HRP20100215A2 - Cmos sensor with optical prism for counter reading - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention solves the problem of reading existing consumption meters (4). By upgrading the meter with the CMOS sensor (2) and the optical prism (1), we simply and efficiently carry out the process of digitizing the data of analog measuring elements - meters, without interfering with the correctness of their measurement. Digitized data on the state of the meter on the meter is an object of the present invention and is fully fulfilled by the method described here. The presented sensor is a measuring element of the system for automatic reading of existing meters, and as such is an ideal solution to the set technical problem.

Description

Field of invention

The invention relates to the field of consumption meter reading (water, gas, electricity)

Technical problem

Until recently, the process of reading the consumption meter was only possible by physically inspecting the dials on the meter in question. The employee in charge of the reading would approach the meter and read the state of the dial. The read values would further be written down and submitted for processing. Such a method of reading is visibly outdated and calls into question the reliability of the entire system due to susceptibility to errors during reading (unavailability of the meter at the desired time, possibility of human error...). So, the technical problem of the subject invention is reliable, and at the same time fast and simple digitized reading of existing consumption meters.

State of the art

On the meter reading sensor market, there are various products based on different principles. Most often, more modern meters with pre-built sensors are offered as a solution. Such meters completely replace the existing ones and can be considered as a solution to the reading problem. A magnet and a magnetic sensor are installed in the meters. When the magnet passes by the sensor, an impulse is generated that is monitored, recorded and processed. The principle described here is used by most of the new electronic meters, but there are also meters based on other principles

However, such meters do not solve the reading problem if the condition is set that the existing meter must remain in operation. Existing meters fulfill their role - consumption measurement, so if there is a possibility of upgrading them, there is no need to replace them with new ones. It follows that meters with pre-built sensors are not a solution to the presented technical problem, the reading of existing meters.

The existence of commercial sensors for upgrading existing meters is currently unknown.

The essence of invention

To read and digitize information about the status of the meter and thereby prepare it for transmission or processing is the primary task of every reading sensor. At the same time, the priority of the described sensor is not to interfere with the accuracy of the measurement, and to perform the entire procedure of adjusting the existing meter at the measuring point. The subject invention is based on a CMOS sensor - camera. It is set so that through an optical prism, it has a view of the meter, that is, a view of one or more dials on the meter. Depending on the type of meter, the prism is dimensioned so that it transmits the image from the meter to the camera, but does not obscure the view of the meter and leaves it possible to check it. At the desired moment, the camera records the state of the meter.

So, the state of the meter with this kind of sensor is an image that represents the amount of consumption at a certain moment.

Brief description of the drawing

Figure 1 shows the upgraded meter in which:

1. Optical prism

2. CMOS sensor (camera)

3. LED

4. Consumption meter

A detailed description of at least one way of realizing the invention

An optical prism (1) with a pre-built CMOS sensor (2) is installed on the existing consumption meter (4). The prism, made of various materials (glass, plexiglass), is mounted without additional means (glue, silicone). Since long-term optical clarity must be ensured for a high-quality reading of the meter, when dimensioning the prism, care is taken to install a seal between the prism and the meter. Not infrequently, meters are located, optically speaking, in unfavorable conditions (darkness). For this reason, an integral part of the prism is also an LED (3), which serves to illuminate the desired surface of the meter during reading (drawing). At the same time, the design of the prism must be fully at the service of functionality. As there are various types of meters on the market, the design of the prism will also follow the needs of the market. This ultimately means that for each type of meter there will be a corresponding type of CMOS sensor with an optical prism. The assembly of the prism itself is performed at the measuring point, and is performed by pressing it into the predetermined position. During assembly, attention must be paid to cleanliness.

The sensor is controlled by a microcontroller that takes a sample of the meter's status at predefined intervals. The current status of the meter is read at the request of the user who arrives via the same route as the information about the status of the meter was sent. Namely, the meter reading sensor alone is not sufficient for the performance of the complete meter reading system. The sensor must be connected to the microcontroller unit that controls the reading. In addition to the sensor, the microcontroller manages the transmission system, which delivers consumption information to the database for processing. The microcontroller unit and the transmission system are not part of the subject documentation.

Claims (2)

1. Meter reading sensor, characterized in that it consists of CMOS sensor (2), optical prism (1) and lighting elements (3). 2. A sensor for reading mechanical meters according to claim 1, characterized in that it serves as a measuring element of the system for reading electricity, gas and water consumption meters.