Analog Flow Meter Validation via Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog fluid flow meters are not connected to communication networks, making it time-consuming and costly to collect consumption data, which can lead to delayed detection of anomalies like leaks, resulting in resource wastage and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that retrofits an analog flow meter with a digital camera unit and communication module to capture and transmit measurement readouts to a service server, allowing for remote validation of readings through a series of images analyzed over time, enabling early detection of discrepancies and anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If analog flow meters are replaced with digital flow meters connected to a communication network, then data collection frequency and anomaly detection speed are improved, but installation cost and expertise requirements increase due to fluid interruption needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital camera to capture images of the analog flow meter display, creating a digital copy of the reading. This allows the existing analog meter to be monitored remotely without replacement, achieving frequent automated data collection while avoiding the complex installation requirements of digital meter replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement module acts as an intermediary between the analog flow meter and the remote monitoring system. It captures images locally and transmits them via communication network, enabling remote monitoring without requiring physical replacement of the meter or interruption of fluid flow
2Reliability
If manual data collection from analog flow meters is performed frequently, then anomaly detection speed is improved, but time cost and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the measurement module automatically captures images of the flow meter display and transmits them without human intervention. The server automatically analyzes the readings and detects anomalies, eliminating the need for manual data collection while maintaining high detection speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous automated monitoring by periodically capturing images and transmitting them without interruption. This maintains constant surveillance of the flow meter readings, enabling rapid anomaly detection while eliminating the time loss associated with manual collection intervals
3Ease of operation
If image analysis is performed to read analog display values, then remote monitoring capability is achieved, but measurement precision may be compromised compared to direct digital reading
Solution Approach 1:
The server analyzes the captured images to extract reading values and compares them against expected ranges or historical data. When discrepancies are detected, the system can trigger validation requests for additional readings, providing feedback mechanisms that maintain measurement precision despite the indirect image-based reading method
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation by analyzing multiple consecutive readings and comparing them against each other and against expected consumption patterns. This preliminary analysis filters out potential reading errors before final interpretation, maintaining precision while enabling remote monitoring
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to validating a reading from an analog flow meter, the method comprising: obtaining, at a measurement module arranged at the analog flow meter, a first measurement readout of analog numbers and/or analog pointers displayed by an analog display of the analog flow meter by analyzing an image captured by a digital camera unit of the measurement module; transmitting, via a communication network, the first measurement readout from the measurement module to a service server; analyzing, at the service server, the first measurement readout to check for anomaly; upon the first measurement readout is indicative of an anomaly, transmitting, via the communication network, a validation request from the service server to the measurement module; initiating, at the measurement module, a validation check procedure. The validation check procedure comprising: obtaining, over a time period, a series of measurement readouts of the analog display of the analog flow meter by analyzing a series of images captured by the digital camera unit, and arranging the series of measurement readouts into a validation result. The validation result comprising one or more of: an array of measurement readouts, a function of the series of measurement readouts, and a logical conclusion based on the series of measurement readouts.