Attachment method, meter reading system, imaging device, and transparent elastic member

Abstract

To provide an attachment method, a meter reading system, an imaging device, or a transparent elastic member for obtaining a more suitable photography image.SOLUTION: An attachment method includes the steps of: attaching a transparent member 50 to a display section 230 of a meter 200; and fixing an imaging device 150 having a camera 153 to the meter while the camera is in contact with the transparent member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for an imaging device that captures displayed numerical values ​​and characters. [Background technology]

[0002] Meter reading meters for measuring the amount of water, gas, and other water used have traditionally been installed in homes, offices, and the like. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-12734 (Patent Document 1) discloses a flow rate detection device. According to Patent Document 1, the flow rate detection device includes a light-transmitting section placed on a transparent plate that covers the flow rate display section of the water meter, a camera that captures an image of the digital display section of the flow rate display section through the light-transmitting section, and a conversion section that converts image data of the digital display section acquired by the camera into numerical data of the accumulated water flow rate. The numerical data converted by the conversion section is transmitted to an external device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-12734 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an attachment method, a meter reading system, an imaging device, or a transparent elastic member for obtaining a more suitable photographic image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an installation method comprising the steps of attaching a transparent member to a display portion of a meter, and fixing an imaging device having a camera to the meter with the camera in contact with the transparent member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] As described above, the present invention provides an attachment method, a meter reading system, an imaging device, or a transparent elastic member for obtaining a more suitable photographed image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an image diagram showing a state in which the imaging device according to the first embodiment is attached to a water meter. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing main functions of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view of the image of the photographing device with the silicone gel attached thereto according to the first embodiment immediately before it is attached to the meter. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view of an image of a state in which an imaging device according to a first embodiment is attached to a meter. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are a top perspective view (top) of a meter according to a first embodiment, and a top perspective view (bottom) of a state in which an imaging device is attached to the meter. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are a top perspective view (top) of another type of meter, and a top perspective view (bottom) of the meter with a photographing device attached thereto. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are a top perspective view (top) of another type of meter, and a top perspective view (bottom) of the meter with a photographing device attached thereto. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are a top perspective view (top) of another type of meter, and a top perspective view (bottom) of the meter with a photographing device attached thereto. [Figure 10] 1 shows a photograph (top) of a state in which silicone gel is attached to the glass of a meter in the first embodiment, and an image (bottom) captured by a camera. [Figure 11] The images are taken without silicone gel (left) under normal conditions, when moisture has entered (center), and when dust has adhered (right). [Figure 12]5 is a flowchart showing information processing in the photographing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing information processing in the imaging device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an image diagram of a silicone gel according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an image diagram of another silicone gel according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a method of attaching an imaging device to a meter according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing a method of attaching an imaging device to a meter according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an image diagram of a silicone gel according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. First Embodiment <Overall configuration of network system 1>

[0009] First, the overall configuration of a network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The network system 1 according to this embodiment mainly includes a meter 200 as a measurement device, an imaging device 100, a network 500, a center-side network control device 400, a center server 300, and the like.

[0010] In this embodiment, the meter 200 is a meter for measuring the amount of water, gas, or the like used, and displays the cumulative amount of usage up to that point as the measurement result.

[0011] The imaging device 100 is a device that can be attached later near the meter 200. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the imaging device 100 is attached to face the measuring device in the water meter box 10, i.e., the display unit 230 and the numeric display unit 235 of the meter 200, and uses the camera and OCR (Optical Character Reader) functions to read the measurement value displayed on the meter 200 and transmits the measurement value to the server 300 using a communication antenna.

[0012] Returning to FIG. 1, the server 300 acquires measurement values ​​from the image capturing device 100 via a network 500 such as the Internet, and calculates the usage and charges for water, gas, etc. for each home, office, or building.

[0013] In this way, in the network system 1 according to this embodiment, even if the meter 200 is not previously connected to the network, by retrofitting the imaging device 100 to the meter 200, it is possible to read the measurement value of the meter 200 and provide it to the server 300. The imaging device 100 according to this embodiment photographs the display unit 230 of the meter 200 while irradiating the display unit 230 with light, and is particularly able to photograph the display unit 230 without being affected by moisture, dust, etc. Below, such functions will be described in detail. <Configuration of imaging device>

[0014] One aspect of the configuration of the imaging device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The imaging device 100 according to this embodiment is composed of an OCR meter reading unit 150 for capturing an image of the display unit 230 of the meter 200 to obtain a numerical value, and an NCU (Network Control Unit) 110 for transmitting the meter reading value to the center server 300. Note that the imaging device 100 may refer to only the OCR meter reading unit 150.

[0015] First, the OCR meter reading unit 150 mainly includes a microcomputer 151, a memory 152, a camera 153, a communication interface 158, a power supply 159, an operation interface 154, an LED light 155, and the like.

[0016] The microcomputer 151 controls each part of the OCR meter reading unit 150 according to a program stored in the memory 152. For example, the CPU of the microcomputer 151 controls each part of the OCR meter reading unit 150 according to a program in the memory stored in the microcomputer 151. The microcomputer 151 according to this embodiment recognizes a multi-digit numeric string as a meter reading value from an image captured by the camera 153, for example, by executing an application program for an OCR function.

[0017] The memory 152 stores the control program, the images captured by the camera 153, the recognition results and matching rates of the numbers of each digit, the final meter reading value, the meter reading date and time, and the like.

[0018] The camera 153 photographs the display unit 230 of the meter 200 located in front of the photographing device 100 in accordance with instructions from the microcomputer 151 and stores the photographed image data in the memory 152 .

[0019] The communication interface 158 transmits meter reading values, reflected light noise information, etc. to the NCU 110 in accordance with instructions from the microcomputer 151, and receives meter reading value acquisition commands from the NCU 110 and inputs them to the microcomputer 151.

[0020] The power supply 159 is realized by various types of batteries and supplies power to each part of the OCR meter reading unit 150.

[0021] The operation interface 154 is realized by various switches and sensors, and receives instructions from a manager or service person and inputs them to the microcomputer 151 .

[0022] The LED light 155 emits light based on instructions from the microcomputer 151 in synchronization with the timing of the camera 153 taking a photograph.

[0023] On the other hand, the NCU 110 mainly includes a communication interface 118, a control microcomputer 111, a memory 112, a communication module 116, a wireless communication antenna 117, a power supply 119, an operation interface 114, an LED light 115, and the like.

[0024] The microcomputer 111 controls each part of the NCU 110 according to a program stored in the memory 112. Alternatively, the CPU of the microcomputer 111 controls each part of the NCU 110 according to a program in the memory stored in the microcomputer 111. The microcomputer 111 according to this embodiment executes a meter reading program, for example, to cause the OCR meter reading unit 150 to photograph meter reading values ​​and upload the meter reading values ​​to the server 300.

[0025] The memory 112 stores a control program, a history of meter reading values ​​obtained from the OCR meter reading unit 150, information on reflected light, and the like.

[0026] The communication interface 118 is realized by a connector of the communication cable 130 or the like, and communicates data with the OCR meter reading unit 150. The communication interface 118 sends a command to acquire meter reading values ​​to the OCR meter reading unit 150 according to instructions from the microcomputer 111, and receives meter reading values ​​from the OCR meter reading unit 150 and passes them to the microcomputer 111.

[0027] The communication module 116 is a communication module for the wireless communication antenna 117, and transmits meter reading values ​​to the server 300 via the base station and receives various instructions from the server 300 in accordance with instructions from the microcomputer 111.

[0028] The operation interface 114 is realized by various switches and sensors, receives instructions from administrators and service personnel, and inputs them into the microcomputer 111.

[0029] The LED light 115 displays the control state, communication state, operation state, etc. of the NCU 110 according to the instructions of the microcomputer 111.

[0030] The power supply 119 is realized by various batteries and supplies power to each part of the NCU 110.

[0031] Note that the meter 200 of the shooting target measures the usage amounts of water and gas and displays the cumulative usage amount up to now on the numerical display part 235 of the display part 230. <Method of Attaching the OCR Meter Reading Unit to the Meter>

[0032] Next, the case of attaching the OCR meter reading unit 150 to a water meter for measuring the usage amount of water as an example of the meter 200 will be described.

[0033] First, as shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the silicone gel 50 is pasted on the surface of the OCR meter reading unit 150 on the meter 200 side. More specifically, the silicone gel 50 is pasted on the outer surface of the lens of the camera 153 of the OCR meter reading unit 150. And the silicone gel 50 needs to have a size and shape that cover at least the entire portion where the meter reading value is displayed on the meter 200. In the present embodiment, the silicone gel 50 is configured to have the same size and shape as the entire upper surface where the display part 230 is arranged.

[0034] Then, as shown in FIG. 5, with the camera 153 facing the display part 230, the OCR meter reading unit 150 is fixed to the meter 200.

[0035] In this embodiment, meter 200 has resin case 202 provided inside metal case 201. Internal unit 204 is disposed inside resin case 202. Internal unit 204 has dial 205 provided therein, and the upper surface is covered with glass 203.

[0036] Regarding the OCR meter reading unit 150, an LED light 155 and a camera 153 are arranged inside an OCR housing 1501, and the bottom surface is covered by a camera window 1502.

[0037] The OCR meter reading unit 150 may be fixed to the meter 200 using a cable tie 90 as shown in Figures 6 and 7, or may be fixed using a dedicated attachment member 95 as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0038] As a result, in this embodiment, moisture and dust are less likely to get in between the camera 153 of the OCR meter reading unit 150 and the display unit 230 of the meter 200, and the image captured by the camera 153 is stabilized, as shown in Fig. 10. As a result, numerical value recognition by the OCR function becomes accurate and efficient.

[0039] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 11(A), a typical OCR meter reading unit 150 can obtain a captured image in which numbers are easily and accurately recognized when no objects are attached to the surface of the camera 153 or the surface of the display unit 230. However, as shown in Fig. 11(B) and Fig. 10(C), a typical OCR meter reading unit 150 can make it difficult to accurately read numbers from a captured image when water droplets or mud adhere to the surface of the camera 153 or the surface of the display unit 230. However, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, moisture or dust is less likely to get between the camera 153 of the OCR meter reading unit 150 and the display unit 230 of the meter 200, and a stable captured image in which numbers are easily recognized can be obtained.

[0040] The following describes in detail a method for installing the OCR meter reading unit 150 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a worker installs the OCR meter reading unit 150 in the water meter box by performing the work shown in FIG.

[0041] First, an operator opens the cover of the water meter box (step S102).

[0042] An operator applies silicone gel 50 to camera 153 of OCR meter reading unit 150 (step S104).

[0043] The worker positions the camera 153 of the OCR meter reading unit 150 so that it faces the display unit 230 of the meter 200 (step S108). That is, the silicone gel 50 is sandwiched between the camera 153 of the OCR meter reading unit 150 and the display unit 230 of the meter 200.

[0044] An operator fastens the OCR meter reading unit 150 to the water meter 200 with a binding band 90 (step S110).

[0045] An operator connects the communication cable 130 to the NCU 110, and then connects the communication cable 130 to the wired communication interface 158 of the OCR meter reading unit 150 (step S112).

[0046] The worker operates the NCU 110 to open communication with the server 300 (step S114).

[0047] The worker closes the cover of the water meter box 10 (step S116).

[0048] This allows the OCR meter reading unit 150 to periodically capture an image of the display unit 230 of the meter 200. The OCR meter reading unit 150 uses the OCR function to acquire a meter reading value from the captured image and transfers the meter reading value to the NCU 110. The NCU 110 can provide the meter reading value to the server 300 via wireless communication. <Second embodiment>

[0049] In the above embodiment, the silicone gel 50 is attached to the camera 153 of the OCR meter reading unit 150, and then the OCR meter reading unit 150 is attached to the meter 200. However, the silicone gel 50 may be attached to the display unit 230 side of the meter 200, and then the OCR meter reading unit 150 may be attached to the meter 200.

[0050] The following describes in detail a method for installing the OCR meter reading unit 150 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a worker installs the OCR meter reading unit 150 in the water meter box by performing the work shown in FIG.

[0051] First, an operator opens the cover of the water meter box (step S102).

[0052] An operator applies silicone gel 50 to display unit 230 of water meter 200 (step S204).

[0053] The worker positions the camera 153 of the OCR meter reading unit 150 so that it faces the display unit 230 of the meter 200 (step S108). That is, the silicone gel 50 is sandwiched between the camera 153 of the OCR meter reading unit 150 and the display unit 230 of the meter 200.

[0054] An operator fastens the OCR meter reading unit 150 to the water meter 200 with a binding band 90 (step S110).

[0055] An operator connects the communication cable 130 to the NCU 110, and then connects the communication cable 130 to the wired communication interface 158 of the OCR meter reading unit 150 (step S112).

[0056] The worker operates the NCU 110 to open communication with the server 300 (step S114).

[0057] The worker closes the cover of the water meter box 10 (step S116). <Third embodiment>

[0058] In the above embodiment, the silicone gel 50 is entirely colorless and transparent, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0059] 14, silicone gel 50 may be large enough to cover the entire display unit 230 of meter 200, with the portion corresponding to numeric display unit 235 being colorless and transparent and the outside being made of a light-shielding material. Alternatively, the portion corresponding to numeric display unit 235 may be colorless and transparent and the outside being made of a colored transparent material. This reduces the possibility that external light may enter or be reflected by the dial, making it difficult to read the numbers when taking a picture with camera 153.

[0060] Alternatively, the silicone gel 50 may be large enough to cover the entire display section 230 of the meter 200, with the portion corresponding to the numeric display section 235 being made of an elastic material and the outer portion being made of a hardened material.

[0061] 15, silicone gel 50 may be large enough to cover the entire display section 230 of meter 200, with the central portion being colorless and transparent and only the outer periphery being made of a light-shielding material. Alternatively, the portion corresponding to numeric display section 235 may be colorless and transparent and only the outer periphery being made of a colored transparent material. This reduces the possibility that external light may enter or be reflected by the dial, making it difficult to read the numbers when photographing with camera 153.

[0062] Alternatively, the silicone gel 50 may be large enough to cover the entire display section 230 of the meter 200, with the central portion made of an elastic material and only the outer periphery made of a hardened material. <Fourth embodiment>

[0063] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the silicone gel 50 is made up of multiple removable silicone gel sheets 50A, 50B, etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, the silicone gel 50 has a two-layer structure. In this embodiment, the silicone gel 50 is attached to the display unit 230 of the meter 200 as follows.

[0064] First, as shown in FIG. 16(A), immediately before the silicone gel 50 is attached to the display section 230 of the meter 200, mud, dirt, and the like may be attached to the display section 230.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 16(B), the worker applies the silicone gel 50 to the display unit 230 of the meter 200.

[0066] 16(C), the worker removes the silicone gel 50 from the display unit 230 of the meter 200. As a result, dust and the like are adsorbed by the silicone gel 50A in the lower layer of the silicone gel 50, and the dust and the like are removed from the surface of the display unit 230 of the meter 200.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 16(D), the worker removes the lower layer of silicone gel 50A from the silicone gel 50.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 16(E), the worker attaches the upper layer of silicone gel 50B of silicone gel 50 to display unit 230 of meter 200. <Fifth embodiment>

[0069] Alternatively, the operator may prepare silicone gel 50 of different thicknesses according to the distance between the camera 153 of the OCR meter reading unit 150 and the display unit 230 of the meter 200. Then, as shown in Fig. 17, the operator may select silicone gel 50 of an appropriate thickness for each type of meter 200 so that the camera 153 can focus on the meter.

[0070] It is also possible to bring multiple types of silicone gel 50 with different thicknesses, or to remove some layers from a silicone gel 50 having multiple layers so that the camera 153 can focus on it, and then attach it to the camera 153 or display unit 230.

[0071] Furthermore, the operator may bring along silicone gel in a variety of sizes or shapes and select and use the one that corresponds to the type of meter 200. Sixth Embodiment

[0072] Furthermore, to improve the workability when replacing the OCR meter reading unit 150 or removing the silicone gel 50, a tab 51 may be formed on the outside of the silicone gel 50 as shown in Fig. 18. The tab 51 is preferably made of a material with reduced adhesiveness.

[0073] Alternatively, the silicone gel 50 may have a cutout 53 on the outside.

[0074] Alternatively, instead of the tab 51, a paper 52 or a string may be embedded in the silicone gel 50 when it is hardened.

[0075] In some types of meters 200, ribs 231 are formed on the outer periphery of the display section 230, so it is preferable that the tab 51 and paper 52 are provided in a position that does not interfere with the ribs 231. Seventh Embodiment

[0076] In the above embodiment, the photographing device has been mainly described as the OCR meter reading unit 150 having an OCR function, but the photographing device may perform photographing using the camera 153 and transmit the photographed image to the NCU 110 or the server 300. The NCU 110 or the server 300 may then have an OCR function and read or recognize the meter reading from the photographed image.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the OCR meter reading unit 150 as an image capturing device and the NCU 110 are separate devices that are connected by a wired cable, but they may exchange data by wireless communication.

[0078] Furthermore, the photographing device may also be equipped with the functions of the NCU 110. In other words, the photographing device may be a single device equipped with both the OCR meter reading unit 150 and the NCU 110. <Summary>

[0079] In the above embodiment, an installation method is provided that includes the steps of attaching a transparent member to the display portion of the meter, and fixing an imaging device having a camera to the meter with the camera in contact with the transparent member.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an installation method is provided that includes the steps of attaching a transparent member to the camera of the imaging device and fixing the imaging device to the meter with the transparent member in contact with the display portion of the meter.

[0081] Preferably, the transparent member is elastic.

[0082] Preferably, the mounting method further comprises the step of adjusting the focus of the camera of the photographing device while replacing the transparent member.

[0083] Preferably, the attachment method further comprises the step of bringing the transparent member into contact with the display portion, and then removing the layer of the transparent member that has been in contact with the display portion.

[0084] In the above embodiment, a meter reading system is provided that includes an imaging device having a camera that captures an image of the meter's display using the camera, and an elastic transparent member that is attached between the imaging device and the meter's display.

[0085] Preferably, a light-shielding portion for blocking ambient light is provided at least on the outer periphery of the transparent member.

[0086] In the above embodiment, an imaging device is provided that includes a camera, a transparent elastic member attached to the surface of the lens of the camera, and a communication interface.

[0087] In the above embodiment, a transparent elastic member is provided for attachment between the display unit of the meter and the camera, and the transparent elastic member has a light-shielding portion on at least its outer periphery for blocking ambient light.

[0088] In the above embodiment, a transparent elastic member is provided that is to be attached between the display unit of a meter and a camera, and that includes multiple transparent sheets that can be removed one by one.

[0089] Preferably, an outwardly projecting tab is formed.

[0090] Preferably, the transparent elastic member further includes a member protruding outward from the transparent elastic member.

[0091] Preferably, a notch is formed on the inside.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1: Network system 50: Silicone gel 51: Tab 90: Cable ties 95: Attachment material 100: Imaging device 111: Microcomputer 112: Memory 114: Operation interface 115: LED light 116: Communication module 117: Wireless communication antenna 118: Communication interface 119: Power supply 130: Communication cable 150: OCR meter reading unit 151: Microcomputer 152: Memory 153: Camera 154: Operation interface 155: LED light 158: Communication interface 159: Power supply 200: Water meter 201: Metal case 202: Resin case 203: Glass 204: Internal unit 205: Dial 231: Rib 235: Numeric display section 300: Center server 400: Center side network control device 500: Network 1501: OCR housing 1502: Camera window

Claims

1. attaching a transparent member to a display portion of the meter; and fixing an imaging device having a camera to the meter with the camera in contact with the transparent member.

2. Attaching a transparent member to a camera of the photographing device; and fixing the photographing device to the meter with the transparent member in contact with a display portion of the meter.

3. The attachment method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transparent member has elasticity.

4. The installation method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of adjusting the focus of a camera of the photographing device while replacing the transparent member.

5. The attachment method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of contacting the transparent member with the display portion, and then removing the layer of the transparent member that has been in contact with the display portion.

6. an imaging device having a camera for capturing an image of a display section of the meter; A meter reading system comprising: an elastic transparent member attached between the photographing device and the display unit of the meter.

7. The meter reading system according to claim 6, wherein a light blocking portion for blocking surrounding light is provided at least on an outer periphery of said transparent member.

8. A camera and a transparent elastic member attached to the surface of the camera lens; and a communication interface.

9. A transparent elastic member to be attached between a display unit of a meter and a camera, A transparent elastic member having a light-shielding portion provided at least on its outer periphery for blocking surrounding light.

10. A transparent elastic member to be attached between a display unit of a meter and a camera, A transparent elastic member having a plurality of transparent sheets that can be removed one by one.

11. 11. The transparent elastic member according to claim 8, wherein an outwardly protruding tab is formed.

12. The transparent elastic member according to claim 8 , further comprising a member protruding outward from the transparent elastic member.

13. The transparent elastic member according to claim 8 , wherein a notch is formed on the inside.

Images