JP3334845B2 - Operation mode selector - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an operation mode selector and an operation mode selection method for designating an operation mode desired to be executed in an apparatus, and more particularly, to an information center for transmitting information such as meter reading data such as gas, water and electricity. The present invention relates to an operation mode selector and an operation mode selection method for designating at least one of a setting mode and a test mode in an automatic notification device that automatically reports.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a conventional operation mode selector.

[0003] As a conventional operation mode selector of this type, there is a setting switch SW1 disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-27597 (title of the invention: automatic notification device).

[0004] In the conventional automatic notification device, an information center and a terminal are installed at an LPG distributor and an LPG consumer, respectively, and these are connected by a communication line such as a telephone line. A rewritable storage unit, having a function of storing setting information necessary for reporting that the meter reading value is periodically reported or reporting that the remaining amount of the LPG cylinder is low; A setting switch SW1 operated at the time of initial setting of information and a writing means for writing information inputted from the outside via a line into the storage means when the setting switch SW1 is operated are provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, a setting switch SW1 for prompting execution of a setting function in an automatic notification device is connected to an input port of a CPU in a controller provided in the automatic notification device, and is turned on. , A data setting signal is generated and output to an input port.

[0006]

However, in such a conventional automatic notification device, a single operation mode selection function is set to one switch (that is, a setting function of the automatic notification device is selected to the setting switch SW1). To enable selection of a new operation mode such as a test function, a new switch SW2
There was a technical problem that needed to be added.

That is, there is a technical problem that in order to select an operation mode to be executed from a plurality of operation modes, the same number of switches as the number of operation modes must be prepared.

As a result, there is a technical problem that an increase in the number of switches accompanying an increase in the number of operation modes may cause an increase in the mounting area of the switches and an increase in the size of the device.

In addition, there is a technical problem that a switch is likely to be mistakenly pressed as the mounting density in the device increases.

[0010] The test function means a function of diagnosing whether or not the function normally operates with the information center via the communication line. In the conventional example, when an abnormal signal is input to the controller while the setting switch SW1 is in the ON state, the controller transmits line test information to the information center.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem. In particular, the present invention provides a mode selection switch for generating a mode designation signal for selecting an operation mode to be executed, and a current operation state. Based on the mode designating signal and the status signal, and logic determining means for logically determining an executable operation mode based on the mode designation signal and the status signal to generate a mode determination signal. By providing an operation mode selector having a function of logically determining an executable operation mode based on the operation mode desired to be executed from among the operation modes and the current operation state of the device, a plurality of switches can be provided in one switch. It is possible to have a selection function to select the operation mode to be executed from the operation modes, so that a new operation mode such as a test function can be selected. Even if that is the problem that it to not require the addition of a new switch. That is, even when the operation mode desired to be executed can be selected from a plurality of operation modes, it is not necessary to prepare the same number of switches as the number of operation modes, and a plurality of operation modes can be provided by a single switch. The task is to be able to select

As a result, even if the number of operation modes increases, the increase in the number of switches accompanying the increase can be avoided.
It is an object of the present invention to reduce the mounting area of a switch and promote the miniaturization of a device.

It is another object of the present invention to prevent a switch from being mistakenly pressed even when the mounting density in the device is increased, and to enable accurate switch selection.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operation mode to be executed from a plurality of operation modes.
Information such as meter reading data for gas, water, electricity, etc.
Automatic reporting system that automatically reports to the information center via the line
Based on the current operating status of the device,
Setting mode for setting parameters,
At least a test mode to check basic operation
Executable operation modes that include either logically
The setting mode or the test mode.
Has a push button switch that can select one of the
Mode to select the operation mode you want to execute
A mode selection switch 12 for generating a signal 12a;
Generating a state signal 14a based on the operating state of
Determining means 14, the mode designating signal 12a and the state
Executable operation mode is logically determined based on state signal 14a.
Logical determination for generating a mode determination signal 16a
An operation mode selector having means 16;
The logic determination means 16 determines whether the push button switch is ON / OFF.
The mode designation signal 12a generated in response to the OFF
On-hook or off of the telephone connected to the telephone line
The status signal generated by the status determination means in response to a hook;
Generating the mode determination signal 16a based on the signal 14a
The operation mode selector 10 is characterized in that it is configured to

According to the first aspect of the present invention, one switch can be provided with a selection function of selecting an operation mode to be executed from a plurality of operation modes, and a new operation such as a test function can be performed. Even when the mode can be selected, it is possible to eliminate the need for adding a new switch.

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

Further, even when to be able to select logically using logical determination unit 16 an operation mode to be executed from among the plurality of operation modes, the number of selectable operating modes by the mode selection switch 12 There is no need to prepare the same number of switches, and the mode selection switch 12 enables logical selection of a plurality of operation modes, thus providing an effect of improving the accuracy of operation mode selection.

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

Further, even when to be able to select logically using logical determination unit 16 an operation mode to be executed from among at least one of setting mode or a test mode, selectable by a mode selection switch 12 There is no need to prepare the same number of switches as the number of operation modes, and a single switch can logically select a plurality of operation modes, thereby improving the accuracy of operation mode selection.

[0026]

[0027]

[0028]

[0029]

[0030]

[0031]

In particular , based on the status signal 14a corresponding to on-hook or off-hook in the automatic notification device 5, the operation mode to be executed from at least one of the setting mode and the test mode is logically determined by using the logic determining means 16. Even in the case where selection is possible, there is no need to prepare the same number of switches as the number of operation modes that can be selected by the mode selection switch 12, and a plurality of operation modes can be logically selected with a single switch. This has the effect of improving the operation mode selection accuracy.

As a result, even if the number of operation modes increases in addition to the setting mode and the test mode, it is possible to avoid an increase in the number of switches in the automatic notification device 5, thereby reducing the mounting area of the switches and reducing the number of switches. This has the effect of promoting downsizing. In addition, even when the mounting density in the automatic notification device 5 becomes high, it is possible to avoid a switch being mistakenly pressed, to enable an accurate switch selection, and to improve the operability.

[0034] The invention according to claim 2, wherein the operation mode selector 10 according to claim 1, wherein the logic determination means 16, and the mode designating signal 12a which is generated in response to ON of the push button switch based on the state signal 14a to the state determining means 14 is generated in response to the off-hook telephone set, characterized in that that is configured to generate the mode decision signal 16a for specifying the setting mode An operation mode selector 10.

According to the invention described in claim 2 , according to claim 1
In addition to the effects described in (1), the setting mode can be logically selected by using the logic determination means 16 based on the status signal 14a corresponding to the on-hook in the automatic notification device 5.

The third aspect of the present invention is the first or second aspect.
In the operation mode selector 10, the logic determining means 16 determines the state according to the mode designation signal 12a generated when the push button switch is turned off and a non-off-hook and non-communication operation state of the telephone. Based on the state signal 14a generated by the determination means 14,
It is characterized in that that is configured to generate the mode decision signal 16a for designating the test mode
That is the operating mode selector 10.

According to the invention described in claim 3 , according to claim 1
Or the state signal 14 according to the non-off-hook and non-communication operation state in the automatic notification device 5 in addition to the effect described in the item 2 or 2.
Based on a, the test mode can be logically selected using the logic determination means 16.

The invention described in claim 4 is the first to third aspects of the present invention.
In the operation mode selector 10 according to any one of the above, the logic judging means 16 comprises an OF mode of the push button switch.
F based on the mode designating signal 12a generated in accordance with F and the state signal 14a generated by the state determining means 14 in accordance with the non-off-hook and communication operation state of the telephone. both an operation mode selector 10, characterized in that that is configured to generate the mode decision signal 16a for not specified.

According to the invention described in claim 4 , according to claim 1
In addition to the effects described in any one of ( 3) to (3) , based on the non-off-hook state signal 14a in the automatic notification device 5 and the state signal 14a corresponding to the communication operation state, the logic determination unit 16 makes a selection to designate neither the setting mode nor the test mode. And can be executed logically.

[0040]

[0041]

[0042]

[0043]

[0044]

[0045]

[0046]

[0047]

[0048]

[0049]

[0050]

[0051]

[0052]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an operation mode selector 10 according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a basic configuration of FIG.

The operation mode selector designates at least one of a setting mode and a test mode in an automatic notification device 5 described later for automatically transmitting information such as meter reading data such as gas, water and electricity to an information center. It has a function, and further has a function of logically determining an executable operation mode based on an operation mode desired to be executed from among a plurality of operation modes and a current operation state of the apparatus, as shown in FIG. The mode selection switch 12 and the state determination means 14
And logic determination means 16.

The mode selection switch 12 has a function of generating a mode designation signal 12a for selecting an operation mode to be executed.

The mode selection switch 12 has a single switch for designating an operation mode to be executed.

[0057]

In particular, in an automatic notification device 5 described later for selecting either the setting mode or the test mode, a push button switch capable of selecting either the setting mode or the test mode is used as a single switch. It is desirable.

Here, the operation mode includes at least one of a setting mode for setting operation parameters of the apparatus and a test mode for checking a basic operation of the apparatus.

The test function means a function of the controller 20 diagnosing whether the function operates normally with the information center via the communication line. In the automatic notification device 5 described later, when the mode selection switch 12 is in the ON state, when an abnormal signal is input to the controller 20, the controller 20 transmits the line test information to the information center.

By providing such a mode selection switch 12, it is possible to logically select an operation mode to be executed from at least one of the setting mode and the test mode by using the logic determination means 16. Even if there is, there is no need to prepare the same number of switches as the number of operation modes selectable by the mode selection switch 12, and a plurality of operation modes can be logically selected with a single switch, thereby improving the accuracy of operation mode selection. It has the effect of doing.

As a result, even if the number of operation modes increases in addition to the setting mode and the test mode, it is possible to avoid an increase in the number of switches accompanying the number of operation modes, thereby reducing the mounting area of the switches and promoting the miniaturization of the device. It has the effect of becoming In addition, even when the mounting density in the device is increased, it is possible to avoid a switch being mistakenly pressed, to enable an accurate switch selection, and to improve operability.

The state determining means 14 has a function of generating a state signal 14a based on the current operating state.

The logic determining means 16 outputs the mode designation signal 12
It has a function of logically determining an executable operation mode based on the state signal a and the state signal 14a and generating a mode determination signal 16a.

The operation mode selector 10 having such a configuration
According to this, it is possible to provide a single switch with a selection function of selecting an operation mode desired to be executed from a plurality of operation modes, and to select a new operation mode such as a test function. However, it is possible to eliminate the necessity of adding a new switch. That is, even when the operation mode desired to be executed from the plurality of operation modes can be logically selected by using the logic determination unit 16, the same number of operation modes as can be selected by the mode selection switch 12 is used. It is not necessary to prepare such a switch, and it is possible to logically select a plurality of operation modes with the mode selection switch 12, so that the operation mode selection accuracy is improved.

As a result, even if the number of operation modes increases, the increase in the number of switches accompanying the increase can be avoided.
This has the effect of reducing the mounting area of the switch and promoting the miniaturization of the device. In addition, even when the mounting density in the device is increased, it is possible to avoid a switch being mistakenly pressed, to enable an accurate switch selection, and to improve operability.

Next, an embodiment of an automatic notification device using the operation mode selector 10 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an LP gas home security system to which the automatic notification device 5 according to the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 2, 1 is an information center,
Host computer 1a, DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency) transceiver 1b, and subscriber telephone 1
c and is connected via a communication line 2 to a nearby telephone exchange (not shown).

All the automatic notification devices 5,..., 5 have the same configuration, and each is connected via a communication line 4 to a nearest telephone exchange (not shown). Information Center 1 is LP
Each of the automatic notification devices 5,..., 5 is installed at an LPG consuming destination, for example, at an LPG delivery place of a G seller.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a basic configuration of the automatic notification device 5 provided in the LP gas home security system of FIG.

Each of the automatic notification devices 5,..., 5 has a controller 20, as shown in FIG. The communication line 4 is connected to the terminals L1 and L2 of the controller 20, the subscriber telephone set 3b is connected to the terminals T1 and T2, the gas leak sensor 3c is connected to the terminals TC2 and TC3, and the shut-off valves are connected to the terminals TC4 and TC5. And a controller 3e for controlling the shutoff valve of the LP gas meter 3d at terminals TB1 to TB3.
A cylinder exchange switch 3f and an indicator LED 3g built in the switch 3f are connected to B4, TB5 and TC1, respectively.

The gas leak sensor 3c is supplied independently with AC 100 [V] through an outlet.
[V], 0 [V] when power is turned off, 12 when gas leak is detected
[V] is applied to terminals TC2 and T
Supply to C3.

The flow rate sensor switch 3d 'of the LP gas meter 3d is connected to a fixed flow rate LP through the LP gas meter 3d.
Each time the gas flows, it is turned on to generate a pulse, which is supplied to terminals TC4 and TC5 of the controller 20.

The controller 3e is connected to an AC10 through an outlet.
0 [V] is independently supplied, generates a shut-off valve closing drive signal for closing the shut-off valve in the LP gas meter 3 d in response to the gas shut-off signal from the controller 20, and supplies an AC 100 [V] power supply due to a power failure. Is supplied, a power failure signal is supplied to the terminal TB3 of the controller 20.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram for explaining the basic configuration of controller 20 provided in automatic notification device 5 of FIG.

The automatic reporting device 5 has a function of automatically reporting information such as meter reading data such as gas, water, and electricity to the information center.

Further, in the operation mode selector 10 provided in the automatic notification device 5, the logic judging means 16 has a mode designation signal 12a generated in accordance with ON / OFF of the push button switch and an ON / OFF hook of the telephone. The mode determining signal 16a is generated based on the state signal 14a generated by the state determining means 14.

Based on this, based on the status signal 14a corresponding to the on-hook or off-hook in the automatic notification device 5, the operation mode to be executed from at least one of the setting mode and the test mode is logically determined by using the logical determining means 16. Even when the mode selection switch 12 is used, there is no need to prepare the same number of switches as the number of operation modes that can be selected by the mode selection switch 12, and a single switch can logically select a plurality of operation modes. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of selecting an operation mode.

As a result, even if the number of operation modes increases in addition to the setting mode and the test mode, it is possible to avoid an increase in the number of switches in the automatic notification device 5, thereby reducing the mounting area of the switches and reducing the number of switches. This has the effect of promoting downsizing. In addition, even when the mounting density in the automatic notification device 5 becomes high, it is possible to avoid a switch being mistakenly pressed, to enable an accurate switch selection, and to improve the operability.

More specifically, the logic judging means 16 sets the state judging means 1 in response to the mode designation signal 12a generated when the push button switch is turned on and the off-hook of the telephone.
4 generates a mode determination signal 16a for designating a setting mode based on the state signal 14a generated by the CPU 4.
231 is configured to output to the input port I8.

Accordingly, the setting mode can be logically selected by using the logic judging means 16 based on the status signal 14a corresponding to the on-hook in the automatic notification device 5.

The logic judging means 16 outputs the mode designation signal 12 generated in response to the turning off of the push button switch.
a mode determination signal 16 for designating a test mode based on a state signal 14a generated by the state determination means 14 in accordance with the non-off-hook and non-communication operation state of the telephone
a is generated and output to the input port I8 of the CPU 231.

As a result, the test mode can be logically selected by using the logic judging means 16 based on the state signal 14a corresponding to the non-off-hook and non-communication operation state in the automatic notification device 5.

Further, the logic judging means 16 outputs the mode designation signal 12 generated in accordance with the turning off of the push button switch.
a based on the state signal 14a generated by the state determination means 14 in accordance with the non-off-hook state of the telephone and the communication operation state, and generates a mode determination signal 16a for designating neither the setting mode nor the test mode. It is configured to output to the input port I8.

According to this, based on the status signal 14 a corresponding to the non-off-hook state and the communication operation state in the automatic notification device 5, the selection not to designate either the setting mode or the test mode is logically performed by using the logical determination means 16. You can do it.

As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 20
It has a microcomputer (CPU) 231. CP
U231 incorporates a ROM 231a storing a control program, a RAM 231b storing various data, and the like.
It operates according to a flowchart described later based on the control program in the ROM 231a and the data in the RAM 231b. The CPU 231 also has a parallel data input / output port IO, input ports I1 to I8, output ports O1 to O4, and the like.

A DTMFMODEM (modulation / demodulation circuit) 232 and a clock and calendar 233 are connected to the parallel data input / output port IO via a data bus DB.

The DTMF MODEM 232 has a crystal oscillator 232 a and performs conversion between 4-bit parallel data representing numbers 0 to 9 that can be processed by the CPU 231 and DTMF signals transmitted through the communication line 4.

The DTMF signal is a combination of two different frequency signals, representing the numbers 0-9. The clock and calendar 233 have a crystal oscillator 233a, count the clock by a counter, generate date data including year, month and day, and time data including hour and minute, and supply them to the CPU 231. The contents of the counter of the clock and the calendar 233 are rewritten by the data supplied from the CPU 231 so that the date and time data generated by the clock and the calendar 233 are corrected.

A terminal TB3 is connected to the input port I1 via a power failure detection I / F (interface) 234, and a power failure detection signal generated by the controller 3e (see FIG. 3) at the time of a power failure is input.

A switch I / F 23 is connected to the input port I 2.
5, a terminal TB4 is connected, and a cylinder exchange signal generated by turning on a cylinder exchange switch 3f (see FIG. 3) is input.

The input port I3 has a gas leak detection I / F
The terminal TC2 is connected via the 236 and the gas leak sensor 3c (see FIG. 3)
A gas leak detection signal is input according to the voltage of 2 [V].

The input port I4 is provided with a meter reading interface I / F2.
A terminal TC4 is connected via a switch 37, and a flow pulse generated by turning on / off the flow sensor switch 3d 'of the LP gas meter 3d (see FIG. 3) is input.

The output of the battery detection circuit 238 is connected to the input port I5.
When the battery detection circuit 238 detects that the voltage at 39 has dropped below a certain value, a detection signal is input.

The input port I6 has a 16 Hz circuit 240
Is connected, and when the 16 Hz detection circuit 240 detects that the incoming call is being made from outside through the communication line 4 by detecting the 16 Hz calling signal applied through the capacitor C1, the incoming call detection signal is input. You.

The TEL detection circuit 24 is connected to the input port I7.
1 is connected, and when the TEL detection circuit 241 detects that the subscriber telephone set 3b is in use, an in-use detection signal is input.

As shown in FIG. 4, the input port I8
The operation mode selector 10 is connected, and a mode determination signal 16a for executing either the setting mode or the test mode is input.

A clock pulse generator 243 is connected to the clock input port CK.
The clock pulse used for the operation 1 is input. A power supply circuit 244 is connected to the power supply input port VDD, and a power supply voltage required for the operation of the CPU 231 is supplied.

On the other hand, the output port O 1 is connected to the cut-off I / F 24
5 connected to the terminal TB1 and outputs a shut-off valve ON signal when closing the shut-off valve built in the LP gas meter 3d (see FIG. 3). The output port O2 is connected to the terminal TC1 via the LED output I / F 246,
When turning on the LED 3g (see FIG. 3), an LED ON signal is output.

The output port O3 is connected to the control input of the switch circuit 247 and outputs a switch-on signal for turning on the switch circuit 247.

The switch circuit 247 turns on the switching transistor Q by turning on the switch circuit 247, and the communication line 4
Is connected to the primary winding L1 of the coupling transformer T via the full-wave rectifier 248 and the switching transistor Q.

The secondary winding L2 of the coupling transformer T acts as a pseudo load on the communication line 4, and the secondary winding L2 is connected to the DTFM M via the capacitor C2 and the amplifier 249.
The output of ODEM 232 is connected to DT via capacitor C3.
The inputs of the MF MODEM 232 are connected to each other.

As described above, while the switch-on signal is being output from the output port O3, the DTMF is transmitted between the automatic reporting devices 5,.
It is possible to exchange data by signals.

The output port O4 is connected to the voltage converter 25
0, which is connected to the control input of
0 through the DTMF MODEM 232, the amplifier 249
For example, an ON signal is output when the power supply voltage V2 is supplied.

The power supply circuit 2
Forty-four output voltages V1 are supplied.

The power supply circuit 244 is connected to the terminal TC2 via the resistor R and the diode D1, and is connected to the gas leak sensor 3c.
And the voltage of the lithium battery 239 is supplied via the diode D2.

Reference numeral 251 denotes a manual changeover switch, which connects the 16 Hz detection circuit 240, the TEL detection circuit 241 and the full-wave rectifier 248 to the communication line 4 together with the subscriber's telephone 3b when the contact a side is present as shown in the figure. Is connected to the communication line 4 by the subscriber's telephone 3b.
Only to connect. A relay circuit 252 functions to disconnect the subscriber telephone set 3b from the communication line 4 when a switch-on signal is output from the output port O3.

Next, a function executed by CPU 231 according to a predetermined program will be described.

The functions performed by the CPU 231 according to a predetermined program include a gas metering function, a gas remaining amount managing function, a gas shut-down logic function, a gas leak sensor monitoring function, a battery voltage detecting function, a clock and calendar function, a setting function, Has test function and transmission control function.

The outline of each function will be described below.

First, the gas metering function will be described.

The pulse output from the LP gas meter 3d at a constant flow rate is received at the input port I4 via the meter reading meter I / F 237 and integrated, and the integrated value is stored in the RAM 231b. The integrated value, that is, the meter reading value is, for example, 000000-
It is represented by the number of pulses of 999999.

The above integrated value (meter reading) is automatically reported to the information center 1. There are two ways to report.

One is a regular notification which has been performed conventionally, and an integrated value is periodically transmitted to the information center 1 at a date (report cycle) and time (report time) set in the initial setting.

The other one is to transmit the latest integrated value as a meter reading value to the information center 1 at the determined reporting time determined on the set date determined every month.

Next, the gas remaining amount management function will be described.

The pulses input from the LP gas meter 3d at a constant flow rate are integrated to calculate the remaining amount of LP gas in the cylinder. The remaining amount of LP gas is set by the initial setting 2
Notify the information center 1 when two remaining warning values are reached. The remaining amount of the LP gas is reset to the set cylinder volume set by the initial setting when the cylinder replacement switch 3f is turned on or when the remaining amount becomes zero.

When the above-mentioned cylinder exchange switch 3f is turned on, a cylinder exchange notification is made to the information center 1, and at the same time, a confirmation LED 3g (built-in in the switch 3f) is turned on.

Subsequently, the gas cutoff logic function will be described.

The gas consumption is monitored by the pulse from the LP gas meter 3d for each constant flow rate, and the calculation is performed for each unit time to judge whether the flow rate is abnormal. If it is judged abnormal, LP
A shut-off signal is output to the shut-off valve in the gas meter 3d via the controller 3e, and the information center 1 is notified to that effect.

In order to judge the above-mentioned abnormality, the maximum total flow rate is set by the initial setting, and when the gas flows exceeding the set maximum total flow rate, the gas plug is erroneously opened or the rubber tube is disconnected. Judge. The above-described abnormality is determined when five consecutive pulses from the LP gas meter 3d occur at intervals shorter than the pulse interval calculated from the set maximum total flow rate. Also, when the maximum flow rate is exceeded, a gas shutoff signal is output to the shutoff valve via the controller 3e, and the information center 1 is notified of the signal.

Next, the function of monitoring the gas leak sensor will be described.

A voltage signal (0 ■ 6 ■ 12 [V]) generated by the gas leak sensor 3c is monitored. Gas leak sensor 3
45 when the input from c exceeds 9 ± 0.5 [V]
Check for seconds, and if it becomes less than 9 ± 0.5 [V] before 45 seconds elapse, return to the state of monitoring the input from the sensor again. If the state of 9 ± 0.5 [V] or more continues for 45 seconds or more, it is determined that there is a gas leak, and a gas shutoff signal is output via the controller 3e to notify the information center 1 of the gas leak.

When the input voltage is less than 2 ± 0.5 [V], the check is performed for 10 seconds. When the state of less than 2 ± 0.5 [V] continues for 10 seconds or more, the gas leak sensor 3c becomes inoperable. (Disconnection, disconnection of outlet, etc.) and inform the information center 1 of the abnormality of the gas leak sensor 3c. However, when the power failure detection signal is input from the controller 3e, the abnormality notification about the gas leak sensor 3c is not performed.

Next, the battery voltage detecting function will be described.

When the battery detection circuit 238 detects that the voltage of the built-in lithium battery 239 has dropped,
The information center 1 is notified of the battery voltage drop. This notification is made at the time of voltage measurement about one month before inoperability.

Next, the clock and calendar functions will be described.

A clock is used for the transmission time of the above-mentioned regular report, and a clock and a calendar are used for the transmission time and the transmission date of the above-mentioned automatic meter reading report. Leap year correction is performed automatically.

Time data consists of hours and minutes (24 hours).
Date data consists of year, month and day. The time data and the date data are set by the initial setting, and thereafter are set and corrected for each notification.

Next, the setting function will be described.

Necessary setting data is stored in RAM by initial setting.
231b is set in a predetermined area. The setting data can be sequentially updated by the setting data transmitted from the information center 1 at the time of notification. The following are set as the setting data.

1. 1. User ID (user code number) 2. Report destination telephone number (maximum 11 digits) 3. Dial method (dial pulse / push button) 4. Report time (regular report and automatic meter reading report time: hour and minute) 5. Reporting cycle (periodical reporting cycle: day [00-99]) 6. Report date (automatic meter reading report date: day [00-28]) 7. Gas meter reading (6 digits of meter reading) 8. Maximum total flow rate (3 digits [pulse / hour]) Set cylinder capacity (Set cylinder capacity 6 digits [number of pulses]) 10. Warning remaining point 1 (first warning point [number of pulses]) 11. Warning remaining point 2 (second warning point [number of pulses]) 12. Current time (current time: hour and minute) 13. Current date (current date: Western calendar) When 00 is set as the report cycle, the periodic report function is not performed. When 00 is set as the report date, the automatic meter reading report does not operate.

Next, the test function will be described.

A function test can be performed with the information center 1 via the communication line 4. When the operation mode selector 10 is turned on and an abnormal signal is input, line test information is transmitted to the information center 1. Except for the line test information, the current status is transmitted.

Next, the transmission control function will be described.

When transmitting information to the information center 1, it is checked whether the subscriber's telephone 3b is in use or an incoming call is in progress, and the system waits until the communication line 4 becomes empty.

If the communication line 4 is empty, automatic dialing is performed according to a preset destination telephone number.

When the information center 1 is busy, erroneously connected, or there is no response from the information center 1, or when transmission does not end normally, the communication line 4 is temporarily released, and
Redial after 0 seconds. For example, if the information cannot be transmitted by dialing three times in total, redialing is performed, for example, after five minutes. If the information cannot be transmitted even with three dials at regular time intervals in the redialing, the dialing is performed again, for example, five minutes later.

Next, an embodiment of an operation mode selection method used in the operation mode selector 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present operation mode selection method logically determines an executable operation mode based on an operation mode desired to be executed from a plurality of operation modes and a current operation state of the apparatus. It has a step, a state determination step, and a logic determination step.

In the mode selecting step, the mode designating signal 12a
Is a step of generating

The state determining step is a step of generating the state signal 14a.

The logic determining step is a step of logically determining an executable operation mode based on the mode designating signal 12a and the state signal 14a to generate the mode determining signal 16a.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation mode selection method executed by CPU 231 provided in controller 20 of FIG.

When the CPU 231 starts executing the operation mode selection method, a switch monitoring step (step S1) by the state determination means 14 is executed.

Subsequently, the logic judging means 16 generates a mode designation signal 12a generated in accordance with ON / OFF of the push button switch and a state signal 14a generated in the state judging step in accordance with on-hook or off-hook of the telephone. Then, a logic determination step of generating the mode determination signal 16a is performed.

Specifically, the logic judging means 16 determines that the push button switch is ON (O in step S2).
N) When the telephone is in the off-hook state with the mode designation signal 12a generated according to (N in step S3)
State signal 1 generated in the state determination step in accordance with
Based on 4a, a mode determination signal 16a for designating a setting mode is generated (Yes in step S3 → [setting mode]). In response, the CPU 231 can execute the setting mode.

In the logic judgment step, the mode designation signal 12a generated in response to the OFF state of the push button switch (OFF in step S2) and the non-off-hook and non-communication operation state of the telephone (step S3
No. → No in step S4), a mode determination signal 16a for designating a test mode is generated based on the state signal 14a generated in the state determination step (No in step S4 → [test mode]). . In response, the CPU 231 can execute the test mode.

Further, in the logic determination step, when the push button switch is in the OFF state (OFF in step S2), the mode designation signal 12a generated in response to the non-off-hook and communication operation state of the telephone (step S3) No → No in step S4), a mode determination signal 16a for designating neither the setting mode nor the test mode is generated based on the status signal 14a generated in the status determination step (Yes in step S4). → Step S1). In response, the control returns to the execution of the operation mode selection method by the CPU 231 and the execution of the switch monitoring step (step S1) by the state determination means 14.

[0151]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, one switch can have a function of selecting an operation mode to be executed from a plurality of operation modes,
Even when a new operation mode such as a test function can be selected, it is possible to eliminate the need to add a new switch.

That is, even when the operation mode to be executed can be logically selected from a plurality of operation modes, it is not necessary to prepare the same number of switches as the number of operation modes. This has the effect of enabling logical selection of the mode and improving the accuracy of selecting the operation mode.

[0153]

[0154]

[0155]

[0156]

[0157]

[0158] Further, even when to be able to select logically using logical decision means for operation in the desired mode from among at least one of setting mode or a test mode, selectable operating mode selection switch There is no need to prepare the same number of switches as the number of modes, and it is possible to logically select a plurality of operation modes with a single switch, thereby improving the accuracy of operation mode selection.

[0159]

[0160]

[0161]

[0162] Further, based on the state signal corresponding to the on-hook or off-hook definitive automatic notification equipment, logically selected using a logic decision means for operation in the desired mode from among at least one of setting mode or a test mode Even if it is possible to do so, there is no need to prepare the same number of switches as the number of operation modes that can be selected with the mode selection switch, and multiple operation modes can be logically selected with a single switch. There is an effect that the selection accuracy of is improved.

[0163] As a result, even when the number of operating mode in addition to the setting mode and test mode is increased, it is possible to avoid an increase in the number of switches definitive in automatic reporting equipment associated with it,
This has the effect of reducing the mounting area of the switch and promoting the miniaturization of the device. In addition, even when the mounting density in the automatic notification device 5 becomes high, it is possible to avoid a switch being mistakenly pressed, to enable an accurate switch selection, and to improve the operability.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first aspect
In addition to the effects described in, based on the state signal corresponding to the hook of definitive to automatic reporting equipment, be able to select logically using logical decision means for setting mode.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a first aspect is provided.
Or 2 in addition to the effects described in, based on the state signal corresponding to the non-hook and non-communication operation state definitive automatic notification equipment, comprising a test mode as logically be selected using a logic decision means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a first aspect is provided.
Or in addition to the effects described in any one of 3, based on the state signal corresponding to the non-hook and communication operation state definitive <br/> the automatic reporting equipment, choose not to specify any of the setting mode or a test mode It can be logically executed by using the logical judgment means.

[0167]

[0168]

[0169]

[0170]

[0171]

[0172]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining a basic configuration of an operation mode selector according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an LP gas home security system to which the automatic notification device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram for explaining a basic configuration of an automatic notification device provided in the LP gas home security system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a controller provided in the automatic notification device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation mode selection method executed by a CPU provided in the controller of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a conventional operation mode selector.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 5 automatic notification device 10 operation mode selector 12 mode selection switch 12a mode designation signal 12_1 dip switch 12_2 rotary switch 12_3 push button switch 14 state determination means 14a state signal 16 logic determination means 16a mode determination signal

Continuation of front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G08C 19/00 H04M 11/00 301

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] An operation mode to be executed from a plurality of operation modes and information such as meter reading data of gas, water, electricity, etc.
Reports automatically to information centers via telephone lines
Based on the current operating state of the automatic call device, automatic reporting instrumentation
Setting mode for setting operating parameters of the
Test mode for checking the basic operation of the notification device
Executable operation mode including at least one of the following:
Is configured to be logically determined , and either the setting mode or the test mode can be selected.
Operation mode that you want to execute
Mode selection that generates a mode designation signal for selecting
A switch and a status indicator that generates a status signal based on the current operating status.
A constant means based on said mode designating signal and said state signal, run
Logically determine the possible operation modes and generate the mode determination signal.
An operation mode selector having a logic decision means for generating
And the logic determining means determines whether the push button switch is ON / OFF.
The mode designation signal generated in response to the
On-hook or off-hook of telephone connected to talk line
Based on the status signal generated by the status determination means in accordance with
And generating the mode determination signal.
And the operation mode selector, characterized by that. 2. The logic determination means according to claim 1, wherein said logic control means is configured to perform a logic operation based on the mode designation signal generated when the push button switch is turned on and the state signal generated by the state determination means in response to an off-hook state of the telephone. The operation mode selector according to claim 1, wherein the operation mode selector is configured to generate the mode determination signal for designating the setting mode. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the logic determining means generates the mode designation signal in response to turning off of the push button switch and the non-off-hook and non-communication operating state of the telephone. The operation mode selector according to claim 1 , wherein the operation mode selector is configured to generate the mode determination signal for designating the test mode based on a state signal. 4. The state generated by the state determination means according to the mode designation signal generated in response to the OFF of the push button switch and the non-off-hook and communication operation state of the telephone. The operation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mode determination signal for not specifying any of the setting mode and the test mode is generated based on the signal. Mode selector.