Meter reading system, meter reading device, and meter reading method

Abstract

This will allow for verification of whether or not an image has been tampered with. [Solution] The meter reading device 1 includes an image acquisition unit 102 that acquires a meter reading image in which the meter reading value of the meter reading device is captured, a location information acquisition unit 103 that acquires information indicating the location where the image was taken by a shooting unit 101, an information addition unit 106 that adds location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 in a way that makes the content understandable through a specific process, and an output unit 107 that outputs the meter reading image with the information added by the information addition unit 106. The fraud verification device 2 includes an image acquisition unit 201 that acquires the meter reading image output by the meter reading device 1, a location information acquisition unit 202 that acquires location information from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 through a specific process, and a fraud presence / absence determination unit 205 that determines whether or not the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 is fraudulent based on the acquisition result by the location information acquisition unit 202.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a needle inspection system, a needle inspection device, and a needle inspection method.

Background Art

[0002] Normally, for the needle inspection work, it is necessary for the needle inspector to go to the site and check and record the needle inspection value of the target needle inspection meter. In this case, since the needle inspector needs to tour the location where the needle inspection meter is located, manpower and time are required. In order to solve this problem, the introduction of smart meters is in progress (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, since time, technology, and cost are required for replacing the needle inspection meter, there is a current situation where the penetration rate of smart meters is low in some fields including water supply. On the other hand, the shortage of needle inspectors is also becoming serious.

[0003] Therefore, as a recent improvement measure, "replacing the meter confirmation work with a person other than a needle inspector" is one solution for labor saving and cost reduction. In this case, as a substitute for the meter confirmation work, for example, in the case of a building such as a building, a cleaner who tours while cleaning the inside of the facility, or an occupant of each tenant can be considered. When the substitute is a cleaner, a method can be considered in which the cleaner takes a photograph of the needle inspection value of each needle inspection meter in parallel with the cleaning, and the needle inspector checks the photographed image. Also, when the substitute is an occupant of each tenant, a method can be considered in which an incentive is given to the occupant to take a photograph of the needle inspection value of the needle inspection meter in the occupancy area, and the needle inspector checks the photographed image.

[0004] However, when a person who is not a regular needle inspector performs the meter confirmation work, fraud may occur when a substitute or a third party processes the photographed image or replaces it with another image. Furthermore, images sometimes have attached metadata, but this information can also be edited, making it unsuitable as a basis for determining fraud. For these reasons, it is currently difficult to replace meter readings with personnel other than meter readers. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-229017 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] As described above, it was previously impossible to verify whether or not the images were fraudulent, making it difficult to replace meter reading personnel with anyone other than meter readers.

[0007] This disclosure was made to solve the problems described above and aims to provide a meter reading system that can verify whether or not an image is fraudulent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The meter reading system according to this disclosure comprises a meter reading device and a fraud verification device, wherein the meter reading device comprises an image acquisition unit that acquires a meter reading image showing the meter reading value of a meter obtained by taking a photograph by a photography unit, a location information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the location where the photograph was taken by the photography unit, an information addition unit that adds location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit in a manner that makes the content understandable through a specific process, and an output unit that outputs the meter reading image to which the information added by the information addition unit has been output, wherein the fraud verification device comprises a second image acquisition unit that acquires the meter reading image output by the meter reading device, a second location information acquisition unit that acquires location information from the meter reading image acquired by the second image acquisition unit through a specific process, and a fraud presence / absence determination unit that determines whether or not the meter reading image acquired by the second image acquisition unit is fraudulent based on the acquisition result by the second location information acquisition unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the configuration described above makes it possible to verify whether or not an image is fraudulent. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a meter reading device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of the fraud verification device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the meter reading device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an example of the operation of the position information acquisition unit in the meter reading device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example of the operation of the information addition unit in the meter reading device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7]FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are diagrams for explaining an operation example of an information addition unit in the needle inspection device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining an operation example of an information addition unit in the needle inspection device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an operation example of the fraud verification device according to Embodiment 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a needle inspection system according to Embodiment 1. The needle inspection system includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a needle inspection device 1 and a fraud verification device 2.

[0012] The needle inspection device 1 is a device used when an operator takes a photograph of the needle inspection value of a target needle gauge. This needle inspection device 1 acquires a needle inspection image in which the needle inspection value of the needle gauge is reflected by photographing, and adds information indicating the position where the needle inspection image was taken to the needle inspection image.

[0013] Note that the operator is a person who performs a needle inspection service in response to a request from a requester. As this operator, for example, in the case of a building such as a building, a cleaner who patrols while cleaning the inside of the facility, or an occupant of each tenant can be considered.

[0014] Examples of the needle inspection device 1 include a mobile terminal such as a smartphone used by an operator. Also, a part of the configuration of the needle inspection device 1 may be provided on a server that can communicate with the mobile terminal.

[0015] The fraud verification device 2 is a device used by a requester to confirm the presence or absence of fraud in the needle inspection image based on the needle inspection image to which information indicating the position where the photographing was performed by the needle inspection device 1 is added. Examples of the requester include, for example, a needle inspector. Examples of such an illegal verification device 2 include the PC used by the requester.

[0016] The needle detector 1 and the illegal verification device 2 are realized by a processing circuit such as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in a memory or the like.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the needle detector 1 includes a photographing unit 101, an image acquisition unit 102, a position information acquisition unit 103, a photographer information acquisition unit 104, a date and time information acquisition unit 105, an information addition unit 106, and an output unit 107.

[0018] The photographing unit 101 obtains a needle inspection image in which the needle inspection value of the target needle meter is captured by photographing a predetermined imaging range.

[0019] When there are a plurality of target needle meters, the photographing unit 101 obtains a needle inspection image for each of the target needle meters.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a case where the photographing unit 101 is provided inside the needle detector 1. However, it is not limited to this, and the photographing unit 101 may be provided outside the needle detector 1. For example, the photographing unit 101 is mounted on a portable terminal used by an operator, and components other than the photographing unit 101 in the needle detector 1 (image acquisition unit 102, position information acquisition unit 103, photographer information acquisition unit 104, date and time information acquisition unit 105, information addition unit 106, and output unit 107) may be mounted on a server capable of communicating with the portable terminal.

[0021] The image acquisition unit 102 acquires the needle inspection image obtained by the photographing unit 101.

[0022] When there are a plurality of target needle meters, the image acquisition unit 102 acquires a needle inspection image for each of the target needle meters.

[0023] The location information acquisition unit 103 acquires information indicating the location where the image was taken by the image capture unit 101. The location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 may be information that directly indicates the location, or information that indirectly indicates the location.

[0024] For example, the location information acquisition unit 103 may acquire the GPS signal from the GPS when the shooting unit 101 takes a picture, as information indicating the location where the shooting unit 101 took the picture. In this case, the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit is information that directly indicates the location.

[0025] Furthermore, for example, if a meter reading device is equipped with a beacon such as a BLE beacon, the location information acquisition unit 103 may, based on the received signal strength from the beacon, acquire information that allows the identification of the beacon, such as a beacon ID, as information indicating the location where the image was taken by the imaging unit 101, if the received signal strength is above a threshold. In this case, the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 is information that indirectly indicates the location.

[0026] If there are multiple target meter readings, the location information acquisition unit 103 acquires information indicating the location where the imaging unit 101 captured a photograph for each target meter reading.

[0027] The photographer information acquisition unit 104 acquires information indicating the photographer who took the photograph using the photography unit 101. In this case, for example, the photographer information acquisition unit 104 may acquire information that allows for the identification of the worker, such as worker ID information, or information that allows for the identification of the mobile terminal on which the meter reading device 1 is installed, such as physical address information, as information indicating the photographer.

[0028] If there are multiple target meter readings, the photographer information acquisition unit 104 acquires information indicating the photographer who took the photograph using the photography unit 101 for each target meter reading.

[0029] The date and time information acquisition unit 105 acquires information indicating the date and time when the image was taken by the image capture unit 101.

[0030] If there are multiple target meter readings, the date and time information acquisition unit 105 acquires information indicating the date and time when the imaging unit 101 took a photograph of each target meter reading.

[0031] Figure 1 shows the case where the photographer information acquisition unit 104 and the date and time information acquisition unit 105 are provided in the verification device. However, the photographer information acquisition unit 104 and the date and time information acquisition unit 105 are not essential components of the verification device, and at least one of the photographer information acquisition unit 104 and the date and time information acquisition unit 105 does not need to be provided in the verification device.

[0032] The information addition unit 106 adds location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 in a manner that allows the content to be understood through a specific process. The information added by the information addition unit 106 may be information visible to humans or information invisible to humans. Even if the information added by the information addition unit 106 is information visible to humans, the content of the information added by the information addition unit 106 cannot be directly understood from the meter reading image and must be understood through a specific process. In other words, if the information added by the information addition unit 106 is information visible to humans, humans may recognize that "some kind of processing has been done to the image," but they cannot "read and understand the embedded information itself from the image."

[0033] In this case, for example, the information addition unit 106 may use digital watermarking technology to add location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102.

[0034] Furthermore, if the photographer information acquisition unit 104 acquires information indicating the photographer, the information addition unit 106 may add the photographer information to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 in a manner that allows the content to be understood through specific processing.

[0035] Furthermore, if the date and time information acquisition unit 105 acquires date and time information, the information addition unit 106 may add the date and time information to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 in a manner that allows the content to be understood through specific processing.

[0036] If there are multiple target meter readings, the information addition unit 106 adds the above information to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 for each target meter reading in a manner that allows the content to be understood through a specific process.

[0037] The output unit 107 outputs a meter reading image to which information has been added by the information addition unit 106. In this case, for example, the output unit 107 may directly output the meter reading image to the fraud verification device 2, to which the information has been added by the information adding unit 106. Alternatively, for example, the output unit 107 may output the meter reading image to an external storage device such as a USB memory, to which the external storage device may store the meter reading image.

[0038] If there are multiple target meters, the output unit 107 outputs a meter reading image for each of the target meters.

[0039] The fraud verification device 2 includes, for example, an image acquisition unit (second image acquisition unit) 201, a location information acquisition unit (second location information acquisition unit) 202, a photographer information acquisition unit 203, a date and time information acquisition unit 204, a fraud presence / absence determination unit 205, and a meter reading value reading unit 206, as shown in Figure 3.

[0040] The image acquisition unit 201 acquires the meter reading image output by the meter reading device 1. The meter reading image acquired by this image acquisition unit 201 is a meter reading image to which information has been added by the information addition unit 106. In this case, for example, the image acquisition unit 201 may acquire meter reading images directly output from the meter reading device 1. Alternatively, for example, the image acquisition unit 201 may acquire meter reading images stored in an external storage device such as a USB memory.

[0041] If there are multiple target meters, the image acquisition unit 201 acquires a meter reading image for each of the target meters.

[0042] The location information acquisition unit 202 acquires location information from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201, by going through the specific processing described above.

[0043] Furthermore, if there are multiple target meter readings, the location information acquisition unit 202 acquires location information for each target meter reading from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201, by going through the specific processing described above.

[0044] The photographer information acquisition unit 203 acquires information indicating the photographer from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201, by going through the specific processing described above.

[0045] If there are multiple target meter readings, the photographer information acquisition unit 203 acquires information indicating the photographer from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 for each target meter reading, by going through the specific processing described above.

[0046] The date and time information acquisition unit 204 acquires date and time information from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201, by going through the specific processing described above.

[0047] If there are multiple target meter readings, the date and time information acquisition unit 204 acquires date and time information from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 for each target meter reading, by going through the specific process described above.

[0048] Figure 3 shows the case where the photographer information acquisition unit 203 and the date and time information acquisition unit 204 are provided in the fraud verification device 2. However, the photographer information acquisition unit 203 and the date and time information acquisition unit 204 are not essential components of the fraud verification device 2, and at least one of the photographer information acquisition unit 203 and the date and time information acquisition unit 204 does not need to be provided in the fraud verification device 2.

[0049] The fraud detection unit 205 determines whether or not the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 is fraudulent, based on the results acquired by the location information acquisition unit 202. Here, the fraud detection unit 205 determines that there is no fraud in the meter reading image if location information is acquired by the location information acquisition unit 202 and the location information matches (including approximate matches) the location of the target meter. On the other hand, the fraud detection unit 205 determines that there is fraud in the meter reading image if location information cannot be acquired by the location information acquisition unit 202, or if location information can be acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 but the location information does not match (including approximate matches) the location of the target meter.

[0050] Furthermore, if the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 202 is information that allows for the identification of a beacon, the fraud detection unit 205 will perform the above determination using the installation location of the beacon. In other words, in this case, the fraud verification device 2 has previously stored the installation locations of the beacons provided at each meter reading device, and after extracting the installation location of the beacon corresponding to the beacon identified from the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 202, it performs the above determination.

[0051] If there are multiple meter readings that are subject to this determination, the fraud detection unit 205 will determine whether or not the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 is fraudulent for each of the subject meter readings, based on the results acquired by the location information acquisition unit 202.

[0052] The meter reading unit 206 reads the meter reading from the meter reading image if the fraud detection unit 205 determines that there is no fraud in the meter reading image.

[0053] If there are multiple target meters, the meter reading unit 206 reads the meter reading value from the meter reading image for each target meter if the fraud detection unit 205 determines that there is no fraud in the meter reading image.

[0054] Figure 3 shows the case where the meter reading unit 206 is provided in the fraud verification device 2. However, the meter reading unit 206 is not an essential component of the fraud verification device 2, and it is not necessary for the fraud verification device 2 to have the meter reading unit 206. In this case, the client using the fraud verification device 2 can read the meter reading from the meter reading image if the fraud detection unit 205 of the fraud verification device 2 determines that there is no fraud in the meter reading image.

[0055] Furthermore, if the fraud detection unit 205 of the fraud verification device 2 determines that there is fraud in the meter reading image, the client will take appropriate action, such as instructing the worker to read the meter again.

[0056] Next, an example of the operation of the meter reading device 1 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0057] In an example of the operation of the meter reading device 1 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2, for example as shown in Figure 4, first, the imaging unit 101 obtains a meter reading image in which the reading of the meter is captured by imaging a predetermined imaging range (step ST101). At this time, the worker goes to the location where the meter is located as specified by the client and takes a photograph so as to capture the reading of the meter.

[0058] Next, the image acquisition unit 102 acquires the meter reading image obtained by the imaging unit 101 (step ST102).

[0059] Next, the location information acquisition unit 103 acquires information indicating the location where the image was taken by the shooting unit 101 (step ST103). In this case, for example, the location information acquisition unit 103 may acquire the GPS signal from the GPS when the shooting unit 101 takes a picture, as information indicating the location where the shooting unit 101 took the picture. Furthermore, for example, if a beacon is installed on the meter reading device, the location information acquisition unit 103 may acquire information that allows the beacon to be identified based on the received signal strength from the beacon, if the received signal strength is above a threshold, as information indicating the location where the image was taken by the imaging unit 101.

[0060] For example, in Figure 5, a BLE beacon indicated by reference numeral 52 is attached to a meter reading device indicated by reference numeral 51, and the meter reading device and the BLE beacon are considered as a single system. That is, the tamper resistance of this system is enhanced, and the meter reading device and the BLE beacon are inseparable. In this case, the location information acquisition unit 103 can use information that identifies the BLE beacon as information indicating the location where the imaging unit 101 took a photograph. In other words, in this case, the information that identifies the BLE beacon is unique to each meter reading device, and a high reception strength of the signal from the BLE beacon indirectly indicates that the photograph was taken at the location where the meter reading device is located. In Figure 5, reference numeral 53 indicates the person taking the meter reading, and reference numeral 54 indicates the portable terminal (meter reading device 1) held by the person taking the meter reading. This allows the location information acquisition unit 103 to acquire information indicating the location where the image was taken by the shooting unit 101, even in places such as inside buildings where GPS does not function correctly.

[0061] Furthermore, the photographer information acquisition unit 104 acquires information indicating the photographer who took the photograph using the photography unit 101 (step ST104). In this case, for example, the photographer information acquisition unit 104 may acquire information that allows for the identification of the worker, or information that allows for the identification of the mobile terminal on which the meter reading device 1 is installed, as information indicating the photographer.

[0062] Furthermore, the date and time information acquisition unit 105 acquires information indicating the date and time when the image was taken by the shooting unit 101 (step ST105).

[0063] Next, the information addition unit 106 adds location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 in a manner that allows the content to be understood through a specific process (step ST106). In this case, for example, the information addition unit 106 may use digital watermarking technology to add location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102.

[0064] One example of digital watermarking is a simple method that uses pixel values. For example, consider a 256-level grayscale image, as shown in Figure 6. In this case, the value of each pixel can be represented by 8 bits, taking values ​​between 0 and 255. Since this pixel value indicates the intensity of the color, for example, a pixel value of 0 represents white, a pixel value of 128 represents gray, and a pixel value of 255 represents black.

[0065] Here, we focus only on the least significant bit of each pixel value in the meter reading image ("2^0" in Figure 6). For example, as shown in Figure 7A, the least significant bit of each pixel value in this meter reading image takes the value of 0 or 1, but the influence of this least significant bit on color is extremely small, as it is only 1 out of 256 gradations. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7B, for example, even if we replace this least significant bit of 1 with 0, no significant change occurs in the image. Figure 7B shows the case where all the least significant bits of 1 shown in Figure 7A are replaced with 0. Similarly, even if we replace this least significant bit of 0 with 1, no significant change occurs in the image.

[0066] Therefore, by converting the value of this least significant bit to 0 or 1, depending on the information to be added to the meter reading image, it becomes possible to add information to the meter reading image. The example in Figure 8 shows a case where the information "11001100 11110000 00001111" is embedded in the meter reading image, starting from the top left pixel to the bottom right pixel. While it is difficult for the human eye to discern the change in the least significant bit of each pixel in such a meter reading image, as long as the meter reading image is digital data, it is possible to accurately extract the embedded information by analyzing each pixel.

[0067] Furthermore, the methods and rules for adding the information described above are not known to the workers, but only to the client. Then, the meter reading device 1 adds the information to the meter reading image according to these methods and rules. As a result, if an unauthorized action such as image editing or replacement is performed by an operator or third party who is unaware of the above addition methods and rules, an anomaly will occur in the information embedded in the meter reading image. Therefore, the client can detect this through information analysis by the fraud verification device 2, thereby uncovering any fraudulent activity in the meter reading image.

[0068] Furthermore, if the photographer information acquisition unit 104 acquires information indicating the photographer, the information addition unit 106 may add the photographer information to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 in a manner that allows the content to be understood through specific processing.

[0069] Furthermore, if the date and time information acquisition unit 105 acquires date and time information, the information addition unit 106 may add the date and time information to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 in a manner that allows the content to be understood through specific processing.

[0070] Next, the output unit 107 outputs the meter reading image to which information has been added by the information addition unit 106 (step ST107). In this case, for example, the output unit 107 may directly output the meter reading image to the fraud verification device 2, to which the information has been added by the information adding unit 106. Alternatively, for example, the output unit 107 may output the meter reading image to an external storage device such as a USB memory, to which the external storage device may store the meter reading image.

[0071] Next, an example of the operation of the fraud verification device 2 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0072] In the example of operation of the fraud verification device 2 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 3, for example as shown in Figure 9, first, the image acquisition unit 201 acquires the meter reading image output by the meter reading device 1 (step ST201). In this case, for example, the image acquisition unit 201 may acquire meter reading images directly output from the meter reading device 1. Alternatively, for example, the image acquisition unit 201 may acquire meter reading images stored in an external storage device such as a USB memory.

[0073] Next, the location information acquisition unit 202 acquires location information from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 by going through the specific processing described above (step ST202).

[0074] Furthermore, the photographer information acquisition unit 203 acquires information indicating the photographer from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 by going through the specific processing described above (step ST203).

[0075] Furthermore, the date and time information acquisition unit 204 acquires date and time information from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 by going through the specific processing described above (step ST204).

[0076] Next, the fraud detection unit 205 determines whether or not the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 is fraudulent based on the results acquired by the location information acquisition unit 202 (step ST205). Here, the fraud detection unit 205 determines that there is no fraud in the meter reading image if location information is acquired by the location information acquisition unit 202 and the location information matches (including approximate matches) the location of the target meter. On the other hand, the fraud detection unit 205 determines that there is fraud in the meter reading image if location information cannot be acquired by the location information acquisition unit 202, or if location information can be acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 but the location information does not match (including approximate matches) the location of the target meter.

[0077] If the meter reading image is edited (tampered with) by the worker or a third party, the information added to the meter reading image will be lost as a result of this editing. Therefore, the fraud detection unit 205 can detect that the meter reading image has been edited.

[0078] Furthermore, if the meter reading image is replaced by a worker, a third party, or another meter reading image, this replacement image will not have any information attached to it. Therefore, the fraud detection unit 205 can detect that the meter reading image has been replaced. Note that the result is the same whether the replacement meter reading image is a manually generated image or an AI-generated image.

[0079] Furthermore, if the metadata of the meter reading image is edited (tampered with) by the worker or a third party, the information added to the meter reading image as a result of this editing will not match the metadata. Therefore, the fraud detection unit 205 can detect that the metadata of the meter reading image has been edited.

[0080] Furthermore, if multiple identical meters exist, it is possible to falsify the meter reading by photographing the reading of a different meter instead of the target meter. In this case, the fraud detection unit 205 can also detect that the meter reading image is of a meter different from the target meter by checking the location information attached to the meter reading image.

[0081] As described above, the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1 makes it impossible to perform various fraudulent acts on meter reading images, thus making the meter readings captured in the images reliable. This allows people other than meter readers to take over the meter verification work, enabling a reduction in the number of meter readers and lowering costs.

[0082] Next, the meter reading unit 206 reads the meter reading value from the meter reading image if the fraud detection unit 205 determines that there is no fraud in the meter reading image (step ST206).

[0083] As described above, in the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1, the meter reading device 1 embeds information indicating the location where the meter reading image was taken into the meter reading image, and the fraud verification device 2 analyzes the meter reading image to obtain the location information and confirm whether there is any fraud in the meter reading image. In this case, if the meter reading image has been manipulated or replaced, the information embedded in the meter reading image will be missing, so the fraud can be detected.

[0084] Furthermore, in the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1, information is embedded in the meter reading image, enabling communication regarding meter reading using only this image. Therefore, even if there is no secure network environment between the worker and the client, communication can be conducted, for example, in the following manner. For example, in the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1, the worker can store the meter reading image on an external storage device such as a USB memory and hand it over to the client. Also, for example, in the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1, an offline mobile terminal is provided, and the worker can hand over the mobile terminal on which the meter reading image has been acquired to the client. Furthermore, for example, in the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1, a webmail service is utilized, and the worker can attach the meter reading image to an email and send it to the client. Thus, the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1 avoids the costs and risks of building and continuously operating a secure network by completing the exchange using only meter reading images. Furthermore, by storing the meter reading images as data in the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1, they can function as evidence in the event that a user suspects fraudulent or incorrect meter reading. In this way, a meter reading solution that is completed using only meter reading images is considered to have certain value.

[0085] As described above, according to this embodiment 1, the meter reading system comprises a meter reading device 1 and a fraud verification device 2. The meter reading device 1 includes an image acquisition unit 102 that acquires a meter reading image showing the meter reading value obtained by the imaging unit 101, a location information acquisition unit 103 that acquires information indicating the location where the imaging unit 101 took place, and a method that allows the content to be understood by processing the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 with respect to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 through a specific process. The fraud verification device 2 comprises an information addition unit 106 for adding information and an output unit 107 for outputting a meter reading image to which information has been added by the information addition unit 106. The fraud verification device 2 comprises an image acquisition unit 201 for acquiring a meter reading image output by the meter reading device 1, a location information acquisition unit 202 for acquiring location information from the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 through a specific process, and a fraud presence / absence determination unit 205 for determining whether or not the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 201 is fraudulent based on the acquisition results by the location information acquisition unit 202. Furthermore, according to this embodiment 1, the location information acquisition unit 103 acquires information indicating the location where the image was taken by the image capture unit 101, based on the GPS signal from the GPS. Furthermore, according to this embodiment 1, the information addition unit 106 uses digital watermarking technology to add location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102. As a result, the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1 makes it possible to check whether or not there is any fraud in the image.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this embodiment 1, the location information acquisition unit 103 acquires information indicating the location where the image was taken by the imaging unit 101, based on the reception strength of the signal from the beacon installed on the meter reading device. As a result, the meter reading system according to Embodiment 1 can acquire information indicating the location where the imaging unit 101 took a photograph, even in locations where GPS does not function correctly.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment 1, the meter reading device 1 includes an image acquisition unit 102 that acquires a meter reading image in which the meter reading value obtained by taking a photograph by the photography unit 101 is captured; a location information acquisition unit 103 that acquires information indicating the location where the photograph was taken by the photography unit 101; an information addition unit 106 that adds location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 in a manner that allows the content to be understood through a specific process; and an output unit 107 that outputs the meter reading image to which the information added by the information addition unit 106 has been added. This makes it possible to check whether or not the image is fraudulent in the meter reading device 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0088] Furthermore, according to this embodiment 1, the meter reading method includes the steps of: an image acquisition unit 102 acquiring a meter reading image in which the meter reading value of the meter reading meter obtained by the shooting unit 101 is captured; a location information acquisition unit 103 acquiring information indicating the location where the shooting unit 101 took the photograph; an information addition unit 106 adding location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 103 to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit 102 in a manner that allows the content to be understood through specific processing; and an output unit 107 outputting the meter reading image to which the information addition unit 106 has added information. This makes it possible to check whether or not the image is fraudulent in the meter reading method according to Embodiment 1.

[0089] Furthermore, any component of the embodiment can be modified, or any component of the embodiment can be omitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1. Meter reading device 2. Fraud Verification Device 101 Photography Department 102 Image acquisition unit 103 Location information acquisition unit 104 Photographer Information Acquisition Section 105 Date and time information acquisition section 106 Information Addition Unit 107 Output section 201 Image Acquisition Unit (Second Image Acquisition Unit) 202 Location Information Acquisition Unit (Second Location Information Acquisition Unit) 203 Photographer Information Acquisition Section 204 Date and time information acquisition section 205 Fraud detection section 206 Meter reading unit

Claims

1. Equipped with a meter reading device and a fraud detection device, The meter reading device is An image acquisition unit acquires a meter reading image that shows the meter reading value obtained by the shooting unit, A location information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the location where the image was taken by the aforementioned imaging unit, An information addition unit adds location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit in a manner that allows the content to be understood through a specific process. The system includes an output unit that outputs a meter reading image to which information has been added by the information addition unit, The fraud verification device described above is A second image acquisition unit that acquires the meter reading image output by the meter reading device, A second location information acquisition unit acquires location information from the meter reading image acquired by the second image acquisition unit, via the specific processing described above. The system includes a fraud detection unit that determines whether or not the meter reading image acquired by the second image acquisition unit is fraudulent based on the acquisition results by the second location information acquisition unit. A meter reading system characterized by the following features.

2. The location information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the location where the image was taken by the imaging unit, based on GPS signals from the GPS. The meter reading system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1.

3. The location information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the location where the imaging unit captured images, based on the signal strength received from the beacon installed on the meter reading device. The meter reading system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1.

4. The information addition unit uses digital watermarking technology to add location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit. A meter reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the features described herein.

5. An image acquisition unit acquires a meter reading image that shows the meter reading value obtained by the shooting unit, A location information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the location where the image was taken by the aforementioned imaging unit, An information addition unit adds location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit in a manner that allows the content to be understood through a specific process. An output unit that outputs a meter reading image to which information has been added by the information addition unit. A meter reading device equipped with the following features.

6. The image acquisition unit acquires a meter reading image in which the meter reading value obtained by the shooting unit is captured, The location information acquisition unit acquires information indicating the location where the image was taken by the image capture unit, The information addition unit adds location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit to the meter reading image acquired by the image acquisition unit in a manner that allows the content to be understood through a specific process. The output unit outputs a meter reading image to which information has been added by the information addition unit. A meter reading method having [specific characteristics].

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