KR20060108030A - System for auto reading outdoor inspection and wireless remote inspection of water meter - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water meter outdoor meter reading and a wireless remote meter automatic recording device, and in particular, a metering device for photographing a water meter is installed in the tap water meter, photographed from the meter reading device using a meter reading device carried by a meter reader An outdoor meter reading apparatus of a water supply meter configured to read a meter image, the apparatus comprising: The meter reading device includes a connector to which the meter reading device is connected, to transfer DC power supplied from the meter reading device, and to transmit data transmitted from the outside to the meter reading device; A converter for converting the DC power supplied through the connector into DC power required for the system and transferring the DC power to each component; A CMOS camera which photographs and compresses the display unit of the water supply meter with a predetermined pixel; An LED providing illumination to said CMOS camera; An image compressor for compressing an image file photographed by the CMOS camera in a predetermined format and outputting a compressed image file; A frame buffer for temporarily storing a compressed image file in the image compressor; A ROM for storing customer IDs; A micro-control unit which stores an ID in the ROM, removes an unnecessary lower end of the compressed image file transmitted from the frame buffer, and sequentially transmits the ID stored in the ROM and the compressed image file; A serial communication unit for transmitting the ID and compressed image file transmitted from the micro control unit to the connector or the outside; And an RF module converting the ID and the compressed image file transmitted from the serial communication unit into an RF signal and transmitting the converted RF signal.

According to the present invention as described above, the camera and the processing device is mounted on the metering device to modularize the metering device, the metering device compresses the image file photographed using a CMOS camera, and removes the unnecessary part of the image file, and then removes the ID and the image. By sending a file to the automatic meter reading device via wired or wireless method, it increases the transmission and processing speeds, thereby speeding up the meter reading and lowering the product cost.

Water meter, outdoor meter, remote meter, meter, modular, CMOS camera, image compression, wired and wireless

Description

System for auto reading outdoor inspection and wireless remote inspection of water meter}

1 and 2 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a conventional water meter outdoor meter reading device,

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device,

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic meter reading and outdoor meter reading and meter reading according to the first embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic meter reading apparatus for outdoor water meter reading and wireless meter reading according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

Figure 6a is a picture showing the image taken by the CMOS camera of the automatic meter reading water meter and wireless remote meter reading device according to the present invention processed in the image compression unit,

Figure 6b is a view showing an image output from the microcontrol unit of the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols on main parts of the drawings>

200: meter reading device 210: connector

220: converter 230: CMOS camera

240: LED 250: image compression unit

260: frame buffer 270: ROM

280: micro control unit 290: serial communication unit

300: RF Module

The present invention relates to a water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device, and more specifically, to the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device to capture the image of the water meter and transmit it after wired and wireless. It is about.

In general, household meters include water, gas, and electricity meters, which are installed indoors unlike other meters. Therefore, the water meter reader was able to read the water meter only when he visited each household when the residents of the home were at home. Accordingly, the visitor can be visited only when he is at home, and thus, it is difficult to read the meter. Therefore, a method of arbitrarily setting a fee is charged and a bill is used for billing.

In the conventional billing method, when there is a month when residents of each household move or use more water than the average due to special events, water users may have to pay an unfair water rate. In order to read the water supply meter to come in, there is a problem such as a crime to be disguised as a meter reader.

Accordingly, according to 1999 Utility Model Registration No. 0166476, "Water Meter Meter Outdoor Metering Device", which was filed and filed by the applicant, the CCD reader is installed to read the meter reading of the water meter from a portable monitor from the outside. A water meter outdoor metering device is available for meter reading using a monitor.

1 and 2, the above-described " water meter outdoor meter reading device " is provided with a predetermined power supply by installing a CCD camera 30 on the upper part of the meter display unit inside the water supply meter 10 compartment installed indoors, as shown in FIGS. In this case, the CCD camera 30 outputs the meter reading device (configuration of FIG. 1) to read the tap water usage information displayed on the meter 10, and the tap water reading information read from the meter device and supplies power to the meter reading device. Power supply for supplying power to the meter reading device from the outdoors through the two connectors (71, 72) fixed to the outdoors by extending two signal lines 60 from the meter reading device to the outdoors It consists of a reading device (configuration of FIG. 2) for reading by the reader, consisting of a device 90 and a small monitor 80 for operating the metering device and displaying the resultant value read from the metering device. do.

This is because a plurality of high-brightness LED device 40 is installed around the small CCD camera 30 to illuminate the space between the waterproof cover 20, the lower half of the fixed plate 50 attached to the upper inside of the hemispherical transparent The cap 51 is attached to protect the CCD camera 30 and the high brightness LED device 40 from external shocks.

The outdoor water meter reading apparatus of the tap water meter previously filed by the present applicant having such a configuration connects the connectors 71 and 72 of the reading device configured to be portable by the meter reader to the connector 70 fixedly installed in the outdoors of each home, When power is applied to the meter reading device, the small CCD camera 30 and the high-brightness LED device 40 in the meter are operated by the external power source, and the contents of the tap water meter 10 photographed are output to the small monitor 80. The meter reader can visually check the meter reading.

Accordingly, the reader can be connected to the connector 70 drawn out to the outdoors regardless of the presence of a resident, and can be checked through a monitor, thereby eliminating illegal inspections such as speculative inspection using the resident member as an excuse, and disguising a crime disguised as a meter. At the same time, it is possible to prevent outdoor meter reading at a low cost by installing only a small CCD camera and a connector for transmitting the signal to the outdoors while maintaining an existing water meter.

However, the outdoor meter reading device of the tap water meter filed by the applicant of the present applicant has the advantage that it can be read with or without a resident, but it may cause an error or the like since the meter reader should read and read the portable monitor. There is a problem that the cost of labor is high and the labor cost is high because of the inconvenience of having to carry the existing meter reading record and using the metering record again by inputting it to the comprehensive management system. And the problem of guessing meter reading could not be excluded.

Therefore, according to the registered patent registration No. 0358885 "automatic recording device for water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading" filed by the applicant, the meter photographing screen is automatically stored instead of the portable monitor and automatically read by the comprehensive management system. In addition, it provides an automatic meter reading device for outdoor water meter to manage this.

The above-described "water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device", as shown in Figure 3, the photographing means for photographing the water supply meter and lighting means, and a meter reading device equipped with an outdoor connector is installed, An outdoor meter reading device of a water supply meter configured to read a meter image photographed outdoors using a portable meter reading device, wherein the operating power of the meter device is supplied through the connector to control the meter device and input image information. Image of the meter taken from the connector 101 for receiving, the rechargeable battery 110 for supplying power to the meter reading device through the connector 101, and the photographing means of the meter reading device through the connector 101 A / D converter 130 for receiving a signal and converting it into digital data, and storing the meter image signal inputted through the A / D converter as a file MPEG signal processing unit 140 for processing as an MPEG signal, an I / O part 160 for reading customer information and outputting image information, and a water meter of the customer connected to the I / O part A file name is determined by a scanner 170 for reading identification information (eg, barcode information or a customer management number) and customer information read through the I / O part 160 to the MPEG signal processor 140. Storage means (e.g., RAM or Disk) 150 for storing the processed meter photographing information of the customer as an image file, and supplying power to the meter reading device, reading the customer information, and storing the image file of the image information. CPU 120 for controlling the output and deletion of stored files, ROM 121 for storing operation programs of the CPU 120, real time clock generator (RTC) 122, and the like for maintaining the stored information. Backup battery 123 and operation buttons Than the configured features.

The water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device pre- filed by the present applicant having such a configuration, the customer who visited the customer to carry the automatic meter reading device 100 and visited the customer in advance to attach to the outdoors of the customer When the bar code or management number is automatically read through the scanner 170 and the connector 101 of the automatic meter recording device 100 is connected to the connector 70, the automatic meter reading device 100 is The power is supplied to the CCD camera 30 from the rechargeable battery 110 held therein, and the CCD camera 30 sends the image of the current state to the automatic meter reading and recording apparatus 100. At this time, the automatic meter reading device 100 automatically generates an image file named after the customer care number by the software (S / W) program stored in its ROM 121 and stores it in the storage means 150. After repeated meter reading, the meter returns to the headquarters, connects the automatic meter reading device 100 to the input / output port of the headquarters computer, sends the data to the headquarters computer, stores the data, deletes the data in the automatic meter reading device 100, and charges the battery. Conduct.

Comprehensive management computer system installed in the headquarters is connected to the automatic meter recording device 100 and a serial communication port (for example, printer port) to receive and store all meter reading data of the day stored in the automatic meter recording device 100, LAN On another computer connected to the network, personnel can run the OCR program to automatically read and save it as an ASCII file, convert the ASCII file into its own database file, calculate usage, and even print billing papers. have.

However, the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device pre- filed by the applicant has the advantage that it can be read regardless of the presence of the resident, a CCD camera attached to the meter reading device, and was taken from the CCD camera Since the image is received by the automatic meter recording device and converted into an image file, the image file size is large and the file transfer time and file processing time are long, and the cost of the product is increased by using expensive equipment such as a CCD camera. have.

In addition, the reader needs to read the customer number bar code or management number attached to the outside of the water meter by using the scanner through the scanner 170, so that the processing time becomes long and the processing is cumbersome. There is a problem.

In addition, since the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device transmits data to the automatic meter reading device only through a wired method, there is a problem that the meter reading is impossible when the tap water meter is installed indoors.

The present invention is to solve the above problems, the camera and the processing device is mounted on the metering device to modularize the metering device, the metering device to compress the image file photographed using a CMOS camera, the unnecessary part of the image file After removing the ID, the ID and image files are transferred to the automatic meter reading device through wired and wireless methods, thereby minimizing the size of the image files, increasing the transmission and processing speeds, and increasing the speed of the meter reading. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic recording device for meter reading and wireless remote meter reading.

In addition, the present invention is to provide a water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device to be able to read even when the water meter is installed indoors by transmitting data from the meter reading device to the automatic meter recording device through a wired or wireless method. There is this.

In addition, the present invention by reducing the metering personnel costs of each local water supply office by the meter reading through the automatic meter reading device through a wired or wireless method, can solve the difficult meter reading area, and prevent the leakage of tax by the approved meter reading In addition, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic recording device for outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading of water supply meter that can be presented as evidence in case of complaint.

Features of the present invention for achieving the above object,

An outdoor meter reading apparatus of a water supply meter, provided with a meter reading device for photographing a water meter, and configured to read a meter image photographed from the meter using a meter reading device carried by a meter reader; The meter reading device includes: a connector to which the meter reading device is connected to transfer a DC power supplied from the meter reading device, and to send meter reading commands and data; A converter for converting the DC power supplied through the connector into DC power required for the system and transferring the DC power to each component; A CMOS camera for capturing and compressing a display unit of the water supply meter with a predetermined pixel according to a meter reading command; An LED providing illumination to said CMOS camera; An image compressor for compressing an image file photographed by the CMOS camera in a predetermined format and outputting a compressed image file; A frame buffer for temporarily storing a compressed image file in the image compressor; A ROM for storing customer IDs; A micro control unit which stores an ID in the ROM and removes an unnecessary lower end of the compressed image file transmitted from the frame buffer according to a metering command, and sequentially transmits the ID stored in the ROM and the compressed image file; And a serial communication unit for transmitting the ID and the compressed image file transmitted from the micro control unit to the connector.

Here, a battery is built in and connected to the connector to supply power to each component, transmit a metering command to the micro control unit, and convert the ID and compressed image files transmitted from the serial communication unit into RF signals. It further comprises an RF module.

The wireless repeater may further include: a wireless repeater for transmitting a metering command to each of the RF modules within a predetermined area when a metering command is transmitted, and receiving and transmitting the ID and compressed image file transmitted from each of the RF modules; When the meter recording device is connected and a metering command is transmitted, the metering command is transmitted to the wireless repeater, and the main wireless collector which collects the ID and the compressed image file transmitted wirelessly from the wireless repeater and transmits it to the metering recording device. Include.

Here, the constant pixel is 160 × 64 pixels.

Here, the micro control unit removes the lower 1/3 to 1/2 after the display unit of the water meter in the image file of 160 × 64 pixels.

Here, the compressed image file is a JPEG file.

Here, the serial communication unit is any one of RS485, RS422, RS232, and USB.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings the configuration of the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device according to the present invention will be described in detail.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of automatic water meter reading and wireless remote meter reading device according to the present invention, Figure 5 is a water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device according to a second embodiment of the present invention Figure 6a is a block diagram showing the configuration, Figure 6a is a view showing the image taken by the CMOS camera of the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote metering automatic recording device according to the present invention and processed in the image compression unit, Figure 6b is in accordance with the present invention This figure shows the image output from the micro control unit of the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device.

4 to 6B, the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device 200 according to the present invention includes a connector 210, a converter 220, a CMOS camera 230, and an LED ( 240, image compression unit 250, frame buffer 260, ROM 270, microcontrol unit 280, serial communication unit 290, RF module 300, wireless repeater ( 310 and the main wireless collector 320.

First, the meter reading device 200 is a form in which each component is mounted on one PCB, the CMOS camera 230 is attached to the bottom surface of the PCB is attached to the water supply meter.

The connector 210 is connected to a meter reading device (not shown) to transfer DC power supplied from the meter reading device or the RF module 300 to be described below, and to transmit commands and data from the meter reading device to the micro control unit. 280, the micro control unit 280 to be described below, and the ID and the compressed image file transmitted through the serial communication unit 290 are transmitted to the meter reading apparatus or the RF module 300.

The converter 220 converts the DC power supplied through the connector 210 into DC power required for the system and transmits the DC power to each component.

The CMOS camera 230 first photographs a display unit (not shown) of the water supply meter by using a predetermined pixel and compresses the first. Here, the constant pixel is 160 × 64 pixels.

LED 240 provides illumination to CMOS camera 230.

The image compression unit 250 secondarily compresses the first compressed image file photographed by the CMOS camera 230 in a predetermined format and outputs a compressed image file as shown in FIG. 5A. Here, the compressed image file is a JPEG file.

The frame buffer 260 temporarily stores the compressed image file in the image compressor 250.

The ROM 270 stores an ID for managing a customer.

The micro-control unit 280 stores the ID in the ROM 270, and removes an unnecessary lower end portion from the compressed image file transmitted from the frame buffer 260 according to the reading command, and sequentially transmits the ID and the compressed image file stored in the ROM. do. Here, the micro control unit 280 removes the lower 1/3 to 1/2 after the display portion of the water meter in the image file of 160 x 64 pixels as shown in FIG.

The serial communication unit 290 transmits the ID and the compressed image file transmitted from the micro control unit 280 to the connector 210. Here, the serial communication unit 290 is any one of RS485, RS422, RS232, USB.

The RF module 300 has a built-in battery therein, is connected to the connector 290 to supply power to each component, and send a meter command to the micro control unit 280 through the connector 290, the connector ( ID and compressed image file transmitted from 290 is converted into an RF signal and transmitted.

The wireless repeater 310 transmits a metering command to each RF module 300 within a predetermined area when the metering command is transmitted, and wirelessly relays the ID and compressed image file transmitted from each RF module 300. .

The main wireless collector 320 transmits a metering command to the wireless repeater 310 when the metering recorder is connected and the metering command is transmitted, and collects the ID and the compressed image file wirelessly transmitted from the wireless repeater 310 to read the metering recording device. To send.

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, the operation of the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote metering automatic recording device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4, 6A and 6B.

First, looking at the process of recording the ID in the ROM 270, if the meter reading device is connected to the connector 210, the power is supplied to the converter 220 through the connector 210 from the meter reading device 200 is ) Is applied.

In this state, when the ID setting command and the ID for managing the customer are transmitted from the meter reading device to the serial communication unit 290 through the connector 210, the micro control unit 280 checks the ID setting command and checks the serial communication unit 290. The ID passed through is stored in the ROM 270.

When a process of reading a meter in the state in which the ID is stored in the ROM 270 is described, when the meter reading device is connected to the connector 210, power is supplied to each component as described above.

In this state, when the meter reading command is transmitted from the meter reading device, the micro control unit 280 confirms the metering command, turns on the LED 240, and drives the CMOS camera 230 to operate the water meter in the CMOS camera 230. The display unit is photographed.

The CMOS camera 230 captures the display unit of the water supply meter at 160 × 64 pixels, compresses the image, and transmits the compressed image to the image compressor 250. The image compressor 250 captures the primary compressed image file by the CMOS camera. Second compression is performed as a JPEG file and transmitted to the frame buffer 260.

When the image file is temporarily stored in the frame buffer 260, the micro control unit 280 converts the size of the image file stored in the frame buffer 260, that is, removes the unnecessary portion and then converts the ID and the size of the image stored in the ROM. The file is transmitted to the connector 210 through the serial communication unit 290.

Then, the ID and the image file are transmitted to the meter reading device through the connector 210, and the meter reading device automatically generates an image file with the name of the customer ID by its own software (S / W) program. Store and display for read by the meter.

After repeated meter reading, it returns to the headquarters, connects the automatic meter reading device to the input / output port of the headquarters computer and sends the data to the headquarters computer through wireless or serial communication to make DB, delete the data in the automatic meter reading device, and charge Is carried out.

Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, the operation of the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5, 6A and 6B.

First, looking at the process of recording the ID in the ROM 270, if the meter reading device is connected to the connector 210, the power is supplied to the converter 220 through the connector 210 from the meter reading device 200 is ) Is applied.

In this state, when the command signal and the ID for managing the customer are transmitted from the meter reading device to the serial communication unit 290 through the connector 210, the micro control unit 280 confirms the command and checks the serial communication unit 290. The ID passed through is stored in the ROM 270.

In the ROM 270, the process of reading the meter while the ID is stored will be described. The RF module 300 is connected to the connector 210.

In this state, when the meter reading device is connected to the main wireless collector 320 to transmit a metering command, it is transmitted to the RF module 300 through the wireless repeater 310.

Then, the RF module 300 supplies power to each component and transmits the meter reading command to the micro control unit 280, the micro control unit 280 turns on the LED 240 in the same manner as the above process In addition, the CMOS camera 230 is driven to photograph the display of the water supply meter in the CMOS camera 230.

The CMOS camera 230 captures the display unit of the water supply meter at 160 × 64 pixels, compresses the image, and transmits the compressed image to the image compressor 250. The image compressor 250 captures the primary compressed image file by the CMOS camera. Second compression is performed as a JPEG file and transmitted to the frame buffer 260.

When the image file is temporarily stored in the frame buffer 260, the micro control unit 280 converts the size of the image file stored in the frame buffer 260, that is, removes the unnecessary portion and then converts the ID and the size of the image stored in the ROM. The file is transmitted to the connector 210 through the serial communication unit 290.

Then, the ID and the image file are transmitted to the RF module 300 through the connector 210, and the ID and the image file are transmitted to the main wireless collector 320 through the wireless repeater 310 as a radio signal from the RF module 300. The ID and compressed image files transmitted from the wireless repeater 310 are collected and transmitted to the meter reading apparatus.

Then, the meter reading device automatically generates an image file with the name of the customer ID by its own software (S / W) program, stores it in the storage means, and displays it so that the meter reader can check it.

After repeated meter reading, it returns to the headquarters, connects the automatic meter reading device to the input / output port of the headquarters computer and sends the data to the headquarters computer through wireless or serial communication to make DB, delete the data in the automatic meter reading device, and charge Is carried out.

According to the inventors of the water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device configured as described above, the camera and the processing device is mounted on the metering device to modularize the metering device, and the imager photographed using a CMOS camera After eliminating unnecessary parts of the image file and transmitting the ID and image file through the wired / wireless method to the automatic meter reading device, the size of the image file is minimized and the transmission and processing speed is increased to speed up the meter reading. Can be lowered.

In addition, according to the present invention can be read even when the water supply meter is installed indoors by transmitting data from the meter reading device to the automatic meter reading device through a wired or wireless method.

In addition, according to the present invention, by reading the meter through the automatic meter reading device through a wired or wireless method can reduce the inspection personnel cost of each local water supply office, can solve the difficult meter reading area, and prevent the leakage of tax by the approved meter reading It can be presented as evidence in case of complaints.

Claims (7)

An outdoor meter reading apparatus of a water supply meter, provided with a meter reading device for photographing a water meter, and configured to read a meter image photographed from the meter using a meter reading device carried by a meter reader; The meter reading device, A connector to which the meter reading device is connected to transfer DC power supplied from the meter reading device and to transmit meter reading commands and data; A converter for converting the DC power supplied through the connector into DC power required for the system and transferring the DC power to each component; A CMOS camera for capturing and compressing a display unit of the water supply meter with a predetermined pixel according to a meter reading command; An LED providing illumination to said CMOS camera; An image compressor for compressing an image file photographed by the CMOS camera in a predetermined format and outputting a compressed image file; A frame buffer for temporarily storing a compressed image file in the image compressor; A ROM for storing customer IDs; A micro control unit which stores an ID in the ROM and removes an unnecessary lower end of the compressed image file transmitted from the frame buffer according to a metering command, and sequentially transmits the ID stored in the ROM and the compressed image file; And And a serial communication unit for transmitting the ID and the compressed image file transmitted from the micro control unit to the connector. The method of claim 1, RF module which is built-in battery and connected to the connector to supply power to each component, transmit meter reading command to the micro control unit, convert the ID and compressed image file transmitted from the serial communication unit into RF signal Water meter outdoor meter reading and wireless remote metering automatic recording device characterized in that it further comprises. The method of claim 2, A wireless repeater for transmitting a metering command to each of the RF modules within a predetermined area when a metering command is transmitted, and receiving and transmitting the ID and compressed image file transmitted from each of the RF modules; When the meter recording device is connected and a metering command is transmitted, the metering command is transmitted to the wireless repeater, and the main wireless collector which collects the ID and the compressed image file transmitted wirelessly from the wireless repeater and transmits it to the meter reading device Water meter outdoor reading and wireless remote meter reading automatic recording device comprising a. The method of claim 1, The predetermined pixel is, Automatic water meter reading and wireless remote meter reading device characterized in that the 160 × 64 pixels. The method of claim 4, wherein The micro control unit, Automatic meter reading and wireless remote meter reading water meter, characterized in that to remove the lower 1/3 / 1/2 after the display unit of the water meter in the 160 × 64 pixels image file. The method of claim 1, The compressed image file, Water meter outdoor reading and wireless remote meter automatic recording device characterized in that the JPEG file. The method of claim 1, The serial communication unit, Automated recording device for outdoor meter reading and wireless remote meter reading, characterized in that any one of RS485, RS422, RS232, USB method.

Images