Water meter having leak detection function and method for operating the same

Abstract

A water meter equipped with a leak detection function according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a memory; a sensor for measuring flow rate data of the water meter; and a processor for loading and executing a plurality of instructions stored in the memory. The processor compares a current measurement value of the sensor with a previous measurement value to determine whether they are the same, counts the number of times the same value is determined based on the result of the determination, and determines whether a leak is detected in the water meter based on the counted number.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water meter equipped with a leak detection function and a method of operation thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Water meters, which measure water usage, are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, and various technologies have been proposed for the early detection of leaks. Conventional leak detection methods generally measure flow rates at regular intervals, estimate leaks based on fluctuations in the measured values, and trigger an alarm when specific threshold conditions are met (e.g., the presence of continuous flow for a certain period of time).

[0003] However, in water supply sites, false positives, missed detections, and reduced consistency in leak detection occur due to factors such as differences in sensitivity based on diameter (DN), minute variations caused by environmental factors like temperature and vibration, the operation of fixed thresholds, and delays resulting from server-dependent analysis. Furthermore, if the criteria for determining the identity of continuous measurements fail to systematically reflect diameter, minimum detectable flow rate, field variation, and safety margins, the reproducibility and explainability of the judgment are compromised.

[0004] The matters described in the background technology above are intended to aid in understanding the background of the invention and may include matters that are not disclosed prior art. Prior art literature

[0005] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1827949 (February 5, 2018) The problem to be solved

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a water meter and a method of operation thereof that can perform a real-time leak detection function with simple calculations without relying on an external system by rapidly and accurately determining whether a leak is detected within the water meter based on a continuous count of identical judgments by comparing current / previous measurements of a sensor. means of solving the problem

[0007] A water meter equipped with a leak detection function according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a memory; a sensor for measuring flow rate data of the water meter; and a processor for loading and executing a plurality of instructions stored in the memory. The processor compares a current measurement value of the sensor with a previous measurement value to determine whether they are the same, counts the number of times the same value is determined based on the result of the determination, and determines whether a leak is detected in the water meter based on the counted number.

[0008] The processor can match preset weights for each diameter of the water meter and store them in the memory, load weights corresponding to the diameter of the water meter from the memory, and correct the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor based on the loaded weights.

[0009] The processor calculates the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate by multiplying the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor, respectively, by the weight, and can determine whether they are the same by comparing the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate.

[0010] The processor can count the number of times the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate are consecutively determined to be the same value, and determine whether a leak is detected in the water meter based on whether a threshold is reached for the counted number.

[0011] The processor may generate a suspected leak signal indicating a suspected leak state of the water meter when the counted number reaches a preset warning threshold, and generate a confirmed leak signal indicating a confirmed leak state of the water meter when the counted number reaches a preset confirmation threshold.

[0012] The processor counts the same duration, which indicates the time during which the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor remain the same, and records it in the memory; calculates the average value of the same durations recorded in the memory at regular intervals, compares it with the standard duration set at the time of factory shipment of the water meter, and determines whether to adjust the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively, based on the result of the comparison.

[0013] The processor may raise the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively, if the calculated average value is greater than the reference duration, and lower the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively, if the calculated average value is less than the reference duration.

[0014] The processor can determine that the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor are the same value if the difference between the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor is within a preset tolerance range.

[0015] The above allowable error range may be set differently for each diameter of the water meter by considering the minimum detectable flow rate defined as the lowest flow rate continuously detectable for each diameter of the water meter, the reference state variation range defined as the natural variation range of the corrected flow rate appearing during continuous measurement while maintaining no flow or a constant reference flow rate, and the safety margin defined as a margin parameter to absorb the possibility that the reference state variation range may be temporarily expanded.

[0016] If the processor determines that the current measurement value of the sensor and the previous measurement value are not the same value, it can initialize the counted number to a preset initial value.

[0017] A method of operation of a water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a step of measuring flow rate data of the water meter through a sensor; a step of determining whether the current measurement value of the sensor is the same by comparing it with a previous measurement value; a step of counting the number of times the same value is determined based on the result of the determination; and a step of determining whether a leak is detected in the water meter based on the counted number.

[0018] A method of operation of a water meter according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include the step of matching a preset weight for each diameter of the water meter and storing it in memory; the step of loading a weight corresponding to the diameter of the water meter from the memory; and the step of correcting the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor based on the loaded weight. Effects of the invention

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by comparing the current and previous measurement values ​​of a sensor to determine whether they are identical, and by accumulating and utilizing the number of consecutive identical determinations, it is possible to determine whether a water leak is detected in real time within the water meter without external server computation. Accordingly, communication delays and power / cost burdens are reduced, and immediacy can be ensured in field installation environments.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by correcting (normalizing) the measurement value through the application of weights by diameter (DN), the judgment deviation caused by differences in flow sensitivity between different diameters can be mitigated. Accordingly, both false positives and false negatives of water meters can be reduced.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by quantifying the degree to which a state of identical value is continuously maintained as a continuous count and comparing it stepwise with a warning threshold and a confirmation threshold, a dual judgment system from a suspected leak state to a confirmed leak state can be realized. This suppresses unnecessary alarms caused by one-off fluctuations while responding sensitively to the persistence of actual leaks, thereby increasing the reliability of the judgment.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the threshold can be adaptively adjusted upward or downward by comparing the average of the same duration recorded over a certain period (e.g., the last 30 days) with the reference duration, so the judgment sensitivity can be automatically optimized according to changes in seasonal / usage patterns or field conditions. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the network configuration of a water meter equipped with a leak detection function according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the water meter of Figure 1. FIGS. 3 to 5 are flowcharts illustrating a method of operation of a water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting a warning threshold and a confirmed threshold in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an example diagram showing a table of preset weighting factors (DN) and flow rate ranges (L / h) for each diameter according to the diameter (DN) of the water meter. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] The embodiments are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the spirit of the invention.

[0026] The terms used herein are for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Additionally, the singular form in this specification may include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “having” in this application are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof of the invention, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] The drawings are intended solely to facilitate an understanding of the concept of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Additionally, relative thicknesses, lengths, or sizes in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the network configuration of a water meter equipped with a leak detection function according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the water meter (110) of FIG. 1.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a water meter (110) having a leak detection function according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a memory (210), a sensor (220), and a processor (230).

[0030] The memory (210) can store multiple instructions required for the execution of the processor (230). Additionally, the memory (210) can store data required for the execution of the processor (230) and data processed by the processor (230).

[0031] For example, data such as a pre-set weight for each diameter (DN) of the water meter (110), an allowable error range for determining whether the sensor (220) measurement value is the same, a continuous count indicating the number of consecutive identical determinations of the sensor (220) measurement value, and a threshold for determining leakage can be stored in the memory (210).

[0032] As such, the memory (210) can operate as a storage unit for operational parameters that includes not only a storage unit for codes (multiple instructions) but also a weighting factor by diameter, an allowable error range, a continuous count, a threshold, and an equal duration for subsequent correction of the threshold itself.

[0033] The sensor (220) can measure the flow rate data of the fluid flowing through the water meter (110). At this time, the sensor (220) can measure the flow rate per unit time at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 1 hour intervals). The measurement results can be provided to the processor (230) as instantaneous flow rate values ​​or flow rate values ​​for time intervals.

[0034] The sensor (220) can continuously acquire the accumulated flow rate over a certain period or the measured flow rate at each measurement point. This measured flow rate data can subsequently be used to perform operations (calculation of corrected flow rate, determination of identical value, calculation of consecutive count, etc.) by the processor (230). Here, the accumulated flow rate represents the total usage accumulated over time, and the consecutive count represents the number of times the same value is repeated consecutively.

[0035] The processor (230) can load multiple instructions stored in memory (210) and execute the following operations.

[0036] The processor (230) can determine whether the current measurement value of the sensor (220) and the previous measurement value are the same by comparing them. At this time, the processor (230) can correct the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor (220) respectively and determine whether the two measurement values ​​are the same by comparing them.

[0037] The structure / flow path cross-section of the water meter (110) differs depending on the nominal diameter (DN), so the perception of whether the same absolute flow rate fluctuation is viewed as a change in state or as a fine tremor differs. The small diameter (DN15) is sensitive to fine flow rates, but the large diameter (DN40) perceives the same absolute fluctuation as relatively small and can be interpreted as having almost no fluctuation. In other words, even if the same absolute flow rate fluctuation (e.g., 2 L / h) occurs in the DN15 and DN40 water meters (110), the perceived sensitivity differs. Due to these factors, correction of the measurements of the sensor (220) is required.

[0038] Below, the correction process for the measurements of the sensor (220) is described in detail.

[0039] First, the processor (230) can match pre-set weights for each diameter of the water meter (110) and store them in memory (210). During the shipping process, the processor (230) can execute a manufacturing setting routine to record a 'Nominal Diameter (DN) - Weight W (DN)' mapping table in a non-volatile area of ​​memory (210). For example, the processor (230) can pre-set W(DN15)=1.0, W(DN25)=1.5, and W(DN40)=2.0 for DN15, DN25, and DN40, respectively (table entries can be added / modified as needed), and each entry can store version information and integrity check values ​​together.

[0040] Subsequently, the processor (230) loads a weight corresponding to the diameter of the water meter (110) from the memory (210) and can correct the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor (220) based on the loaded weight. That is, the processor (230) can calculate the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate by multiplying the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor (220), respectively, by the weight loaded from the memory (210).

[0041] For example, the processor (230) can load a weight W (DN25) = 1.5 corresponding to the nominal bore (DN25) identified at installation from memory (210). Then, the current measurement Q[k] = 30 L / h and the previous measurement Q[k-1] = 30 L / h provided by the sensor (220) can be multiplied by the weight to calculate the current corrected flow rate Qw[k] = 45 and the previous corrected flow rate Qw[k-1] = 45 (unit: relative unit with weight applied).

[0042] The processor (230) can determine whether the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate are the same by comparing them. At this time, if the difference between the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor (220) is within a preset allowable error range, the processor (230) can determine that the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor (220) are the same value.

[0043] In other words, the processor (230) can determine the flow rate state of the two times as the same value if the absolute value of the difference between the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate is less than or equal to the allowable error range (deadband, ε) stored in the memory (210) (|ΔQw|≤ε), and determine that it is not the same value if it is not (|ΔQw|>ε).

[0044] For example, for a water meter (110) set to DN25 during the installation process, the processor (230) can load a weight corresponding to DN25 from memory (210). When weights are applied to Q[k]=30L / h and Q[k-1]=29L / h provided by the sensor (220) to calculate Qw[k] and Qw[k-1], the difference between the two corrected flow rates becomes |ΔQw|=1, and since |ΔQw|≤ε when the deadband is set to ε=2, the two times can be determined to have the same value.

[0045] As another example, when a weight corresponding to DN40 is applied to a DN40 water meter (110), the difference between Qw[k] and Qw[k-1] calculated from Q[k] and Q[k-1] provided by the sensor (220) is |ΔQw|=4, and when the deadband is ε=3, |ΔQw|>ε, so the two times can be determined to be not the same.

[0046] Meanwhile, as another example, when the corrected flow rate calculated by applying a weight corresponding to DN15 to a DN15 water meter (110) is Qw[k]=6.5 and Qw[k-1]=5.5, and the dead band is ε=1.0, |ΔQw|=1.0, which corresponds to |ΔQw|=ε, so the two time points can be determined to have the same value.

[0047] Here, the allowable error range (ε) can be set differently for each diameter of the water meter (110) by considering the minimum detectable flow rate, the reference state variation range, and the safety margin. The minimum detectable flow rate can be defined as the lowest flow rate that can be continuously detected for each diameter of the water meter (110). The reference state variation range can be defined as the natural variation range of the corrected flow rate that appears during continuous measurement while maintaining no flow or a constant reference flow rate. The safety margin can be defined as a margin parameter to absorb the possibility that the reference state variation range may be temporarily expanded.

[0048] For example, the processor (230) can calculate an allowable error range for two water meters (110) with different DNs based on the reference state fluctuation range collected at installation and the minimum detected flow rate (Qmin) confirmed by performance testing, and store this in memory (210). Subsequently, if the difference in corrected flow rates (|ΔQw|) at two consecutive points in the same usage environment is less than or equal to the allowable error range corresponding to DN1, the processor (230) can determine that the corrected flow rates at two consecutive points are the same value for the DN1 water meter (110). On the other hand, if the absolute difference exceeds the allowable error range corresponding to DN2 even if it is the same, the processor (230) can determine that the corrected flow rates at two consecutive points are not the same for the DN2 water meter (110).

[0049] As such, according to the embodiments of the present invention, by operating the allowable error range for each diameter, sensitivity can be maintained to avoid missing minute leaks in small diameters, while false detections caused by minor fluctuations in large diameters can be reduced.

[0050] The processor (230) can count the number of times the same value is determined based on the judgment result. That is, the processor (230) can update a consecutive count (C) that counts the number of times the current correction flow rate and the previous correction flow rate are consecutively determined to be the same value.

[0051] More specifically, the processor (230) may increase the consecutive count (C <- C+1) if it is determined to be the same value, and immediately initialize the consecutive count to the initial value (C_init) if it is determined not to be the same value. The rules for increasing and initializing the consecutive count are intended to quantify the time length during which the same value state is maintained continuously.

[0052] The processor (230) can maintain the continuous count updated as described above in an internal register or memory (210) and continuously utilize it for determining the next sampling point. Thus, according to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to distinguish between cases where the same value state occurs sporadically and cases where it persists for a certain period, and the continuous count can be provided as a persistence indicator for use in subsequent steps (e.g., comparison with a warning / confirmation threshold).

[0053] Example 1 below describes the case where the same value is maintained continuously. If the difference between the two corrected flow rates calculated at each sampling interval is determined to be less than or equal to ε at each time point, the processor (230) can increase C by 1. For example, if |Qw[k]-Qw[k-1]| ≤ ε at all times k=1, 2, 3, and 4, C, which started at the initial value C_init=0, can be accumulated sequentially as 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4.

[0054] Example 2 below describes the case where a non-identical determination occurs in the middle. At time k=1 and k=2, |ΔQw| ≤ ε is determined to be the same value and C is accumulated up to 2, but at time k=3, |ΔQw| > ε is determined to be not the same, so the processor (230) immediately initializes C to C_init (e.g., C=0). Then, at time k=4, if it is determined to be the same value again, the processor (230) can re-accumulate C starting from 1.

[0055] The processor (230) can determine whether a water meter (110) has a leak based on the counted number of times (consecutive count C). That is, the processor (230) can determine whether a water meter (110) has a leak based on whether a threshold of the counted number of times has been reached.

[0056] Here, the threshold can be divided into two stages, the first stage being a warning threshold and the second stage being a confirmed threshold. The warning threshold and the confirmed threshold are each preset values, and the confirmed threshold may have a higher value than the warning threshold. The processor (230) can compare the counted number with the warning threshold or the confirmed threshold and determine whether a water meter (110) has a leak based on the comparison result.

[0057] At this time, if the counted number reaches a warning threshold (i.e., if the continuous count C is greater than or equal to the warning threshold), the processor (230) can determine the state of the water meter (110) to be a suspected leak state. Subsequently, if the counted number exceeds the warning threshold and reaches a confirmed threshold (i.e., if the continuous count is greater than or equal to the confirmed threshold), the processor (230) can determine the state of the water meter (110) to be a confirmed leak state.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the processor (230) accumulates a consecutive count as the same value judgment continues for consecutive points, and can determine the state of the water meter (110) as a suspected leak state when the consecutive count reaches or exceeds a warning threshold stored in memory (210). For example, if the warning threshold is set to 3, the processor (230) can determine the state of the water meter (110) as a suspected leak state when the consecutive count becomes 3 because the same value judgment occurs 3 times in a row.

[0059] Subsequently, if the same value judgment continues to accumulate and the consecutive count reaches or exceeds a confirmed threshold, the processor (230) can determine the state of the water meter (110) as a confirmed leak state. For example, if the confirmed threshold is set to 6, when the same value judgment accumulates three more times and the consecutive count reaches 6, the processor (230) can determine the state of the water meter (110) as a confirmed leak state.

[0060] If a suspected leak is determined, the processor (230) may generate a suspected leak signal indicating the suspected leak of the water meter (110). And, if a confirmed leak is determined, the processor (230) may generate a confirmed leak signal indicating the confirmed leak of the water meter (110).

[0061] Here, a suspected leak signal or a confirmed leak signal can be transmitted to a server (140) via a base station (130) through a communication terminal (120). The server transmission cycle of the suspected leak signal or the confirmed leak signal can be set shorter than when the water meter (110) is in a normal state.

[0062] For example, when the water meter (110) is in a normal state, the processor (230) can transmit status information (leakage normal signal) of the water meter (110) to the server (140) every 6 hours by setting the server transmission cycle to 6 hours. However, when the water meter (110) is in a suspected leak state or a confirmed leak state, the processor can transmit status information (leakage suspected signal or leak confirmed signal) of the water meter (110) to the server (140) every 3 hours or less by setting the server transmission cycle to 3 hours or less.

[0063] Meanwhile, the processor (230) can count the same duration, which indicates the time during which the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor (220) remain the same value, and record it in the memory (210). Here, the processor (230) defines the interval in which the absolute value of the difference between the current correction flow rate and the previous correction flow rate calculated for each sampling period is determined to be less than or equal to the allowable error range as the same value interval, and counts the time during which the interval is continuously maintained as the same duration.

[0064] During each sampling period in which the same value determination is maintained, the processor (230) can increase the same duration and, at the point when the same value determination is released, determine the same duration accumulated up to that point and record it in memory (210). At this time, the processor (230) can record metadata including the start / end times for each section, the total duration, and the diameter of the water meter (110).

[0065] For example, if the sampling period is set to 1 hour, the processor (230) can determine the same duration as 4 hours if the same value determination is maintained continuously from time k=1 to k=4, and record the value as one same value episode in memory (210). Afterwards, if the same value determination is released at k=5, the processor (230) can initialize the same duration count and repeat the same procedure for the next same value interval.

[0066] For reference, in this specification, the sampling period refers to the time interval between two consecutive measurement points and can be set to, for example, 1 hour.

[0067] The processor (230) can calculate the average value of identical durations recorded in the memory (210) at regular intervals and compare it with the standard duration set at the time of factory shipment of the water meter (110).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the processor (230) may calculate the arithmetic average of identical durations recorded in memory (210) during a recent set period (e.g., 30 days) once a day (every 24 hours) and compare this with the standard duration set at the time of shipment. For example, the processor (230) may calculate the average of identical durations {2h, 3h, 2h, 4h, 5h, ...} recorded over the past 30 days as 3.2 hours (h) and compare this with the standard duration set at the time of shipment of 2.0h.

[0069] At this time, the average calculation period may be set to a weekly unit or when the cumulative number of episodes is reached, in addition to a daily unit, according to the system policy, and the processor (230) may recalculate the average value according to the selected period and repeatedly perform a comparison with the reference duration.

[0070] The processor (230) can determine whether to adjust the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively, based on the comparison result. That is, if the calculated average value is greater than the reference duration, the processor (230) can increase the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively. On the other hand, if the calculated average value is less than the reference duration, the processor (230) can decrease the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively.

[0071] At this time, threshold adjustment can be performed periodically (e.g., once a day), and the adjusted warning threshold and confirmed threshold are stored in memory (210) along with timestamp and version information, so that they can be immediately reflected in the leak suspicion / confirmation determination (comparison with continuous count C).

[0072] An example of upward adjustment of the threshold is explained as follows.

[0073] When the processor (230) calculates the average same duration over the last 30 days as 4h and the reference duration is 2h, the difference between the average same duration and the reference duration is +2h. According to one embodiment, when the single adjustment step is set to +1 and the hysteresis is set to 0.5h, the absolute value (2h) of the difference between the average same duration and the reference duration exceeds the hysteresis (0.5h), thus satisfying the adjustment execution condition. Accordingly, the processor (230) determines the adjustment amount as +2h, which is the difference between the average same duration and the reference duration, and applies this to the warning threshold and the confirmation threshold to increase the warning threshold from 3h to 4h and the confirmation threshold from 6h to 7h, respectively, and can store the adjustment result in memory (210).

[0074] Conversely, an example of downward adjustment of the threshold is explained as follows.

[0075] When the processor (230) calculates the average same duration over the last 30 days as 1.5h and the reference duration is 2h, the difference between the average same duration and the reference duration is -0.5h. According to one embodiment, when the maximum size of a single adjustment step is set to 0.5 and the hysteresis is set to 0.25, the absolute value (0.5h) of the difference between the average same duration and the reference duration exceeds the hysteresis (0.25h), thus satisfying the adjustment execution condition. Accordingly, the processor (230) determines -0.5h, which is the difference between the average same duration and the reference duration, as the adjustment amount, applies this to the warning threshold and the confirmation threshold to lower the warning threshold from 3h to 2.5h and the confirmation threshold from 6h to 5.5h, respectively, and can store the adjustment result in memory (210).

[0076] In this embodiment, the single adjustment step described above represents a single update amount applied once to the warning threshold and / or confirmed threshold per threshold correction cycle. Hysteresis may be set to correspond to approximately half of the single adjustment step.

[0077] FIGS. 3 to 5 are flowcharts illustrating a method of operation of a water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in step (310), the processor (230) can measure the flow rate data of the water meter (110) through the sensor (220).

[0079] Next, in step (320), the processor (230) can compare the current measurement value of the sensor (220) with the previous measurement value. This is explained in detail with further reference to FIG. 4 as follows.

[0080] In step (410), the processor (230) can match preset weights for each diameter of the water meter (110) and store them in memory (210).

[0081] Afterwards, in step (420), the processor (230) can load a weight corresponding to the diameter of the water meter (110) from memory (210).

[0082] Subsequently, in step (430), the processor (230) can calculate the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate by multiplying the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor (220), respectively, by a weight. That is, the processor (230) can calculate the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate by correcting the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor (220) based on the weight loaded from the memory (210).

[0083] Afterward, in step (440), the processor (230) can compare the calculated current correction flow rate with the previous correction flow rate.

[0084] Next, referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, in step (330), the processor (230) can count the number of times the same value is determined based on the comparison result. That is, the processor (230) can update the consecutive count if the current correction flow rate and the previous correction flow rate are consecutively determined to be the same value (C <- C+1).

[0085] Next, in step (340), the processor (230) can determine whether a water meter (110) has a leak based on the counted number of times (consecutive count). This is explained in detail with further reference to FIG. 5 as follows.

[0086] In step (510), the processor (230) can determine whether the counted number has reached a warning threshold.

[0087] If it is determined that the warning threshold has been reached (in the "Yes" direction of 510), the processor (230) in step (520) can determine whether the counted number has reached the confirmed threshold. On the other hand, if it is determined that the warning threshold has not been reached (in the "No" direction of 510), it can return to step (330) and perform step (510) again.

[0088] If it is determined that the confirmed threshold has not been reached (in the “No” direction of 520), in step (530), the processor (230) can determine the state of the water meter (110) as a suspected leak state.

[0089] Afterward, in step (540), the processor (230) may generate a leak suspicion signal. After the leak suspicion signal is generated, the process returns to step (330) and can perform the preceding steps (510, 520) again.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined that a confirmed threshold has been reached (in the "Yes" direction of 520), the processor (230) in step (550) can determine the state of the water meter (110) as a confirmed leak state.

[0091] Afterwards, in step (550), the processor (230) can generate a leak confirmation signal.

[0092] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting a warning threshold and a confirmed threshold in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 6, in step (610), the processor (230) can count the same duration time, which indicates the time during which the current measurement value (current corrected flow rate) and the previous measurement value (previous corrected flow rate) of the sensor (220) remain the same value, and record it in memory (210).

[0094] Next, in step (620), the processor (230) can calculate the average value of the same durations recorded in the memory (210) at regular intervals.

[0095] Next, in step (630), the processor (230) can compare the average value of the same durations with the standard duration set at the time of factory shipment of the water meter (110).

[0096] Next, in step (640), the processor (230) can determine whether to adjust the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively, based on the comparison result.

[0097] That is, the processor (230) can raise the warning threshold and the confirmation threshold, respectively, if the average value of the same durations is greater than the reference duration. On the other hand, if the average value of the same durations is less than the reference duration, the processor (230) can lower the warning threshold and the confirmation threshold, respectively.

[0098] Figure 7 is an example diagram showing a table of preset weighting factors (DN) and flow rate ranges (L / h) for each diameter according to the diameter (DN) of the water meter.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the processor (230) can calculate a corrected flow rate Qw = Q × W (DN) by loading a weight (DN) corresponding to the diameter (DN) of the water meter (110) from memory (210) and multiplying it by the measurement value (Q) of the sensor (220). This is intended to normalize the flow rate sensitivity deviation due to the difference in diameter, thereby providing a consistent measure for determining the same value and accumulating continuous counts.

[0100] According to the example in FIG. 7, when the diameter of the water meter (110) is DN15, the recommended flow rate range is 3 to 1,800 L / h and the weighting factor is 1.0. When the diameter of the water meter (110) is DN25, the recommended flow rate range is 6 to 3,600 L / h and the weighting factor is 1.5. When the diameter of the water meter (110) is DN40, the recommended flow rate range is 12 to 9,000 L / h and the weighting factor is 2.0. The above values ​​are examples of weighting factors applied stepwise to reflect differences in flow rate characteristics by diameter, and can be adjusted according to the installation environment, performance specifications, or calibration results.

[0101] Here, the weighting coefficient can operate in combination with the same value determination logic. That is, the processor (230) compares the absolute value of the difference between Qw[k] and Qw[k-1] calculated for each sampling period with the allowable error range (deadband, ε) stored in memory (210), and if |Qw[k]-Qw[k-1]| ≤ ε, it determines that they are the same value and can increase the continuous count (C). At this time, when the continuous count reaches the warning threshold (K_warn) or the confirmation threshold (K_alarm), the suspected / confirmed leakage state can be determined, respectively.

[0102] In summary, the weight table of FIG. 7 serves as reference data for normalizing flow rate characteristics by diameter to a corrected flow rate Qw, and can provide key parameters used for determining identical values ​​and comparing thresholds. Therefore, the figures in FIG. 7 are merely examples to aid in understanding the invention and can be modified to different diameter systems (e.g., DN20, DN32, etc.) or different weight values ​​within the same technical scope.

[0103] The device (unit) described above may be implemented as a hardware element and / or a software element. For example, the hardware element may include a microphone, an amplifier, a bandpass filter, an A / D converter, and a processing device. The processing device may be implemented using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or other devices capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner. The processing device may operate an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. Additionally, the processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For the sake of brevity, the processing unit may be described as a single unit; however, those skilled in the art will understand that the processing unit may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include multiple processors or a processor and a controller. Additionally, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0104] Software, including computer programs, code, instructions, or combinations thereof, may configure or command a processing unit independently or collectively to operate as desired. Software and data may be embodied permanently or temporarily as propagated signal waves that can be interpreted by the processing unit or provide instructions or data to the processing unit, or as various types of machines, components, physical devices, virtual equipment, computer storage media or devices, etc. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and may be stored and executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media, which include data storage devices that store data and allow the computer system or processing unit to read it later. The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage devices. It includes magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory.In addition, functional programs, code, and code segments that fulfill the examples disclosed herein can be easily understood and implemented by a programmer with ordinary knowledge in the technical field related to these examples based on or using the flowcharts and block diagrams of the drawings and the descriptions provided herein.

[0105] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications are possible. For example, suitable results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or the elements of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined in a different way, or are replaced or supplemented by other elements or equivalents. Accordingly, other embodiments fall within the scope of the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0106] 110: Water meter 120: Communication terminal 130: Base Station 140: Server 210: Memory 220: Sensor 230: Processor

Claims

Claim 1 A water meter equipped with a leak detection function, comprising: a memory; a sensor for measuring flow rate data of a water meter; and a processor for loading and executing a plurality of instructions stored in the memory. The processor compares the current measurement value of the sensor with the previous measurement value to determine whether they are identical, counts the number of times the values ​​are determined to be identical based on the result of the determination, and determines whether a leak is detected in the water meter based on the counted number. When the counted number reaches a preset warning threshold, the processor generates a suspected leak signal indicating a suspected leak state of the water meter, and when the counted number reaches a preset confirmation threshold, generates a confirmed leak signal indicating a confirmed leak state of the water meter. The processor counts the identical duration, which indicates the time during which the current measurement value of the sensor and the previous measurement value remain identical, and records this in the memory. At a regular interval, the processor calculates the average value of the identical durations recorded in the memory and compares it with the standard duration set at the time of factory shipment of the water meter, and determines whether to adjust the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively, based on the result of the comparison. Claim 2 A water meter having a leak detection function according to claim 1, wherein the processor matches a preset weight for each diameter of the water meter and stores it in the memory, loads a weight corresponding to the diameter of the water meter from the memory, and corrects the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor based on the loaded weight. Claim 3 A water meter having a leak detection function, wherein, in paragraph 2, the processor calculates a current corrected flow rate and a previous corrected flow rate by multiplying the current measured value and the previous measured value of the sensor by the weight, and determines whether the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate are the same by comparing them. Claim 4 A water meter having a leak detection function, wherein, in paragraph 3, the processor counts the number of times the current corrected flow rate and the previous corrected flow rate are consecutively determined to be the same value, and determines whether the water meter has a leak based on whether the threshold of the counted number is reached. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A water meter having a leak detection function in claim 1, wherein the processor raises the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively, when the calculated average value is greater than the reference duration, and lowers the warning threshold and the confirmed threshold, respectively, when the calculated average value is less than the reference duration. Claim 8 A water meter having a leak detection function in claim 1, wherein the processor determines the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor to be the same value when the difference between the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor is within a preset allowable error range. Claim 9 A water meter equipped with a leak detection function, wherein the allowable error range is set differently for each diameter of the water meter, considering the minimum detection flow rate defined as the lowest flow rate continuously detectable for each diameter of the water meter, the reference state variation range defined as the natural variation range of the correction flow rate that appears during continuous measurement while maintaining no flow or a constant reference flow rate, and the safety margin defined as a margin parameter to absorb the possibility that the reference state variation range may be temporarily expanded. Claim 10 A water meter having a leak detection function in claim 1, wherein the processor initializes the counted number to a preset initial value when it is determined that the current measurement value of the sensor and the previous measurement value are not the same value. Claim 11 A method of operating a water meter, comprising: a step of measuring flow rate data of a water meter through a sensor; a step of determining whether the current measurement value of the sensor and the previous measurement value are the same by comparing them; a step of counting the number of times the same value is determined according to the result of the determination; and a step of determining whether a leak is detected in the water meter based on the counted number, wherein when the counted number reaches a preset warning threshold, a leak suspicion signal indicating a suspected leak state of the water meter is generated, and when the counted number reaches a preset confirmation threshold, a leak confirmation signal indicating a confirmed leak state of the water meter is generated; a step of counting the same duration time indicating the time during which the current measurement value of the sensor and the previous measurement value remain the same value and recording it in memory; a step of calculating the average value of the same duration times recorded in memory at regular intervals and comparing it with a standard duration time set at the time of factory shipment of the water meter; and a step of determining whether to adjust the warning threshold and the confirmation threshold, respectively, according to the result of the comparison. Claim 12 A method of operation of a water meter according to claim 11, further comprising: a step of storing in memory a pre-set weight for each diameter of the water meter; a step of loading a weight corresponding to the diameter of the water meter from the memory; and a step of correcting the current measurement value and the previous measurement value of the sensor based on the loaded weight.

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