Automated Meter Reader Using Least Significant Incremental Output Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated meter reading technologies require labor-intensive retrofitting, are expensive, and inefficient due to the need for multiple devices for different meter types, and consume excessive battery power by capturing and processing entire meter display images.
Innovation Solution
A novel meter reader that senses only the least significant incremental output in the meter display, using a sensor and emitter to illuminate and detect the least significant dial, reducing image processing complexity and battery consumption, and allowing wireless transmission of metering data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensing device captures the entire meter display portion, then complete meter reading is achieved, but battery consumption increases and circuitry becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and senses only the least significant incremental output from the meter display portion, rather than capturing the entire display. This selective sensing approach reduces the data processing requirements and battery consumption while still providing complete meter reading capability through incremental accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter display is segmented into multiple incremental outputs, and the system selectively senses only the least significant one. The processing unit accumulates these incremental outputs over time to reconstruct the complete meter reading, dividing the sensing task into manageable segments.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing device is physically placed within the electrical meter housing, then direct sensing is achieved, but the retrofitting process becomes extremely labor-intensive and may damage the meter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary optical sensing mechanism that can sense the meter display through the existing glass covering without physical intrusion into the meter housing. This intermediary approach maintains sensing accuracy while avoiding the labor-intensive and potentially damaging retrofitting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically installing sensors inside the meter housing with an optical sensing system that can read the display externally. This substitution eliminates the need for opening the meter housing and reduces retrofitting complexity while maintaining sensing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of meter readers are used for different meter types, then specific meter compatibility is achieved, but implementation, maintenance and repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal meter reader that can read multiple types of meters by sensing the least significant incremental output, which is a common feature across different meter types. This single device performs multiple functions and is compatible with various meter types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the sensing mechanism to adapt to different meter types. By adjusting sensing parameters and using the incremental output principle, the same device can read different meter types without requiring completely different hardware designs.
4Loss of information
If background devices capture entire meter display images, then complete information is obtained, but image processing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential incremental output information from the meter display using a targeted sensing approach, rather than capturing and processing complete images. This extraction method reduces information to the essential elements needed for accurate reading while minimizing processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by sensing only the least significant incremental output rather than the entire display. This partial sensing is sufficient when combined with accumulation in the processing unit, providing complete meter reading information with reduced processing requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables cost-effective, efficient, and versatile meter reading that reduces battery consumption, simplifies implementation and maintenance, and allows for accurate data collection without extensive retrofitting or complex circuitry, supporting various meter types and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter for illuminating the least significant incremental output included in the meter display portion
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for sensing only a least significant incremental output in usage included in the meter display portion
Data Source
AI summary
A meter reader for reading a meter have a display portion displaying a total output of a quantity being metered and plural incremental outputs defining the total output. The meter reader includes a sensing mechanism for sensing one of the plural incremental outputs in the meter display portion, and a processing unit coupled to the sensing mechanism for accumulating incremental outputs sensed by the sensing mechanism and for determining accumulated meter output over a time period based on the accumulated incremental outputs. Also included is an output mechanism for outputting the accumulated meter output determined by the processing unit. In one example, the sensing mechanism includes a sensor for sensing only a least significant incremental output in usage included in the meter display portion, and an emitter for illuminating the least significant incremental output included in the meter display portion. Further, the sensing mechanism senses the least significant incremental output included in the meter display portion at least once every full cycle of the least significant incremental output.