Communication terminals, information processing methods, network systems, and servers

Abstract

To reduce the risk of using erroneous information by detecting that a display unit of a meter is dewed or cloudy to output information indicating this condition.SOLUTION: A communication terminal 100 is provided that has a camera 150 for capturing a display unit of a meter 200, a communication interface 160 for communicating with a server 300, and a processor 110. The processor 110 outputs error information when brightness at a plurality of predetermined portions 230A, 230B, 230C in an image obtained by capturing the display unit with the camera 150 shows significant differences.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for automatically reading the meter reading value of a meter for water supply, gas, etc. and transmitting it to a server.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a meter for metering the usage amount of water supply, gas, etc. has been installed in houses, offices, etc. And International Publication No. 2019 / 208066 (Citation Document 1) discloses an imaging device and a system. According to Citation Document 1, there is provided an imaging device equipped with a battery, comprising an imaging unit and a communication chip, wherein the imaging unit is configured to be able to image a numerical value as an image, and the communication chip is configured to be able to transmit the image imaged by the imaging unit and the remaining amount of the battery to the outside.

[0003] Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-55512 (Citation Document 2) provides an automatic inspection system, an inspection target reading device for an automatic inspection system, and a control method for an automatic inspection system. According to Citation Document 2, the reading device includes a wireless slave station that communicates through a multi-hop wireless network, a measurement unit that measures the state of an inspection target and generates measurement data, a measurement data analysis unit, and, when the analysis by the measurement data analysis unit fails, a failure cause analysis unit that analyzes the cause of the failure, and transmits the measurement data to a data collection device with failure cause information associated therewith. The data collection device includes a wireless master station, a measurement data acquisition unit that acquires measurement data from each reading device, a recording unit that records the measurement data when failure cause information is not associated with the measurement data, and a retry control unit that retries data acquisition according to the type of failure cause when failure cause information is associated with the measurement data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] The objective of this invention is to reduce the possibility of using incorrect information by detecting when condensation or fogging occurs on the meter's display and outputting information indicating this. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of this invention, a communication terminal is provided comprising a camera for photographing the display unit of a meter, a communication interface for communicating with a server, and a processor. The processor outputs error information when the brightness of a predetermined number of locations in the image of the display unit captured by the camera differs significantly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, according to the present invention, by detecting when condensation or fogging occurs on the meter's display and outputting information indicating this, it becomes possible to reduce the possibility of using incorrect information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an image diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an illustrative diagram showing the method of mounting the communication terminal and measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] These are plan views of the communication terminal according to the first embodiment, with the terminal attached to the measuring device. [Figure 4] This is an illustrative diagram showing the area around the display unit of the measuring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]This is a block diagram showing the main functions of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an illustrative diagram showing a portion of the captured image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the information processing in a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the main functions of the center server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an illustrative diagram showing the display unit of a measuring device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an illustrative diagram showing the display unit of another measuring device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating the information processing in a communication terminal according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated. <First Embodiment>

[0010] First, the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The network system 1 according to this embodiment mainly includes a measuring device 200, a communication terminal 100, a network 500, a center-side network control device 400, a center server 300, and the like.

[0011] The measuring device 200 is a meter used for measuring usage fees for water, gas, etc., and in particular, displays the cumulative value of usage up to date as the measurement result.

[0012] The communication terminal 100 is a device that can be attached retroactively near the measuring device 200. In the present embodiment, the communication terminal 100 reads the measured value displayed by the measuring device 200 by using a camera or an OCR (Optical Character Reader) function, and transmits the measured value to the server 300 by using a communication antenna.

[0013] The server 300 acquires the measured value from the communication terminal 100 via a network 500 such as the Internet, and calculates usage fees for gas, water, electricity, etc. in each household, each office, and each building.

[0014] As described above, even when the measuring device 200 is not pre-connected to the network, the network system 1 according to the present embodiment can provide the measured value by the measuring device 200 to the server 300 by retroactively attaching the communication terminal 100 to the measuring device 200. In particular, the communication terminal 100 according to the present embodiment adds error information and outputs it when, for example, water droplets adhere to the glass of the display unit of the measuring device 200 and condensation occurs, so that it can notify the center or the administrator that there is a possibility that the measurement result cannot be accurately obtained. As a result, the reliability of the entire network system 1 can be improved. Hereinafter, such functions will be described in detail.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 2(A), the measuring device 200 is a general device for measuring the usage amount of water or gas. The measuring device 200 is preferably arranged in a BOX not exposed to sunlight. And a display unit 230 used for an operator to confirm the usage amount at the time of meter reading is provided. The display unit 230 may be a rotary analog display or a digital display. In the present embodiment, the display unit 230 has a black back surface and is covered with a glass surface on the front surface.

[0016] In this embodiment, the communication terminal 100 is attached to the front of the measuring device 200. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2(A) to 2(B), the communication terminal 100 is held in a state where the camera 150 of the communication terminal 100 faces the display unit 230 on the front of the measuring device 200. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 2(C) and 3, the communication terminal 100 is fixed to the measuring device 200 by a jig such as a binding band.

[0017] And particularly in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, outside the glass surface 230G of the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200, near the digital display unit 230X, a metal with a higher thermal conductivity than glass, for example, aluminum foil 231, is attached. Since the aluminum foil 231 has a high thermal conductivity, the temperature of the air outside the glass surface 230G is easily transmitted to the glass surface 230G and is easily maintained at a temperature close to that of the air. As a result, the closer the position 230A of the glass surface 230G is to the aluminum foil 231, the closer it is to the temperature of the outside air, and the farther the position 230C is from the aluminum foil 231, the closer it is to the temperature of the air inside the glass surface. Thereby, when the outside air temperature is high or when the humidity of the outside air temperature is high, the farther the position 230C of the glass surface 230G is from the aluminum foil 231, the easier it is to condense, and the closer the position 230A is to the aluminum foil 231, the less likely it is to condense.

[0018] In this embodiment, the digital display unit 230X has white numbers displayed on a black back surface. [[ID=IO]]

[0019] Next, referring to FIG. 5, an aspect of the configuration of the communication terminal 100 will be described. The communication terminal 100 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a memory 120, a camera 150, a communication interface 160, a flashlight 170, a battery 180, and the like.

[0020] The CPU 110 controls various parts of the communication terminal 100 according to a program stored in the memory 120. In this embodiment, the CPU 110 recognizes strings of numbers and characters from images captured by the camera 150 by executing an OCR application program, for example.

[0021] Memory 120 stores the control program, images captured by camera 150, recognized measurement values, and information regarding the condensation of the display unit.

[0022] The communication interface 160 transmits various types of information to the central server 300 and inputs commands and data from the central server 300 to the CPU 110, according to instructions from the CPU 110.

[0023] The camera 150 periodically, for example, at intervals such as once a month, takes a photograph of the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 located in front of it, in accordance with instructions from the CPU 110 and the server 300, and stores the captured image data in the memory 120. In this embodiment, the CPU 110 then uses OCR functionality to read out a sequence of numbers as a measured value based on the captured image.

[0024] The flashlight 170 emits light in the direction of the camera 150's shooting, according to instructions from the CPU 110. In this embodiment, the CPU 110 causes the camera 150 to capture a still image at the same time that the flashlight 170 is activated.

[0025] More specifically, in the case of the communication terminal 100 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, when the brightness of the image captured by the camera 150 is lower in areas 230A closer to the aluminum foil 231 and higher in areas 230D further away from the aluminum foil 231, it is determined that there is a high possibility that water droplets are adhering to the glass surface 230G of the display unit 230, and a warning information to that effect is added to the measurement result and stored in the memory 120. Where water droplets are present, the light from the flashlight 170 is easily reflected, resulting in a whitish image being captured, while areas without water droplets are captured as a dark image of the back of the digital display unit 230X.

[0026] More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, multiple locations 230A, 230B, and 230C with the same brightness are pre-set in the black area on the back of the digital display unit 230X, i.e., the low-brightness area, from the image captured by the camera 150. When reading the meter, the CPU 110 determines that there is a high probability that water droplets are adhering to the glass surface 230G of the display unit 230 if the brightness is lower in the location 230A, which is closer to the aluminum foil 231, and higher in the location 230C, which is further away from the aluminum foil 231.

[0027] Returning to Figure 5, each part of the communication terminal 100 according to this embodiment is powered by a battery.

[0028] The communication terminal 100 may also have a display unit. The display unit is a digital display that displays text and images according to instructions from the CPU 110.

[0029] Furthermore, the communication terminal 100 may have a simple control panel. Examples of control panels include a button for turning the power ON / OFF and a button for activating the camera 150 to take pictures. Alternatively, instead of the user operating it with their fingers, the CPU 110 may use a 6-axis sensor or magnet to activate the camera 150 and take pictures when it detects a predetermined situation.

[0030] The control processing of the communication terminal 100 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. The CPU 110 of the communication terminal 100 according to this embodiment executes the following processing according to the program in the ROM and the program stored in the memory 120.

[0031] Referring to Figure 7, the CPU 110 of the communication terminal 100 remains on standby until the scheduled meter reading time (step S102).

[0032] When it is time to read the meter, the CPU 110 turns on the flashlight 170 and takes a picture of the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 with the camera 150 (step S104).

[0033] The CPU 110 determines whether the color of the display unit 230 is normal based on the captured image data (step S106). More specifically, the CPU 110 determines that it is normal if the brightness of several predetermined locations is the same based on the captured image. Alternatively, the CPU 110 determines that it is not normal if the brightness of several predetermined locations is lower at locations 230A closer to the aluminum foil 231 and higher at locations 230C further away from the aluminum foil 231.

[0034] If the display color is normal (if the answer is YES in step S106), the CPU 110 turns OFF the "brightness abnormality flag" and sets the "number of brightness abnormalities" to zero (step S108). The CPU 110 then executes the process from step S112.

[0035] If the display color is not normal (if the result is NO in step S106), the CPU 110 turns on the "brightness abnormality flag" and increments the "brightness abnormality count" by 1 (step S110).

[0036] The CPU 110 acquires the meter reading value using the OCR function based on the captured image (step S112). The CPU 110 transmits the "meter reading value" and "brightness anomaly flag" information to the server 300 via the communication interface 160 (step S112).

[0037] The CPU 110 determines whether the "brightness abnormality flag" is ON or OFF (step S114). If the "brightness abnormality flag" is OFF (NO in step S114), the CPU 110 terminates the meter reading process.

[0038] On the other hand, if the "luminance abnormality flag" is ON (YES in step S114), the CPU 110 waits for a predetermined time, then turns on the flashlight 170 and takes a picture of the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 with the camera 150 (step S116).

[0039] The CPU 110 determines whether the color of the display unit 230 is normal based on the captured image data (step S122). More specifically, the CPU 110 determines that it is normal if the brightness of several predetermined locations is the same based on the captured image. Alternatively, the CPU 110 determines that it is not normal if the brightness of several predetermined locations is lower in areas closer to the aluminum foil 231.

[0040] If the display color is normal (if the answer is YES in step S122), the CPU 110 turns OFF the "brightness abnormality flag" and sets the "number of brightness abnormalities" to zero (step S124). The CPU 110 then executes the process from step S128.

[0041] If the display color is not normal (if the answer is NO in step S122), the CPU 110 turns on the "brightness abnormality flag" and increments the "brightness abnormality count" by 1 (step S126).

[0042] The CPU 110 acquires the meter reading value using the OCR function based on the captured image (step S128). The CPU 110 transmits the meter reading value and "brightness abnormality flag" information to the server 300 via the communication interface 160 (step S128).

[0043] The CPU 110 determines whether the "number of brightness anomalies" is less than a predetermined value (step S130). If the "number of brightness anomalies" is less than the predetermined value (if the answer is YES in step S130), the CPU 110 waits for a predetermined time again, then turns on the flashlight 170 and takes a picture of the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 with the camera 150 (step S134). The CPU 110 repeats the process from step S122.

[0044] If the "number of brightness anomalies" is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (if the result is NO in step S130), the CPU 110 sends warning information to the server 300 via the communication interface 160 indicating that the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 is cloudy for a long period of time or that the display unit 230 is dirty (step S132). The CPU 110 then terminates the meter reading process.

[0045] Next, the configuration of the center server 300 will be described. As shown in Figure 8, the center server 300 includes, as its main components, a CPU 310, memory 320, an operation unit 340, and a communication interface 360.

[0046] The CPU 310 controls various parts of the server 300 by executing programs stored in the memory 320. For example, the CPU 310 executes various processes by executing programs stored in the memory 320 and referring to various data.

[0047] The memory 320 is implemented by various types of RAM, various types of ROM, etc., and may be embedded in the server 300, or it may be detachable from various interfaces of the server 300, or it may be a recording medium of another device accessible from the server 300. The memory 320 stores programs executed by the CPU 310, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 310, input data, and databases used for other services according to this embodiment.

[0048] For example, memory 320 stores meter reading data for each household. The meter reading data includes, for each subscriber, the subscriber's identification information, subscriber's address, history of meter readings, the assigned technician, and the communication address of their terminal, among other correspondences.

[0049] The control unit 340 receives commands from service managers, operators, service personnel, etc., and inputs those commands to the CPU 310.

[0050] The communication interface 360 ​​transmits data from the CPU 310 to the central network control unit 400, communication terminal 100, and other devices via the internet, carrier network, routers, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 360 ​​receives data from the central network control unit 400, communication terminal 100, and other devices via the internet, carrier network, routers, etc., and passes it on to the CPU 310.

[0051] For example, in this embodiment, the CPU 310 adds the meter reading value, meter reading date and time, and "brightness abnormality flag" information received from the communication terminal 100 via the communication interface 360 ​​to the meter reading data in the memory 320, and also transmits various information to the service technician's terminal. <Second Embodiment>

[0052] In the above embodiment, a highly thermally conductive aluminum foil 231 was attached to the glass surface 230G of the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, an object with lower thermal conductivity than glass, such as a foamed insulation sheet 232, may be attached to the outer surface of the glass surface 230G of the measuring device 200, near the digital display section 230X. Because the foamed insulation sheet 232 has low thermal conductivity, the temperature of the air outside the glass surface 230G is less likely to be transferred to the glass surface 230G, and it is easier to maintain a temperature close to that of the air inside the glass surface 230G. As a result, the closer the glass surface 230G is to the foamed insulation sheet 232, the closer the temperature is to that of the air inside the glass surface 230G, and the further away the foamed insulation sheet 232, the closer the temperature is to that of the air outside the glass surface 230G. Consequently, when the outside temperature is high or the humidity of the outside temperature is high, condensation is more likely to occur closer to the foamed insulation sheet 232 on the glass surface 230G, and less likely to occur further away from the foamed insulation sheet 232.

[0054] In other words, in this embodiment, in steps S106 and S122, the CPU 110 determines that the brightness of a plurality of predetermined locations 230A, 230B, and 230C is abnormal if the brightness is higher in locations 230A that are closer to the foam insulation sheet 232, and lower in locations 230B that are further away from the foam insulation sheet 232.

[0055] As shown in Figure 10, aluminum foil 231 or foamed insulation sheet 232 may be attached above or below the digital display unit 230X. <Third Embodiment>

[0056] In addition to the above embodiment, the multiple locations 230A, 230B, and 230C in the captured image where brightness comparison should be performed may be predetermined or set for each measuring device 200 or each communication terminal 100. For example, when the communication terminal 100 is fixed to the measuring device 200 and connected to the server 300 for the first time, or when the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 is photographed for the first time, the following process may be performed. That is, the CPU 110 turns on the flashlight 170 and photographs the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 with the camera 150. The CPU 110 may determine multiple locations 230A, 230B, and 230C where the same brightness is observed among the parts where the brightness is below a predetermined value as brightness confirmation locations. It is preferable that the position where the aluminum foil 231 is attached to the display unit 230 is always predetermined. As a result, at a later date, the CPU 110 can determine whether the glass surface 230G is cloudy or not by judging whether the brightness of several predetermined locations 230A, 230B, and 230C is lower in areas closer to the aluminum foil 231.

[0057] Alternatively, the following processing may be performed when the communication terminal 100 is fixed to the measuring device 200 and connected to the server 300 for the first time, or when the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 is photographed for the first time. Specifically, the CPU 110 turns on the flashlight 170 and photographs the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 with the camera 150. The CPU 110 transmits the captured image to the server 300 via the communication interface 160. For each communication terminal 100, the CPU 310 determines, based on the received captured image, multiple locations 230A, 230B, and 230C where the same brightness is observed among the parts where the brightness is below a predetermined value, as brightness confirmation locations and registers them in the memory 120. It also provides the communication terminal 100 via the communication interface 360 ​​with information to specify the brightness confirmation locations 230A, 230B, and 230C. It is preferable that the position where the aluminum foil 231 is attached to the display unit 230 is always fixed. As a result, at a later date, the CPU 110 of the communication terminal 100 can determine whether the glass surface 230G is cloudy or not by judging whether the brightness of several predetermined locations 230A, 230B, and 230C is lower in areas closer to the aluminum foil 231. <Fourth Embodiment>

[0058] Some or all of the roles of each device in the network system 1 of the above embodiment may be performed by other devices. For example, in the above embodiment, the communication terminal 100 recognized measured values ​​using OCR functionality and determined the presence or absence of condensation by checking the brightness at multiple locations.

[0059] However, these processes may also be performed on the center server 300. More specifically, when the CPU 310 of the center server 300 receives a captured image from the communication terminal 100, it performs the following processes according to the programs stored in the ROM and memory 320.

[0060] Referring to Figure 11, the CPU 310 acquires the captured image from the communication terminal 100 via the communication interface 160 (step S202). Based on the captured image data, the CPU 310 determines whether the color of the display unit 230 is normal or not (step S206). More specifically, the CPU 310 determines that the image is normal if the brightness of several predetermined locations 230A, 230B, and 230C for each communication terminal 100 is the same, based on the captured image. Alternatively, the CPU 310 determines that the image is not normal if the brightness of several predetermined locations is lower the closer they are to the aluminum foil 231, for example, the further you go in a predetermined direction.

[0061] If the display color is normal (if the answer is YES in step S206), the CPU 310 turns OFF the "brightness abnormality flag" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 and sets the "number of brightness abnormalities" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 to zero (step S208). The CPU 310 then executes the process from step S212.

[0062] If the display color is not normal (if the result is NO in step S206), the CPU 310 turns on the "brightness abnormality flag" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 and increments the "brightness abnormality count" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 by 1 (step S210).

[0063] The CPU 310 uses its OCR function to acquire meter readings based on the captured image, and stores these meter readings and "brightness abnormality flag" information in association with the communication terminal 100, measuring device 200, and user (step S212).

[0064] The CPU 310 determines whether the "brightness abnormality flag" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 is ON or OFF (step S214). If the "brightness abnormality flag" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 is OFF (NO in step S214), the CPU 310 terminates the meter reading process for the current communication terminal 100.

[0065] On the other hand, if the "luminance abnormality flag" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 is ON (if it is YES in step S214), the CPU 310 waits for a predetermined time and then sends a re-shooting instruction to the communication terminal 100 to reacquire the captured image of the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 (step S216).

[0066] The CPU 310 determines whether the color of the display unit 230 is normal based on the captured image data (step S222). More specifically, the CPU 310 determines that the display is normal if the brightness of several predetermined locations 230A, 230B, and 230C is the same based on the captured image. Alternatively, the CPU 310 determines that the display is not normal if the brightness of several predetermined locations is lower in areas closer to the aluminum foil 231.

[0067] If the display color is normal (if the answer is YES in step S222), the CPU 310 turns OFF the "brightness abnormality flag" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 and sets the "number of brightness abnormalities" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 to zero (step S224). The CPU 310 then executes the processing from step S228.

[0068] If the display color is not normal (if the result is NO in step S222), the CPU 310 turns on the "brightness abnormality flag" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 and increments the "brightness abnormality count" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 by 1 (step S226).

[0069] The CPU 310 uses its OCR function to acquire meter readings based on the captured image, and stores these meter readings and "luminance abnormality flag" information in association with the communication terminal 100, measuring device 200, and user (step S228).

[0070] The CPU 310 determines whether the "number of brightness anomalies" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 is less than a predetermined value (step S230). If the "number of brightness anomalies" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 is less than the predetermined value (if the answer is YES in step S230), the CPU 310 waits for a predetermined time and then sends a re-shooting instruction to the communication terminal 100 to reacquire the captured image of the display unit 230 (step S234). The CPU 310 repeats the process from step S222.

[0071] If the number of "brightness anomalies" corresponding to the communication terminal 100 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (if the result is NO in step S230), the CPU 310 stores warning information on the display unit 230 of the measuring device 200 indicating long-term "clouding" or that the display unit 230 is dirty, associated with the communication terminal 100, or notifies the communication terminal of the person in charge of the communication terminal 100 or the measuring device 200 of the warning information (step S232). The CPU 310 then terminates the meter reading process for the current communication terminal 100. <Summary>

[0072] In the above embodiment, a communication terminal is provided that includes a camera for photographing the meter's display, a communication interface for communicating with a server, and a processor. The processor outputs error information when the brightness of a predetermined number of locations in the image of the display captured by the camera differs significantly.

[0073] Preferably, an object having a different thermal conductivity than the glass surface of the display unit is attached to the glass surface. The processor outputs error information when the brightness of the area of ​​the image close to the object and the area far from the object differ significantly.

[0074] Preferably, the object contains a metal with high thermal conductivity. The processor outputs error information if the brightness of the area close to the object is significantly lower than the brightness of the area farther away.

[0075] Preferably, the object contains a metal with low thermal conductivity. The processor outputs error information if the brightness in the area close to the object is significantly higher than the brightness in the area farther away.

[0076] Preferably, if the processor outputs error information, it will take another picture of the display unit with the camera after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an information processing method for a communication terminal is provided, comprising the steps of: taking a picture of the meter display with a camera; determining whether the brightness of a predetermined number of locations in the captured image differs significantly; and outputting error information if the brightness of a predetermined number of locations differs significantly.

[0078] In the above embodiment, a network system comprising a meter, a server, and a communication terminal is provided. The communication terminal outputs error information when the brightness of a predetermined area in an image of the meter's display captured by a camera is significantly different.

[0079] In the above embodiment, a server is provided which includes a communication interface for communicating with a communication terminal, and a processor that receives an image of the meter's display unit captured by the camera of the communication terminal via the communication interface, and outputs error information when the brightness of a predetermined number of locations in the captured image differs significantly.

[0080] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1: Network System 100: Communication terminal 110: CPU 120: Memory 150: Camera 160: Communication Interface 170: Flashlight 200: Measuring device 230:Display section 230G: Glass surface 230X: Meter display unit 231: Aluminum foil 232: Foamed insulation sheet 300: Center Server 310: CPU 320: Memory 340:Operation unit 360: Communication Interface 400: Center-side network control device 500: Network

Claims

1. A camera for photographing the meter display, A communication interface for communicating with the server, Equipped with a processor, The processor is a communication terminal that outputs error information when the brightness of a predetermined number of locations in an image of the display unit captured by the camera differs significantly.

2. An object having a different thermal conductivity than the glass surface of the display unit is attached to the glass surface. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the processor outputs the error information when the brightness of the area of ​​the image that is close to the object and the area that is far from the object are significantly different.

3. The aforementioned object contains a metal with high thermal conductivity, The communication terminal according to claim 2, wherein the processor outputs the error information when the brightness of the area close to the object is significantly lower than the brightness of the area farther away.

4. The aforementioned object contains a metal with low thermal conductivity. The communication terminal according to claim 2, wherein the processor outputs the error information when the brightness of the area close to the object is significantly higher than the brightness of the area farther away.

5. The communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor, when it outputs the error information, takes another photograph of the display unit with the camera after a predetermined time has elapsed.

6. The steps include taking a picture of the meter display with a camera, A step of determining whether the brightness of several predetermined locations in the captured image is significantly different, A method for processing information in a communication terminal, comprising the step of outputting error information when the brightness of a predetermined number of locations differs significantly.

7. The meter and, Server and Equipped with a communication terminal, The aforementioned communication terminal is a network system that outputs error information when the brightness of a predetermined number of locations in an image of the meter's display unit captured by a camera differs significantly.

8. A communication interface for communicating with a communication terminal, A server comprising: a processor that receives an image of the meter's display unit captured by the camera of the communication terminal via the communication interface, and outputs error information when the brightness of a predetermined number of locations in the captured image differs significantly.

Images