JP6522869B1 - Automatic reading system and reading method of indication value of pointer of analog meter - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic reading system and an automatic reading method capable of analyzing a captured image and accurately reading an indicated value of a pointer of an analog meter only by imaging the analog meter with a portable terminal. SOLUTION: In an automatic reading system in which a portable terminal and a management server are communicably connected to each other via a public communication network, the management server transmits meter information of an analog meter to the portable terminal and images it by an imaging means Sticking position specifying means (sticking position specifying process) for specifying the sticking position of the position specifying seal based on the image and the meter information, and pointer detection for extracting the line shape of the pointer of the analog meter from the image captured by the imaging unit A portable terminal or a management server is provided with means (point detection process) and value analysis means (value analysis process) for calculating an indicated value of the pointer from the line shape of the hand extracted by the needle detection means It was the reading system and the automatic reading method. [Selected figure] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic reading system and reading method of an indicator value of an analog meter pointer, and more particularly, an automatic reading system of an indicator reading value of an analog meter by analyzing an image captured by an analog meter and reading an indicator value of a pointer. And an automatic reading method.

  Conventionally, in a power plant or various factories (hereinafter referred to as a plant which is the name of a large industrial facility combining a plurality of machines and devices), a large number of them are used to check the operating state of the various machines and devices installed. A variety of analog type meters (a pressure gauge, a thermometer, a voltmeter, etc., hereinafter referred to as an analog meter) are installed. Then, an operator regularly performs visual inspection of the value of such a meter to perform early detection of an abnormality or the like occurring in various devices or various devices.

  However, in a large-scale plant, the number of installed various meters may be several hundreds to several tens of thousands, and the burden on the worker in the inspection work of the numerical values of the meters has been a big problem. Also, in recent years, a digital meter has been developed that has the function of outputting measured values to a computer for inspection, and replacing the conventional analog meter with a digital meter places a burden on the operator's visual inspection work. Mitigation is being done.

  However, large-scale plants have a large number of analog meters installed, so replacing them all with digital meters takes a huge budget and time. In addition, it is also necessary to shut down the plant to replace the meter. Furthermore, replacing a functionally sound analog meter with a digital meter leads to a waste of resources. For this reason, an apparatus and method have been proposed in which the angle of the pointer of an analog meter is detected from an image obtained by imaging a conventional analog meter instead of visual inspection by a worker, and the indicated value of the pointer is automatically read.

  As a technique for reading an indicator value of a pointer from an image obtained by capturing an analog meter in this way, a calculation unit that calculates an angle pointed by a needle of a meter having a rotary needle, a detection unit that detects an edge from the acquired image, and the detection unit Discloses an extraction unit that performs a Hough transform on the edge detected by the extraction unit and extracts a plurality of lines, and a method of calculating the angle formed by the needles based on the plurality of lines extracted by the extraction unit regardless of the shape of the needles (See Patent Document 1).

JP, 2011-196713, A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, the angle of the pointer of the analog meter is detected, and in order to determine the indicated value of the analog meter, it is necessary to calculate the accurate indicated value from the angle of the pointer. However, since the analog meter is configured in various types and types, it is not easy to calculate the indicated value from the angle of the pointer of the analog meter.

  Also, in recent years, the spread of small and lightweight portable terminals (smartphones etc.) capable of imaging with a high number of pixels is remarkable, and even if it is not a dedicated camera (digital camera) for imaging conventionally, Images can be taken. In addition, since such a portable terminal is connected to a public communication network (mobile telephone circuit), the captured image and data obtained by analyzing this image (that is, the indicated value of the pointer of the analog meter) It can be easily transferred to a management server (computer or the like) for managing a plant installed at another place. Therefore, it is desired to provide an automatic reading system and an automatic reading method of an indication value of a pointer of an analog meter using such a general-purpose mobile terminal.

  According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, only by imaging an analog meter with a portable terminal possessed by a worker, it is possible to analyze an imaged image and accurately read an indication value of a pointer of the analog meter An object of the present invention is to provide a reading system and an automatic reading method.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a management server for managing an indication value of a pointer of an analog meter, and a portable terminal provided with an imaging means for capturing an image of the pointer of the analog meter. In the automatic reading system communicably connected to each other, the management server is at least a center point of the pointer of the analog meter, a start point of the indicated value, and a circle of three different colors attached to the end point of the indicated value. The pasting position which specifies the pasting position of the seal for position identification based on the image which picturized by the image pickup means and the meter information by transmitting meter information including the pasting pattern information of the seal for specifying the position of the shape to the portable terminal A pointer detection unit that extracts the line shape of the pointer of the analog meter from the image captured by the imaging unit; And an automatic reading system comprising: the value analyzing means for calculating an indicated value of the pointer of the analog meter from the line shape of the pointer, to the portable terminal or the management server.

  Further, the position specifying seal is characterized by having a transmitting portion in the center.

  In addition, a management server that manages an indication value of the pointer of the analog meter, and a portable terminal including an imaging unit that captures an image of the pointer of the analog meter are connected automatically via a public communication network so as to be mutually communicable In the reading system, the management server is configured to use circular position identification stickers of three different colors which are respectively affixed to at least the center point of the pointer of the analog meter, the start point of the indicated value, and the end point of the indicated value. A sticking position specifying process of transmitting meter information including sticking pattern information to the portable terminal and specifying a sticking position of the position specifying seal based on the image picked up by the imaging means and the meter information; The pointer detection process for extracting the line shape of the pointer of the analog meter from the image taken in step d) and the line shape of the pointer extracted in the pointer detection process And an automatic reading method characterized by performing the value analyzing process for calculating the indicated value of the pointer of the analog meter, at either the mobile terminal or the management server.

  The automatic reading system for the indicator value of the analog meter pointer according to the present invention includes a management server for managing the indicator value of the indicator of the analog meter and a portable terminal having an imaging unit for capturing an image of the pointer of the analog meter The management server is communicably connected to each other via a network, and for locating at least the center point of the pointer of the analog meter, the start point of the indicated value, and the end point of the indicated value, circular shapes of three different colored circles. The pasting position specifying means for transmitting the meter information including the sticking pattern information of the seal to the portable terminal and specifying the sticking position of the position specifying seal based on the image and the meter information imaged by the imaging means Pointer detection means for extracting the linear shape of the pointer of the analog meter from the image and indication of the pointer for the analog meter from the linear shape of the pointer extracted by the pointer detection means , The value analyzing means for calculating a are those provided in the portable terminal or the management server.

  That is, according to the system for automatically reading the indication value of the pointer of the analog meter of the present invention, various analog meters (pressure gauge, thermometer, voltage, etc.) installed to confirm the operating state of various machines and devices that constitute the plant The image is analyzed in the portable terminal or the management server only by capturing the image of the pointer of the analog meter with the portable terminal possessed by the operator, instead of visually inspecting the operator), etc. Can accurately read the indicated value. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce the burden of the worker on the inspection work of the analog meter.

  Also, by forming a transparent part at the center of the position identification seal, the center of the position identification seal is accurately aligned with the center point of the pointer of the analog meter, the start point of the indicated value, and the center part of the end point of the indicated value. It can be attached.

  Further, the method of automatically reading the indication value of the pointer of the analog meter according to the present invention includes a management server that manages the indication value of the pointer of the analog meter, and a portable terminal including an imaging unit that picks up an image of the pointer of the analog meter. In an automatic reading system in which the two are mutually communicably connected via a public communication network, the management server is attached to at least the center point of the pointer of the analog meter, the start point of the indication value, and the end point of the indication value Meter information including attachment pattern information of three different colored circular position identification seals is transmitted to the portable terminal, and the attachment position of the position identification seal is determined based on the image captured by the imaging unit and the meter information. The paste position identification process to identify, the pointer detection process of extracting the line shape of the pointer of the analog meter from the image captured by the imaging means, and the pointer detection process Value analysis process of calculating the indicated value of the pointer of the analog meter from the line shape of the guidelines issued, the run in either the mobile terminal or the management server.

  That is, it is an analog meter that can analyze the image in the portable terminal or the management server and accurately read the indication value of the pointer of the analog meter only by capturing the image of the pointer of the analog meter with the portable terminal possessed by the worker. It is possible to provide a method of automatically reading the indicated value of the pointer. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce the burden of the worker on the inspection work of the analog meter.

It is a figure showing an outline of an automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the management server of the automatic reading system of this embodiment, and the electric constitution of a portable terminal. It is a front view which shows the structure of the analog meter of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a front view which shows the structure of the analog meter of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of processing of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of processing of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of processing of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of processing of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining line segment determination of the pointer in the picture of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining line segment determination of the pointer in the picture of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining line segment determination of the pointer in the picture of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining line segment determination of the pointer in the picture of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining determination of the angle of the pointer in the picture of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining determination of the angle of the pointer in the picture of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. It is a figure explaining calculation of the instruction | indication value of the pointer | guide in the image of the automatic reading system of this embodiment.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic communication system in which a management server for managing an indication value of a pointer of an analog meter and a portable terminal having an imaging means for capturing an image of the pointer of the analog meter are communicably connected to each other via a public communication network. In the reading system, the management server applies sticking pattern information of at least the center point of the pointer of the analog meter, the start point of the indication value, and the circle-shaped position identification sticker of three different colors affixed respectively to the end point of the indication value. From the sticking position specifying means for specifying the sticking position of the seal for position specifying based on the image captured by the imaging means and the meter information, and the image captured by the imaging means; The indicator value of the pointer of the analog meter is calculated from the pointer detection means for extracting the line shape of the pointer of the analog meter and the line shape of the pointer extracted by the pointer detection means Value analysis means for, to a automatic reading system comprising a portable terminal or the management server.

[1. Automatic Reading System Configuration]
Hereinafter, the automatic reading system in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a view showing an outline of an automatic reading system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the management server and the portable terminal of the automatic reading system of the present embodiment. FIG.3 and FIG.4 is a front view which shows the structure of the analog meter of the automatic reading system of this embodiment. 5 to 8 are flowcharts illustrating the process flow of the automatic reading system according to the present embodiment. 9 to 12 are diagrams for explaining the line segment determination of the pointer in the image of the automatic reading system of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are diagrams for explaining the determination of the angle of the pointer in the image of the automatic reading system of the present embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the calculation of the indication value of the pointer in the image of the automatic reading system of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic reading system 1 includes a management server 10 managed by a manager 100 of a plant 200 to which the automatic reading system 1 is introduced, a plurality of analog meters 20 installed in the plant 200, and an analog meter A plurality of portable terminals 30 possessed by a worker of the plant 200 are provided to read the indicated value of the 20 guidelines, and the management server 10 and the portable terminals 30 communicate with each other via the public communication network 50. It is connected possible.

  In the present embodiment, the management server 10 of the automatic reading system 1 picks up the analog meter 20 and meter information related to the analog meter 20 such as the management numbers of a plurality of analog meters 20 installed in the plant 200. The information etc. of the portable terminal 30 to be used are registered in advance.

  A well-known computer is preferably used as the management server 10. A well-known computer is preferably a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a tablet personal computer, etc., but any computer having a function capable of mutually communicating with the portable terminal 30 via the public communication network 50 may be used. . In addition, the portable terminal 30 has a function capable of communicating with the management server 10 via the public communication network 50, and a known smart phone or tablet terminal provided with a camera function (imaging means) capable of imaging the analog meter 20. Etc.

  Also, the public communication network 50 is a well-known Internet circuit, a cellular phone communication circuit, a telephone circuit, a communication satellite circuit or the like. In addition, as the public communication network 50, a short distance wireless communication standard such as a well-known Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like, which is standardly installed in a smartphone as the portable terminal 30 or a desktop personal computer as the management server 10, is included in recent years.

  The plant 200 in the automatic reading system 1 is provided with a large number of various analog meters 20 for confirming the operating states of various machines and devices that constitute the plant 200. The various analog meters 20 are analog meters that are displayed in the form of a disc and marked on the front display surface with a rotating pointer to indicate numerical values, and are indicated by a thermometer, pressure gauge, voltmeter, etc. is there.

  The portable terminal 30 has a function of receiving meter information including model data of an analog meter from the management server 10 via the public communication network 50. The meter information, which will be described in detail later, is a pointer that is rotated on the display surface of the control number (for example, five-digit alphabets, numbers and symbols) of the analog meter 20 and the scale (numerical value) on the front surface of the analog meter 20. Use the center of the transparent area at the center, using three different colors (for example, red, blue, green) affixed to the center point, the starting point indicating the minimum value of the scale (numeric value), and the end point indicating the maximum value of the scale (numeric value) It is comprised by the pasting pattern information of the circular-shaped position identification seal which has, the shape (triangular needle, parallel needle) information of the pointer of the analog meter 20, etc.

  In addition, the portable terminal 30 specifies, from the captured image, the attachment position of the circle-shaped position identification seal of three different colors attached to the center point of the pointer of the analog meter 20, the start point of the scale, and the end point of the scale Stick position identification means (sticking position identification process), pointer detection means (needle detection process) for extracting the line shape of the pointer of the analog meter from the captured image, indication value of the hand from the line shape of the pointer extracted by the pointer detection means Function to read the indication value of the pointer of the analog meter 20 from the image obtained by imaging the pointer of the analog meter 20 by executing various programs such as value analysis means (value analysis processing) for analyzing the Are transmitted to the management server 10 via the public communication network 50.

  The management server 10 of the administrator 100, which will be described in detail later, is for specifying the circular positions of three different colors affixed to the center point of the pointer of the analog meter 20, the start point of the scale, and the end point of the scale. Sticking position specifying means (sticking position specifying process) for specifying the sticking position of the seal, hand detection means (hand detection process) for extracting the linear shape of the hand of the analog meter from the image received from the portable terminal 30, extraction by hand detection means By executing various programs such as value analysis means (value analysis processing) that analyzes the indicated value of the pointer from the line shape of the indicated pointer, the indicated value of the pointer of the analog meter 20 is captured from the image obtained by imaging the pointer of the analog meter 20 It may also have the ability to read. Also, it has a function of receiving an indication value of a pointer read by the portable terminal 30 from the portable terminal via the public communication network 50.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the image of the pointer of the analog meter 20 (that is, the display surface of the scale pointed by the tip of the pointer) captured by the mobile terminal 30 is analyzed by various programs included in the mobile terminal 30 or the management server 10 By doing this, it is possible to accurately read the indicated value of the pointer of the analog meter 20. In the management server 10 possessed by the administrator 100, the indicated value of the guideline of the read analog meter 20 is managed for each of the multiple analog meters 20 installed in the plant 200. And in this management server 10, the indication value of many analog meters 20 is determined, and the operation state of various machines and devices installed in the plant 200 is managed.

  As described above, according to the automatic reading system 1 of the present embodiment, a large number of small and light portable terminals 30 (smartphones, tablet terminals, etc.) capable of imaging with a large number of pixels are installed in the plant 200. To provide an automatic reading system and an automatic reading method for accurately reading the indication value of the pointer of the analog meter 20 by analyzing the captured image only by the operator imaging the display surface of the pointer of the analog meter 20 it can.

[2. Configuration of Management Server and Mobile Terminal]
Hereinafter, the electrical configuration of the management server 10 and the portable terminal 30 in the automatic reading system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A, the management server 10 includes a storage unit 11, an input / output control unit 12, a control unit 13, an external communication I / F (InterFace) control unit 14, and the like.

  The storage unit 11 is configured of a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory. In the storage unit 11, meter information of the analog meter 20 installed in the plant 200 (the management number of the analog meter 20, the center point of the pointer rotating on the display surface of the numerical value on the front of the analog meter 20, The start point indicating the minimum value of), the pasting position of the sticker for specifying the circular shape of three different colors attached to the end point indicating the maximum value of the scale (numerical value), etc.) The information (numerical value) etc. which read the indication value of the pointer of meter 20 are memorized for every plant 200 and every analog meter 20.

  The input / output control unit 12 controls communication with an external input / output device such as a liquid crystal display (not shown) connected to the management server 10 and a keyboard / mouse.

  The control unit 13 is configured by a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, and the like (not shown). In addition, the CPU of the control unit 13 executes various programs stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 11 to specify a sticking position specifying unit (sticking position specifying process) in the present embodiment, a pointer detection unit (a pointer detection unit Processing), and function as various means (various processes) such as value analysis means (value analysis process).

  The external communication I / F control unit 14 is connected to an external public communication network 50, and controls communication with a plurality of portable terminals 30 in the automatic reading system 1 based on an instruction of the control unit 13. That is, although the details will be described later, the external communication I / F control unit 14 receives an image of the pointer of the analog meter 20 from the portable terminal 30, an instruction value of the pointer, etc. based on an instruction of the control unit 13, It controls transmission of meter information to the terminal 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the portable terminal 30 includes a storage unit 31, an input / output control unit 32, a control unit 33, an external communication I / F (InterFace) control unit 34, an imaging control unit 35, and the like. There is.

  The storage unit 31 is configured by a mass storage device such as a flash memory. In the storage unit 31, meter information of the analog meter 20 installed in the plant 200 (the type of the analog meter 20, the center point of the pointer rotating on the display surface of the numerical value on the front of the analog meter 20, scale (numeric) Starting point indicating the minimum value of the position of the red, blue, or green circular position identification sticker affixed to the end point indicating the maximum value of the scale (numerical value), etc., an image of the analog meter 20, an analog meter Information (numerical values) and the like obtained by reading the indicated values of the 20 pointers are stored for each of the analog meters 20.

  The input / output control unit 32 controls communication with external input / output devices such as various operation panels (touch panel etc.) (not shown) provided on the portable terminal 30 and operation switches.

  The control unit 33 is configured by a CPU (central processing unit) not shown, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, and the like. Further, the CPU of the control unit 33 executes various programs stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 31 to thereby apply the sticking position specifying unit (sticking position specifying process) in the present embodiment, the pointer detecting unit (the pointer detection unit Processing) and function as various means such as value analysis means (value analysis process).

  The external communication I / F control unit 34 is connected to an external public communication network 50 and controls communication with the management server 10 in the automatic reading system 1 based on an instruction of the control unit 33. That is, the external communication I / F control unit 34 receives the meter information from the management server 10 or receives an image of the analog meter 20 to the management server 10 and a pointer according to an instruction of the control unit 33, although details will be described later. Control transmission of indication values etc.

  The imaging control unit 35 captures an image of an imaging target (for example, a pointer of the analog meter 20) by various functions (such as an autofocus function and a camera shake correction function) included in a camera function (imaging unit) incorporated in the portable terminal 30. Control.

[3. Analog meter]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the analog meter 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, as an example, the scale of the analog meter 20 will be described as a pressure gauge capable of measuring up to 10 atm to 10 at most.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the analog meter 20 according to the present embodiment has a scale of 0 to 10 that can read the indicated value of the pointer 21 through the transparent glass or acrylic inside the disk-shaped main body case 25. A disc-shaped scale plate 22 in which 23 are stamped at equal intervals is provided. A pointer 21 is rotatably provided at the center of the scale plate 22. The pointer 21 has a long tip 21a and a short rear end 21b. The center of the scale plate 22 is used as a pivot, and the tip 21a of the pointer 21 points the scale 23 of the scale 22 as an indication value according to the measurement value. At the lower part of the main body case 25, an attachment portion 24 for attaching the analog meter 20 to various machines and devices installed in the plant 200 is provided. Although the pointer 21 has an analog meter 20 which does not have the rear end 21 b and only the long tip 21 a rotates the pivot shaft at the center, in the present embodiment, the analog meter 20 having only the long tip 21 a Also, the scale 23 of the scale plate 22 can be read according to the measurement value indicated by the tip 21 a of the pointer 21.

  The analog meter 20 includes an analog meter 20 having a triangular tip with an acute angle at the tip of the pointer 21 shown in FIG. 4A, and a flat plate having a flat tip at the tip of the pointer 21 as shown in FIG. There are two types of analog meters 20 having different shapes of tip of the pointer 21 with the analog meter 20 having a needle. And in this embodiment, the indication value of the pointer 21 of two types of analog meters 20 from which the tip shape of the pointer 21 differs can be read.

  In addition, at the center point (rotation axis) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20, the start point (0 in the figure) of the scale 23, and the end point (10 in the figure) of the scale 23, circular positions of three different colors. One of the identification seals is attached. For example, red, green and blue are preferably used as three different colors used for the position specifying seal. This is attached to the center point, the start point (minimum value of the scale), and the end point (maximum value of the scale) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 by the attachment position specifying means (pasting position specification process) which is an image analysis process described later. This is to facilitate identification of the application position of the circular position identification seal (that is, identification of the application position). The three different colors used for the position specifying seal are not limited to red, green, and blue as long as they can be clearly identified and specified as the attached position, and other colors may be used. It is also good. Further, the size (that is, the diameter) of the circular position specifying seal can be appropriately changed according to the size of the analog meter 20 to be attached (that is, the diameter of the scale plate 22). It is preferable to use one having a size (diameter) that can sufficiently identify the center point, the start point (minimum value of the scale) and the end point (maximum value of the scale) of the pointer 21 of.

  In the position specifying seal, a transmission portion T is formed at the central portion. As an example, the transmitting portion T has a diameter of about 2/3 of the diameter of the position specifying seal and is formed in a circular shape at the central portion of the position specifying seal. As a result, it is possible to attach the position specifying seal in accordance with the center point (turning shaft) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 that can be seen through the transmission portion T and can be viewed. In addition, the seal for position specification according to the scale 23 of the start point (0 in the figure) of the scale 23 and the end point (10 in the figure) of the scale 23 marked on the scale plate 22 which can be visually recognized through the transmission portion T Can be affixed. As a result, the position identification seal can be attached to the center of the pointer, the start point of the indicated value, and the exact position of the end point of the indicated value. The size (diameter) of the transmission portion T can also be appropriately changed in accordance with the size (diameter) of the scale 23 which is marked on the scale plate 22 of the analog meter 20.

  Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged view E of FIG. 4A, in the annular portion K excluding the transmission part T at the center of the position specifying seal, both ends of the straight line passing the center of the position specifying seal are a pair of black It can also be drawn as lines Sa and Sb. As a result, the analog meter 20 is arranged such that the scale 23 (or the pointer 21) imprinted on the scale plate 22 visible through the transmission portion T can be aligned with the black lines Sa and Sb drawn on the annular portion K. By sticking on the surface of the above, the position specifying seal can be more accurately stuck on the center point of the pointer, the start point of the indicated value, and the end point of the indicated value.

  From the management server 10, which of three different colors (for example, red, blue, and green) for specifying the position identification sticker should be attached to the center point of the pointer, the start point of the indication value, or the end point of the indication value It is instructed by the meter information transmitted to the portable terminal 30. In the following description, the position identification seal attached to the center point (rotation axis) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 is the center circle S1, and the position identification seal attached to the start point of the scale 23 is the start circle S2. The position identification seal affixed to the end point of the scale 23 is referred to as an end circle S3.

  In the present embodiment, before imaging the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 with the portable terminal 30, the operator determines the position of the three different colored circular position identification seals (the center point of the pointer, the start point of the scale 23) , Which one of the end points of the scale 23 is to be affixed from the meter information, and the operation of pasting as instructed by the meter information is performed. In this case, when dirt or the like is attached to the transparent glass or acrylic or the like disposed on the front face of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 and the scale plate 22, it is desirable to clean in advance.

  Further, in the plant 200, a plurality of analog meters 20 are disposed. A plurality of analog meters 20 installed in the plant 200 are managed by the management number of the meter, and the analog meter 20 to be imaged is confirmed by this management number to prevent the operator from mistaken the analog meter 20 to be imaged. Can. That is, by including the management number or the like of the meter in the meter information, for example, by attaching the separately printed management number to the analog meter 20 at the time of sticking the position specifying seal mentioned above, for periodic inspection in the plant 200 The operator does not mistake the analog meter 20 which needs to read the indication value of the pointer 21. The meter information may be printed as a two-dimensional barcode (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) and attached to the analog meter 20.

[4. Overview of Automatic Reading Process of Indicator Values of Analog Meter Guide]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, an outline of a series of processes executed in the portable terminal 30 and the management server 10 in order to automatically read the indicated value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the worker accesses the management server 10 by the mobile terminal 30. The manager 100 of the plant 200, into which the automatic reading system 1 of the present embodiment is introduced, manages server information of various analog meters 20 for executing the automatic reading system 1 and various means (various processes for performing image analysis) 10 or the mobile terminal 30 is installed. In the following description, performing various means (various processes for performing image analysis) on the mobile terminal 30 will be described as an example. In addition, the portable terminal 30 used for imaging the analog meter 20 is also registered in advance in the management server 10, and a dedicated password or user ID is issued from the management server 10 at the time of registration. The worker of the plant 200 inputs a password and a user ID from the registered portable terminal 30 to access the management server 10.

  The management server 10 accessed from the portable terminal 30 transmits meter information of the analog meter 20 to the portable terminal 30 (step S1). The meter information is, for example, the control number of the analog meter 20 (for example, five-digit alphabets, numbers, symbols), the center point of the pointer rotated on the display surface of the scale (numerical value) on the front of the analog meter 20, The pointer pattern of the sticker for specifying the circular shape of three different colors, affixed to either the start point indicating the minimum value of the numerical value) or the end point indicating the maximum value of the scale (numeric value) Shape (triangular needle, parallel needle) information, color information of the pointer of the analog meter 20 (information specifying the color of the pointer), center of the pointer 21 of the rear end 21b (see FIG. 3) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 The end length information of the pointer 21 which is the length information of the pointer 21, the scale start value (minimum value of the scale 23 (numeric value)) information and the scale end value (maximum value of the scale 23 (numeric value)) information, the range lower limit value (analog meter 20) Of the normal range of the indicated value of Limit value) information and range upper limit (which is constituted by the upper limit value) information of the normal range of the indicated value of the analog meter 20. In the following processing, processing for automatically reading the indication value of the pointer of the analog meter 20 is performed based on the meter information.

  The portable terminal 30 receives meter information from the management server 10 (step S2). The operator confirms the meter information received by the portable terminal 30, moves to the installation position of the analog meter 20 to be imaged, and based on the sticking position of the position identification seal included in the meter information of the analog meter 20. Check which position (the center point of the pointer, the start point of the indicated value, or the end point of the indicated value) a circular position identification sticker of three different colors (for example, red, blue, green) is attached The imaging preparation of the analog meter 20 to be attached is performed (step S3).

  The operations at the above-described steps S1 to S3 are preparation operations for reading the indicated value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20, and are operations performed when the automatic reading system 1 of the present embodiment is introduced. In addition, the operation | work etc. which print meter information as a two-dimensional bar code (for example, QR Code (trademark)), and paste it for every analog meter 20 are also included. Thus, by first preparing for imaging of the analog meter 20, for example, the position specifying seal is deteriorated due to secular change or surrounding environment (for example, weather environment (weather, snow, etc.)). The execution operation (steps S4 to S9) of reading the indicated value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20, which will be described below, can be repeatedly executed periodically except in the case of peeling or fading. As a matter of course, when the position specifying seal peels off from the analog meter 20 or is discolored to such an extent that the color can not be identified, based on the sticking position of the position specifying seal included in the meter information of the analog meter 20. The position identification seal is reapplied.

  The operator captures an image of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 from the front (that is, the surface of the scale plate 22 on which the scale 23 is engraved) by the imaging means (camera function) of the portable terminal 30 (step S4). At this time, the imaging control unit 35 of the portable terminal 30 reliably uses various functions (such as an autofocus function and a camera shake correction function) possessed by the camera incorporated in the portable terminal 30 to ensure the analog meter 20. The pointer 21 of can be imaged.

  The portable terminal 30 performs analysis processing (sticking position specifying processing, pointer detection processing, value analysis processing) of the captured image. This process is a process executed by the control unit 33 of the portable terminal 30. The sticking position specifying process (step S5) is a sticking position specifying means in the present embodiment, and from the image captured by the portable terminal 30, the center point of the pointer of the analog meter 20, the start point (minimum value of the scale), the end point (scale The position identification sticker attached to the maximum value is detected to acquire the center coordinates, the start point coordinates, the end point coordinates of the analog meter 20, and the reference radius of the analog meter 20.

  The pointer detection process (step S6) is a pointer detection means in the present embodiment, generates an image for shape analysis from the image captured by the mobile terminal 30, detects line segments, and detects the line shape of the pointer of the analog meter 20 This is a process of extracting the edge of the pointer 21). The value analysis process (step S7) is value analysis means in the present embodiment, and the center coordinates, the start point coordinates, the end point coordinates acquired or extracted in the sticking position specifying process (step S5) and the pointer detection process (step S6) described above This is a process of reading the indicated value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 from the reference radius, the coordinates of the linear shape of the pointer, the model information of the analog meter 20, and the like. Details of the pasting position specifying process, the pointer detection process, and the value analysis process will be described later.

  The portable terminal 30 transmits the indication value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 to the management server 10 (step S8). The management server 10 manages, for each analog meter 20, the indicated value of the pointer 21 of the received analog meter 20 (step S9). At this time, the management server 10 determines whether the indicated value of the pointer 21 of the received analog meter 20 is normal or not, and when an abnormality is detected, the operator of the portable terminal 30 can be notified of the abnormality. it can. As a result, the worker who has been notified of the abnormality can promptly carry out the investigation of the cause of the abnormality occurrence of the machine / apparatus in which the analog meter 20 is installed and the measures to be taken. Can be prevented. Note that the determination of whether or not the instruction value is normal may be performed by the portable terminal 30 based on the range lower limit information or the range upper limit information included in the meter information described above.

  In addition, when reading the indicated value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 using the portable terminal 30 at a place where the Internet circuit or the like which is the public communication network 50 is not connected, all the workers need to check the plant 200 A position where the portable terminal 30 can communicate with the management server 10 by the well-known Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like that is a short distance wireless communication standard after reading of the indication value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 is completed (or to a certain extent) The mobile terminal 30 moves to the management server 10 and sends the indicated values of the hands 21 of all the read analog meters 20 together to the management server 10.

  As described above, according to the automatic reading system 1 of the present embodiment, imaging is performed only by imaging the pointer 21 rotating the surface of the scale plate 22 of the analog meter 20 by the portable terminal 30 carried by the operator It is possible to analyze the image by various processings of the portable terminal 30 (pasting position specifying processing which is analysis processing of the image, pointer detection processing, value analysis processing, etc.) and accurately read the indication value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 .

  In the embodiment described above, the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 is imaged by the portable terminal 30, and the sticking position specifying processing, the pointer detection processing, the value analysis processing, etc., which is the analysis processing of a series of images in the portable terminal 30 are executed. Although the configuration has been described in which the indication value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 is read, the image analysis processing can also be performed by the management server 10. In this case, the management server 10 executes a series of image analysis processing by imaging the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 by the portable terminal 30, and transmitting the imaged image from the portable terminal 30 to the management server 10. become. As described above, in the automatic reading system 1, which of the portable terminal 30 and the management server 10 performs various programs (pasting position specifying processing, pointer detection processing, value analysis processing, etc.) for executing image analysis processing is performed According to the number of analog meters 20 installed in the plant 200, the performance of the portable terminal 30 and the management server 10, and the like, it is possible to switch as appropriate.

  Hereinafter, analysis processing (pasting position specifying processing, pointer detection processing, value analysis processing, and the like) of various images performed in the control unit 33 of the mobile terminal 30 will be described. Various processes described below are executed using OpenCV (registered trademark) which is open source software. OpenCV is open source software that can be used free of charge for multiple operating systems such as Windows (registered trademark) and Linux (registered trademark). In addition, OpenCV has various functions (functions) necessary for processing images and videos on a computer, and is mainly used suitably for recognition and analysis of images and videos.

[5. Paste position identification process]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, the sticking position specifying process which is the sticking position specifying means in the automatic reading system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In this process, a circular position identification sticker attached to the center point, the start point (minimum value of the scale), and the end point (maximum value of the scale) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 from the image captured by the portable terminal 30 It is a process which pinpoints a position and acquires center coordinates of analog meter 20, start point coordinates, end point coordinates, and a reference radius of analog meter 20. The pasting position specifying process is a process executed by the control unit 33 (hereinafter simply referred to as the control unit 33) of the portable terminal 30 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 33 performs preprocessing on the image captured by the mobile terminal 30 (step S10). In this pre-processing, an image for shape analysis is generated using an OpenCV function (medianBlur) to perform blurring and smoothing processing on an image captured by the mobile terminal 30. Then, an OpenCV function (Canny) is used to generate an image for detecting an edge (hereinafter referred to as a Canny image) for the shape analysis image. The shape analysis image and the Canny image generated here are stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 31 and used (or referred to) in a later process.

  The control unit 33 performs blur processing on the Canny image generated in step S10 (step S11). In this processing, the Canny image is subjected to blurring and smoothing processing using an Open CV function (Gaussian Blur) to generate a shape analysis image. Subsequently, the control unit 33 performs circle detection processing on the shape analysis image (step S12). In this process, OpenCV functions (Hough Circles) are used to detect a circular shape. That is, a circular position identification seal attached to the center point, the start point (minimum value of the scale) and the end point (maximum value of the scale) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 is detected.

  The control unit 33 checks the color of the position specifying seal detected in step S12, and performs a color determination process of extracting the center point, the start point, and the end point of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 (step S13). As described above, the three different colors (for example, red, blue, and green) of the position identification seal affixed to the center point, the start point (minimum value of the scale), and the end point (maximum value of the scale) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 In the above, it is determined in advance by the meter information which color of the position identification seal is attached. For this reason, the sticking position of the position specifying seal corresponding to the three colors is acquired from the meter information, and the color of the position specifying seal attached to the analog meter 20 which is the imaging target is checked. The coordinates of the center point of the pointer 21, the start point (the minimum value of the scale), and the end point (the maximum value of the scale) can be detected.

  The control unit 33 detects the pointer 21 (the edge of the pointer 21) from the coordinates of the center point, the start point (minimum value of the scale) and the end point (maximum value of the scale) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 detected in step S13. The reference radius required for the linear shape is acquired (step S14). The coordinates (step S13) and the reference radius (step S14) of the center point of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20, the start point (minimum value of the scale), and the end point (maximum value of the scale) obtained in steps S13 and S14 are , And stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 31 and used (or referred to) in a later process. When this process ends, the pasting position specifying process ends.

[6. Pointer detection process]
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the pointer detection process which is the pointer detection means in the automatic reading system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. This process detects line segments from the image for shape analysis generated in the pre-process (step S10) of the pasting position specifying process and stored in the predetermined area of the storage unit 31, and which of the detected line segments is detected It is a process of determining whether the line segment corresponds to the line shape of the pointer 21 (the edge of the pointer 21). The pointer detection process is also a process executed by the control unit 33 of the portable terminal 30 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 33 reads out the shape analysis image generated in the pre-processing (step S10) of the pasting position specifying process and stored in the predetermined area of the storage unit 31, and this shape analysis image A line segment detection process is performed on the (step S20). In this line segment detection process, in order to detect a line segment in the shape analysis image, the Open CV function (HoughLinesP) is used to detect a line segment included in the shape analysis image.

  The control unit 33 performs pointer extraction processing for extracting the needle segment of the pointer 21 from the plurality of line segments detected in step S20 (step S21). In the analysis processing of the image obtained by imaging the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20, the scale 23 or the mark 22 printed on the scale plate 22 on which the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 rotates is also In some cases, scratches, stains and the like of the transparent glass or acrylic provided may be reflected as light and detected as a plurality of line segments. For this reason, it is necessary to determine the needle segment of the pointer 21 accurately from the plurality of segments detected in step S20. Therefore, in the pointer extraction process, a plurality of line segment determination processes are executed.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, in order to recognize the needle segment of the pointer 21 accurately from the plurality of line segments detected in the above-mentioned step S20, a plurality of (this embodiment) In the embodiment, six line segment discrimination processes 1 to 6 will be described in detail.

  First, the control unit 33 executes a line segment determination process 1. As shown in FIG. 9A, the control unit 33 has a length of 70% of the radius r of the central circle S1 with respect to the length of the perpendicular line VL drawn from the central coordinates C of the analog meter 20 to the line segment L. It is determined whether it is within ra of. That is, as shown in the left drawing of FIG. 9A, when the length of the perpendicular line VL is shorter than the length ra of 70% of the radius r of the central circle S1, the line segment L is the needle line of the pointer 21. Minutes. On the other hand, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 9A, when the length of the perpendicular line VL is longer than ra of the length of 70% of the radius r of the central circle S1, the line segment L is the needle line of the pointer 21. Exclude from minutes.

  Subsequently, the control unit 33 executes a line segment determination process 2. As shown in FIG. 9B, the control unit 33 connects the center coordinates C of the analog meter 20 and the end coordinates of the line segment L by the leader line L1 and the leader line L2, and the line segment L and one end of the line segment L The angle R1 with the leader line L1, the line segment L, and the angle R2 with the leader line L2 at the other end of the line segment L are determined. That is, as shown in the left drawing of FIG. 9B, when either of the angles R1 or R2 is an obtuse angle, the line segment L is a needle line segment of the pointer 21. On the other hand, as shown in the right drawing of FIG. 9B, when both of the angles R1 and R2 are acute angles, the line segment L is excluded from the needle line segment of the pointer 21. That is, the line segment which penetrates central circle S1 is excluded.

  Subsequently, the control unit 33 executes a line segment determination process 3. As shown in FIG. 9C, the control unit 33 assumes a concentric circle C2 having a radius 3r which is three times the radius r of S1 outside the center circle S1 of the analog meter 20, and one end of the line segment L It is determined whether it exists in the circle of the concentric circle C2. That is, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 9C, when one end of the line segment L exists in the circle of the concentric circle C2, the line segment L is a needle line segment of the pointer 21. On the other hand, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 9C, when one end of the line segment L does not exist in the circle of the concentric circle C2, the line segment L is excluded from the needle line segment of the pointer 21. That is, the line segment which detected the graduation 23 grade | etc., Stamped on the graduation plate 22 is excluded.

  Subsequently, the control unit 33 executes a line segment determination process 4. As shown in FIG. 10D, the control unit 33 connects the center coordinates C of the analog meter 20 and the end coordinates of the line segment L by the leader line L1 and the leader line L2, and the radius r of the center circle S1 and the line segment L The length of one end with the leader line L1 and the length of the radius r of the central circle S1 and the leader line L2 of the other end of the line segment L are determined. That is, as shown in the left drawing of FIG. 10D, when the lengths of the leader line L1 and the leader line L2 are longer than the radius r, the line segment L is a needle segment of the pointer 21. On the other hand, when at least one of the leader line L1 and the leader line L2 is shorter than the radius r, the line segment L is excluded from the needle segment of the pointer 21 as shown in the right drawing of FIG. That is, the line segment invading the inside of the central circle S1 is excluded.

  Subsequently, the control unit 33 executes the line segment determination process 5. The control unit 33 is, as shown in FIG. 10E, a pointer of the rear end 21b (see FIG. 3) of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 set in the meter information outside the center circle S1 of the analog meter 20. From the end length information of the pointer 21 which is the length information from the center of the circle, the concentric circle C2 of the end length rb longer than the radius r of S1 is assumed, and both ends of the line segment L exist in the circle of the concentric circle C2 Determine if That is, as shown in the left view of FIG. 10E, when one end of the line segment L exists outside the circle of the concentric circle C2, the line segment L is a needle line segment of the pointer 21. On the other hand, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 10E, when both ends of the line segment L (that is, the line segment L) exist in the circle of the concentric circle C2, the line segment L is excluded from the needle line segment of the pointer 21. . That is, the line segment etc. which detected the back end 21b (refer FIG. 3) which is not the front end 21a of the pointer | guide 21 are excluded.

  Subsequently, the control unit 33 executes a line segment determination process 6. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 33 divides the length from the start point to the end point of the line segment L into approximately six equal divisions by division points DP1 to DP5, and sets both sides centered on the line segment L (left and right, Or assuming division points LP1 to LP5 on one side of the upper and lower sides and division points RP1 to RP5 on the other side, one (one side) division points LP1 to LP5 and the other (opposite side) division points RP1 to RP5 Determine the color.

  Generally, in the analog meter 20, the color of the pointer 21 is set in the meter information. In the following description, a case where the pointer 21 is set as black will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 3, when the pointer 21 is black, the scale plate 22 is set to basic white, and the surface of the scale plate 22 is rotated to easily read the indicated value of the pointer 21 pointing to the scale 23. There is. In the line segment determination processing 6, the needle segment of the pointer 21 is accurately determined from the plurality of line segments L by determining colors on both sides centering on the line segment L using this configuration.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 12A, when all the division points LP1 to LP5 on one side centered on the line segment L are black and the division points RP1 to RP5 on the other side do not have black, the line segment L Is a needle segment of the pointer 21. Moreover, as shown to FIG. 12 (B), two places (LP2 and LP3) are black among division | segmentation points LP1 to LP5 of one side centering on the line segment L, and black on division | segmentation points RP1 to RP5 on the other side If there is not, the line segment L is the needle segment of the pointer 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 12C, division points RP1 to RP5 on one side of the division point LP1 to LP5 of one side centered on the line segment L (three places of LP1, LP2, and LP5) are on the opposite side. The line segment L is taken as the needle segment of the pointer 21 when the number of black dots (RP3 and RP4) is larger than the number of black dots.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12D, when there is no black color at one of the division points LP1 to LP5 centered on the line segment L and no black color at the other division points RP1 to RP5, the line segment L is excluded from the needle segment of the pointer 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 12E, the black number (four points of LP1, LP2, LP4, and LP5) of the split points LP1 to LP5 on one side centering on the line segment L and the split points on the opposite side When the numbers of black of RP1 to RP5 (four places of RP1, RP3, RP4, and RP5) are the same, the line segment L is excluded from the needle segment of the pointer 21.

  As described above, in the pointer extraction process (step S21), six types of line segment discrimination processes 1 to 6 are executed, and the line segment L in which all the conditions are cleared is extracted as the needle line segment of the pointer 21. As a result, the scale 23 marked on the scale plate 22 on which the hands 21 of the analog meter 20 other than the hand segments of the hands 21 of the hands 21 rotate and scratches or stains of transparent glass or acrylic disposed in front of the scale plate 22 It is possible to extract the needle line segment of the correct pointer 21 by excluding a plurality of line segments L which are detected by reflection of light etc. to light. Further, the needle segment of the pointer 21 extracted in the pointer extraction processing is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 31 as the coordinates of the needle segment. When this process ends, the pointer detection process ends.

[7. Value analysis process]
Hereinafter, value analysis processing which is value analysis means in the automatic reading system 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This process is acquired by the pasting position specifying process or the pointer detection process described above, and is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 31. The center coordinates, start point coordinates, end point coordinates, reference radius, coordinates of needle segments, Indication of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 by the model information of the analog meter 20 which is meter information, the minimum value of the meter (start point of the scale 23) and the maximum value of the meter (start point of the scale 23) Analyze the value. The value analysis process is also a process executed by the control unit 33 of the mobile terminal 30 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 33 performs an angle acquisition process of the pointer 21 (step S30). In this angle acquisition process, the shape of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 is determined from the meter information, and the angle indicated by the pointer 21 in the analog meter 20 according to the shape of the pointer 21 (triangular or flat needle (see FIG. 4)) Perform angle acquisition processing of the pointer to acquire. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, calculation of an angle indicated by the pointer 21 according to the shape of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, when the control unit 33 can extract only the line segment L on one side of the pointer 21 of the triangular needle as the needle segment of the pointer 21, a line far from the central coordinates C of the central circle S1. The end point P of the part L and the center coordinate C are connected by the leader line L1, and the angle R between the leader line L1 and the horizontal line H intersecting the center coordinate C of the center circle S1 is calculated. Get as an angle.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, when the control unit 33 can extract the line segment La and the line segment Lb on both sides of the pointer 21 of the triangular needle as the needle segment of the pointer 21, the central coordinates C of the central circle S1. An intersection point of line segment La and line segment Lb at a position far from the end point is end point P, end point P and center coordinate C are connected by leader line L1, and the horizon line intersects leader line L1 and center coordinate C of center circle S1. The angle R with H is calculated, and this angle R is acquired as the angle indicated by the pointer 21.

  Although not shown, even if the line segment La and the line segment Lb on both sides of the pointer 21 of the triangular needle can be extracted as the needle segment of the pointer 21, the end point P which is the intersection of the line segment La and the line segment Lb In the case where the coordinates are at least 1.4 times the reference radius (the distance between the center circle S1 attached to the center of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 and the start circle S2 attached to the start of the scale 23) Or, when the intersection of the line segment La and the line segment Lb can not be obtained, etc., the angle R is calculated as the line segment L of only one side of the pointer 21 of the triangular needle is extracted, and this angle R is indicated by the pointer 21 It may be acquired as an angle.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, when the control unit 33 can extract only the line segment L on one side of the pointer 21 of the flat needle as the needle segment of the pointer 21, a line closer to the central coordinates C of the central circle S1. The angle R between the end point P of the minute L and the horizontal line H intersecting the end point P is calculated, and this angle R is acquired as the angle indicated by the pointer 21.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, when the control unit 33 can extract the line segment La and the line segment Lb on both sides of the pointer 21 of the flat-plate needle as the needle segment of the pointer 21, the central coordinates C of the central circle S1. The angle R1 between the end point Pa of the line segment La and the horizontal line H intersecting the end point Pa at a position close to the point H is calculated. Further, an angle R2 between an end point Pb of the line segment Lb at a position close to the central coordinate C of the central circle S1 and a horizontal line H intersecting the end point Pb is calculated. And the average value of angle R1 and angle R2 is calculated | required, and this average value is acquired as an angle which the pointer | guide 21 shows. The angle indicated by the pointer 21 acquired in the above-described angle acquisition process (step S30) is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 31.

  The control unit 33 performs angle calculation processing for calculating the angles of the start point (minimum value) and the end point (maximum value) of the scale 23 marked on the scale plate 22 of the analog meter 20 with respect to the center of the analog meter 20 (step S31) ). In this angle calculation process, with the center of the center circle S1 attached to the analog meter 20 as the origin, the angle of the center of the start circle S2 attached to the start point (minimum value) of the scale 23 and the scale relative to the center of the center circle S1 The angle of the center of the end circle S3 attached to the end point (minimum value) of 23 is calculated. Then, an angle from the center of the start circle S2 to the center of the end circle S3 is calculated and stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 31.

  The control unit 33 performs an increase / decrease rate calculation process of calculating an increase / decrease rate with respect to the angle of the scale 23 marked on the scale plate 22 of the analog meter 20 (step S32). In this change ratio calculation process, the change ratio of the angle of the scale 23 marked on the scale plate 22 is calculated with respect to the angle from the center of the start circle S2 to the center of the end circle S3 with the center of the start circle S2 as the origin Do. As an example, as shown in FIG. 15, the angle R1 from the center of the start circle S2 to the center of the end circle S3 is 270 degrees, with the center of the center circle S1 of the analog meter 20 as the origin. Since the graduations 23 of the scale plate 22 are inscribed at equal intervals from 0 to 10, the angle increases or decreases by 27 degrees each time the graduation changes by 1 (increase or decrease).

  The control unit 33 performs pointer indicated value calculation processing for calculating the indicated value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 from the angle of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 (angle of the tip) and the angle of the start point (minimum value) of the scale 23 Step S33). As shown in FIG. 15, assuming that the angle R2 of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 with respect to the start point (minimum value) of the scale 23 is approximately 95 degrees, this angle is the angle of the scale 23 The indicator 21 of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 is calculated to be approximately 3.5, when calculated from the rate of change with respect to (in other words, 95/27).

  According to the value analysis process, the center coordinates, the start point coordinates, the end point coordinates, the reference radius, and the needle segment of the analog meter 20 acquired in the pasting position specifying process or the pointer detection process and stored in the predetermined area of the storage unit 31 The analog meter 20 is based on the model information of the analog meter 20 which is coordinates and meter information, the minimum value of the meter (start point of the scale 23) and the maximum value of the meter (end point of the scale 23) imprinted on the scale plate 22. It is possible to calculate the indicated value of the pointer 21 of the analog meter 20 (that is, the value pointed by the tip of the pointer 21) from the angle of the pointer 21.

  In the embodiment described above, software used for image analysis processing executed by the control unit 33 of the portable terminal 30 has been described using OpenCV, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any software that has excellent functions that can be used for image recognition and analysis can be used.

  Although the present invention has been described above by taking the above-described embodiment as an example, the present invention is not limited to these. Moreover, each effect mentioned above only lists the most preferable effect which arises from this invention, and the effect by this invention is not limited to what was described in this embodiment.

1 automatic reading system 10 management server 20 analog meter 21 pointer 22 scale plate 23 scale 30 mobile terminal 50 public communication network

Claims (3)

A management server that manages the indicated values of the analog meter guidelines;
A portable terminal comprising an imaging means for capturing an image of a pointer of the analog meter;
In an automatic reading system in which the two are communicably connected to each other via a public communication network,
The management server includes meter information including at least the center point of the pointer of the analog meter, the start point of the indicated value, and the pasted pattern information of circular-shaped position identification stickers of three different colors attached to the end point of the indicated value. Send to the mobile terminal,
Seal sticking position specifying means for specifying the sticking position of the position specifying seal based on the image picked up by the image pickup means and the meter information;
Pointer detection means for extracting the linear shape of the pointer of the analog meter from the image taken by the imaging means;
Value analysis means for calculating the indicated value of the pointer of the analog meter from the linear shape of the pointer extracted by the pointer detection means;
An automatic reading system comprising the portable terminal or the management server.   The automatic reading system according to claim 1, wherein the position identifying seal has a transmitting portion formed at a central portion. A management server that manages the indicated values of the analog meter guidelines;
A portable terminal comprising an imaging means for capturing an image of a pointer of the analog meter;
In an automatic reading system in which the two are communicably connected to each other via a public communication network,
The management server includes meter information including at least the center point of the pointer of the analog meter, the start point of the indicated value, and the pasted pattern information of circular-shaped position identification stickers of three different colors attached to the end point of the indicated value. Send to the mobile terminal,
A sticking position specifying process of specifying a sticking position of the position specifying seal based on the image picked up by the image pickup means and the meter information;
Pointer detection processing for extracting the linear shape of the pointer of the analog meter from the image captured by the imaging unit;
A value analysis process of calculating an indicated value of the pointer of the analog meter from the linear shape of the pointer extracted in the pointer detection process;
In the portable terminal or the management server.

Images