JP2008052613A - Geographic information system (gis) which picks up image of counter of mechanical meter with image sensor by making use of reflection plate, digitizes the image, wirelessly transmits and manages the image data - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the following problems: impossibility of automatic meter-reading and flow-rate monitoring without exchange of meters; the occurrence of errors in data inputting and in data transmission; the existence of places at which meter-reading is difficult; a very high communication cost; impossibility of management for a sensor's position; unavailability of a center-call type system which acquires data on a designated place at designated time; and impossibility of visual observation when a camera is put in front of a counter. <P>SOLUTION: Electronic data can be acquired without the exchange of meters. An image of a meter is picked up with an image sensor by using a reflection plate to generate a state which allows direct visual observation. Transmission of data to a relay station is made with specific power saving such as in radio to decrease a communication cost. Management and monitoring are carried out by using a GIS (geographical information system), and an operation by a center-call method is possible. Transmission is made with images, and consequently the occurrence of errors in inputting and in visual observation is avoided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

In the present invention, meter reading is performed remotely.

A reflector that can not be seen was used.
JP 2005-018720 A JP 2005-182288 A

In order to achieve flow monitoring and electronic meter reading, it is necessary to replace the mechanical meter with an electronic meter. This is expensive and takes time to replace, making it difficult to achieve.
In addition, the method of taking a picture with a camera (including a digital camera) is difficult to realize because the meter value must be confirmed by human eyes. Confirmation is possible from.
By using a specific power-saving radio, the communication procedure and the communication cost to the repeater are eliminated.
By managing with the GIS system, it is possible to centrally manage and monitor the sensor location and image data.

As shown in Fig. 2, using a reflector to enable visual observation, the image sensor is used to capture the counter and transmit it wirelessly.
In addition, as shown in Fig. 1, the image is transmitted from the repeater to the center via the public line, and the geographical information system manages the location information where the center is installed. Flow rate monitoring and electronic meter reading are possible without changing the meter.
Also, by specifying the map position, you can perform meter reading at the required place at the required time.
In addition, it is possible to extract by address on the system side and read only the adaptive sensor or collect specific sensors at a specified time with the database function.






The present invention is a system for transmitting and managing image data photographed using an image sensor in a visible state using a reflector in an existing mechanical meter.
In this system, captured images are transmitted to a repeater free of charge with a specific power-saving radio, and image data is transmitted from the repeater to a center via a public line.
It is a system that centrally manages the image data received by the center through communication in conjunction with the Geographic Information System (GIS).
By transmitting the meter value, it is possible to link to the meter reading system and construct a usage monitoring system.
It is a system that can acquire the value at the specified time by the center call method. (Available for measuring time usage and changing time such as daylight saving time)
In the case of water supply, it is also possible to contribute to the discovery of water leakage, and by installing it in the original meter divided into blocks, it becomes a system for flow rate monitoring, water leakage monitoring, and yield monitoring.
In the case of electricity, by measuring frequently, it is a system to grasp the usage time zone and day of the week,
It becomes an installation plan assistance system for electric power equipment, and realizes energy-saving navigation by disclosing measurement data to general users.

Prevention of erroneous meter reading, handling of difficult meter reading, automatic meter reading, usage monitoring

Installed in an existing meter, transmits image data by specific power-saving radio, transmits to the center via a public line at the relay station, and manages the location information including the location information at the center by the GIS system.

The data was collected by installing it on a large meter in elementary and junior high schools.
Previously, the head teacher was turning to the meter reading, but it was difficult to go to see the opening and closing of the meter lid and beyond the playground. Also, the parking meter could not be confirmed when the parents came by car.
After the sensor was installed, the image data could be confirmed 100%. (About one month)

It is the figure which showed the whole structure. It is the figure which showed the place image | photographed with a reflecting plate so that visual observation is possible. It is the figure which showed the image | photographed image.

Claims (6)

The present invention is a system for transmitting and managing image data photographed using an image sensor in a visible state using a reflector in an existing mechanical meter.
In this system, captured images are transmitted to a repeater free of charge with a specific power-saving radio, and image data is transmitted from the repeater to a center via a public line.
It is a system that centrally manages the image data received by the center through communication in conjunction with the Geographic Information System (GIS).
By transmitting the meter value, it is possible to link to the meter reading system and construct a usage monitoring system.
It is a system that can acquire the value at the specified time by the center call method. (Available for measuring time usage and changing time such as daylight saving time)
In the case of water supply, it is also possible to contribute to the discovery of water leakage, and by installing it in the original meter divided into blocks, it becomes a system for flow rate monitoring, water leakage monitoring, and yield monitoring.
In the case of electricity, by measuring frequently, it is a system to grasp the usage time zone and day of the week,
It is a system that provides an energy-saving navigation system by disclosing measurement data to general users.