Ultrasonic water meter and water management server

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic water meter that reduces the risk of wireless communication devices, which are deactivated at the time of factory shipment, failing to activate after being installed on-site. [Solution] The ultrasonic water meter 2 comprises a pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22 that propagate through the metering channel 21a so that one can transmit ultrasonic waves and the other can receive them, a wireless communication device 24 for wireless communication with the water management server 3, and a control device 25 that controls the operation of the mounted electronic equipment. The control device 25 includes a metering processing unit 25A that can detect whether the metering channel 21a is full or not based on signals from the pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22 and meter the tap water W, a communication processing unit 25B that enables wireless communication with the water management server 3, and an activation processing unit 25C that, after being installed on site, when the metering processing unit 25A detects that the metering channel 21a is full, activates the wireless communication device 24 instructing the communication processing unit 25B to activate the wireless communication device 24.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic water meter for measuring water usage, and a water management server capable of managing water usage and notifying abnormal states related to water usage based on data from the ultrasonic water meter.

Background Art

[0002] As a device for grasping water usage, an ultrasonic water meter is known that uses a pair of ultrasonic transceivers installed on the upstream side and the downstream side to measure the tap water flowing in the metering flow path from the difference between the propagation time of ultrasonic waves from the upstream ultrasonic transceiver to the downstream ultrasonic transceiver and the propagation time of ultrasonic waves from the downstream ultrasonic transceiver to the upstream ultrasonic transceiver. In addition, among water meters, so-called IoT (Internet of Things) type meters are known, which are equipped with a wireless communication device and can transmit various data including measured values to a water management server installed at a management company or the like that manages water usage. Such IoT-type water meters have increasingly emerged as multifunctional devices that do not only measure water usage.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 disclosed by the applicant of the present application discloses a water meter (electronic water meter) provided with a wireless communication device and a communication processing unit (communication unit) for transmitting data to a water management server (water usage status monitoring system) capable of realizing abnormality detection operations and monitoring operations suitable for each tap water usage location based on the water usage status at each tap water usage location. This water meter not only measures water usage, but also has a function of detecting abnormal states based on the measured values. As shown in Patent Document 1, in recent years, water management servers have been required not only to aggregate water usage and manage billing therefor, but also to notify abnormal states related to water usage.

[0004] In the case of water meters, they are powered by batteries, but their lifespan is set at eight years according to the Measurement Law. As the number of functions increases, the battery power consumption also increases, so various measures are taken to extend the battery life. As one such measure, the conventional water meters provided by the applicant have their wireless communication devices, which consume a relatively large amount of power, deactivated when they leave the factory. Then, when these water meters are installed on-site, the wireless communication devices are activated by the installer (operator) using a magnet. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-153721 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, since the magnetic operation is used for purposes other than activating the wireless communication device, the operator of the magnetic operation must carefully perform the intended operation while checking the LED or LCD display on the water meter. However, in environments with direct sunlight, it is difficult to distinguish the color of the LED display and whether it is lit, blinking, or off, and in environments with direct sunlight, it is difficult to distinguish the display pattern on the LCD display at night. With conventional water meters, there was a risk that the wireless communication device would not be activated due to human error during the magnetic operation. In the case of the water management server, if the wireless communication device on the connected water meter is not activated, it is not possible to collect data from the water meter in real time, making it difficult to notify of real-time abnormal conditions regarding water usage.

[0007] In view of these points, the object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic water meter that reduces the risk of wireless communication devices, which are deactivated at the time of factory shipment, not being activated after being installed on-site. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a water management server that can notify of real-time abnormal conditions related to water usage based on data obtained in real time from an ultrasonic water meter equipped with such a wireless communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the ultrasonic water meter according to the present invention is: A measuring pipe having a measuring channel formed for flowing the tap water to be measured, A pair of ultrasonic transceivers are arranged on the upstream and downstream sides of the metering pipe, each capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic waves transmitted by one are received by the other as they propagate through the metering channel. After being installed on-site and activated, the wireless communication device is used to communicate wirelessly with a water management server located at a remote location. A control device is electrically connected to the onboard electronic equipment, including a pair of ultrasonic transceivers and wireless communication devices, and controls the operation of the electronic equipment. Equipped with, The control device, as a functional processing unit that performs control processing to enable various functions, comprises at least: A pair of ultrasonic transceivers can detect whether the inside of the metering channel is full or not from the ultrasonic waveform signals received by the pair of ultrasonic transceivers, and a metering processing unit can measure the tap water flowing through the metering channel and calculate the measured value from the ultrasonic waveform signals received by the pair of ultrasonic transceivers, A communication processing unit activates the wireless communication device and causes it to communicate wirelessly with the water management server, including transmitting meter readings. After being installed on-site, the metering processing unit periodically detects whether the inside of the metering channel is full or empty. When the metering processing unit detects that the inside of the metering channel is full, it activates the wireless communication device in the communication processing unit. Having, It is characterized by the following.

[0009] In this ultrasonic water meter, The control device stores in advance the number of times it has determined the need for a water outage warning, in order to decide whether a water outage warning is necessary. The metering unit has a water outage warning determination function that detects a non-full water state by utilizing the fact that one of a pair of ultrasonic transceivers cannot receive the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the other, and determines that a water outage warning is required if a non-full water state is detected for the number of consecutive water outage warning determinations. The communication processing unit causes the activated wireless communication device to transmit the judgment result from the water outage warning judgment function of the metering processing unit to the water management server.

[0010] Furthermore, in this ultrasonic water meter, The control device stores in advance the freeze warning judgment setting value and freeze warning judgment conditions for determining the need for a freeze warning. The metering processing unit has a water temperature measurement function that measures water temperature by utilizing the change in propagation speed of ultrasonic waves due to water temperature, and a freezing warning judgment function that monitors the water temperature measured by the water temperature measurement function by comparing it with a set value for freezing warning judgment, predicts the occurrence of freezing according to the freezing warning judgment conditions, and determines whether or not a freezing warning state is in place. The communication processing unit causes the activated wireless communication device to transmit the measured values ​​from the metering processing unit's water temperature measurement function and the judgment results from the metering processing unit's freeze warning judgment function to the water management server.

[0011] In determining whether a freezing warning is in effect, for example, the metering unit can determine that a freezing warning is in effect when the water temperature measured by the water temperature measurement function falls below the set value for a predetermined number of consecutive times.

[0012] Furthermore, in this ultrasonic water meter, The control device is capable of storing the water temperature measured by the metering unit using the water temperature measurement function for at least the most recent predetermined number of times. The communication processing unit causes the activated wireless communication device to periodically transmit periodic water temperature report data, which shows the most recent predetermined number of water temperatures stored by the control device, to the water management server. It is preferable.

[0013] Further, the water management server according to the present invention is a water management server that receives various data transmitted from a water meter equipped with a wireless communication device, and mainly manages water usage based on the received various data.

[0014] This water management server includes, As the various data transmitted from the water meter, a server-side communication unit that receives at least one of the judgment result by the water cutoff warning judgment function, the judgment result by the freezing warning judgment function, and the periodic water temperature report data of the metering processing unit transmitted from one or a plurality of the above-described ultrasonic water meters, A water abnormality information notification unit that generates water abnormality information including at least one of water cutoff warning information and freezing warning information using at least one of the judgment result by the water cutoff warning judgment function, the judgment result by the freezing warning judgment function, and the periodic water temperature report data received by the server-side communication unit, and notifies the generated water abnormality information, It is characterized by comprising.

[0015] In this water management server, the water abnormality information generated by the water abnormality information notification unit is at least one of individual house water abnormality information at the consumer premises where the transmitting ultrasonic water meter is installed, and regional water abnormality information in the area including the consumer premises where the transmitting ultrasonic water meter is installed.

Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the ultrasonic water meter of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk that the wireless communication device, which is set to a stopped state at the time of factory shipment, will not be activated after being installed on site. Therefore, according to the water management server of the present invention, it is possible to obtain data in real time from the reliably activated ultrasonic water meter, and to notify a real-time abnormal state related to water usage based on the obtained data.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the system configuration of a water supply management system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the process from the shipment of the ultrasonic water meter according to the embodiment to the start of operation for water supply management. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the system configuration of a water supply management system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the water supply management system 1 includes an ultrasonic water meter 2 and a water supply management server 3 capable of wireless communication with the ultrasonic water meter 2, and is a system in which the ultrasonic water meter 2 and the water supply management server 3 cooperate to mainly manage water usage. In the water supply management system 1, the ultrasonic water meter 2 is installed at a consumer's residence H that uses tap water, measures the usage amount of tap water W at the consumer's residence H, and automatically transmits various data including the measured value to the water supply management server 3 installed at a remote location via a communication line N such as an Internet line using a wireless communication function. Further, in the water supply management system 1, the water supply management server 3 is a computer server installed on the side of a water supply supplier or an operator entrusted by the water supply supplier (referred to as "management company B") for management related to water usage, receives various data including measured values from the ultrasonic water meter 2, calculates water charges based on the received measured values, and performs management related to water usage such as billing for water charges and confirming payment status.

[0019] The ultrasonic water meter 2 is configured as a so-called U-shaped ultrasonic flow meter, and as shown in Figure 1, it comprises a measuring pipe 21 for carrying the tap water W to be measured, a pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22 (upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A, downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B) for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves U, a pair of reflectors 23 (upstream reflector 23A, downstream reflector 23B) for reflecting ultrasonic waves U, a wireless communication device 24 for wireless communication, a control device 25 for controlling the electronic equipment mounted on the ultrasonic water meter 2, and a resin case 26 that encloses most of these components. The ultrasonic water meter 2 also includes a display device and input device (not shown) that serve as an interface with the operator. This ultrasonic water meter 2 can measure the amount of tap water W flowing through the measuring pipe 21 from the difference in propagation time of ultrasonic waves U detected by the pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22A and 22B that make up the pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22.

[0020] The measuring pipe 21 is, for example, a metal pipe made of brass, and has a linear measuring channel 21a inside its circumferential wall for flowing the tap water W to be measured. The measuring pipe 21 also has two openings: an upstream opening 21b located on the upstream side of the inner circumferential wall surface of the measuring channel 21a, and a downstream opening 21c located on the downstream side. The measuring pipe 21 also has connection ports 21d at both ends in the flow direction for connecting to pipes through which the tap water W flows.

[0021] The pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22 consists of an upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A positioned upstream of the metering pipe 21 and a downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B positioned downstream of the metering pipe 21. The upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A is positioned at the upstream opening 21b of the metering pipe 21 such that the transmission and reception direction of the ultrasonic waves U is perpendicular to the flow direction, and the ultrasonic waves U propagate at the height of the central axis of the metering channel 21a. The downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B is positioned at the downstream opening 21c of the metering pipe 21 such that the transmission and reception direction of the ultrasonic waves U is perpendicular to the flow direction, and the ultrasonic waves U propagate at the height of the central axis of the metering channel 21a. The upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A and the downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B each include an ultrasonic transmitting unit containing an ultrasonic transmitting element capable of transmitting (transmitting) ultrasonic waves U, and an ultrasonic receiving unit containing an ultrasonic receiving element for receiving ultrasonic waves U. The upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A and the downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B can each transmit ultrasonic waves U from the ultrasonic transmitting section of one ultrasonic transceiver and receive the ultrasonic waves U that have traveled through the propagation path at the ultrasonic receiving section of the other ultrasonic transceiver. The upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A and the downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B each transmit ultrasonic waves U based on a transmitted waveform signal indicating time and intensity, in response to a command from the control device 25 described later, and output a received waveform signal indicating the time and intensity of the received ultrasonic waves U to the control device 25 described later.

[0022] The pair of reflectors 23 consists of an upstream reflector 23A facing the upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A and a downstream reflector 23B facing the downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B. The pair of reflectors 23 are placed in the metering channel 21a of the metering pipe 21, and the reflective surfaces formed on their surfaces reflect the ultrasonic waves U transmitted from one ultrasonic transmitting unit of the pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22 to guide them to the other ultrasonic receiving unit of the pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22.

[0023] The wireless communication device 24 is an electronic device and a communication module capable of wireless communication using mobile communication technology, such as an LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication module. The wireless communication device 24 communicates wirelessly with the water management server 3, which will be described later, located at a distant location such as the management company B, via a communication line N such as the Internet using a long-range communication antenna 24a. After receiving control processing from the communication processing unit 25B of the control device 25, described later, it can transmit various data such as metering values ​​to the water management server 3, and receive management system data from the water management server 3 and transfer it to the control device 25. The wireless communication device 24 is shipped from the factory in a deactivated state from the standpoint of battery life, and is activated after being installed on-site to communicate wirelessly with the water management server 3 located at a distance. The wireless communication device 24 is automatically activated by the control device 25, which will be described later.

[0024] The control device 25 is a computer device having an arithmetic element and a memory element. The arithmetic element executes a processing program stored in the memory element to enable the ultrasonic water meter 2 to perform various functions. In other words, the control device 25 is electrically connected to the electronic equipment mounted on the ultrasonic water meter 2, such as the upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A, the downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B, the wireless communication device 24, the display device, and the input device, and controls the operation of these electronic equipment to enable the ultrasonic water meter 2 to function. Furthermore, when the control device 25 executes various processes according to the processing program, it stores in the memory element not only the computer program but also various judgment setting values ​​and conditions used for judgment in advance. Specifically, the control device 25 stores in advance at least the freezing warning judgment setting value and freezing warning judgment condition for determining the necessity of a freezing warning, as well as the full-water / not-full-water state judgment condition and the number of water outage warning judgments for determining the necessity of a full-water / not-full-water state and water outage warning. The control device 25 also temporarily stores various data generated when executing various processes in the memory element until it is erased. Specifically, the control device 25 can store not only the data from the current measurement but also a predetermined number of past measurements, including the measured value calculated by the metering processing unit 25A (described later) and the water temperature measured by the metering processing unit 25A using the water temperature measurement function.

[0025] Furthermore, the control device 25 is a function processing unit that performs control processing to enable the various functions of the ultrasonic water meter 2, and mainly includes a metering processing unit 25A for measuring the amount of tap water W to be measured, a communication processing unit 25B for operating the wireless communication device 24, and a startup processing unit 25C that gives commands to start the wireless communication device 24. In addition, the control device 25 has other processing units, such as a display processing unit for displaying information on a display device and an input processing unit for receiving input from an input device, but processing units other than the metering processing unit 25A, communication processing unit 25B, and startup processing unit 25C can be the same as in the conventional system, so their explanation is omitted.

[0026] The metering unit 25A controls the time and intensity of the ultrasonic waves U that are repeatedly transmitted alternately (for example, alternately every second) to the upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A and the downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B. The metering unit 25A has a metering function that calculates a metered value using the propagation time difference between the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves U from upstream to downstream and the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves U from downstream to upstream, which are obtained from the received waveform signals indicating the time and intensity of the ultrasonic waves U received by the upstream ultrasonic transceiver 22A and the downstream ultrasonic transceiver 22B, and repeatedly measures the flow rate of tap water W flowing through the metering channel 21a.

[0027] Furthermore, the metering processing unit 25A utilizes the fact that the water volume sensor is ultrasonic, and can detect whether the metering channel 21a is full or not from the ultrasonic received waveform signal received by the pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22. Specifically, the metering processing unit 25A can detect the not-full state by utilizing the fact that the ultrasonic wave U transmitted by one of the pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22 cannot be received by the other. The metering processing unit 25A also has a water outage warning determination function that determines that a water outage warning is in effect if it detects a not-full state for a number of consecutive times that the control device 25 has pre-stored water outage warning determination count. In addition, the metering processing unit 25A utilizes the fact that the water volume sensor is ultrasonic, and has a water temperature measurement function that measures the water temperature by utilizing the change in the propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave U due to the water temperature. Furthermore, the metering processing unit 25A monitors the water temperature measured by the water temperature measurement function by comparing it with a freeze warning determination setting value pre-stored by the control device 25, predicts the occurrence of freezing according to the freeze warning determination conditions pre-stored by the control device 25, and has a freeze warning determination function that determines whether or not a freeze warning is in effect. In the freezing warning determination function, for example, the metering processing unit 25A may determine that a freezing warning is required if the water temperature measured by the water temperature measurement function falls below the set value for a predetermined number of consecutive times. In this specification, "full water state" means a state in which the metering channel 21a is filled with a predetermined amount or more of tap water W, and does not necessarily mean that the metering channel 21a is completely filled with tap water W. Also, "not full water state" means that the metering channel 21a is not in a "full water state".

[0028] The communication processing unit 25B controls the operation of the wireless communication device 24, including activating it, and causes the wireless communication device 24 to perform wireless communication. The communication processing unit 25B controls the transmission of various data to the water management server 3, which is located at a distance and described later, via the activated wireless communication device 24. Specifically, the communication processing unit 25B causes the activated wireless communication device 24 to transmit the measured values ​​from the metering function of the metering processing unit 25A, the judgment results from the water outage warning judgment function, the measured values ​​from the water temperature measurement function, and the judgment results from the freezing warning judgment function to the water management server 3. In particular, if the metering processing unit 25A determines that a water outage warning is required by the water outage warning judgment function, or determines that a freezing warning is required by the freezing warning judgment function, the communication processing unit 25B immediately makes a call to the water management server 3. Furthermore, the communication processing unit 25B causes the activated wireless communication device 24 to periodically (for example, every day) transmit periodic water temperature report data, which indicates the most recent predetermined number of water temperatures stored by the control device 25, to the water management server 3. The communication processing unit 25B also controls the reception of management system data and abnormal information data from the water management server 3.

[0029] The startup processing unit 25C, after the ultrasonic water meter 2 is installed on site, instructs the metering processing unit 25A to periodically detect whether the inside of the metering channel 21a is full or empty. When the metering processing unit 25A detects that the inside of the metering channel 21a is full, it instructs the communication processing unit 25B to activate the wireless communication device 24. In other words, with the ultrasonic water meter 2, the communication processing unit 25B automatically activates the wireless communication device 24 at the command of the startup processing unit 25C, eliminating the need for the installer (operator) to activate the wireless communication device using a magnet, as is the case with conventional water meters.

[0030] The resin case 26 is a resin case that exposes the connection port 21d of the measuring pipe 21 and surrounds the central part of the measuring pipe 21, a pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22, a pair of reflectors 23, a wireless communication device 24, and a control device 25.

[0031] The ultrasonic water meter 2 configured in this way not only has a water usage measurement function, but also a warning function in which, when the metering processing unit 25A of the control device 25 determines that a water outage warning state is in effect or a freeze warning state is in effect, the communication processing unit 25B sends a call to the water management server 3 via wireless communication using the wireless communication device 24, and a periodic data collection reporting function that periodically transmits periodic water temperature reporting data, making it a more functional water meter than conventional models.

[0032] As mentioned above, the water management server 3 is a computer server installed on the side of management company B, which primarily manages water usage based on the various data transmitted from water meters equipped with wireless communication devices. This water management server 3 includes a server-side communication unit 31 that receives data from ultrasonic water meters 2 as water meters, a water usage management unit 32 that manages the water used W based on the measured values ​​received by the server-side communication unit 31, and a water abnormality information notification unit 33 that notifies of abnormal conditions when an abnormality related to water usage is detected.

[0033] The server-side communication unit 31 receives various data transmitted from the wireless communication devices 24 of one or more ultrasonic water meters 2, including metered values ​​from the metering function of the metering processing unit 25A, judgment results from the water outage warning judgment function, measured values ​​from the water temperature measurement function, and judgment results from the freezing warning judgment function, as well as periodic water temperature report data indicating the most recent predetermined number of water temperatures stored in the control device 25.

[0034] The water usage management unit 32 calculates water usage and water charges based on the metered values ​​received by the server-side communication unit 31, and manages the water used W, including checking the billing and payment status of water charges.

[0035] The water supply anomaly information notification unit 33 uses at least one of the judgment results from the water outage warning judgment function, the freezing warning judgment function, and the periodic water temperature report data received by the server-side communication unit 31 to generate water supply anomaly information, which includes at least one of the water outage warning information and the freezing warning information, and notifies the generated water supply anomaly information. The water supply anomaly information generated by this water supply anomaly information unit 33 is, for example, individual household water supply anomaly information to warn about water outages or freezing at the customer's house H where the transmitted ultrasonic water meter 2 is installed. Alternatively, it is, for example, regional water supply anomaly information to warn about water outages or freezing in the area including the customer's house H where the transmitted ultrasonic water meter 2 is installed.

[0036] Thus, the water management server 3, which not only manages the tap water W used but also notifies of water supply abnormalities such as water outage warnings and freezing warnings, must obtain information from the ultrasonic water meter 2 installed on-site in real time or near real time. To achieve this, it is important that the ultrasonic water meter 2 installed on-site is enabled for wireless communication and begins operation for water management. Next, we will explain how to install the ultrasonic water meter 2 that has been set up to begin operation in this manner.

[0037] (Installation of ultrasonic water meter 2) Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the flow from the shipment of the ultrasonic water meter 2 in the water management system 1 to the commencement of operation for water management. The following describes the process from the installation of the ultrasonic water meter 2 on site to the commencement of operation, referring to Figure 2.

[0038] After the ultrasonic water meter 2 is manufactured in the factory and undergoes a shipping inspection, the wireless communication device 24 is deactivated and the data is initialized to extend battery life, as described above, before shipment (S1).

[0039] The ultrasonic water meter 2, which has been shipped (S1), is installed (S2) at the site (customer's house H) by the installer (operator).

[0040] Once the ultrasonic water meter 2 is installed on site (S2), the water supply is activated by the installer and tap water W is supplied to the customer's house H (S3). At this point, the ultrasonic water meter 2 begins measuring via the metering processing unit 25A, and during this process, the startup processing unit 25C issues an instruction, causing the metering processing unit 25A to detect whether the metering channel 21a is full or not (S4).

[0041] When the metering processing unit 25A starts metering and detects that the metering channel 21a is full (S5), the activation processing unit 25C instructs the communication processing unit 25B to activate the wireless communication device 24 (S6), and the communication processing unit 25B activates the wireless communication device 24 (S7). As a result, the ultrasonic water meter 2 automatically activates the wireless communication device 24 after it has been installed on site.

[0042] The ultrasonic water meter 2, whose wireless communication device 24 has been automatically activated, begins communication with the water management server 3 (S8), and begins operation for water management by periodically or in the event of an abnormality, transmitting various data to the water management server 3, including the measured value from the measuring function of the measuring processing unit 25A, the judgment result from the water outage warning judgment function, the measured value from the water temperature measurement function, and the judgment result from the freeze warning judgment function, as well as periodic water temperature report data showing the water temperature for the most recent predetermined number of times stored by the control device 25 (S9).

[0043] (Effects / Actions) As explained above, the ultrasonic water meter 2 comprises a measuring pipe 21 in which a measuring channel 21a is formed, a pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22 that propagate through the measuring channel 21a and receive ultrasonic waves U transmitted by one, a wireless communication device 24 for wireless communication with the water management server 3, and a control device 25 that controls the operation of the mounted electronic equipment. The control device 25 comprises a measuring processing unit 25A that measures the amount of tap water W flowing through the measuring channel 21a from the ultrasonic reception waveform signals received by the pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22 and calculates the measured value, and a communication processing unit 25B that causes the wireless communication device 24 to wirelessly communicate with the water management server 3. As a result, the ultrasonic water meter 2 can not only measure the amount of water used at the customer's house H in which it is installed, but can also automatically transmit the measured value to the water management server 3, making it a so-called IoT type water meter that allows water usage to be managed without the meter reader having to visit the customer's house H, thus offering high convenience. Furthermore, the ultrasonic water meter 2 utilizes the ultrasonic method to enable the metering processing unit 25A to detect whether the metering channel 21a is full or empty from the ultrasonic received waveform signals of a pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22. This function provides convenience not found in conventional water meters. For example, while the wireless communication device 24 is activated after installation at the site due to battery life considerations, the ultrasonic water meter 2 has an activation processing unit 25C that, after installation at the site, causes the metering processing unit 25A to periodically detect whether the metering channel 21a is full or empty. When the metering processing unit 25A detects that the metering channel 21a is full, it instructs the communication processing unit 25B to activate the wireless communication device 24. Therefore, the ultrasonic water meter 2 does not require the installer (operator) to operate the magnet to activate the wireless communication device 24, eliminating the possibility of the wireless communication device 24 failing to activate due to human error. Therefore, the ultrasonic water meter 2 reduces the risk that the wireless communication device 24, which is deactivated at the time of factory shipment, will not be activated after it is installed on site.

[0044] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic water meter 2, the control device 25 stores in advance the number of times a water outage warning has been determined to determine the need for a water outage warning. The metering processing unit 25A has a water outage warning determination function that detects a non-full state by utilizing the fact that one of the pair of ultrasonic transceivers 22 transmits an ultrasonic wave U and the other cannot receive it. If the non-full state is detected for the number of consecutive water outage state determinations, it determines that a water outage warning is required. The communication processing unit 25B activates a wireless communication device 24 and transmits the determination result of the metering processing unit 25A's water outage warning determination function to the water management server 3. Thus, the ultrasonic water meter 2 can provide useful information regarding water usage, such as notifying abnormal conditions like a water outage warning state, in addition to its water usage measurement function. The ultrasonic water meter 2 can also be used, for example, to investigate whether or not there is a water outage during a disaster.

[0045] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic water meter 2, The control device 25 stores in advance a freeze warning judgment setting value and freeze warning judgment conditions for determining the need for a freeze warning. The metering processing unit 25A has a water temperature measurement function that measures water temperature using the change in propagation speed of ultrasonic U due to water temperature, and a freeze warning judgment function that monitors the water temperature measured by the water temperature measurement function by comparing it with the freeze warning judgment setting value, predicts the occurrence of freezing according to the freeze warning judgment conditions, and determines whether or not a freeze warning is required. The communication processing unit 25B activates a wireless communication device 24 and transmits the measured value from the metering processing unit 25A's water temperature measurement function and the judgment result from the metering processing unit 25A's freeze warning judgment function to the water management server 3. Specifically, if the water temperature measured by the metering processing unit 25A's water temperature measurement function falls below the freeze warning judgment setting value for a predetermined number of consecutive times, the freeze warning judgment function determines that a freeze warning is required. As a result, the ultrasonic water meter 2 can provide useful information regarding water usage, such as notifying abnormal conditions like freezing, in addition to its water usage measurement function.

[0046] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic water meter 2, the control device 25 can store at least the most recent predetermined number of water temperatures measured by the water temperature measurement function of the metering processing unit 25A, and the communication processing unit 25B activates a wireless communication device 24 to periodically transmit periodic water temperature report data, which shows the most recent predetermined number of water temperatures stored by the control device 25, to the water management server 3. As a result, the ultrasonic water meter 2 can provide the water management server 3 with data that is useful for predicting the occurrence of freezing with greater accuracy.

[0047] On the other hand, the water management server 3 is equipped with a server-side communication unit 31 that receives at least one of the following from the metering processing unit 25A transmitted from one or more of the ultrasonic water meters 2: the result of a water outage warning, the result of a freeze warning, and periodic water temperature report data. This allows the water management server 3 to reliably obtain data in real time from the ultrasonic water meters 2. Furthermore, the water management server 3 is equipped with a water anomaly information notification unit 33 that uses at least one of the following received from the server-side communication unit 31: the result of a water outage warning, the result of a freeze warning, and periodic water temperature report data to generate water anomaly information, which includes at least one of the water outage warning information and the freeze warning information, and notifies the generated water anomaly information. This allows the water management server 3 to notify of real-time anomalies related to water usage based on data obtained in real time from the ultrasonic water meters 2 that are reliably activated. The water supply anomaly information generated by this water supply anomaly information notification unit 33 is at least one of the following: individual water supply anomaly information at the customer's house H where the transmitted ultrasonic water meter 2 is installed, or regional water supply anomaly information for the area including the customer's house H where the transmitted ultrasonic water meter 2 is installed. This information indicates a high risk of water supply disruption, and users of the water supply management server 3 may be able to avoid such problems by obtaining anomaly information in real time. Therefore, the water supply management server 3 can notify abnormal conditions in addition to managing water usage, and can increase added value by providing useful information regarding water usage.

[0048] [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.

[0049] (1) The shapes, positions, sizes, specific values ​​used in the processing, and processing details described in the above embodiments are illustrative examples and can be modified within the scope that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0050] (2) In the embodiments described above, the control device 25 was described as having a metering processing unit 25A, a communication processing unit 25B, and a startup processing unit 25C. However, this does not mean that these processing units 25A to C are physically separated. For example, these processing units 25A to C may be physically composed of a CPU, memory, and peripheral circuits integrated on a single board, or they may be composed of multiple boards. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1...Water management system, 2...Ultrasonic water meter, 3...Water management server, 21...Measuring pipe, 21a...Measuring channel, 21b...Upstream opening, 21c...Downstream opening, 21d...Connection port, 22...Pair of ultrasonic transceivers, 22A...Upstream ultrasonic transceiver, 22B...Downstream ultrasonic transceiver, 23...Pair of reflectors, 23A...Upstream reflector, 23B...Downstream reflector, 24...Wireless communication device, 24a...Long-distance communication antenna, 25...Control device, 25A...Measuring processing unit, 25B...Communication processing unit, 25C...Startup processing unit, 26...Resin case, 31...Server-side communication unit, 32...Water usage management unit, 33...Water abnormality information notification unit, B...Management company, H...Customer's home, N...Communication line, U...Ultrasonic, W...Tap water

Claims

1. A measuring pipe having a measuring channel formed for flowing the tap water to be measured, A pair of ultrasonic transceivers are arranged on the upstream and downstream sides of the metering pipe, each capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and which propagate within the metering channel, with one transmitting ultrasonic waves and the other receiving them. After being installed on-site and activated, the wireless communication device is used to communicate wirelessly with a water management server located at a remote location. A control device is electrically connected to the pair of ultrasonic transceivers and the wireless communication device, and other mounted electronic devices, and controls the operation of the electronic devices, Equipped with, The control device, as a function processing unit that performs control processing to enable various functions, includes at least: A pair of ultrasonic transceivers can detect whether the inside of the measuring channel is full or not from the ultrasonic waveform signals received by the pair of ultrasonic transceivers, and a measuring processing unit can measure the tap water flowing through the measuring channel and calculate the measured value from the ultrasonic waveform signals received by the pair of ultrasonic transceivers, A communication processing unit that activates the wireless communication device and causes the wireless communication device to perform wireless communication with the water management server, including transmitting the measured values, After being installed on site, the metering processing unit periodically detects whether the inside of the metering channel is full or not, and when the metering processing unit detects that the inside of the metering channel is full, it causes the communication processing unit to activate the wireless communication device, and the activation processing unit Having, An ultrasonic water meter characterized by the following features.

2. In the ultrasonic water meter described in claim 1, The control device stores in advance the number of times it has determined the need for a water outage warning, The metering unit has a water outage warning determination function that detects a non-full water state by utilizing the fact that one of the pair of ultrasonic transceivers cannot receive the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the other, and determines that a water outage warning state is in effect if the non-full water state is detected for the number of consecutive water outage warning determinations. The communication processing unit causes the activated wireless communication device to transmit the judgment result of the water outage warning judgment function of the metering processing unit to the water management server. Ultrasonic water meter.

3. In the ultrasonic water meter described in claim 2, The control device pre-stores a freeze warning judgment setting value and freeze warning judgment conditions for determining the necessity of a freeze warning. The metering unit has a water temperature measurement function that measures water temperature by utilizing the change in propagation speed of ultrasonic waves due to water temperature, and a freezing warning determination function that monitors the water temperature measured by the water temperature measurement function by comparing it with the freezing warning determination setting value, predicts the occurrence of freezing according to the freezing warning determination conditions, and determines whether or not a freezing warning state is in place. The communication processing unit causes the activated wireless communication device to transmit the measured value from the water temperature measurement function of the metering processing unit and the judgment result from the freezing warning judgment function of the metering processing unit to the water management server. Ultrasonic water meter.

4. In the ultrasonic water meter described in claim 3, The metering unit determines, based on the freezing warning determination function, that the water temperature measured by the water temperature measurement function falls below the freezing warning determination setting value for a predetermined number of consecutive times, and that the water is in a state requiring freezing. Ultrasonic water meter.

5. In the ultrasonic water meter described in claim 3, The control device is capable of storing the water temperature measured by the metering unit using the water temperature measurement function for at least the most recent predetermined number of times. The communication processing unit causes the activated wireless communication device to periodically transmit periodic water temperature report data, which indicates the most recent predetermined number of water temperatures stored by the control device, to the water management server. Ultrasonic water meter.

6. A water management server that receives various data transmitted from a water meter equipped with a wireless communication device and primarily manages water usage based on the received data, The server-side communication unit receives, as various data, at least the judgment result of the water outage warning judgment function of the metering processing unit, the judgment result of the freezing warning judgment function, and the periodic water temperature report data transmitted from one or more ultrasonic water meters according to claim 5, A water supply anomaly information notification unit generates water supply anomaly information, which includes at least water supply outage warning information and freezing warning information, using at least the judgment result from the water outage warning judgment function, the judgment result from the freezing warning judgment function, and the periodic water temperature report data received by the server-side communication unit, and notifies the generated water supply anomaly information. A water management server characterized by having the following features.

7. In the water management server according to claim 6, The water supply anomaly information generated by the water supply anomaly information notification unit is at least one of the following: individual household water supply anomaly information at the customer's home where the transmitted ultrasonic water meter is installed, and regional water supply anomaly information for the area including the customer's home where the transmitted ultrasonic water meter is installed. Water management server.

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