processing program defines an unnecessary shut-off reduction process that includes at least one of the following: a determination to avoid shut-off of the gas supply by the logical shut-off function of the monitoring unit 14 and an update setting of the shut-off setting value by the shut-off value setting unit 15, using a selected shut-off setting value that is larger than the current shut-off setting value, selected from the shut-off setting values ​​set in the past by referring to the historical data.

[0091] Thus, in the microcomputer gas meter 1, where the processing program includes a process to reduce unnecessary shutoffs, conventionally, for example, if the observed value exceeds the shutoff setting value that has been reduced and relearned during the summer, the monitoring unit 14 would immediately perform a logical shutoff, and the supply of gas to the gas consumer's home C would be shut off. However, with the unnecessary shutoff reduction process, the reduced and relearned shutoff setting value is reviewed in anticipation of a sudden increase in gas consumption expected seasonally based on past gas usage, or it is determined whether the reason the observed value exceeded the shutoff setting value is a seasonal unnecessary shutoff due to an increase in seasonal gas usage at a point where the shutoff setting value has been lowered through reduction and relearning. A logical shutoff is performed only when it is determined that it is not a seasonal unnecessary shutoff. Therefore, with the microcomputer gas meter 1, in addition to measuring the amount of gas used at the gas consumer's home C by control by the microcomputer 10 as in the conventional method, it is possible to execute predetermined safety measures when an abnormality is suspected using a shutoff setting value that is updated as appropriate considering the gas usage pattern at the gas consumer's home C, and the occurrence of unnecessary shutoffs can be reduced.

[0092] Furthermore, in this microcomputer gas meter 1, the detection unit 13 acquires the gas usage flow rate and gas usage time as detected values, and the monitoring unit 14 has a logical shut-off function that allows the gas supply to be shut off when it is determined that the total flow rate calculated based on the gas usage flow rate is greater than the total flow rate shut-off setting value, an increasing flow rate shut-off function that allows the gas supply to be shut off when it is determined that the change in flow rate calculated based on the gas usage flow rate is greater than the increasing flow rate shut-off setting value, and a continuous usage time shut-off function that allows the gas supply to be shut off when it is determined that the continuous usage time calculated based on the gas usage time is greater than the continuous usage time shut-off setting value. Through unnecessary shut-off reduction processing, the conditions for shutting off the gas supply based on at least one of the total flow rate shut-off function, increasing flow rate shut-off function, and continuous usage time shut-off function are reviewed. As a result, the microcomputer gas meter 1 can reduce the occurrence of unnecessary shut-offs for the shut-off functions whose shut-off conditions have been reviewed.

[0093] Furthermore, this microcomputer gas meter 1 has at least one of the scheduled execution functions: a calendar execution function that executes a process to update the shut-off setting value on the date set by the shut-off value setting unit 15, and a timer execution function that executes a process to update the shut-off setting value after the period set by the shut-off value setting unit 15 has elapsed. As the update of the shut-off setting value by the shut-off value setting unit 15 as the first unnecessary shut-off reduction process in the processing program is executed by the scheduled execution function, it is possible to review the shut-off setting value in order to systematically reduce the occurrence of unnecessary shut-offs in advance of a seasonal surge in gas consumption that is expected based on past gas usage.

[0094] The first unnecessary shutoff reduction process in this microcomputer gas meter 1 includes a shutoff value change branch process in which, if gas supply has been shut off in the past by the logical shutoff function or if a decrease relearning process has been performed in the past where the shutoff setting value has been updated in the direction of decreasing the shutoff setting value by the relearning function, the shutoff setting value is temporarily updated to a selected shutoff setting value, and the shutoff setting value is updated to a selected shutoff setting value depending on the results of checking the observed values ​​within a predetermined confirmation period. On the other hand, the first unnecessary shutoff reduction process also includes a shutoff value maintenance branch process as another branch process when the shutoff value change branch process is not executed, which either does not change the shutoff setting value or returns the temporarily updated shutoff setting value to the shutoff setting value before the temporary update. In other words, the first unnecessary shutoff reduction process checks the seasonal gas flow rate fluctuations of each gas consumer C's home, and the shutoff setting value is reset only for gas consumer C's home where unnecessary shutoff is a concern. As a result, the microcomputer gas meter 1 can avoid relaxing unnecessary shutoff setting conditions.

[0095] Furthermore, the second unnecessary shutoff reduction process in this microcomputer gas meter 1 includes a shutoff avoidance branch process in the processing program that is executed when the monitoring unit 14 determines that the total flow rate is greater than the total flow rate shutoff setting value or when the change in flow rate is greater than the increase flow rate shutoff setting value. This process performs a decrease relearning over a period that is not the most recent, and if the total flow rate or change in flow rate is less than or equal to the selected shutoff setting value, the monitoring unit 14 does not shut off the gas supply, and the shutoff value setting unit 15 updates the shutoff setting value to the selected shutoff setting value. On the other hand, the second unnecessary shutoff reduction process also includes a shutoff execution relearning branch process as an alternative branch process when the shutoff avoidance branch process is not executed, which causes the monitoring unit 14 to shut off the gas supply and the shutoff value setting unit 15 to relearn using the shutoff setting value at the time the gas supply was shut off. In other words, the second unnecessary shutoff reduction process determines whether the reason the observed gas flow rate exceeds the shutoff setting value is due to seasonal unnecessary shutoff. If it is determined that it is not due to seasonal unnecessary shutoff, a shutoff avoidance branch process is performed to avoid unnecessary shutoff and set the shutoff setting value so that seasonal unnecessary shutoff is less likely to occur again. If it is determined that it is not due to seasonal unnecessary shutoff, a logical shutoff is performed by a shutoff execution relearning branch process. As a result, the microcomputer gas meter 1 can avoid seasonal unnecessary shutoff while still being able to shut off properly when it is not due to seasonal unnecessary shutoff, thereby reducing the occurrence of unnecessary shutoffs related to gas flow rate while ensuring safety.

[0096] Furthermore, the third unnecessary shutoff reduction process in this microcomputer gas meter 1 is executed when the monitoring unit 14 determines that the continuous gas usage time is greater than the continuous usage time shutoff setting value. A decrease relearning process is performed to update the shutoff setting value in the direction of decreasing it using a relearning function over a period that is not the most recent in the past. If the continuous gas usage time is less than or equal to the selected shutoff setting value, the monitoring unit 14 does not shut off the gas supply, and the shutoff value setting unit 15 updates the shutoff setting value to the selected shutoff setting value. The monitoring unit 14 is then made to determine that the gas usage time stopped before it exceeded the selected shutoff setting value, thereby completing the process without shutting off the gas supply to the monitoring unit 14. This continuous usage time shutoff avoidance branching process proceeds only for a period that does not exceed a predetermined number of days from a predetermined date. On the other hand, the third unnecessary shutoff reduction process includes a continuous usage time shutoff execution relearning branch process as an alternative branch process when the continuous usage time shutoff avoidance branch process is not completed. This branch process causes the monitoring unit 14 to shut off the gas supply and the shutoff value setting unit 15 to relearn using the shutoff setting value at the time the gas supply was shut off. In other words, the third unnecessary shutoff reduction process determines whether the reason the observed value related to gas usage time exceeds the shutoff setting value is due to seasonal unnecessary shutoff. If it is determined that it is not due to seasonal unnecessary shutoff, a shutoff avoidance branch process is performed to avoid unnecessary shutoff and set the shutoff setting value so that seasonal unnecessary shutoff is less likely to occur again. If it is determined that it is not due to seasonal unnecessary shutoff, a logical shutoff is performed by the continuous usage time shutoff execution relearning branch process. As a result, the microcomputer gas meter 1 can avoid seasonal unnecessary shutoff while still being able to shut off properly when it is not due to seasonal unnecessary shutoff, thereby reducing the occurrence of unnecessary shutoffs related to gas usage time while ensuring safety.

[0097] Furthermore, in this microcomputer gas meter 1, the past maximum shut-off setting value is used as the selective shut-off setting value in these unnecessary shut-off reduction processes. Therefore, with the microcomputer gas meter 1, the effect of reducing unnecessary shut-offs can be further enhanced, and a high level of safety can be ensured by using a shut-off setting value that was previously set safely.

[0098] [Other forms] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, and for example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0099] (1) The quantities, ratios, locations, specific numerical values, number of times, dates, periods, etc., set values, functional classifications of each functional part, observation contents, processing procedures, electrical connection methods, communication partners, etc., described in the above embodiments are examples and can be changed within the scope that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0100] (2) In the embodiments described above, the past maximum shut-off setting value was used as the selective shut-off setting value in the unnecessary shut-off reduction process. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The selective shut-off setting value only needs to be a value greater than the current shut-off setting value. For example, the selective shut-off setting value may be a shut-off value obtained by multiplying the past generated gas flow rate by a predetermined coefficient, or it may be a past shut-off setting value that is the second largest among the shut-off setting values ​​set in the past by referring to historical data, or it may be a value obtained by multiplying the current shut-off setting value by a predetermined coefficient of 1 or more.

[0101] (3) In the embodiments described above, the microcomputer gas meter 1 had three patterns of unnecessary shut-off reduction processing, the first to the third. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processing program may define one of the first to the third unnecessary shut-off reduction processing. Also, for example, the shut-off value setting unit 15 may be configured to have a rapid temperature drop execution function that executes a process to update the shut-off setting value when the temperature drops sharply from the temperature detected by the temperature measuring instrument (not shown) (for example, a drop of 5 degrees). A fourth unnecessary shut-off reduction processing is to be executed to update the shut-off setting value triggered by a rapid temperature drop. In the fourth unnecessary shut-off reduction processing, when it is detected that the temperature has dropped by 5 degrees or more, the same processing as the past logical shut-off occurrence determination (S2) and subsequent processes of the first unnecessary shut-off reduction processing (see Figure 2) is executed.

[0102] (4) In the embodiments described above, the central processing unit 11, storage unit 12, detection unit 13, monitoring unit 14, cutoff value setting unit 15, display unit 16, input unit 17, and communication unit 18 are described as being configured as a microcontroller 10 in a single package, but it is not limited to each functional unit being in a single package. For example, these functional units may be divided into multiple packages. Also, for example, the storage unit may be divided into multiple packages, including a separate package such as a memory chip. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 1...Microcomputer gas meter, 2...Gas flow path, 3...Flow rate detector, 4...Shut-off valve, 5...Display module, 6...Input module, 7...Communication module, 10...Microcomputer, 11...Central processing unit, 12...Storage unit, 12a...Processing program storage area, 12b...Setting value storage area, 12c...History storage area, 12d...Temporary storage data storage area, 12p...Processing program (with unnecessary shut-off reduction processing defined), 13...Detection unit, 14...Monitoring unit, 15...Shut-off value setting unit, 16...Display unit, 17...Input unit, 18...Communication unit, C...Gas consumer's home, G...Gas supply source, K...Alarm, M...Management center, N...Communication network, P...Gas pipe

Claims

1. A microcomputer-controlled gas meter is equipped with a microcomputer that, through control by the microcomputer, measures the amount of gas used at the gas consumer's home where it is installed, and also performs predetermined safety measures if an abnormality is suspected. A detection unit that continuously acquires detection values ​​indicating the gas usage status at the gas consumer's home, A monitoring unit has a logical shut-off function that constantly calculates an observed value based on the detected value acquired by the detection unit, monitors whether the observed value exceeds the shut-off setting value which is an abnormality judgment value, and if it exceeds it determines that an abnormal state exists, and enables the shut-off of the gas supply as a safety measure. A shut-off value setting unit has a learning function that allows the shut-off setting value to be updated, and which includes an initial learning function that collects observed values ​​from the gas consumer's home for a predetermined period of time to perform initial learning, and updates the shut-off setting value from the initial value set at the factory to the initial learning value obtained through the initial learning, and a relearning function that automatically relearns based on observed values ​​from the gas consumer's home when predetermined learning conditions are met, and updates the shut-off setting value to the relearned value obtained through the relearning, The microcontroller has multiple processing programs for executing control processing, the monitoring unit has a blockage setting value that it refers to when monitoring, the monitoring unit has an observed value calculated by the monitoring unit, and the storage unit stores historical data based on the blockage setting value that the blockage value setting unit has previously updated and set by the learning function. Equipped with, Some of the processing programs among the aforementioned multiple processing programs are defined to include an unnecessary shutoff reduction process that, by referring to the historical data, selects a selected shutoff setting value from among the previously set shutoff setting values ​​and which is larger than the current shutoff setting value, or uses an observed value calculated by the monitoring unit, and includes at least one of the following: a determination to avoid shutoff of the gas supply by the logical shutoff function of the monitoring unit and an update setting of the shutoff setting value by the shutoff value setting unit. A microcomputer-controlled gas meter characterized by the following features.

2. In the microcomputer gas meter according to claim 1, The detection unit acquires at least the gas usage flow rate and gas usage time as detected values. The monitoring unit has the following logical shut-off functions: a total flow rate shut-off function which calculates the total flow rate of gas usage over a unit period acquired by the detection unit as one of the observed values, and shuts off the gas supply when it is determined that the calculated total flow rate is greater than the total flow rate shut-off setting value which is one of the shut-off setting values; an increasing flow rate shut-off function which calculates the change in gas usage flow rate over a unit time acquired by the detection unit from the gas usage flow rate over the immediately preceding unit time acquired by the detection unit as one of the observed values, and shuts off the gas supply when it is determined that the calculated change in flow rate is greater than the increasing flow rate shut-off setting value which is one of the shut-off setting values; and a continuous usage time shut-off function which calculates the continuous gas usage time as one of the observed values ​​based on the gas usage time, and shuts off the gas supply when it is determined that the calculated continuous gas usage time is greater than the continuous usage time shut-off setting value which is one of the shut-off setting values. The aforementioned unnecessary shutoff reduction process revises the conditions for shutting off the gas supply by at least one of the total flow rate shutoff function, the increasing flow rate shutoff function, and the continuous usage time shutoff function. Microcomputer-controlled gas meter.

3. In the microcomputer gas meter according to claim 1, The cutoff value setting unit has at least one of the scheduled execution functions: a calendar execution function that performs a process to update the cutoff value on a set date, and a timer execution function that performs a process to update the cutoff value after a set period has elapsed; or a temperature drop execution function that performs a process to update the cutoff value when a rapid drop in temperature is detected. The update setting of the shut-off setting value by the shut-off value setting unit as the unnecessary shut-off reduction process is performed by at least one of the scheduled execution function and the rapid temperature drop execution function. Microcomputer-controlled gas meter.

4. In the microcomputer gas meter according to claim 3, The aforementioned unnecessary shutoff reduction process includes a shutoff value change branching process in which, if the gas supply has been shut off in the past by the logical shutoff function or if the shutoff setting value has been updated in the past by the relearning function in a direction that decreases the shutoff setting value, the shutoff setting value is temporarily updated to a selected shutoff setting value, and the shutoff setting value is updated to the selected shutoff setting value depending on the results of checking the observed values ​​within a predetermined confirmation period. Microcomputer-controlled gas meter.

5. In the microcomputer gas meter according to claim 4, The aforementioned unnecessary blocking reduction process includes, as an alternative branching process when the blocking value change branching process is not executed, a blocking value maintenance branching process that either does not change the blocking setting value or returns the blocking setting value that was temporarily updated with the selected blocking setting value back to the blocking setting value before the temporary update. Microcomputer-controlled gas meter.

6. In the microcomputer gas meter according to claim 2, The aforementioned unnecessary shutoff reduction process is executed when the monitoring unit determines that the total flow rate is greater than the total flow rate shutoff setting value or that the change in flow rate is greater than the increase flow rate shutoff setting value. A decrease relearning process is performed in which the shutoff setting value is updated in a direction that decreases using the relearning function over a period that is not the most recent past. Furthermore, if the total flow rate or change in flow rate is less than or equal to the selected shutoff setting value, the monitoring unit is not shut off the gas supply, and the shutoff value setting unit is updated to set the shutoff setting value to the selected shutoff setting value. Microcomputer-controlled gas meter.

7. In the microcomputer gas meter according to claim 6, The aforementioned unnecessary shutoff reduction process includes, as an alternative branching process when the shutoff avoidance branching process is not executed, a shutoff execution relearning branching process that causes the monitoring unit to shut off the gas supply and the shutoff value setting unit to relearn using the shutoff setting value at the time the gas supply was shut off. Microcomputer-controlled gas meter.

8. In the microcomputer gas meter according to claim 2, The aforementioned unnecessary shutoff reduction process is executed when the monitoring unit determines that the continuous gas usage time is greater than the continuous usage time shutoff setting value. A decrease relearning process is performed in which the shutoff setting value is updated in a direction that decreases using the relearning function over a period that is not the most recent past. Furthermore, if the continuous gas usage time is less than or equal to the selected shutoff setting value, the monitoring unit is instructed to update the shutoff setting value to the selected shutoff setting value without shutting off the gas supply. The monitoring unit is then instructed to determine that the gas usage time stopped before it exceeded the selected shutoff setting value, thereby executing a continuous usage time shutoff avoidance branch process that completes the process without shutting off the gas supply. Microcomputer-controlled gas meter.

9. In the microcomputer gas meter according to claim 8, The branching process to avoid continuous usage time interruption in the aforementioned unnecessary interruption reduction process is completed only for a period that does not exceed a predetermined number of days from a predetermined predetermined date. Microcomputer-controlled gas meter.

10. In the microcomputer gas meter according to claim 9, The aforementioned unnecessary shutoff reduction process includes, as an alternative branching process when the continuous usage time shutoff avoidance branching process is not completed, a continuous usage time shutoff execution relearning branching process that causes the monitoring unit to shut off the gas supply and the shutoff value setting unit to relearn using the shutoff setting value at the time the gas supply was shut off. Microcomputer-controlled gas meter.

11. In the microcomputer gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A microcomputer-controlled gas meter that uses the past maximum shut-off setting value as the selective shut-off setting value.

12. In the microcomputer gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A microcomputer-controlled gas meter uses a selective shut-off setting value for gas flow, which is obtained by multiplying the past generated gas flow rate by a predetermined coefficient.

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