Installation support system, installation support method, and program

Abstract

To provide an attachment support system, an attachment support method, and a program capable of preventing mistake in attaching a communication terminal with respect to a meter.SOLUTION: An attachment support system comprises: a worker terminal carried by a worker; and a management server in which management is performed based on measurement data measured by a meter. The worker terminal comprises: an attachment destination information processing unit which acquires attachment destination information on the meter to which a communication terminal is due to be attached by the worker from the management server and displays the information; and an input processing unit which transmits identification information attached to the meter which the worker confirms and inputs at an installation location indicated by the attachment destination information to the management server. The management server comprises: a storage unit which stores the identification information on the meter to which the communication terminal is due to be attached by the worker in advance; and a collation processing unit which collates the identification information on the meter received from the worker terminal with the identification information on the meter stored in the storage unit, and transmits a collation result to the worker terminal. An attachment destination information processing unit displays the collation result received from the management server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation assistance system, an installation assistance method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, technologies for automatically reading electricity, gas, water, and other consumption have come into use. With this technology, meter reading data measured by a measuring device (hereinafter also referred to as a "meter") that measures consumption is periodically transmitted via wireless communication to the system of the electricity, gas, water, and other service provider. This allows the service provider to read meters and bill users without having to send a meter reader to the site.

[0003] Automated meter reading can also be applied to existing meters. If the existing meter does not have wireless communication capabilities, the utility must dispatch a worker to the site where the meter is installed to attach a communication terminal with wireless communication capabilities to the meter. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for assisting workers in installing communication terminals on meters. With this technology, the worker can easily and efficiently perform the initial setup, setting confirmation, and communication confirmation work after installing the communication terminal by following instructions from a construction navigation system displayed on a smartphone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-41752 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology in Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration a mechanism to prevent workers from installing the wrong communication terminal. The communication terminal attached to the meter is associated with a user (contractor), and the meter reading data is transmitted to the system as data for the user associated with the communication terminal. Therefore, if a worker installs the wrong communication terminal, the meter reading data will be transmitted to the system as data for a user other than the intended user, resulting in an erroneous billing of usage fees.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an installation assistance system, an installation assistance method, and a program that can prevent incorrect installation of a communication terminal on a meter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An installation assistance system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an operator terminal held by an operator who installs a communication terminal on a meter; and a management server that performs management based on measurement data measured by the meter, wherein the operator terminal comprises an installation location information processing unit that acquires from the management server installation location information relating to an installation location of the meter where the operator is scheduled to install the communication terminal and displays the information; and an input processing unit that transmits to the management server identification information attached to the meter that the operator confirms and inputs when the operator visits the installation location indicated by the displayed installation location information, and the management server comprises: a storage unit that pre-stores identification information of the meter where the operator is scheduled to install the communication terminal; and a matching processing unit that compares the identification information of the meter received from the operator terminal with the identification information of the meter stored in the storage unit and transmits the matching result to the operator terminal, wherein the installation location information processing unit displays the comparison result received from the management server. death , the worker terminal includes a determination processing unit that, when the verification result indicates a mismatch in the identification information of the meter, displays selection information for determining whether the worker's visit destination is correct, and determines whether the worker's visit destination is correct in accordance with the selection made by the worker. .

[0008] An installation assistance method according to another aspect of the present invention is an installation assistance method for an installation assistance system including an operator terminal owned by an operator who installs a communication terminal on a meter, and a management server that performs management based on measurement data measured by the meter, the method including: an installation location information processing step in which an installation location information processing unit of the operator terminal acquires from the management server installation location information relating to the installation location of the meter where the operator is scheduled to install the communication terminal, and displays the installation location information; an input processing step in which an input processing unit of the operator terminal transmits to the management server identification information attached to the meter, which identification information is input by the operator when the operator visits the installation location indicated by the displayed installation location information; a storage step in which a memory unit of the management server stores in advance the identification information of the meter where the operator is scheduled to install the communication terminal; and a verification processing step in which a verification processing unit of the management server verifies the identification information of the meter received from the operator terminal against the identification information of the meter stored in the storage unit, and transmits the verification result to the operator terminal. a determination processing step in which, when the comparison result indicates a mismatch in the identification information of the meter, a determination processing unit of the operator terminal displays selection information for determining whether the destination of the operator is correct, and determines whether the destination of the operator is correct in accordance with the selection made by the operator; The attachment information processing unit displays the collation result received from the management server.

[0009] Furthermore, a program according to one aspect of the present invention is an installation assistance system including a computer, an operator terminal carried by an operator who installs a communication terminal in a meter, and a management server that performs management based on measurement data measured by the meter. Mu and and an input processing means for transmitting to the management server identification information attached to the meter, which is acquired from the management server by the worker, installation location information relating to the installation location of the meter where the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal. a storage means for storing in advance the identification information of the meter to which the worker is scheduled to attach the communication terminal; a matching processing means for comparing the identification information of the meter received from the worker terminal with the identification information of the meter stored in the storage means and transmitting the matching result to the worker terminal; and a determination processing means for, when the matching result indicates a mismatch in the identification information of the meter, displaying selection information for determining whether the worker has visited the correct location, and determining whether the worker has visited the correct location in accordance with the selection made by the worker. Function as The installation destination information processing means displays the collation result received from the management server. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a communication terminal from being attached to a meter incorrectly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an attachment assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a worker terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a management server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow before an operator according to the present embodiment visits an installation site. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a top page screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an attachment location information screen according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a gas meter verification process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an installation location information screen that is displayed when matching of a gas meter according to the present embodiment is successful. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an installation location information screen displayed when verification of the gas meter according to the present embodiment fails. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an installation location information screen that is displayed when selecting the number of a gas meter according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a connected device identification process according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connected device identification screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of communication terminal information attached to the communication terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a connected device identification screen on which communication terminal information according to the embodiment is displayed. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a location information registration process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a connected device identification screen displayed when confirming registration of location information according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a connected device identification screen on which map information is displayed according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a communication confirmation process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication confirmation screen according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] <1. Overview of the installation support system> The schematic configuration of the installation support system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the installation support system according to this embodiment. The installation support system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a system for supporting the installation of a communication terminal to a meter. In the following, an example will be described in which the meter is a gas meter that measures gas usage. Note that the gas meter does not have a communication function.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the installation support system 1 includes an operator terminal 10, a management server 20, a collection server 30, a gas meter 40, a communication terminal 50, a smart meter 60, and a base station BS.

[0016] (1) Worker terminal 10 The worker terminal 10 is a terminal held by a worker who installs the communication terminal 50 in the gas meter 40. The worker terminal 10 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer). The worker terminal 10 is connected to the management server 20 so as to be able to communicate with it. An installation support screen is displayed on the worker terminal 10 by an application (hereinafter also referred to as an "installation support app") for supporting the worker in installing the communication terminal 50 on the gas meter 40. The worker installs the communication terminal 50 by following the screen displayed on the worker terminal 10 by the installation support app. In this embodiment, the functions of the installation support app are provided by a Web system. Therefore, the installation support app is managed by a server (for example, the management server 20), and the functions are provided via a Web browser. Note that the functions of the installation support app may be provided by installing the installation support app on the worker terminal 10.

[0017] (2) Management Server 20 The management server 20 is a server that performs management based on measurement data measured by the gas meter 40. The management server 20 is configured with one or more servers (for example, cloud servers). The management server 20 is, for example, a meter data management system (MDMS). The management server 20 is connected to the worker terminal 10 and the collection server 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0018] (3) Collection Server 30 The collection server 30 is a server that collects measurement data from the gas meters 40 and transmits it to the management server 20. The collection server 30 is composed of one or more servers (for example, cloud servers). The collection server 30 is, for example, a head-end system (HES). The head-end system is a system that has the function of collecting measurement data from the gas meters 40 from the smart meters 60 and linking to a higher-level system. The management server 20 is connected to the worker terminal 10 and the collection server 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0019] (4) Gas meter 40 The gas meter 40 is an instrument that measures the amount of gas used by a user. The gas that is measured by the gas meter is city gas or propane gas (LP gas). In this embodiment, the gas meter 40 does not have a communication function. Therefore, by attaching a communication terminal 50 to the gas meter 40, the measurement data of the gas meter 40 can be output (transmitted) to another device. The measurement data of the gas meter 40 is also referred to as an "indicated value" below. The number of gas meters 40 to be managed by the installation support system 1 is not particularly limited, and any number N (N is a natural number) of gas meters 40-1 to 40-N may be managed.

[0020] (5) Communication terminal 50 The communication terminal 50 is a device for providing a communication function to a device that does not have a communication function. In this embodiment, one communication terminal 50 is attached to one gas meter 40 that does not have a communication function. The communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40 is set to be able to communicate wirelessly with the smart meter 60. The communication terminal 50 periodically receives instructions from the smart meter 60 to measure the amount of gas used. Upon receiving the instruction from the smart meter 60, the communication terminal 50 acquires the indicated value from the attached gas meter 40 and transmits it to the smart meter 60. The number of communication terminals 50 to be managed in the installation support system 1 is not particularly limited, and any number N (N is a natural number) of communication terminals 50-1 to 50-N may be managed. However, in this embodiment, one communication terminal 50 is installed for one gas meter 40 (i.e., there is a 1:1 relationship), so the number of communication terminals 50 is the same as the number of gas meters 40.

[0021] (6) Smart Meter 60 The smart meter 60 is a device for measuring the amount of gas used at predetermined time intervals and transmitting the measurement data to a server. The predetermined time intervals are, for example, every 30 minutes. The smart meter 60 transmits an instruction to measure the amount of gas used to the communication terminal 50 at predetermined time intervals and receives the measurement data from the communication terminal 50. The smart meter 60 then transmits the measurement data received from the communication terminal 50 to the collection server 30 via the base station BS and the network NW. The number of smart meters 60 provided in the installation support system 1 is not particularly limited, and any number M (M is a natural number) of smart meters 60-1 to 60-M may be provided.

[0022] It should be noted that the smart meter 60 may already be installed for the purpose of meter reading for electricity, water, or other purposes other than gas. The existing smart meter 60 may have an excess bandwidth available for communication. In this case, the bandwidth of the smart meter 60 can be effectively utilized by also using it for meter reading of the gas meter 40 of this embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication terminal 50 is attached to the gas meter 40, but is set to be able to communicate with the smart meter 60 installed for meter reading of a meter other than gas. For example, the communication terminal 50 transmits an indication value indicating the amount of gas usage measured by the gas meter 40 to the smart meter 60 installed by an electric power company for electricity meter reading. The combination of the type of business operator that installs the smart meter 60 (e.g., an electric power company, a water company, a gas company, etc.) and the type of meter reading target (e.g., electricity, water, gas, etc.) is not particularly limited and may be any combination.

[0023] (7)Base station BS The base station BS is capable of wireless communication with the smart meter 60 and is also capable of communication with the collection server 30 via the network NW.

[0024] <2. Functional configuration of worker terminal> The schematic configuration of the installation support system 1 has been described above with reference to Fig. 1. Next, the functional configuration of the worker terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the worker terminal 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the worker terminal 10 includes a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a captured image acquisition unit 130, a position information acquisition unit 140, a storage unit 150, a control unit 160, and an output unit 170.

[0025] (1) Communications Unit 110 The communication unit 110 has a function of transmitting and receiving various types of information. For example, the communication unit 110 communicates with the management server 20 to transmit and receive various types of information.

[0026] (2) Input unit 120 The input unit 120 has a function of receiving input from the worker. The function of the input unit 120 is realized by, for example, a button, a touch panel, a microphone, etc. that the worker terminal 10 includes.

[0027] (3) Captured image acquisition unit 130 The captured image acquisition unit 130 has a function of acquiring a captured image. The function of the captured image acquisition unit 130 is realized, for example, by an imaging device (camera) built into the worker terminal 10. The captured image acquisition unit 130 acquires a captured image of a target imaged by the imaging device in response to an operation by the worker via the input unit 120. For example, the captured image acquisition unit 130 acquires a captured image of communication terminal information attached to the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40. The communication terminal information is information related to the communication terminal 50, and includes, for example, a MAC address, a device name, a serial number, and a date of manufacture. The serial number included in the communication terminal information is an example of identification information of the communication terminal 50.

[0028] (4) Location information acquisition unit 140 The location information acquisition unit 140 has a function of acquiring location information. The location information acquisition unit 140 acquires location information indicating the current location of the worker terminal 10, for example, by using a GPS (Global Positioning System) function installed in the worker terminal 10. The location information is, for example, information indicating latitude and longitude.

[0029] (5) Storage section 150 The storage unit 150 has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 150 is configured by a storage medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access read / write memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media.

[0030] (6) Control unit 160 The control unit 160 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the worker terminal 10. The control unit 160 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the worker terminal 10 to execute a program.

[0031] The installation support app displays on the worker terminal 10 various screens and information for supporting the worker in installing the communication terminal 50 to the gas meter 40. The various screens include, for example, a login screen, a top page screen, an installation destination information screen, a connected device identification screen, and a communication confirmation screen. The login screen is used to log in to the installation support app. On the login screen, the worker must enter their ID and password. The top page screen is a screen that is displayed after logging in. For example, the top page screen displays a schedule list information of the logged-in worker. The schedule list information is information that shows a list of tasks that are assigned to the logged-in worker. The installation location information screen is a screen that displays installation location information for a schedule selected by the worker from the schedule list information displayed on the top page screen. The installation location information is information related to the installation location of the gas meter 40 where the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal 50. The installation location information screen also displays the verification results of the gas meter 40 where the worker will install the communication terminal 50, as well as selection information based on the verification results. The selection information is information for determining whether the worker is visiting the correct location. The connected device identification screen is a screen for identifying and inputting communication terminal information of the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40. The connected device identification screen also displays location information (for example, map information) indicating the installation location of the communication terminal 50. The communication confirmation screen is a screen that displays the status of communication confirmation for the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40. When the communication confirmation is completed, the communication confirmation screen also displays the results of the communication confirmation (for example, the acquired indication value, etc.).

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 160 includes an input processing unit 161, a login request unit 162, an attachment information processing unit 163, a judgment processing unit 164, a communication terminal information processing unit 165, a character recognition unit 166, a registration processing unit 167, and a communication confirmation processing unit 168.

[0033] (6-1) Input processing unit 161 The input processing unit 161 has a function of accepting input of various information and performing processing in accordance with the input. For example, in this embodiment, the worker visits the installation location indicated by the installation location information displayed on the installation location information screen and confirms the identification information attached to the gas meter 40 installed at that installation location. The identification information attached to the gas meter 40 is, for example, the meter manufacturer number or serial number of the gas meter 40. Below, an example will be described in which the identification information of the gas meter 40 is the meter manufacturer number. After confirmation, the worker inputs the meter manufacturer number of the confirmed gas meter 40 into the installation location information screen. The input processing unit 161 transmits the meter manufacturer number input into the installation location information screen to the management server 20. Furthermore, if the matching result indicates that the destination of the worker is correct, the input processing unit 161 accepts input of the serial number of the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40 and transmits the input serial number of the communication terminal 50 to the management server 20. Furthermore, the input processing unit 161 transmits to the management server 20 the serial number of the communication terminal 50 read by a character recognition unit 166, which will be described later.

[0034] (6-2) Login request section 162 The login request unit 162 has a function of transmitting a login request to the management server 20. For example, when a worker performs a login operation on a login screen, the login request unit 162 transmits the login request to the management server 20. The login operation is, for example, an operation of inputting the worker's ID and password and pressing a login button. The login request transmitted to the management server 20 includes the ID and password input by the worker.

[0035] (6-3) Attachment information processing unit 163 The installation location information processing unit 163 has a function of executing processing related to the installation location information. For example, the installation location information processing unit 163 requests the management server 20 for installation location information related to the installation location of the gas meter 40 where the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal 50, and obtains and displays the information from the management server 20. The installation location information processing unit 163 also requests the management server 20 to compare the meter manufacturer number of the gas meter 40 entered on the installation location information screen with the meter manufacturer number of the gas meter 40 associated with the installation location information, and displays the comparison result received from the management server 20.

[0036] (6-4) Determination processing unit 164 The determination processing unit 164 has a function of executing processing related to determination. For example, when the comparison result indicates a mismatch in the meter manufacturer number of the gas meter 40, the determination processing unit 164 displays selection information for determining whether the destination of the worker is correct, and determines whether the destination of the worker is correct according to the selection made by the worker. As an example, the determination processing unit 164 displays, as selection information, options that allow the operator to select whether or not there is a replacement history of the gas meter 40. If the operator selects that there is a replacement history, the determination processing unit 164 determines that the operator has visited the correct place. On the other hand, if the operator selects that there is no replacement history, the determination processing unit 164 determines that the operator has visited the wrong place. Furthermore, the determination processing unit 164 may display, as selection information, an option that allows the worker to select whether to use only the contact connection. When the worker selects to use only the contact connection, the determination processing unit 164 determines that the worker's visit destination is correct.

[0037] (6-5) Communication terminal information processing unit 165 The communication terminal information processing unit 165 has a function of executing processing related to communication terminal information. For example, the communication terminal information processing unit 165 requests communication terminal information from the management server 20 based on the serial number of the communication terminal 50 input to the connected device identification screen, and displays the communication terminal information received from the management server 20.

[0038] (6-6) Character recognition section 166 The character recognition unit 166 has a function of executing processing related to character recognition. For example, the character recognition unit 166 performs character recognition processing on the captured image acquired by the captured image acquisition unit 130 in response to an operator's operation on the connected device identification screen. In the character recognition processing, for example, a text portion of the image data is converted into character data by OCR (Optical Character Recognition). As a result, the character recognition unit 166 reads the serial number of the communication terminal 50 from the communication terminal information shown in the captured image. The serial number of the communication terminal 50 read by the character recognition unit 166 using OCR is input into the connected device identification screen. As a result, the operator does not need to manually input the serial number, and inputting an incorrect serial number can be prevented.

[0039] (6-7) Registration processing unit 167 The registration processing unit 167 has a function of executing processing related to registration. For example, when a registration operation is performed by an operator who has confirmed the communication terminal information displayed on the connected device identification screen, the registration processing unit 167 transmits the displayed communication terminal information to the management server 20 and causes the management server 20 to register the communication terminal information. In addition, when an operator performs a registration operation for location information indicating the installation location of the communication terminal 50, the registration processing unit 167 transmits the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 140 to the management server 20 as location information indicating the installation location of the communication terminal 50, and causes it to be registered in the management server 20.

[0040] (6-8) Communication confirmation processing unit 168 The communication confirmation processing unit 168 has a function of executing processing related to communication confirmation. For example, the communication confirmation processing unit 168 transmits a request to acquire the indication value of the gas meter 40 to the management server 20 in order to confirm communication of the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40. Then, the communication confirmation processing unit 168 displays the indication value received from the management server 20. In this embodiment, the request to acquire the indicated value is transmitted from the operator terminal 10 to the communication terminal 50 via the management server 20, the collection server 30, and the smart meter 60. The indication value acquired from the gas meter 40 in response to the request to acquire the indication value is transmitted to the operator terminal 10 via the communication terminal 50, the smart meter 60, the collection server 30, and the management server 20.

[0041] (7) Output unit 170 The output unit 170 has a function of outputting various information. For example, the output unit 170 displays various screens output by the installation assistance application and information received by the communication unit 110 from the management server 20.

[0042] <3. Functional configuration of the management server> The functional configuration of the worker terminal 10 has been described above with reference to Fig. 2. Next, the functional configuration of the management server 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 20 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the management server 20 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a control unit 230.

[0043] (1) Communications Unit 210 The communication unit 210 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 210 communicates with the worker terminal 10 or the collection server 30 to transmit and receive various information.

[0044] (2) Storage section 220 The storage unit 220 has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 220 is configured by a storage medium such as an HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, an EEPROM, a RAM, a ROM, or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 220 stores in advance, for example, the identification information of the gas meter 40 to which the worker is scheduled to attach the communication terminal 50.

[0045] (3) Control unit 230 The control unit 230 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the management server 20. The control unit 230 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU provided as hardware in the management server 20 to execute a program. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 230 includes a login processing unit 231, a schedule list information acquisition unit 232, an attachment location information acquisition unit 233, a matching processing unit 234, a communication terminal information acquisition unit 235, a registration unit 236, and an instruction value acquisition processing unit 237.

[0046] (3-1) Login processing unit 231 The login processing unit 231 has a function of performing login processing. For example, when the login processing unit 231 receives a login request from the worker terminal 10, the login processing unit 231 performs the login processing based on the worker ID and password received from the worker terminal 10.

[0047] (3-2) Schedule list information acquisition unit 232 The schedule list information acquisition unit 232 has a function of acquiring schedule list information. For example, when the login process by the login processing unit 231 is successful, the schedule list information acquisition unit 232 acquires schedule list information of the logged-in worker from the storage unit 220. After acquisition, the schedule list information acquisition unit 232 transmits the acquired schedule list information to the worker terminal 10 and displays it on the top page screen.

[0048] (3-3) Installation location information acquisition unit 233 The attachment location information acquisition unit 233 has a function of acquiring attachment location information. For example, when receiving a request for attachment location information from the worker terminal 10, the attachment location information acquisition unit 233 acquires attachment location information corresponding to the schedule selected by the worker on the top page screen from the storage unit 220. After acquisition, the attachment location information acquisition unit 233 transmits the acquired attachment location information to the worker terminal 10 and displays it on the attachment location information screen.

[0049] (3-4) Matching processing unit 234 The matching processing unit 234 has a function of performing matching. For example, when receiving a matching request from the worker terminal 10, the matching processing unit 234 matches the meter manufacturer number of the gas meter 40 entered by the worker on the installation location information screen with the meter manufacturer number of the gas meter 40 corresponding to the installation location information displayed on the installation location information screen (the meter manufacturer number stored in the storage unit 220). After matching, the matching processing unit 234 transmits the matching result to the worker terminal 10 and displays it on the installation location information screen.

[0050] (3-5) Communication terminal information acquisition unit 235 The communication terminal information acquisition unit 235 has a function of acquiring communication terminal information. For example, when the communication terminal information acquisition unit 235 receives a request for communication terminal information from the worker terminal 10, the communication terminal information acquisition unit 235 acquires, from pre-registered communication terminal information, communication terminal information corresponding to the serial number of the communication terminal 50 received from the worker terminal 10. After acquisition, the communication terminal information acquisition unit 235 transmits the communication terminal information to the worker terminal 10 and displays it on a connected device identification screen.

[0051] (3-6) Registration Section 236 The registration unit 236 has a function of registering various information. For example, the registration unit 236 registers the meter manufacturer number of the gas meter 40 to which the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal 50, which is stored in the storage unit 220, and the communication terminal information received from the worker terminal 10, in association with each other. Furthermore, when the registration unit 236 receives location information from the operator terminal 10, it further associates the received location information with the meter manufacturer number of the gas meter 40 and the communication terminal information, and registers the information.

[0052] (3-7) Indication value acquisition processing unit 237 The indication value acquisition processing unit 237 has a function of executing processing related to the acquisition of indication values. For example, when the indication value acquisition processing unit 237 receives an indication value acquisition request from the worker terminal 10, it transmits the acquisition request to the communication terminal 50 corresponding to the communication terminal information displayed on the worker terminal 10, based on the communication terminal information displayed on the worker terminal 10. As a result, the communication terminal 50 that received the acquisition request acquires the indication value of the gas meter 40 to which the communication terminal 50 is attached. The indication value acquisition processing unit 237 acquires the indication value acquired by the communication terminal 50, transmits it to the worker terminal 10, and displays it on a communication confirmation screen.

[0053] <4. Processing flow> The functional configuration of the management server 20 has been described above with reference to Fig. 3. Next, the flow of processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0054] (1) Processing flow before the worker visits the installation site The flow of processing before an operator visits an installation destination will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing before an operator according to this embodiment visits an installation destination.

[0055] 4, first, the worker performs a login operation on the worker terminal 10 (step S101). In response to the worker's login operation, the login request unit 162 of the worker terminal 10 transmits a login request to the management server 20 (step S102). In response to the login request received from the worker terminal 10, the login processing unit 231 of the management server 20 performs login processing (step S103). If the login process fails (step S104 / NO), the login processing unit 231 sends a login error notification to the worker terminal 10 to display it (step S105). On the other hand, if the login process is successful (step S104 / YES), the schedule list information acquisition unit 232 of the management server 20 acquires the schedule list information of the logged-in worker from the storage unit 220 and transmits it to the worker terminal 10 (step S106). After the login process by the management server 20, the worker terminal 10 displays the top page screen (step S107).

[0056] The top page screen displayed in step S107 will now be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the top page screen according to this embodiment. In step S107, for example, the top page screen G10 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the worker terminal 10. The planned month of the work is displayed in area R11. The name of the person in charge is displayed in area R12. Area R13 is an area for inputting keywords, and after inputting a keyword, the schedule can be searched by pressing button B11. Area R14 displays a list of schedule information.

[0057] 4, the worker performs a scheduled selection operation on the worker terminal 10 (step S108). The installation location information processing unit 163 of the worker terminal 10 transmits an installation location information request to the management server 20 in response to the scheduled selection operation by the worker (step S109). The installation location information acquisition unit 233 of the management server 20 acquires installation location information in response to the installation location information request received from the worker terminal 10, and transmits the information to the worker terminal 10 (step S110). The worker terminal 10, which has received the mounting location information from the management server 20, displays the mounting location information screen (step S111).

[0058] The attachment location information screen displayed in step S111 will now be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the attachment location information screen according to this embodiment. In step S111, for example, an installation destination information screen G20 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the worker terminal 10. Area R21 displays the linkage number. Area R22 displays information indicating the location where the gas meter 40 is installed. Area R23 displays the address where the gas meter 40 is installed. Area R24 displays the name of the user of the installation destination. Area R25 displays the user's telephone number. Area R26 is an input area for the meter company number, and by pressing button B21 after inputting the number, the meter company number is verified. Button B22 is a button for transitioning to the connected device identification screen, and can be pressed if verification is successful or if it is determined that the worker's visit destination is correct. Button B23 is a button for displaying route guidance to the installation destination. Button B24 is a button for returning to the top page screen.

[0059] Returning to Fig. 4, the worker confirms the installation location information on the installation location information screen displayed on the worker terminal 10 (step S112). After confirmation, the worker visits the installation location (step S113).

[0060] (2) Gas meter verification process flow Next, the flow of the verification process of the gas meter 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 10. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the verification process of the gas meter 40 according to this embodiment.

[0061] 7, first, the worker who visits the installation site confirms the meter company number of the installed gas meter 40 (step S201). Next, the worker performs a verification operation on the worker terminal 10 (step S202). In the verification operation, the worker inputs the confirmed meter company number into area R26 on the installation site information screen G20 and presses button B21. In response to the verification operation by the worker, the attachment location information processing unit 163 of the worker terminal 10 transmits a verification request to the management server 20 (step S203). The verification processing unit 234 of the management server 20 executes verification processing in response to the verification request received from the worker terminal 10 (step S204). After the verification processing, the verification processing unit 234 transmits the verification result to the worker terminal 10 (step S205). The worker terminal 10 receives the collation result from the management server 20 and displays the collation result (step S206).

[0062] Here, the installation location information screen displayed in step S206 when verification of the gas meter 40 is successful will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the installation location information screen displayed when verification of the gas meter 40 according to this embodiment is successful. If the matching result indicates success, in step S206, a matching result screen G21 is superimposed on the attachment location information screen G20 already displayed on the worker terminal 10, as shown in Fig. 8, for example. The worker can close the matching result screen G21 by pressing button B25. Because the matching was successful, button B22 can be pressed.

[0063] Here, the installation location information screen displayed in step S206 when verification of the gas meter 40 fails will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the installation location information screen displayed when verification of the gas meter 40 according to this embodiment fails. If the verification result indicates failure, in step S206, as shown in FIG. 9, a screen G22 showing the verification result and selection information is superimposed on the installation destination information screen G20 already displayed on the operator terminal 10. The screen G22 displays the selection information "meter replacement history exists," "no meter replacement history," and "contact connection only." "meter replacement history exists" is selected when the gas meter 40 has been replaced between the time of registration in the installation support system 1 and the time of the operator's visit, and the information on the gas meter 40 has changed. "no meter replacement history" is selected when the gas meter 40 has not been replaced between the time of registration in the installation support system 1 and the time of the operator's visit. If "no meter replacement history" is selected, it is determined that the visit destination is incorrect. "contact connection only" is selected when connection to the gas meter 40 is not planned and only contact connection is to be used. After selecting "contact connection only," button B22 becomes pressable.

[0064] Here, an explanation will be given of the installation location information screen that is displayed when selecting the number of the gas meter 40, with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the installation location information screen that is displayed when selecting the number of the gas meter 40 according to this embodiment. When "Meter replacement history exists" is selected on the screen G22 shown in FIG. 9, a screen G23 for selecting the gas meter 40 number is superimposed on the installation location information screen G20 already displayed on the operator terminal 10. On the screen G23, the operator selects whether the number of the gas meter 40 to which the communication terminal 50 is attached is "less than 10" or "10 or more." This is because the handling of decimal points in the measurement data transmitted from the smart meter 60 to the collection server 30 changes at the 10 mark. The collection server 30 performs a process of adding decimal points to the measurement data according to the number. The number of the gas meter 40 is managed by the management server 20. If the comparison is successful, the number can be obtained from the management server 20. However, if the comparison is unsuccessful, the number cannot be obtained from the management server 20. For this reason, the operator must make a selection on the screen G23. After selecting the number, the button B22 becomes pressable.

[0065] (3) Flow of identifying connected devices Next, the flow of the connected device identification process will be described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 14. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the connected device identification process according to this embodiment.

[0066] 11, first, the worker presses the device identification button (button B22) that has become pressable on the installation destination information screen G20 (step S301). In response to the pressing of the device identification button, the communication terminal information processing unit 165 of the worker terminal 10 displays a connected device identification screen (step S302).

[0067] The connected device identification screen displayed in step S302 will now be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the connected device identification screen according to this embodiment. In step S302, for example, a connected device identification screen G30 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the worker terminal 10. Area R31 is an area for inputting the serial number of the communication terminal 50, and can be input directly or by OCR processing. Area R32 displays the MAC address included in the acquired communication terminal information. Area R33 displays the device name included in the acquired communication terminal information. Area R34 displays the manufacturing date included in the acquired communication terminal information. Button B31 is a button for starting the camera of the worker terminal 10. Button B32 is a button for confirming the registration contents. Button B33 is a button for reselecting. Button B34 is a button for proceeding to the next screen. Button B35 is a button for returning to the previous screen.

[0068] 11, the worker performs an operation to input the serial number of the communication terminal 50 on the connected device identification screen (step S303). For example, the worker presses button B31 on the connected device identification screen G30 shown in FIG. The captured image acquisition unit 130 of the worker terminal 10 is activated in response to an operation by the worker, captures an image of the communication terminal information, and acquires the captured image (step S304).

[0069] Here, the communication terminal information captured by the captured image acquisition unit 130 in step S304 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of communication terminal information attached to the communication terminal 50 according to this embodiment. 13 is attached to the housing of the communication terminal 50. The communication terminal information, such as the MAC address, device name, serial number, and manufacturing date, is printed on the sticker 90. The worker activates the camera of the worker terminal 10 and takes a picture of the sticker 90.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 11, the character recognition unit 166 of the worker terminal 10 performs OCR processing on the captured image (step S305). The character recognition unit 166 performs OCR processing on, for example, the captured image showing the sticker 90 shown in FIG. 13. The character recognition unit 166 is configured to read only the serial number from the captured image through OCR processing. Therefore, the character recognition unit 166 acquires the serial number of the communication terminal 50 from the captured image through OCR processing (step S306). The character recognition unit 166 inputs the acquired serial number into area R31 of the connected device identification screen G30 (step S307). The communication terminal information processing unit 165 transmits a request for communication terminal information to the management server 20 (step S308). The request transmitted at this time also includes the serial number input in the area R31 of the connected device identification screen G30. The communication terminal information acquisition unit 235 of the management server 20 acquires the communication terminal information corresponding to the serial number included in the request received from the worker terminal 10, and transmits it to the worker terminal 10 (step S309). The communication terminal information processing unit 165 displays the communication terminal information received from the management server 20 on the connected device identification screen (step S310).

[0071] The connected device identification screen displayed in step S310 will now be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the connected device identification screen on which communication terminal information according to this embodiment is displayed. 14, for example, in step S310, each piece of information included in the communication terminal information acquired from the management server 20 is displayed in areas R32, R33, and R34 of the connected device identification screen G30. After the display, button B32 becomes pressable.

[0072] 11, the worker checks the communication terminal information displayed on the connection device identification screen of the worker terminal 10 (step S311). At this time, the worker compares the communication terminal information displayed on the connection device identification screen with the communication terminal information (sticker 90) attached to the communication terminal 50, and checks whether the displayed communication terminal information is correct.

[0073] (4) Location information registration process flow Next, the flow of the location information registration process will be described with reference to Fig. 15 to Fig. 17. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the location information registration process according to this embodiment.

[0074] 15, first, the worker performs an operation to determine a connected device on the worker terminal 10 (step S401). For example, the worker presses button B32 on the connected device identification screen G30. In response to the worker's operation, the registration processing unit 167 of the worker terminal 10 displays a screen for confirming whether or not to register the location information (step S402).

[0075] The connected device identification screen displayed in step S402 will now be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the connected device identification screen displayed when confirming the registration of location information according to this embodiment. 16, for example, a location information registration confirmation screen G31 is superimposed on the connected device identification screen G30 already displayed on the worker terminal 10. The worker can register location information by pressing button B36, or can proceed to the next process without registering location information by pressing button B37.

[0076] 15, when registering the location information, the worker performs an operation to select to register the location information on the worker terminal 10 (step S403). For example, the worker presses the button B36 on the location information registration confirmation screen G31. The location information acquisition unit 140 of the worker terminal 10 acquires the location information (step S404). Next, the registration processing unit 167 acquires map information corresponding to the acquired location information and displays it on the connected device identification screen (step S405).

[0077] The connected device identification screen displayed in step S405 will now be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the connected device identification screen on which map information according to this embodiment is displayed. 17, for example, map information is displayed in area R35 of the connected device identification screen G30 already displayed on the worker terminal 10. At this time, buttons B33 and B34 become pressable.

[0078] 15, the registration processing unit 167 transmits the location information to the management server 20 (step S406). The registration unit 236 of the management server 20 registers the identification information of the gas meter 40, the communication terminal information of the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40, and the location information in association with each other (step S407).

[0079] (5) Flow of communication confirmation process Next, the flow of the communication check process will be described with reference to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19. Fig. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the communication check process according to this embodiment.

[0080] 18, first, the worker performs an operation to execute a communication check on the worker terminal 10 (step S501). For example, the worker presses the button B34 on the connected device identification screen G30. The communication confirmation processing unit 168 of the worker terminal 10 transmits a request to acquire the instruction value to the management server 20 (step S502). Next, the communication confirmation processing unit 168 displays a communication confirmation screen (step S503).

[0081] The communication confirmation screen displayed in step S503 will now be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the communication confirmation screen according to this embodiment. In step S503, for example, a communication confirmation screen G40 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the worker terminal 10. Area R41 displays the MAC address of the communication confirmation destination. Area R42 displays the communication confirmation status. Button B41 is a button that is pressed when the acquired indication value is the same as the indication value of the gas meter 40. Button B42 is a button for returning to the previous screen.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 18 , the indication value acquisition processing unit 237 of the management server 20 transmits an indication value acquisition request to the communication terminal 50 via the collection server 30, the base station BS, and the smart meter 60 (step S504). The communication terminal 50, which has received the indication value acquisition request, acquires an indication value from the gas meter 40 (step S505). The communication terminal 50 transmits the acquired indication value to the management server 20 via the smart meter 60, the base station BS, and the collection server 30 (step S506). The indication value acquisition processing unit 237 of the management server 20, which has received the indication value, transmits the indication value to the worker terminal 10 (step S507). The communication confirmation processing unit 168 of the worker terminal 10 displays the received indication value on a communication confirmation screen (step S508). The worker compares the indicated value displayed on the communication confirmation screen of the worker terminal 10 with the indicated value of the gas meter 40, and determines whether or not the communication confirmation has been successful (step S509).

[0083] As described above, the installation support system 1 of this embodiment comprises an operator terminal 10 held by an operator who installs a communication terminal 50 on a gas meter 40 (meter), and a management server 20 that performs management based on measurement data measured by the gas meter 40. The worker terminal 10 includes an installation location information processing unit 163 that acquires and displays installation location information regarding the installation location of the gas meter 40 where the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal 50 from the management server 20, and an input processing unit 161 that transmits identification information attached to the gas meter 40 to the management server 20, which the worker visits the installation location indicated by the displayed installation location information, confirms and inputs the installed gas meter 40. The management server 20 includes a memory unit 220 that pre-stores identification information of the gas meter 40 to which the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal 50, and a matching processing unit 234 that matches the identification information of the gas meter 40 received from the worker terminal 10 with the identification information of the gas meter 40 stored in the memory unit 220 and transmits the matching result to the worker terminal 10. The attachment information processing unit 163 displays the collation result received from the management server 20.

[0084] With this configuration, before starting the installation work of the communication terminal 50 to the gas meter 40 at the site where the gas meter 40 is installed, the worker can input the identification information of the gas meter 40 into the worker terminal 10 and check whether the gas meter 40 is the correct installation location based on the displayed comparison result. Therefore, the installation support system 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to prevent the communication terminal from being installed incorrectly on the meter.

[0085] Furthermore, in the worker terminal 10, if the comparison result received from the management server 20 indicates a mismatch in the meter manufacturer number of the gas meter 40, the determination processing unit 164 displays selection information for determining whether the worker's visit destination is correct, and determines whether the worker's visit destination is correct in accordance with the worker's selection. For example, if it is selected that there is a replacement history or that only contact connection is to be used, the determination processing unit 164 determines that the worker's visit destination is correct, and if it is selected that there is no replacement history, it determines that the worker's visit destination is incorrect. This allows the cause of the mismatch in the meter company number to be identified, and the worker can take action according to the identified cause.

[0086] Furthermore, in the worker terminal 10, if the worker's destination is correct, the input processing unit 161 accepts input of the serial number (identification information) of the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40, and transmits the input serial number of the communication terminal 50 to the management server 20. In the management server 20, the communication terminal information acquisition unit 235 acquires communication terminal information corresponding to the serial number of the communication terminal 50 received from the worker terminal 10 from the communication terminal information related to the communication terminal 50 that has been registered in advance, and transmits the information to the worker terminal 10. In the worker terminal 10, the communication terminal information processing unit 165 displays the communication terminal information received from the management server 20. This automatically inputs the information about the communication terminal 50 that the worker is trying to register, thereby preventing input errors by the worker.

[0087] Furthermore, in the worker terminal 10, when a worker who has checked the displayed communication terminal information performs a registration operation, the registration processing unit 167 transmits the displayed communication terminal information to the management server 20. In the management server 20, the registration unit 236 registers the meter company number of the gas meter 40 to which the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal 50, which is stored in the memory unit 220, in association with the communication terminal information received from the worker terminal 10. This makes it possible to prevent an operator from making an error in association when registering the information of the gas meter 40 and the information of the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40 in association with each other.

[0088] Furthermore, in the worker terminal 10, the captured image acquisition unit 130 acquires an image of communication terminal information attached to the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40, the character recognition unit 166 reads the serial number of the communication terminal 50 from the communication terminal information shown in the captured image by character recognition processing of the acquired captured image, and the input processing unit 161 transmits the serial number of the communication terminal 50 read by the character recognition unit 166 to the management server 20. This can prevent the worker from making an input error in the serial number of the communication terminal 50.

[0089] In addition, in the worker terminal 10, the location information acquisition unit 140 acquires location information indicating the current location of the worker terminal 10, and when the worker performs a registration operation of location information indicating the installation location of the communication terminal 50, the registration processing unit 167 transmits the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 140 to the management server 20 as location information indicating the installation location of the communication terminal 50. In the management server 20, the registration unit 236 further associates the location information received from the operator terminal 10 with the meter manufacturer number and communication terminal information of the gas meter 40 and registers them. This allows the location information of the communication terminal 50 to be linked to the business operator's core system and managed. By linking the location information to the core system, when an alarm such as a gas leak occurs, the location of the gas leak can be quickly identified based on the location information, allowing for a prompt response.

[0090] Furthermore, in the worker terminal 10, the communication confirmation processing unit 168 transmits a request to acquire the indicated value of the gas meter 40 to the management server 20 in order to confirm communication with the communication terminal 50 attached to the gas meter 40. In the management server 20, when an acquisition request is received from the worker terminal 10, the indication value acquisition processing unit 237 sends an acquisition request to the communication terminal 50 corresponding to the communication terminal information based on the communication terminal information displayed on the worker terminal 10, acquires the indication value of the gas meter 40 to which the communication terminal 50 is attached, and sends it to the worker terminal 10. At the worker terminal 10, the communication confirmation processing unit 168 displays the instruction value received from the management server 20. This eliminates the need for workers to make phone calls to check communication with the company, reducing the time required for communication checks and allowing workers to work more efficiently.In addition, since communication with the company is no longer necessary, a single worker can complete the work, eliminating the need to secure personnel in-house who can respond, which also reduces personnel costs.

[0091] In addition, a request to obtain the indication value of the gas meter 40 is sent from the worker terminal 10 to the communication terminal 50 via the management server 20, the collection server 30, and the smart meter 60, and the indication value obtained by the acquisition request is sent to the worker terminal 10 via the communication terminal 50, the smart meter 60, the collection server 30, and the management server 20. This reduces the response waiting time for communication checks to a maximum of about two minutes, making communication checks more efficient.

[0092] In addition, when the meter to which the communication terminal 50 is attached is a gas meter 40 that measures gas usage, the communication terminal 50 transmits the gas usage measured by the gas meter 40 to a smart meter 60 that is provided for meter reading of items other than gas. This eliminates the need for gas companies to install new smart meters 60 in order to make gas meters 40 smarter, thereby reducing the cost of making them smarter. In addition, businesses that share smart meters 60 with gas companies can effectively utilize the remaining communication bandwidth.

[0093] <5. Variations> Next, modified examples of the embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that each modified example described below may be applied alone to the embodiments of the present invention, or may be applied in combination with the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, each modified example may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiments of the present invention, or may be applied in addition to the configuration described in each embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the meter is a gas meter 40 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, if the installation assistance system 1 is provided for an electric power company, the meter may be an electric meter that measures the amount of electricity used. Also, if the installation assistance system 1 is provided for a water company, the meter may be a water meter that measures the amount of water used.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which a gas utility uses a smart meter 60 installed by an electric power utility, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, a gas utility may use a smart meter 60 installed by itself, or may use a smart meter 60 installed by a utility other than an electric power utility.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the gas meter 40 is described as not having a communication function, but in the phase of managing measurement data during operation, a gas meter 40 that already has a communication function may also be managed by the management server 20. If the gas meter 40 has a communication function, there is no need to install a communication terminal 50, and therefore there is no need for installation assistance by the installation assistance system 1. However, even if the gas meter 40 already has a communication function, the measurement data measured by the gas meter 40 may be transmitted to the management server 20 via the smart meter 60, the base station BS, and the collection server 30, and managed by the management server 20.

[0097] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention. Note that some or all of the functions of the installation assistance system 1, the worker terminal 10, and the management server 20 in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing these functions may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or telephone lines, or devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system serving as a server or client. The program may be designed to implement some of the functions described above, or may be capable of implementing the functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system, or may be implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0098] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1...Installation support system, 10...Worker terminal, 20...Management server, 30...Collection server, 40...Gas meter, 40 (40-1 to 40-N)...Gas meter, 50 (50-1 to 50-N)...Communication terminal, 60 (60-1 to 60-M)...Smart meter, 90...Sticker, 110...Communication unit, 120...Input unit, 130...Captured image acquisition unit, 140...Location information acquisition unit, 150...Memory unit, 160...Control unit, 161...Input processing unit, 162...Login request unit, 16 3...Attachment destination information processing unit, 164...Determination processing unit, 165...Communication terminal information processing unit, 166...Character recognition unit, 167...Registration processing unit, 168...Communication confirmation processing unit, 170...Output unit, 210...Communication unit, 220...Storage unit, 230...Control unit, 231...Login processing unit, 232...Schedule list information acquisition unit, 233...Attachment destination information acquisition unit, 234...Matching processing unit, 235...Communication terminal information acquisition unit, 236...Registration unit, 237...Indication value acquisition processing unit, BS...Base station, NW...Network

Claims

1. an operator terminal held by an operator who installs a communication terminal on a meter; a management server that performs management based on measurement data measured by the meter; Equipped with The worker terminal includes: an installation location information processing unit that acquires from the management server and displays installation location information regarding an installation location of the meter where the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal; an input processing unit that causes the worker to visit the installation location indicated by the displayed installation location information, confirm and input the installed meter, and transmits identification information attached to the meter to the management server; Equipped with The management server a storage unit that stores in advance identification information of the meter to which the worker is scheduled to attach the communication terminal; a verification processing unit that collates the meter identification information received from the operator terminal with the meter identification information stored in the storage unit and transmits the verification result to the operator terminal; Equipped with the attachment information processing unit displays the matching result received from the management server, The worker terminal includes: a determination processing unit that, when the comparison result indicates a mismatch in the identification information of the meter, displays selection information for determining whether the destination of the worker is correct, and determines whether the destination of the worker is correct in accordance with the selection made by the worker; Equipped with Installation assistance system.

2. The determination processing unit displays, as the selection information, options that can be selected as to whether or not there is a history of replacement of the meter, and determines that the worker has visited the correct place when "there is a history of replacement" is selected, and determines that the worker has visited the wrong place when "there is no history of replacement" is selected. The installation assist system of claim 1 .

3. The determination processing unit displays, as the selection information, an option that allows the selection of using only the contact point connection, and determines that the destination of the worker is correct when the selection of using only the contact point connection is selected. The installation assistance system of claim 1 .

4. the input processing unit accepts input of identification information of the communication terminal attached to the meter if the destination of the visit by the worker is correct, and transmits the input identification information of the communication terminal to the management server; The management server a communication terminal information acquisition unit that acquires the communication terminal information corresponding to the identification information of the communication terminal received from the worker terminal from communication terminal information related to the communication terminal that has been registered in advance, and transmits the communication terminal information to the worker terminal; Furthermore, The worker terminal includes: a communication terminal information processing unit that displays the communication terminal information received from the management server; The installation assist system of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The worker terminal includes: a registration processing unit that transmits the displayed communication terminal information to the management server when a registration operation is performed by the worker who has confirmed the displayed communication terminal information; Furthermore, The management server a registration unit that registers, in association with each other, identification information of the meter to which the worker is scheduled to attach the communication terminal, which is stored in the storage unit, and the communication terminal information received from the worker terminal; The installation assist system of claim 4 further comprising:

6. The worker terminal includes: a captured image acquisition unit that acquires a captured image of the communication terminal information attached to the communication terminal attached to the meter; a character recognition unit that reads identification information of the communication terminal from the communication terminal information shown in the captured image by performing character recognition processing on the acquired captured image; Furthermore, the input processing unit transmits the identification information of the communication terminal read by the character recognition unit to the management server; The installation assistance system of claim 4.

7. The worker terminal includes: a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating a current location of the worker terminal; Furthermore, the registration processing unit, when the worker performs an operation to register position information indicating an installation position of the communication terminal, transmits the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit to the management server as position information indicating the installation position of the communication terminal; the registration unit further associates the location information received from the operator terminal with the meter identification information and the communication terminal information, and registers the association information. The installation assistance system of claim 5 .

8. The worker terminal includes: a communication confirmation processing unit that transmits a request to acquire the indicated value of the meter to the management server in order to confirm communication of the communication terminal attached to the meter; Furthermore, The management server an indication value acquisition processing unit that, when receiving the acquisition request from the worker terminal, transmits the acquisition request to the communication terminal corresponding to the communication terminal information displayed on the worker terminal, acquires an indication value of the meter to which the communication terminal is attached, and transmits the indication value to the worker terminal; Furthermore, the communication confirmation processing unit displays the instruction value received from the management server. The installation assistance system of claim 4.

9. the acquisition request is transmitted from the operator terminal to the communication terminal via the management server, a collection server that collects the measurement data of the meter and transmits it to the management server, and a smart meter that receives the measurement data from the communication terminal and transmits it to the collection server; The indication value acquired in response to the acquisition request is transmitted to the operator terminal via the communication terminal, the smart meter, the collection server, and the management server. The installation assist system of claim 8.

10. The meter is a gas meter that measures the amount of gas used, The communication terminal transmits the amount of gas usage measured by the gas meter to a smart meter provided for meter reading other than gas. The installation assistance system of claim 1 .

11. An installation support method in an installation support system including an operator terminal owned by an operator who installs a communication terminal on a meter, and a management server that performs management based on measurement data measured by the meter, comprising: an installation location information processing step in which an installation location information processing unit of the worker terminal acquires, from the management server, installation location information relating to an installation location of the meter where the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal, and displays the installation location information; an input processing step in which the input processing unit of the worker terminal visits the installation location indicated by the displayed installation location information, confirms and inputs the installed meter, and transmits identification information attached to the meter to the management server; a storage step in which a storage unit of the management server stores in advance identification information of the meter to which the worker is scheduled to attach the communication terminal; a matching process step in which a matching processing unit of the management server matches the meter identification information received from the operator terminal with the meter identification information stored in the storage unit, and transmits a matching result to the operator terminal; a determination processing step in which, when the comparison result indicates a mismatch in the identification information of the meter, a determination processing unit of the operator terminal displays selection information for determining whether the destination of the operator is correct, and determines whether the destination of the operator is correct in accordance with the selection made by the operator; Including, the attachment information processing unit displays the matching result received from the management server. Installation assistance methods.

12. Computer, A program for functioning as an installation support system including an operator terminal held by an operator who installs a communication terminal on a meter, and a management server that performs management based on measurement data measured by the meter, The computer an installation location information processing means for acquiring, from the management server, installation location information relating to an installation location of the meter where the worker is scheduled to install the communication terminal, and displaying the information; an input processing means for the worker to visit the installation location indicated by the displayed installation location information, confirm and input the installed meter, and transmit identification information attached to the meter to the management server; a storage means for storing in advance identification information of the meter to which the worker is scheduled to attach the communication terminal; a verification processing means for verifying the meter identification information received from the operator terminal with the meter identification information stored in the storage means, and transmitting the verification result to the operator terminal; a determination processing means for displaying selection information for determining whether the destination of the worker is correct or not, when the comparison result indicates a mismatch in the identification information of the meter, and determining whether the destination of the worker is correct or not, in accordance with the selection made by the worker; It functions as the installation destination information processing means displays the collation result received from the management server. program.

Images