Multimode portable meter reading equipment and method based on infrared and RS485

Abstract

The invention discloses a multimode portable meter reading device and method based on infrared and RS485, and belongs to the technical field of meter readers. The equipment comprises a meter reader shell, an adaptive joint is connected with an infrared communication module and a shooting module, and a connector is connected with a memory and a universal detection head module; the universal detection head module comprises a connecting sleeve, a gooseneck pipe and a spherical joint, a filter circuit is arranged in the connecting sleeve, and the outside of the filter circuit is connected with an infrared transmitting tube and an infrared receiving tube. The problems that in the actual use process of an existing infrared meter reading collector, the meter reading collection effect is poor in a special environment, and actual use is affected are solved, the universal detection head module is externally connected, the universal detection head module can independently stretch into the collector when the collector needs to be used in a meter well, a ceiling interlayer, a pipeline gap and other scenes, and the collector is convenient to use. And flexible movable adjustment is carried out through a gooseneck pipe and a universal joint.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of meter reading device, in particular to a multi-mode portable meter reading device and method based on infrared and RS485. BACKGROUND

[0002] Asset management mainly includes meter management, power tool management and power file management. In addition, in the construction engineering project, important materials and construction equipment also need to be automatically sensed and automatically collected to realize real-time position information collection, state monitoring, maintenance record recording and query, maintenance reminders and the like.

[0003] The Chinese patent with publication number CN206594814U discloses an infrared meter reading collector related to a device for wireless meter reading of a meter and a working method thereof, which can effectively read the meter at a long distance. The infrared meter reading collector has a shell, an infrared receiver, an infrared transmitter, an information processing module and a communication module are arranged in the shell, and a switch is arranged on the shell. The infrared receiver and the infrared transmitter are arranged at one end of the information processing module, and the communication module is connected to the information processing module through a data line. The communication module is provided with a wireless transmitter or a data line. The meter matched with the infrared meter reading collector is also provided with an infrared receiver and an infrared transmitter. The infrared transmitter is matched with the infrared receiver, and the infrared transmitter is matched with the infrared receiver. SUMMARY

[0004] The infrared meter reading collector in the background art has poor meter reading collection effect in special environment, which affects the actual use. Therefore, it does not meet the existing needs. Therefore, the present application provides a multi-mode portable meter reading device and method based on infrared and RS485.

[0005] The present application aims to provide a multi-mode portable meter reading device and method based on infrared and RS485, which at least solves or improves the problem of poor meter reading collection effect of the infrared meter reading collector in the background art in actual use in special environment, which affects the actual use.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides the following technical scheme: In the first aspect of the present application, a multi-mode portable meter reading device based on infrared and RS485 is provided, which comprises a meter reading device shell, an installation cover is installed at the rear end of the meter reading device shell, an adapter and a connector are installed at the rear end of the installation cover, an infrared communication module and a shooting module are connected to the adapter, a memory and a universal probe head module are connected to the connector; The universal detection head module comprises a connecting sleeve, a swan neck pipe and a spherical joint, the inside of the connecting sleeve is provided with a filter circuit, and the outside of the filter circuit is connected with an infrared emitting tube and an infrared receiving tube.

[0007] Preferably, a display screen and buttons are mounted on the outside of the meter reader shell, an RS485 module is arranged in the inside of the meter reader shell, the RS485 module comprises an RS485 transceiver, is responsible for converting TTL level into RS485 level, realizes signal transmission, and matching resistors are connected at both ends of the bus to reduce signal reflection interference, and the RS485 module is electrically connected with the adapter and the connector respectively.

[0008] Preferably, a one-piece portable handle is arranged at the lower end of the meter reader shell, a lighting lamp is mounted at the rear end of the meter reader shell, the mounting cover is connected with the meter reader shell through fixing screws, a fixing plate is mounted on the rear end face of the mounting cover, and the adapter and the connector are connected with the mounting cover through the fixing plate.

[0009] Preferably, a one-piece magnetic attraction slot is arranged on the outside of the meter reader shell, a magnetic attraction block is arranged on the outside of the universal detection head module, and the magnetic attraction block is embedded in the inside of the magnetic attraction slot and is attracted and connected with the surface of the meter reader shell.

[0010] Preferably, the infrared meter reading device further comprises a mobile phone APP, the mobile phone APP sends DL / T645-2007 and DL / T698.45-2017 protocol format message instructions to the infrared meter reading device through a serial port, the infrared communication module sends the serial port data carrier to the electric meter, and vice versa, receives the response of the electric meter, converts the response into a message, and sends the message to the mobile phone APP through the serial port, the mobile phone APP displays the meter reading item data to a page after analyzing the message, an infrared probe is mounted at one end of the infrared communication module, the infrared communication module is used for sending an infrared signal to read the data of the intelligent electric meter and transmitting the data to a background system, the RS485 module converts the infrared signal into a digital signal and analyzes the data after receiving the infrared signal, and transmits the data to a system platform.

[0011] Preferably, a camera is arranged on the outside of the shooting module, the camera is used for shooting meter reading data for archiving, a storage connector is arranged on the outside of the memory, and the memory is used for storing meter reader data.

[0012] Preferably, the swan neck pipe is arranged at the lower end of the connecting sleeve, a sealing ring is connected between the universal detection head module and the swan neck pipe, the swan neck pipe is a curved metal pipe made of nickel-titanium alloy, the curved metal pipe comprises a plurality of sectional nested metal rings, the length of the swan neck pipe is designed to be five to ten centimeters, a silica gel sleeve is wrapped on the outer layer of the swan neck pipe, a mounting sleeve is arranged at the rear end of the universal detection head module, and the mounting sleeve is fixedly connected with the spherical joint.

[0013] Preferably, the universal joint is arranged at one end of the gooseneck pipe and fixedly connected with the gooseneck pipe, a spherical joint is arranged in the universal joint, the spherical joint is movably connected with the universal joint through a damping pad, a micro-PCB board is arranged on one side of the spherical joint, the micro-PCB board comprises a signal amplification chip, and the micro-PCB board is used for amplifying the weak infrared signal returned by the universal detection head module to 3.3V standard level, and then transmitting the signal to the host computer through a transmission module.

[0014] Preferably, a filter circuit is arranged in the universal detection head module, an infrared emitter tube and an infrared receiving tube are respectively mounted on the filter circuit, the mounting angle of the infrared receiving tube is set to be a forty-five-degree oblique angle, and the emission signal of the infrared receiving tube is focused on an infrared window on the outer surface of the universal detection head module.

[0015] Preferably, an LED indicator lamp is arranged at the upper end of the universal detection head module, a buzzer is arranged below the LED indicator lamp, the buzzer and the LED indicator lamp are electrically connected with the infrared receiving tube through the filter circuit, and electromagnetic shielding rings are arranged at both ends of the universal detection head module.

[0016] In the second aspect, the application provides a multi-mode portable meter reading method based on infrared and RS485, and the method comprises the following steps: According to the meter reading environment, the universal detection head module or the infrared communication module is selected to be physically connected with and in communication with the meter reader host computer; When the universal detection head module is used, the posture of the gooseneck pipe and the universal joint is adjusted, the infrared receiving tube at the front end of the universal detection head module is aligned with the infrared window of the meter, and the signal strength is confirmed through the display state of the LED indicator lamp; The meter reading instruction is sent to the meter reader host computer through the mobile terminal APP, the meter reading instruction is converted by the RS485 module and then transmitted to the universal detection head module or the infrared communication module, the signal is converted into an infrared light signal by the infrared emitter tube and then emitted to the electric meter, the infrared signal returned by the electric meter is received by the infrared receiving tube, and then filtered by the filter circuit and amplified by the signal amplification chip to form a standard level signal which is returned to the meter reader host computer; The meter reader host computer sends the received response data back to the mobile terminal APP, the meter reading data is obtained by the mobile terminal APP by analyzing the message and then displayed.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the application has the following beneficial effects: The meter reader housing of this invention is connected via an external universal probe module. In scenarios requiring meter reading in meter wells, ceiling cavities, pipe gaps, etc., the universal probe module can be inserted independently and flexibly adjusted via a gooseneck tube and universal joint. The magnetic block on the outside of the universal probe module is fixed to the meter housing, providing good positioning. It can be bent in any direction of 360 degrees and maintain its shape after bending. With a micro PCB board, it can be remotely transmitted via an RS485 module, resulting in better working performance.

[0018] The meter reader housing of this invention uses a modular connection via adapters and connectors at the rear of the mounting cover. It can simultaneously integrate an infrared communication module, a camera module, a memory, and a universal sensor module. Different functional accessories can be connected according to the actual working scenario. The infrared communication module transmits serial port data via carrier wave to the meter. Conversely, upon receiving a response from the meter, it converts it into a message and sends it to a mobile app via serial port. The mobile app parses the message to obtain the meter reading data, displays it on the page, and sends an infrared signal to read the smart meter data and transmit it to the backend system. The RS485 module receives the infrared signal, converts it into a digital signal, parses the data, and transmits it to the system platform. The camera module can capture and archive meter readings, and the memory stores the meter reader data. This design offers enhanced functionality, a complete structural layout, and ease of use.

[0019] The lighting lamp located at the rear end of the meter reader housing of the present invention can be used in conjunction with the meter reader housing and the infrared communication module for auxiliary operation. It is also indicated by the buzzer and LED indicator at the front end of the universal probe module. When the infrared signal strength is sufficient, the LED indicator lights up; when the signal is weak, the LED indicator flashes. It can assist in special environments and is convenient for long-term use. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the front view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an axonometric view of the rear view of the present invention; Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of a portion of area A in the middle; Figure 4 This is an internal structural diagram of the universal probe module of the present invention; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged view of a section in area B; Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the meter reader housing of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Meter reader housing; 101. Display screen; 102. Button; 103. Portable carrying handle; 104. Mounting cover; 105. Lighting; 106. Fixing plate; 107. Adapter connector; 108. Connector; 109. Magnetic slot; 110. RS485 module; 2. Infrared communication module; 201. Infrared probe; 3. Shooting module; 301. Camera; 4. Memory; 401. Memory connector; 5. Universal probe module; 501. Connecting sleeve; 502. Universal connector; 503. Mounting sleeve; 504. Gooseneck tube; 505. LED indicator; 506. Ball joint; 507. Sealing ring; 508. Buzzer; 509. Magnetic block; 510. Filter circuit; 511. Infrared emitting tube; 512. Infrared receiving tube; 513. Miniature PCB board; 514. Electromagnetic shielding ring. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Example 1: To address the issue of poor meter reading performance in special environments, which hinders the practical use of existing infrared meter reading devices, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 - Figure 5 This embodiment provides the following technical solution: This embodiment of a multi-mode portable meter reading device based on infrared and RS485 includes a meter reader housing 1, a mounting cover 104 installed at the rear end of the meter reader housing 1, an adapter 107 and a connector 108 installed at the rear end of the mounting cover 104, the adapter 107 is connected to an infrared communication module 2 and a shooting module 3, and the connector 108 is connected to a memory 4 and a universal probe module 5. The universal probe module 5 includes a connecting sleeve 501, a gooseneck tube 504, and a ball joint 506. The connecting sleeve 501 has a filter circuit 510 inside, and the filter circuit 510 is externally connected to an infrared emitting tube 511 and an infrared receiving tube 512.

[0024] The gooseneck tube 504 is located at the lower end of the connecting sleeve 501. A sealing ring 507 connects the universal probe module 5 and the gooseneck tube 504. The gooseneck tube 504 is a bent metal tube made of nickel-titanium alloy and includes several nested metal rings. The length of the gooseneck tube 504 is designed to be five to ten centimeters, and the outer layer of the gooseneck tube 504 is wrapped with a silicone sleeve. The meter reader housing 1 is connected to the universal probe module 5 externally. In scenarios where meter wells, ceiling interlayers, pipe gaps, etc. are required, the universal probe module 5 can be inserted independently. The universal probe module 5 has a built-in micro lithium battery and can be flexibly adjusted through the gooseneck tube 504 and the universal joint 502. A Bluetooth BLE module can be integrated into the gooseneck tube 504. The Bluetooth BLE module has a transmission distance of 10 meters, a latency of ≤100ms, and supports real-time communication with the meter reading device host. The rear end of the universal probe module 5 is provided with an installation sleeve 503, which is fixedly connected to the ball joint 506.

[0025] Furthermore, the universal joint 502 is fixedly connected to one end of the gooseneck tube 504. The universal joint 502 has a ball joint 506 inside, which is movably connected to the universal joint 502 through a damping pad. A miniature PCB board 513 is provided on one side of the ball joint 506. The miniature PCB board 513 includes a signal amplification chip. The miniature PCB board 513 is used to amplify the weak infrared signal returned by the universal probe module 5 to a standard level of 3.3V, and then transmit it to the host through the transmission module. With the miniature PCB board 513, remote transmission can be performed through the RS485 module 110, resulting in better working performance.

[0026] In fact, the universal probe module 5 has a filter circuit 510 inside. The filter circuit 510 is equipped with an infrared emitting tube 511 and an infrared receiving tube 512. The infrared receiving tube 512 is installed at a 45-degree angle, and the emitted signal of the infrared receiving tube 512 is focused on the infrared window on the outer surface of the universal probe module 5, which can expand the signal reception range of the infrared receiving tube 512. The overall shell of the universal probe module 5 adopts an IP54 waterproof design to prevent water vapor and dust from entering the well.

[0027] In addition, an LED indicator 505 is provided at the top of the universal probe module 5, and a buzzer 508 is provided below the LED indicator 505. The buzzer 508 and the LED indicator 505 are electrically connected to the infrared receiver tube 512 through the filter circuit 510. Electromagnetic shielding rings 514 are provided at both ends of the universal probe module 5 to ensure complete alignment with the infrared window of the meter. The buzzer 508 and the LED indicator 505 at the front end of the universal probe module 5 provide prompts. When the infrared signal strength is sufficient, the LED indicator 505 lights up; when the signal is weak, the LED indicator 505 flashes. This provides auxiliary operation in special environments and facilitates long-term use.

[0028] Specifically, the meter reader housing 1 is connected via an external universal probe module 5. In scenarios requiring meter reading in meter wells, ceiling cavities, pipe gaps, etc., the universal probe module 5 can be inserted independently and flexibly adjusted via the gooseneck tube 504 and universal joint 502. The magnetic block 509 on the outside of the universal probe module 5 is fixed to the meter housing, providing good positioning. It can be bent in any direction of 360 degrees and maintain its shape after bending. With the micro PCB board 513, it can be remotely transmitted via the RS485 module 110, resulting in better working performance.

[0029] Example 2: To address the issue of insufficient functionality in existing infrared meter reading devices during practical use, which hinders their usability, please refer to... Figure 1 - Figure 2 , Figure 6 This embodiment provides the following technical solution: The multi-mode portable meter reading device based on infrared and RS485 in this embodiment includes a meter reader housing 1, a mounting cover 104 installed at the rear end of the meter reader housing 1, an adapter 107 and a connector 108 installed at the rear end of the mounting cover 104, the adapter 107 is connected to an infrared communication module 2 and a shooting module 3, and the connector 108 is connected to a memory 4 and a universal probe module 5. The universal probe module 5 includes a connecting sleeve 501, a gooseneck tube 504, and a ball joint 506. The connecting sleeve 501 has a filter circuit 510 inside, and the filter circuit 510 is externally connected to an infrared emitting tube 511 and an infrared receiving tube 512.

[0030] The outer casing 1 of the meter reader is equipped with a display screen 101 and a button 102. The inner casing 1 of the meter reader is equipped with an RS485 module 110. The RS485 module 110 includes an RS485 transceiver, which is responsible for converting TTL level to RS485 level to realize signal transmission. Matching resistors are connected at both ends of the bus to reduce signal radiation interference. The RS485 module 110 is electrically connected to the adapter 107 and the connector 108 respectively.

[0031] The meter reader housing 1 has an integrated portable carrying port 103 at its lower end. A light 105 is installed at the rear end of the meter reader housing 1. A mounting cover 104 is connected to the meter reader housing 1 by fixing screws. A fixing plate 106 is installed on the rear end of the mounting cover 104. An adapter 107 and a connector 108 are connected to the mounting cover 104 through the fixing plate 106. The light 105 at the rear end of the meter reader housing 1 can work in conjunction with the meter reader housing 1 and the infrared communication module 2. The meter reader housing 1 uses the adapter 107 and connector 108 at the rear end of the mounting cover 104 for modular connection. It can simultaneously integrate the infrared communication module 2, the shooting module 3, the memory 4, and the universal probe module 5. Different functional accessories can be connected according to the actual working scenario.

[0032] In addition, the outer surface of the meter reader housing 1 is provided with an integrally formed magnetic groove 109, and the outer surface of the universal probe module 5 is provided with a magnetic block 509. The magnetic block 509 is embedded in the magnetic groove 109 and is attracted and connected to the surface of the meter reader housing 1.

[0033] Preferably, it also includes a mobile APP, which sends DL / T645-2007 and DL / T698.45-2017 protocol format message commands to the infrared meter reading device via serial port. The infrared communication module 2 sends the serial port data carrier to the meter, and conversely, after receiving the meter's response, it converts it into a message and sends it to the mobile APP via serial port. The mobile APP parses the message to obtain the meter reading data and displays it on the page. An infrared probe 201 is installed at one end of the infrared communication module 2. The infrared communication module 2 is used to send infrared signals to read smart meter data and transmit it to the backend system. After receiving the infrared signal, the RS485 module 110 converts it into a digital signal, parses the data, and transmits it to the system platform.

[0034] It should be noted that the camera module 3 is externally equipped with a camera 301, which is used to capture and archive meter readings. The memory 4 is externally equipped with a memory connector 401, which is used to store meter reading data. It has better functionality, complete structure and location, and is convenient to use.

[0035] Specifically, the meter reader housing 1 uses the adapter 107 and connector 108 at the rear of the mounting cover 104 for modular connection. It can simultaneously integrate an infrared communication module 2, a shooting module 3, a memory 4, and a universal probe module 5. Different functional accessories can be connected according to the actual working scenario. The serial port data carrier is sent to the meter through the infrared communication module 2. Conversely, after receiving the meter's response, it is converted into a message and sent to the mobile APP through the serial port. The mobile APP obtains the meter reading data after parsing the message and displays it on the page. It also sends an infrared signal to read the smart meter data and transmit it to the backend system. The RS485 module (110) receives the data. After receiving the infrared signal, it is converted into a digital signal and the data is analyzed and transmitted to the system platform. The meter reading can be captured and archived by the shooting module 3, and the data of the meter reader is stored in the memory 4. The functionality is better, the structure is complete, and it is easy to use. The lighting 105 set at the rear of the meter reader housing 1 can be used with the meter reader housing 1 and the infrared communication module 2 to assist in the work. The buzzer 508 and the LED indicator 505 at the front of the universal probe module 5 provide prompts. When the infrared signal strength is sufficient, the LED indicator 505 lights up; when the signal is weak, the LED indicator 505 flashes. It can assist in the work in special environments and is convenient for long-term use.

[0036] Working principle: In use, when needing to inspect meters in wells, ceiling cavities, pipe gaps, etc., the universal probe module 5 can be inserted independently. When obstructed by obstacles, the gooseneck tube 504 can be bent to adjust the overall orientation, and the universal joint 502 further fine-tunes the head angle of the universal probe module 5, ensuring that the angle between the infrared transceiver tube and the spatial normal of the meter window is ≤15°. The magnetic block 509 can temporarily fix the position of the universal probe module 5 to avoid signal interruption caused by hand shaking. It is especially suitable for high-altitude meters or operation in narrow spaces, with good positioning effect. It can be bent in any direction of 360 degrees and maintain its shape after bending. With the miniature PCB board 513, it can be connected via RS485 module 1. 10. For remote transmission, the RS485 module 110 encodes the meter reading command into a digital signal conforming to the meter communication protocol and transmits it to the signal processing unit of the universal probe module 5 via Bluetooth or wired connection. The micro PCB board 513 converts the digital signal into electrical pulses, driving the infrared emitting tube 511 to emit modulated infrared light. The light enters the internal receiving circuit through the infrared window. After receiving the command, it returns an infrared signal containing the metering data through its own infrared emitting tube 511. The infrared receiving tube 512 of the universal probe module 5 converts the light signal into a weak electrical signal. After the filter circuit 510 removes environmental noise, the amplification chip amplifies the signal to the 3.3V standard level before... Decoded into digital data and transmitted via RS485 module 110, resulting in better performance. The meter reader housing 1 uses a modular connection via adapter 107 and connector 108 at the rear of the mounting cover 104. It can simultaneously integrate an infrared communication module 2, a camera module 3, a memory 4, and a universal sensor module 5. Different functional accessories can be connected according to the actual working scenario. The serial port data carrier is sent to the meter via the infrared communication module 2. Conversely, after receiving the meter's response, it is converted into a message and sent to the mobile APP via the serial port. The mobile APP parses the message to obtain the meter reading data, displays it on the page, and sends infrared signals to read the smart meter data and transmit it to the backend system. RS485 After receiving the infrared signal, the 5-module (110) converts it into a digital signal and parses the data, which is then transmitted to the system platform. The meter reading can be captured and archived by the shooting module 3, and the memory 4 stores the meter reading data. It has better functionality, complete structure and position, and is easy to use. During operation, the lighting lamp 105 set at the rear end of the meter reading device housing 1 can work in conjunction with the meter reading device housing 1 and the infrared communication module 2 to assist in the work. The buzzer 508 and LED indicator 505 at the front end of the universal probe module 5 provide prompts. When the infrared signal strength is sufficient, the LED indicator 505 lights up, and when the signal is weak, the LED indicator 505 flashes. It can assist in the work in special environments and is convenient for long-term use.

[0037] Example 3 This invention provides a multi-mode portable meter reading method based on infrared and RS485, applicable to the meter reading device described in Embodiment 1 or 2. The method includes the following steps: S1: Select and connect the functional modules according to the environment where the target meter is located; if the meter is located in a narrow or concealed space such as a meter well, ceiling cavity, or pipe gap, separate the universal probe module 5 from the meter reader housing 1 through connector 108, and establish a wireless communication connection with the meter reading device host through its built-in Bluetooth BLE module; if the meter is located in an open space that can be directly seen, connect the infrared communication module 2 to the meter reader housing 1 through adapter connector 107; establish a communication connection between the mobile APP and the meter reading device host through Bluetooth or serial port for sending instructions and receiving data.

[0038] S2: When using the universal probe module 5, manually bend the gooseneck tube 504 and adjust the ball joint 506 inside the universal connector 502 to extend the front end of the universal probe module 5 near the target meter; temporarily attach it to the meter casing using the magnetic block 509 at the front end of the universal probe module 5; observe the prompt signals of the LED indicator 505 and buzzer 508 at the front end of the universal probe module 5: when the infrared signal strength is sufficient, the LED indicator 505 will be constantly lit; when the signal is weak, the LED indicator 505 will flash; the operator should fine-tune the probe angle according to the prompts to ensure that the angle between the infrared receiver tube 512 and the normal of the meter's infrared window is no more than 15 degrees to achieve precise alignment.

[0039] S3: Send a message command conforming to the DL / T645-2007 or DL / T698.45-2017 protocol format to the meter reading device via a mobile APP; after level conversion and anti-interference processing by the RS485 module 110, the command data is transmitted to the universal probe module 5 or the infrared communication module 2; the infrared emitting tube 511 converts the received digital signal into a modulated infrared light signal and transmits it to the meter; after the meter responds to the command, it returns an infrared signal containing the metering data; the infrared receiving tube 512 receives the weak infrared signal from the meter and converts it into an electrical signal; the electrical signal is filtered and denoised by the filtering circuit 510, and amplified to the 3.3V standard level by the signal amplification chip on the micro PCB board 513; the amplified signal is converted by the RS485 module 110 and transmitted back to the meter reading device host.

[0040] S4: The meter reading device host transmits the received response data to the mobile APP via serial port; the mobile APP parses the returned message to obtain the meter reading data; the parsed meter reading data is displayed on the mobile APP page, and is simultaneously stored locally on the mobile phone and / or backed up locally via memory 4.

[0041] Optionally, it also includes: in environments with poor lighting conditions, turning on the light 105 at the rear of the meter reader housing 1 to assist the operator in positioning or taking pictures; for meters that require image archiving, activating the shooting module 3, capturing the meter reading image through the camera 301, and storing the image or video data in the memory 4.

[0042] Furthermore, in step S3, the RS485 module 110 uses differential signal transmission and connects matching resistors at both ends of the bus to reduce signal reflection and radiation interference, and ensure the stability of remote data transmission in complex environments.

[0043] Furthermore, the universal probe module 5 monitors the received signal strength in real time during the meter reading process and provides real-time feedback to the user through a mobile APP. The user can readjust the probe position in step S2 based on the feedback, forming a closed-loop adjustment process until the data is successfully read.

[0044] The above method solves the meter reading challenge in special environments through modular combination and omnidirectional flexible positioning. Utilizing the dual advantages of infrared optical communication and RS485 electrical communication, reliable data acquisition and remote transmission are achieved. The mobile app, as the core of human-computer interaction, completes the functions of command issuance, data parsing, and display, forming a complete meter reading solution integrating aiming, reading, parsing, and storage, significantly improving the success rate and efficiency of meter reading in complex environments.

[0045] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0046] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A multi-mode portable meter reading device based on infrared and RS485, comprising a meter reader housing (1), characterized in that, The rear end of the meter reader housing (1) is equipped with a mounting cover (104), and the rear end of the mounting cover (104) is equipped with an adapter (107) and a connector (108). The adapter (107) is connected to an infrared communication module (2) and a shooting module (3), and the connector (108) is connected to a memory (4) and a universal probe module (5). The universal probe module (5) includes a connecting sleeve (501), a gooseneck tube (504) and a ball joint (506). The connecting sleeve (501) is equipped with a filter circuit (510), and the filter circuit (510) is externally connected to an infrared emitting tube (511) and an infrared receiving tube (512).

2. The multi-mode portable meter reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer side of the meter reader housing (1) is equipped with a display screen (101) and a button (102), and the inner side of the meter reader housing (1) is equipped with an RS485 module (110). The RS485 module (110) includes an RS485 transceiver, which is responsible for converting TTL level to RS485 level to realize signal transmission. Matching resistors are connected at both ends of the bus to reduce signal radiation interference. The RS485 module (110) is electrically connected to the adapter (107) and the connector (108) respectively.

3. The multi-mode portable meter reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the meter reader housing (1) is provided with an integrally formed portable carrying port (103), and the rear end of the meter reader housing (1) is provided with a light (105). The mounting cover (104) is connected to the meter reader housing (1) by fixing screws. A fixing plate (106) is installed on the rear end face of the mounting cover (104). The adapter (107) and connector (108) are connected to the mounting cover (104) through the fixing plate (106).

4. The multi-mode portable meter reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (1) of the meter reader is provided with an integrally formed magnetic groove (109), and the outer shell (5) of the universal probe module is provided with a magnetic block (509). The magnetic block (509) is embedded in the magnetic groove (109) and is attracted and connected to the surface of the outer shell (1) of the meter reader.

5. The multi-mode portable meter reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mobile app, which sends DL / T645-2007 and DL / T698.45-2017 protocol format message commands to the infrared meter reading device via serial port; An infrared probe (201) is installed at one end of the infrared communication module (2). The infrared communication module (2) is used to send infrared signals to read smart meter data and transmit it to the background system. After receiving the infrared signal, the RS485 module (110) converts it into a digital signal, parses the data, and transmits it to the system platform.

6. The multi-mode portable meter reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera (301) is externally mounted on the shooting module (3), and the camera (301) is used to shoot and archive meter readings; The memory (4) is externally provided with a storage connector (401), and the memory (4) is used to store meter reading data.

7. The multi-mode portable meter reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gooseneck tube (504) is located at the lower end of the connecting sleeve (501), and a sealing ring (507) is connected between the universal probe module (5) and the gooseneck tube (504). The gooseneck tube (504) is a bent metal tube made of nickel-titanium alloy, and the bent metal tube includes several nested metal rings. The length of the gooseneck tube (504) is designed to be five to ten centimeters, and the outer layer of the gooseneck tube (504) is wrapped with a silicone sleeve. The rear end of the universal probe module (5) is provided with a mounting sleeve (503), which is fixedly connected to the ball joint (506).

8. The multi-mode portable meter reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The universal joint (502) is fixedly connected to one end of the gooseneck tube (504), and a ball joint (506) is provided inside the universal joint (502). The ball joint (506) is movably connected to the universal joint (502) via a damping pad. A miniature PCB board (513) is provided on one side of the ball joint (506), and the miniature PCB board (513) includes a signal amplification chip. The micro PCB board (513) is used to amplify the weak infrared signal returned by the universal probe module (5) to a standard level of 3.3V, and then transmit it to the host through the transmission module.

9. The multi-mode portable meter reading device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The universal probe module (5) is equipped with a filter circuit (510). The filter circuit (510) is equipped with an infrared emitting tube (511) and an infrared receiving tube (512) respectively. The installation angle of the infrared receiving tube (512) is set to a 45-degree angle, and the emitted signal of the infrared receiving tube (512) is focused on the infrared window on the outer surface of the universal probe module (5). The upper end of the universal probe module (5) is provided with an LED indicator (505), and a buzzer (508) is provided below the LED indicator (505). The buzzer (508) and LED indicator (505) are electrically connected to the infrared receiver (512) through the filter circuit (510), and electromagnetic shielding rings (514) are provided at both ends of the universal probe module (5).

10. A meter reading method, implemented based on the multi-mode portable meter reading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, include: Depending on the meter reading environment, either the universal probe module (5) or the infrared communication module (2) can be physically connected and communicated with the meter reader host. When using the universal probe module (5), adjust the posture of the gooseneck tube (504) and the universal joint (502) so that the infrared receiver tube (512) at the front end of the universal probe module (5) is aligned with the infrared window of the meter, and confirm the signal strength by the display status of the LED indicator (505). The meter reading command is sent to the meter reading host via a mobile terminal APP. The meter reading command is converted by the RS485 module (110) and transmitted to the universal probe module (5) or the infrared communication module (2). The infrared emitting tube (511) converts the signal into an infrared light signal and transmits it to the meter. The infrared signal returned by the meter is received by the infrared receiving tube (512), and after being filtered by the filtering circuit (510) and amplified by the signal amplification chip, a standard level signal is formed and transmitted back to the meter reading host. The meter reader host sends the received response data back to the mobile terminal APP, which then parses the message to obtain the meter reading data and displays it.

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