Optical Meter Reader Using Infrared Communication and Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for utility meter reading are expensive, unreliable, and require physical human intervention, often relying on permanent installations with access to wires or telephone lines, which are not always available.
Innovation Solution
An optical meter reader apparatus that temporarily attaches to a utility meter using a coupling device with magnetic and slot mechanisms for secure alignment, employing infrared communication to read data and transmit it wirelessly to a server via AM, FM, or Bluetooth waves, eliminating the need for human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual meter reading methods are used with physical visits, then data collection is reliable, but operational costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical meter reading with an automated optical reading system. The optical meter reader apparatus uses optical sensors and infrared communication to automatically read meter data without requiring physical human intervention, thereby eliminating time loss associated with manual visits while maintaining reading accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical meter reader apparatus is designed to autonomously attach to the meter, read the data, and transmit it wirelessly without requiring human operation. The system performs self-service by automatically collecting and transmitting meter information, eliminating the need for utility workers to physically visit each meter location.
2Reliability
If permanent installation with wire connection is used, then data transmission is stable, but installation complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless optical communication. The optical meter reader apparatus uses infrared waves to transmit data wirelessly to a remote server, eliminating the need for physical wire connections, telephone lines, or coaxial cables while maintaining reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical infrared waves as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of requiring direct physical wire connections between the meter and server, the system uses infrared communication as an intermediate transmission channel, simplifying installation infrastructure while ensuring stable data transfer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical communication module is added to housing, then wireless data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical communication module with the housing structure. The optical communication module is integrated into the housing of the optical meter reader apparatus, combining the functions of data reading and wireless transmission in a single integrated unit, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the optical sensors for meter reading, and integrates the optical communication module for wireless data transmission. This multi-functionality approach adds wireless capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared structural components.
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
Enables reliable, cost-effective, and efficient remote meter reading without physical human presence, ensuring accurate data transmission and reducing operational costs by using infrared communication and wireless technology.
Implementation Method 1
an optical communication module located within the housing and the housing extension and configured to exchange information with the meter using infrared waves
Implementation Method 2
a coupling device attached to a face of the meter... employing infrared communication to read data
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An optical meter reader apparatus (100) for reading data from a meter includes a housing (102); a housing extension (120) connected to the housing (102), the housing extension (120) having a flat face (120A); a first slot (130) formed on the flat face (120A); a second slot (132) formed on the flat face (120A); and an optical communication module (730) located within the housing (102) and the housing extension (120) and configured to exchange information with the meter (400) using infrared waves.