Automated Meter Reading System with Prediction and Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual meter reading by utility companies often results in errors, leading to consumer dissatisfaction, increased costs, and resource inefficiencies due to the need for rectification and complaint handling.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor, extraction module, prediction module, and computation module that assists meter reading personnel by extracting historical data, predicting resource consumption, and analyzing observed data to determine accurate actual consumption, reducing errors and improving reading accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual meter reading is performed by service personnel, then resource consumption data can be collected, but errors are introduced during collection leading to consumer dissatisfaction and loss of time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of meter reading with an automated electronic system. A meter reading device captures images of the meter display, uses optical character recognition (OCR) to extract readings automatically, and transmits data electronically. This substitution eliminates human error in reading and data entry, directly improving measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the meter reading through image capture and OCR recognition. Instead of manually transcribing the reading, the system captures an image of the meter display and automatically converts it to digital data, reducing errors introduced during manual data collection and entry.
2Quantity of substance
If meter reading personnel manually read and record consumption data, then consumption information is obtained, but the process is cumbersome requiring travel to each location and significant time investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical travel and manual recording process with automated electronic data collection. The system uses image capture devices to obtain meter readings remotely, processes the data automatically through OCR and validation algorithms, and transmits it electronically. This eliminates the need for personnel to physically travel to each meter location, dramatically reducing time loss while maintaining comprehensive data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and error checking of meter readings automatically before final processing. The validation module checks readings against expected ranges and historical data, identifying and correcting errors before they affect billing. This preliminary automated processing reduces the need for follow-up visits and re-reading.
3Quantity of substance
If manual meter reading processes are used, then consumption data can be gathered, but errors require revisiting meter locations for rectification resulting in loss of time and capital
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual reading and error detection with automated electronic systems that capture meter images, recognize readings through OCR, and validate data against predefined criteria. This automation eliminates human error in reading and enables immediate detection of anomalies, preventing erroneous data from propagating to billing systems and eliminating the need for corrective field visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time validation feedback that compares meter readings against expected ranges, historical consumption patterns, and billing parameters. When anomalies are detected, the system immediately flags them for review or automatic correction, providing continuous feedback that prevents errors from reaching the billing stage and eliminates the need for later rectification.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for determining consumption of resources to assist a meter reading personnel are described. According to an embodiment, the system includes a processor and an extraction module coupled to the processor configured to extract historical data associated with a meter to be read. The system further includes a prediction module coupled to the processor configured to determine a predicted resource consumption for a current cycle based on the historical data and provide the predicted meter reading to a display device corresponding to a meter reading personnel. Furthermore, the system includes a computation module coupled to the processor configured to determine an actual resource consumption for the current cycle based on an analysis of an observed resource consumption of the current cycle with respect to the predicted resource consumption.