JP2020154554A - Instrument reading system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an instrument reading system capable of accurately reading a value shown by a direct reading type instrument.SOLUTION: An instrument reading system 1 includes imaging means 2 that has a plurality of measuring rotation disks 4 having numbers on its outer periphery and images a direct reading type instrument M from which a number on the measuring rotation disks 4 is exposed from a window part 6, and reads the value shown by the instrument M. The instrument reading system 1 includes analysis means 3 for analyzing the image taken by the imaging means 2. The analysis means 3 can determine the number on the measuring rotation disks 4 entirely exposed from the window part 6 in the taken image, and can determine, on the basis of the combination of the shapes constituting two adjacent numbers on the measuring rotation disks 4 simultaneously exposed from the window part, these two numbers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an instrument reading system capable of reading various instruments installed in facilities such as general homes, buildings, and hotels.

Water supply, gas, electricity, etc. used in general households and buildings are measured by dedicated instruments, and in general households, measurements are made to calculate usage, and in buildings, comprehensive management of various facilities is performed. Various instruments are also measured for operation monitoring, periodic inspections, etc. The measurement of various instruments is often visually observed by a specialized inspector and the measurement results are recorded manually. However, when the number of instruments that the inspector is in charge of is large, not only is it very troublesome to record the measurement results visually and manually, but there is also the possibility of misreading of the meter and input errors. Therefore, there was a risk that correct meter reading could not be performed. Therefore, there is an instrument reading device that can automate the recording of measurement results by visual inspection and manual input by reading the value indicated by the instrument (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The instrument reading device of Patent Document 1 has a plurality of measuring rotating discs in which numbers are displayed on the outer circumference, and can read the value indicated by a so-called direct reading type instrument in which the numbers of the measuring rotating disc are exposed from the window. It is a device that can be used. Specifically, it has an imaging means for imaging the instrument, and it is possible to analyze the captured image, detect the number of the measuring rotating disk exposed from the window, and record the value indicated by this instrument. You can do it.

Japanese Patent No. 5879455 (page 5, FIG. 6)

In the instrument reading device in which the instrument having the measuring rotating disk is imaged by the imaging means, the shape of the numbers on the measuring rotating disk is stored in advance, and the data of the stored number shape is stored in the captured image. However, if the numbers exposed from the window are not perfect shapes, for example, "1" and "4" are similar to the lower side of the shape, and "2" and "3" are above the shape. There is a problem that the sides are close to each other, it is difficult to accurately judge each of them depending on the degree of exposure, and the value indicated by the instrument cannot be read accurately.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an instrument reading system capable of accurately reading a value indicated by a direct reading type instrument.

In order to solve the above problems, the instrument reading system of the present invention
It has a plurality of measuring rotating discs whose numbers are displayed on the outer circumference, and has an imaging means for imaging a direct reading type instrument in which the numbers of the measuring rotating disc are exposed from a window, and reads the value indicated by the measuring instrument. It's a system
The instrument reading system includes an analysis means for analyzing an image captured by the imaging means, and the analysis means determines a number of the measuring turntable whose entire shape is exposed from the window portion in the captured image. It is also characterized in that these two numbers can be determined based on the combination of the shapes constituting the two adjacent numbers in the measuring rotary disk that are simultaneously exposed from the window portion.
According to this feature, the analysis means of the instrument reading system can determine these two numbers based on the combination of the shapes constituting the two adjacent numbers in the measuring rotating disk that are simultaneously exposed from the window. For example, "2" and "3" are similar in shape to form the upper half of the number, but by combining "2" with a part of the adjacent "1" or "3" shape, each window part Therefore, it can be accurately determined that "1" and "2" are exposed at the same time, or that "2" and "3" are exposed at the same time. In this way, the instrument reading system can accurately read the value indicated by the direct reading type instrument.

The analysis means is based on the positional relationship between the center in the gap between the adjacent ends of the numbers of the two adjacent measuring turntables that are simultaneously exposed from the window on the right end and the upper and lower centers of the window. It is characterized by calculating the effective digits below the numbers on the turntable.
According to this feature, since the effective digits below the numbers of the two adjacent measuring turntables can be calculated, the value indicated by the direct reading type instrument can be accurately read.

The analysis means constitutes the measured value indicated by the instrument, subject to the difference between the thickness of the number described on the measuring rotating disk and the thickness of another number described on the instrument in the captured image. It is characterized in that the number to be used is discriminated from another number written on the instrument.
According to this feature, it is measured by another number written on the instrument, that is, by taking advantage of the difference between the thickness of the number written on the measuring turntable and the thickness of another number written on the instrument. It is possible to read accurately without accidentally adding a number unrelated to the value to the value measured by the instrument.

The analysis means includes a number constituting the measured value indicated by the instrument and another number described on the instrument due to the substantially barrel-shaped distortion generated in the number of the measuring rotating disk in the captured image. It is characterized by distinguishing from numbers.
According to this feature, substantially barrel-shaped distortion occurs in the numbers on the metering turntable in the captured image so that the width of the rear side in the depth direction is shorter than that of the front side. The analysis means can accurately read the value measured by the instrument by discriminating only the number in which the substantially barrel-shaped distortion occurs as the value measured by the instrument.

The analysis means detects a gap on the side edge of the measuring rotating disk in the captured image to obtain a number constituting the measured value indicated by the instrument and another number described on the instrument. It is characterized by discriminating.
According to this feature, since there is a physical gap on the side edge of the measuring turntable, only the number displayed in the part sandwiched between the gaps is determined as the value measured by the instrument. The value measured by the instrument can be read accurately.

The image pickup means is an image pickup unit included in a mobile information terminal having a communication function, and the analysis means analyzes an image captured by the image pickup unit and inclines in the notation direction of numbers constituting the measured value indicated by the instrument. The angle is calculated, and the calculated inclination angle is used to determine the order of the numbers displayed from the measuring turntable at the left end to the measuring turntable at the right end.
According to this feature, by using a mobile information terminal as the imaging means, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of imaging means, the introduction cost can be suppressed, and the analysis means is the measured value indicated by the instrument from the captured image. Since the tilt angle of the numbers that make up the image can be calculated to determine the order of the numbers displayed on the side-by-side measuring turntables, it is measured by the instrument regardless of the tilt of the image by the handheld digital assistant. The value to be created can be read accurately.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the instrument reading system in Example 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the display panel side of an instrument. It is a perspective view which shows the measuring rotating disk which comprises the instrument. It is a figure which shows the top screen of the application used in the instrument reading system. It is a figure which shows the basic data used for making a ledger list in a server. It is a figure which shows the state of reading the instrument using a smartphone. (A) to (c) are diagrams showing an example of the numerical values of the measuring rotating disk exposed from the window portion at the right end of the instrument. It is a flowchart which shows the measurement value determination process of the instrument reading system which finally determines the number string as the measurement value stored in the ledger list based on the number of the measuring rotating disk exposed from the window part at the right end of an instrument. It is a figure explaining the discrimination process which calculates the effective digit below two adjacent numbers of the measuring rotating disk which was simultaneously exposed from the window part and was determined in the instrument reading system. It is a figure which shows the state which the distortion of the barrel shape was generated in the shape of the metering rotation disk itself and the printed number in the image imaged by a smartphone.

A mode for carrying out the instrument reading system according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

The instrument reading system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

The instrument reading system in this embodiment has a plurality of measuring rotating discs whose numbers are displayed on the outer circumference, and by reading the values indicated by the direct reading type instruments in which the numerical values of the measuring rotating discs are exposed from the window, visually and by hand It is an instrument reading system that can automate the recording of measurement results by input, and is mainly used by so-called building management companies that perform comprehensive management, operation monitoring, periodic inspections, etc. of various facilities in buildings. The instrument reading system can centrally manage the numerical values of the instruments installed in a plurality of properties by the server 3 described later, and in this embodiment, a plurality of instruments installed in one of the properties (referred to as property A). Let's take an example of reading and recording the numerical value of the instrument.

As shown in FIG. 1, the instrument reading system 1 is connected to a smartphone 2 as a mobile information terminal having a function of an imaging means capable of photographing the instrument M via the Internet, and is imaged by the smartphone 2. It is configured to include a server 3 which is an information terminal having a function as an analysis means for analyzing an image. The smartphone 2 is a terminal used by an inspector of a building management company, includes an imaging unit and a communication unit (not shown), and has a predetermined application installed.

Further, although the instrument M does not constitute the instrument reading system 1 of this embodiment, it is necessary for explaining the function of the instrument reading system 1, and therefore, it will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In addition, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a water supply instrument will be described as an example. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the instrument M in this embodiment has a plurality of measuring rotating discs 4 in which numbers are printed on the outer peripheral surface 4b, and a plurality of measuring discs 4 are bored side by side on the display panel 5. This is a so-called direct-reading instrument in which the outer peripheral surfaces 4b of the measuring rotating disk 4 are exposed from the window portion 6 and the measured values are represented by the numerical values exposed from the plurality of window portions 6.

Scale lines 4c are displayed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the measuring rotary disk 4A at the right end where the outer peripheral surface 4b is partially exposed on the window portion 6A at the right end, and near the edge of the window portion 6A on the display panel 5. The indicator line 5a is displayed, and the scale line 4c pointed to by the indicator line 5a can express a minority value between the numbers of the two adjacent measuring turntables 4.

Further, a sticker 11 on which the two-dimensional code is printed is attached to the instrument M so that the two-dimensional code is parallel to the display panel 5. The two-dimensional code contains identification information indicating the property where the attached instrument M is located, identification information for distinguishing a plurality of instruments M in the property, and an indicator needle on which the attached instrument M can rotate. It is provided with information indicating whether the instrument is a single-needle rotation type instrument or a direct reading type instrument indicated on the scale display. The smartphone 2 has a reading function, and this information can be obtained by photographing a two-dimensional code.

As shown in FIG. 1, the server 3 includes an arithmetic unit 9 for performing analysis and a storage medium 10. Various correspondence tables are stored in the storage medium 10. For example, the property ID indicating the property in which the instrument M included in the two-dimensional code of the sticker 11 is installed, the identification information given to the instrument M, and the classification of the instrument M (for example, "Room XX on the second basement floor" and " There is a ledger list that records measurement value data for each information such as "gas") and identification information of the instrument M. In addition, there is a correspondence table that associates the user name, which is unique identification information given to the inspector who uses the instrument reading system 1, with the identification information of the instrument M, which is managed by this user name.

In using the instrument reading system 1, the inspector activates the application of the smartphone 2 and accesses the server 3 via the Internet. The server 3 displays a login screen (not shown) prompting the connected information terminal to enter the user name and password, and when the server 3 can determine that the entered user name and password are correct, the figure is shown. The top screen 15 as shown in 4 is displayed.

On the top screen 15, a button 16 for proceeding to the browsing function and a button 17 for proceeding to the recording function are selectively displayed. When the button 16 for proceeding to the browsing function is selected, the server 3 displays the measured value data of the instrument associated with the user name entered on the login screen so that it can be browsed.

Specifically, the server 3 queries the user name in the corresponding table, extracts the identification information of the instrument associated with the user name, and lists the measured value data corresponding to the extracted identification information of the instrument from the ledger list. For example, when there are multiple properties managed by user name, first display a screen that displays multiple property names in a selectable manner on the smartphone 2, and list only the measurement value data of the instrument of the property selected here. Perform processing such as providing it so that it can be viewed.

Subsequently, the recording function will be described. In order to record the measured value represented by the instrument M on the data, the inspector first prepares the ledger list. The ledger list can be created based on basic data created in an editable and versatile file format. In this embodiment, a case where basic data 18 (see FIG. 5) is created on spreadsheet software running on a computer will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the basic data 18, the "property ID" and "property name" indicating the property, the "identification information" of each instrument, the "classification" of the instrument, the "unit" measured by the instrument, and the instrument A column of "digits" for each of the large and decimal numbers that can be measured is created.

The meter reader prepares a two-dimensional code sticker 11 to be attached to each instrument when inputting various information of each instrument into the basic data 18. This may be created after the property ID indicating the property and the identification information of the instrument are determined in advance, or the one prepared in advance with the appropriate property ID and the identification information of the instrument is attached corresponding to each instrument. You may wear it.

In this way, the property ID on the two-dimensional code sticker 11 attached to each instrument and the identification information of the instrument are input to the basic data 18 in association with each other, and the property name, classification, unit, and number of digits are further input. The information input to the basic data 18 is transmitted to the server 3 via the Internet, associated with the user ID, and used for the ledger list.

Next, reading of the instrument will be described. The inspector starts a predetermined application on the smartphone 2, inputs a user name and password, completes login, and then selects a button 17 for proceeding to the recording function. When the recording function by the application is started, the instrument M can be photographed by using the camera function of the smartphone 2.

As shown in FIG. 6, the inspector took a picture so that all the windows 6 and the two-dimensional code of the sticker 11 fit within the angle of view of the smartphone 2 when taking a picture from the display panel 5 side of the instrument M. I do. The captured image is transmitted from the communication unit of the smartphone 2 to the server 3 via the Internet together with the information on the date and time at the time of shooting.

The server 3 analyzes the received image by the arithmetic unit 9. First, the arithmetic unit 9 determines the shape of the number from the received image and extracts it. Next, by combining conditions such as being a number string, being close to the center of the image, and having a large number shape, the shape of the number printed on the measuring rotary board 4 and the other numbers on the display board 5 are combined. A discrimination process is performed in which the shape is discriminated and only the shape of the numbers printed on the measuring rotary disc 4 is discriminated as an object to be read.

For example, under the condition that it is a sequence of numbers, it is possible to exclude shapes of a plurality of numbers other than the shapes of numbers that are continuously arranged in the same direction at regular intervals in the horizontal direction.

In addition, since the inspector takes a picture so that all the window parts 6 and the two-dimensional code fit within the angle of view, the window part 6 is statistically often biased toward the center of the image. By using the condition that it is close to the center, it is possible to exclude the shapes of a plurality of numbers other than the number string arranged in the center of the image.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the numbers printed on the measuring rotary board 4 are larger in size than the other numbers so as to be conspicuous on the display board 5, and the lines constituting the numbers are displayed thicker. Therefore, under the condition that the shape of the number is large, it is possible to exclude shapes other than the shape of the number which is larger in size than other numbers and whose lines constituting the number are thicker.

In addition to this discrimination process, the arithmetic unit 9 detects a two-dimensional code in the image, reads the property ID of the property and the identification information of the instrument M from the two-dimensional code, and temporarily records the correspondence with the image. Performs the code reading process to be held.

Next, the arithmetic unit 9 determines the exact orientation of the shapes of the plurality of numbers in the number strings arranged continuously in the horizontal direction in the same direction, so that the order of these numbers, that is, the horizontal direction of the number strings Judge the sequence of numbers from the left end to the right end in. This is because the arithmetic unit 9 can calculate the inclination angle of the number string in the notation direction with respect to the reference horizontal direction from the directions of the shapes of the plurality of numbers. Therefore, it can be rephrased that the order of the numbers is determined by using the calculated inclination angle. According to this, since the smartphone 2 takes an image by hand, the number string may be tilted in the image, but the order of the numbers in the number string can be accurately determined regardless of the tilt of the image. .. If the orientation inclination angle can be calculated from the shapes of at least two numbers in the number string, it can be inferred that the other numbers are the calculated inclination angles. Therefore, the inclination angles of all the numbers in the number string can be calculated. There is no need to judge.

When the number string composed of only the numbers printed on the measuring rotary disk 4 is extracted including the order of the numbers, the arithmetic unit 9 recognizes the numbers and determines each number. Then, the determined number is stored in the ledger list.

As described above, the arithmetic unit 9 reads the property ID of the property and the identification information of the instrument M from the two-dimensional code in the image by the code reading process, and temporarily holds the property ID together with the correspondence with the image. The information input in advance to the basic data 18 is queried using the identification information of the instrument M, and the number string printed on the measuring rotating disk 4 determined from the same image according to the number of referenced digits is quantified. Furthermore, the referenced unit is attached and stored in the ledger list as measured value data. At this time, in the ledger list, information on the date and time at the time of shooting is stored in association with the measured value data. Further, the arithmetic unit 9 stores the original data of the image captured on the storage medium 10 in association with the information of the date and time at the time of photographing.

By the way, in the instrument M, except for the measuring rotating disk 4A on which the right end, that is, the number indicating the smallest large number that can be measured is printed, the measuring rotating disk 4 which is one smaller is stepped from 9 to 0. The numbers rotate step by step as they rotate. On the other hand, the measuring rotary disk 4A at the right end is configured to rotate steplessly, and the numbers exposed from the window portion 6A may not have a perfect shape depending on the timing at the time of shooting.

Further, under the condition that the numbers are the above-mentioned numbers, the numbers that are continuously arranged in the horizontal direction at regular intervals in the shape of the plurality of numbers, that is, the weighing rotation exposed in the window portion 6 other than the right end. When the numbers on the board 4 are continuous in the horizontal direction, but the numbers on the weighing rotary board 4A exposed in the window 6A at the right end are arranged at positions deviated from these in the vertical direction, and it cannot be determined that they are the same number sequence. There is.

For example, in FIG. 7 (b), the shapes of the numbers "1" and "2" printed on the measuring rotary disk 4A are exposed in the window portion 6A, and in FIG. 7 (c), the numbers "2" are exposed. The shapes of "3" and "3" are exposed, but as is clear from the figure, the numbers "2" and "3" are similar in shape to the upper half of the numbers. In such a case, the arithmetic unit 9 determines the number with respect to the shape of the perfect number, and predicts the number string printed on the measuring rotary disk 4. That is, a number string satisfying various conditions as described above is tentatively determined as a number string printed on the measuring rotary disk 4, and then the measured value determination process is performed.

The measured value determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, the arithmetic unit 9 determines whether or not a shape that matches a part of the numbers exists within a predetermined vertical width on the right side of the tentatively determined number string in the notation direction (step S01), and matches the numbers. If a shape exists, the process proceeds to step S02, and a process of determining a number from this shape is performed. The storage medium 10 is provided with a shape database in which a partial shape of numbers and information indicating the numbers in the overall shape reproduced from the partial shape are associated with each other, and this shape database is used in the measurement value determination process. It can be used to determine whether or not there is a shape that matches a part of the number.

On the contrary, if there is no number matching the partial shape of the number within the predetermined vertical width on the right side of the notation direction of the tentatively determined number string, the process proceeds to step S06, and the range of the number string is finally determined. .. That is, the number string to be treated as the measured value stored in the ledger list is determined.

In step S02, it is determined whether or not there are upper and lower shapes that match a part of the numbers within a predetermined vertical width on the right side of the tentatively determined number string in the notation direction, and the matching shapes are up and down. If each of them exists in, the process proceeds to step S03. On the contrary, when there are no matching shapes on the top and bottom, that is, when there is only one matching shape, the process proceeds to step S04, and the shape database is inquired to determine this number from the matching shapes. After that, the process proceeds to step S06, and the range of the number string is finally determined by combining the determined number and the number string connected to the left side of the determined number.

When there are no matching shapes on the top and bottom, as shown in FIG. 7A, the shape of one number is partially exposed from the window portion 6A, and the adjacent numbers are not exposed. Or, it is exposed only to the extent that it cannot be recognized as the shape of a number. In other words, because the adjacent numbers are not exposed, most of the shape of one number is exposed, so there is no misjudgment when using the shape database, and the numbers can be accurately calculated. Can be judged.

In addition to the shape database described above, the storage medium 10 is associated with a combination of partial shapes of upper and lower numbers and a combination of information indicating numbers in each overall shape reproduced from these partial shapes. It has a combination database. In step S03, the combination of some shapes of the upper and lower numbers is queried in the above-mentioned combination database, and the corresponding one is determined as the number indicating the right end in the range used as the measured value.

For example, in FIG. 7 (b), the shape of the lower half of the number "1" and the shape of the upper half of the number "2" printed on the measuring rotary disk 4A are exposed, and in FIG. 7 (c), the shape of the number "2" is exposed. The shape of the lower half of "3" and the shape of the upper half of "3" are exposed, and although the shapes of some of the numbers exposed below in the window 6A are similar, they are inside the window 6A. By combining with the numbers exposed above, these are not confused and judged.

In this way, when the number existing on the right side of the number string is determined, it is then determined from the two numbers determined in step S05 which one is adopted as the measured value. Then, the range of the number string is finally determined by combining the number on the side determined as the number to be used as the measured value and the number string connected to the left side (step S06), and this number string is stored in the ledger list. It is used as a measured value. In step S05, various conditions for determining which number to be adopted as the measured value can be considered, but in this embodiment, it is a condition that a small number is adopted (deferred).

As described above, the instrument reading system 1 of the present embodiment determines these two numbers based on the combination of the shapes constituting the two adjacent numbers on the measuring rotating disk 4A that are simultaneously exposed from the window portion 6A. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine the numbers having similar shapes and accurately read the value indicated by the direct reading type instrument.

Further, the arithmetic unit 9 analyzes the captured image, compares the shapes recognized as numbers in the image, and determines the shape of the number displayed in thick as the number described on the measuring rotating disk 4. Therefore, it is accurate without accidentally adding another number written on the instrument M, that is, a number unrelated to the measured value measured by the instrument M, to the value measured by the instrument M. Can be read by. In addition, the shape of the number displayed relatively thin can be excluded from the target for character recognition as a measured value in advance, the load on the character recognition process can be reduced, and the reading of the measured value can be completed quickly. ..

Further, the instrument reading system 1 of the present embodiment can discriminate the number written on the measuring rotating disk 4 by performing image analysis from the image of the instrument M taken from the display panel 5 side, and thus is a direct reading type instrument. If so, it is possible to read the measured values measured by instruments of different manufacturers and types for general purposes.

Further, in the instrument reading system 1 of the present embodiment, by using the smartphone 2 as the imaging means, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of imaging means for the plurality of instruments M, and the introduction cost can be suppressed.

Further, the arithmetic unit 9 analyzes the captured image, calculates the inclination angle in the notation direction of the number string constituting the measured value indicated by the instrument M, and uses the calculated inclination angle to generate the number string. The order of the constituent numbers can be determined. Therefore, the measured value measured by the instrument M can be accurately read regardless of the inclination of the image by the smartphone 2 that captures the image by hand.

In the instrument reading system 1 of the present embodiment, the arithmetic unit 9 is simultaneously exposed from the window 6A in step S05 of the discrimination process, and one of the two adjacent numbers determined is adopted as the measured value. Although the configuration has been described in which the digits displayed on the rightmost measuring rotary disk 4A are read as measured values, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the effective digits below the two adjacent numbers determined may be calculated.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the arithmetic unit 9 is centered (represented by a virtual line segment α) in the gap between the adjacent ends 30 and 30 of two adjacent numbers that are simultaneously exposed from the window 6A at the right end. ) And the upper and lower centers of the window portion 6A (represented by a virtual line segment β), the effective digits below the number of the measuring rotary disk 4A at the right end are calculated.

For example, in FIG. 9A, the center (virtual line segment) in the gap between the lower adjacent end 30 of the adjacent “7” number shape and the upper adjacent end 30 of the “8” number shape. When α) and the upper and lower centers (virtual line segment β) of the window portion 6A overlap, it is between the numbers “7” and “8” and below the number of the measuring turntable 4A at the right end. Calculate that the effective digit is "5".

Further, in FIG. 9B, the center (virtual line) in the gap between the lower adjacent end 30 of the adjacent “7” number shape and the upper adjacent end 30 of the “8” number shape. The minute α) is located above the upper and lower centers (virtual line segment β) of the window portion 6A, and these are separated in the vertical direction. In this case, the distance L1 between the height position (virtual line segment γ) of the adjacent end portion 30 above the number exposed in the adjacent window portion 6 always located at the same height and the virtual line segment α, The distance L2 between the virtual line segment α and the virtual line segment β is compared, and the effective digit below the number on the rightmost measuring rotary disk 4A is calculated. For example, here, the number of lower digits may be rounded up and the effective digit may be calculated to be "3", or the number of lower digits that can be calculated may be calculated to determine the measured value.

Although examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these examples, and any changes or additions within the scope of the gist of the present invention are included in the present invention. Is done.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the conditions such as being a number string, being close to the center of the image, and having a large number shape have been described as examples in the discrimination process, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the shape of the weighing rotary disk 4 itself and the printed numbers in the captured image is substantially barrel-shaped so that the width of the rear side in the depth direction is shorter than that of the front side. Distortion is generated respectively. Therefore, the discrimination process can accurately read the value measured by the instrument M by making it possible to detect the number in which the substantially barrel-shaped distortion is generated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, since physical gaps 40 and 40 exist on both side edges of the measuring rotary disk 4, the gaps 40 and 40 can be detected and sandwiched between the gaps 40 and 40. The shape of the number may be discriminated as the shape of the number printed on the measuring rotary disk 4.

Further, the discrimination process and the measurement value determination process listed in the above examples and the like are not limited to the configuration in which such a program is actually set, and a plurality of images are repeatedly analyzed and the correct answer rate is determined using a large amount of analysis results. It may be achieved by improving machine learning. Even when analysis is performed using machine learning, a plurality of processes corresponding to the discrimination processes and measurement value determination processes listed in the above examples and the like are combined to determine the final number. Will be heard. That is, it is tested whether the numbers having similar shapes can be accurately determined from the images shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, and whether the measured values include the shapes other than the numbers printed on the measuring rotary disk 4. As a result, it can be confirmed that the above-mentioned discrimination process and the process corresponding to the measured value determination process are added to the determination, and the machine learning sufficient for practical use is completed.

Further, in the above embodiment, when an image is received from the smartphone 2, the procedure of first discriminating the shape of a number from the image and then performing the discriminating process has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image is received from, for example, the smartphone 2. Then, the procedure may be such that the window portion 6 is first determined from the image.

Further, the imaging means capable of photographing the instrument M is not limited to the portable smartphone 2 or the like, and for example, a camera device installed in front of each instrument M to be read by the mounting means may be used. In this case, it is preferable that all the camera devices in the property can communicate with the server 3 via the access point connected by the short-range wireless communication means. In addition, the camera device is configured to take pictures at predetermined time intervals by a timer, so that the time and effort of manual taking can be saved.

When the camera device is installed in front of each instrument M in this way, in the ledger list or the corresponding table, the instrument M included in the two-dimensional code described on the sticker 11 attached to the instrument M Instead of the identification information, the individual identification information of the camera device may be used so that the correspondence can be inquired.

In addition, viewing and editing of measured value data is not limited to the smartphone 2, and may be performed on various information terminals such as personal computers by accessing the web page provided by the instrument reading system 1 and logging in. ..

1 Instrument reading system 2 Smartphone (imaging means)
3 server (analysis means)
4 Weighing turntable 4A Right end weighing turntable 4b Outer peripheral surface 4c Scale line 5 Display board 5a Indicator line 6 Window part 6A Right end window part 9 Arithmetic logic unit 10 Storage medium 11 Seal 18 Basic data 30 Adjacent end 40 Gap M Instrument

Claims (6)

It has a plurality of measuring rotating discs whose numbers are displayed on the outer circumference, and has an imaging means for imaging a direct reading type instrument in which the numbers of the measuring rotating disc are exposed from a window, and reads the value indicated by the measuring instrument. It's a system
The instrument reading system includes an analysis means for analyzing an image captured by the image pickup means, and the analysis means determines a number of the metering turntable whose entire shape is exposed from the window portion in the captured image. An instrument reading system capable of determining these two numbers based on a combination of shapes constituting two adjacent numbers on the measuring rotary disk that are simultaneously exposed from the window portion. The analysis means measures the measurement based on the positional relationship between the center in the gap between the adjacent ends of the numbers of the two adjacent measuring turntables that are simultaneously exposed from the window on the right end and the upper and lower centers of the window. The instrument reading system according to claim 1, wherein the effective digits below the numbers on the turntable are calculated. The analysis means constitutes a measured value indicated by the instrument, subject to the difference between the thickness of the number described on the measuring rotating disk and the thickness of another number described on the instrument in the captured image. The instrument reading system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number to be used is discriminated from another number described on the instrument. The analysis means includes a number that constitutes a measured value indicated by the instrument and another number described on the instrument due to substantially barrel-shaped distortion generated in each number of the measuring rotating disk in the captured image. The instrument reading system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number is discriminated from. The analysis means detects a gap on the side edge of the measuring rotating disk in the captured image to obtain a number constituting the measured value indicated by the instrument and another number described on the instrument. The instrument reading system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination is made. The image pickup means is an image pickup unit included in a mobile information terminal having a communication function, and the analysis means analyzes an image captured by the image pickup unit and inclines a number in a notation direction which constitutes a measurement value indicated by the instrument. The first to fifth aspects of claim 1 to 5, wherein the angle is calculated and the calculated inclination angle is used to determine the order of the numbers displayed from the measuring turntable at the left end to the measuring turntable at the right end. The instrument reading system described in either.

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