GB2107093A - Automatic reading of public utility meters or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for automatically reading meters for commodities such as gas, water or electricity on the consumer's premises and, preferably, producing the bill for payment due at the same time. An external sensor is triggered by indexing movement of part of a conventional meter. A processor, connected to the sensor, has a memory in which the signals are accumulated. The processor includes a card reader and printer which on presentation of a card by the consumer causes the information memorised to be released and transferred to the record card. The record card may have control or command information by which the processor is caused to calculate the total payment due for the quantity of commodity consumed so that the bill is printed and presented when the record card is released from the processor following reading and printing. The processor may be connected to more than one meter, and respective channels with associated memories can be provided for each meter. It is proposed that the record card be prepared by the relevant Authority, posted or delivered to the consumer for postal or like return, and cost savings on labour intensive meter readings can be made. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in measuring, integrating and summating consumption of commodities supplied by authorities for public utility services or the like This invention concerns improvements in measuring, integrating and summating consumption of commodities supplied by Authorities for public utility services or the like. This invention has practical application for the reading of the quantity of the commodity consumed or supplied, the optional preparation of the consumer bill or record, and the maintenance of records. Particular commodities to which this invention may be applied include gas, electricity or water, but the invention has further application for commodities with a mass consumer market such as for telephonic or rediffusion networks.

In this Specification, the term "Authority" means any undertaking, company or business supplying commodities to consumers through meter or like controlled supply devices.

Additionally, the term "consumer" used herein means the consumer, the user or other party authorised or responsible for payment, and herein the term consumer should be construed as the context admits.

Traditionally, the amount of the commodity consumed on the user's premises is recorded by a meter. Each meter has to be visited by a meter reader employed or contracted to the relevant Authority at prescribed periodic intervals. The reading taken is transferred manually by the reader into his/her records and returned to the local or central office of the Authority in order that the consumer's bill and records be made up. The bill is then rendered to the consumer or the appropriate account notice sent to the consumer or other party responsible for payment.

In domestic installations, significant problems arise in practice where the premises are unoccupied during the normal working hours of the meter reader, and special supplementary steps have to be taken, for instance providing self-read cards or arranging further visits by prior appointment. Furthermore, the employment of meter readers is labour intensive and costly, especially because of the high proportion of time spent in travelling to the premises and to and from each meter.

With increasing labour and travelling costs the Authorities would like to reduce or eliminate the costs arising from meter reading and some of the consequential costs such as aforementioned.

It is clear that sophisticated automated systems could be devised based on advanced technology wherein the amount of the commodity consumed could be monitored and the quantity or amount or rate of consumption be automaticaly directed to the originating Authority. However, prior proposals depend on the transmission of recorded information by telecommunication, radio signal or other transmissible means from the premises to the receiver, and a network of transmission stations and/or receivers is required. The capital cost of such transmission systems have so far proved unacceptable, particularly having regard to the cost of the equipment in each consumer's premises and the installation, maintenance and servicing thereof. One of the major capital costs is that of providing and installing new metering devices in each premises.There would also be the need for substantial re-organisation of existing systems.

It is an object of this invention to provide improvements in measuring, integrating and summating such consumption without the need for physical and visual reading of each meter by a reader.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improvement in measuring and recording consumption wherein the transmission of the information can be made through simple means such as normal postal services or delivery.

It is another object of this invention to provide improvements in the apparatus for measuring, integrating and summating consumption whereby primary metering installation in the consumer's premises may be retained and, by such retention, permits conventional meter reading by the consumer or service inspector for verification as required.

It is yet another optional object of this invention to extend the improvement by also providing for the automatic calculation and preparation of the bill for payment of the quantity of the commodity consumed when the meter is read.

According to this invention, we provide a system for measuring, integrating and summating consumption of a commodity supplied through a meter for visual inspection, the system including a sensor unit for attachment to the meter for responding to indexing movement of the meter, a processor unit for connection to the sensor unit and having a memory function for storing signals from the sensor unit and summating same, the processor having a read function for reading consumer record cards on presentation into the processor, control means on the record card for verifying the record card to that meter, and the processor having a print function for printing onto the record card such information stored and summated in the processor unit relating to the quantity of the commodity consumed.

By the system according to the invention, the record card may be prepared by the Authority with the control means thereon, for instance coded data representing the meter and/or consumer reference, and such record card may be transmitted to the consumer by post or otherwise delivered to the consumer. The record card may be presented to the processor unit for completion of the read function to verify and check by the control means, and thereafter to actuate the print function to transfer to the record card the information summated in the memory of the processor to the record card.

Following these stages, the record card can be posted or otherwise returned to the Authority by the consumer. Thus, by this system, there is no need for the meter to be read manually-by a meter reader, and the consumer is entrusted with presenting the record card to the processor for the combined function of reading and printing the information on the record card.

The system may include several safeguards against fraud or misuse as will be later explained, but as the record cards are initiated by the Authority, the ultimate check on whether readings have been returned, is maintained by the Authority and, by retaining a meter for visual inspection at the consumer's premises, the Authority can at any time make an inspection in the case of default or omissions.

The sensor is arranged to respond to indexing movement of the meter, such as the revolution of the conventional wheel or disc with/without numeral references thereon, or the movement of a pointer movable with respect to a fixed dial. The sensor may be attached to an existing meter by securing to a transparent part of the meter case or body, such as the conventional glass panel, by suitable adhesive, bonding or fastening means.

Depending on the type of sensor employed, the indexing movement of the meter may be responded to by the sensor due to a magnetic or reflective substance applied to the relevant wheel, disc or pointer of the meter. The sensor may be magnetically or optically responsive. Alternatively, the sensor may sense the actual movement by interruption of a beam or scan path generated by the sensor. As will be appreciated, each indexing movement effectively triggers the sensor to send a signal to the memory of the processor unit.

Preferably, in the system, the processor unit is a micro-processor having a plurality of channels to each of which a sensor may be connected. Thus each meter in a premises, say one for the three conventional commodities of gas, electricity and water may have a respective sensor, and each sensor provides the respective signal on consumption triggered by indexing movement of the associated meter for storage in the respective memory of the respective channel of the processor unit.

Furthermore, the processor unit may include a permanent memory data store so that when a record card is presented to the processor unit, it is possible to identify or compare through the control means on the card to verify the correct record card. After such verification the channel designated by the control means is opened so that the record card prepared by the respective Authority accesses or opens only the correct channel.

Accordingly, a single processor unit may be shared by several Authorities once the respective Authority has installed the sensor to it's meter and connected it to a common processor. This arrangement represents considerable savings in labour costs of meter reading by one or more Authorities whilst, retaining for each of the Authorities, the accounting and billing procedures and it's original meter installation.

Nevertheless, the system can be extended by including a summating and integrating function so that the processor unit is also capable of applying and calculating the charges to be made for the actual quantity of the commodity consumed as summed and stored in the relevant memory channel. As these charges vary and possibly include fixed rates for supply and sliding scales of rates for the quantity consumed, data on the charging rates to be applied may be provided to the processor unit by information given on the record card and read from the card following verification.

By the summating and integrating function provided in the processor, the printer may be arranged to print out on the record card not only the meter reading and/or the actual quantity consumed, but also the charge incurred by the consumer. Therefore, the system may provide for the simultaneous reading of the meter and preparation of the bill, so that the amount for payment then becomes due, and is required to be forwarded with the record card to the relevant Authority by the consumer.

Such extension of the system according to this invention provides yet a further significant advance over existing systems and is capable of achieving further substantial savings for the Authority or Authorities. Even by such extension, the existing meter is retained, and for verification or manual preparation of bills, say on changes of consumer or other special cases, the original manual reading scheme can be employed without disturbing any of the system installation.

For the simultaneous preparation of the bill for the consumer on presentation of the record card to the processor, the control means on the record card would include the coded data or information on the charging scales or rate to be applied at the date of presentation. Thus the Authority may introduce it's new rates or scales of charging without interruption to the normal operation of the meter and the processor unit after installation.

The invention is concerned with the apparatus for attachment to the existing meter as well as the complete system in it's various aspects. However, it is not deemed necessary to detail the many different ways in which the processor circuits may be set up to achieve the objectives and functions as with micro-electronic and solid state technology there are many different ways in which the appropriate circuits and functions may be arranged.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing comprising a schematic diagram of a system for combining the measuring, integrating and summation of consumption from three meters in the same premises with simultaneous bill preparation.

With reference to the exemplary arrangement shown in the diagram, the system is applied to three existing meters 1, 2 and 3 respectively installed in the premises for the measurement of gas, electricity and water consumed. Each meter has a respective sensor 4, 5 and 6 attached thereto, and each of the sensors is mounted in a carrier (not shown) and connected by a suitable respective coupling or connection 7, 8 and 9 to a processor unit 10.

It is assumed that each of the meters 1, 2 and 3 is of the analogue or digital read-out type having a tenth part indicator. Such indicator is usually a pointer rotating against a fixed dial or a rotatable wheel with numerals printed or affixed thereto.

Each full revolution of indexing movement of the meter represents one full unit of commodity supplied through the meter. Other forms of meters are employed, but in each case there is normally a rotatable member such as wheel or disc which is related to indexing movement of the meter.

By applying a magnetic or reflective substance to the pointer or to one spot on the wheel or disc, each revolution on indexing movement will pass a fixed point on the case of the meter. For visual reading the front of the case is normally provided with a glass panel, thus through this glass panel the substance applied to the pointer or wheel can be sensed by the sensor mounted accurately on the outside of the glass panel, and depending on the nature of the substance applied, on indexing movement of the meter, on each cyclic movement of the pointer or spot will effectively provide a trigger to which the sensor responds.

The sensor may be an optically or magnetically responsive device demountably mounted in a carrier permanently bonded to the glass panel by a high performance adhesive or other suitable means. The position of the sensor is required to be accurate with respect to the tenth part indicator and, for any given type and make of meter, this can be predetermined. The fitter installing the processor and sensor may be provided with a suitable jig for positioning the sensor carrier during the adhesive securing or similar operation.

The carrier may provide a housing or other security enclosure for the sensor and for this purpose, the sensor may be coupled to the carrier by tamperproof means including a seal or other tamper evident device to prevent unauthorised removal. A suitable connection extends from the carrier to the processor unit and is connected to the appropriate circuit channel in the processor unit.

As will be understood, each time the pointer or wheel of the meter completes one cycle aligned with the sensor, a signal will be given to the processor unit 10 through the associated connection. This signal may be in the form of a pulse.

The processor unit 10 includes an enclosure (not shown) housing suitable micro-circuits which may be powered by a low power source transformed from the mains supply. The processor unit may include a rechargeable battery to safe-guard operation of the processor in the event of mains power failure. The processor unit 10 may be a small box-like unit mounted adjacent to or remote from the existing meters at the premises.

The processor unit 10 also includes a slot or drawer 1 into which a record card 12 may be inserted by the user, and any of suitable various known arrangements for this may be employed.

The processor unit further includes a read assembly (not shown) for reading and transcribing control data or information on the record card when it is presented to the processor unit. Such read assembly may be ofthe optical or m-agnetic type, the. latter being preferred.

Furthermore, the processor unit includes a print assembly (not shown) by which the record card may be printed with- designated symbols or characters as part of the. actuation and function of the processor. In known manner the processor may include an- ejector mechanism by which the record card is ejected from the slot or drawer after completion of the functions of the processor.

If required, the processor may be provided with a display panel 13 to show to the user the information stored, being printed, or transcribed onto or from the record card. This display panel is optional, but may be convenient for purposes where the processor unit is mounted remote from the meters to which it is connected.

It is possible that the processor unit could be provided with a pair of slots or drawers into one of which the record card is presented for reading, and the other slot or drawer being solely for the purpose of printing. To a large extent such details of design and assembly will depend on the mechanical and other constructions employed for the reading and printing functions and the means for holding the record-card during processing.

The record card 12 may be of any suitable shape, but is it expected that it would be of a flat thin form with a surface of electro-magnetic recording and/or printing. The size would be suitable for fitting into a small envelope, and the standard size employed for magnetic record cards of about 190 mms. by 80 mms. may be suitable.

The card may be printed on one face for normal reading and legibility with the other face carrying coded data or information for reading by the processor unit. The card may have a common face with all the information thereon, and the arrangement can be selected to suit the practical requirements and the type of read and print function of the processor.

The record card may be provided initially with optical read markings in magnetic ink or the data may be coded using 7-, 8- or 13-bit codes for reading and conversion by the processor unit.

The processor includes three channels 14, 1 5 and 16, each of which is connected to a respective sensor 4, 5 and 6. Each channel has an associated memory function (a) for storing and summating signals received from the respective sensor.

Each channel of the processor unit 10 also comprises a summation and integrating function (b). The summation and integration function is provided for translating and calculating information data from the memory and either from the control means or control data read from the record card or from a permanent memory data store 1 7 within the processor unit.

The memory, summation and integrating function (a) and (b) of each channel may be integral. However, if desired, it is possible to provide a signal separate function for summation and integrating to which each of the channels is connected.

In the permanent memory data store 1 7 of the processor unit there is retained certain control information such as a code relating to the meter and/or consumer reference as may be suitable to the Authority. This permanent memory data store 1 7 is required for verification of the record card to the processor unit by reading and comparing the control data and control means provided on the record card when it is initially presented to the processor unit.

This permanent memory data store may include other data relating to the meter, such as installation and service details, and responsible persons of the Authority may be given special pass cards with command data which provides access into this permanent data store when required.

The record card for each meter is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Authority for each consumer meter. On completion of the record card by the Authority it would be despatched to the consumer for use in actuating the processor unit as will now be described.

Initiaily, the record card when received by the consumer will be inserted into the slot or drawer in the processor unit by the user, and either by this action or an access or open command carried on the record card, the first data sequence on the record card will be read. This sequence will include the consumer or meter reference for initial verification of the record card with the information in the permanent memory data store relating to that meter and any other details prescribed. If such verification is not obtained, the record card will be ejected and further processing terminated.

This safe-guard ensures that improper use of the processor unit or improper presentation of the record card, say upside down or the wrong end first, is prevented.

Subject to the verification being completed, the circuit to the correct channel will be selected and the memory for the channel opened to transfer the memory summation of units or corresponding pulses (the memorised information) to the summation and integrating function of the circuit.

The record card may include control means, such as coded commands for selecting the channel to be opened, or this selection may be automatically completed on verification of the meter or consumer reference.

The transfer of the memorised information may be triggered by an initial verification of the last meter reading given as control data or control means on the record card, or by a coded command recalling the last meter reading stored in the memory. In either case, the summation of the quantity consumed or supplied through the meter is calculated from the memorised or command information by subtraction or addition from the last meter reading or the total number of units or other measured quantity consumed. Various arrangements of the circuits and logic functions are feasible to isolate and summate the actual quantity of the commodity consumed since the last reading, and these would be selected to suit the way in which the information and functions of the control data and means are exchanged between the processor unit and the record card.

The integrating function of the circuit may be actuated by control means on the record card following or combined with summation of the quantity consumed. The integrating function of the processor unit integrates the rates or scale of charges to be applied and any other charges or discounts to be applied as read from the record card, and calculates the charge with respect to the summation of the quantity as just accessed from the memory.

The summation of this integrated function is then transferred as new data to be printed under the control of the printer function. Following such integration, the new data may also be restored in the memory, such as the new meter reading with automatic clearance of the previous meter reading.

On actuation of the printer, either as a direct consequence of the completion of the summation and integrated function, or by removing the record card and placing it in the printing position, the record card is automatically printed with the actual meter reading and the sum due for payment of the quantity of the commodity consumed.

Subject to the arrangement of the circuitry, and the format of the record card, the memory may be caused to erase any old information only on printing, and to retain as new information the actual meter reading onto which the subsequent consumption will be added as the sensor continues to respond to consumption through the meter.

The record card is then available to the consumer with the amount of payment due printed on the card, and the consumer or person responsible is ready to make the payment to the Authority with the record card serving as the bill or account record.

It is envisaged that Authorities could cooperate to a certain extent in their systems, the one record card could be shared by more than one Authority and record cards for each area prepared by a central computerised billing and meter control centre having all necessary consumer information to prepare and despatch the record cards.

It will be understood that the capital cost of introducing the invented system is principally only that of providing and fitting the sensor and the processor. Most Authorities at the present time have suitable computers by which the record cards and information thereon could be prepared, and the saving on labour and overheads over a period of three to ten years, particularly on meter reading and allied special procedures would offset the capital outlay required.

The invented system and apparatus such as exemplified in broad terms previously is simple, and capable of accommodating the wide range of the needs of different Authorities and even consumers.

By mass production of the processor units using micro-electronic components, the cost of manufacture can be reduced to very low levels, and the simple mode of installation as aforedescribed does not require any unusual disturbance to existing installations or fittings other than to open the door of the meter.

Although this invention has been described with the automatic production of the bill for the consumer on reading the meter, this invention can be applied most effectively to a less far-reaching system in which only the consumption is read and printed on presentation of the record card to the processor unit.

In such simpler system, the record card would be returned to the Authority, and on receipt the Authority has merely to follow the existing routines for preparing and sending out bills to consumers. The simplified form of the invented system still avoids the need for meter readers whilst retaining most of the existing routines of the relevant Authority extant.

Although the merits of retaining the existing meter are important, this invention is also deemed to include a meter in combination with the sensor and processor with the meter being modified to trigger the sensor.

The permanent memory data store in the processor unit afore-mentioned may be capable of modification or change by a responsible and authorised person, and the term "permanent" is only used in the sense that it is deemed nonerasable as part of the functions of the processor unit when reading, transferring and printing the meter reading and any other billing information summed on integration.

From the foregoing description, it will be understood that a processor unit may only have a single channel and memory and be suitable for use with a single meter. Alternatively, more than three channels may be provided for use as and when desired to connect or couple new installations to the processor unit.

Other modifications and procedures and functions of the processor unit may be selected to suit the application and use of or by the relevant Authority.

Claims (10)

1. A system for measuring, integrating and summating consumption of a commodity supplied through a meter for visual inspection, the system including a sensor unit for attachment to the meter for responding to indexing movement of the meter, a processor unit for connection to the sensor unit and having a memory function for storing signals from the sensor unit and sum mating same, the processor unit having a read function for reading consumer record cards on presentation to the processor unit, control means on the record card for verifying the record card to that meter, and the processor having a print function for printing onto the record card such information stored and summated in the processor unit relating to the quantity of the commodity consumed.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is arranged to respond to indexing movement of a wheel, disc or pointer of the meter.

3. The system according to claim 2 wherein the sensor is mounted on the outside of the meter in a carrier with the sensor being accurately disposed with respect to the wheel disc or pointer of the meter.

4. The system according to claim 3 wherein the sensor is magnetically or optically responsive and the wheel, disc or pointer has a suitable magnetic or optical substance applied thereto.

5. The system according to claim 4 wherein the sensor is mounted on a glass panel of the meter body or case.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor unit has a plurality of channels, each of which is arranged for respective connection to a sensor.

7. The system according to claim 6 wherein the processor unit includes a permanent memory data store for verifying the record card prior to transferring and printing information on the record card.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the processor unit includes a summation and integrating function for applying and calculating the sum due for payment of the quantity of commodity consumed and the print function includes printing the calculated sum due onto the record card.

9. The system for measuring, integrating and summating consumption of a commodity supplied through a meter for visual inspection substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagram.

10. In combination, the system according to any one of the preceding claims, a meter for visual inspection and a record card having coded data or control means thereon for accessing and actuating the processor unit.