JP7422717B2 - Measuring instrument reading device and automatic control system - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a measuring device reading device and an automatic control system for acquiring measurement values measured by measuring devices such as an analog flow meter, an analog pressure gauge, and an analog speed meter.

An automatic reading device is known that images the indicator and scale of an analog measuring instrument such as an analog flowmeter, and reads the scale shown on the indicator as a measured value based on the captured image (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-220002). -84418, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2011-163856). When reading the measured values of multiple measuring instruments using this type of automatic reading device, it is necessary to install multiple cameras and obtain the measured values for each measuring instrument, or to read the measured values of multiple measuring instruments with one camera. Images are taken at once and multiple measurement values are obtained through image processing.

JP2006-84418A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-163856

However, when capturing images of multiple measuring instruments, such as analog flowmeters, with one camera, the distance and orientation of each measuring instrument to the camera are not constant, so some of the measuring instruments may be out of focus. It may become blurred, and the accuracy of obtaining it as a measurement value may decrease.

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a measuring instrument reading device and an automatic control system that can accurately and efficiently acquire multiple measured values from multiple measuring instruments. shall be.

The present invention is a measuring device reading device that obtains measured values from a measuring device whose measured value is a value indicated by a movable part that moves along a scale, and which reads a plurality of measured values existing within an imaging possible range. The imaging unit includes an imaging unit that captures an image of the instrument, and a data acquisition unit that acquires measurement values from the image captured by the imaging unit. The device is focused on and imaged for each group, and the data acquisition unit acquires a measurement value from each of the plurality of images captured by the imaging unit.

According to this measuring instrument reading device, the imaging unit does not take images of multiple measuring instruments within the imageable range all at once, but focuses on the measuring instruments for each group and images the measuring instruments for each group. . Therefore, compared to the case where a plurality of measuring instruments are imaged at once, the captured image of the measuring instrument is less likely to be blurred. As a result, the data acquisition unit can acquire a plurality of measured values with high accuracy. In addition, this measuring device reading device is advantageous for automation because it does not require operations such as moving and changing the position of the imaging section for each measuring device as long as the measuring device is within the imaging range. Measured values can be obtained efficiently. Therefore, according to this measuring instrument reading device, it is possible to accurately and efficiently obtain a plurality of measured values from a plurality of measuring instruments.

The present invention also provides an automatic control system that automatically controls the state of a measurement target, and includes a movable part that moves along a scale, and a measurement system in which a value on the scale indicated by the movable part indicates the state of the measurement target. A measuring device that produces a value, an adjustment section that changes the state of the measurement target, a measuring device reading section that obtains the measured value of the measuring device, and a comparison of the measured value obtained by the measuring device reading section with a reference value. , a control unit that controls the adjustment unit so that the difference between the measured value and the reference value is small; a data acquisition unit that acquires measured values from images captured by the imaging unit, the imaging unit is configured to collect a plurality of measuring instruments divided into a plurality of groups by focusing on the measuring instruments for each group, and The data acquisition section acquires a measurement value from each of the plurality of images taken by the imaging section.

According to this automatic control system, it becomes possible to efficiently and accurately acquire the measured values of a plurality of measuring instruments, and it becomes possible to automatically control the state of the object to be measured based on these measured values.

According to the present invention, a plurality of measurement values by a plurality of measuring instruments can be acquired accurately and efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a measuring device reading device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of the measuring device reading device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a position information table for an analog flowmeter. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of acquiring measured values of multiple analog flowmeters. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of acquiring the measured value of the first analog flowmeter. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image of an analog flowmeter within an imaging possible range and a state in which one analog flowmeter is in focus. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a table in which measured values of a plurality of analog flowmeters are recorded. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which a plate material is installed behind the analog flowmeter. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an image where a plurality of analog flowmeters in a group are in focus. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image of an analog speedometer, which is another measuring instrument. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the automatic control system according to the embodiment.

An embodiment according to one aspect is a measuring device reading device that obtains a measured value for a measuring device whose measured value is a value indicated by a movable part that moves along a scale, and which is located within an imaging possible range. an imaging unit that captures images of a plurality of measuring instruments, and a data acquisition unit that acquires measurement values from images captured by the imaging unit, and the imaging unit captures a plurality of measuring instruments divided into a plurality of groups. The measuring instrument is focused on each group and images are taken for each group, and the data acquisition section acquires measurement values from each of the plurality of images taken by the imaging section.

According to this measuring instrument reading device, the imaging unit does not take images of multiple measuring instruments within the imageable range all at once, but focuses on the measuring instruments for each group and images the measuring instruments for each group. . Therefore, compared to the case where a plurality of measuring instruments are imaged at once, the captured image of the measuring instrument is less likely to be blurred. As a result, the data acquisition unit can acquire a plurality of measured values with high accuracy. In addition, this measuring device reading device is advantageous for automation because it does not require operations such as moving and changing the position of the imaging section for each measuring device as long as the measuring device is within the imaging range. Measured values can be obtained efficiently. Therefore, according to this measuring instrument reading device, it is possible to accurately and efficiently obtain a plurality of measured values from a plurality of measuring instruments.

In the measuring instrument reading device described above, one measuring instrument belongs to one group, and the imaging section may sequentially focus on the measuring instruments for each group and take images. The imaging unit of this measuring instrument reading device sequentially focuses on and captures images of a plurality of measuring instruments within an imaging possible range, one measuring instrument at a time. As a result, the captured images of the plurality of measuring instruments become less blurred, and it becomes possible to obtain a plurality of measured values with high precision.

In the above measuring device reading device, the imaging unit includes a measuring device specifying unit that identifies one or more measuring instruments belonging to the group, and an imaging unit that focuses on and images the movable parts and scales of the one or more measuring instruments belonging to the group. The camera may also include an automatic focusing unit. The measuring device identifying section can identify one or more measuring instruments belonging to one group, and by focusing and imaging the movable part and scale of the one or more measuring instruments identified by the measuring device identifying section, It becomes possible to obtain measured values with high accuracy.

In the above meter reading device, the meter may be an analog flowmeter. Further, the analog flowmeter may be an area flowmeter. According to this meter reading device, it is advantageous in digitizing measured values while enjoying the advantages of an analog flowmeter, for example, an area flowmeter.

In the above meter reading device, the measurement target measured by the meter may be the flow rate of gas. Furthermore, the flow rate of the gas may be the flow rate of a hydrocarbon gas. According to the above measuring instrument reading device, even the flow rate of gas, for example, the flow rate of hydrocarbon gas, can be measured with high accuracy.

The present invention also provides an automatic control system that automatically controls the state of a measurement target, and includes a movable part that moves along a scale, and a measurement system in which a value on the scale indicated by the movable part indicates the state of the measurement target. A measuring device that produces a value, an adjustment section that changes the state of the measurement target, a measuring device reading section that obtains the measured value of the measuring device, and a comparison of the measured value obtained by the measuring device reading section with a reference value. , a control unit that controls the adjustment unit so that the difference between the measured value and the reference value is small; a data acquisition unit that acquires measured values from images captured by the imaging unit, the imaging unit is configured to collect a plurality of measuring instruments divided into a plurality of groups by focusing on the measuring instruments for each group, and The data acquisition section acquires a measurement value from each of the plurality of images taken by the imaging section.

According to this automatic control system, it becomes possible to efficiently and accurately acquire the measured values of a plurality of measuring instruments, and it becomes possible to automatically control the state of the object to be measured based on these measured values.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The measuring device reading device according to the embodiment is a device that can image a plurality of analog flowmeters and acquire measured values of each analog flowmeter as data based on the image data acquired by this imaging. An analog flowmeter is an example of a measuring instrument, such as an area flowmeter. First, an analog flowmeter and a gas supply line in which the analog flowmeter is installed will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an analog flowmeter (hereinafter referred to as "flowmeter F") is installed in a gas supply line NL that supplies gas to heating device B. The gas supply line NL includes a gas header T, a pressure gauge P, various flow rate adjustment valves V, and the like. The measurement target measured by the flowmeter F is the amount of gas supplied, which is the flow rate of hydrocarbon gas.

The flowmeter F consists of a cylindrical casing C whose vertical direction is the cylinder axis direction, a scale M formed by printing or engraving on the outer surface of the casing C, and a rotor-type float housed inside the casing C. body K (movable part). The scale M is expressed as a scale line, for example, a maximum scale line Mb is provided at the top, a minimum scale line Ma is provided at the bottom, and between the maximum scale line Mb and the minimum scale line Ma, A plurality of scale lines are provided at equal intervals. Although various shapes can be applied to the indicator K, it is desirable to have a shape that makes it easy to specify the position of the scale line to be pointed. In this embodiment, the upper end of the indicator K indicates the measured value.

The measuring device reading device 1 includes an imaging unit 2 equipped with an imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS, and a data acquisition unit 3 that acquires the measured value of the flowmeter F based on the image captured by the imaging unit 2. There is. The imaging unit 2 and the data acquisition unit 3 may be connected to a host computer in a central control room (not shown), or the host computer may have the function of the data acquisition unit 3, which will be described later. The data acquisition unit 3 is an example of a data acquisition section.

The imaging unit 2 images a plurality of flowmeters F existing within the imaging possible range Ar. In this embodiment, for example, eight (plural) flowmeters F are arranged in a row horizontally (see FIG. 1), and two (plural) imaging units 2 are arranged for the plurality of flowmeters F. is installed. The first imaging unit 2A is installed such that, for example, the four flowmeters F on the left side shown in FIG. The flowmeter F is installed so as to be within the imaging possible range Ar. Here, the technical significance of the flowmeter F existing within the imaging range Ar of the imaging unit 2 is that the indicator K and This means that the flowmeter F is placed at a position where the scale M can be focused.

The four flowmeters F arranged within the imaging possible range Ar of the first imaging section 2A are divided into a plurality of groups and set. For example, in this embodiment, one flowmeter F is set to belong to each group. Note that it is also possible to set that a plurality of flowmeters F belong to one group. For example, divide the four flowmeters F into two groups, and set the two flowmeters F to the first group and the remaining two flowmeters F to the second group. is also possible.

The imaging unit 2 can use a monitoring camera or the like as appropriate, and has a physical configuration including a lens, an image sensor, a CPU such as a DSP, a memory, and the like. The imaging unit 2 also includes, as a functional configuration, a position information storage unit 21 that stores position information of the scale M of the flowmeter F, and a measuring instrument that identifies each of the flowmeters F belonging to the first to fourth groups. It includes a specifying section 22 and an automatic focusing section 23 that focuses on and images the scale M of the flowmeter F and the indicator K specified by the measuring device specifying section 22. Note that the imaging section 2 is fixedly installed at a predetermined position, and it is not assumed that the imaging possible range Ar will be changed by moving the imaging section 2.

The position information storage unit 21 stores position information of the first, second, third, and fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd. For example, the position information storage unit 21 stores a position information table Ta (see FIG. 3). In the position information table Ta, position information is stored in association with the identification information of the flowmeter F. For example, the identification information "1" means the first flowmeter Fa, and the corresponding position information is "A". ”. Also, identification information "2" is the second flowmeter F, the corresponding position information is "B", identification information "3" is the third flowmeter F, the corresponding position information is "C", the identification information "4" is the fourth flowmeter F, and the corresponding position information is "D".

There are various methods for acquiring positional information. For example, the positional information of the scales M of each of the plurality of flowmeters F may be acquired manually at first, and the acquired positional information may be stored. It is also possible to store map information in which the relative positions of the scales M of the plurality of flowmeters F and the installation position of the imaging section 2 are defined.

An example of manually acquiring location information will be described. First, the direction of the lens of the imaging unit 2 is roughly aligned with the first flowmeter Fa, and autofocus is performed. Here, if the scale M of the first flowmeter Fa and the indicator K are in focus, this position is stored as the position information of the scale M and the indicator K of the first flowmeter Fa. . On the other hand, if the scale M and indicator K of the first flowmeter Fa are not in focus, manually adjust the scale M and indicator K of the first flowmeter Fa so that they are in focus. , the focused position is stored as the scale M of the first flowmeter Fa and the position information of the indicator K. The scale M of the first flowmeter Fa and the position information of the indicator K are values indicating the direction of the lens of the imaging unit 2, the degree of zoom, the degree of focus, etc. It includes a wide variety of information that can be reproduced so that the scale M is in focus. Position information on the second to fourth flowmeters Fb, Fc, and Fd can be similarly obtained.

In addition, the position information of the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd can be obtained from the scales of each of the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd without moving the imaging unit 2 itself. It is assumed that it is possible to focus on the scale M and indicator K of some flowmeters F (for example, the fourth flowmeter Fd), and if it is not possible to focus on the scale M and indicator K of some flowmeters F (for example, the fourth flowmeter Fd). , it cannot be said that a part of the flowmeter F is included in the imaging range Ar of the imaging unit 2.

The measuring device specifying unit 22 specifies the flow meter F from which the measured value is to be obtained based on the information stored in the position information storage unit 21 . For example, when the first flowmeter Fa is a measurement value acquisition target, the measuring device specifying section 22 reads the position information storage section 21 and acquires the position information corresponding to the first flowmeter Fa. Further, when the second to fourth flowmeters Fb, Fc, and Fd are the measurement targets, the measuring device specifying section 22 reads the position information storage section 21, and Obtain the location information corresponding to each. That is, in this embodiment, specifying the flowmeter F means acquiring positional information for focusing on the scale M and indicator K of the target flowmeter F.

The automatic focus section 23 focuses on the scale M of the flowmeter F and the indicator K specified by the measuring device specifying section 22 and takes an image. That is, the autofocus section 23 performs autofocus based on the positional information acquired by the measuring device identification section 22, and in this state images the scale M of the flowmeter F and the indicator K to acquire an image.

Next, the data acquisition unit 3 will be explained. The data acquisition unit 3 has a physical configuration including a CPU, a memory, a monitor, etc., and operates based on a program stored in the memory, for example, to acquire measurement values from images captured by the imaging unit 2. It performs this function.

In addition, as a functional configuration, the data acquisition unit 3 includes a storage unit 31 that stores various basic data and measurement values acquired by the data processing unit 32, and processes a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit 2. It includes a data processing section 32 that obtains measured values from each image, and an output section 33 that outputs measured value information based on the measured values obtained by the data processing section 32.

As basic data, the storage unit 31 stores, for example, a binary image of a state in which the indicator K is located at the minimum scale line Ma in each of the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd. image pattern (initial image pattern) may be stored. The storage unit 31 may also store, as basic data, coordinate information and measured values of each scale line (especially the minimum scale line Ma and the maximum scale line Mb) based on the initial image pattern. . Further, the storage unit 31 may store each measurement value of the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd acquired by the data processing unit 32.

The data processing unit 32 acquires coordinate information of the indicator K based on an image processing step of generating a binarized image of the flowmeter F to be measured, and an image pattern of the binarized image generated in the image processing step. A detection step to obtain the measured value indicated by the indicator K and a calculation processing step to obtain the measured value indicated by the indicator K are performed.

An example of an image processing process will be explained. The data processing unit 32 acquires a grayscale image from, for example, an image of the scale M of the flowmeter F captured by the imaging unit 2. A threshold value is set in advance in the data processing unit 32, and the data processing unit 32 generates a binarized image in which the luminance of each pixel is divided into black and white with the threshold value as the boundary for the grayscale image. get. The threshold value is set, for example, to a value that allows the indicator K and the scale M to be distinguished from other areas (between the scales M and the background). As a result, for example, pixels indicating the indicator K or the scale M are expressed as black, and the others are more likely to be expressed as white. The data processing unit 32 also acquires an image pattern based on the black and white region shapes of the acquired binarized image. Note that the binarized image for the initial image pattern stored in advance in the storage unit 31 is an image obtained by capturing an image in which the indicator K is positioned at the minimum scale line Ma by the imaging unit 2. can be obtained by performing the above processing.

Next, the data processing unit 32 performs a step of detecting the indicator K. The indicator K can be detected by various known image processing techniques. For example, the data processing unit 32 reads out the initial image pattern stored in the storage unit 31, compares this initial image pattern with the image pattern of the currently acquired binarized image, and calculates the difference between the pattern data. conduct. The calculation result is a two-dimensional array, and the location where the difference occurs in this array is detected as the position of the indicator K.

Here, if no difference occurs (below the threshold of the error range), the indicator K of the binarized image acquired this time is pointing to the minimum scale line Ma. Furthermore, if a difference occurs, the indicator K is pointing to a point other than the minimum scale line Ma. For example, in the indicator K according to this embodiment, the upper end portion indicates the measured value, and therefore, among the coordinates where a difference occurs, the uppermost coordinate is the coordinate indicating the measured value.

Next, the data processing unit 32 performs an arithmetic processing step to obtain the measured value indicated by the indicator K. The calculation process for acquiring the measured value indicated by the indicator K can be performed by various known calculation processes based on a binarized image. For example, the data processing unit 32 may read out the coordinate information of each scale line stored in the storage unit 31 and collate the coordinate information of each scale line with the coordinate information of the indicator K to obtain a measurement value. can.

Specifically, by determining the ratio of the distance from the minimum scale line Ma to the maximum scale line Mb of the scale M of the flowmeter F and the distance from the minimum scale line Ma to the upper end of the indicator K, It is possible to calculate what percentage of the measurement range K refers to. The measured value indicating the minimum scale line Ma and the measured value indicating the maximum scale line Mb are stored in the storage unit 31, for example. The data processing unit 32 reads the measured value indicating the minimum scale line Ma and the measured value indicating the maximum scale line Mb from the storage unit 31, and further reads out the measurement value of the indicator K from the above-mentioned measurement range percentage value. It is possible to obtain the measured value shown in .

The output unit 33 outputs measurement value information based on the measurement values acquired by the data processing unit 32. The measurement value information is, for example, information that is visually displayed on a monitor or the like. In addition, the measured value information includes measured values (numeric values) displayed in association with each of the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd, a history of measured values showing changes over time, or It broadly includes warning information (including text information, voice information, etc.) that is displayed when a measured value falls below a lower threshold or exceeds an upper threshold.

Next, a method for acquiring measured values of the flowmeter F performed by the meter reading device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of acquiring the measured values of the plurality of flowmeters F, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the process of acquiring the measured values of the first flowmeter Fa.

The measurement time and measurement interval (interval) are set in advance, and at the predetermined measurement time, the imaging unit 2 starts measurement in order from the first flowmeter Fa. For example, the first measurement times of the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd are set as "9:30 AM," "9:31 AM," "9:32 AM," and "9:33 AM," respectively. has been done. As shown in FIG. 4, the meter reading device 1 acquires the measured value of the first flowmeter Fa at "9:30 AM" (S1), and acquires the measured value of the second flowmeter Fa at "9:31 AM". The measured value of F is obtained (S2), and when it becomes "9:32 AM", the measured value of the third flowmeter F is obtained (S3), and when it becomes "9:33 AM", the measured value of the fourth flowmeter F is obtained. (S4). Note that, for example, only the measurement time of the first flowmeter Fa and the measurement order of the other flowmeters F are set, and when the acquisition of the measurement value of the previous flowmeter F is completed, the measurement time of the next flowmeter The measurement of F may be started. Regarding the order of the flowmeters F to acquire measured values, the order may be changed depending on the measurement time, or acquisition of the measured values of some flowmeters F may be omitted.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a method for acquiring the measured value of the first flowmeter Fa will be described. Note that since the methods of obtaining the measured values of the second to fourth flowmeters Fb, Fc, and Fd are substantially the same, the method of obtaining the measured values of the first flowmeter Fa will be described as a representative method. , the method of acquiring the measured values of the other flowmeters Fb, Fc, and Fd will be omitted.

For example, the first measurement time of the first flowmeter Fa is set to "9:30 AM." The measuring device specifying unit 22 of the imaging unit 2 executes a step of acquiring position information of the first flowmeter Fa at the measurement time (S11). That is, the measuring device specifying unit 22 acquires the identification information "1" of the first flowmeter Fa that is set in association with "9:30 AM". Next, the measuring device specifying unit 22 refers to the position information table Ta (see FIG. 3) stored in the position information storage unit 21, and determines the position information (lens direction, zoom degree, etc.) of the first flow meter Fa. , focus level, etc.).

Next, the autofocus section 23 of the imaging section 2 performs an autofocus step based on the position information of the first flowmeter Fa acquired by the measuring device identification section 22 (S12). In other words, the autofocus section 23 automatically focuses on the scale M of the first flowmeter Fa and the indicator K. For example, in (a) of FIG. 6, the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd included in the imaging possible range Ar are shown, and the target area Xa that is automatically focused is set at one point. Indicated by a chain line. In FIG. 6A, the scale M of the first flowmeter Fa and the indicator K are in focus. For reference, FIG. 6(c) shows a state where the scale M of the second flowmeter F and the indicator K are in focus, and the target area Xb that is automatically focused is shown. It is shown by a dashed line.

Next, the autofocus unit 23 performs an image acquisition step (S13). That is, the autofocus unit 23 images the scale M and indicator K of the first flowmeter Fa in a focused state, and acquires an image of the first flowmeter Fa. In the image acquisition step, the autofocus unit 23 acquires an image as shown in FIG. 6(b), for example. The diagram (b) in FIG. 6 shows an image in which the first flowmeter Fa is in focus, and the adjacent second flowmeter F is blurred. Also, for reference, the diagram (d) in FIG. 6 shows an image in which the second flowmeter F is in focus. The autofocus section 23 may output the acquired image to the data acquisition unit 3 or may store it in the position information storage section 21.

Next, the data processing unit 32 of the data acquisition unit 3 performs the above-described image processing step, generates a binarized image from the image acquired by the imaging unit 2, and further acquires an image pattern (S14). . Next, the data processing unit 32 performs the above-described step of detecting the indicator K (S15) and acquires the position (coordinate information) of the indicator K. Next, the data processing unit 32 performs the above-described arithmetic processing step (S16) and obtains the measured value indicated by the indicator K. The data processing unit 32 causes the storage unit 31 to store the acquired measurement value in association with the first flowmeter Fa, measurement time, and the like. The measured value acquired upon completion of the arithmetic processing step may be displayed from the output unit 33.

The process for acquiring the measured value of the first flowmeter Fa is completed by the completion of the arithmetic processing step, and then the measured value of the second flowmeter Fb is acquired, and then the measurement of the third flowmeter Fc is completed. A value is obtained, and then a measurement value of the fourth flowmeter Fd is obtained. The measurement values acquired by the imaging section 2 and the data acquisition unit 3 are stored in the storage section 31, for example, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows an example of a table Tb for recording identification information, measurement times, and measurement values of the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd in association with each other.

Note that in the above embodiment, it is assumed that there is no object behind the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd that would be an obstacle when generating a binarized image. . However, if the flowmeter F is transparent and there is an object behind it with a brightness close to that of the indicator K, it will be difficult to distinguish the indicator K when a binarized image is generated from the captured image. There is a possibility. In that case, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the meter reading device 1 may be provided with a white plate 5 installed behind the flowmeter F.

Next, the functions and effects of the measuring device reading device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained. According to the measuring device reading device 1 according to the present embodiment, since the imaging unit 2 images the plurality of flowmeters F, it is advantageous for efficiently acquiring a plurality of measured values. In particular, since measurement values can be acquired automatically and accurately using the meter reader 1, the human burden can be reduced, especially when the number of flowmeters F to be measured is large (several tens of meters). ~ several hundred) will be very advantageous.

Furthermore, for example, assuming a comparative example based on the above embodiment, if all of the first to fourth flowmeters are imaged at once, some of the flowmeters will inevitably become blurred. In particular, with measuring instruments such as flowmeters, even if image processing is performed to obtain measured values, the accuracy of the measured values is unstable because the accuracy of the original image is poor. Furthermore, if an attempt is made to move the imaging section to take an image for each flowmeter, a drive mechanism for the imaging section itself will be required, which tends to complicate the device and is not efficient.

In contrast to the above comparative example, according to the measuring instrument reading device 1 according to the present embodiment, the imaging unit 2 does not image the plurality of flowmeters F within the imaging range Ar at once, but the flow rate for each group. Focus on the flowmeter F and image the flowmeter F for each group. Therefore, compared to the case where a plurality of flowmeters F are imaged at once, the imaged image of the flowmeter F is less likely to be blurred. As a result, the data acquisition unit 3 can acquire a plurality of measured values with high accuracy. Furthermore, in this measuring device reading device 1, if the flowmeter F is within the imaging possible range Ar, it is not necessary to move the imaging unit 2 for each flowmeter F to change the position or orientation. As a result, it is advantageous for automation and enables efficient acquisition of measured values. Therefore, according to this meter reading device 1, a plurality of measured values by a plurality of flowmeters F can be acquired accurately and efficiently.

Furthermore, in the measuring device reading device 1 according to the present embodiment, one flowmeter F belongs to one group, and the imaging unit 2 sequentially focuses on and images the flowmeter F for each group. That is, the imaging unit 2 sequentially focuses on and images each of the flowmeters F within the imaging possible range Ar. As a result, the captured images of the plurality of flowmeters F become less blurred, and it becomes possible to obtain a plurality of measured values with high precision.

Note that it is also possible for a plurality of flowmeters F (measuring instruments) to belong to one group. In this case, the automatic focusing section 23 of the imaging section 2 focuses on the scales M and indicator K of the plurality of flowmeters F belonging to one group. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the first flowmeter Fa and the second flowmeter Fb belong to one group, and as shown in FIG. 9(b), the third flowmeter belongs to one group. It is also possible for the flowmeter Fc and the fourth flowmeter Fd to belong to another group.

In this case, for example, the position information storage unit 21 of the imaging unit 2 stores position information corresponding to the first flow meter Fa and the second flow meter Fb, and the position information corresponding to the third flow meter Fc and the fourth flow meter Fd. A location information table is stored that defines location information corresponding to the location information. The measuring device specifying unit 22 reads the position information table in the position information storage unit 21 and first obtains position information corresponding to the first flow meter Fa and the second flow meter Fb. Next, the autofocus section 23 focuses on the scales M and indicator K of both the first flowmeter Fa and the second flowmeter Fb and images them based on the acquired position information. That is, the imaging unit 2 acquires an image (see FIG. 9(a)) in which the first flowmeter Fa and the second flowmeter Fb are focused. Next, the data acquisition unit 3 acquires the measured values of the first flowmeter Fa and the second flowmeter Fb based on the image acquired by the imaging section 2.

Next, the imaging unit 2 acquires position information corresponding to the third flowmeter Fc and the fourth flowmeter Fd, and acquires the scale M and indicator K of the third flowmeter Fc and the fourth flowmeter Fd. Focus on and take an image. That is, the imaging unit 2 acquires an image (FIG. 9(b)) in which the third flowmeter Fc and the fourth flowmeter Fd are focused. Next, the data acquisition unit 3 acquires the measured values of the third flowmeter Fc and the fourth flowmeter Fd based on the image acquired by the imaging section 2.

Further, the above-mentioned measuring device reading device 1 measures the flowmeter F as a measurement target. In the case of the flowmeter F, a certain level of skill and experience is required to visually read and accurately identify the scale M indicated by the indicator K, and the accuracy of the measured value is likely to decrease. Here, by using the above-mentioned measuring instrument reading device 1, measurement values can be obtained efficiently and accurately, which is a great advantage.

In this embodiment, the measurement target measured by the flowmeter F is the flow rate of gas, particularly the flow rate of hydrocarbon gas. When measuring the flow rate of hydrocarbon gas, an area type flowmeter is generally used. The main reason is that it is low cost, suitable for measuring minute flow rates, and is less susceptible to foreign matter in the fluid such as liquefied components in hydrocarbon gases.

On the other hand, outputting the measured value of an area flowmeter as an electrical signal requires a complicated structure and is expensive; however, according to the measuring device reading device 1 according to the present embodiment, It is advantageous to digitize the measurements taken with precision. In other words, the measuring device reading device 1 according to the present embodiment is advantageous in digitizing measured values while enjoying the advantages of analog flowmeters, particularly area flowmeters.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the measuring device was explained using the flowmeter F and the area type flowmeter as examples, but the measuring device may be, for example, a pressure gauge, a speed meter, a torque meter, etc. (see FIG. 10). ). For example, the speedometer FA includes a scale MA displayed in a circular shape and a pointer KA extending in a radial direction from the center of the scale MA. The pointer KA (movable part) is rotatable about the center of the scale M as a fulcrum, and the value on the scale line of the scale MA indicated by the pointer KA becomes the measured value. That is, the pointer KA is an example of a movable part that moves along the scale M. The data processing unit 32 of the data acquisition unit 3 generates a binarized image from the image captured by the imaging unit 2, and acquires, for example, coordinate information of the tip of the pointer KA. Next, the data processing unit 32 can obtain the rotation angle based on the coordinate information of the tip of the pointer KA, and can obtain the measurement value by referring to the correlation with the coordinate information of the scale M. . Note that FIG. 10 shows an image captured with focus on the central speedometer FA among the three speedometers FA within the imaging possible range Ar.

Next, the automatic control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The automatic control system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a heating device B, a gas supply line NL that supplies gas to the heating device B, and a control system that automatically controls the gas supplied to the heating device B via the gas supply line NL. A device 10 is provided.

The gas supply line NL connects the gas header T and the heating device B, and includes a pipe Na through which the gas passes, a flowmeter F that measures the amount of gas supplied (flow rate) passing through the pipe Na, and a flowmeter F that changes the amount of gas supplied. It is equipped with an adjustment section CT that adjusts the adjustment. The adjustment section CT includes various flow rate adjustment valves V and the like. In the automatic control system 100 according to the present embodiment, the flowmeter F is an example of a measuring device, and the gas is an example of a measurement target measured by the measuring device. The adjustment unit CT can change the state of the measurement target by changing the amount of gas supplied (flow rate). Note that the gas may be a hydrocarbon gas.

The control device 10 includes a measuring device reading section 1A that acquires the measured value of the flowmeter F, and a control section 6 that controls the adjusting section CT based on the measured value acquired by the measuring device reading section 1A. . Note that since the measuring device reading unit 1A has substantially the same physical structure and functional configuration as the above-mentioned measuring device reading device 1, the same physical structure and functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals. The explanation will be omitted and the explanation will mainly focus on the differences.

The measuring instrument reading section 1A includes an imaging section 2 and a data acquisition unit 3, and sequentially acquires measured values from the first flowmeter Fa to the fourth flowmeter Fd. The measuring device reading unit 1A outputs the acquired measurement value to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and is connected to the adjustment unit CT so as to be able to transmit and receive control signals wirelessly or by wire. The control unit 6 performs a predetermined function based on a program stored in a memory, for example.

When the control unit 6 obtains the measured value from the measuring device reading unit 1A, the control unit 6 compares the obtained measured value with a preset reference value, and if there is a difference, the control unit 6 determines the difference between the measured value and the reference value. A control signal for decreasing the amount is transmitted to the adjustment unit CT. The adjustment unit CT is installed in each gas supply line NL in which the first to fourth flowmeters Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd are installed. Therefore, the control unit 6 transmits a control signal to the adjustment unit CT of the gas supply line NL corresponding to the flowmeter F that acquired the measured value.

Upon receiving the control signal from the control unit 6, the adjustment unit CT drives and controls the pump P and the flow rate adjustment valve V in accordance with the control signal so that the flow rate approaches the reference value.

According to this automatic control system 100, the measured values of the plurality of flowmeters F can be acquired accurately and efficiently, and the gas supply amount can be automatically controlled based on these measured values.

Although the measuring instrument reading device 1 and the automatic control system 100 have been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited only to the above embodiments. For example, the method of acquiring measured values from each of the plurality of images captured by the imaging unit is not limited to the acquisition method based on the generation of binarized images, but may also be acquired based on other image processing. Also good. Furthermore, the object of measurement by an automatic control system is not limited to the amount of gas supplied; for example, a human being visually obtains a measurement value obtained by a measuring device, and adjusts the flow rate, etc. through operations based on the measurement value. It can be applied to such systems.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Measuring instrument reading device, 2, 2A, 2B...Imaging part, 22...Measuring instrument identification part, 23...Automatic focus part, 3...Data acquisition unit, 6...Control part, 100...Automatic control system, CT...Adjustment part , F, Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd...analog flowmeter (measuring instrument), FA...speed meter (measuring instrument), M, MA...scale, K...indicator (movable part), KA...pointer (movable part) .

Claims (7)

A measuring device reading device for acquiring a measured value for a measuring device whose measured value is a value indicated by a movable part that moves along a scale,
an imaging unit that is fixed at a predetermined position so that the plurality of measuring instruments are within the imaging possible range, and that captures images of the plurality of measuring instruments that are present within the imaging possible range;
a data acquisition unit that acquires the measurement value from the image captured by the imaging unit,
The imaging unit sequentially images the plurality of measuring instruments within the imaging possible range one by one by focusing on the measuring instruments,
The data acquisition unit is a measuring instrument reading device that acquires the measurement value from each of a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit. The imaging unit includes a measuring device specifying unit that specifies one of the measuring instruments to be imaged , and an automatic device that focuses on and images the movable part and the scale of the one measuring device specified by the measuring device specifying unit. The measuring instrument reading device according to claim 1 , further comprising a focal point. The measuring device reading device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the measuring device is an analog flowmeter. 4. The meter reading device according to claim 3 , wherein the analog flowmeter is an area flowmeter. The measuring device reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the measurement target measured by the measuring device is a gas flow rate. The meter reading device according to claim 5 , wherein the flow rate of the gas is a flow rate of a hydrocarbon gas. An automatic control system that automatically controls the state of a measurement target,
A measuring instrument that includes a movable part that moves along a scale, and the value on the scale indicated by the movable part is a measured value indicating the state of the measurement target;
an adjustment unit that changes the state of the measurement target;
a measuring device reading unit that acquires the measured value of the measuring device;
a control unit that compares the measured value obtained by the measuring device reading unit with a reference value and controls the adjustment unit so that the difference between the measured value and the reference value becomes small;
The measuring instrument reading section is fixed at a predetermined position so that the plurality of measuring instruments are within the imaging possible range, and the imaging section captures images of the plurality of measuring instruments existing within the imaging possible range; a data acquisition unit that acquires the measurement value from the image captured by the imaging unit,
The imaging unit sequentially images the plurality of measuring instruments within the imaging possible range one by one by focusing on the measuring instruments,
The data acquisition unit is an automatic control system that acquires the measurement value from each of a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit.

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