Smart Meter GPS Programming Using Photo Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart meter installation processes for programming GPS coordinates are complicated due to the need for multiple pieces of equipment, which can prolong installation times and increase operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a smart device application to capture a photograph of the smart meter, extract GPS coordinates from the image metadata, and transmit them to the smart meter for storage, simplifying the installation process by eliminating the need for separate GPS devices and dedicated equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional smart meter installation procedures are used requiring GPS device and dedicated equipment, then GPS coordinates can be programmed into the meter, but the installation process becomes complicated and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (GPS coordinate capture, meter identification, and data transmission) into a single mobile device. The mobile device's camera captures both the meter identification and GPS coordinates simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate GPS devices and dedicated programming equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple purposes: it acts as a GPS receiver, camera, identification scanner, and communication device. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional specialized equipment chain, simplifying the installation process while maintaining programming accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pieces of equipment are used for programming GPS coordinates, then the coordinates can be accurately programmed, but installation time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device captures GPS coordinates and meter identification information simultaneously in advance, before the actual programming operation. This preliminary capture of all necessary data in a single action eliminates the sequential time-consuming steps of traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the intermediate steps of manual GPS coordinate entry and separate equipment coordination. By using the mobile device's automated capture and wireless transmission capabilities, the process rushes through to direct programming of the meter, significantly reducing installation time.
3Reliability
If dedicated equipment is used for programming GPS coordinates, then the coordinates can be programmed reliably, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs self-service by automatically capturing GPS coordinates, scanning meter identification, and transmitting data wirelessly. This eliminates the need for operators to manually configure specialized equipment or perform complex coordination tasks, greatly simplifying the operation while maintaining reliability through automated processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for programming global positioning system (GPS) coordinates for a smart meter includes receiving, by a server remote from the smart meter, an image file of a photograph of the smart meter; recognizing identification information of the smart meter from the image file; extracting GPS coordinates from metadata of the received image file; transmitting the GPS coordinates and instructions to store the GPS coordinates to the smart meter identified by the identification information; and storing, by a processor of the smart meter, the GPS coordinates in a memory of the smart meter.