JP2008134779A - Gas appliance monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas appliance monitoring device serving as a security information processing means and an information repeater. <P>SOLUTION: The gas appliance monitoring device comprises a flow measuring means 17; a gas shut-off valve 2c; a control circuit 10a processing various information based on the measured result of the flow measuring means 17; a radio module 11 transmitting/receiving information to/from a plurality of destinations; and a communication switching means 10c switching a communication frequency band according to the destination. The radio module 11 is constituted integrally with a control circuit board 10 constituting the flow measuring means 17, and enclosed in a gas meter 2. The radio module 11 has at least a communication frequency band with a base station 14 and a communication frequency band with a home security device. The control circuit comprises an identification code discriminating means 10f discriminating alarm signals according to security information; an alarm processing mode setting means 10j setting a predetermined processing mode according to the alarm signal; and a processing mode executing means 10h executing the predetermined processing mode according to the alarm signal discriminated by the identification code discriminating means 10f. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas appliance monitoring apparatus that monitors the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to a gas pipe after passing through a gas meter, and in particular, after receiving security information from a home security apparatus, differentiated information. The present invention relates to a gas appliance monitoring apparatus that executes a predetermined processing mode on the basis thereof.

  Conventionally, as this type of home security system, a home information transmission device that collects home information of a system user's home and transmits it via a network, and stores the home information received from the home information transmission device via the network A management center for management, the management center comprising home information storage means for storing home information received from the home information transmission device, and authentication means for authenticating a system user. When there is a request for providing the in-home information from the information communication terminal to be used, authentication is performed by the authentication unit, and when the authentication is correctly performed, the in-home information stored in the in-home information storage unit is stored in the system. It is a home security system characterized in that it is transmitted to the information communication terminal used by the user. It is highly versatile because it functions as a server, and the cost is relatively low compared to placing a server in the home, and home information is delivered only to system users on the premise of authentication, so it is safe for the outside. The system could be constructed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, a sensor device that detects abnormalities in the home is provided in the centralized monitoring system, the detection information of the sensor device is transmitted to the server device via a communication line, and the detection information is transmitted to the user's portable information terminal by e-mail There is something that has been made so that the server device can send an e-mail notifying the user of abnormalities in the home to the user's portable information terminal, so that the user can know the abnormalities at home wherever they are Yes (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2002-109660 A JP 2003-174524 A

  However, the security system disclosed in Patent Document 1 transmits in-house information to a management center via a network, stores and manages the in-house information at the management center, and when the user requests, The home information is transmitted to the information communication terminal, and it is necessary to provide a full-scale dedicated home information transmission device in order to transmit the home information. Further, the idea of executing a predetermined processing mode determined in advance corresponding to in-home information has not been disclosed.

  Moreover, what was disclosed by patent document 2 is using the abnormality signal of the abnormality detection apparatus which detects abnormality inside and outside a house by the network control apparatus using the telephone line provided for remote meter-reading, such as a gas meter, and a center. Is transmitted to the user's mobile terminal, and is a communication means using a telephone line, and transmission of an abnormal signal when the line is congested or a predetermined processing mode corresponding to the abnormal signal is executed. For example, the gas shut-off valve cannot be operated by a signal from a fire alarm, and the radio slave unit and the radio unit are used for communication between the gas meter, the abnormality detection unit and the network control unit. The base unit had to be installed separately, and the configuration was complicated.

The invention of the present application solves the above-mentioned problems. A gas meter having a gas flow rate measuring function and a cutoff function incorporates a wireless module that receives security information from the home security device, and activates the gas cutoff function according to the security information. A gas appliance monitoring device having an information relay function for ensuring safety and selecting a communication channel and transmitting information to a necessary destination is provided.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the gas appliance monitoring apparatus of the present invention monitors the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to a pipe after passing through a gas meter, and other than a plurality of destinations and telephone lines. A gas appliance monitoring device equipped with a wireless module capable of direct transmission / reception using a communication line, the gas meter having a flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate, a gas shut-off valve for shutting off the gas flow path in the event of an abnormality, A control circuit that performs predetermined processing based on the measurement result of the flow rate measurement means and outputs it as flow rate information, a meter wireless module that transmits / receives information to / from multiple partners, and communication switching that switches the communication frequency band according to the partner Means and a battery power source for driving, and the meter radio module is configured integrally with the control circuit and housed in the gas meter, and at least a communication frequency with the base station. The home security device includes a security wireless module that transmits signals input from various alarm devices to the gas meter as security information, and the security wireless module is connected to the alarm device from the alarm device. Identification code discriminating means for distinguishing alarm signals according to transmitted security information and alarm processing in which a predetermined processing mode is set for each alarm signal in the control circuit with an identification code distinguished according to the signal transmitted A mode setting means and a processing mode execution means for executing a predetermined processing mode according to the alarm signal distinguished by the identification code discrimination means.

  According to the above invention, a wireless module capable of selecting a communication channel using wireless communication means other than a telephone line and communicating with a base station, and a wireless module capable of receiving security information from a home security device. Since it is integrated into the control circuit board with the measurement function and shut-off function in the gas meter, it is possible to communicate with the base station without using a telephone line just by installing the gas meter, and the situation of the line congestion Communication with the base station can be performed smoothly without being affected, and various instrument information acquired by the gas meter can be quickly and accurately transmitted to the base station, and various processing based on instructions from the base station can be performed accurately. Can be implemented. Furthermore, security information from home security devices can be received and transmitted accurately to the other party according to the information, and communication with the base station (monitoring center) cannot be performed due to congestion of telephone lines as in the past. Can be solved, and various security information generated in the home can be reliably acquired in real time.

  In addition, the security information obtained is distinguished, and in the case of security information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and a predetermined processing mode is executed according to other security information. If the report destination is different depending on the situation, use a gas meter that has a flow measurement function and a shut-off function as an information repeater, such as selecting a communication channel and sending information to the appropriate partner. The functions can be secured reasonably and the spread of the security system can be promoted.

  The gas appliance monitoring device of the present invention enables communication with the base station and the home security device without using a telephone line simply by installing a gas meter, and various commands and instructions from the base station are not affected by the congestion status of the line. Various types of information from the gas meter can be smoothly transmitted, and various types of security information generated in the home can be reliably acquired in real time.

  In addition, the security information obtained is distinguished, and in the case of security information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and a predetermined processing mode is executed according to other security information. If the report destination is different depending on the situation, use a gas meter that has a flow measurement function and a shut-off function as an information repeater, such as selecting a communication channel and sending information to the appropriate partner. The functions can be secured reasonably and the spread of the security system can be promoted.

  The first invention is a wireless module capable of monitoring the use status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to piping after passing through a gas meter and directly transmitting / receiving with a plurality of destinations using a communication line other than a telephone line. The gas meter has a flow rate measuring means for measuring the gas flow rate, a gas shut-off valve for shutting off the gas flow path in the event of an abnormality, and a predetermined process based on the measurement result of the flow rate measuring means. Control circuit for performing flow rate information output, a meter wireless module for transmitting / receiving information to / from a plurality of destinations, a communication switching means for switching a communication frequency band according to the destinations, and a driving battery power source The meter wireless module is configured integrally with the control circuit and housed in the gas meter, and includes at least a communication frequency band with a base station and a home security device. The home security device includes a security wireless module that transmits signals input from various alarm devices to the gas meter as security information, and the security wireless module is distinguished according to the signal from the alarm device. An identification code is added and transmitted, and the control circuit is provided with an identification code discriminating means for discriminating an alarm signal according to transmitted security information, and an alarm processing mode setting means for setting a predetermined processing mode for each alarm signal. The apparatus further comprises processing mode execution means for executing a predetermined processing mode in response to the alarm signal discriminated by the identification code discrimination means.

  Then, a wireless module capable of selecting a communication channel using a wireless communication means other than a telephone line and communicating with a base station, and a wireless module capable of receiving instrument information from a home security device are measured in the gas meter. Because it is integrated into a control circuit board with functions and shut-off function, it is possible to communicate with a base station without using a telephone line simply by installing a gas meter, and it is not affected by the congestion status of the line. Communication with the base station can be performed smoothly, various instrument information acquired by the gas meter can be quickly and accurately transmitted to the base station, and various processes based on instructions from the base station can be performed accurately. it can. Furthermore, security information from home security devices can be received and transmitted accurately to the other party according to the information, and communication with the base station (monitoring center) cannot be performed due to congestion of telephone lines as in the past. Can be solved, and various security information generated in the home can be reliably acquired in real time.

  In addition, the security information obtained is distinguished, and in the case of security information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and a predetermined processing mode is executed according to other security information. If the report destination is different depending on the situation, use a gas meter that has a flow measurement function and a shut-off function as an information repeater, such as selecting a communication channel and sending information to the appropriate partner. The functions can be secured reasonably and the spread of the security system can be promoted.

In the second invention, the meter wireless module performs communication using a communication frequency band different from that of the wireless module for communication with the base station and the wireless module for communication with the home security device, and wireless for communication with the home security device. The module is an area communication radio module having a specific low power radio communication frequency band, and the radio module for communication with the base station is a wide area communication radio module having a wide communication frequency band.

  Then, a wide area communication wireless module capable of communicating directly with a base station by carrier direct and an area communication wireless module capable of communicating within a predetermined range using a specific low power wireless communication frequency band are configured integrally with a control circuit board, Information is transmitted on the communication line other than the base station and the telephone line, and information is transmitted on the home security device and the specific low-power wireless communication frequency band. A gas meter that has a flow rate measurement function and a shut-off function that can be reliably acquired, can ensure security by the meter's own shut-off function based on this acquired information, and can accurately transmit information to the reporter according to the acquired information Can be used as an information repeater to ensure a secure security function in the home, It is possible to promote the use of the I system.

  In a third aspect of the invention, the area communication wireless module enables communication with a specific terminal device in addition to communication with the home security device, and transmits the security information to the specific terminal device when the security information is transmitted. It is characterized by.

  And, by enabling communication with a specific terminal device such as a television or a mobile phone using the area communication wireless module built in the gas meter, it becomes possible to transmit security information generated in the home, and the television or mobile phone. The abnormal situation detected by various alarm devices can be displayed on the screen, and the customer can be alerted.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the wireless module for communication with the base station of the meter wireless module has a plurality of communication channels, and communication channel selecting means for selecting a communication channel according to the alarm signal distinguished by the identification code determining means. And security information is transmitted to the base station through the communication channel selected by the communication channel selection means.

  And because it is a meter wireless module having a communication channel selection means for selecting a communication frequency band such as a gas monitoring center or a security company according to the security information transmitted from the home security device, the gas meter It can be used as an information repeater, and the spread of the security system can be promoted by using a gas meter that is always installed in a general household.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the identification code discriminating means distinguishes the security information into a first group accompanied by a shut-off operation of the gas shut-off valve and a second group other than that, and an alarm signal belonging to the first group When input, the gas shutoff valve is operated to stop the gas supply, and when an alarm signal belonging to the second group is input, the measurement function by the flow rate measuring means is continued, and the first group and the second group Is characterized in that it communicates with the base station via a different communication channel.

  Security information transmitted from the home security device is used to secure security using the gas meter shut-off function, for example, security information from fire alarms and CO detectors, and other information, such as intrusion sensors and windows. Because it is a gas meter with an identification code discrimination means that distinguishes it from crime prevention information from the open / close sensor, it is possible to ensure safety by effectively using the gas meter's shut-off function, and a gas meter that is always installed in a general household as an information relay It can be used and a reasonable security system can be constructed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication mode between a gas meter, a base station, and a customer's house in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a communication mode with various alarm devices in the gas appliance monitoring device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the appearance and components of the gas meter in the gas appliance monitoring apparatus, FIG. 5 is an internal configuration diagram of the gas meter, and FIG. 6 is a control circuit for the gas meter. It is a structure block diagram of a board | substrate.

  In FIG. 1, a plurality of gas appliances connected to piping after passing through the gas meter 2 and a communication function possessed by the gas meter 2 will be described first.

  A gas meter 2 is installed at the entrance of the gas supply pipe 1 of each household, and the gas is branched from the gas pipe 3 after passing through the gas meter 2 to a place where various gas appliances used at home are installed. Supplied. For example, a gas water heater 4 is installed outdoors, and hot water generated by the gas water heater 4 is installed in a kitchen hot water tap 5, a bath 6 in which a bathtub and a shower device are installed, a living room and the like through a water pipe. The floor heating 7 is supplied to form various usage forms.

  In addition, when indoors, gas is supplied to a gas table 8 installed in a kitchen, a gas fan heater 9 installed in a living room, a bedroom, or the like, and is used as needed.

  When the installed gas appliance is used and gas consumption occurs, the amount of use is measured by the gas meter 2, and the data is accumulated and stored every predetermined period. The data stored in the gas meter 2 is subjected to predetermined information processing based on a periodic data request command from the gas company 15, and then the gas fee, the amount of gas used, a discount service provided by the gas company 15, etc. Is transmitted to the consumer 13 and the gas business operator 15 as the information.

  As the transmission means, as shown in FIG. 4, a wireless module 11 integrated with a control circuit board 10 constituting a control device built in the gas meter 2 is used, and this wireless module 11 is connected by a connector 10d. A gas meter that is detachably mounted on the control circuit board 10 and that does not have the wireless module 11 and does not have a communication function and a gas meter that has the communication function that has the wireless module 11 can be arbitrarily selected. Therefore, it can be used regardless of the presence or absence of the communication function.

  In addition, since the wireless module 11 is detachable, even if it has a communication function, it is not necessary to acquire the standard as a communication device in the gas meter body if the wireless module that has acquired the communication standard is installed. In the case of changing the gas meter, etc., it can be changed relatively freely without being restricted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the wireless module 11 is different from a telephone line for communicating with the base station 14, for example, a wide-area communication wireless module 11a having a plurality of communication channels having 200 MHz or other communication frequency bands. A home security device that collectively manages various types of security information generated in the home by connecting to a specific terminal device 12 such as a television 12a, a personal computer or a mobile phone 12b in the customer's home 13 or various alarm devices installed in the home For example, the area communication wireless module 11b having a specific low-power wireless communication frequency band such as 429 MHz is used for communication with the calculation of gas usage based on flow rate signals and sensor signals, or detection of abnormalities such as earthquakes and gas leaks. Data from the control circuit 10a that performs the operation, and further from the gas operator 15 via the base station 14. When receiving various information received, and various information transmitted from the home security device, depending on the received data, for example, gas charge, gas usage or gas shut-off valve due to occurrence of abnormalities such as earthquakes, gas leaks, etc. In the case of contents to be notified to the consumer, such as operation, various processes according to security information, etc., the area communication wireless module 11b is used to connect to a specific terminal device 12 such as a television 12a or a mobile phone 12b in the consumer's house 13 When data is transmitted and security information is transmitted from the home security device, the information is received and input to the control circuit 10a.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the gas meter 2 is installed in a specific terminal device 12 by incorporating a radio module 11 c having the same communication frequency band as that of the area communication radio module 11 b built in the gas meter 2. Data can be received, and this data can be displayed on the screen of the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b, so that information can be transmitted directly to the consumer from the gas meter. It is necessary to adopt an information transmission method in which data is transmitted from the gas meter 2 to the gas company 15, and information processed by the gas company 15, such as postcards such as a charge notice, is sent to the customer by mail or the like. Therefore, the number of man-hours required for the notification work can be reduced, and postage costs such as postcards for notifications can be eliminated. It is intended to contribute to a reduction in gas rates to achieve the reduction.

  When various information is transmitted from the gas meter 2 to the specific terminal device 12, a notification completion signal is sent from the area communication wireless module 11b to the wide area communication wireless module 11a, and the wide area communication wireless module 11a sends the notification completion signal to the base station. 14 to notify the gas company 15 that the information transmission to the consumer has been completed. In this case, it is preferable that a response signal from a specific terminal device 12 is received and a notification completion signal is transmitted, information can be more reliably transmitted to a consumer, and a rational information transmission system can be provided. Can be built.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, various alarms can be provided by incorporating or integrally attaching a wireless module 11d having the same communication frequency band as the area communication wireless module 11b incorporated in the gas meter 2 in the home security device. The security information from the vessel can be transmitted to the area communication wireless module 11b built in the gas meter 2, the control circuit 10a of the gas meter 2 can execute a predetermined process according to the security information, and the gas meter 2 is shut off. The function can be used as an information repeater while ensuring security.

  Next, the flow rate measurement processing means for measuring the gas flow rate built in the control circuit 10a, which is the basic function of the gas meter 2, performing predetermined processing and outputting it as flow rate information will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 5, a gas inlet 2 a and a gas outlet 2 b are provided, and a shutoff valve 2 c that shuts off gas in the event of an abnormality and a pair of ultrasonic sensors 17 that measure the gas flow rate are provided in the gas flow path between them. A pressure sensor 2d for detecting the gas pressure is disposed on the downstream side. A control circuit board 10 equipped with a control circuit 10a for calculating a gas flow rate based on a signal from the ultrasonic sensor 17 is disposed so as to face the liquid crystal display 10e on the display unit 2e of the gas meter 2, and further, the control circuit 10a. A battery 2f for driving is stored. Further, a return button 2g is arranged as means for manually performing a return operation after the shutoff valve 2c is activated.

Then, the flow rate measurement unit 17 and the control circuit 10a that measure the gas flow rate, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, arrange a pair of ultrasonic sensors in the gas flow path, and change the propagation time that changes according to the flow rate that flows through the flow path. Some measure the flow rate by measuring. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described. A measurement control unit having a switching means that constitutes a control circuit 10a, in which a first transmitter / receiver 17A for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves and a second transmitter / receiver 17B for receiving or transmitting ultrasonic waves are arranged in the flow direction. Switching between transmission and reception is possible by 18 and the flow state of fluid such as gas is detected. The flow rate is measured by processing the signals of the first transmitter / receiver 17A and the second transmitter / receiver 17B. Specifically, the first transmitter / receiver 17A is first driven by the measurement control unit 18 and the second transmitter / receiver 17B is then driven. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the upstream, that is, from the upstream to the downstream. Then, the signal received by the second transmitter / receiver 17B is amplified by the amplifying means provided in the measurement control unit 18, the amplified signal is compared with the reference signal, and after the signal equal to or higher than the reference signal is detected, the measurement control unit The above-described transmission / reception is repeated a predetermined number of times by the repeating means provided at 18, and each time value is measured by a time measuring means such as a timer counter provided at the measurement control unit 18.

  Next, transmission / reception of the first transmitter / receiver 17A and the second transmitter / receiver 17B is switched by the measurement control unit 18 having switching means, and the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the second transmitter / receiver 17B to the first transmitter / receiver 17A, that is, from downstream to upstream. A signal is transmitted, this transmission is repeated as described above, and each time value is measured. Then, the flow rate value is obtained by the signal processing unit 19 in consideration of the size of the flow path 16 and the flow state of the fluid from the ultrasonic propagation time difference between the first transceiver 17A and the second transceiver 17B. The obtained flow rate data is accumulated in the information storage means 10b and stored as accumulated data for each predetermined period.

  Further, the flow path 16 in which the flow rate measuring unit 17 is disposed is provided with a shutoff valve 2c that shuts off the gas flow in the event of an abnormality or the like. When the flow rate value is detected beyond a certain usage time, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the shutoff valve 2c is operated to shut off the gas flow path 16.

  Further, when an earthquake or shock signal is input from the seismic sensing device 21 or an abnormal gas pressure signal is input from the pressure sensor 2d, the shutoff valve 2c is operated via the control circuit 10a to shut off the gas flow path 16, and Report to the center.

  Next, an example of information transmission using the wireless module 11 built in the gas meter 2 will be described. First, a meter reading instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted in the wide communication frequency band (for example, 200 MHz) via the base station 14. In this case, the wide-area communication wireless module 11a built in the gas meter 2 receives and the meter reading instruction information is sent to the control circuit 10a mounted on the same substrate. In the control circuit 10a, the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means is accumulated every predetermined period, and the accumulated data or information converted into charge data is stored in the information storage means 10b. When the meter reading instruction information is input, the control circuit 10a sends the flow rate accumulated data in the information storage means 10b or the information converted into the charge data to the area communication wireless module 11b and the wide area communication wireless module 11a via the communication switching means 10c. The wide area communication wireless module 11a transmits to the base station 14 in a wide area communication frequency band (for example, 200 MHz), and meter reading information is transmitted from the base station 14 to the gas company 15 using a dedicated line. Further, the area communication wireless module 11b transmits to the wireless module 11c integrally attached to the specific terminal device 12 such as the television 12a in a specific low power wireless communication frequency band (for example, 429 MHz), and displays, for example, FIG. Charge information and usage as shown in (a) are displayed. Then, when transmission to the specific terminal device 12 is completed, as described above, a notification completion signal is transmitted to the gas company 15 to notify that information transmission to the consumer is completed.

  Further, when the shutoff valve 2c is operated due to an earthquake or an impact, the cause is investigated, and when a return instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted via the base station 14 in a wide communication frequency band (for example, 200 MHz), The wide area communication wireless module 11a built in the gas meter 2 receives the information, and the return instruction information is sent to the control circuit 10a mounted on the same substrate. When the return instruction information is input, the control circuit 10a sends information related to the return work stored in the information storage means 10b to the area communication wireless module 11b via the communication switching means 10c, and the area communication wireless module 11b 8 is transmitted to the wireless module 11c integrally attached to the display terminal device 12 such as the television 12a in the power wireless communication frequency band (for example, 429 MHz), and the procedure of the restoration work as shown in FIG. Is displayed. Then, when the transmission to the display terminal device 12 is completed, as described above, a notification completion signal is transmitted to the gas company 15 to notify the completion of information transmission to the consumer.

As described above, the control circuit 10a has the communication switching means 10c to select the radio module having a different communication frequency band corresponding to the other party to communicate according to the information to be transmitted. 15, it is necessary to transmit the information stored in the information storage means 10b to the gas operator 15 and the specific terminal device 12 based on the information received by the wide area communication wireless module 11a. When the wide area communication wireless module 11a having the communication frequency band and the area communication wireless module 11b having the specific low power wireless communication frequency band of 429 MHz, for example, are selected and the return instruction from the gas company 15 is given, the display terminal device 12 It is only necessary to transmit the storage information of the information storage means 10b. In this case, for example, a specific low power wireless communication of 429 MHz It may be selected area communication wireless module 11b having a waveband.

  Note that the wide area communication radio module 11a and the area communication radio module 11b may be provided separately, or may be configured as a common radio module, and the communication frequency band may be switched between the wide area communication frequency band and the specific low power radio communication frequency band. However, in the former case, the communication switching means 10c needs to select the wide area communication wireless module 11a and the area communication wireless module 11b, and there is a merit that simultaneous communication is possible, but there are demerits such as a large installation space and high cost. is doing. In the latter case, the communication switching means 10c needs to switch the communication frequency band according to the communication partner, and has the demerit that the simultaneous communication cannot be performed and the alternate communication is possible while having the advantages of small installation space and low cost. ing.

  Next, in the gas meter having the communication function as described above, it is connected to a plurality of alarm devices installed in the home, for example, the fire alarm 22, the CO detector 23, and the intrusion detector 24, and is generated in the home. From the wireless module 11d built in the home security device 25 that collectively manages various types of security information, an identification code for distinguishing security information detected by various alarm devices is given and transmitted to the area communication wireless module 11b of the gas meter 2. Is done. The processing content of the gas meter 2 corresponding to this security information will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when security information with an identification code is transmitted from the wireless module 11d built in the home security device 25 to the area communication wireless module 11b built in the gas meter 2, the identification determination code provided in the control circuit 10a. The type of security information is discriminated at 10f, and the security information corresponding to the security information at the group selection means 10g is, for example, security information belonging to the first group 10k with the shut-off function of the gas shut-off valve 2c, or other second group 10m. Select security information.

  Then, the processing mode corresponding to the security information selected by the group selection unit 10g is selected from the alarm processing mode setting unit 10j that has previously set processing corresponding to various types of security information, and the processing is executed by the processing mode execution unit 10h. To do. For example, if the identification code determining means 10f determines that the security information is detected by the fire alarm 22, the group selecting means 10g determines that the gas shutoff valve 2c needs to be shut off and belongs to the first group 10k. The processing mode execution means 10h executes the shutoff operation of the gas shutoff valve 2c and the notification process to the gas company 15 which are registered as security information and determined by the alarm processing mode setting means 10j.

  If the identification code determining means 10f determines that the security information is detected by the intrusion detector 24, the group selecting means 10g registers the security information as belonging to the second group 10m that does not require the gas meter 2 blocking function, The notification process to the security company 26 determined by the alarm processing mode setting means 10j is executed by the processing mode execution means 10h.

In the notification process executed by the processing mode execution means 10h, when the notification destination must be changed according to the security information, the communication channel of the other party required by the communication channel selection means 10i, that is, the communication frequency band Is communicated to, for example, the gas company 15 and the security company 26 using the wide area communication wireless module 11a.

  Further, when security information is transmitted from the home security device 25 or when a predetermined processing mode is executed, the security information is also transmitted to the specific terminal device 12 and displayed on the screen of the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b. By displaying the situation, it is possible to call attention to the consumer.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, a wireless module capable of communicating with a base station by selecting a communication channel using wireless communication means other than a telephone line and receiving appliance information from a home security device Possible wireless module is integrated into the control circuit board with the measurement function and shut-off function in the gas meter, so communication is possible without using a telephone line with the base station just by installing the gas meter. Therefore, communication with the base station can be carried out smoothly without being affected by the congestion status of the line, and various instrument information acquired by the gas meter can be quickly and accurately transmitted to the base station. Various processing based on can be performed accurately. Furthermore, security information from home security devices can be received and transmitted accurately to the other party according to the information, and communication with the base station (monitoring center) cannot be performed due to congestion of telephone lines as in the past. Can be solved, and various security information generated in the home can be reliably acquired in real time.

  In addition, the security information obtained is distinguished, and in the case of security information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and a predetermined processing mode is executed according to other security information. If the report destination is different depending on the situation, use a gas meter that has a flow measurement function and a shut-off function as an information repeater, such as selecting a communication channel and sending information to the appropriate partner. The functions can be secured reasonably and the spread of the security system can be promoted.

  Further, a wide area communication wireless module capable of communicating with a base station by carrier direct and an area communication wireless module capable of communicating within a predetermined range using a specific low power wireless communication frequency band are integrally configured with a control circuit board, Information is transmitted on the communication line other than the base station and the telephone line, and information is transmitted on the home security device and the specific low-power wireless communication frequency band. A gas meter that has a flow rate measurement function and a shut-off function that can be reliably acquired, can ensure security by the meter's own shut-off function based on this acquired information, and can accurately transmit information to the reporter according to the acquired information Can be used as an information repeater to ensure a secure security function in the home and secure It is possible to promote the use of the system.

  In addition, by using an area communication wireless module built in the gas meter to enable communication with a specific terminal device such as a television or a mobile phone, it becomes possible to transmit security information generated in the home. The abnormal situation detected by various alarm devices can be displayed on the screen, and the customer can be alerted.

  In addition, since it is a meter wireless module having a communication channel selection means for selecting a communication frequency band such as a gas monitoring center or a security company according to the security information transmitted from the home security device, the gas meter is It can be used as an information repeater, and the spread of the security system can be promoted by using a gas meter that is always installed in a general household.

In addition, security information transmitted from the home security device is used to ensure security by using a gas meter shut-off function, such as security information from a fire alarm or CO detector, and other information such as intrusion sensors or windows. Because it is a gas meter with an identification code discrimination means that distinguishes it from crime prevention information from the open / close sensor, it is possible to ensure safety by effectively using the gas meter's shut-off function, and a gas meter that is always installed in a general household as an information relay It can be used and a reasonable security system can be constructed.

  According to the gas appliance monitoring device of the present invention, the gas meter having a gas flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function has a built-in wireless module for receiving security information from the home security device. The information relay function for selecting the communication channel and transmitting the information to the required counterpart is provided, and can be applied to various meters other than gas.

The block diagram which shows the communication form of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure which shows the communication form with various alarm devices in the gas appliance monitoring apparatus Security information processing control block diagram in the gas appliance monitoring device The figure which shows the external appearance and component of a gas meter in the gas appliance monitoring apparatus Internal configuration of the gas meter Configuration block diagram of the control circuit board of the gas meter The figure which shows the communication form of the same gas appliance monitoring apparatus and a specific terminal device (A) The figure which shows the charge information display form in the same specific terminal device (b) The figure which shows the return information display form in the same specific terminal device Configuration block diagram of control circuit of gas appliance monitoring device

Explanation of symbols

2 Gas meter 2c Gas shut-off valve 10 Control circuit board 10a Control circuit 10b Information storage means 10c Communication switching means 10f Identification code discrimination means 10g Group selection means 10h Processing mode execution means 10i Communication channel selection means 10j Alarm processing mode setting means 11 Wireless module 11a Wide area communication wireless module 11b, 11c, 11d Area communication wireless module 12 Specific terminal device 12a Television 12b Mobile phone 14 Base station 15 Gas company 17 Flow rate measuring means (flow rate measuring processing means)
25 Home Security Device 26 Security Company

Claims (5)

Gas appliance monitoring equipped with a wireless module that can monitor the usage status of multiple gas appliances connected to piping after passing through a gas meter, and can directly transmit and receive data using multiple communication lines other than telephone lines. A device,
The gas meter includes a flow rate measuring unit that measures a gas flow rate, a gas shut-off valve that shuts off the gas flow path in the event of an abnormality, a control circuit that performs predetermined processing based on the measurement result of the flow rate measuring unit and outputs the flow rate information. A meter wireless module that transmits / receives information to / from a plurality of counterparts, a communication switching unit that switches a communication frequency band according to the counterparts, and a battery power source for driving,
The meter wireless module is configured integrally with the control circuit and housed in the gas meter, and has at least a communication frequency band with a base station and a communication frequency band with a home security device,
The home security device includes a security wireless module that transmits signals input from various alarm devices to the gas meter as security information,
The security wireless module gives an identification code distinguished according to the signal from the alarm device and transmits it,
The control circuit is distinguished by an identification code discriminating means for discriminating an alarm signal according to transmitted security information, an alarm processing mode setting means for setting a predetermined processing mode for each alarm signal, and the identification code discriminating means. A gas appliance monitoring device having processing mode execution means for executing a predetermined processing mode in response to the alarm signal. The meter wireless module communicates using a communication frequency band different from the wireless module for communication with the base station and the wireless module for communication with the home security device,
The wireless module for communication with the home security device is an area communication wireless module having a specific low power wireless communication frequency band, and the wireless module for communication with a base station is a wide area communication wireless module having a wide communication frequency band. Gas appliance monitoring device. 3. The area communication wireless module enables communication with a specific terminal device in addition to communication with a home security device, and transmits the security information to the specific terminal device when the security information is transmitted. Gas appliance monitoring device. The wireless module for communication with the base station of the meter wireless module has a plurality of communication channels, and has a communication channel selection means for selecting a communication channel according to the alarm signal distinguished by the identification code determination means, and the communication channel The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the security information is transmitted to the base station through the communication channel selected by the selection means. The identification code discriminating means distinguishes the security information into a first group accompanied by a shut-off operation of the gas shut-off valve and a second group other than that, and shuts off the gas when an alarm signal belonging to the first group is input. The gas supply is stopped by operating the valve, and when the alarm signal belonging to the second group is input, the measurement function by the flow rate measuring means is continued, and the first group and the second group are connected with different communication channels. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas appliance monitoring device communicates with a station.