Monitoring Device and Monitoring Method

Abstract

To provide a monitoring device to acquire a meter replacement record more accurately than before; and to provide a monitoring method.SOLUTION: A monitoring device 3 comprises: an instruction receiving part 304 that receives, by reading meter to be monitored, a first instruction indicating replacement start or a second instruction indicating replacement completion; a replacement pre-reading value acquisition part 305 that acquires, as a replacement pre-reading value, a read value by the reading meter when the first instruction is received if the instruction receiving part 304 receives the first instruction to a meter 1; a replacement date acquisition part 306 that acquires, as a replacement date of the reading meter, a date of receiving the first instruction if the instruction receiving part 304 receives the first instruction to the reading meter; and a replacement post-reading value acquisition part 307 that acquires, as a replacement post-reading value, a read value by the reading meter when the second instruction is received if the instruction receiving part 304 receives the second instruction to the reading meter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a monitoring device and a monitoring method for monitoring and meter reading of meters.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a monitoring system for centrally monitoring and meter reading meter terminals (hereinafter simply referred to as meters) such as gas meters and water meters by a central monitoring device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By meter reading of this meter, the usage amount of the target object (water, gas, electricity, etc.) in the target period (meter reading period) is obtained, and the obtained usage amount is used for billing claims against the user (tenant, etc.) of the target object.

[0003] Incidentally, it is legally stipulated that the above meters are to be replaced every certain period (for example, every 8 to 10 years) regardless of the billing claims against the user. Generally, records regarding meter replacement (hereinafter referred to as meter replacement records) are input into the monitoring device for each meter by an operator and managed by the monitoring device. Here, the meter replacement record is, for example, the meter replacement date, the reading value before replacement, and the reading value after replacement. The reading value before replacement is the reading value of the meter at the start of the meter replacement operation, and the reading value after replacement is the reading value of the meter at the end of the replacement operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a billing target monitoring system, when there is a meter exchange within the target period, in order to calculate the correct usage amount of the target object, an operator may manually input the meter exchange record into the monitoring device. However, the meter exchange work is often carried out at night when the user is not using the target object. During that time period, an operator who is not proficient in facility management may be responsible for inputting the meter exchange record. In such a case, there is a problem that an operator who is not proficient in facility management may misinput the meter exchange record into the monitoring device.

[0006] This invention is made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a monitoring device capable of acquiring meter exchange records more accurately than before.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The monitoring device according to this invention includes an instruction reception unit that receives a first instruction indicating the start of exchange or a second instruction indicating the end of exchange for each meter to be monitored, an exchange pre-reading value acquisition unit that, when the first instruction for the meter is received by the instruction reception unit, acquires the reading value of the meter at the time when the first instruction is received as the pre-exchange reading value, an exchange date acquisition unit that, when the first instruction for the meter is received by the instruction reception unit, acquires the date when the first instruction is received as the exchange date of the meter, and an exchange post-reading value acquisition unit that, when the second instruction for the meter is received by the instruction reception unit, acquires the reading value of the meter at the time when the second instruction is received as the post-exchange reading value. The exchange date acquisition unit acquires the date when the second instruction is received when the second instruction for the meter is received by the instruction reception unit, Check whether the date when the second instruction was received is different from the date when the first instruction was received, which was obtained by the exchange date acquisition unit. and when the date when the second instruction is received is different from the date when the first instruction is received, which is acquired by the exchange date acquisition unit, the date when the second instruction is received is acquired as the exchange date of the meter.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, since it is configured as described above, it is possible to obtain meter exchange records more accurately than before.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a monitoring system including a monitoring device according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring system includes one or more needle detectors 1, one or more controllers 2, one or more sub - controllers 2b, and a monitoring device 3. The needle detector 1 is connected to the sub - controller 2b via a communication line. The sub - controller 2b is connected to the controller 2 via a communication line. Also, the controller 2 is connected to the monitoring device 3 via a communication line. In FIG. 1, one needle detector 1, one sub - controller 2b, and one controller 2 are shown.

[0012] The needle detector 1 updates the meter value according to the usage amount of the target object and transmits data indicating the current meter value to the sub - controller 2b. Examples of the target object include fluids such as water or gas, or electricity. The needle detector 1 is composed of, for example, a communication meter or a pulse meter.

[0013] For example, the communication meter updates the meter value by increasing the reading value by one when a certain amount of the target object is used. Then, the communication meter transmits data (telegram) indicating the current meter value to the sub - controller 2b, for example, at the timing when the meter value is updated.

[0014] Also, the pulse meter updates the meter value by increasing the reading value by one when a certain amount of the target object is used, and transmits a pulse signal indicating the current meter value to the sub - controller 2b, for example, at the timing when the meter value is updated.

[0015] The sub - controller 2b manages the target needle detector 1. For example, when the needle detector 1 is a communication meter, the sub - controller 2b receives data (telegram) from the communication meter and acquires the meter value indicated by the data. Also, when the needle detector 1 is a pulse meter, the sub - controller 2b receives a pulse signal from the pulse meter and acquires the meter value indicated by the pulse signal. Then, the sub - controller 2b updates the current meter value with the acquired meter value and transmits data indicating the current meter value to the controller 2 via communication such as Modbus or PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) in response to an acquisition request from the controller 2, for example.

[0016] The controller 2 manages the target needle detector 1 via the sub - controller 2b. For example, the controller 2 makes an acquisition request for the meter value to the sub - controller 2b at a predetermined period (e.g., every 10 seconds), receives data from the sub - controller 2b, and acquires the meter value indicated by the data, that is, the meter value transmitted from the needle detector 1 to the sub - controller 2b as a reading value. Then, the controller 2 updates the current reading value with the acquired reading value. And the controller 2 transmits data indicating the current reading value to the monitoring device 3 via communication such as BACnet (Building Automation and Control Network) in response to an acquisition request from the monitoring device 3, for example.

[0017] Note that as the needle detector 1, sub - controller 2b, and controller 2, existing needle detectors, sub - controllers, and controllers can be used.

[0018] The monitoring device 3 monitors and needles the target needle detector 1 via the controller 2 and the sub - controller 2b. As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 3 includes a holding unit 301, an acquisition unit 302, a usage calculation unit 303, an instruction reception unit 304, a pre - replacement reading acquisition unit 305, an exchange date acquisition unit 306, a post - replacement reading acquisition unit 307, a display control unit 308, and a display unit 309.

[0019] The holding unit 301 holds various data handled by the monitoring device 3. The holding unit 301 is constituted by an SSD (Solid State Drive), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a memory, or the like.

[0020] The holding unit 301 holds various information (such as a meter ID, etc.) regarding the target stitch counter 1 as a metering point of the stitch counter 1. Further, the holding unit 301 holds data indicating the read value acquired by the acquisition unit 302 in time series as metering point data.

[0021] Further, the holding unit 301 holds data indicating the usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit 303 in time series as stitch counter data. Further, the holding unit 301 holds data indicating the pre-replacement read value acquired by the pre-replacement read value acquisition unit 305, data indicating the replacement date acquired by the replacement date acquisition unit 306, and data indicating the post-replacement read value acquired by the post-replacement read value acquisition unit 307 in time series as a meter replacement record.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a case where the holding unit 301 is provided inside the monitoring device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the holding unit 301 may be provided outside the monitoring device 3.

[0023] The acquisition unit 302 receives data from the controller 2 by, for example, making a read value acquisition request (such as a scan when there are a plurality of controllers 2) to the controller 2 at a predetermined period (for example, a 60-second period), and acquires the read value indicated by the data. That is, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the meter value of the stitch counter 1. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the acquisition unit 302 acquiring the read value from the controller 2 at the above-described predetermined period is referred to as "periodic acquisition".

[0024] Based on the acquisition result by the acquisition unit 302, the usage calculation unit 303 calculates the usage amount during the target period (meter reading period). At this time, the usage calculation unit 303 calculates the usage amount during the target period by, for example, calculating how much the reading value acquired by the periodic acquisition by the acquisition unit 302 has increased during the target period.

[0025] The instruction reception unit 304 receives a first instruction indicating the start of replacement or a second instruction indicating the end of replacement for each meter 1 to be monitored. At this time, the instruction reception unit 304 may receive the first instruction or the second instruction from the operator via, for example, the measurement point monitoring screen described later displayed on the display unit 309.

[0026] When the first instruction for the meter 1 is received by the instruction reception unit 304, the pre-replacement reading value acquisition unit 305 acquires the reading value of the meter 1 at the time when the first instruction is received as the pre-replacement reading value. Note that the pre-replacement reading value acquisition unit 305 acquires the pre-replacement reading value from the controller 2, but the acquisition of this pre-replacement reading value is carried out when the first instruction is received by the instruction reception unit 304, and is carried out separately from the periodic acquisition by the acquisition unit 302.

[0027] When the second instruction for the meter 1 is received by the instruction reception unit 304, the post-replacement reading value acquisition unit 307 acquires the reading value of the meter 1 at the time when the second instruction is received as the post-replacement reading value. Note that the post-replacement reading value acquisition unit 307 acquires the post-replacement reading value from the controller 2, but the acquisition of the post-replacement reading value by the post-replacement reading value acquisition unit 307 is also carried out separately from the periodic acquisition by the acquisition unit 302.

[0028] When the first instruction for the meter 1 is received by the instruction reception unit 304, the replacement date acquisition unit 306 acquires the date when the first instruction is received as the replacement date of the meter 1. At this time, the replacement date acquisition unit 306 acquires, for example, the system date of the monitoring device 3 as the replacement date of the meter 1.

[0029] Further, when the meter replacement date acquisition unit 306 receives the second instruction for the needle detector 1 by the instruction reception unit 304, it acquires the date on which the second instruction was received. Then, when the date on which the second instruction was received is different from the date on which the first instruction was received, which was acquired by the meter replacement date acquisition unit 306, the meter replacement date acquisition unit 306 acquires the date on which the second instruction was received as the replacement date of the needle detector 1.

[0030] The display control unit 308 causes the display unit 309 to display a weighing point monitoring screen on which the meter replacement record is displayed. The meter replacement record is, for example, the pre-replacement reading value acquired by the pre-replacement reading value acquisition unit 305, the replacement date of the needle detector 1 acquired by the meter replacement date acquisition unit 306, and the post-replacement reading value acquired by the post-replacement reading value acquisition unit 307.

[0031] The display unit 309 is constituted by, for example, a monitor. FIG. 2 shows the case where the display unit 309 is provided inside the monitoring device 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display unit 309 may be provided outside the monitoring device 3.

[0032] The functions of the acquisition unit 302, the usage amount calculation unit 303, the instruction reception unit 304, the pre-replacement reading value acquisition unit 305, the meter replacement date acquisition unit 306, the post-replacement reading value acquisition unit 307, and the display control unit 308 are realized, for example, when a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) provided in the monitoring device 3 executes a predetermined program developed in a memory (not shown).

[0033] Note that FIG. 1 shows the case where the sub-controller 2b is provided in the monitoring system. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sub-controller 2b may not be provided in the monitoring system. In this case, the needle detector 1 is connected to the controller 2 via a communication line. When the needle detector 1 is a communication meter, the communication meter transmits data (telegram) indicating the current meter value to the controller 2, for example, at the timing when the meter value is updated. When the needle detector 1 is a pulse meter, the pulse meter transmits a pulse signal indicating the current meter value to the controller 2, for example, at the timing when the meter value is updated.

[0034] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, an outline of an operation example of the monitoring device 3 according to the first embodiment will be described. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the reading value.

[0035] First, at point a, the operator gives a first instruction to the needle detector 1 indicating the start of replacement. When the monitoring device 3 receives the first instruction at the instruction receiving unit 304, the pre-replacement reading value acquisition unit 305 acquires the pre-replacement reading value of the needle detector 1. Further, the monitoring device 3 acquires, at the replacement date acquisition unit 306, the date on which the first instruction is received as the replacement date of the needle detector 1.

[0036] Thereafter, during period b, the replacement operation of the stitch counter 1 is carried out. When the replacement operation is completed, the operator gives a second instruction indicating the completion of replacement to the stitch counter 1 at point c. When the monitoring device 3 receives the second instruction at the instruction receiving unit 304, the post-replacement reading acquisition unit 307 acquires the post-replacement reading of the stitch counter (actually the post-replacement stitch counter), and the replacement date acquisition unit 306 acquires the date when the second instruction was received. At this time, the replacement date acquisition unit 306 checks whether the date when the second instruction was received is different from the replacement date of the stitch counter 1 acquired at point a (the date when the first instruction was received). If the two dates are different, the replacement date acquisition unit 306 acquires the date when the second instruction was received as the replacement date of the stitch counter 1. If the two dates are the same, the replacement date acquisition unit 306 keeps the replacement date of the stitch counter 1 as the date when the first instruction was received.

[0037] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a specific operation example of the monitoring device 3 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining steps ST401 to ST407 among the specific operation examples of the monitoring device 3, and FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining steps ST408 to ST413 among the specific operation examples of the monitoring device 3. Here, for the sake of easy understanding, the case where the stitch counter 1a whose replacement time has come is replaced with a new stitch counter 1b will be described as an example. Also, here, it is assumed that the operator has previously specified that the meter to be replaced is the stitch counter 1a through a predetermined screen displayed on the display unit 309, and based on this specification, the measurement point monitoring screen is displayed on the display unit 309.

[0038] Here, an example of the metering point monitoring screen is shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the metering point monitoring screen is displayed for the needle counter 1a specified as the meter to be replaced by the operator, and a check box 501 with the name "Meter Replacement" is displayed in the upper tag bar. This check box 501 is blank in the initial state. Also, a column for displaying "Meter Replacement Record" is provided at the lower part of the metering point monitoring screen, and the meter replacement record acquired by the monitoring device 3 is displayed in this column.

[0039] Also, here, the first instruction indicating the start of replacement is executed when the operator turns on the check box 501 of the metering point monitoring screen displayed on the display unit 309, for example, and the second instruction indicating the end of replacement is executed when the operator turns off the check box 501 from on.

[0040] Also, when the instruction receiving unit 304 receives the first instruction, it effectively sets the replacement mode of the target needle counter 1a, and when it receives the second instruction, it changes the replacement mode of the target needle counter 1a from effective to ineffective. The replacement mode is a mode indicating whether the needle counter 1a is in the middle of the replacement operation. This replacement mode can be set individually for each metering point of each needle counter 1, and is set to ineffective in the initial state.

[0041] Note that here, an example in which the first instruction and the second instruction by the operator are performed by the on / off operation of the check box 501 is described, but the first instruction and the second instruction are not limited to this, and may be performed by a method other than the on / off operation of the check box 501.

[0042] First, in response to the operator specifying the needle counter 1a as the meter to be replaced, the display control unit 308 causes the display unit 309 to display the metering point monitoring screen regarding the needle counter 1a (step ST401).

[0043] Next, the instruction reception unit 304 receives a first instruction indicating the start of replacement for the needle detector 1a (step ST402). Here, the instruction reception unit 304 receives the first instruction when the operator turns on a predetermined check box within the weighing point monitoring screen displayed on the display unit 309. At this time, the instruction reception unit 304 effectively sets the replacement mode of the needle detector 1a.

[0044] Next, the pre-replacement reading acquisition unit 305 acquires, as the pre-replacement reading, the reading value of the needle detector 1a when the first instruction is received by the instruction reception unit 304 in step ST402 (step ST403).

[0045] Next, the replacement date acquisition unit 306 acquires, as the replacement date of the needle detector 1a, the date when the first instruction is received by the instruction reception unit 304 in step ST402 (step ST404). Note that the order of step ST404 and step ST403 may be reversed, or they may be performed simultaneously (including substantially simultaneously).

[0046] Next, the display control unit 308 causes the pre-replacement reading acquired by the pre-replacement reading acquisition unit 305 and the replacement date of the needle detector 1a acquired by the replacement date acquisition unit 306 to be displayed on the weighing point monitoring screen (step ST405).

[0047] Here, an example of the weighing point monitoring screen at the end of step ST405 is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, on the weighing point monitoring screen, a check box 501 named "Meter Replacement" is turned on by the operator. Also, a column for displaying "Meter Replacement Record" is provided at the lower part of the weighing point monitoring screen, and the pre-replacement reading ( "Pre-replacement Value" in FIG. 6) acquired by the pre-replacement reading acquisition unit 305 and the replacement date of the needle detector 1a ( "Replacement Date" in FIG. 6) acquired by the replacement date acquisition unit 306 are displayed in this column.

[0048] After the exchange mode is set to be effective, the actual meter exchange operation is performed on-site. Note that even during this exchange operation, the monitoring device 3 continues to periodically acquire the reading values by the acquisition unit 302 (acquire the reading values from the controller 2 at a predetermined period). Thereby, for example, when a new needle inspection meter 1b is installed due to the exchange operation, the monitoring device 3 can confirm whether the new needle inspection meter 1b and the controller 2 are communicably connected.

[0049] When the meter exchange operation is completed, the operator turns off the checkbox 501 in the weighing point monitoring screen displayed on the display unit 309 from on. Thereby, the instruction reception unit 304 receives a second instruction indicating the end of the exchange for the needle inspection meter 1a (step ST406). At this time, the instruction reception unit 304 changes the exchange mode of the needle inspection meter 1a from effective to invalid.

[0050] Next, when the second instruction is received by the instruction reception unit 304, the post-exchange reading value acquisition unit 307 acquires the reading value of the needle inspection meter 1b at that time as the post-exchange reading value (step ST407).

[0051] Next, the exchange date acquisition unit 306 acquires the date when the second instruction was received by the instruction reception unit 304 in step ST406 (step ST408). Note that the order of step ST408 and step ST407 may be reversed, or they may be performed simultaneously (including substantially simultaneously).

[0052] Next, the exchange date acquisition unit 306 confirms whether the date when the second instruction was received, which was acquired in step ST408, is different from the exchange date of the needle inspection meter 1a (the date when the first instruction was received) acquired in step ST404 (step ST409).

[0053] As a result, when the date on which the second instruction is received is different from the replacement date of the electricity meter 1a (the date on which the first instruction is received) (step ST409; YES), the replacement date acquisition unit 306 acquires the date on which the second instruction is received as the replacement date of the electricity meter 1a (step ST410).

[0054] For example, the meter replacement work is usually carried out at night when the use of the object (such as water, gas or electricity) is stopped, and the working time is often about several hours. However, the meter replacement work may take a long time and the end of the work may cross a date and be the day after the start date of the work. In that case, it is desirable that the replacement date of the electricity meter 1a be the date on which the work is actually completed (the date on which the second instruction is received). Therefore, in such a case, the replacement date acquisition unit 306 acquires the date on which the second instruction is received as the replacement date of the electricity meter 1a.

[0055] Next, the display control unit 308 causes the replacement reading acquisition unit 307 to display the replacement reading obtained by the replacement reading acquisition unit 307 on the metering point monitoring screen, and updates the replacement date of the electricity meter 1a displayed on the metering point monitoring screen to the date on which the second instruction is received (step ST411).

[0056] On the other hand, when the date on which the second instruction is received is the same as the replacement date of the electricity meter 1a (the date on which the first instruction is received) (step ST409; NO), the display control unit 308 causes the replacement reading acquisition unit 307 to display the replacement reading obtained by the replacement reading acquisition unit 307 on the metering point monitoring screen (step ST412).

[0057] Here, an example of the measurement point monitoring screen at the end of step ST412 is shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, on the measurement point monitoring screen, the check box 501 at the upper part of the screen has been turned off from on by the operator. Also, in the "Meter Replacement Record" at the lower part of the measurement point monitoring screen, the post-replacement reading value (the "post-replacement value" in FIG. 7) acquired by the post-replacement reading value acquisition unit 307 is displayed. Note that in FIG. 7, the replacement date has not been updated. However, if the date when the second instruction is received is different from the replacement date of the weighing meter 1a (the date when the first instruction is received), the replacement date is updated to the date when the second instruction is received.

[0058] Note that the display control unit 308 may display the pre-replacement value and the post-replacement value on the measurement point monitoring screen in a manner that allows the operator to correct them. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the display control unit 308 may display the pre-replacement value and the post-replacement value in a spin box with increment and decrement buttons, and allow the operator to correct the pre-replacement value and the post-replacement value by operating the increment and decrement buttons.

[0059] The need to correct the pre-replacement value and the post-replacement value occurs, for example, when prior to the replacement of the weighing meter, the pre-replacement reading value was previously agreed upon with the user (such as the tenant owner, etc.), but the execution of the first instruction was actually delayed. In this case, since the pre-replacement reading value acquired by the monitoring device 3 becomes larger than the pre-agreed pre-replacement reading value, it may be necessary to correct the acquired pre-replacement reading value.

[0060] Or, if the execution of the second instruction is delayed after the completion of the meter replacement work, and as a result of executing the second instruction after the meter value of the new weighing meter has increased to a certain extent, the post-replacement reading value acquired by the monitoring device 3 has become incorrect, there may also be a case where it is necessary to correct the acquired post-replacement reading value. To be able to handle these cases, the display control unit 308 may display the pre-replacement value and the post-replacement value on the measurement point monitoring screen in a manner that allows the operator to correct them.

[0061] Next, in response to an operator's instruction, the display control unit 308 causes the display unit 309 to display a metering point monitoring screen that shows the final meter exchange record (step ST413). An example of the display of the metering point monitoring screen in this case is shown in FIG. 8. The operator can confirm the final meter exchange record (exchange date, pre-exchange value, and post-exchange value) on this screen.

[0062] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the monitoring device 3 includes an instruction reception unit 304 that receives a first instruction indicating the start of an exchange or a second instruction indicating the end of an exchange for each meter to be monitored, an exchange pre-reading value acquisition unit 305 that, when the first instruction for the sewing meter 1 is received by the instruction reception unit 304, acquires the reading value of the sewing meter 1 at the time when the first instruction is received as the pre-exchange reading value, an exchange date acquisition unit 306 that, when the first instruction for the sewing meter 1 is received by the instruction reception unit 304, acquires the date when the first instruction is received as the exchange date of the sewing meter 1, and a post-exchange reading value acquisition unit 307 that, when the second instruction for the sewing meter 1 is received by the instruction reception unit 304, acquires the reading value of the sewing meter 1 at the time when the second instruction is received as the post-exchange reading value. Thereby, the monitoring device 3 can acquire the meter exchange record more accurately than before.

[0063] Further, the monitoring device 3 includes a display control unit 308 that causes the display unit 309 to display a metering point monitoring screen showing the pre-exchange reading value acquired by the pre-exchange reading value acquisition unit 305, the exchange date of the sewing meter 1 acquired by the exchange date acquisition unit 306, and the post-exchange reading value acquired by the post-exchange reading value acquisition unit 307. Thereby, the operator can easily confirm the meter exchange record.

[0064] In addition, when the meter replacement date acquisition unit 306 receives a second instruction for the needle counter 1 from the instruction reception unit 304, it acquires the date on which the second instruction was received. If the date on which the second instruction was received is different from the date on which the first instruction was received and acquired by the meter replacement date acquisition unit 306, the meter replacement date acquisition unit 306 acquires the date on which the second instruction was received as the replacement date of the needle counter 1. Thereby, even when the replacement operation of the meter 1 straddles dates, the monitoring device 3 can accurately acquire the replacement date of the needle counter 1.

[0065] In addition, the display control unit 308 causes a check box 501 for receiving the first instruction or the second instruction to be displayed on the measurement point monitoring screen. The instruction reception unit 304 receives the first instruction when the check box 501 displayed on the measurement point monitoring screen is turned on, and receives the second instruction when the check box 501 displayed on the measurement point monitoring screen is turned off from on. Thereby, the operator can give the first instruction and the second instruction with a simple operation. In particular, the work load of an operator who is not familiar with facility management can be reduced more than before. Further, the operator can prevent forgetting to give the second instruction after giving the first instruction by checking the state of the check box 501.

[0066] In addition, when the instruction reception unit 304 receives a first instruction for the needle counter 1, it validly sets the replacement mode of the needle counter 1, and when it receives a second instruction for the needle counter 1, it changes the replacement mode of the needle counter 1 from valid to invalid. Thereby, the monitoring device 3 can manage the replacement operation of the needle counter 1 based on the replacement mode.

[0067] It should be noted that within the scope of the present invention, any component in the embodiment can be modified, or any component in the embodiment can be omitted.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0068] 1 Needle counter (meter) 2 Controllers 2b Sub-controller 3 Monitoring Devices 301 Holding Unit 302 Acquisition Unit 303 Usage Calculation Unit 304 Instruction Reception Unit 305 Pre-Replacement Reading Value Acquisition Unit 306 Replacement Date Acquisition Unit 307 Post-Replacement Reading Value Acquisition Unit 308 Display Control Unit 309 Display Unit 501 Check Box

Claims

1. An instruction receiving unit that receives a first instruction indicating the start of replacement or a second instruction indicating the end of replacement for each meter to be monitored; When a first instruction for a meter is received by the instruction receiving unit, a pre-replacement reading value acquisition unit that acquires the reading value of the meter at the time when the first instruction is received as a pre-replacement reading value; When a first instruction for the meter is received by the instruction receiving unit, a replacement date acquisition unit that acquires the date when the first instruction is received as the replacement date of the meter; When a second instruction for the meter is received by the instruction receiving unit, a post-replacement reading value acquisition unit that acquires the reading value of the meter at the time when the second instruction is received as a post-replacement reading value comprising: The replacement date acquisition unit: When a second instruction for the meter is received by the instruction receiving unit, acquires the date when the second instruction is received; Confirms whether the date when the second instruction is received is different from the date when the first instruction is received acquired by the replacement date acquisition unit, and when the date when the second instruction is received is different from the date when the first instruction is received acquired by the replacement date acquisition unit, acquires the date when the second instruction is received as the replacement date of the meter. A monitoring device characterized by this.

2. A display control unit that causes a display unit to display a screen showing the pre-replacement reading value acquired by the pre-replacement reading value acquisition unit, the replacement date of the meter acquired by the replacement date acquisition unit, and the post-replacement reading value acquired by the post-replacement reading value acquisition unit. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising this.

3. The display control unit causes a check box for receiving a first instruction or a second instruction to be displayed on the screen, The instruction receiving unit: Receives a first instruction when the check box displayed on the screen is turned on, Receives a second instruction when the check box displayed on the screen is turned off from on. The monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized by this.

4. When a first instruction for the meter is received, the instruction receiving unit effectively sets the replacement mode of the meter, When a second instruction for the meter is received, the replacement mode of the meter is changed from effective to ineffective. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by this.

5. A monitoring method by a monitoring device, comprising: a step in which an instruction reception unit receives a first instruction indicating the start of replacement or a second instruction indicating the end of replacement for each meter to be monitored; a step in which a pre-replacement reading acquisition unit acquires, as a pre-replacement reading, the reading of the meter when the first instruction for the meter is received by the instruction reception unit; a step in which a replacement date acquisition unit acquires, as the replacement date of the meter, the date when the first instruction for the meter is received by the instruction reception unit; a step in which a post-replacement reading acquisition unit acquires, as a post-replacement reading, the reading of the meter when the second instruction for the meter is received by the instruction reception unit; and the replacement date acquisition unit acquires the date when the second instruction for the meter is received by the instruction reception unit, checks whether the date when the second instruction is received is different from the date when the first instruction is received, which is acquired by the replacement date acquisition unit, and when the date when the second instruction is received is different from the date when the first instruction is received, which is acquired by the replacement date acquisition unit, acquires the date when the second instruction is received as the replacement date of the meter. The monitoring method is characterized by this.

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