Automatic Meter Image Recognition with Coordinate-Based Readout Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electro-mechanical meters require manual reading, which is tedious, costly, and prone to errors, and replacing them with smart meters is time-consuming and effort-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An automatic measuring system (AMS) using configurable integrated circuits (ICs) processes information via captured images, comprising a metering instrument, a camera, a recognition module, and a localization module, to automatically read meter values by capturing images, calculating counter values, and generating coordinates for image restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual reading of traditional electro-mechanical meters is performed, then meter values can be obtained, but the process is tedious, costly, and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical reading process with an automated optical system. A camera captures images of the meter display, and image processing algorithms automatically extract the meter values, eliminating the need for human operators to manually read and record data. This substitution resolves the contradiction by simultaneously improving efficiency (no manual intervention needed) and reliability (automated extraction reduces human error).
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the meter display through image capture. Instead of manually observing and transcribing the display, the camera creates an optical copy that can be processed automatically. This copying approach enables automated analysis while maintaining accurate representation of the original display, thus improving both productivity and reliability.
2Extent of automation
If traditional electro-mechanical meters are replaced with smart meters, then automated reading capability is achieved, but the replacement process is time-consuming and effort-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution that works with existing traditional meters rather than requiring replacement. The camera and image processing system serve as intermediaries between the traditional meter display and the automated reading requirement. This approach achieves automation without the time-consuming replacement process, resolving the contradiction by maintaining compatibility with legacy infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of the meter display, which can then be processed automatically. Instead of requiring physical replacement of meters, the preliminary image capture enables subsequent automated processing, achieving automation while preserving existing meter infrastructure and avoiding replacement time losses.
3Ease of operation
If image processing is used to read meter values, then manual effort is reduced, but image distortion must be corrected through coordinate transformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task into distinct components: coordinate transformation to correct distortion, followed by digit recognition. By dividing the complex processing into manageable segments, the system handles distortion correction systematically before proceeding to value extraction. This segmentation makes the overall complex process more manageable and implementable while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic measuring system containing configurable integrated circuits is able to process information via captured images. The automatic measuring system includes a metering instrument, a camera, a recognition module, and a localization module. The metering instrument has at least one display for visually displaying a number and measures the amount of measurable substance or resources (i.e., electricity and water) consumed. The camera captures an image of the number representing at least a portion the amount of measurable substance. The recognition module is operable to generate a value in response to the image and the coordinates wherein the coordinates are used to decode the image via restoring captured image to the original readout counter value. The localization module is removably or remotely coupled to the camera and operable to generate the coordinates in accordance with the image captured by the camera.