WO2007032044A1

WO2007032044A1 - Device and method for automatic measuring consumed gas by calculating periodic movement of operation inner mechanism of meters

Info

Publication number: WO2007032044A1
Application number: PCT/IT2006/000658
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sauro Bianchelli
Original assignee: Sauro Bianchelli
Priority date: 2005-09-12
Filing date: 2006-09-11
Publication date: 2007-03-22
Also published as: EP1924826A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and to a method for automatic measurement of consumed gas amount, that can be applied to a gas meter (14) . The device comprises at least a magnetic field detection module (6) , that can be fixed close to said gas meter and suitable for detecting magnetic field variations about said gas meter due to periodic movement of said meter inner operation mechanism following the passage of gas inside the same meter, obtaining at least a corresponding signal; and processing means (3) connected with said at least a magnetic field detection module, said processing means being suitable for measuring passage of gas through said gas meter by detection and measurement of said periodic variations of magnetic field and of said signals detected by said at least one magnetic field detection module, thus acquiring data concerning gas consumption.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC MEASURING CONSUMED GAS BY CALCULATING PERIODIC MOVEMENT OF OPERATION INNER MECHANISM OF METERS

A) REASONS, OBJECTS AND STATE OF THE ART

Device according to the present invention is able solving, without using "optical" detection systems, a problem existing since 20 years: that of remote reading (or AMR: Automatic - Meter - Reading) in "old type" gas meters, i.e. those meters not set (by a small permanent magnet provided inside, in digits-bearing wheels of odometer) for the so called "pulse emitter". Particularly, the invention will permit: a) "calculating" consumption of gas (methane, LPG, ecc.) on existing meters, without any modification inside the same meters and/or in tubes and without the need of replacing them with "new models"; "consumption" can also and mainly be calculated in gas meters installed since many years and of the "old type", i.e. lacking the small permanent magnet applied inside meter odometer permitting to the systems presently available on the market calculating consumptions by the so called "pulse emission" system, or lacking small reflecting/reflex marks for "optoelectronic" calculation systems; b) periodically (e.g. monthly, bi-monthly, ecc.) "sending" data relevant to automatic calculation of gas "consumption" (so called "remote reading", i.e. "remote" reading of consumption, without presence of operators) to a dedicated "remote" operative/administrative centre and/or to eventual personnel employed in "remote" reading, passing close the meter, by "cellular phone" module (with "direct" sending or by "concentrators" that can convey data to many users, e.g. toward Orbcom satellites or toward GSM networks, and/or toward Internet network, ecc), or by electric supply using the so called "conveyed waves" system; c) "detecting", directly on "meter", and thus without needing installing gas detection sensors within houses, buildings, offices, condominiums, ecc, possible gas (methane, LPG, ecc.) leakages and/or suicide (by "gas") attempts and/or "continuous" (i.e. uninterrupted) consumptions, excessive and anomalous (time and/or amount) consumptions due to inadvertences or other reasons; d) detecting possible "excessive daily consumption", verifying "initial" boiler switching on and alerting users for promoting and increasing "energy saving"; e) "alerting/pre-alerting" interested users and/pr all other condominium users and/or first aid means of said events (alarms ad/or excessive daily consumption); f) detecting possible "tampering" and/or malfunctioning of meter; g) detecting fraud and/or tampering attempts of inventive device.

By said innovative device, a remarkable cost, time and/mistake saving will be obtained for calculation of "consumptions" (in fact it will be not necessary replacing "old meters" and "manual" reading by operators/reading employees is no more required); furthermore, it will be possible checking meters "deceits" and/or "tampering" and it will be possible saving human lives, without applying other apparatuses inside houses, condominiums, offices, ecc. Furthermore, device will permit "visual checks" and/or "manual readings" of gas consumptions by users, technical operators, reading employees, ecc, without any inconvenience.

Summarising, inventive device is presently the sole able to, at the same time: a) automatically calculating (i.e. without presence of operators/reading employees) gas "consumptions" on "old and new" meters and without hindering or disturbing visual reading of digits of old meter; b) detecting possible gas leakages and/or suicide attempts and/or useless wastes (excessive "uninterrupted" passage of gas, in an anomalous/unusual time), without installing any sensor for detecting gas leakages inside houses, offices, condominium spaces, ecc; c) detecting possible frauds/tampering of gas meter and/or of inventive device; d) promoting and increasing "energy saving". B) DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF DEVICE

Supply of device will occur by "long lasting" batteries (e.g. with "nominal capacity" of 13000, 16500. 18500 mAh, ecc) and/or electric supply + transformer. Inventive device (fig. 1) will be installed close one or more gas meters (14) (usually comprised of steel or aluminium walls), with one or more apparatuses applied on their outer wall (thus "without" any connection with inner parts and/or "invasive" intervention on meters. systems or tubes) thus at the same time servicing a whole condominium. A "complete" device (1) will be mainly comprised of the following modules: a) a module (6) for detection of magnetic field "variations" inside and about the meter (most important and innovative component of the invention), realised using one or more "magnetic" sensors, preferably "magneto resistive" sensors, that can be then used (although not compulsorily) for realising a "precise and sensitive" magnetic field detection module, preferably of the "electronic compass" kind, fixed on the outer wall of each meter: said module (6) will be used for automatic calculation of "consumed gas quality" and/or generically for detecting "transit/passage" of gas within the meter; b) a (single) data processing, managing, collecting and transmission unit (2) containing, within its housing, also a "time counter" (timer-clock) module (5), a data transmission module (13) (data to be sent to remote operative/administrative unit and/or to operators), preferably by cellular phones (or by "radio frequency" and/or "conveyed waves"), local and/or remote acoustic, voice and optical "warning" means (7), (8), (9), means (17), (18), (19) for controlling possible deceits and/or tampering (of the inventive device and/or of meter); c) means (10) and (11) (optional) for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals (for alerting various users of gas "leakages" and/or of "suicide" attempts within the building), contained as well within the unit housing; d) means (optional) for intercepting and preventing gas passage, means (optional) for interrupting electric power supply to the users involved in possible gas leakages, and/or means for sending phone calls (or SMS messages) to local "users" and/or remote assistance and intervention centres. A "typical" device (1) will be e.g. comprised of the following main and optional components: 1) module (6) for detection of "magnetic field" (and its variations), inside and about the gas meter (14), comprised of one or more "magnetic" sensors, preferably "magneto resistive" sensors. Said magnetic sensors have the property of varying their resistivity (and thus tension and/or current values taken at their ends), in presence of an outer magnetic field and of its variations. For calculating "gas consumption", said magneto resistive sensors (6) can be used and employed in different ways: a) "directly", i.e. processing unit (2) will acquire and process data relevant to variation of their resistivity (and/or values of other intrinsic parameters and/or tension and/or "current" taken at their ends) caused by variations of magnetic field present close said sensors; b) or said sensors (6) can be used, connected and placed so as to realise a sophisticated, sensitive and precise "magnetic field detection" module (6), preferably of the "electronic compass" kind, that, thanks to calculation of its "rotation angle" (two or three dimensions) can detect variations (even minimum variations) of magnetic field "about" module (6), i.e. close to the gas meter (14); c) or said magneto resistive sensors (6) can be employed and placed in a different way with respect to the "electronic compass" type module, provided that it has the same efficiency.

Compensation circuit can be associated to magneto resistive sensors (6) (e.g. bobbins, ecc.) in order to obtain a better data detection sensitivity. Fixed (by glue, silicone, adhesives, bands, ecc.) in the outer wall of meter (thus it will never be subjected to movements and/or rotations), said module (6) (directly comprised of "magneto resistive" sensors and/or of an "electronic compass" module) will be used for detecting both "gas "consumption" and (more generically) its "transit", its passage inside the meter, thus ascertaining possible "leakages" and/or "suicide" attempts and/or anomalous consumptions and wastes and/or possible meter tampering. The above will be possible thanks to the measurement of values and of resistivity variations (and/or of other parameters such as tension, current, ecc.) of "magneto resistive" sensors, detected among different subsequent measurements (the same applies for "variations" of rotation angle of possible "electronic compass" module with respect to an initial "reference point" , e.g. earth north). The above thanks to the fact that meter operation inner mechanism (metallic, magnetic, ecc.) (producing rotation/advancement of consumption digits, i.e. gas meter counter wheels), during its movement (caused by gas "passage"), will cause variations (sufficiently) "periodical, repetitive) of magnetic field close to module (6) (as already said, directly comprised of one or more magneto resistive sensors and/or an electronic compass), i.e. (periodical) variations of resistivity values (and/or of other parameters such as "variations" of tension or current values detected at their ends) of magneto resistive sensors and/or of rotation angle of electronic compass (i.e. of orientation of the latter with respect to a reference set calibrated point, e.g. earth north). Thus, summarising, passage of gas inside meter (14) will cause (quite) "periodical, repetitive" variations of magnetic field close to the detection module (6) applied to the meter outer wall. Processing values of said (almost) periodic variations, it will be possible calculating "consumed gas amount" within a set time interval. Among acquired data by magneto resistive sensor module (6) (employed directly and/or by electronic compass module or by another way) and relevant to "repetitive, periodical variations" of magnetic field, unit (2) will individuate and process, to calculate "gas passage/consumption", preferably "maximum" and "minimum" alternate obtained (magnetic field) values, also processing "transition speed", i.e. time necessary for passing from a "maximum" to a "minimum" value, or vice versa, thus also calculating gas "rate" within a set time interval; it will also process "differences" entity among various measured "maximum" and "minimum" values or "intermediate" values of magnetic field detected close to the meter (14), even if it will be more precise and efficient (always aimed to the "consumption" calculation) processing total number of "alternate" "maximum" and "minimum" magnetic field values detected by module (6) within a set time interval.

From now on, for convenience and simplicity reasons, if not explicitly indicated, it will be made reference only to the case of "magnetic field detection module" (6) comprised of one or more magneto resistive sensors employed and placed in order to create an "electronic compass" module, said compass module will be the simplest to illustrate since it will be made reference to "degrees". Obviously, all the descriptions, reasoning and calculation methods set forth and relevant to "electronic compass" will be also valid (or even more valid) in case of one or more "magneto resistive" sensors "directly" used (i.e. processing "variations" of values of their resistivity and/or tension and/or current taken at their ends) or used according to a "different" mode with respect to the "electronic compass" mode.

According to the meter "model and brand" and to their operative inner mechanism, it will be possible one or more "gas consumption" calculation mode, although usually all (or almost all) will preferably make reference to processing of "maximum" and "minimum" values acquired by magnetic field detection module (6). For example, in some meter models, as soon as a precise (or almost precise) resistivity (or tension or current) values variation detected by magneto resistive sensors (6) and/or of the compass rotation angle (usually within a "range" of some degrees, e.g. 2 - 3 degrees, 10° - 12°, 20° - 25°, or different, on the basis of the meter "models") will be calculated, between two or more subsequent measurements, (by microprocessor (3) of unit (2)), this will mean that last meter (14) decimal digit (15) (i.e. last digit, that is usually red, after comma, i.e. the less important digit, i.e. the digit measuring consumption as "cubic decimetres" "units") will be advanced of one unit (equivalent to consumption of 1 gas cubic decimetre) or, for different gas meters, of a bigger or littler (known) value. Thus, as soon as microprocessor (3) will detect a "difference" (usually almost identical, with the same gas consumption "rate", i.e. amount consumed) between two or more subsequent measurements of the compass rotation angle, it will mean that an advancement of one unit occurred (e.g. from 2 to 3, from 5 to 6, from 7 to 8, ecc.) of the last meter digit, i.e. numerator/counter (16) apt to mechanical counting of gas consumption in the meter) will be advanced of 1 cubic decimetre (1 dm³ or other unit for other countries/Anglo-Saxon countries). Summarising, (for different meter models), every time microprocessor (3) will calculate, on the basis of data arriving from electronic compass (6) (and/or one or more magneto resistive sensors) and for a set time interval, the (almost) same "periodic variation" (e.g. always about 2 degrees, or always about 3 degrees, or about 4 degrees, or about 5 degrees, or about 8 degrees, or about 10 degrees, ecc.) between the last measurement of the rotation angle and the previous ones, i.e. a (cyclic, periodic) passage occurred from a "maximum" values "zone" (degrees or gradient or millivolts, or milliamperes, ecc.) to a "minimum" values "zone" and vice versa (from "minimum" to "maximum"), it will understand that last meter decimal digit increased (of 1 unit or other known value) and thus will increase of 1 unit (1 dm³), or of a known bigger or littler value, "total" counting of gas periodic consumption (daily, weekly, monthly, ecc); for each "maximum" value and for each "minimum" value (alternatively detected) it will increased of a "known" value (1 dm³ or other according to the meter model) total calculation of periodic consumption. Compass (6) (and/or magneto resistive sensors) will further provide to microprocessor (3) data relevant to calculation (and to storing within memory (4) of compass angle variation "rate" from a "minimum zone" to a "maximum zone" and vice versa), indicating consumed gas "amount" (high or not) within a set time interval (e.g. 30 seconds or 1 minute or 5 minutes or 10 or 30 minutes, ecc). In case, for example, processor would calculate within 1 minute, by compass (6) (and/or magneto resistive sensors), 12 variations, more or less identical (and almost "cyclic", periodical, repetitive) of the rotation angle (e.g. it will have measured before an angle of 172°, then after few seconds one of 175°, thus a variation of 175° - 172° = 3°, then still one of 172° and then one of 1757176°, and so on ...), it will mean that every 5 seconds (i.e. 60 sec/12 measurements per minutes = 5) we will have a ("constant" or almost constant) consumption of about 1 dm³ of gas (i.e. advancement, about every 5 seconds, of about 1 unit/1 dm³ by the last decimal digit of meter); during this time, there has been a "quite good" (and constant) consumption of gas. In case number of detected variations within 1 minute has been for example 30, it would mean a "quite" high gas consumption, i.e. 1 dm³ every 2 seconds. In case compass (6) (and/or magneto resistive sensors) would have provided, within a set time interval, "different" transition rate from "maximum" to "minimum" (and vice versa), it would have meant a "rate variation" of gas consumption, i.e. a variable amount of consumed gas within a set time interval, i.e. two or more "rates" different each other (values). Thus, in order to precisely calculating gas consumption, one or more "calculation procedures" can be processed, after tests and checks, even if all said procedures will generically (as already said) make reference to the "repetitive periodic variations" concept (i.e. with a growing - decreasing - growing - decreasing and so on) run of the magnetic field about the meter, "periodic variations" that occur only in case of (periodic, repetitive, cyclic, rotary, ecc) movement of (magnetic, metallic, ecc) operation mechanism inside the meter. As already said, best calculation method of "gas consumption", valid both for "old" and "new" meter models will be that of "summing" number of "maximum" zone number with "minimum" zone number "alternatively" detected, i.e. it will not be possible that two or more consecutive "minimum" zone (that would be considered as a single consumption unit, i.e. as a "single maximum" or as a "single minimum") exist (for the "consumption" calculation) among the detected magnetic field values. If, for example, within a set time period, 8 maximum zones (e.g. values between 178° and 182°) and 7 minimum zones (e.g. angle values between 155° and 158°) would be (alternatively) detected, gas consumption (within that time interval) will be of 15 dm³ (8+7). For some "new" meter models (provided inside with a small magnet for "pulse emitter" calculation system) it could be necessary detecting "maximum" zones (only the highest values) and "minimum" zones (only the lowest) and then multiplying, e.g. for 5 (or other coefficient) in order to obtain the real gas "consumption" in dm³, in case 7 maximum zones and 6 minimum zones would be detected, gas consumption (within that set time interval) have been of 65 dm³ (i.e. (7+6)x5). The above anticipates description of important integrative calculation procedure permitting calculating gas consumption in a precise, definitive and universal way, i.e. valid for each kind of (new and/or old) meter provided with an inner operation mechanism comprised of metallic and/or ferromagnetic and/or magnetic parts with "periodic movement" while gas passes. Total number of detected (alternatively) "maximum" values and of "minimum" values will be "multiplied" for a set "calculation" (K), also named "correction coefficient". Said correction coefficient K, which is different/variable for each meter, can be calculated after a very short device (1) "self-programming" initial period, once applied (installed) on its meter. A typical "self-programming" procedure (i.e. automatic calculation of the so called "calculation coefficient" K for each meter) can be, for example, of this type: a) once device (1) is installed in meter (14), "initial reading" (1^Λ reading) of the meter (i.e. "digits" present in that moment on counter numerator (16) will be manually introduced (within its memory (4)); b) gas will be made passing, for a short period (and preferably with "different" speeds), within the meter; c) after some minutes (or a longer time), it will be interrupted passage of gas and a first "provisional" consumption will be calculated, processing and counting all maximum and minimum (alternate) values acquired by module (6); d) new consumption "digits" will be read in meter (2^Λ reading), and they will be manually stored (by infrared and/or radio frequency palm computer keyboard) within device memory (4); now, microprocessor (3) will make "separation" between "fiscal" consumption, obtained by difference of values between 2^Λ and 1^Λ manual meter reading, and "total number of counted (alternate) maximum and minimum values": value -obtained (that can be equal, higher or lower to 1) will represent the so called "calculation coefficient" (K) of that meter, by which it will be necessary always multiplying "total" of "maximum and minimum alternate values" detected within a set time interval (e.g. every day, or for a different period), in order to obtain a precise, definitive and errorless calculation, so-called "fiscal" value (i.e. coincident, with small tolerances, with meter numerator (16) digits), of gas consumption, that can be then invoiced to clients. If, for example, total number of counted "maximum and minimum alternate values" (within a set time interval) is 905 and calculation/correction coefficient of "that" meter is, e.g., K=1.02321 , "fiscal" gas consumption would have been 905x1.02321 =926dm³. For a still more precise calculation (in view of the short period necessary for relevant tests - few minutes) it would even possible processing, for each meter, 2 or 3 "calculation coefficient" (and not only 1), each one relevant to a "different" gas passage speed; e.g. it would be possible calculating a coefficient linked with the "minimum" rate (e.g. 1 kitchen fire on), another one linked with "average" rate and a last one linked with "maximum" rate. A more efficient and not invasive way (even if longer) for calculating "calculation coefficient" K can be that providing letting a long time passing (months) between ^Λ and 2^Λ meter manual reading; coefficient K obtained will be surely more "precise", since calculated on the basis of the consumption of many months; in this case it will be considered as an "average" coefficient (Km), since relevant to various "gas" passage speeds. In the following periods (every month, two months, year, ecc.) it will be possible using (for calculating "consumption") "always" first average coefficient (K_m) calculated during "first installation" of device, or (even better) calculating "new" average coefficients (K_m) that will be a function both of first average coefficient processed at various gas passage speed detected and memorised during the processing "period" (mainly "maximum" speed).

Microprocessor (3) can also calculate and memorise, with "start" and "end" date, also lack of compass (6) rotation angle "variations", i.e. angle values more or less always "identical" each other (except for small oscillations, usually about or lower than 1 degree) with respect to previous measurements, thus indicating "gas consumption lack" (within a set period). Possible "inferences and/or disturbances" ("intentional", i.e. deceptive or "occasional", i.e. natural) that could "disturb" magnetic field about meter (14), will be automatically "eliminated" by calculation and control method of the inventive device (1). In fact, it will be possible eliminating/ignoring, for calculation of gas "consumption": a) compass (6) angle values (and/or tension, current, resistivity, ecc.) (and/or magneto resistive sensors) "out" of the regular daily working interval (or at least of the last working interval detected, in case of "long lasting" modification or perturbations, with respect to previous ambient situations, of "magnetic" field status about the meter), usually delimited by a "maximum" value zone and a "minimum" value zone; b) compass (6) angle values (and/or tension, current, resistivity, ecc.) (and/or magneto resistive sensors) which, even if still within the regular daily working interval, are impulsive and/or anomalous, i.e. not having a "periodic", "repetitive" run; summarising, all values not having periodic run, e.g. of the decreasing-g rowing-decreasing and so on type, or not oscillating from a "maximum" value zone to a "minimum" value zone and so on, will be "eliminated" and/or in any case put into evidence and sent to the gas-Company remote operative unit; c) also "impossible values" of maximum values and/or minimum values (e.g. for an excessive, improbable "transition" speed between the to zones) can be ignored/eliminated. By this "control method" (i.e. detecting or not "periodic and precise" variations of the magnetic field) it will be possible also detecting possible "fraud/deceit" attempts by users (so as not to permit calculation of gas consumption), such as "detaching" inventive device (1) and/or its module (6) from gas meter (14), or (even) "dismounting" the same meter and connecting two "open" parts of the tubes by a "temporary tube". Finally, module (6) (mainly during night hours) will provide to microprocessor (3) also data for evaluating a gas consumption/passage "lasting too much and uninterrupted" (i.e. without any pause, without interruptions), so as to make the "device" understanding that it could be a possible gas leakage (from tubes, systems, boiler, kitchen, ecc) or of a "suicide" attempt or in any case an "anomalous, long lasting and/or excessive" (even if regular) consumption. Detecting continuous and "uninterrupted" variations of values arriving from magneto resistive sensors (6) and/or of the compass (6) rotation angle (usually, "leakages" or "suicides", almost identical, such as transition speed from "maximum" zones to "minimum" zones and vice versa, indicating a "constant rate", i.e. a "constant" or almost "constant" gas amount consumed) microprocessor (3) will count, by timer - clock (5), gas passage uninterrupted time, activating, if necessary, a control and pre-alarm procedure for verifying if it is a gas "leakage" or other event ("suicide" or "anomalous consumption"). As already said, if uninterrupted gas consumption (beyond a set maximum time) is more or less "constant" (i.e. transition speed from maximum to minimum and vice versa constant or almost constant) it could be a "leakage", a "forgetfulness" (e.g. kitchen fire left open) or of a "suicide" attempt (in this last case, also gas amount consumed will be taken into consideration, i.e. rate that in these cases is high). If instead "uninterrupted" gas consumption is "variable" (i.e. transition speed from maximum to minimum and vice versa), it could be an "anomalous consumption" (but regular, i.e. controlled by the "user"). Electronic compass (6) is a small module able measuring its own orientation with respect to the earth magnetic field. It will be sufficient employing to these end one or more "magneto resistive" kind magnetic sensors with one and/or two dimensions. It will be possible employing, e.g. one or more Honeywell magnetic sensors of the HMC series (HMC 1041/1051/1052/1053, ecc) or Philips magnetic sensors pf KMZ series (KMZ51/KMZ52, ecc.) or other types. For example, it will be possible using a KMZ51 type linear sensor or, preferably, two KMZ51 sensors with one dimension (1 axis/linear direction) that can be positioned (each other) with a 90 degrees phase displacement, or it will sufficient employing 1 single two-dimension sensor KMZ52 (2 axis/horizontal plane) or 1 sensor KMZ51 and 1 sensor KMZ52 for detection of three dimension magnetic field (3 axis/space), ecc. Microprocessor (3) will detect magnetic flow intensity measured by each sensor and will calculate (in the bi-dimensional case of 2 sensors KMZ52 or of only one KMZ52) horizontal component of compass rotation angle with respect to earth magnetic field. It ill be possible memorising an "initial position", also named "calibration point" (usually earth north), with respect to which compass will be able providing "relative" rotation angle with a high precision (e.g. with 0.1° or 0.5° resolution, although in this case lower resolution can be sufficient). Rotation value can be provided by compass (60 to microprocessor (3) either as simple "impulsive" signal (e.g. a PWM (pulse width modulated) type signal, with an amplitude proportional to the detected angle (with respect to the initial calibration point) either in numeral form, by suitable bus (e.g. of the I²C type). Since compass is fixed on the counter (14), and thus it will not be subjected to movement, detection of "variations" of its rotation angle (with respect to the earth north) it will be exclusively due to magnetic field variations caused, close to the compass, by (periodic) movement of the inner mechanism (metallic, magnetic, ecc.) of the counter, that will cause then digit rotation (numeric wheels) of the same counter. Usually, measurement of compass rotation angle can be total, i.e. 360°, but now, being compass (6) "fixed" to the counter outer wall, it will operate within a more limited interval of angle values (i.e. at most few degrees or few tenth of degrees, usually 60°-70°, or other); working interval will in any case vary for each installation, on the basis of the placement and of the orientation of various gas meters with respect to the initial calibration point (e.g., it will be possible operating more or less between 170° and 190°, or between 25° and 65°, or between 240° and 295°, ecc). Compass calibration procedure will be useful for setting a "reference point" (usually earth north) with respect to which, calibrated compass will provide the rotation angle.

Supply tension for module (6) (comprised only by "magneto resistive" sensors and/or by compass) will be usually 3 (preferred value) or 5 Volts DC and its absorption about very few mA (or their fractions), or even "much more less" in case of precise choices (of sensors and components) and integrations and very small miniaturization (that would permit a longer autonomy/lasting of supply batteries).

2) Module (2) for counting "uninterrupted" time of gas passage within meter - counter, preferably comprised of a standard timer - clock (5) (outside or inside microprocessor (3); microprocessor (3) will use said module (5) in order to "date" possible anticipated "switching on" of the heating system (that would reduce "energetic saving") and mainly for "counting" gas uninterrupted passage time, i.e. without any interruption and then verifying if it is too long, i.e. higher than set maximum values, set on the basis of standard consumption values and/or "self-programmed" for each user. Start of counting by module (5) will occur after that module (6) (magneto resistive sensors and/or electronic compass) will have detected, thanks to the precise measurement of "variations" of magnetic field values (inside and about the meter) a "new" gas passage within the meter (after a certain interruption period, i.e. a period "without" gas passage and thus "without" periodic variations of the magnetic field) and sent the relevant measurement to the microprocessor (3). Module (5) will also provide date and hour of the gas consumption calculation "period" (initial date and final date). Module (5) can also be used (optionally) as a kind of "start electronic switch" for periodically "switching on and off' (e.g. only 15-20 seconds every minute, or more) and during the night (when gas consumption is null or almost null), module (6) for detection magnetic field; in this way, it ill be possible reducing consumption of device supply batteries, thus being possible increasing the (already) long lasting; in this case, it will be obviously processed a suitable "correction/compensation" procedure in case of possible "gas consumption" occurred when the module (6) is switched off;

3) siren (7), winking light (8) and one or more LEDs (9): siren (7) and winking light (8) installed within housing (2) of the (single) unit and LEDs (9) preferably coupled on each counter (14) (in case of a plurality of users) in order to better point out user interested by possible problems (leakages, tampering, excessive consumption, ecc). Microprocessor (3) will activate them, once ascertained possible gas leakage and/or tampering and/or excessive daily consumption or other problems; in this way, persons present within the building will be immediately warn by visual and/or acoustic indication to the "interested" users of leakage or of another event.

4) module (10) preferably for radio frequency transmission of alarm/warning signals: module with a limited range (max. 30 - 40 m), transmission power and antenna calculated taking into consideration presence of walls, homologated frequencies such as 433.92 or 868.3 MHz, or other kind. It is useful for alerting building users of a possible danger and/or for interrupting electric supply (of one or more users). All users will be (in this case) provided with small remote (radio frequency) controls with one or more channels (receiver + transmitter) that can be e.g. provided with coloured intermittent LEDs (green, yellow, red) and/or a small display (e.g. LCD display) and buzzer for acoustic signalling, that will be activated only in case of receipt of alarm signals sent by transmitter (10) of device (1). Now, user involved in the possible gas leakage will have possibility of annulling pre-alarm, sending (by transmission module present within their radio control) relevant (annulment) signal to device (1) receiver (11), that will be then sent to microprocessor (3), that will "deactivate" "pre-alarm" procedure, interrupting acoustic and optical warnings (leaving open, if present, gas interception electrovalve). It is important giving to the users possibility of "annulling" a pre-alarm situation, since they could be aware, e.g. of a prolonged and unusual gas consumption that is in any case regular and controlled. Said transmission module (10) can also be used for "warning" users about possible excessive (daily, ecc.) consumption (e.g. higher than the average of that period or with respect to set maximum values), so as to promote a better use of the system and to increase "energy saving". Once received (from module (10)) "excessive consumption coded signal" (evidenced on a display and/or by switch on, e.g. of yellow LED) from radio control module, user can take consequent actions, e.g. limiting daily (or periodic) gas consumption. Finally, module (10) could be used (in those specific cases) also for sending various data (relevant to "consumption" and other events) to "concentrators" modules installed close there or even sent to the "corresponding" (same user) electric energy "electronic" counter (Enel), having inside a radio frequency data reception.

5) module (5) (one or more channels) receiving radio frequency alarm "annulment" signals: once received one or more annulment signals from various radio controls provided to the users, or a "manual" deactivation by switch (12) in the off position, microprocessor (3) "deactivate" "pre-alarm" procedure interrupting acoustic and optical warnings (leaving open, if present, gas interception electrovalve); furthermore, it will reset (within module (5)) uninterrupted gas passage time counter, starting again a new counting (starting from 0) after detection of a "new" gas passage by compass (6) (and/or magneto resistive sensors). Said module (11) could also be used for storing within device (10) memory (4) all data identifying the user (relevant to that meter); said data (previously inserted by keyboard or pre-memorised) will come from the transmission module (radio frequency and/or infrared) of a small palm computer provided to the technicians making the initial installation of the device (1) and/or to the (periodical) replacement of supply "batteries" (if provided).

6) cellular phone module (13) (GSM - dual, tri or quadric band 900/1800/1900/850 Mhz - GPRS, UMTS or other) used for: a) sending phones and/or messages (SMS) containing "consumption" data" (processed thanks to module (6)), user name and code, reading date and hour and meter code to a remote operative unit; b) sending assistance phone calls, with pre-recorded vocal messages and/or SMS, containing at least building address and one or more user phone address; c) (optionally) sending to the involved users SMS messages relevant to possible "gas leakages" and/or excessive consumption (in order to increase "energy saving"). Phone module (13) can also be used for "receiving" phone calls and/or SMS, e.g. "alarm annulment" by the involved user and/or by other users and/or phone calls from the remote operative unit (e.g. for interrupting gas passage, by subsequent activation, by microprocessor (3) control, of electrovalve and/or for providing to the user useful information, ecc). Data relevant to gas "consumption" can be sent, by module (13), also to personnel apt to remote reading, passing (on a vehicle) close to the counter.

7) one or more mercury (or oscillation, such as "step counter") on/off switches (18) for detecting device (1) frauds and/or tampering: always in an "off' state, will be positioned so as to change their state (from "off' to "on") only in case device (or better its module (6)) is detached from counter (14) wall and/or "inclined" with respect to its original vertical position. Control by a switch/pressure sensor (17) can be added to the previous one, said sensor (17) will also be in an "off status when "pushed" against the counter (14); once detached device (at least its module (6)) and moving apart from counter, sensor (17) will be in an "on" (alarm) state. In case of "tampering" alarm, microprocessor (3) will activate siren (7) and/or winking light (8) for some minutes, and then, if tampering still exists, alarm phone calls and/or SMS will be sent, by module (13), to remote operative unit. Said sensors (17) and (18) can control, if installed also within housing (2), besides module (6), also possible movement of processing unit (2), sending similar alarm signals to microprocessor (3). In order to detect possible device deceit/fraud/tampering attempt, such as that of approaching or applying a magnet to module (6), it will be possible introducing inside module (6) housing (i.e. close to magneto resistive sensors and/or electronic compass) at least a magnetic switch (19) of the "reed" bulb type (or of other type) that will change its on/off state (closed or open contact) in case a magnet is approached: in this case, microprocessor (3) will activate a suitable alarm procedure comprising, e.g. activation of a siren, optical winking light and/or sending SMS messages to the remote operative unit. It must in any case underlined that said deceit attempt would in any case detected thanks to the "control and calculation method" of device (1), that, detecting "high and/or sudden and/or not periodic" magnetic field variations close to module (6), would understand that a possible fraud-tampering is occurring. 8) microprocessor (3) with inner and/or outer memories (RAM,

EPROM, flash, ecc); it will manage (by suitable memorised software) the following operative phases: a) managing "time period" (morning, daily, evening, night) for controlling and checking "passage" of gas; b) "acquisition" of resistivity values of magneto resistive sensors (6) (or of other parameters such as tension and/or current detected at their ends) or of rotation angle (degrees or radiant) of electronic compass (6); c) calculation of periodic "variations" of resistivity values (tension, current or other intrinsic parameters) of magneto resistive sensors (6) or of rotation angle, with respect to values detected before, indicating (slow or fast) advancement of meter digits (15) (16), i.e. gas consumption, i.e. its passage inside the meter; d) calculation and memorisation of (periodic) speed variation of resistivity values (or of other parameters) of magneto resistive sensors (6) or of compass (6) rotation angle, with respect to the values previously measured, indicating "rate", i.e. (large or small) "amount" of consumed gas within a set interval time; e) calculation and memorisation (with "start" and" end" date/hour) of "lack of variations of resistivity values (or of other intrinsic parameters and/or of tension and/or current taken at their ends) of magneto resistive sensors (6) or of the compass (6) rotation angle (i.e. values of angle or of resistivity more or less always identical, but very small tolerances, oscillations) with respect to previous measurements, to indicate "lack of gas consumption"; f) calculation of the "consumed gas amount" (within a set period - e.g. one day) by processing data arriving from module (6) and subsequent multiplication of total of counted "maximum" and "minimum" (alternate) values, for the so called intrinsic "calculation coefficient" for each meter; g) calculation of "uninterrupted" passage of gas within meter (14) and "comparison" with maximum set parameters (time) (memorised beforehand); h) in uninterrupted gas passage is detected, higher than set parameters, activation of "alarm procedure", with local acoustic and optical warning devices (close the meters), and/or controls (optional) for sending radio frequency warning signals to the user involved in gas leakage and/or controls for sending (in case of lack of user response signal) a warning to all the building users and/or controls (optional) for sending phone calls to remote users requiring intervention and/or assistance and first aid means, and/or controls (optional) for activation of gas interception and/or electric supply interruption electrovalve to the users involved in the gas leakage; i) in case "alarm annulment" radio frequency signals and/or phone calls (optional) are received (by one or more users and/or from remote operative unit), deactivation of pre-alarm and resetting counting of the "uninterrupted gas passage duration"; I) activation of cellular phone module for periodically sending (e.g. every 1 or 2 months) data relevant to "gas consumption" (cubic meters) to a suitable remote operative unit for invoicing detected consumption; m) control of possible "deceits/tampering and/or "malfunctioning" of meter and/or inventive "device" by signals arriving from suitable control sensors (17), (18), (19) and/or by control software procedures relevant to data arriving from module (6); n) calculation and control of possible "excessive" consumption (daily, ecc.) and detecting the switching on "start" day of the heating system (boiler), for promoting "energy saving": in the positive, memorisation, activation of local optical warning (switching on LEDs) and (optional) sending radio signals to the involved user. As already said, inventive device, beyond calculating "consumption" (without frauds or tampering) will also ascertain possible gas leakages or in any case anomalous and long consumption, by calculation of a prolonged and "uninterrupted" gas passage; "probable" gas leakage (within tubes and/or systems - boilers, kitchen, ecc.) will be "sure" if said facts will mainly occur during night hours, when usually gas consumption is almost equal to 0 or very reduced.

C) SUMMARY OF OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE DEVICE

Inventive device (1) can work in all new and old gas meter models, provided with an inner operation mechanism comprised of metallic and/or ferromagnetic and/or magnetic parts with "cyclic - periodic movement" during passage of gas within the meter. Performances of the inventive device (1) are: a) automatic calculation of (periodic) gas consumption, with automatic transmission of data to the "remote" operative unit and/or with other operators; b) eventual detection of possible/probable gas leakages and/or of suicide attempts and/or of anomalous and prolonged consumption

(duration, amount and/or time) with activation of suitable procedures of "alarm and check"; c) detection of possible malfunctioning and/or tampering of "meter" and/or tampering-deceits of the same device (1); d) promoting and increasing "energy saving".

Inventive device (1), thanks to innovative presence and use of "magneto resistive" sensors and, mainly, to the innovative and particular "calculation method", is completely different, and far "better" for innovation and utility with respect to known and/or presently available on the market "remote reading" systems, that can operate (i.e. calculating consumption) only in new/recent meter models "set" for the so called "pulse emitter" (and/or "optoelectronic" systems). Main differences between present device and "other known and/or available on the market" devices are listed in the following: a) present invention operates detecting "periodic variations" of magnetic field (inside and about meter) caused by (periodic) "movement" of metallic and/or magnetic and/or ferromagnetic parts, usually provided in the inner operation mechanism of meter (old or new); it will thus also (and mainly) operate in "old" meters, that must not be "replaced" (for remote reading) with other new meters! (Known and/or available on the market) systems with "pulse emitter" can instead only operate in meters recently manufactured, provided inside (usually within the last wheel of counter, corresponding to dm³), with a small "permanent magnet" that, after each complete giro of a counter wheel will close a small magnetic switch (on/off) of the "reed" bulb (or other kind) installed within the calculation device, applied outside the meter (in this way, for each wheel giro, i.e. while magnet approaches the relays - reed, an electric "pulse" will be sent, indicating a given consumption, e.g. 10 dm³ - minimum value that can be detected!!!-); b) present invention, not processing on/off signals (as it occurs for "pulse emitters"), but processing "precise numeric values", will be more precise when making calculations and safer and more efficient in detecting and opposing to outer disturbances, tampering and/or malfunctioning. c) calculation method according to the present invention, processing also one or more "calculation" coefficients (specific for each meter) will permit counting consumed gas amount within a determined period, for all meter kinds and models (obviously provided with inner operation mechanism comprised of metallic and/or ferromagnetic and/or magnetic parts with a "cyclic - periodic movement" while gas passes inside them); d) present invention further permits detection of possible gas leakages and/or of suicide attempts and/or anomalous and prolonged consumption, activating suitable warning, control and intervention procedures; in this way, it can be remarkably increase user "safety" and promote "energy saving"; e) present known and/or available on the market devices require (in order to properly operate) that installation of "gas consumption" detecting module (reed bulb or other device) within meter occurs very close counter (usually close the last numeric wheel), while inventive "gas consumption" detection module (one or more magneto resistive sensors) is usually applied more or less in the central (or almost central) part of the front outer wall of meter (i.e. where it is possible "better" detecting "periodic movement" of inner operation device of meter), thus at many centimetres from the last numeric wheel of meter counter, so that, also with reference to the "installation position", present invention is completely different with respect to other known and/or available on the market devices. Due to the innovative features described in the above, completely "different" with respect to other known and/or available on the market remote reading devices, inventive device (1), besides being more precise, safer and more efficient, can operate with a "range" of meters" at least corresponding to about 80-90% of total, while "pulse emission" systems (such as "opto electronic" devices detecting light reflected from a small "reflex" notch usually applied on the a digit of the last counter wheel), being operative only with (new/recent) meters "arranged beforehand" and provided "inside" with a small permanent magnet (applied on a counter wheel), will be valid and operative only for recently manufactured meters, i.e. about 15% of all meters presently installed and operating! Thus, by the present device, not being necessary "replacing" old gas meter, among the various advantages, also a huge "energy saving" for gas Companies will be obtained! Furthermore, said Companies can also calculate periodic "profiles" (daily, weekly, ecc.) of consumption for each user and/or for user groups, so as to better manage their energetic resources.

All performances of the inventive device (1) will be obtained without "modifying" meters, without compulsory presence or operators/technicians/reading operators and without installing "gas" detection sensors within houses, offices, condominium entrance hall, shops, ecc. Some of the possible installation modes of the device are listed in the following: - "multi-user" (e.g. for a whole condominium): with a single "unit" (2) (it is preferred it is only one in order to save costs) connected (by wire or radio frequency) to various modules (6) (comprised of one or more magneto resistive sensors and/or magnetic compass) applied to the outer wall of each condominium "meter" (14) (if close each other, i.e. placed according to a battery mode); in this way, consumption for a plurality of users (and sending data to a remote operative unit) will be obtained;

- "mono-user" (e.g. single house): with unit (2) connected (by wire or radio frequency) with various modules (6) (magneto resistive sensors and/or magnetic compass) applied to the "single" meter (14): in this case, module (6) for "detection of magnetic field" could even be introduced within the processing unit (2) (thus it would be possible having a "single" total housing associated/coupled with meter). Reading of consumption (and relevant data transmission) will in this case occur for a single user. It will be further possible providing (in order to save transmission and hardware costs) concentrator modules" (instead close to them) collecting data of "many" meters (even if far each other) and thus of many users (in any case close to there) to send them then (by cellular phone modules or other) to the remote operative unit and/or to operators that must make a "remote reading", passing (by a vehicle) close to there.

During its operation, device (1) will detect gas "consumption" (main feature of the invention) and possible "leakages" (in any point of the system "downward" the meter) and/or "suicide" attempts and/or "anomalous/excessive" use, and possible meter and/or device tampering. "Consumption" will be detected by processing unit (2) by measurement and processing of (periodic or almost periodic) "variations" of values arriving from module (6) applied on the outer wall of meter (i.e. variations of compass (6) rotation angle and/or of resistivity or of other parameters such as tension or current of magneto resistive sensors). In procedure used for calculating "consumption" also "entities" (maximum, minimum and intermediate values) will be preferably processed, as well as various "transition" "speed" from "maximum" zones to "minimum" zones (i.e. "gas "rates" usually measured by m³/h). As already explained, the so called compass (6) rotation angle (and/or resistivity, tension, or current values of magneto resistivity sensors (6)) will "vary" not because module (6) (which is fixed to the meter wall) is "moving" with respect to an initial set point, but because magnetic field "will vary" about module (6) (comprised of one or more magnetic sensors of the magneto resistive kind) due to the passage of gas within the meter (14), said "passage" causing then (periodic) movement of inner operative mechanism (metallic, magnetic, ecc.) of meter. In order to detect possible gas "leakages" and/or suicide attempts, microprocessor (3), besides acquiring and processing data arriving from magneto resistive sensors (6) (and/or compass), that will indicate "passage" or not of gas within meter (on the basis of "presence" or "absence" of periodic magnetic variations, due to movement or not of meter consumption digits (15) (16), and thus variations of compass rotation angle and/or of resistivity/tension/current of magneto resistive sensors, will calculate, by counting module (5), also "uninterrupted" time (i.e. without any pause, any interruption) of gas consumption, mainly during night hours (the most dangerous). It will further calculate "variability" (or "constancy") and "amount" of gas passed through meter within a set time interval ("rate"), in order to differentiate possible "leakages" (usually occurring with a "not high and constant rate") of possible "suicide" attempts (usually occurring with a "high and constant rate") or of possible wastes or "anomalous/excessive uses" (usually occurring with a "constant or variable but not high rate"). Device (1) in order to detect, with a very high precision, possible "anomalies" (such as "gas leakages", "suicides" or "forgetfulness") will process (by microprocessor (3)) the following parameters: a) "time" (night or day); b) "duration" of "uninterrupted" passage of gas through meter (if higher than set "limit" parameters); c) (minimum, medium, maximum) "rate"; d) "variability of "rate" (constant, increasing, decreasing). In case of a possible alarm situation, microprocessor (3) will activate a procedure for sending pre-alarm signals to the various condominium users and/or phone calls to aid means and/or acoustic means and/or local warning optical signals and/or means for interrupting gas passage and/or electric power. Various modules (6) (magneto resistive sensors and/or electronic compass), one or more according to a "mono-user" or "multiuser" .application, can be connected with the local processing and "data" unit (2) by wire (with USB, RS232, multiplexing, multi-port, ecc.) and/or by "wireless" technology, e.g. by blue tooth interconnection (radio frequency transmission between 2.45 GHz and 2.56 GHz- Ism band). In this last case, it would be possible applying to each gas meter (14) a module (6) and a "timer-clock" (5) connected by a blue tooth module that will have then the duty of periodically sending (by radio) to the local processing and "data" unit (2), data relevant to compass (6) (and/or magneto resistive sensors). Unit (2) will have to be preferably placed close (in this case 10- 15 m); in this case unit (2) (since is provided in a convenient and privileged position) could also be supplied (as in other kind of units) by "electric supply" and not only with "long lasting batteries". Once calculated "gas consumption, with a "periodicity" (daily, weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, three-monthly, semestral, ecc.) decide by the Company, relevant data can be sent (with set time cadence), from microprocessor (3) and by cellular phone (13) (or by "conveyed waves" system, when possible) to a suitable operative/administrative remote unit for filing and invoicing consumption. Also meter "tampering and/or malfunctioning" signals can be sent to said remote unit, such as "alarm" signals of gas leakages, forgetfulness, suicide attempts and/or "excessive consumption (energy saving). Possible insertion (during initial installation and every time device will be deactivated for replacement of supply batteries) within device (1) of data relevant to meter "reading (i.e. cubic meters and decimetres visually read on meter quadrant) can be made by "infrared" or radio frequency communication, and preferably by a small palm computer entrusted to reading technicians, in which data read for each meter will be input and stored. Same palm computer can be also used for introduction within device (1) all data "identifying" every user, i.e.: client name and code, address and phone number (optional, but important), meter code, installation or battery replacement date and (as already said) "initial consumption" of gas (hand read) existing before installation of device (1) and/or supply batteries. For further protecting device (1) with respect to outer interferences (due, e.g. to static magnetic fields, i.e. low frequency fields) and/or tampering attempts (such as "approaching" a magnet or ferromagnetic material to device (1), besides various control sensors (19) (reed switch), (17) (mercury switch) and (18) (pressure sensor), the following solutions could be added: a) using an "oversized housing" for housing magneto resistive sensors (6), i.e. such dimensions to keep possible foreign bodies (magnets, ecc.) at a distance of at least 3-4 cm (or more)^' from sensors (6), so as to make every interference a "minimum" interference; b) protecting magneto resistive sensors (6), "shielding" them from possible outer magnetic field (i.e. not due to the meter movement), putting them for example inside housing comprised of a "mild iron ring" (material highly permeable to magnetic field) or of "mumetal" (a high nickel content alloy), or using "opaque shields" (e.g. comprised of aluminium or particular paints such as "aquadag"). ecc; c) using "method" for detecting possible "gas leakages" (i.e. calculation of "uninterrupted" time of gas passage inside meter) for ascertaining a (new) "anomalous and unstable" ambient situation under the magnetic point of view (e.g. presence close to the meter of magnetic material and/or of material highly ferromagnetic), or also a very rare tampering anomalous case, comprising periodically approaching and moving away (e.g. by a small motor switched on) a magnet to magneto resistive sensors (6). The above in order to "increase" counting of consumption of some users that could be unpleasant to transgressor; after a set "uninterrupted" gas passage time, device (1) will be in an alarm state, revealing deplorable gesture.

As already said, user can "receive" (by radio frequency signals transmitted by module (10) and/or SMS messages to his/her own phone call transmitted by mobile phone module (13), important information relevant to possible "gas leakages", "anomalous" consumptions and/or "excessive" consumptions (for energy saving) and also various information to the Gas Company. , ATTENTION: it is in any case wished that invention must not be considered limited to the particular arrangement shown, which is only an exemplificative embodiment of the same, but that different solutions will be possible, all obvious for one skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the same invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Device (1) for automatic measurement of consumed gas amount, that can be applied to a gas meter (14) comprising a counter (16) for mechanic counting of gas consumption by a plurality of digit-bearing wheels, said device (1) being able measuring and processing variations of magnetic field within and about meter (14) and said variations being caused by periodic movement of inner operation mechanism of the same meter, characterised in that it comprises at least a magnetic field detection module (6), that can be fixed close to said gas meter (14) and suitable detecting magnetic field variations about said gas meter (14) due to periodic movement of said meter (14) inner operation mechanism following the passage of gas inside the same meter, obtaining at least a corresponding signal; and processing means (3) connected with said at least a magnetic field detection module (6), said processing means (3) being suitable measuring passage of gas through said gas meter (14) by detection and measurement of said periodic variations of magnetic filed and of said signals detected by said at least one magnetic field detection module (6), thus acquiring data concerning gas consumption.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1 , characterised in that said at least one magnetic field detection module (6) comprises one or more magnetic sensors.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that said one or more magnetic sensors are magneto resistive sensors.

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that said one or more magneto resistive sensors are employed and positioned each other so that a magnetic field measurement module preferably of the electronic compass type is realised, suitable to detect values and variations of its own orientation with respect to earth magnetic field, i.e. of its own rotation angle with respect to a point initially set and calibrated, periodic variations occurring only in case of consumption/passage of gas inside said gas meter (14).

5. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that said at least one module (6) for detection of magnetic field is fixed to the outer wall of said gas meter (14).

6. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises data transceiving means (10, 11, 13) connected with said processing means (3), said data transceiving means (10, 11 , 13) being suitable to send, preferably periodically, said data relevant to gas consumption to a remote operative/administrative unit and/or to eventual personnel entrusted to remote reading of said meter (14).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that said data transceiving means (10, 11 , 13) are placed in one or more concentrators, permitting detection of consumption data and transmission of the same to a plurality of said devices (1).

8. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims 6 or 7, characterised in that said transceiving means (10, 11 , 13) comprise a cellular phone module.

9. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that said cellular phone module is suitable to permit sending phone calls and/or SMS messages to local users and/or to remote administrative centres for aid and/or intervention.

10. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims 6 - 9, characterised in that said data transceiving means (10, 11 , 13) further comprise a radio frequency module.

11. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims 6 - 10, characterised in that said data transceiving means (10, 11 , 13) further comprise a conveyed waves module.

12. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that said processing means (3) are connected by wire with said at least one module (6) for detection of magnetic field.

13. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims 1 - 11 , characterised in that said processing means (3) are connected by a radio frequency connection with said at least one module (6) for detection of magnetic field.

14. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that said processing means (3) are comprised of a programmable microprocessor.

15. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises memorisation means (4) connected with said processing means (3).

16. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises a timer - clock (5), connected with said processing means (3) and suitable to permit detection of time correspondence of gas consumption, so as to permit detection of anomalous consumptions during set times and/or of excessive and uninterrupted duration and/or anticipated switching on of heating system.

17. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that said processing means (3) comprise bus, input/output units, connections and sensor control logic units.

18. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises means for intercepting and preventing passage of gas.

19. Device (1) according to claim 18, characterised in that said means for intercepting and preventing passage of gas comprise an interception electrovalve.

20. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises warning means connected wit said processing means (3).

21. Device (1) according to claim 20, characterised in that said warning means comprise acoustic warning, by siren (7) and/or optical means, by winking light (8) and/or sending cellular phone messages to a remote operative unit and/or to aid and aid means.

22. Device (1) according to claim 20 or 21 , characterised in that said warning means comprise suitable signals sent/transmitted to interested users, by radio frequency signal transmission and reception stage (10, 11), managed and controlled by said processing means (3).

23. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises sensor means/switches apt to be in an alarm state every time that said at lest one magnetic field detection module (6) and/or said processing means (3) are displaced from their original position close to said gas meter (14).

24. Device (1) according to claim 23, characterised in that said sensor means/switches are mercury switches (18).

25. Device (1) according to claim 23 or 24, characterised in that said sensor means/switches are pressure switches (17).

26. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims 20 - 25, characterised in that said sensor means/switches comprise one or more switches/magnetic contacts, preferably of the "reed" bulb type (19), suitable to activate said processing means (3) when a magnet is approached to said at least one magnetic field detection module (6).

27. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises a housing suitable to protect said at least one magnetic field detection module (6) with respect to outer interferences and/or magnetic fields.

28. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that said at least one magnetic field detection module (6) comprises a mild iron ring suitable to shield the same with respect to outer interferences and/or magnetic fields.

29. Device (1) according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises means, such as palm computer, for inputting into said processing means (3) data identifying the user, to be used by technicians, said palm computer being suitable to communicate with said processing means (3) by radio frequency signals and/or infrared signals.

30. Method for detection of amount of gas passing through a gas meter (14), indicating amount of gas consumed by the user relevant to said gas meter (14) within a set time interval, by device (1) as defined in previous claims 1 - 29, characterised in that it comprises the following steps:

(a) measuring values of magnetic field about said gas meter (14) by said at least one module for detection of magnetic field (6), obtaining at least one corresponding signal;

(b) transmitting date measured by said at least one module for detection of magnetic field (6) to said processing means (3); and

(c) calculating gas amount passed through said gas meter (14).

31. Method according to claim 30, characterised in that it further comprises the following step:

(d) remote transmission of data relevant to periodic gas consumption by said transceiving means (10, 11 , 13).

32. Method according to claim one of claims 30 or 31 , characterised in that during step (c), for calculating gas consumption, said processing means (3) take into consideration, among a plurality of measurements relevant to a set time period, periodic, repetitive or almost repetitive variations, of said magnetic field signal, said periodic variations being due to periodic movement of operative inner mechanism of gas meter (14) after passage of gas inside the same meter.

33. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 32, characterised in that in step (c), for calculating consumption of gas, it is preferably calculated total number of maximum and minimum, alternate, values of said periodic, or almost periodic, magnetic field signal.

34. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 33, characterised in that it detects frequency, i.e. speed, of said periodic values of said magnetic field signal, so as to calculate also amount of gas consumed for each time unit, i.e. their rates.

35. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 34, characterised in that in said (c) , for calculating consumption of gas, also entities of differences among various consecutive measurements of said magnetic field signal value will be processed.

36. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 35, characterised in that it comprises an initial step of processing at least one corrective calculation coefficient, to be then multiplied for the total number of alternate maximum and minimum values of signal relevant to said magnetic field, so as to obtain a precise and errorless value of gas amount consumed within a set time interval.

37. Method according to claim 36, characterised in that said at least one corrective calculation coefficient is obtained by ratio between measurement of gas consumption obtained manually by reading of counter of said gas meter (14) within a set time interval, and total number of alternate maximum and minimum values of said magnetic field signals, within the same time interval, acquired by said at least one module for detection of magnetic field (6) and said processing means (3).

38. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 37, characterised in that, for calculating gas amount passing through said gas meter (14), it is possible further processing also total number of intermediate values of said magnetic field signal.

39. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 38, characterised in that it further comprises the following steps:

- detecting and measuring absence of periodic variations of said magnetic field signal, i.e. indicating absence of advancement of digits of said counter (16) and absence of consumption/gas passage; and - detecting and measuring periodic variations of values of said magnetic field, said processing means (3) activating said alarm means, relevant to possible gas leakages or anomalous consumptions, in case said measurement is uninterrupted, without any pause, and higher than a arranged beforehand time interval.

40. Method according to claim 39, characterised by activating acoustic and optical warnings and/or sending phone calls and/or SMS messages requiring intervention, on the basis of the cases detected, to remote users and/or to a remote operative unit.

41. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 40, characterised in that said processing means (3) activates said alarm means following activation of said sensor means /switches suitable to be in an alarmed state every time said at least one magnetic field detection module (6) and/or said processing means (3) are displaced from their original position close to said gas meter (14).

42. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 41 , characterised in that said processing means (3) activates said alarm means, relevant to fraud or tampering attempt, following to not periodic and/or anomalous and/or big and/or sudden variations of said magnetic field signal.

43. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 42, characterised in that if further comprised the following step: warning said remote operative/administrative unit and/or said personnel entrusted to remote distance reading of said meter (14) and/or said interested user, by transceiving means (10, 11 , 13), in case said device (1) would detect an anomalous consumption with respect to set parameters, indicating possible gas leakages and/or excessive consumption and/or anticipated switching on of the heating system.

44. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 43, characterised in that it further comprises the following step: sending said data, preferably on a periodical basis, by said transceiving means (10, 11 , 13) to said remote operative/administrative unit and/or said personnel entrusted to remote distance reading passing close to said gas meter (14).

45. Method according to claim one of claims 30 - 44, characterised in that it further comprises the following step: introducing within said processing means (3), at the beginning and periodically, data identifying user, such as name and client code, address, phone number, meter code and initial reading of gas consumption, preferably by small palm computer endowed to technicians entrusted to installing the device and communicating with inventive device by infrared and/or radio frequency signals and protocols.