JP2010176202A - Management system, management method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a management system having a measuring instrument having a display part for displaying a measured value, and an imaging part capable of imaging the display part displayed with the measured value, and of outputting an image including the measured value after varied, in every variation of the measured value. <P>SOLUTION: This management system S includes the first camera 210 arranged in the vicinity of a gasmeter 110, to pick up the image of the display part 111 displayed with the measured value, a logger side communication part 310 capable of receiving and outputting the image from the first camera 210, an image data storage part 331 for storing the picked-up image, a comparison part 321 for comparing the first image with the second image stored after the first image, and for detecting a difference therebetween, a determination part 322 for determining whether the difference is a prescribed value or more, or not, and an indication part 323 for indicating an output of the image data of the second image, to the logger side communication part 310, when the determination part 322 determines that the difference is the prescribed value or more. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a management system including an imaging unit that continuously images a display unit on which measurement values in a measuring instrument are displayed, and a transmission unit that outputs a captured image including a difference compared to a predetermined captured image.
The present invention also relates to a management method using the management system.
The present invention also relates to a program for operating the management system.

  Conventionally, the usage amount of electricity, gas, water, and the like is measured by a measuring instrument arranged at a place where it is used. Usually, a measuring instrument has a display part which displays the measured value (usage amount). The display unit is a type that digitally displays numbers, a type in which rotatable cylindrical members with numbers displayed on the outer periphery are arranged in a predetermined direction, and a display board and rotating shaft on which numbers are written in the circumferential direction A type having a pointer that rotates around the screen and points a number, a display board on which a number is linearly described in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction, and a pointer that moves linearly in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction and indicates a number There are types.

Here, in the measuring instrument as described above, in order to grasp the measured value (usage amount), it is necessary to go to the place where the measuring instrument is installed and read the value displayed on the display unit.
When it is necessary to manage the measurement values at a remote place, it takes a lot of labor to read the measurement values.

  On the other hand, there are measuring instruments that can acquire measurement values as numerical data and output them to a manager or the like through a communication network. However, in order to use such a measuring instrument, it is necessary to replace it with an existing measuring instrument, resulting in cost burden and work burden. In addition, when it is necessary to prove that the measurement value is correct, it is necessary to directly check or photograph the measurement value.

  On the other hand, a management system that transmits an image obtained by imaging an existing mechanical meter using an image sensor by communication has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-52613 A

  In the system of Patent Document 1, images are continuously output from the image sensor side to a repeater. The image output to the repeater is continuously transmitted to the user from the repeater, or is transmitted from the repeater at the request of the user (GIS system).

Here, when images are continuously transmitted from the repeater to the user, there is a problem that a communication burden or a memory on the user side is burdened.
In addition, when an image is transmitted from a repeater in response to a request from the user, there is a problem that the user cannot grasp a change in measurement value over time.

  The present invention includes a measuring instrument having a display unit that displays a measurement value, and an imaging unit that can image the display unit on which the measurement value is displayed, and includes a measurement value after change every time the measurement value changes. An object of the present invention is to provide a management system for outputting images.

  The present invention is arranged in the vicinity of a measuring instrument having a display unit that displays a measurement value, an imaging unit that captures an image of the display unit, a first receiving unit that receives an image from the imaging unit, and the imaging unit A first transmission unit capable of outputting the image captured by the first imaging unit, a first storage unit for continuously storing the image captured by the imaging unit, and a first image in the image stored by the first storage unit, The second image stored after the first image is compared, a comparison unit that detects a difference between the first image and the second image, and a difference detected by the comparison unit is not less than a predetermined value. A determination unit that determines whether or not there is, and if the determination unit determines that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, instructs the first transmission unit to output image data of the second image And an instruction unit.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said determination part is comprised so that the said difference may be determined more than predetermined when a measured value is changed.

  The first image is preferably an image output immediately before the image output by the communication unit.

  In addition, it is preferable to include a conversion unit that converts a measurement value included in the second image into numeric data when the determination unit determines that the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  The instruction unit preferably instructs the first transmission unit to output the numerical data converted by the conversion unit in association with the second image.

  In addition, when the display unit displays the measurement value with numbers arranged in a predetermined direction, the conversion unit converts all or part of the image of the numbers arranged in the predetermined direction into numerical data by a predetermined method, It is preferable to convert the numbers arranged in the predetermined direction into numerical data based on the numerical data.

  The first storage unit stores numeric data and numeric shape information in association with each other, and the conversion unit includes a numeric image corresponding to the smallest digit of the numeric values arranged in the predetermined direction, and the first image. Comparing the shape information of the numbers stored in the storage unit to obtain the minimum digit number data, and converting the numbers arranged in the predetermined direction based on the obtained minimum digit number data into numerical data, The determination unit preferably determines that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value when it is determined that a number corresponding to the minimum digit of the second image is different from a number corresponding to the minimum digit of the first image.

  In addition, when the measuring instrument has a numerical value part in which a plurality of numerical values are displayed with a predetermined regularity, and a designation part that is moved to a position corresponding to a numerical value indicating a measurement value in the numerical value part, the conversion part is , Based on the regularity in the position and the size of the numerical value, and the position and / or movement amount of the designation unit, the numeric value indicated by the designation unit is converted into the numeric data, the determination unit is the designation When the movement amount of the part is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is preferable to determine that the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  A second receiving unit that receives the image data of the second image and the numerical data of the measurement values output from the first transmitting unit; the image data of the second image received by the receiving unit; A second storage unit that stores the numerical data of the measurement values in association with each other, an analysis unit that performs a predetermined analysis process on the numerical data of the measurement values stored by the storage unit, the numerical data of the measurement values and / or the It is preferable to include a second transmission unit that outputs analysis data analyzed by the analysis unit and outputs image data of the second image.

  A third receiving unit configured to receive the numerical data of the measurement value output from the second transmitting unit and / or the analysis data analyzed by the analyzing unit, and the image data of the second image; 3 The predetermined image is displayed based on the numerical data of the measurement value received by the reception and / or the analysis data analyzed by the analysis unit, and the second image is displayed based on the image data of the second image. And an image display unit for displaying.

  The present invention includes a step of causing an imaging unit disposed in the vicinity of a measuring instrument having a display unit that displays a measurement value to capture an image of the display unit, and a step of continuously storing an image captured by the imaging unit. Comparing the first image in the stored image with the second image stored after the first image, and detecting a difference between the first image and the second image; Determining whether or not the difference is greater than or equal to, and instructing the communication unit to output image data of the second image when the difference is determined to be greater than or equal to a predetermined value; It is related with the management method which has.

  The present invention includes a step of causing an imaging unit disposed in the vicinity of a measuring instrument having a display unit that displays a measurement value to capture an image of the display unit, and a step of continuously storing an image captured by the imaging unit. Comparing the first image in the stored image with the second image stored after the first image, and detecting a difference between the first image and the second image; Determining whether or not the difference is greater than or equal to, and instructing the communication unit to output image data of the second image when the difference is determined to be greater than or equal to a predetermined value; The present invention relates to a program that causes a computer to execute.

  According to the present invention, there is a measuring instrument having a display unit that displays a measurement value, and an imaging unit that can image the display unit on which the measurement value is displayed, and the measurement value after change every time the measurement value changes It is possible to provide a management system that outputs an image including

It is a figure explaining the outline | summary of the management system. 2 is a perspective view showing a gas meter 110 and a first camera 210 attached to the gas meter 110. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the thermometer 120 and the 2nd camera 220 attached to the thermometer 120. It is a perspective view which shows the hygrometer 130 and the 3rd camera 230 attached to the hygrometer 130. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the 4th camera 240 attached to the electric meter 140 and the electric meter 140. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a management system S. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display mode of the image display part 540. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the effect | action of the management system S.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The outline of the management system S will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the management system S. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the gas meter 110 and the first camera 210 attached to the gas meter 110. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the thermometer 120 and the second camera 220 attached to the thermometer 120. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the hygrometer 130 and the third camera 230 attached to the hygrometer 130. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the electric meter 140 and the fourth camera 240 attached to the electric meter 140.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management system S includes a measuring instrument group 100 that measures gas usage, temperature, humidity, and electricity usage in a predetermined room R1 of a building B, and each measuring instrument that constitutes the measuring instrument group 100. The image pickup unit group 200 that picks up the image of the display unit on which the measurement value is displayed, and the image data output from the image pickup unit group 200 and the received image data and the measurement value obtained based on the image data The logger 300 that outputs data (numerical data) to the server 400 through the public communication network N under predetermined conditions, and the received measurement data (numerical data) are analyzed, and the analyzed data and the received image data are transmitted to the public communication. A server 400 that outputs to the user terminal 500 through the network N, and a predetermined graph based on the analysis data and image data output from the server 400 And a display configured to allow the user terminal 500 the captured image.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a measuring instrument group 100 includes a gas meter 110 that measures the amount of gas used in a predetermined room R1 of a building B, a thermometer 120 that measures temperature, a hygrometer 130 that measures humidity, and an electric meter. An electric meter 140 for measuring the amount of use.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gas meter 110 includes a sensor (not shown) and a display unit 111 that displays a measurement value 119.
The display unit 111 includes cylindrical rotating members whose numbers are displayed on the outer peripheral surface thereof arranged in the horizontal direction. Corresponding to the measurement by the sensor, the rotating member displaying the smallest digit (right end in FIG. 2) is rotated, and the measured value 119 is slowly changed. The display unit 111 displays the measurement value using numbers arranged in the horizontal direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the thermometer 120 includes a sensor (not shown) and a display unit 121 that displays a measurement value 129.
The display unit 121 rotates around a scale portion 123 and a numerical value unit 124 that are displayed along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral side of the circular display plate 126, and a rotation shaft 125 a that is positioned substantially at the center of the display plate 126. A pointer 125b that is possible.

The scale part 123 is configured to have a plurality of linear scales extending in the radial direction displayed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral side of the display plate 126.
The numerical value part 124 is configured to have a plurality of numerical values displayed corresponding to the plurality of scales in the scale part 123. In the numerical value section 124, the numerical values are arranged so as to increase in the clockwise direction and to increase in proportion to (in proportion to) the scale.
The pointer 125b rotates around the rotation shaft 125a in response to the measurement by the sensor. The tip of the pointer 125b is a designation unit 125c that indicates the measurement value 129. The measurement value 129 is a value corresponding to the position where the designation part 125c in the numerical value part 124 is arranged.

As shown in FIG. 4, the hygrometer 130 includes a sensor (not shown) and a display unit 131 that displays a measurement value 139.
The display unit 131 includes a scale unit 133 and a numerical value unit 134 that are displayed side by side on the rectangular display board 136 in a vertical direction, a designation unit 135 configured to be movable in the vertical direction along the scale unit 133, Is provided.

The scale part 133 is configured to have a plurality of linear scales extending in the horizontal direction and displayed at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction at the center in the width direction of the display plate 136.
The numerical value part 134 is configured to have a plurality of numerical values displayed corresponding to the plurality of scales in the scale part 133. In the numerical value section 134, the numerical values are arranged so as to increase as they proceed upward in the vertical direction, and to increase in proportion to (in proportion to) the scale.
The designation unit 135 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction along the scale unit 133. The measurement value 139 is a value corresponding to the position where the designation unit 135 is arranged in the numerical value unit 134.

As shown in FIG. 5, the electric meter 140 includes a sensor (not shown) and a display unit 141 that displays a measurement value 149.
The display unit 141 electrically displays numbers. Corresponding to the measurement by the sensor, the number of the smallest digit (right end in FIG. 5) is mainly switched to another number, and the measured value 119 is changed. The display unit 111 displays the measurement value using numbers arranged in the horizontal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit group 200 includes a first camera 210, a second camera 220, a third camera 230, and a fourth camera 240. Each of the imaging unit groups 200 is arranged in the vicinity of a measuring instrument having a display unit that displays measurement values, and captures an image of the display unit.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first camera 210 is attached to a plate-like first attachment member 211 fixed to the side surface (the left side in FIG. 2) of the gas meter 110. The first camera 210 is attached to the first attachment member 211 at a position and an angle at which the display 111 on which the measurement value 119 in the gas meter 110 is displayed can be imaged.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second camera 220 is attached to a plate-like second attachment member 221 fixed to the side surface (left side in FIG. 3) of the thermometer 120. The second camera 220 is attached to the second attachment member 221 at a position and an angle at which the display unit 121 on which the measurement value 129 of the thermometer 120 is displayed can be imaged.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the third camera 230 is attached to a plate-like third attachment member 231 fixed to the side surface (left side in FIG. 4) of the hygrometer 130. The third camera 230 is attached to the third attachment member 231 at a position and an angle at which the display 131 on which the measurement value 139 in the hygrometer 130 is displayed can be imaged.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the fourth camera 240 is attached to a plate-like fourth attachment member 241 fixed to the side surface (left side in FIG. 5) of the electric meter 140. The fourth camera 240 is attached to the fourth attachment member 241 at a position and an angle at which the display unit 141 displaying the measurement value 149 in the hygrometer 130 can be imaged.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the logger 300 receives image data output from the first camera 210, the second camera 220, the third camera 230, and the fourth camera 240. The logger 300 outputs the received image data and measurement value data (numerical data) obtained based on the image data to the server 400 through the public communication network N under a predetermined condition (predetermined timing).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the server 400 receives image data and numerical data output from the logger 300 via the public communication network N. The server 400 analyzes the received measurement data (numerical data). The server 400 outputs the analysis data obtained by analyzing the measurement data and the received image data to the user terminal 500 through the public communication network N.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 500 receives analysis data and image data output from the server 400 via the public communication network N. The user terminal 500 is configured to be able to display a predetermined graph and a captured image based on the received analysis data and image data.

  Next, the functional configuration of the management system S will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the management system S. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display mode of the image display unit 540.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the logger 300 configuring the management system S includes a logger-side communication unit 310 serving as a first reception unit and a first transmission unit, a logger-side CPU 320, and a logger-side memory 330 serving as a first storage unit. And having.

  The logger side communication unit 310 serves as a second image output from the first camera 210, the second camera 220, the third camera 230, and the fourth camera 240 constituting the imaging unit group 200 at predetermined intervals. A captured image is received. The captured image is stored in an image data storage unit 331 constituting a logger side memory 330 described later.

  The logger side communication unit 310 transmits image data of a predetermined captured image (second image) and numerical data described later via the public communication network N based on an instruction from an instruction unit 323 constituting the logger side CPU 320 described later. Output to the server 400. The logger side communication unit 310 outputs image data and the like with identification information of the logger 300 and identification information of the camera that captured the image.

  The logger side CPU 320 includes a comparison unit 321, a determination unit 322, a conversion unit 324, and an instruction unit 323.

  The comparison unit 321 compares a reference image (first image) stored in an image data storage unit 331, which will be described later, with an image (second image) stored after the reference image. Specifically, the comparison unit 321 includes image data of a reference image that is an image (same image as that) output immediately before by the logger side communication unit 310 among images stored in the image data storage unit 331, and a reference image Are compared with the image data of the image taken after. Then, the comparison unit 321 detects a difference between the reference image and the new image. The comparison unit 321 can detect the difference between the new image and the reference image in the state of the image data.

  In addition, when the measurement value is indicated by numbers arranged in a predetermined direction as the imaging target of the first camera 210 or the fourth camera 240, the comparison unit 321 may change one or more of the arranged numbers. Can be detected as a difference. In this case, the comparison unit 321 may detect the difference in the state of the image data, or may convert one or a plurality of numbers arranged by a known method into numeric data and detect the difference based on the numeric data.

  When the measurement value is indicated by the designation units 125c and 135 that move in a predetermined direction like the imaging target of the second camera 220 or the third camera 230, the comparison unit 321 includes the designation units 125c (pointers 125b) and 135. The amount of movement can be detected as a difference. In this case, the comparison unit 321 detects the difference in the state of the image data, converts the movement of the designation units 125c (pointers 125b) and 135 into vector information (movement direction information and movement amount information), and performs a difference based on the vector information. May be detected.

  The determination unit 322 determines whether or not the difference detected by the comparison unit 321 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. For example, the determination unit 322 is configured to determine that the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the measurement value is changed.

  Specifically, the determination unit 322 sets a minimum value of a new image (second image) in a type in which measurement values are indicated by numbers arranged in a predetermined direction as the imaging target of the first camera 210 and the fourth camera 240. When it is determined that the corresponding number is different from the number corresponding to the minimum digit of the reference image (first image), it is determined that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

  In addition, the determination unit 322 is a type indicated by the designation units 125c and 135 in which the measurement value moves in a predetermined direction like the imaging target of the second camera 220 or the third camera 230. If it is equal to or greater than a predetermined movement amount stored in a movement amount table storage unit 333, which will be described later, it is determined that the difference is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

  When the determination unit 322 determines that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the instruction unit 323 outputs image data of a new image (second image) compared to the logger communication unit 310 serving as the first transmission unit. Instruct them to In addition, the instruction unit 323 instructs the logger side communication unit 310 to output numerical data converted by the conversion unit 324 described later in association with the second image. That is, when the measurement value included in the captured image is changed, the instruction unit 323 instructs the logger side communication unit 310 to output the captured image in which the display unit on which the changed measurement value is displayed is captured. .

  When the determination unit 322 determines that the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the conversion unit 324 converts the measurement value included in the new image into numerical data.

  For example, when the display unit displays measurement values with numbers arranged in a predetermined direction (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 5), the conversion unit 324 first converts all or a part of the images of numbers arranged in a predetermined direction into a predetermined method. To convert with numeric data. The conversion unit 324 obtains numeric data of the minimum digit by comparing a numeric image corresponding to the minimum digit in the numbers arranged in a predetermined direction with numeric shape information stored in a numeric table storage unit 332 described later. Then, the conversion unit 324 changes (for example, adds) numerical value (measurement value) data before change stored in a numerical value data storage unit 335, which will be described later, based on the obtained minimum digit data, and arranges them in a predetermined direction. Converts numbers to numeric data.

  Here, the result of converting all or part of the numerical images arranged in a predetermined direction in the conversion unit 324 into numerical data by a predetermined method can be used when the comparison unit 321 detects a difference.

  Further, for example, when the measuring instrument has a numerical value part in which a plurality of numerical values are displayed with a predetermined regularity, and a designation part that is moved to a position corresponding to the numerical value indicating the measured value in the numerical value part (FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), the converting unit 324 converts the numerical value indicated by the specifying unit into numerical data based on the regularity in the position and the size of the numerical value and the position and / or movement amount of the specifying unit.

  Specifically, when the measuring instrument is the thermometer 120 shown in FIG. 3, the numerical values are arranged at predetermined intervals in the clockwise direction, and the numerical value increases in proportion to the movement distance (rotation angle). It has the regularity. That is, the rotation angle in the pointer 125b (designating portion 125c) and the numerical value have a predetermined relationship. This relationship is stored in the movement amount-value conversion table storage unit 334 as a movement amount-value conversion table.

  The conversion unit 324 increases or decreases the numerical value according to the rotation angle (movement amount in the rotation direction) of the designation unit 125c (pointer 125b) based on the movement amount-numeral conversion table stored in the movement amount-numerical value conversion table storage unit 334. Get the data. Then, the conversion unit 324 changes (adds or subtracts) the numerical data before change stored in the numerical data storage unit 335, and converts the numerical value indicated by the specifying unit 125c into numerical data.

  Here, the conversion unit 324 can also directly convert the numerical value indicated by the specification unit 125c into numerical data based on the angle (position) formed by the specification unit 125c (pointer 125b) with respect to a predetermined reference position.

  Specifically, when the measuring instrument is the hygrometer 130 shown in FIG. 4, the numerical values are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and the numerical value increases in proportion to the moving distance. It has the regularity. That is, the movement amount of the pointer 125b and the numerical value have a predetermined relationship. This relationship is stored in the movement amount-value conversion table storage unit 334 as a movement amount-value conversion table.

  The conversion unit 324 obtains numerical increase / decrease data corresponding to the movement amount of the designation unit 135 in the vertical direction based on the movement amount-numeral conversion table stored in the movement amount-numerical value conversion table storage unit 334. Then, the conversion unit 324 changes (adds or subtracts) the numerical data before change stored in the numerical data storage unit 335, and converts the numerical value indicated by the specifying unit 135 into numerical data.

  Here, the converting unit 324 can also directly convert the numerical value indicated by the specifying unit 135 into numerical data based on the position of the specifying unit 135 with respect to a predetermined reference position.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the logger side memory 330 includes an image data storage unit 331, a number table storage unit 332, a movement amount table storage unit 333, a movement amount-numerical value conversion table storage unit 334, and a numerical data storage unit. 335.

  The image data storage unit 331 stores captured images output from the first camera 210, the second camera 220, the third camera 230, and the fourth camera 240 constituting the imaging unit group 200. The image data storage unit 331 continuously stores images captured by the first camera 210, the second camera 220, the third camera 230, and the fourth camera 240.

The image data storage unit 331 outputs image data of a captured image output by each of the first camera 210, the second camera 220, the third camera 230, and the fourth camera 240 and associated with each identification information. Is memorized.
The image data storage unit 331 stores a reference image that is a reference for comparison in the comparison unit 321.

  The numeric table storage unit 332 stores numeric data and numeric shape information in association with each other. The number table storage unit 332 stores a number table in which number data is compared with number shape information. The number table stored in the number table storage unit 332 is mainly used for the conversion unit 324.

  The movement amount table storage unit 333 stores a movement amount of a designation unit or the like for the determination unit 322 to determine that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. For example, in the case of the thermometer 120 shown in FIG. 3, information on the rotation angle (movement amount in the rotation direction) is stored. Further, for example, in the case of the hygrometer 130 shown in FIG. 4, the amount of movement in the vertical direction is stored. Here, the movement amount for determining that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value in the determination unit 322 can be set as appropriate. For example, the amount of movement can be stored as the amount of movement when moving by one scale or more in each measuring instrument.

  The movement amount-numerical value conversion table storage unit 334 compares the movement amount of the designation unit with the numerical value corresponding to the movement amount (a numerical value that increases or decreases) in the thermometer 120 shown in FIG. 3 or the hygrometer 130 shown in FIG. The movement amount-numerical value conversion table thus stored is stored. The conversion unit 324 converts the movement amount of the designation unit (pointer) into a numerical value using the movement amount-numerical value conversion table stored in the movement amount-numerical value conversion table storage unit 334.

  The numerical data storage unit 335 stores the numerical data converted by the conversion unit 324. The numerical data storage unit 335 stores numerical data of measurement values included in a reference image (first image) serving as a reference for comparison in the comparison unit 321 as reference numerical data. Also, the numerical data storage unit 335 stores (updates) the numerical data of the measurement values included in the image (second image) whose output is instructed by the instruction unit 323 as reference numerical data.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the server 400 configuring the management system S includes a server-side communication unit 410 as a second reception unit and a second transmission unit, a server-side CPU 420, and a server-side memory 430 as a second storage unit. And having.

The server side communication unit 410 receives the image data of the second image output from the logger side communication unit 310.
The server side communication unit 410 receives numerical data of measurement values included in the second image output from the logger side communication unit 310.

The server side communication unit 410 outputs the image data of the second image to the terminal side communication unit 510 to be described later via the public communication network N.
Further, the server side communication unit 410 outputs numerical data of measurement values and / or analysis data analyzed by an analysis unit described later to the terminal side communication unit 510 described later via the public communication network N.

The server side CPU 420 includes an analysis unit 421.
The analysis unit 421 performs a predetermined analysis process on the numerical data of the measurement values stored in the numerical data storage unit 432 described later. As the analysis process, for example, a process for creating a graph or a table in which a change in the measurement value over time can be visually grasped based on the accumulated numerical data of the measurement value can be exemplified.

  The server-side memory 430 includes an image data storage unit 431, a numerical data storage unit 432, and an analysis data storage unit 433.

The image data storage unit 431 stores image data of an image (second image) received by the server side communication unit 410. The image data storage unit 431 stores image data over time in the order received.
Here, the image data stored in the image data storage unit 431 is stored in a numerical data storage unit 432, which will be described later, and is stored in association with numeric data of measurement values included in the image.

The numerical data storage unit 432 stores numerical data of measurement values included in the image (second image) received by the server side communication unit 410. The image data storage unit 431 stores the numerical data of the measurement values included in the image over time in the order received.
Here, the numerical data stored in the numerical data storage unit 432 is stored in association with the image data of the image (second image) stored in the image data storage unit 431.

  The analysis data storage unit 433 stores analysis data obtained by the analysis processing by the analysis unit 421 described above.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the user terminal 500 configuring the management system S includes a terminal-side communication unit 510 serving as a third receiving unit, a terminal-side memory 530, a terminal-side CPU 520, and an image display unit 540. .

The terminal side communication unit 510 receives the image data of the image (second image) output from the server side communication unit 410.
The terminal-side communication unit 510 receives numerical data of measurement values included in the image (second image) output from the server-side communication unit 410.
The terminal-side communication unit 510 receives analysis data obtained by analyzing numerical data of measurement values output from the server-side communication unit 410.

  The terminal-side CPU 520 controls the user terminal 500 as a whole and causes the image display unit 540 to display an image based on predetermined data based on an instruction from the user.

  The terminal-side memory 530 includes an image data storage unit 531, a numerical data storage unit 532, and an analysis data storage unit 533.

  The image data storage unit 531 stores image data of an image (second image) received by the terminal side communication unit 510. The image data storage unit 531 stores the image data of the image (second image) over time in the order received.

The numerical data storage unit 532 stores numerical data of measurement values included in the image (second image) received by the terminal side communication unit 510. The image data storage unit 531 stores the numerical data of the measurement values included in the image (second image) over time in the order received.
The analysis data storage unit 533 stores the analysis data received by the terminal side communication unit 510.

The image display unit 540 is configured to display a predetermined image based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 531. The image display unit 540 displays all or part of the latest image based on the latest image data stored in the image data storage unit 531.
Further, the image display unit 540 can list and display the latest measurement values and the measurement values in a predetermined period based on the numerical data stored in the numerical data storage unit 532.
In addition, the image display unit 540 can display a graph or a table that allows the temporal change of the measurement value to be visually grasped based on the analysis data stored in the analysis data storage unit 533.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the image display unit 540 can display an image 610 and a graph 620 created based on the analysis data.
Specifically, the image display unit 540 displays the latest image 611 among the images in the gas meter 110 and a graph 621 indicating the change over time of the measured value. In addition, the image display unit 540 displays the latest image 612 among the images in the thermometer 120 and a graph 622 showing the change over time of the measured value. In addition, the image display unit 540 displays the latest image 613 among the images in the hygrometer 130 and a graph 623 showing the change over time of the measured value. In addition, the image display unit 540 displays the latest image 614 among the images in the electric meter 140 and a graph 624 showing the change over time of the measured value.

Next, the operation of the management system S will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the management system S.
Hereinafter, the case where the measured value displayed on the gas meter 110 is managed will be described as a representative example. The thermometer 120, the hygrometer 130, and the electric meter 140 are the same as those in the gas meter 110 except for the processing in the comparison unit 321, the determination unit 322, the conversion unit 324, and the like. In addition, the processes in the comparison unit 321, the determination unit 322, the conversion unit 324, etc. in the thermometer 120, the hygrometer 130, and the electric meter 140 are as described above.

  First, the first camera 210 images the display unit 111 in the gas meter 110. Then, the first camera 210 outputs image data of the captured image to the logger side communication unit 310 at a predetermined interval (ST1).

Next, the image data received by the logger side communication unit 310 is stored in the image data storage unit 331 (ST2).
Then, the minimum digit (rightmost) number included in the captured image and displayed on the display unit 111 is converted into numeric data by the conversion unit 324 (ST3).

  Subsequently, the comparison unit 321 compares the image data of the latest reference image stored in the image data storage unit 331 with the image data of the received and stored latest image to detect a difference (ST4). Specifically, the comparison unit 321 detects the difference by comparing the minimum digit (rightmost) in the reference image with the minimum digit (rightmost) in the latest image.

  Subsequently, the determination unit 322 determines whether the difference detected by the comparison unit 321 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (ST5). The determination unit 322 determines that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined number when the minimum digit of the number displayed on the display unit 111 is changed.

  When the determination unit 322 determines that the difference is above the predetermined value (ST5, Yes), the instruction unit 323 transmits the image data of the image whose difference is determined to be greater than or equal to the predetermined value to the logger side communication unit 310. Instructing unit 410 to transmit (ST6). In this case, the reference image stored in the image data storage unit 331 is updated to an image instructed to be transmitted.

  The conversion unit 324 acquires numerical data of measurement values from the measurement value image included in the captured image (ST7). The instruction unit 323 instructs the logger side communication unit 310 to transmit numerical data associated with the transmitted image data to the server side communication unit 410 (ST8). The numerical data of the latest measured value stored in the numerical data storage unit 335 is updated to the numerical data for which transmission has been instructed.

  Here, when the determination unit 322 determines that the difference is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (ST5, No), the process returns to the state before ST1 and waits for the image data of the captured image to be output from the first camera 210. Become. In this case, the image data of the captured image is not transmitted, and the image data of the reference image is not updated.

  Subsequently, the image data received by the server side communication unit 410 is stored in the image data storage unit 431. The image data received by the server side communication unit 410 is stored in the numerical data storage unit 432. Here, the numerical data stored in the numerical data storage unit 432 is analyzed by the analysis unit 421 (ST9).

  Analysis data obtained by analysis by the analysis unit 421 by the server side communication unit 410 and the latest image data stored in the image data storage unit 431 are output to the terminal side communication unit 510 at a predetermined timing ( ST10). Also, numerical data stored in the numerical data storage unit 432 is also output to the terminal side communication unit 510 at a predetermined timing.

  The analysis data received by the terminal side communication unit 510 is stored in the analysis data storage unit 533. The image data received by the terminal side communication unit 510 is stored in the image data storage unit 531. Further, the numerical data received by the terminal side communication unit 510 is stored in the numerical data storage unit 532.

  The image display unit 540 displays the latest image (second image) based on the latest image data stored in the image data storage unit 531. The image display unit 540 displays a predetermined graph or the like based on the analysis data stored in the analysis data storage unit 533 (ST11).

  Thereby, in the user terminal 500, whenever the measurement value of the gas meter 110 changes, the image of the area | region containing a measurement value is updated. On the contrary, in the user terminal 500, when the measurement value of the gas meter 110 does not change, the image is not updated unnecessarily.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the step of causing the imaging unit disposed in the vicinity of the measuring instrument having the display unit that displays the measurement value to capture the image of the display unit, and the image captured by the imaging unit are continuously performed. Storing, comparing a first image in the stored image with a second image stored after the first image, and detecting a difference between the first image and the second image; Determining whether the detected difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and instructing the communication unit to output image data of the second image when the difference is determined to be greater than or equal to a predetermined value And a step of conceptually including a management method.

  In addition, the management system S according to the present embodiment causes the imaging unit disposed in the vicinity of the measuring instrument having the display unit that displays the measurement value to capture the image of the display unit, and the image captured by the imaging unit. The step of continuously storing and the first image in the stored image are compared with the second image stored after the first image, and the difference between the first image and the second image is detected. And a step of determining whether or not the detected difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the difference is determined to be greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the communication unit outputs image data of the second image. It is possible to suitably operate using a program that causes a computer to execute the step of instructing this.

  According to the present embodiment, the captured image is configured to be transmitted to the server-side communication unit 410 only when the determination unit 322 determines that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. In other words, the captured image is transmitted to the server side communication unit 410 only when it is recognized from the captured image that the measurement value has been changed. As a result, the image is transmitted only when the user needs it, so the communication burden is reduced. In addition, the memory load on the server 400 and the user terminal 500 is reduced.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the captured image of the display unit including the measurement value is transmitted to the server 400 and the user terminal 500. As a result, the accuracy, the evidence ability, and the proof ability are significantly improved as compared with the case of simple numerical information alone.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the imaging unit only needs to be attached to a position where an existing measuring instrument including a measurement value can be imaged. In other words, in the management system S of the present embodiment, there is no need to purchase and install a new measuring instrument with an imaging unit incorporated therein. Therefore, the management can be performed using an existing measuring instrument with little cost and work load. A system S can be constructed.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, numerical data of measurement values can be obtained from the captured image, so that the measuring instrument can be used without replacing the existing measuring instrument with a measuring instrument that outputs the value from the sensor as numerical data. Numerical data can be obtained. Thereby, even if it uses the type of measuring device which cannot obtain the numerical data of a measured value directly, the numerical data of a measured value can be accumulate | stored and the accumulated numerical data can be analyzed.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this form was described, this invention can be implemented with a various form, without being limited to embodiment mentioned above. For example, in this embodiment, the amount of gas used in a predetermined room R1 of the building B is measured, but the measurement target is not limited to this, and may be an entire detached house or a predetermined line in a factory. .

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the gas meter 110, the thermometer 120, the hygrometer 130, and the electric meter 140 are demonstrated as a measuring device, a measuring device is not limited to this, The amount of water use, a room The illuminance, the carbon dioxide concentration in the air, the concentration of a predetermined odor component, and the like may be measured.

  Further, the type of the display unit in the measuring instrument is not limited to the above-described type. For example, the display method is not particularly limited as long as the measurement value can be displayed.

  The movement amount-numerical value conversion table may be stored in advance or may be configured to be changeable. Alternatively, the regularity of the scale (the size of the numerical value, the numerical value interval, etc.) may be analyzed from the image data of the captured image, and the movement amount-value conversion table may be automatically created.

100 Measuring instrument group 110 Gas meter 111 Display unit (gas meter)
120 Thermometer 121 Display (thermometer)
130 Hygrometer 131 Display (Hygrometer)
140 Electric meter 141 Display unit (electric meter)
200 imaging unit group 300 logger 310 logger side communication unit 320 logger side CPU
330 Logger side memory 321 Comparison unit 322 Determination unit 323 Instruction unit 324 Conversion unit 400 Server 410 Server side communication unit 421 Analysis unit 500 User terminal 510 Terminal side communication unit 540 Image display unit

Claims (12)

An imaging unit that is arranged in the vicinity of a measuring instrument having a display unit that displays a measurement value, and that captures an image of the display unit;
A first receiving unit for receiving an image from the imaging unit;
A first transmission unit capable of outputting an image captured by the imaging unit;
A first storage unit for continuously storing images captured by the imaging unit;
A comparison for comparing the first image in the image stored by the first storage unit with the second image stored after the first image and detecting a difference between the first image and the second image. And
A determination unit that determines whether or not the difference detected by the comparison unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value;
A management system comprising: an instruction unit that instructs the first transmission unit to output image data of the second image when the determination unit determines that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit is configured to determine that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value when a measurement value is changed. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the first image is an image output immediately before the image output by the first transmission unit. The management system according to claim 1, further comprising: a conversion unit that converts a measurement value included in the second image into numerical data when the determination unit determines that the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The management system according to claim 4, wherein the instruction unit instructs the first transmission unit to output the numerical data converted by the conversion unit in association with the second image. When the measurement value is displayed with numbers arranged in a predetermined direction on the display unit,
The conversion unit converts all or a part of the number images arranged in the predetermined direction into numerical data by a predetermined method, and converts the numbers arranged in the predetermined direction into numerical data based on the numerical data. Item 6. The management system according to Item 4 or 5. The first storage unit stores numerical data and numerical shape information in association with each other,
The conversion unit compares the number image corresponding to the minimum digit of the numbers arranged in the predetermined direction with the number shape information stored in the first storage unit to obtain the minimum digit data. The numerical data arranged in the predetermined direction based on the numerical data of the smallest digit is converted into numerical data,
The determination unit may determine that the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when it is determined that a number corresponding to the minimum digit of the second image is different from a number corresponding to the minimum digit of the first image. The management system described. When the measuring instrument has a numerical value part in which a plurality of numerical values are displayed with a predetermined regularity, and a designation part that is moved to a position corresponding to a numerical value indicating a measured value in the numerical value part,
The conversion unit converts the numerical value indicated by the designation unit into the numeric data based on the regularity in the position and the size of the numeric value, and the position and / or movement amount of the designation unit,
The management system according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines that the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when a movement amount of the designation unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. A second receiving unit that receives the image data of the second image and the numerical data of the measurement values output from the first transmitting unit;
A second storage unit that stores the image data of the second image and the numerical data of the measurement values received by the second reception unit in association with each other;
An analysis unit that performs a predetermined analysis process on the numerical data of the measurement values stored in the second storage unit;
A second transmission unit that outputs numerical data of the measurement value and / or analysis data analyzed by the analysis unit, and outputs image data of the second image. The management system described. A third receiving unit that receives the numerical data of the measurement value output from the second transmission unit and / or analysis data analyzed by the analysis unit, and image data of the second image;
A predetermined image is displayed based on the numerical data of the measurement value received by the third receiving unit and / or the analysis data analyzed by the analyzing unit, and the second image is displayed based on the image data of the second image. The management system according to claim 9, further comprising: an image display unit that displays two images. Capturing an image of the display unit in an imaging unit disposed in the vicinity of a measuring instrument having a display unit for displaying a measurement value;
Continuously storing images taken by the imaging unit;
Comparing a first image in a stored image with a second image stored after the first image and detecting a difference between the first image and the second image;
Determining whether the detected difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value;
Instructing the communication unit to output image data of the second image when it is determined that the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value;
Management method. Capturing an image of the display unit in an imaging unit disposed in the vicinity of a measuring instrument having a display unit for displaying a measurement value;
Continuously storing images taken by the imaging unit;
Comparing a first image in a stored image with a second image stored after the first image and detecting a difference between the first image and the second image;
Determining whether the detected difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value;
A program for causing a computer to execute a step of instructing a communication unit to output image data of the second image when it is determined that the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

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