JP2002298024A - Setting changing method, setting changing device, rate calculating system and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a setting changing method, setting changing device, rate calculating system and computer program for preventing an error that may occur when changing the setting recorded in the set database which is used for calculating gas, electric power and water rates based on the contents and scheduled day of change of the setting, which have been received from the consumer beforehand. SOLUTION: A change schedule database 20a to record the contents and scheduled day of change of setting, which have been received beforehand, is provided, and on the scheduled day for changing, the contents of change are made to reflect in the setting database 10a, and moreover, an artificial check is made at the time of setting change.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A setting change method for changing a setting recorded in a setting database used for calculating a charge for a consumption target such as gas, electricity, and tap water;
The present invention relates to a setting change device to which the method is applied, a charge calculation system using the device, and a computer program for realizing a device used in the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a charge calculation system for calculating a charge for consumption of an object to be consumed such as gas, electricity, and tap water,
Based on the various settings indicated by the setting database that records the settings for various items such as the contract type indicating the fee system, the user's name, the billing address, the payment method, the scheduled meter reading date, and the consumption of the consumption target Then, the fee for the consumption amount of the consumption target is calculated. Also, when changing the settings such as the contract type, when the person in charge changes the date and time based on the change data of the settings received in advance from the consumer who consumes the consumption target and the reception data that records the scheduled change date Access the settings database and change the recorded settings.

[0003]

However, in the conventional charge calculation system, since the setting database is changed and reflected in the charge calculation, the person in charge holds the reception data at hand until the time of the charge calculation. There is a problem that the change time may be wrong due to factors such as neglectedness and insufficient contact, etc.There is also a problem that the same consumer has different changes at different times, which may lead to mistaken changes There is also the problem that these mistakes lead to consumer complaints.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a planned change database for recording the contents of change of settings and the planned change date received in advance, and changes the contents of the change when the planned change date is reached. A setting change method that suppresses the occurrence of troubles such as an incorrect change time by preventing the occurrence of dissatisfaction held by consumers based on the incorrect change, a setting change device to which the method is applied, A main object is to provide a charge calculation system used and a computer program for realizing a device used in the system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a setting change device and the like which can solve the problem without complicating the system by performing a manual check at the time of setting change.

[0006]

A setting change method according to a first aspect of the present invention is used for calculating a charge for consumption of a consumption target, and changes a setting recorded in a setting database recording various settings. In the method, when the change content of the setting and the planned change date are recorded in association with each other, and an input indicating that the change is possible is received at a time related to the planned change date,
The setting database is changed based on the recorded change content.

In the setting change method according to the first invention, the gas,
When changing the setting database that records various settings used for calculating charges for consumption of electricity and tap water, etc., the contents of the changes to be set in advance and the scheduled date of the change received from the consumer will be changed. The changes are reflected in the setting database when the scheduled change date is reached, thereby suppressing the occurrence of troubles such as incorrect change timing due to factors such as forgetting the changed contents and insufficient communication. In addition, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of dissatisfaction that the consumers have based on the mistake in the change.

A setting change device according to a second aspect of the present invention is used for calculating a charge for the consumption amount of a consumption target, and changes a setting recorded in a setting database recording various settings. Means for accessing the scheduled change database that records the contents and the scheduled change date in association with each other; extracting means for extracting the changed contents from the scheduled change database using the scheduled change date as a search condition; setting based on the extracted changed contents Changing means for changing the database.

In the setting change apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a change schedule database for recording the change contents of the settings received in advance and the planned change date, and when the scheduled change date is reached, the change contents are reflected in the setting database. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of troubles such as an incorrect change timing due to factors such as abandonment of the changed content and insufficient communication, and to prevent the occurrence of dissatisfaction held by consumers based on the incorrect change.

A setting change device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the device according to the second aspect, further comprising: means for outputting the change content extracted by the extraction means; and means for receiving an input indicating whether or not the output change content can be changed. The change unit is configured to change the setting database when the received input indicates that the change is possible.

In the setting change device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the setting items and their conditions are diversified without complicating the processing, and the changed contents are forgotten and communicated by performing artificial confirmation at the time of setting change. Since it is possible to suppress the occurrence of troubles such as incorrect change timing due to factors such as insufficientness, it is possible to reduce the amount of work and time required for system development and maintenance and the processing load of the entire system.

[0012] A fee calculation system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the second aspect of the invention.
At least one setting change device of the invention or the third invention,
A change schedule database to be accessed by the setting change device; and a charge calculating device that communicates with the setting change device and includes a setting database. The charge calculation includes a consumption amount to be consumed and various kinds of information recorded in the setting database. It is characterized by comprising means for calculating a charge for the consumption amount of the consumption target based on the setting.

In the fee calculation system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of troubles such as an incorrect change timing due to factors such as abandonment of the contents of the change and insufficient communication, and to perform an appropriate charge calculation. In addition, even if the consumption target such as gas, electricity, and tap water is to be provided to a large number of consumers, it is possible for more than one person to input into the change schedule database at the same time. By performing the confirmation, it is possible to confirm the consistency without complicating the processing even if different changes are input to the setting of the specific consumer at different times by a plurality of persons in charge.

A computer program according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to change settings recorded in a setting database that is used for calculating a consumption amount of a consumption target and records various settings. A procedure for extracting the changed content from the scheduled change database that records the set change content and the scheduled change date in association with the scheduled change date as a search condition, a procedure for causing the computer to output the extracted change content, A procedure for requesting an input indicating whether or not the output change content can be changed; and, when the input received in response to the request indicates that the change can be changed, a setting database based on the change content recorded in the change schedule database. And a procedure for changing

In the computer program according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the computer operates as a setting change device by being executed by the computer, and is recorded in a change schedule database that records previously accepted setting change contents and a scheduled change date. The changed content is reflected in the setting database when the scheduled change date is reached, thereby suppressing the occurrence of troubles such as incorrect change timing due to factors such as forgetting the changed content and insufficient communication, etc. It is possible to prevent consumers from being dissatisfied based on mistakes.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a setting change method of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a fee calculation system of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a charge calculating device which is used in the charge calculating system of the present invention and which uses a server computer for calculating a charge for consumption of gas, electricity, tap water and the like. The device 10 is connected to a communication network NW such as a LAN. A plurality of setting change devices 20, 20,... Of the present invention using a client computer used for changing various settings necessary for the charge calculation by the charge calculation device 10 are connected to the communication network NW. The change devices 20, 20,... Are managed by a person who performs a task such as setting change.

The charge calculating device 10 includes a CPU 11 for controlling the entire device, a recording means 12 such as a hard disk for recording information such as a computer program and data, a RAM 13 for temporarily storing information, and a communication connected to a communication network NW. Means 14 are provided. A part of the recording area of the recording unit 12 includes a contract type indicating a fee system,
The setting database 10a is used to record settings of various items such as a user's name, a billing address, a payment method, and a scheduled meter reading date in association with a contract ID for specifying a contract.

The setting change device 20 includes a CPU 21, auxiliary storage means 22 such as a CD-ROM drive for reading information from a recording medium REC such as a CD-ROM on which information such as the computer program PG of the present invention and data are recorded, and recording means. 23, a RAM 24, an input means 25 such as a mouse and a keyboard, an output means 26 such as a monitor and a printer, and a communication means 27. The information read by the auxiliary storage means 22 is recorded in the recording means 23. 2
3 is read, and the information such as the computer program PG and data of the present invention recorded in
When executed by the PU 21, the client computer operates as the setting change device of the present invention.

Each of the setting change devices 20, 20,... Is connected to the communication network NW via the communication means 27, and the change schedule database 20a for recording the change content and the scheduled change date of the setting in association with the contract ID. Can access the various databases, and the setting change devices 20, 20,... Access the various databases as needed to perform information recording / reading processing. A part of the recording area of the recording unit 23 of the specific setting change device 20 may be used as various databases.

Next, a change schedule registration process of the setting change device 20 of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The person in charge of operating the setting change device 20 includes the contract type,
Receives prior notice from consumers, such as setting and changing the user's name, billing address, payment method, etc., and sets information such as contract ID, details of the change, and expected date of the change based on the received content Input to the change device 20. The setting change device 20 receives input of information such as the contract ID, the details of the change, and the scheduled change date (S101).
Information such as D, the content of the change, and the scheduled change date is recorded in the scheduled change database 20a in association with each other (S102).

Next, the setting registration process of the charge calculation device 10 and the setting change device 20 of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the setting change device 20, the change schedule database 2 is used for each business day, using the change date corresponding to the current day and a date after a predetermined period from the day as a search condition.
The change content is extracted from 0a (S201), the extracted change content is output (S202), and an input indicating whether or not the change content can be changed is requested (S203).

The person in charge checks the output contents of the change and determines whether or not registration in the setting database 10a is possible. Precautions for making judgments include, for example, checking whether it is necessary to shift the change date due to a shift in meter reading date, etc.
This is a point of consistency with other changed contents and an input error of the changed contents itself.

Further, in order to confirm consistency with other changes, the contract ID of the extracted changes is used as a search condition.
It is also possible to extract other changes from the change schedule database 20a and output them. Confirmation of consistency with other changes includes, for example, registering a contract type change with April 7 as the planned change date, and then registering a user name change with March 27 as the planned change date. 4 if done
On the 7th of the month, the contents registered in the change schedule database 20a with the previous user name and the contract type to be changed are output. If the contents of the change schedule database 20a are registered in the setting database 10a as they are, the previous user name is changed. This is a confirmation to avoid such a trouble because a trouble of being registered in the system occurs.

Then, the person in charge makes an input indicating whether or not the change is possible as a result of the determination. The setting change device 20 receives an input indicating whether or not the change is possible (S204). If the received input indicates that the change is possible (S205: Y), the charge changing device 20 outputs change content information indicating the change to change the setting database. 10 (S206). Charge calculation device 10
Then, the change content information is received (S207), and the setting database 10a is changed based on the received change content information (S208). If the input received in step S205 indicates that the change cannot be made (S205: N), a predetermined abnormal process such as a request for re-input of the change content is performed (S205).
209). Also, instead of extracting changes based on the current day, by entering an arbitrary date, the entered date and changes up to a specified period after that date are extracted, and future changes are confirmed. It is also possible.

Next, a charge calculation process of the charge calculation device 10 used in the charge calculation system of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In the charge calculation device 10,
At a predetermined time, various settings recorded in the setting database 10a are extracted (S301), and a fee for the consumption of the consumption target is calculated based on the extracted various settings and the consumption of the consumption target previously received (S301). S302). At this time, the fee may be calculated in consideration of not only the consumption amount but also the consumption time such as a time zone and a season.

In the above-described embodiment, the form in which the change is artificially confirmed and then registered in the setting database 10a has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be automatically registered in the setting database 10a.

[0028]

As described above in detail, the setting change method, the setting change device, the charge calculation system, and the computer program according to the present invention are used for calculating the charge for the consumption target of gas, electricity, tap water and the like. When the setting database that records various settings to be changed is recorded, the changes to the settings and the planned change date received in advance from the consumer are recorded in the planned change database, and the changes are made when the planned change date is reached. Is reflected in the setting database,
In addition, by performing a manual check at the time of setting change, the diversification of the setting items and their conditions does not complicate the process, and the trouble of the change time mistake due to factors such as forgetting the changed contents and insufficient communication, etc. And it is possible to prevent the occurrence of dissatisfaction held by the consumer based on a mistake in the change.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a setting change method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a fee calculation system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a change schedule registration process of the setting change device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a setting registration process of the charge calculation device and the setting change device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a charge calculation process of a charge calculation device used in the charge calculation system of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Charge Calculation Device 10a Setting Database 20 Setting Change Device 20a Scheduled Change Database NW Communication Network REC Recording Medium

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A setting change method for changing a setting recorded in a setting database for recording various settings, which is used for calculating a charge for a consumption amount of a consumption target, wherein a setting change content and a scheduled change date are associated with each other. A setting database that changes the setting database based on the recorded change content when an input indicating that the change is possible is received at a time related to the scheduled change date. 2. A setting change device which is used for calculating a charge for a consumption amount of a consumption target and changes a setting recorded in a setting database recording various settings, wherein a setting change content and a scheduled change date are associated with each other. Means for accessing the scheduled change database to be recorded and stored; extracting means for extracting the changed contents from the scheduled change database using the scheduled change date as a search condition; and changing means for changing the setting database based on the extracted changed contents. A setting change device, comprising: 3. A device for outputting a change content extracted by the extracting unit, and a unit for receiving an input indicating whether or not the output change content can be changed, wherein the change unit indicates that the received input indicates that the change is possible. 3. The setting change device according to claim 2, wherein the setting database is changed. 4. The at least one setting change device according to claim 2 or 3, a change schedule database to be accessed by the setting change device, and a charge calculating device that communicates with the setting change device and includes a setting database. The fee calculation system further comprises: means for calculating a fee for the consumption amount of the consumption target based on the consumption amount of the consumption target and various settings recorded in the setting database. 5. A computer program which causes a computer to change a setting recorded in a setting database which records various settings and is used for calculating a charge for consumption of a consumption object. A procedure for extracting changes from the scheduled change database that records the scheduled dates in association with the scheduled change dates as a search condition, a procedure for causing the computer to output the extracted changes, and a step for causing the computer to change the output changes. Includes a procedure for requesting an input indicating permission / inhibition, and a step for causing the computer to change the setting database based on the change recorded in the scheduled change database when the input received in response to the request indicates that the change is permitted A computer program characterized by the above-mentioned.