GB2597811A

GB2597811A - Utility usage determining apparatus, system, method and device

Info

Publication number: GB2597811A
Application number: GB2020404.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wallden Lars
Original assignee: Laiwa Communication Ltd
Current assignee: Laiwa Communication Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-22
Filing date: 2020-12-22
Publication date: 2022-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-22
Also published as: GB202020404D0; GB2597811B; WO2022136845A1

Abstract

A utility, e.g. gas, electricity and water, calculation device to determine the amount of utility that is used in a utility metering system. A pulse sensor, e.g. light detector, magnetic sensor, Hall sensor, Reed switch or inductive sensor, detects pulses from a pulse emitter and generates data corresponding to a relative amount of utility usage. A camera images a visual display, e.g. dial containing numbers, of the meter. The camera is controlled and operated by the device and preferably operates periodically taking pictures in time intervals in order to reduce power used by the device. An image-reading circuit, e.g. optical character recognition, converts the image into data corresponding to utility usage. Utility consumption is determined using the pulse data and the image data. Preferably, a wireless transmitter communicates the amount of utility used, by e.g. a customer, to a utility supplier or a customer. Other preferable features are a light source, e.g. flash, for the camera, a reflective mirror for redirecting a sightline of the camera, temperature sensor, gas sensor, water presence sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope or magnetometer.

Description

Utility Usage Determining Apparatus, System, Method and Device The present invention relates to a utility usage determining device for use with a utility meter or utility metering system. The invention further relates to an accurate and low power method of automatically determining an amount of usage of a utility, a utility usage 5 determination system, and a utility usage determination device.

Utilities, such as electricity, gas or water, are typically supplied to users on the basis of cost per amount of utility used. Utility meters are therefore used to monitor the amount of utility supplied to the user.

Most utility meters have a numerical display or a gauge indicator which indicates the amount of utility used. Suppliers usually require regular readings from this display to determine an amount of utility used. Conventionally, the user would manually read the value indicated by the display and convey the reading to the utility company for billing or charging purposes.

Suppliers require regular readings for accurate billing. However, users can be reluctant 15 to provide regular readings so it would be desirable to provide automatic readings.

Pulse metering can be installed on utility meters to measure the relative consumption of a utility. Pulse metering uses a pulse emitter or pulse output on the utility meter which emits pulses when an amount of utility is used. A pulse sensor senses or detects these pulses. Such a system typically operates continuously and provides a digital output with a high resolution. In other words, pulse metering provides frequent pulse measurements. Such pulse measurements can be automatically collected. However, these measurements are typically inaccurate and indicate only a relative amount of usage, so are unsuitable for accurate statistics, big data and billing purposes. The inaccuracy is cumulative over time and may be caused by a pulse being lost or added due to electrical or other interferences. Such pulse measurements may conventionally find use in providing a general indication to a user of the utility consumption, which does not require high accuracy.

It would be advantageous to provide an accurate system of automatically determining an amount of utility usage. Providing a mains electrical power supply near to the utility meter 30 is generally inconvenient, and possibly hazardous in the instance of gas meters. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide such a system with a lower power requirement, so that batteries can be used to power such a system over a long duration. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide the ability to transmit measurements or readings to a supplier at least partly without the use of a conventional wired telecommunications connection, which may ease installation requirements.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a utility usage determining apparatus for use with a utility metering system having a visual display and a pulse emitter or pulse output to determine an amount of usage of a utility, the utility usage determining apparatus comprising: a pulse sensor for detecting pulses from the pulse emitter to generate pulse-measurement data, the pulse-measurement data corresponding to a relative amount of utility usage; a camera for imaging a visual display of the utility metering system to obtain a display image; a controller communicatively connected to the camera and configured to discontinuously operate the camera; an image-reading circuit communicatively connected to the camera and configured to read the display image received from the camera to produce display-reading data corresponding to a reading of the utility metering system; and a determination circuit communicatively connected to the pulse sensor and the image-reading circuit and configured to produce utility usage data based on the pulse-measurement data and the display-reading data; and at least one wireless transmitter for communicating the utility usage data to a utility user or a utility supplier.

A utility metering system may be considered to be a utility meter with a visual display, and a pulse emitter. The apparatus according to the invention allows for accurate, up-to-date, and low power determination of utility usage amounts via the utility metering system. The utility usage data has high resolution by virtue of being based on regular pulse measurements, and high accuracy by virtue of being based on the reading taken from the visual display. The camera automatically images the visual display which provides an absolute utility meter reading. Pulses are emitted by the pulse emitter after an amount of utility is used. The pulses are detected by the pulse sensor corresponding to a relative amount of utility usage. The number of pulses detected is multiplied by the value of utility usage which each pulse represents, and this forms the pulse-measurement data. This is added to the utility meter reading to provide an up-to-date high resolution reading. The utility meter is re-imaged, preferably periodically, so that pulse data alone is not relied upon for significant durations. A wireless transmitter permits easier installation, since a wired connection to a communications network would not be required This arrangement can provide accurate and up-to-date readings for supplier billing and for user notification without relying on constant imaging. Constant imaging would result 5 in excessive power demand and therefore relatively short battery life for the device.

Additionally, since two methods are used to determine the utility usage, if one fails then the other can continue to be used to determine utility usage amounts for at least brief durations.

Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a communication means for 10 communicating the pulse-measurement data, the display-reading data and/or the utility usage data. As such, the relevant data can be automatically transmitted to the supplier or user, for example.

Advantageously, the apparatus may further comprise a user display communicatively connected to the determination circuit to display the utility usage data to a user. The user 15 display may, for example, be part of a mobile telephone.

Advantageously, said at least one wireless transmitter may include a user-wireless transmitter configured to communicate the determination circuit with the user display. As such, the user display can be remote from the utility meter.

Additionally or alternatively, said at least one wireless transmitter may include a supplier-20 wireless transmitter configured to communicate the determination circuit with a utility supplier.

Preferably, the controller may be configured to operate the camera at intervals. Operation of the camera at intervals, as opposed to operating the camera after a predetermined number of pulses for example, ensures that the meter is imaged 25 frequently and would not rely on correct operation of the pulse sensor or pulse emitter.

Optionally, the controller may be configured to operate the camera at intervals of greater than 1 minute. Additionally, the controller may be configured to operate the camera at an interval of a day. Other intervals may be considered, such as operating the camera once a month.

In a preferable embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a non-mains power supply to power at least the camera, controller, and image-reading circuit. As such, a mains-power connection is not required, which might otherwise be inconvenient or hazardous, especially in the instance of a gas meter.

Advantageously, the apparatus may further comprise the pulse emitter communicatively connected to the pulse sensor. Thus, the apparatus can be used with utility meters which 5 do not have a pulse emitter.

Beneficially, the apparatus may further comprise a data storage device for storing the pulse-measurement data, the display-reading data and/or the utility usage data. This may allow for bulk transmission of pulse-measurement data, for example.

Optionally, the apparatus may further comprise a light source for illuminating the visual display. The light source may only operate when the camera is required to image the display, such as a camera flash. The light source permits the apparatus to be used with meters which are otherwise in low-light locations, or if an enclosure for the camera is required.

Additionally, the apparatus may further comprise an enclosure for surrounding the visual 15 display of the utility metering system. The enclosure may prevent tampering with the camera or similar. Additionally, the enclosure may contain or block the light source from disturbing the user. The enclosure encompasses the visual display and the camera.

Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a reflective element for redirecting a sightline of the camera. This may permit the apparatus to be arranged so that, when 20 installed, the visual display is not within a direct sightline of the camera. As such, a more space-efficient arrangement of the apparatus is possible.

Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a temperature sensor. This may, for example, notify the user or supplier if the apparatus or device is at a temperature which could cause damage to the components, or cause faulty operation and inaccurate 25 measurements.

Beneficially, the apparatus may further comprise an accelerometer. Advantageously, the apparatus may further comprise a gyroscope. These components may detect if the apparatus or device is falling off, dropped, or removed from its place of operation. This can help notify the user or supplier of accidents, theft, and manipulation.

In a preferable embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a water presence sensor. Thus, the user or supplier may be notified if the device or apparatus is flooded.

This may be of particular relevance to detect leaks in the instance of the apparatus being used with a water utility.

Optionally, the apparatus may further comprise a gas sensor. Such a sensor may be particularly useful in the instance of a gas utility to detect gas leaks Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a magnetometer.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an accurate and low power method of automatically determining an amount of usage of a utility via a utility metering system having a visual display and a pulse emitter, the method comprising: a) providing a utility usage determining apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; b) communicating the pulse sensor with the pulse emitter so that the pulse sensor senses pulses therefrom to generate pulse-measurement data corresponding to a relative amount of utility usage; c) arranging the camera so that the visual display of the utility meter is imageable thereby; d) discontinuously operating the camera to obtain a display image; e) communicating the display image to the image-reading circuit and reading the display image to produce display-reading data; f) communicating the display-reading data and the pulse-measurement data to the determination circuit to produce utility usage data; g) wirelessly transmitting the utility usage data to a utility user or a utility supplier. . According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a utility usage determination system for determining an amount of usage of a utility comprising: a utility meter having a visual display and a pulse emitter; and a utility usage determining apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; the pulse sensor communicatively connected with the pulse emitter, and the camera arranged to image the visual display.

Preferably, the utility meter is an electricity meter, a gas meter, or a water meter.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a utility usage determining device for use with a utility metering system having a visual display and a pulse emitter to determine an amount of usage of a utility, the utility usage determining apparatus comprising: a pulse sensor for detecting pulses from the pulse emitter to generate pulse-measurement data, the pulse-measurement data corresponding to a relative amount of utility usage; a camera for imaging a visual display of the utility metering system to obtain a display image; a controller communicatively connected to the camera and configured to discontinuously operate the camera; an image-reading circuit communicatively connected to the camera and configured to read the display image received from the camera to produce display-reading data corresponding to a reading of the utility metering system.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a representation of a first embodiment of a utility usage determining device in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a further representation of the utility usage determining device of Figure 1, with a front cover removed to expose internal electronics; Figure 3 shows a representation of a utility usage determining apparatus with a utility meter; Figure 4 shows a representation of a method of using the utility usage determining apparatus; Figure 5 shows an exploded representation of a second embodiment of a utility usage determining device in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention; and Figure 6 shows the utility usage determining device of Figure 5 mounted to a utility meter.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment of a utility usage determining device 10. The device 10 is for determining an amount of usage of a utility via a utility meter which has a visual display and which has a pulse emitter. The visual display indicates the amount of utility used, and therefore may be considered to be an absolute measurement, and the pulse emitter emits a pulse when an amount of utility is used, and therefore may be considered to be a relative measurement. The utility meter may not have the pulse emitter already installed, although the utility meter should at least have the capability of having a pulse emitter installed therewith. It will be appreciated that the pulse emitter may be positioned near the utility meter and therefore may not actually be part of the utility meter. The first embodiment of the utility usage determining device 10 is preferably for use with an electricity or gas meter.

The utility usage determining device 10 includes a pulse sensor, a camera 14, a controller 16 and an image-reading circuit 18.

The pulse sensor is for detecting pulses emitted from the pulse emitter to form pulse-measurement data. The pulse-measurement data corresponds to a relative amount of utility usage.

The pulse sensor might be an on-board pulse sensor. For example, the pulse sensor may comprise a light detector for detecting illuminations emitted from a pulse emitter which comprises a light emitting device, such as a light emitting diode, on, at, or adjacent to a utility meter. The illuminations typically correspond to pulses of the electricity supply and therefore the amount of electricity used. In this case, visual access, which may comprise a hole in a housing, should be provided between the light detector and the light emitting device. Alternatively, the pulse sensor may be a magnetic sensor such as a Hall-effect sensor, a reed switch or an inductive sensor. Such sensors would be used to detect rotation of a disk or wheel with a coil, metal, or magnet on, which may be used to measure the amount of gas or water used. Other pulse sensors may be considered depending on the type of utility being measured, and the particular arrangement or configuration of the utility meter.

The camera 14 is for imaging a visual display of the utility meter to obtain a display image. Whilst described as a camera 14, it may also be termed as an imaging device or a visual sensor. The camera 14 is arranged so as to be able to view and image the visual display of the utility meter. The camera 14 is preferably an Omnivision (RTM) 0V7725, although it will be appreciated that other cameras may be considered.

To permit reliable imaging of the visual display, for example to prevent or limit glare or obstructions in a sightline between the camera 14 and the visual display, the device 10 may include an enclosure 20 or partition for surrounding the visual display and/or the camera 14. Here the enclosure 20 or partition is formed by a housing of the device 10.

The housing 20 includes an aperture 22 for permitting a sightline between the camera 14 and the visual display. The aperture 22 is preferably slot shaped or elongate to accommodate the typical shape of visual displays.

The camera 14 may not have a direct sightline to the visual display, and therefore the device 10 may include a reflective element 24, such as a mirror, to allow an indirect sightline between the visual display and the camera 14 via the reflective element 24. Such a configuration may allow for the device 10 to be arranged to limit an outward projection of the device 10 from the meter. This may be advantageous if the meter is received in a cupboard or other enclosure 20, for example. As such, here the camera 14 is spaced apart from the visual display in a vertical direction, and the camera 14 faces the vertical direction to allow visual access of the display via the reflective element 24. However, it will be appreciated that alternative configurations may be considered, such as camera being spaced apart from the display in a side-to-side direction with the camera facing in this direction to allow visual access of the display via an appropriately angled reflective element. Alternatively, the camera may have a direct sightline of the visual display.

The device 10 preferably further includes a light emitting device 26, light source or illumination means for illuminating the visual display so that the camera 14 can successfully image the visual display. This may be required if the meter is in a dark location or if an enclosure 20 is used. The enclosure 20 may also prevent or limit the light emitting device 26 from disturbing local users. The light-emitting device 26 may be configured to light only when the camera 14 is operated, as a flash, to save energy.

The device 10 may include a printed circuit board 28 (PCB). The PCB 28 includes a processor or microprocessor, such as an NXP (RTM) iMXRT1062 although other processors may be considered, which may define or have at least part of the controller 16 and the image-reading circuit 18. The pulse sensor may be at or on the PCB 28. However, the pulse sensor may not be visible in Figure 2.

The controller 16 is communicatively connected to the camera 14. For example, this may be achieved via mounting the camera 14 on the printed circuit board 28 and arranging the required connection. The controller 16 is configured to discontinuously operate the camera 14, for example instructions on discontinuous operation may be stored on a memory device. The controller 16 may be configured to operate the camera 14 at predetermined intervals of time, for example intervals of greater than or equal to 1 minute, or intervals greater than or equal to a day, or intervals greater than or equal to a month. The duration between operation may be determined via a desired battery-life of the device 10 and/or via utility billing requirements. Alternatively, the camera 14 may be configured to operate when the number of received pulse reading reaches a set level, or if there are unexpected pulse readings or a lack of pulse readings.

VVhen the camera 14 is operated, the display image is captured.

The image-reading circuit 18 is communicatively connected to the camera 14 and is configured to read or interpret the display image received from the camera 14 to produce display-reading data corresponding to a reading of the utility meter.

The image-reading circuit 18 preferably utilises a machine learning algorithm to interpret 5 the display image. The visual display of the utility meter is conventionally a multi-digit number, each digit corresponding to a face of a dial, although digital and analogue displays may also be considered. The display image therefore includes these multi-digit numbers and the image-reading circuit 18 interprets and extracts the number or value which represented by the display image. The image-reading circuit 18 can thereby obtain 10 in a digital form the reading displayed by the visual display of the utility meter. Whilst a machine learning algorithm is preferred, it will be appreciated that other forms of optical character recognition may be considered.

The device 10 may preferably further include a determination circuit 30 communicatively connected to the pulse sensor and the image-reading circuit 18 and configured to produce utility usage data based on the pulse-measurement data and the display-reading data. The determination circuit 30 may be part of, or at least in part defined by, the processor. To produce utility usage data, the determination circuit 30 may take the reading interpreted from the most recently generated display image, and add to this reading the relative amount of utility usage derived from data pulse-measurement data which has been measured or received since the display image has been generated or received.

In this way the pulse-measurement data is effectively calibrated by the display-reading data. As such, only relatively small amounts of pulse-measurement data is ever relied upon to provide the utility usage data. This may therefore prevent or limit errors contained within the utility usage data. Since the camera 14 is discontinuously operated and the image-reading circuit 18 is only discontinuously used, less power is required to operate the device 10 and so a longer lifetime for a portable power supply can be achieved.

The utility usage determining device 10 may include at least one data storage device 32 communicatively connected with the pulse sensor and the image-reading circuit 18 to store pulse-measurement data and display-reading data. The pulse-measurement data and display-reading data may be provided with relevant time and/or date stamps by the processor so that the appropriate data can be used by the determination circuit 30. The determination circuit 30 may therefore be communicatively connected with the or each data storage device 32 Said at least one data storage device 32 may additionally or alternatively store the utility usage data. The utility usage data may be time and/or date stamped.

The device 10 may include multiple types of data storage devices 32 such as Random-Access Memory (RAM), for example the processor may have 1 megabyte (MB) of RAM, and flash memory. Here there may be two flash memory devices. For example, the processor may have 4 MB of flash memory device and there may be a separate flash memory device on the PCB 28, such as a 32 MB IS26KS256S-DPBLI00. However, it will be appreciated that other data storage devices may be considered.

The device 10 preferably includes communication means such as least one transmitter and/or receiver 34. The transmitter and/or receiver 34 may comprise a radio antenna. The transmitter and/or receiver 34 may be for communication with a cellular network, for example. Such a radio antenna may be a narrowband internet of things mobile modem radio.

The device 10 may include a further transmitter and/or receiver 36, which may also comprise a radio antenna. The further transmitter and/or receiver 36 may be for communication with the or another cellular network. The further transmitter and/or receiver 36 may also comprise a radio antenna such as an LPWAN (RTM) Dual Radio 868 MHz & 2.4GHz. Alternatively, the further transmitter and/or receiver 36 may be for communicating with a local VVi-Fi (RTM) network.

The device 10 preferably comprises a power supply 38 which is not the mains supply, such as an on-board power supply 38, for example a battery. In this case, the battery 38 is a non-rechargeable battery, although rechargeable batteries may also be considered.

Other power means may be considered, such as solar power or energy harvesting from electrical or mechanical means. Whilst non-mains supply is preferred, it will be appreciated that a mains power supply may also be considered and the device 10 may include a power inlet for a mains supply.

The device 10 may have other communication means, such as a communication port, 30 for example a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 40. The USB port 40 may allow for programming or setting of the device 10, for diagnostics, or for manually retrieving the utility usage data or similar. As such, the USB port 40 may be communicatively connected with the controller 16. In the instance of the device 10's power supply 38 being a rechargeable battery, the USB port 40 may additionally or alternatively be for charging the battery, and therefore the USB port 40 may be communicatively connected therewith.

The device 10 may include a hardware interface to permit external local communication with the processor, for example. The hardware interface may be a Joint Test Action Group interface.

The utility usage determining device 10 may further comprise a temperature sensor. In the instance that the temperature sensor measures that it is outside of a required temperature range, for example between -30 °C and 50 °C, an alert or alarm may be issued by the utility usage determining device 10. This could be achieved, for example, by a sound-emitting device 10 which may be communicatively connected with a controller 16, the temperature sensor also being connected with said controller 16. The controller 16 may operate the sound-emitting device 10 if it determines that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is outside of the range. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be communicatively connected with a user display or the utility supplier via the transmitted, which may thereby notify the user or utility supplier that the utility usage determining device 10 is at an unsuitable temperature.

The utility usage determining device 10 may further comprise a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer. Additionally or alternatively, the device 10 may comprise a gyroscope. Such components may detect if the device 10 is falling off, dropped, or removed from its place of operation. This can help notify the user or supplier of detect accidents, theft, and manipulation. The device 10 may notify the user or utility supplier of such an occurrence in a similar or identical way as for the temperature sensor.

The utility usage determining device 10 may comprise a water presence sensor to detect exposure of water to the device 10, for example flooding of the device 10. This may be of particular relevance to detect leaks in the instance of the device 10 being used with a water utility. The device 10 may notify the user or utility supplier of such an occurrence in a similar or identical way as for the aforementioned sensors.

A gas sensor may also be included, and may be configured in a similar or identical way as the preceding sensors. Such a sensor may be particularly useful in the instance of a gas utility to detect gas leaks.

A magnetometer sensor for detecting magnetic fields may also be considered.

Referring to Figure 3, the device 10 is preferably part of a utility usage determining apparatus 42 and the apparatus 42 may further comprises a user display 44 communicatively connected to the determination circuit 30 to display the utility usage 5 data to the user. The user display 44 may, for example, be at least part of a user's personal electronic device, for example being the screen of a mobile telephone. An application may be downloaded and installed by the user to the personal electronic device to facilitate this. Whilst the user display 44 is suggested as being part of a personal electronic device, it will be appreciated that in fact the user display 44 may be part of 10 electronic device which is bespoke for this purpose.

The user display 44 may be communicated with the utility usage determining device 10 via the utility supplier. For example, the utility usage determining device 10 may transmit the utility usage data to the supplier which may then transmit the utility usage data to the user display 44. However, it will be appreciated that the user display 44 may be locally communicated with the device 10, for example being in direct communication with the utility usage determining device 10 or being in communication via a local network.

The user display 44 may show statistics and/or diagrams relating to historical or current utility usage amounts. Such statistics and/or diagrams may be based on historical or current utility usage data which may be recorded on the utility usage determining device 10, at the utility supplier, or at the device associated with the user display 44. The statistics and/or diagrams may be generated or processed on the utility usage determining device 10, at the utility supplier, or at the device associated with the user display 44.

To use the utility usage determining apparatus 42, the device 10 is first installed on a pre-existing utility meter 46. As such, the device 10 may be considered to be retrofitted to pre-existing meters. The device 10 should be arranged or selected to have a pulse sensor appropriate for the pulse emitter of the utility meter 46 to which the device 10 is to be installed should be selected. The utility meter 46 with the visual display 48 and pulse emitter may together be referred to as a utility metering system. The apparatus 42 with the utility metering system forms a utility usage determining system.

The device 10 should be located onto the utility meter 46 so that the aperture 22 is at, adjacent to or aligned with the visual display 48 of the meter 46. In this way, the camera 14 can image the visual display 48. The device 10 should also be located so that the pulse sensor can detect utility pulses emitter from the pulse emitter. The device 10 may include locating means, such as arms which engage with the meter, to correctly locate the device 10.

The device 10 may be secured in place, for example via fasteners such as bolts secured to an adjacent wall, or via clamps to clamp to the meter 46 directly, or via adhesives. The device 10 may be activated before being secured in place.

The device 10 has preferably been pre-programmed with the desired interval period for operating the camera 14.

Initially, the controller 16 may instruct the camera 14 to image the visual display 48 to produce a display image which is transmitted to the image-reading circuit 18. This step is indicated as 3101 in Figure 4. The image-reading circuit 18 may interpret the display image to produce display-reading data, in other words to find the numerical value displayed by the visual display 48 of the meter at the time of imaging. This step is indicated as 3102 in Figure 4. If the image-reading circuit 18 is unable to read the display image, the camera may be instructed to repeat the imaging and/or the supplier or user may be notified.

Pulses are emitted by the pulse emitter and are detected by the pulse sensor to form pulse measurement data. This step is indicated as 3103 in Figure 4.

The pulse measurement data may be generated by counting the number of pulses detected in a given period of time. If a short period of time is set, for example a minute, then this may be less accurate, since the number of pulses generated in this period is low. Longer periods of time are therefore preferred.

The determination circuit 30 may then cumulatively add pulse measurement data received from the pulse sensor subsequent to the operation of the camera to said numerical value to create the utility usage data. This is indicated as 3104 in Figure 4. In other words, the determination circuit 30 may create an up-to-date running total of the amount of utility used based on a combination of the number of pulses detected by the pulse sensor and the value of the visual display 48 which is read periodically by the camera 14. Each pulse detected represents an amount of utility used. Therefore, the processor and/or determination circuit 30 may be required to convert the number of pulses into an amount of utility used based on the configuration of the utility meter and/or pulse sensor. This is so that said amount can be added to the value of the visual display 48.

The utility usage data can then be transmitted via the or each transmitter 34, 36 as 5 indicated by step S105 in Figure 4. For example, the transmitter 34, 36 may transmit the utility usage data to the supplier for forwarding to the user display 44, or the transmitter may transmit the utility usage data directly to the user display 44. The data can also be transmitted to a cloud platform. The user or supplier may be able to change settings of the utility usage determining device 10, for example the frequency of imaging, via the 10 cloud platform or user device. The user is accurately informed of their up-to-date utility usage in a manner which reduces power requirements for the device 10. The utility usage data may be updated with each subsequent pulse measurement or after a batch of pulse measurements.

After a duration, the camera 14 can then re-image the visual display 48 to produce a new display image to be interpreted into new display-reading data. Pulse measurement data measured or received subsequent to the re-imaging can then be added to the display-reading data to form recalibrated utility usage data. This can then be transmitted to the user or supplier. As such, the utility usage data is not relied upon to account for large amounts of utility usage. This process is then repeated.

Utility usage data may be transmitted to the supplier or user as it is produced by the determination circuit. Alternatively, it may be transmitted as a batch.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a second embodiment of the utility usage determining device 110. The second embodiment of the utility usage determining device 110 is similar to the first embodiment of the utility usage determining device 10, and 25 similar or identical referencing is used with 100 added.

The second embodiment of the utility usage determining device 110 is for use with a water meter. As such, the pulse sensor 112 is preferably an inductive sensor for detecting pulses emitted by the pulse emitter of the water meter, which may be a turning coil, magnet, or metal. The pulse sensor 112 is preferably positioned in the enclosure or housing 120 so as to be proximal to the meter reader so as to conveniently detect the pulses. For example, the pulse sensor 112 is positioned so as to be at or adjacent to a meter-proximal surface 120a of the enclosure 120.

The second embodiment of the utility usage determining device 110 further includes a camera 114 and a reflective element 124 in a similar or identical way as the preceding embodiment. The meter-proximal surface 120a of the enclosure 120 includes an opening or aperture so as to provide visual access of the visual display of the meter for the camera via the reflective element 124.

The second embodiment of the utility usage determining device 110 preferably includes two antennas 134 for transmitting and/or receiving utility usage data. One antenna may be for mobile connectivity and one for low power local wireless connectivity. The antennas 134 are preferably radio antennas.

The enclosure 120 is preferably formed so as to accommodate the antennas, and thus has a projection 120b for receiving each antenna.

The enclosure 120 may have two or more separable parts 120c, 120d although it will be appreciated that this may not be necessary.

The second embodiment 110 further includes a PCB 128 with similar or identical circuitry 15 or components as the preceding embodiment to permit functioning of the device in a similar or identical way. The pulse sensor 112 and the camera 114 may be mounted to or otherwise communicatively connected with the PCB 128.

A non-mains power supply 138 is included for powering the features of the device. Here the power supply 138 comprises a battery and a capacitor, specifically a supercapacitor. 20 However, the super capacitor may be omitted and a single battery may be used, or two batteries.

Referring now to Figure 6, the device 110 is shown mounted on a water meter 146. The device may include mounting elements 150 for permitting convenient connection with the water meter 146. For example, at least one of the mounting elements 150 may include a U-shaped or substantially U-shaped channel into which a corresponding element on the water meter is cooperatively receivable. The device 110 may additionally or alternatively be secured to the meter 146 via fasteners or fixings The second embodiment 110 is used in a similar or identical way as the first embodiment 10.1t will be appreciated that the operation of the camera and thus production of display-30 reading data and utility usage data may be triggered by the user or supplier. For example, the receiver of the device may receive a remote instruction from the supplier or user to image the visual display, if verification of the utility usage data is required.

It will be appreciated that the user display may not be included, and the utility usage data may be transmitted only to the supplier.

It will be appreciated that the determination circuit may not be included in the device, and that the pulse-measurement data and display-reading data may be transmitted to the supplier or user for addition, computation or analysis remote from the device.

Whilst the term "utility metering system" is used, it will be appreciated that this may otherwise be referred to as a utility meter.

It will be appreciated that a pulse sensor on the device may not actually be necessary, and the device may instead be communicated with a separate pulse sensor.

It is therefore possible to provide an apparatus which allows for accurate, up-to-date, and low power determination of utility usage amounts. A camera automatically images the utility meter which provides an absolute utility meter reading. Pulse data is used and added to the utility meter reading to provide an up-to-date reading. The utility meter is periodically re-imaged so that pulse data alone is not relied upon for significant durations.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of 20 one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims 1 A utility usage determining apparatus for use with a utility metering system having a visual display and a pulse emitter to determine an amount of usage of a utility, the utility usage determining apparatus comprising: a pulse sensor for detecting pulses from the pulse emitter to generate pulse-measurement data, the pulse-measurement data corresponding to a relative amount of utility usage; a camera for imaging a visual display of the utility metering system to obtain a display image; a controller communicatively connected to the camera and configured to discontinuously operate the camera; an image-reading circuit communicatively connected to the camera and configured to read the display image received from the camera to produce display-reading data corresponding to a reading of the utility metering system; a determination circuit communicatively connected to the pulse sensor and the image-reading circuit and configured to produce utility usage data based on the pulse-measurement data and the display-reading data; and at least one wireless transmitter for communicating the utility usage data to a utility user or a utility supplier.
2 A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a communication means for communicating the pulse-measurement data, the display-reading data and/or the utility usage data.
3 A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a user display communicatively connected to the determination circuit to display the utility usage data to a user.
4 A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one wireless transmitter includes a user-wireless transmitter configured to communicate the determination circuit with the user display.
5. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one wireless transmitter includes a supplier-wireless transmitter configured to communicate the determination circuit with a utility supplier.
6. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to operate the camera at intervals.
7. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to operate the camera at intervals of greater than 1 minute.
8. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to operate the camera at an interval of a day.
9. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a non-mains power supply to power at least the camera, controller, and image-reading circuit.
10. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the pulse emitter communicatively connected to the pulse sensor.
11. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a data storage device for storing the pulse-measurement data, the display-reading data and/or the utility usage data.
12. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a light source for illuminating the visual display.
13. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an enclosure for surrounding the visual display of the utility metering system.
14. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reflective element for redirecting a sightline of the camera.
15. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature sensor.
16. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an accelerometer.
17. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a gyroscope.
18. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a water presence sensor.
19. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a gas sensor.
20. A utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a magnetometer.
21 An accurate and low power method of automatically determining an amount of usage of a utility via a utility metering system having a visual display and a pulse emitter, the method comprising: a) providing a utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; b) communicating the pulse sensor with the pulse emitter so that the pulse sensor senses pulses therefrom to generate pulse-measurement data corresponding to a relative amount of utility usage; c) arranging the camera so that the visual display of the utility meter is imageable thereby; d) discontinuously operating the camera to obtain a display image; e) communicating the display image to the image-reading circuit and reading the display image to produce display-reading data; 0 communicating the display-reading data and the pulse-measurement data to the determination circuit to produce utility usage data; and g) wirelessly transmitting the utility usage data to a utility user or a utility supplier.
22. A utility usage determination system for determining an amount of usage of a utility comprising: a utility meter having a visual display and a pulse emitter; and a utility usage determining apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20; the pulse sensor communicatively connected with the pulse emitter, and the camera arranged to image the visual display.
23. A utility usage determining device for use with a utility metering system having a visual display and a pulse emitter to determine an amount of usage of a utility, the utility usage determining apparatus comprising: a pulse sensor for detecting pulses from the pulse emitter to generate pulse-measurement data, the pulse-measurement data corresponding to a relative amount of utility usage; a camera for imaging a visual display of the utility metering system to obtain a display image; a controller communicatively connected to the camera and configured to discontinuously operate the camera; an image-reading circuit communicatively connected to the camera and configured to read the display image received from the camera to produce display-reading data corresponding to a reading of the utility metering system.