Low-Power Wireless Camera for Remote Meter Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote meter reading technologies are limited by the need for stable power sources and frequent maintenance, making it expensive and inefficient to read utility meters, especially legacy meters, which are not easily replaceable.
Innovation Solution
A low-power wireless camera system attached to meters that takes images of the meter readings and communicates them to a local receiver using power-conserving protocols, allowing for extended operational life and enabling autonomous operation for several years, with the ability to read multiple meters in various network topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote imagers are used without stable power sources, then deployment flexibility is improved, but operational duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera unit operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active imaging mode and low-power sleep mode. The microcontroller activates the camera sensor, processor, and radio transceiver only when needed to capture and transmit meter readings, then enters sleep mode to conserve battery energy, enabling extended autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by adjusting power consumption levels based on operational needs. The microcontroller manages power distribution to different components (camera sensor, processor, radio transceiver), reducing power parameters during sleep mode while maintaining full functionality during active reading cycles
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery-powered camera units are used, then deployment flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The camera unit is completely self-contained with an integrated battery power source and autonomous power management system. The microcontroller automatically manages power distribution, activation sequences, and sleep mode transitions without external intervention, making the unit independently operable for extended periods
3Measurement precision
If frequent meter readings are taken, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic meter reading cycles where the camera captures images at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The microcontroller manages these periodic operations, activating imaging and communication components only during designated reading windows, then returning to low-power sleep mode between cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for automatically reading meters, such as utility meters. A camera unit is attached to or otherwise associated with an existing meter. From time to time, either automatically, or upon wireless command, the camera unit takes an image of the meter's readings, and communicates wirelessly the image or image data, to a local area receiver. The images can be transmitted immediately, or stored for later transmission, depending on the network protocol. The camera unit is battery powered, and operates communication protocols that enable extended operational life. These protocols allow for the camera's radio and processor to be turned on only when necessary, and then for only brief periods of time. At most times, the camera is in a power-conserving sleep mode. Multiple camera units may be arranged to communicate meter image data to the local area receiver, either using asynchronous or synchronous processes. In this way, star, point-to-point, MESH and ring networking topologies are enabled. The meter image data is communicated from the receiver to a central office using a wide area connection, where the image data is used for determining the meter reading. In one example, the image may be included with a utility bill as confirmed evidence of the current meter reading.