Remote Meter Reading via Mobile Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote automatic meter reading systems are costly and not widely deployed due to the need for sophisticated equipment on the meter side, and they cannot be employed with legacy, non-electronic meters, which require manual monitoring, and there is a need for verifying the correct meter value for a specific customer, which is time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that captures and transmits images of meter displays using mobile communication devices, employing image processing techniques to determine the meter value and geographical location, and uses biometric data to authenticate the sender, allowing for remote verification of the correct meter without additional equipment on the meter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic remote monitoring systems with sophisticated equipment are deployed on meters, then measurement precision and automation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image (copy) of the meter display instead of requiring electronic communication equipment on the meter. The image is then processed to extract the meter reading, eliminating the need for complex transmission circuitry while achieving automated reading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic/mechanical meter reading systems with an optical system (camera). Instead of using modems or electronic interfaces to communicate meter data, the system uses image capture and optical character recognition to read the display.
2Productivity
If manual meter reading and verification processes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-verification by capturing the meter display image which includes contextual information (surroundings, meter location). The processing system automatically verifies the reading by analyzing the image content, eliminating the need for manual verification of meter identity and reading accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback by processing the captured image to extract the meter reading and verify its authenticity. The processing system analyzes the image to confirm it represents the correct meter and provides immediate validation, eliminating manual verification steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy non-electronic meters are monitored manually, then adaptability to existing infrastructure is improved, but measurement precision and reliability worsen due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The camera captures a visual copy of the meter display, preserving the exact state of the analog or digital display. This allows automated processing of the meter reading without requiring the meter itself to have electronic capabilities, maintaining compatibility with legacy meters while improving reading accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems remotely monitor a current value of a meter display. A picture of the display is taken with a camera equipped portable communication device. The picture is sent through the portable communication device and associated infrastructure to a processing system. The processing system receives and stores the picture and, optionally, verification data, imaging location data, and other data, in a datastore. The processing system processes the picture to obtain a current value of the meter and authenticates the sender and/or the meter using the verification data and/or location data.