Description Title of Invention: SMART METER, SMART METER SYSTEM, AND POWER SUPPLY CONTROL PROGRAM
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for preventing an energization fire.
Background Art
[0002] When a large-scale earthquake occurs, power failure occurs. Further, electrical appliances fall over in a state where a switch is on. If the electrical appliance is in contact with combustibles, a fire may occur at a time of recovery from the power failure, and a secondary disaster may expand.
As an action at an occurrence of large-scale earthquake, a power supply operation such as turning off electric appliances or turning off an indoor breaker is encouraged. However, performing the power supply operation is difficult when a large-scale earthquake actually occurs since evacuation is the top priority. [0003] In the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a receiver, a seismic sensor, and a switch are mounted on an electric meter, and the switch is turned to an "off state in accordance with seismic intensity detected by the seismic sensor, after the receiver receives earthquake early warning. Thus, power supply to the inside of the home is shut off.
Moreover, Patent Literature 1 describes that the switch that has been in the "off state is turned to a "contact" state by operating a recovery button attached to the electric meter. [0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 2, in a smart meter system of a

power company, a host terminal receives earthquake early warning, extracts a smart meter of an area targeted for the earthquake early warning, and issues a control command to a switch of the extracted smart meter.
Further, Patent Literature 2 describes the following matters. A controller is connected to the smart meter, and the controller displays whether to continue or stop power supply. A user who desires continuation of the power supply operates the controller, and the smart meter responds with continuation of the power supply via the smart meter network. The power company operates so as to turn the switch of the smart meter to the "off state via the smart meter network, for the smart meter that has not responded for continuation of the power supply. When the switch is in the "off state, the user operates the controller, and the smart meter requests for restart of the power supply via the smart meter network. The power company operates so as to turn the switch of the smart meter to a "connected" state via the smart meter network, for the smart meter that has requested the restart of the power supply. Thus, power supply is restarted.
[0005] In the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 3, a receiver inside of a home notifies a smart meter with earthquake early warning via a home energy management system (HEMS), and the smart meter turns a switch to an "off state in accordance with seismic intensity detected by a seismic sensor.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0006] Patent Literature 1: JP 2010-193679 A
Patent Literature 2: JP 2016-096627 A
Patent Literature 3: JP 2015-198355 A

Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0007] In the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1, if power failure occurs
without detection of seismic intensity at a level that causes "off of the switch, and then
an electrical appliance falls over due to a large aftershock, it is not possible to reliably
prevent an energization fire after the power failure is restored.
Further, Patent Literature 1 does not describe any restriction on an operation of the recovery button. That is, the switch is to be changed from the "off state to the "contact" state by an operation of the recovery button with mischievous or malicious intent. For example, in an unoccupied house and an empty room, the switch is to be changed from the "off state to the "contact" state with mischievous or malicious intent. [0008] In the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 2, after the earthquake early warning is received, before the earthquake reaches, it is necessary to perform display on the controller, wait for the response of the user operation, and operate the switch. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the control can be performed on all smart meters before the earthquake reaches. Further, if the smart meter network is damaged by the earthquake, there is no guarantee that the smart meter network is functioning properly when the user desires restart of power supply. Therefore, there is a possibility that the power supply cannot be restarted.
[0009] Patent Literature 3 does not describe means for restart of power supply after the switch is turned to the "off state.
[0010] These prior arts indicates reception of earthquake early warning, earthquake detection by a seismic sensor, confirmation of a user's intention regarding power supply, and an operation of a switch. However, in the prior arts, the following events are not

considered.
In large-scale earthquakes, large aftershocks continue after an occurrence of the first earthquake, causing long power failure and intermittent power failure. Therefore, there is a possibility that it is not possible to receive the second and subsequent earthquake early warning. Further, the seismic sensor may not operate. As a result, an energization fire may occur.
[0011] Moreover, in the prior art, when seismic intensity detected by the seismic sensor is small, and when the user does not indicate the intention for continuation of power supply, the switch is to be in the "off state.
However, in the early stages, television and the like are needed to obtain information on the earthquake. In addition, if an earthquake occurs in the middle of the night, being able to use lighting is safer. Under such circumstances, performing the control on the switch of the smart meter to stop the power supply is not always safer for the user.
Before the earthquake arrives after first earthquake early warning is received, there is some time in between. Therefore, when using an electrical appliance, it is possible to turn off the electrical appliance. However, before the electrical appliance is turned off, if power supply stops by the control on the switch or if the power supply stops due to power failure, it is assumed that the user escapes outdoors without turning off the power of the electrical appliance. As a result, an energization fire may occur when the power supply is restarted.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to prevent an energization fire at a time of power restoration after power failure.
Solution to Problem

[0013] A smart meter according to the present invention includes:
a reception unit to receive an earthquake notification;
a storage unit to store reception of an earthquake notification when an earthquake notification is received;
a first stopping unit to stop power supply to an electrical appliance by closing an electric path when an earthquake notification is received; and
a second stopping unit to stop power supply to the electrical appliance by closing the electric path when reception of an earthquake notification is stored and the electric path is open, at a time of power restoration after power failure. Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0014] According to the present invention, when an earthquake notification has been received at a time of power restoration after power failure, power supply to an electrical appliance can be stopped. Therefore, even if the power supply to the electrical appliance is restarted before the power failure, the energization fire can be prevented at the time of power restoration.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0015] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a smart meter system 100 according to a
first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of a smart meter 200 according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a first stop process in the first embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a restart process in the first embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a second stop process in the first embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a first stop process in a second embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a first stop process in a third embodiment. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of a restart process in a fourth embodiment. Fig. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of a smart meter 200 according an embodiment.
Description of Embodiments
[0016] In embodiments and the drawings, the same elements or mutually corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of the elements denoted by the same reference numerals will be omitted or simplified appropriately. Arrows in the figures mainly indicate a data flow or a processing flow. [0017] First Embodiment
An aspect for preventing an energization fire at an occurrence of an earthquake will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. [0018] *** Description of Configuration ***
A configuration of a smart meter system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.
The smart meter system 100 is a system to supply power from a power company to each user's home.
The power company is a power supply source.
The user's home is a home of a user and is a power supply destination. [0019] The smart meter system 100 includes a power system 110, a concentrator 121, a concentrator 122, a base station 123, and a plurality of smart meters (200A to 200H).
Each of the plurality of smart meters (200 A to 200H) is referred to as a smart meter 200. [0020] The smart meter 200 is a high-performance power meter. For example, the

smart meter 200 has a communication function.
[0021 ] The power system 110 is a system of the power company and is connected to
a network 101.
For example, the network 101 is a network of the power company, a network of a mobile operator, or another network.
[0022] The concentrator 121, the concentrator 122, and the base station 123 are relay devices, and are connected to the network 101.
The concentrator 121 is a concentrator compatible with specific low power radio communication using the 920 MHz band. The concentrator 121 manages individual communication paths of the smart meter 200A, the smart meter 200B, and the smart meter 200C.
The concentrator 122 is a concentrator compatible with power line communication (PLC). The power line communication is communication using a power line as a transmission medium. The concentrator 122 manages individual communication paths of the smart meter 200D, the smart meter 200E, and the smart meter 200F.
The base station 123 is a base station of a mobile phone provider and compatible with mobile communication. The mobile phone communication is communication using a wireless channel provided by the mobile phone provider. Long term evolution (LTE) or the like is an example of the wireless channel provided by the mobile phone provider.
[0023] The smart meter 200A, the smart meter 200B, and the smart meter 200C communicate with the power system 110 via the concentrator 121. Specifically, the individual smart meters (200A, 200B, and 200C) communicate with the concentrator 121 by multi-hop communication by using specific low power radio. The concentrator

121 relays communication between the individual smart meters (200A, 200B, and
200C) and the power system 110.
The smart meter 200D, the smart meter 200E, and the smart meter 200F communicate with the power system 110 via the concentrator 122. Specifically, the individual smart meters (200D, 200E, and 200F) communicate with the concentrator
122 by multi-hop communication by using power line communication. The
concentrator 122 relays communication between the individual smart meters (200D,
200E, and 200F) and the power system 110.
The smart meter 200G and the smart meter 200H communicate with the power system 110 via the base station 123. Specifically, the individual smart meters (200G and 200H) communicate with the base station 123 using a wireless channel. The base station 123 relays communication between the individual smart meters (200G and 200H) and the power system 110.
[0024] Each smart meter 200 notifies the power system 110 with a power usage amount, and the power system 110 receives the notification from each smart meter 200. Then, power system 110 manages the power usage amount of each user, and performs a billing process for each user. The billing process is a process for requesting a charge. The power usage amount is an amount of power that has been used.
The power system 110 operates each smart meter 200 remotely. Specifically, the power system 110 transmits a control command to each smart meter 200. Each smart meter 200 receives the control command and responds with a control result. The control command indicates the commanded control, and the control response indicates a result of the control.
[0025] A configuration of the smart meter 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2.

The smart meter 200 is a computer.
The smart meter 200 includes hardware such as a processor 901, a memory 902, an auxiliary storage device 903, a communication device 904, a display device 905, and a clock 906. Furthermore, the smart meter 200 includes hardware such as a measuring device 201, a switch 202, a detector 203, and a restart button 204. These pieces of hardware are connected to each other via a signal line. [0026] The processor 901 is an integrated circuit (IC) to perform arithmetic processing, and controls other hardware. For example, the processor 901 is a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a graphics processing unit (GPU).
The memory 902 is a volatile storage device. The memory 902 is also referred to as a main storage device or a main memory. For example, the memory 902 is a random access memory (RAM). Data stored in the memory 902 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 as required.
The auxiliary storage device 903 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the auxiliary storage device 903 is a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a flash memory. Data stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 is loaded into the memory 902 as required.
[0027] The communication device 904 is a device that performs communication, that is, a receiver and a transmitter. For example, the communication device 904 is a communication chip or a network interface card (NIC).
The display device 905 is a device that displays a power usage amount and the like. For example, the display device 905 is a liquid crystal display. The display device 905 has a light emitting diode (LED) that indicates a communication state by lighting, non-lighting, or blinking.

The clock 906 is a device that indicates a date and time. [0028] The measuring device 201 is a device that measures a power usage amount.
The switch 202 is a device that opens and closes an electric path 102. The electric path 102 is a passage to conduct electricity. The electric path 102 is connected with a plurality of electrical appliances (130A and 130B) that are used at the user's home. Each of the plurality of electrical appliances is referred to as an electrical appliance 130.
The detector 203 is a device that detects power failure and power restoration.
The restart button 204 is a button for a restart operation. The restart operation is an operation for restarting power supply to the electrical appliance 130 after the power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is stopped. Specifically, the restart operation is pressing of the restart button 204.
In a case where power is supplied from the power company to the user's home, power is supplied to the electrical appliance 130 when the electric path 102 is open. However, even if power is supplied from the power company to the user's home, power is not to be supplied to the electrical appliance 130 when the electric path 102 is closed. [0029] The smart meter 200 includes software elements such as a first stopping unit 210, a restart unit 220, a second stopping unit 230, and a control unit 240. The software elements are elements implemented by software.
[0030] The auxiliary storage device 903 stores a power supply control program for causing a computer to function as the first stopping unit 210, the restart unit 220, the second stopping unit 230, and the control unit 240. This power supply control program is loaded into the memory 902 and executed by the processor 901.
Further, the auxiliary storage device 903 stores an operating system (OS). At least a part of the OS is loaded into the memory 902 and executed by the processor 901.

That is, the processor 901 executes the power supply control program while executing the OS.
Data obtained by executing the power supply control program is stored in a storage device such as the memory 902, the auxiliary storage device 903, a register in the processor 901 or a cache memory in the processor 901.
[0031] The auxiliary storage device 903 functions as a storage unit 291 that stores data. However, another storage device may function as the storage unit 291 instead of the auxiliary storage device 903 or together with the auxiliary storage device 903.
The communication device 904 functions as a communication unit that communicates data. In particular, the communication device 904 functions as a reception unit 292 that receives data.
The display device 905 functions as a display unit that displays an image and the like.
The clock 906 functions as a clock unit that indicates a date and time. [0032] The measuring device 201 functions as a measuring unit that measures a power usage amount.
The switch 202 functions as a switch unit that opens and closes the electric path 102.
The detector 203 functions as a detection unit that detects power failure and power restoration.
The restart button 204 functions as a reception unit that receives a restart operation.
[0033] The smart meter 200 may include a plurality of processors substituting for the processor 901. The plurality of processors share the role of the processor 901. [0034] The power supply control program can be stored in a non-volatile storage

medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, or the like in a computer readable manner. The non-volatile storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. [0035] *** Description of Operation ***
An operation of the smart meter 200 corresponds to a power supply control method. Further, a procedure of the power supply control method corresponds to a procedure of the power supply control program. [0036] A first stop process will be described with reference to Fig. 3.
The first stop process is a process when an earthquake notification reaches the smart meter 200.
The earthquake notification is a notification that indicates an occurrence of an earthquake. Specifically, the earthquake notification is earthquake early warning.
When receiving earthquake early warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency, the power system 110 specifies a notification target area on the basis of the contents of the earthquake early warning. Then, the power system 110 transmits the earthquake early warning to the smart meter 200 in the notification target area. [0037] In step S111, the reception unit 292 receives an earthquake notification. [0038] In step S112, the control unit 240 determines whether notification reception is stored in the storage unit 291. The notification reception means reception of the earthquake notification.
Specifically, the control unit 240 determines whether notification reception during a first target period is stored in the storage unit 291. The first target period is a period immediately before the current notification reception, and has a predetermined period length. For example, the length of the first target period is one month.
When the notification reception is stored in the storage unit 291, the process

proceeds to step S114.
When the notification reception is not stored in the storage unit 291, the process proceeds to step SI 13.
[0039] In step SI 13, the control unit 240 stores the notification reception in the storage unit 291.
Specifically, the control unit 240 stores a reception timing of the earthquake notification in the storage unit 291. The reception timing is represented by a date and time. The date and time are obtained from the clock 906. [0040] In step SI 14, the first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102.
Specifically, the first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102 by controlling the switch 202.
In step SI 14, power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is stopped. [0041] A restart process will be described with reference to Fig. 4.
The restart process is a process at a time of a restart operation.
The restart operation is an operation for restarting power supply to the electrical appliance 130. Specifically, the restart operation is pressing of the restart button 204.
The user presses the restart button 204 when desiring to restart power supply to the electrical appliance 130.
[0042] In step S121, when the restart button 204 is pressed, the control unit 240 detects the pressing of the restart button 204, that is, the restart operation. [0043] In step SI 22, the restart unit 220 determines a state of the electric path 102.
Specifically, the restart unit 220 obtains state information of the electric path 102 from the switch 202. Then, the restart unit 220 determines whether the state of the electric path 102 is either an open state or a closed state by referring to the state

information of the electric path 102. The state information of the electric path 102 is information indicating a state of the electric path 102.
The open state is a state in which the electric path 102 is open. When the electric path 102 is in the open state, power is supplied to the electrical appliance 130.
The closed state is a state in which the electric path 102 is closed. When the electric path 102 is in the closed state, the power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is stopped.
When the electric path 102 is in the open state, the restart process is ended.
When the electric path 102 is in the closed state, the process proceeds to step S123. [0044] In step S123, the restart unit 220 opens the electric path 102.
Specifically, the restart unit 220 opens the electric path 102 by controlling the switch 202.
In step SI23, power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is restarted. [0045] A second stop process will be described with reference to Fig. 5.
The second stop process is a process performed at a time of power restoration after power failure.
[0046] In step S131, the detector 203 detects power restoration after power failure. [0047] In step SI32, the second stopping unit 230 determines whether notification reception is stored in the storage unit 291.
Specifically, the second stopping unit 230 determines whether notification reception during a second target period is stored in the storage unit 291. The second target period is a period immediately before detection of the power restoration, and has a predetermined period length. For example, the length of the second target period is one month.

When the notification reception is stored in the storage unit 291, the process proceeds to step S133.
When the notification reception is not stored in the storage unit 291, the second stop process is ended.
[0048] In step S133, the second stopping unit 230 determines a state of the electric path 102.
Specifically, the second stopping unit 230 obtains state information of the electric path 102 from the switch 202. Then, the second stopping unit 230 determines whether the state of the electric path 102 is either the open state or the closed state by referring to the state information of the electric path 102.
When the electric path 102 is in the open state, the process proceeds to step S134.
When the electric path 102 is in the closed state, the second stop process is ended. [0049] In step SI34, the second stopping unit 230 closes the electric path 102.
Specifically, the second stopping unit 230 closes the electric path 102 by controlling the switch 202.
By step SI 34, restart of the power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is stopped. [0050] *** Effect of First Embodiment ***
The smart meter 200 can prevent an energization fire at an occurrence of a large earthquake, by stopping power supply to the inside of the user's home in the first stop process at an occurrence of such a large earthquake that triggers earthquake early warning.
The smart meter 200 can prevent an energization fire at a time of recovery

from power failure, by stopping power supply to the inside of the user's home in the second stop process at a time of recovery from a long-term and intermittent power failure due to continuing aftershocks after a large earthquake.
The smart meter 200 can restart power supply to the inside of the user's home even when communication with the power system 110 cannot be performed, by restarting power supply to the inside of the user's home by the restart process when the restart button 204 is pressed. [0051 ] * * * Other Configuration * * *
The smart meter 200 may perform communication in a method different from any of the specific low power radio communication, the power line communication, and the mobile phone communication.
[0052] The smart meter 200 may receive an earthquake notification from a transmission source other than the power system 110. For example, the smart meter (200G or 200H) may receive the earthquake early warning from a server of a provider providing the earthquake early warning, by mobile phone communication. [0053] The concentrators (121 and 122) may receive earthquake early warning from a transmission source other than the power system 110. When receiving the earthquake early warning, the concentrators (121 and 122) transmit an earthquake notification to the subordinate smart meters (200A to 200F).
By the concentrators (121 and 122) transmitting the earthquake notification to the subordinate smart meters (200 A to 200F), a load of the power system 110 can be reduced. That is, in the power system 110, a distribution destination extraction time and a notification distribution time can be shortened. The distribution destination extraction time is a time for extracting the smart meters 200 that are the distribution destination of the earthquake notification. The notification distribution time is a time for distributing

the earthquake notification to the extracted smart meters 200.
[0054] The smart meters (200G and 200H) may be provided with a notification unit having a mail function. The notification unit uses the communication device 904 to transmit a supply stop notification and a supply restart notification to a registered address. The supply stop notification is a notification for notifying stop of power supply to the electrical appliance 130, and the supply restart notification is a notification for notifying restart of power supply to the electrical appliance 130. The registration address is a mail address registered in advance in the storage unit 291. For example, the user applies for one or more e-mail addresses to the power company, and the applied e-mail address is transmitted from the power system 110 to the smart meter 200 via the network 101, and registered in the storage unit 291. [0055] Second Embodiment
Regarding an aspect in which power supply to an electrical appliance 130 is stopped or continued in accordance with a user's request, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described with reference to Fig. 6. [0056] *** Description of Configuration ***
A configuration of a smart meter system 100 is the same as the configuration in the first embodiment (see Fig. 1).
A configuration of a smart meter 200 is the same as the configuration in the first embodiment (see Fig. 2). [0057] However, control information is stored in advance in a storage unit 291.
The control information is information that indicates supply stop or supply continuation.
The supply stop means stop of power supply to the electrical appliance 130.
The supply continuation means continuation of power supply to the electrical

appliance 130.
[0058] For example, the control information is stored in the storage unit 291 when a user contracts with a power company, when a conventional electricity meter is replaced with the smart meter 200, when there is a request from the user to the power company, or the like.
[0059] For example, the control information is set in the storage unit 291 by a power system 110. Specifically, the power system 110 transmits a setting request to the smart meter 200. The setting request is data for requesting setting of the control information, and includes the control information. In the smart meter 200, the reception unit 292 receives the setting request, and a control unit 240 sets the control information included in the setting request in the storage unit 291. [0060] *** Description of Operation ***
A first stop process will be described with reference to Fig. 6.
Steps S211 to S213 are the same as steps Sill to SI 13 in the first embodiment (see Fig. 3).
[0061 ] In step S214, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether the control information indicates either supply stop or supply continuation.
When the control information indicates supply stop, the process proceeds to step S215.
When the control information indicates supply continuation, power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is not stopped, and the first stop process is ended. [0062] In step S215, the first stopping unit 210 closes an electric path 102.
Specifically, the first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102 by controlling a switch 202.
By step S215, power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is stopped.

[0063] *** Effect of Second Embodiment ***
At the stage when the earthquake early warning is received, the user can turn off the electrical appliance 130 since there is a certain time before an occurrence of a quake due to the earthquake. In addition, when the first earthquake occurs, there is a demand to collect as much information as possible from a television or the like. Further, there is a demand to use lighting to cope safely if the earthquake occurs in the middle of the night. Thus, even when an earthquake occurs, it may be better not to stop power supply to the electrical appliance 130.
The smart meter 200 selects stop or continuation of power supply to the electrical appliance 130 on the basis of control information. That is, at an occurrence of an earthquake, the smart meter 200 can select which of prevention of an energization fire and maintenance of the power supply is given priority. [0064] Third Embodiment
Regarding an aspect of stopping or continuing power supply to an electrical appliance 130 on the basis of a date and time when an earthquake notification has been received or a power usage amount when the earthquake notification has been received, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described with reference to Fig. 7. [0065] *** Description of Configuration ***
A configuration of a smart meter system 100 is the same as the configuration in the first embodiment (see Fig. 1).
A configuration of a smart meter 200 is the same as the configuration in the first embodiment (see Fig. 2). [0066] However, a stop condition is stored in advance in a storage unit 291.
The stop condition is a condition for stopping power supply to the electrical

appliance 130.
[0067] For example, the stop condition is stored in the storage unit 291 when a user
contracts with a power company, when a conventional electricity meter is replaced with
the smart meter 200, when there is a request from the user to the power company, or the
like.
[0068] For example, the stop condition is set in the storage unit 291 by a power
system 110. Specifically, the power system 110 transmits a setting request to the smart
meter 200. The setting request is data for requesting setting of the stop condition, and
includes the stop condition. In the smart meter 200, a reception unit 292 receives the
setting request, and a control unit 240 sets the stop condition included in the setting
request in the storage unit 291.
[0069] * * * Description of Operation * * *
A first stop process will be described with reference to Fig. 7.
Steps S311 to S313 are the same as steps S111 to S113 in the first embodiment (see Fig. 3).
[0070] In step S314, a first stopping unit 210 determines whether the stop condition is satisfied.
When the stop condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S315.
When the stop condition is not satisfied, power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is not stopped, and the first stop process is ended. [0071] In step S315, the first stopping unit 210 closes an electric path 102.
Specifically, the first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102 by controlling a switch 202.
By step S315, power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is stopped. [0072] Hereinafter, Examples of step S314 (see Fig. 7) will be described.

[0073] *** Description of Example 1 ***
In step S314, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether or not the stopping condition is satisfied on the basis of a reception timing of the earthquake notification. That is, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether to stop the power supply on the basis of the reception timing of the earthquake notification. When it is determined to stop the power supply, the first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102 (S315).
The stop condition is a season when it is better to stop the power supply to the electrical appliance 130. For example, an electric stove can cause an energization fire. Therefore, the season in which the electric stove is used (for example, December to March) is to be the stop condition.
Specifically, the first stopping unit 210 determines a reception season that is a season to which the reception timing belongs. Then, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether the reception season satisfies the stop condition. That is, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether to stop the power supply on the basis of the reception season. [0074] *** Description of Example 2 ***
In step S314, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether or not the stopping condition is satisfied on the basis of a reception timing of the earthquake notification. That is, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether to stop the power supply on the basis of the reception timing of the earthquake notification. When it is determined to stop the power supply, the first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102(S315).
The stop condition is a time slot when it is better to stop the power supply to the electrical appliance 130. For example, lighting is required at night, but lighting is

not required in daytime. Therefore, a daytime time slot (for example, from 6 o'clock to 18 o'clock) is to be the stop condition.
Specifically, the first stopping unit 210 determines a reception time slot that is a time slot to which the reception timing belongs. Then, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether the reception time slot satisfies the stop condition. That is, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether to stop the power supply on the basis of the reception time slot. [0075] *** Description of Example 3 ***
In step S314, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether or not the stopping condition is satisfied on the basis of a reception timing of the earthquake notification. That is, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether to stop the power supply on the basis of the reception timing of the earthquake notification. When it is determined to stop the power supply, the first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102 (S315).
The stop condition is a condition including the season described in Example 1 and the time slot described in Example 2. For example, the stop condition may be a condition of winter or daytime. [0076] *** Description of Example 4 ***
In step S314, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether or not the stopping condition is satisfied on the basis of a power usage amount at a reception timing of the earthquake notification. That is, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether to stop the power supply on the basis of a power usage amount at the reception timing of the earthquake notification. When it is determined to stop the power supply, the first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102 (S315).
The stop condition is a power usage amount for which it is better to stop the

power supply to the electrical appliance 130. For example, if power failure occurs in a state where many electrical appliances 130 are being used, there is a high possibility that an energization fire will occur at a time of power restoration. Therefore, a threshold of the power usage amount is to be the stop condition.
Specifically, the first stopping unit 210 obtains a power usage amount at a time of notification reception, and determines whether the power usage amount at the time of notification reception exceeds a power threshold. The power threshold is a threshold of a power usage amount.
[0077] Specifically, the first stopping unit 210 obtains a power usage amount at a time of notification reception as follows.
The measuring device 201 periodically measures the power usage amount, and the control unit 240 stores the power usage amount and a measurement time in the storage unit 291 each time the power usage amount is measured.
When obtaining the power usage amount at the time of notification reception, the first stopping unit 210 obtains the current power usage amount from the measuring device 201, obtains the previous power usage amount from the storage unit 291, and calculates a difference between the current power usage amount and the previous power usage amount. The calculated difference is called a power difference.
Furthermore, the first stopping unit 210 obtains a current time from the clock 906, obtains a previous measurement time from the storage unit 291, and calculates a time from the previous measurement time to the current time. The calculated time is called elapsed time.
Then, the first stopping unit 210 calculates a power usage amount per unit time by dividing the power difference by the elapsed time. The power usage amount per unit time is the power usage amount at the time of notification reception.

[0078] *** Description of Example 5 ***
In step S314, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether or not the stopping condition is satisfied on the basis of a reception timing of an earthquake notification and a power usage amount at a reception timing of the earthquake notification. That is, the first stopping unit 210 determines whether to stop the power supply on the basis of a reception timing of the earthquake notification and a power usage amount at the reception timing of the earthquake notification. When it is determined to stop the power supply, the first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102 (S315).
The stop condition is a condition including at least one of the season described in Example 1 and the time slot described in Example 2, and including the power threshold described in Example 4. For example, the stop condition is a condition such as winter, or daytime and the power usage amount being higher than the power threshold. [0079] *** Effect of Third Embodiment ***
The smart meter 200 selects stop or continuation of power supply to the electrical appliance 130 on the basis of a reception timing or a power usage amount. That is, at an occurrence of an earthquake, the smart meter 200 can select which of prevention of an energization fire and maintenance of the power supply is given priority. [0080] *** Other Configuration ***
Instead of the stop condition, a continuation condition may be used.
The continuation condition is a condition for continuing power supply to the electrical appliance 130.
The first stopping unit 210 closes the electric path 102 when the continuation condition is not satisfied.

[0081 ] Fourth Embodiment
Regarding an aspect of preventing restart of power supply with mischievous or malicious intent, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described with reference to Fig. 8. [0082] *** Description of Configuration ***
A configuration of a smart meter system 100 is the same as the configuration in the first embodiment (see Fig. 1).
A configuration of a smart meter 200 is the same as the configuration in the first embodiment (see Fig. 2). [0083] *** Description of Operation ***
A restart process will be described with reference to Fig. 8.
In step S421, when a restart button 204 is pressed, a control unit 240 detects the pressing of the restart button 204, that is, a restart operation. [0084] In step S422, a restart unit 220 determines whether notification reception is stored in a storage unit 291.
Specifically, the restart unit 220 determines whether notification reception during a third target period is stored in the storage unit 291. The third target period is a period immediately before detection of the restart operation, and has a predetermined period length. For example, the length of the third target period is one month.
When the notification reception is stored in the storage unit 291, the process proceeds to step S423.
When the notification reception is not stored in the storage unit 291, power supply to an electrical appliance 130 is not restarted, and the restart process is ended. [0085] In step S423, the restart unit 220 determines a state of an electric path 102. A determination method is the same as that in step SI22 (see Fig. 4) in the first

embodiment.
When the electric path 102 is in the open state, the restart process is ended.
When the electric path 102 is in the closed state, the process proceeds to step S424. [0086] In step S424, the restart unit 220 opens the electric path 102.
Specifically, the restart unit 220 opens the electric path 102 by controlling the switch 202.
By step S424, power supply to the electrical appliance 130 is restarted. [0087] *** Effect of Fourth Embodiment ***
In a case where the restart operation is performed with mischievous or malicious intent under normal conditions other than at a time of an earthquake, restart of power supply to the electrical appliance 130 can be prevented. [0088] *** Supplement to Embodiments ***
A hardware configuration of the smart meter 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 9.
The smart meter 200 includes a processing circuit 990.
The processing circuit 990 is hardware that implements functions of the first stopping unit 210, the restart unit 220, the second stopping unit 230, and the control unit 240.
The processing circuit 990 may be dedicated hardware, or may be the processor 901 that executes a program stored in the memory 902. [0089] In a case where the processing circuit 990 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 990 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination of these.

ASIC is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit, and FPGA is an abbreviation for field programmable gate array.
The smart meter 200 may include a plurality of processing circuits substituting for the processing circuit 990. The plurality of processing circuits share the role of the processing circuit 990.
[0090] Some function of the first stopping unit 210, the restart unit 220, the second stopping unit 230, and the control unit 240 may be implemented by dedicated hardware, and the remaining may be implemented by software or firmware. [0091] Thus, the processing circuit 990 may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.
[0092] The embodiments are examples of preferred aspects and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. The embodiments may be implemented partially or in combination with other aspects. The procedure described using a flowchart or the like may be changed as appropriate.
Reference Signs List
[0093] 100: smart meter system, 101: network, 102: electric path, 110: power system, 121: concentrator, 122: concentrator, 123: base station, 130: electrical appliance, 200: smart meter, 201: measuring device, 202: switch, 203: detector, 204: restart button, 210: first stopping unit, 220: restart unit, 230: second stopping unit, 240: control unit, 291: storage unit, 292: reception unit, 901: processor, 902: memory, 903: auxiliary storage device, 904: communication device, 905: display device, 906: clock, 990: processing circuit.

WE CLAIM:
[Claim 1]
A smart meter comprising:
a reception unit to receive an earthquake notification;
a storage unit to store reception of an earthquake notification when an earthquake notification is received;
a first stopping unit to stop power supply to an electrical appliance by closing an electric path when an earthquake notification is received; and
a second stopping unit to stop power supply to the electrical appliance by closing the electric path when reception of an earthquake notification is stored and the electric path is open, at a time of power restoration after power failure.
[Claim 2]
The smart meter according to claim 1, wherein
the storage unit stores control information indicating supply stop or supply continuation, and
the first stopping unit determines whether the control information indicates either supply stop or supply continuation when an earthquake notification is received, and closes the electric path when the control information indicates supply stop.
[Claim 3]
The smart meter according to claim 1, wherein
when an earthquake notification is received, the first stopping unit determines whether to stop power supply based on a reception timing of an earthquake notification, and closes the electric path when determining to stop power supply.

[Claim 4]
The smart meter according to claim 3, wherein
the first stopping unit determines a reception season that is a season to which the reception timing belongs, and determines whether to stop power supply based on the reception season.
[Claim 5]
The smart meter according to claim 3, wherein
the first stopping unit determines a reception time slot that is a time slot to which the reception timing belongs, and determines whether to stop power supply based on the reception time slot.
[Claim 6]
The smart meter according to claim 3, wherein
the first stopping unit determines a reception season that is a season to which the reception timing belongs, and a reception time slot that is a time slot to which the reception timing belongs, and determines whether to stop power supply based on the reception season and the reception time slot.
[Claim 7]
The smart meter according to claim 1, wherein
when an earthquake notification is received, the first stopping unit determines whether to stop power supply based on a power usage amount at a time of receiving an earthquake notification, and closes the electric path when determining to stop power

supply.
[Claim 8]
The smart meter according to claim 1, wherein
when an earthquake notification is received, the first stopping unit determines whether to stop power supply based on a reception timing of an earthquake notification and a power usage amount at a time of receiving an earthquake notification, and closes the electric path when determining to stop power supply
[Claim 9]
The smart meter according to claim 1, further comprising:
a restart unit to restart power supply to the electrical appliance by opening the
electric path, in a case where reception of an earthquake notification is stored and the
electric path is closed, when a restart operation is performed.
[Claim 10]
A smart meter system comprising a smart meter, wherein
the smart meter comprises:
a reception unit to receive an earthquake notification;
a storage unit to store reception of an earthquake notification when an earthquake notification is received;
a first stopping unit to stop power supply to an electrical appliance by closing an electric path when an earthquake notification is received; and
a second stopping unit to stop power supply to the electrical appliance by closing the electric path in a case where reception of an earthquake notification is stored

and the electric path is open, at a time of power restoration after power failure.
[Claim 11]
A power supply control program for causing a computer to execute:
a reception process of receiving an earthquake notification;
a storage process of storing reception of an earthquake notification when an earthquake notification is received;
a first stop process of stopping power supply to an electrical appliance by closing an electric path when an earthquake notification is received; and
a second stop process of stopping power supply to the electrical appliance by closing the electric path in a case where reception of an earthquake notification is stored and the electric path is open, at a time of power restoration after power failure.