Optical Gas Meter Reading With Integrated Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas meter reading systems rely on magnetic pulse reading, which is prone to interference and does not allow for real-time monitoring or detection of leaks, leading to inaccuracies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A device for optical reading of gas meter digits and leak detection using a camera, LED lighting, processor, communication module, and gas sensor, connected to a PCB board, enabling remote monitoring and accurate data transmission via telecommunications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic pulse reading is used, then the gas meter reading can be obtained, but the reading accuracy deteriorates due to interference and discrepancies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic pulse reading system with an optical reading system using a camera. The camera captures images of the gas meter display, and image processing algorithms extract the reading data. This substitution eliminates the interference and discrepancies associated with magnetic pulse reading, providing more accurate and reliable measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the gas meter display rather than directly reading magnetic pulses. The camera captures the visual state of the display, and this copy is then processed to extract the reading. This copying approach avoids the direct contact and interference issues of magnetic pulse reading.
2Productivity
If existing gas meter reading systems are used, then the gas consumption can be tracked, but real-time monitoring capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous optical monitoring of the gas meter display through the camera system. The system can capture images at regular intervals, enabling continuous tracking of gas consumption in real-time. This eliminates the time delays associated with periodic manual readings or pulse-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the captured images are processed to extract consumption data, which is then transmitted and analyzed. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and allows for immediate detection of abnormal consumption patterns or leaks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic pulse reading is used, then the gas meter data can be read, but leak detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single optical reading system. The camera-based system not only reads the gas meter display but also detects gas leaks by capturing images of the gas meter area and analyzing them for leak indicators. This multi-functionality is achieved without significantly increasing system complexity, as the same optical components serve multiple purposes.
4Productivity
If manual gas meter reading is used, then the reading process is simple, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service reading by automatically capturing and processing the gas meter display images. The optical reading system performs the reading function without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in extracting consumption data. This eliminates the need for trained readers and reduces time consumption significantly.
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
Ensures precise gas consumption tracking, leak detection, and remote monitoring, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring user safety with unambiguous readings and real-time data access.
Implementation Method 1
a camera (13) connected to the PCB board (12) by a connector (14)
Implementation Method 2
LED lighting (15) connected to the PCB board (12) permanently by soldering
Implementation Method 3
a gas sensor (16) connected to the PCB board (12) permanently by soldering
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device for optical reading of gas meter digits and detecting leaks in the gas installation at the place of installation, comprising: a housing consisting of a housing base 1 and a housing cover 2, a battery 3, a PCB board 4, characterised in that it has a housing base 1 of rectangular cross-section containing a battery 3 and a housing cover 2 with a PCB board 4, which cover 2 with a PCB board 4 constitutes one wall of the housing, and the housing base 1 has openings 5 in each corner and a handle 6, which is mounted in place 7 in the lower part of the housing base 1, which handle 6 comprises an arm 8 with a cross-section of the letter s and the housing base 1 has an empty space inside and has the shape of an approximately cuboid, and the PCB board 4 contains a camera 9 connected to the PCB board by a connector, LED lighting 10 connected to the PCB board permanently by soldering, a communication module 11 connected to the PCB board permanently by soldering, the magnetic pulse sensor 12 permanently connected to the PCB board by soldering, and the processor 13 permanently connected to the PCB board by soldering and the gas sensor 14.