FR2855294A1 - Device for automatically capturing meter readings, e.g. of a water, electricity or gas meter, comprising an optical reading sensor and a sighting device for ensuring that it is correctly aligned with the meter display - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for capturing readings made by a meter (C3), e.g. a water, electricity or gas meter, comprises a sensor for reading the information or figures shown on the meter display and a sighting element (D1') for assuring that the sensor is correctly aligned with the meter display. The invention also relates to a corresponding data acquisition method.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ACQUIRING A MEASUREMENT

  The present invention relates to the field of devices and systems intended for reading and recording automatically at least one measurement carried out by a counter. It applies in particular, but not exclusively, to a system for positioning and fixing the device for acquiring a measurement carried out by an electricity, gas or water meter.

  Traditionally, reading and recording consumption data requires either the installation of a specific device directly measuring the physical quantities sought, or the establishment of a communication link between a meter in place, having means of transmit the measurement information, and a recorder capable of receiving and storing said information.

  Thus, the prior art already knows American patent US 6195018 which describes a system for reading a plurality of counters and a collection system with a plurality of collectors. Each counter 25 periodically measures a parameter such as electricity consumption and stores the information obtained. Each counter periodically transmits the recorded information to a collector by a radio signal. When a collector receives a transmission, it determines the original counter 30 and then extracts the raw measurement information. The collector then processes the measurement information to produce a measured function, such as, for example, a load curve, a curve of periods of use or a demand curve. The collector can compensate for missing transmissions and power outages. The functions measured for each meter are transmitted from the collectors to a central monitoring station.

  The drawbacks of such a solution relying on a communication link from a meter in place are the scarcity of meters having this characteristic.

  The prior art also knows patents 10 US 4678907 and US 5113130 which apply to electric meters, which describe optical reading systems which are respectively used to measure the energy consumption by counting the number of light pulses and to test the operation or not of the electric meter.

  Finally, the prior art also includes the British patent application GB 2172399 which describes a device for converting the movement of an electromechanical counter into digital data.

  The problem with these solutions always lies in the fact that they require a specialist, or a qualified person, to mount / fix the device 25 for acquiring measurements made by a counter. Thanks to the present invention, an unqualified user will be able to position the measurement acquisition device in a simple, efficient and safe manner, the main advantage of which is to significantly reduce the operating costs of this device. type of systems.

  The solution of the present invention in fact makes it possible to carry out the operation of fixing the sensor using simple material and therefore reduces all the same both the manufacturing costs of the device but also the costs relating to the installation of said device.

  In addition, individuals are often reluctant to face the possible intrusion of an outside operator, even a specialist, for mounting this device when the meter is inside the accommodation or on the property of said individual. The invention now makes it possible to no longer require the visit of an outside expert or specialist.

  Finally, certain devices of the prior art require the temporary unavailability of certain conveniences during the installation time of the device, such as electricity in the case of an electricity meter or the distribution of water in the case a water meter. Again, thanks to the device of the invention, it is no longer necessary for example to cut the circuit breaker to set up the acquisition device on the electric meter.

  The present invention intends to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing an acquisition device having a simple and inexpensive means 25 for ensuring the correct positioning of a sensor intended to acquire consumption data measured by a meter.

  To do this, the present invention relates to a device for acquiring measurements made by a meter having an indicator of information data, for example relating to the consumption measured by the meter, comprising a housing, a detection means , a data storage means, a processing unit, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor and a sighting element, capable of ensuring the correct positioning of the sensor opposite the above-mentioned indicator so that said sensor can read information from the indicator through the sighting element; the aiming element and the sensor being assembled / fixable to each other and the sensor / aiming element assembly being fixed to the meter.

  In the following, the term "sensor" will be used interchangeably to designate the support on which the sensor is placed as well as the sensor or the sensor itself.

  Preferably, the sighting element will comprise at least one orifice.

  According to one embodiment, the aiming element may consist of a transparent plastic plate comprising a target, for example made up of two perpendicular lines, or a circle, arranged on each of the parallel faces of said aiming element.

  Advantageously, the attachment between the aiming element and the sensor will be carried out by clipping, for example using at least two less flexible substantially L-shaped lugs present on the sensor intended to be clipped to the sides of the sensor.

  Advantageously, the indicator of the counter may consist of a metrological diode, a roll of numbers from a roller display or a metrological disc on which appears a mark of different color.

  Preferably, the sensor will be an optical sensor, for example a photodiode or any sensor sensitive to light / luminescence or also an infrared sensor. In the case of an infrared sensor, the sensor sends an infrared ray whose reflection on the disc is analyzed to determine whether the ray has reached the black mark usually present on the disc or another unmarked part of said disc.

  Advantageously, the device according to the invention will comprise a connection bus for the transfer of the data stored in the above-mentioned storage means.

  Likewise, this device may include an analog-to-digital converter or a comparator connected on the one hand to the sensor and on the other hand to the processing unit.

  Advantageously, the device of the invention 20 will comprise a means of supplying electrical energy clean.

  Likewise, it may include a timestamping means for timestamping the acquisitions of the measurements. Similarly, it may include a means of compressing the time stamp data.

  The present invention also relates to a method for the acquisition of measurements made by a counter, using a device as described above, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - acquisition by the data sensor displayed by the counter indicator, - processing of said data in order to determine and identify measurements of the counter, - storage of the measurements obtained in a storage means.

  Advantageously, the step of processing the data could comprise a first step of converting the ambient light into an electrical signal called "raw signal" and a second step of detection of a specific characteristic event, such as for example detection by the sensor of a black mark present on the wheel of an electromechanical counter.

  Advantageously, the method of the invention will further comprise a step of time stamping the events relating to the acquired measurements.

  Preferably, the method will also include a step of compressing the timestamp data of the measurements acquired, consisting in converting the date of the event into a duration since the previous event.

  Likewise, the method will include a complementary step of transferring the acquired measurements to an external storage / processing unit, such as for example a personal computer.

  The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description, given below for purely explanatory purposes, of an embodiment of the invention, with reference to the appended figures: FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view representing a counter provided with a metrological diode and representing the positioning of the aiming element of the device according to the invention; - Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view showing a counter with a roller display and 5 showing the positioning of the aiming element of the device according to the invention; FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view representing a counter provided with a metrological disc and representing the positioning of the aiming element of the device according to the invention; - Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of the positioning of the sensor of the device according to the invention; - Figure 5 illustrates a diagram of a complete implementation of the device according to the invention; and - Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of a means for fixing the sensor of the device on the aiming element of the device; - Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of a sensor according to the invention; and - Figure 8 illustrates a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the sighting element.

  Beforehand, it is important to note that the device according to the invention can be used with all types of meters comprising an indicator of the measured consumption, in particular when this indicator is in the form of a roller display, a rotating disc, a diode generating light pulses, or in any other form allowing acquisition by optical means.

  Furthermore, the device according to the invention also comprises a housing, a detection means, a data storage means, a processing unit, which are not presented here or discussed because they do not form the essential object of the invention. invention and are well known to those skilled in the art.

  An indicator of the measured consumption can be a metrological diode C2 present on a counter C1 shown in FIG. 1. This counter C1 is for example an electronic counter of electric consumption. Diode C2 produces light pulses whose frequency is proportional to the measured consumption.

  In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the sighting element Dl of the device according to the invention is in the form of a rectangular plate 15 having an orifice in its center. When the element Dl is approached from the front face of the counter C1 to be fixed there, the diode C2 can be seen through the orifice, which makes it possible to position the element Dl while ensuring that the diode and the orifice are in the same axis. An indicator of the measured consumption can be a roll of numbers C4 from a roller display C5 present on a counter C3 shown in FIG. 2. This counter C3 is for example a gas meter or a water meter. 25 Reading a single roll of numbers is sufficient to obtain a record of the evolution of the measured quantity. The roller C4 used for reading by the sensor is preferably the one furthest to the right, so as to obtain the best precision. Provision may also be made for the sensor to follow the travel of the last two rollers or else the use of two sensors intended respectively for reading the latter two rollers. Another possibility obviously consists in placing a sensor opposite each roller or in using a sensor capable of monitoring the movement of all of the rollers, but this solution requires a more complex and therefore more expensive structure.

  In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the sighting element Dl 'of the device according to the invention is in the form of a rectangular plate having a notch cut out over the entire thickness of the plate. When the element Dl 'is approached from the front face 10 of the counter C3 to be fixed there, the roll of numbers C4 can be seen by this notch, which makes it possible to position the element Dl' while ensuring that the roller and notch are on the same axis. A secondary advantage of this embodiment is that it is possible to read the figure displayed on the roll of figures by the opening made by the notch on the edge of the element D1 ', even after the complete device was fixed. If this secondary advantage is actually to be implemented, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient thickness of the element D1 '.

  An indicator of the measured consumption can be a rotating disc C7 of a counter C6 shown in FIG. 3. This counter C6 is for example an electromechanical electricity meter. The C7 disc bears a C8 mark of a different color, generally black, making it possible to count the number of turns. The frequency of the disc turns is proportional to the measured consumption.

  In the mode shown in Figure 3, the sighting element Dl '' of the device according to the invention is in the form of a rectangular plate having an orifice in its center. When the element Dl '' is approached to the front face of the counter C6 to be fixed there, the edge of the disc C7 can be seen through the orifice, which makes it possible to position the element Dl '' making sure that the geometric axis orthogonal to the plate D1 '' and passing through the center of the orifice is indeed in the geometric plane of the disc C7.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the sensor D2 of the device according to the invention is in the form of a rectangular plate on which is located one or more electronic components, including the optical sensor. The sensor D2 is positioned on the aiming element Dl, which is already fixed on the front face of the meter. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the sighting element is fixed to the front face of the meter by an adhesive paste D5, making it possible to reposition and deposit it easily, and the sensor 20 is fixed to the sighting element by the joint action of the adhesive D6 and the embedding in the orifice D4 of a protrusion composed in whole or in part of the optical sensor D7. Of course, instead of the adhesive paste D5 chosen here to illustrate the invention, one can envisage any other fixing means suitable for fixing an element made of plastic material against the transparent pane generally present on the face of a meter, water or electricity.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the sensor is advantageously connected by a connection cord D3 to another support D8, which can be a plastic case, comprising a clock, a processing unit and a storage unit, not shown in the appended figures.

  In an embodiment not shown, the sensor may include a sensor made up of a photosensitive electronic target, an objective lens and an emitting diode. The target is activated at regular time intervals for a very short time, so as to minimize the power consumption of the device. The target captures the image visible through the objective lens and illuminated by the emitting diode. In the case of an indicator in the form of a roll of numbers, the frequency of activation of the target is chosen to be high in comparison with the speed of rotation of the roll. Thus each figure which scrolls past the target appears in full on at least one captured image and the evolution of the measured consumption can be reconstructed.

  Advantageously, the processing unit detects the 20 images where a whole number appears and transmits only these to the storage unit. The storage unit keeps the series of images of whole numbers with their respective acquisition dates. In another embodiment, also not shown, the processing unit detects the images where a whole number appears and only signals the occurrence of these events, that is to say the appearance of an integer, to the storage unit. The storage unit then stores only the corresponding detection dates. In another embodiment, the processing unit is advantageously capable of recognizing the figures appearing in full on the captured images and transmits to the storage unit only the digital codes of the figures in question.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the positioning and fixing of the sensor D10 on the aiming element D9 is done by a dovetail and stop mechanism. The sighting element D9 is hollowed out according to a first groove, having a section of substantially trapezoidal shape, made up to the surface and 10 whose edges deviate in the depth of the plate.

  At the bottom of this first groove is dug a second groove, for example of rectangular section, of width less than that of the first groove and which extends, in the direction of the length, from the edge to the center of the plaque. At the bottom of this groove, on the side which is in the center of the plate, is an orifice 11.

  The sensor D10 is machined so as to be able to be threaded into the aforesaid first groove of the sighting element D9.

  The protuberance present on the surface of the sensor D10 and 20 composed in whole or in part of the sensor D10, slides in the second groove, of rectangular section, and naturally comes to be positioned in abutment, opposite the orifice.

  Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of both the sensor 13 and the sighting element 12; the two elements 13, 12 being assembled together and fixed to the counter, not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. These two figures apply more particularly, but not exclusively, to the use of the device according to the invention on an electric meter.

  The sighting element 12 may consist of a transparent plate on which there is a target, not shown in these figures, in the form of two lines, each being drawn on one of the faces of the transparent plate. The alignment of these two lines and of the edge of the metrological disc guarantees the correct positioning of the viewfinder, and therefore of the device as a whole.

  In certain cases, it may be advantageous to fix the sensor 13 to the sighting element 12 before installation so as to guarantee an irreproachable positioning. The positioning of the assembly on the counter then remains possible thanks to the test pattern which protrudes on each side of the sensor, provided of course that a sighting element 12 wider than the sensor is provided. 15 Other versions of the target can be other types of marks appearing on each face and having to be aligned with the edge of the disc: two parallel lines on each face, the edge of the disc having to appear in the space between each pair of lines, crosses or circles on each side etc ...

  As shown in FIG. 7, two flexible pins 15 are present on either side of the sensor 13 and come to be embedded or snap into the notches made in the sighting element 12.

  The notches 14 of the aiming element 12 can in fact be a single notch having a length equivalent to the width of the aiming element, as shown in FIG. 8.

  The two pins 15 can protrude on either side of the plane of the sighting element 12 so that these protruding parts of the pins 15, allow, by manual pressure, for example substantially in the center of the sensor 13, to move aside the pins 15 to facilitate the embedding and "extraction" of the sighting element 12.

  To this end, the material of the sensor 13, that is to say that used to make its support, may consist of a relatively flexible material allowing relative flexion of said element 13 so that the points in L, or in half arrow , the pins 15 easily move apart. Furthermore, the pins 15 can also be made of a relatively flexible material allowing the spacing of the points intended for attachment to the aiming element 12 without damaging said pins 15.

  The lugs 15 can therefore be secured to the sensor 13, the material used allowing the minimum flexibility required to slightly separate the lugs 15. The two lugs 15 can also be connected by an integral "bridge", or connecting member, which is fixed on the support plate 13 carrying the sensor 13. In this case, it is the bridge which is fixed to the plate 13. Furthermore, the lugs 15 may be metallic with a spring system, identical to the fastenings of RAM memories in laptops.

  The steps relating to the processing of the measurements collected by the sensor are as follows: Step 1: Conversion of ambient light into an electrical signal called "raw signal", Step 2: Detection of specific events in the signal, that is ie peaks due to the ignition of the diode of electronic meters, peaks due to the variation of reflection of the infrared beam when passing the black mark, that is to say the mark appearing on the disks of the meters electromechanical, Step 3: Compression: conversion of the date of an event into a duration since the previous event. This duration can be coded and stored on a limited number of bits, for example on only one byte. In this case, the possible values therefore range from 0 to 255, but the last values are reserved to represent special codes. When the duration since the last event 10 exceeds the maximum value (excluding special codes), a special code is memorized and the duration counter is reset to zero.

  As an illustrative example of the compression step, the following series of events can be considered: evl, ev2, ev3, ev4.

  The dates, in seconds, are for example: tl = 134500, t2 = 134560, t3 = 135105, t4 = 135300.

  Compression then consists in transforming the series 20 into: d2 = t2-tl = 60, d3.1 = 251, d3.2 = 251, d3.3 = 45, d4 = 195.

  The value 251 is a special code which means that there has been no event for 250 seconds. So we find, for example, the date t3 from the date t2, by adding 545 = 250 + 250 + 45.

  Thanks to this compression principle in which the subsequent dates are indexed as a function of references and / or of the earlier dates, the hourly data relating to the times when the measurements are taken by the device 30 according to the invention can be stored while minimizing the resources of memory required.

  Likewise, the step of detecting specific events in the signal is specific in the case of an electromechanical counter. The detection mechanism (detection of a "pulse" appearing during the passage of the black mark, this pulse having the appearance of a "bump" in the signal) is characterized by the observation 5 in the signal of a succession of phases, the first of which is a continuously rising slope whose height is greater than a threshold, for example adaptive and dependent on valid pulses detected in the near past, the second of which is a plateau during which the signal remains 10 in an interval of which the deviation is limited and may depend on the height of the immediately preceding slope and the third of which is a continuously descending slope whose height is greater than a threshold, for example adaptive and dependent on valid pulses detected in the near past.

  The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different variants of the invention without going beyond the scope of the patent.

Claims (17)

  1. Device for acquiring measurements made by a counter (Cl, C3, C6) having an indicator of 5 information data, for example relating to the consumption measured by the counter (Cl, C3, C6), comprising a housing, a detection means, a data storage means, a processing unit, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) 10 and a sighting element, capable of ensuring the correct positioning of the sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) opposite the above-mentioned indicator so that said sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) can read the information of the indicator through the element of aim (D1, Dl ', Dl' ', D9, 12); 15 the sighting element (D1, Dl ', Dl' ', D9, 12) and the sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) being assembled / fixable to each other and the sensor / element assembly of sight being fixed on the meter (Cl, C3, C6).   2. Acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sighting element (Dl, Dl ', Dl' ', D9, 12) comprises at least one orifice.   3. Acquisition device according to claim 25 1, characterized in that the aiming element (Dl, Dl ', Dl' ', D9, 12) consists of a transparent plastic plate comprising a target, for example made up of two perpendicular lines, or a circle, arranged on each of the parallel faces of said aiming element (D1, 30 Dl ', Dl' ', D9, 12).   4. Acquisition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing between the sighting element (D1, Dl ', Dl' ', D9, 12) and the sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) is produced by clipping, for example using at least two flexible substantially L-shaped lugs (15) present on the sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) intended to be clipped to the sides of the 'sighting element (D1, Dl', Dl '', D9, 12).   5. Acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the counter indicator (Cl, C3, C6) consists of a metrological diode, a roll of numbers from a roller display or a metrological disc on which appears a mark of different color.   6. Acquisition device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) is an optical sensor, for example a photodiode or any sensor sensitive to light / luminescence or an infrared sensor.   7. Acquisition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a connection bus for the transfer of the data stored in the above-mentioned storage means.   8. Acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an analog-digital converter or a comparator connected on the one hand to the sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) and on the other hand to the processing unit.   9. Acquisition device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a means of own supply of electrical energy.   10. Acquisition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a time stamping means for the time stamping of the acquisitions of the measurements.   11. Acquisition device according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises means for compressing the time stamping data.   12. Acquisition device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit detects the images where a whole figure appears and transmits only these to the storage unit or transmits only the occurrence of the appearance of an integer.   13. Method for the acquisition of measurements made by a counter (C1, C3, C6), using a device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - acquisition by the sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) of data displayed by the counter indicator (Cl, C3, C6), - processing of said data in order to determine and identify measurements of the counter (Cl, C3, C6), - storage of the measurements obtained in a storage means.   14. A method of acquisition according to claim 30 13, characterized in that the step of processing the data comprises a first step of converting the ambient light into an electrical signal called "raw signal" and a second step of detecting 'a specific characteristic event, such as for example the detection by the sensor (D2, D7, D10, 13) of a black mark present on the wheel of an electromechanical counter (C6).   15. Method for the acquisition according to claim 5 13, characterized in that it further comprises a step of time stamping of the events relating to the acquired measurements.   16. Method for the acquisition according to claim 15, characterized in that it also comprises a step of compressing the timestamp data of the acquired measurements consisting of a conversion of the date of the event into a duration since the previous event.   17. Method for acquisition according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that it comprises an additional step of transferring the measurements acquired in an external storage / processing unit, such as for example a personal computer.