TW202102820A - Smart reading device for water meter and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A smart reading device for a water meter and a controlling method thereof are provided. The smart reading device includes a fixing component, a casing, an image capturing component, an image analyzing component and a transmitting component. The fixing element is fixed to the water meter. The image capturing component is disposed in the casing for capturing a numerical display area of the water meter to obtain a water consumption image. The water consumption image is analyzed, by the image analyzing component or a relay device, to obtain a water consumption value. The transmitting component is used for transmitting the water consumption value or the water consumption image to the relay device.

Description

Smart reading device for water meter and its control method

The present disclosure relates to a reading device and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a smart reading device and a control method of a water meter.

With the advancement of technology, all kinds of smart home appliances continue to introduce new ones. Among them, the smart water meter can automatically read the water level for the control and management of water resources, which is helpful to the implementation of energy saving and carbon reduction.

However, when consumers want to install smart water meters, they must replace the traditional water meters and even need to construct pipelines. This method requires a relatively high cost and affects consumers' willingness to install.

In addition, smart water meters need to be certified by relevant agencies to ensure their accuracy. The certification process is quite cumbersome, making it difficult to implement smart water meters.

Furthermore, the calibers of water pipes are different, and smart water meters may not be suitable for all homes or places.

Therefore, researchers are committed to developing a smart reading device so that traditional water meters can have the functions of smart water meters to achieve the purpose of water resource control and management.

This disclosure relates to a smart reading device for a water meter and its control method. It directly connects the smart reading device to a traditional water meter, so that consumers do not need to replace the original water meter, and do not need to spend much time in construction. So that the traditional water meter has the function of a smart water meter. In this way, smart reading devices can be popularized in various homes and places to effectively control and manage water resources.

According to one aspect of this disclosure, a smart reading device for water meters is provided. The smart reading device includes a fixing element, a casing, an image capturing element, an image analysis element and a transmission element. The fixing element is used to fix the water meter. The shell is arranged on the fixing element. The image capturing element is arranged in the housing and used for shooting a value display area of the water meter to obtain a water level image. The water level image is analyzed by an image analysis component or a relay device to obtain a water level value. The transmission element is used to transmit the water level value or water level image to the relay device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control method of a smart reading device of a water meter is provided. The smart reading device is set on the water meter. The control method of the smart reading device includes the following steps. It is judged whether a predetermined time has been reached. If the predetermined time is reached, take a picture of a value display area of the water meter to obtain a water level image. An image analysis component or a relay device is used to analyze the water level image to obtain a water level value. Transmit the water level value.

In order to have a better understanding of the above and other aspects of the present disclosure, the following examples are specially cited, and the accompanying drawings are described in detail as follows:

Please refer to FIG. 1, which illustrates a schematic diagram of a smart reading device 100 and a water meter 900 according to an embodiment (but not limited to). The smart reading device 100 of this embodiment can be directly connected to a conventional water meter 900. Consumers do not need to replace the original water meter 900, nor do they need to spend a lot of time in construction, so that the traditional water meter 900 can have the function of a smart water meter. In this way, the smart reading device 100 can be popularized in various homes and places to effectively control and manage water resources.

As shown in FIG. 1, the smart reading device 100 at least includes a fixing element 110, a housing 190, an image capturing element 120, a light emitting element 180, an image analysis element 130, and a transmission element 140. The fixing element 110 is used to be fixed to the water meter 900. The housing 190 is disposed on the fixing element 110. The image capturing element 120 is disposed in the housing 190. The image capturing element 120 is used to photograph a value display area R1 (shown in FIG. 2) of the water meter 900 to obtain a water level image IM1. The water level image IM1 can be analyzed by the image analysis component 130 (or a relay device 600) to obtain a water level value NM1. The transmission element 140 is used for transmitting the water level value NM1 (or the water level image IM1) to the relay device 600. The relay device 600 then transmits the water level value NM1 to a main server 700.

In an embodiment, a plurality of smart reading devices 100 may be centrally arranged near the water tower on the top floor of a building, and the number is, for example, more than 30. Multiple smart reading devices 100 use Bluetooth technology to transmit data to a nearby relay device 600 (for example, IDAM, Industrial Data Acquisition Module), and the relay device 600 then integrates the data, for example, into a packet, and The data is transmitted to the main server 700 through the 4G-LTE/NB-IOT module. In this way, it is only necessary to insert the SIM card 610 into the relay device 600, and it is not necessary for all the smart reading devices 100 to be equipped with the SIM card 610 and to communicate with the main server 700 individually. In this way, the problem of mutual communication interference between smart reading devices 100 can be improved. For example, in the LORA communication standard protocol, the device does not detect whether other devices are communicating before sending a signal. The more the number of water towers on the top floor, the higher the probability that the transmission signals will interfere with each other; in addition, the problem of signal transmission loss can also be improved. For example, in the LORA communication standard protocol, the signal will not be retransmitted once it is transmitted. The transmission fails, but with the design of the relay device 600, the relay device 600 can check whether the signal is successfully transmitted, and if the transmission fails, it can retransmit; in addition, the relay device 600 can reduce the communication cost, such as every The cost of installing the SIM card 610 in a smart reading device 100 can also reduce the communication bandwidth requirements.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 190 includes a base 191, a top plate 192 and a flip cover 193. The top plate 192 is connected to the base 191. The top plate 192 has a convex lens LN. The flip cover 193 is connected to the top plate 192. When the flip 193 is opened, the light emitting element 180 is activated for the user to view the numerical value display area R1 (shown in FIG. 2).

The image capturing process of the image capturing element 120 is similar to taking pictures in a dark room. The light emitting element 180 provides flash. In one embodiment, the lens of the image capturing element 120 may not have an autofocus function but a fixed focal length, which can reduce images. Capture the cost of component 120. Since the distance between the image capturing element 120 and the water meter 900 is fixed, the demand for the auto focus function is relatively low.

Please refer to FIG. 2, which shows a top view of the base 191 and the water meter 900 of FIG. 1. The smart reading device 100 further includes a battery BT. The battery BT is, for example, a lithium battery. After the user opens the top plate 192, the battery BT can be replaced. This design makes it easier to replace the battery BT, and can reduce the cost of replacing the battery BT. In one embodiment, the service life of the battery BT is about seven or eight years.

In addition, the smart reading device 100 may include a lead seal. The lead seal system connects the lead block with a steel rope to avoid being adjusted or changed by the intentional person, and has an anti-theft design. In one embodiment, the smart reading device 100 may further have an active detection function, for example, a gravity sensor (G-sensor) is used to detect whether it is moved, or a port is used to detect whether it is picked up and disconnected. When connected, the smart reading device 100 can actively send an abnormal message to the main server 700 immediately.

In one embodiment, the height of the housing 190 is less than 20 cm, so that the smart reading device 100 can be installed within the specification range of the water meter 900. For example, if the plurality of water meters 900 are arranged vertically, when the casing 190 exceeds 20 cm, the top plate 192 may not be opened, for example, it will be pushed to the lower side of another water meter. By setting the height of the housing 190 to a reasonable limit, the cost and convenience of use can be taken into consideration at the same time.

Furthermore, during the installation of the smart reading device 100, if the installation process is not smooth, the on-site installation personnel can activate the Bluetooth through an application (app) and display the setting value of the smart reading device 100 with a handheld device. Conducive to installation operations. In addition, the installer can adjust the setting value through the Debug Port for fetching or overwriting the setting value. In one embodiment, when an on-site installer approaches the smart reading device 100 with an electronic device, the smart reading device 100 can automatically connect to an application on the electronic device and display the setting value, for example, via a Bluetooth connection.

Please refer to FIGS. 3 to 4, FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the water meter 900 and the housing 190 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the housing 190 of FIG. 1. A rubber gasket RB1 may be arranged between the water meter 900 and the housing 190, and a rubber ring RB2 may be arranged under the housing 190. In this way, the smart reading device 100 has a waterproof function and can cover the connection to avoid the misjudgment caused by the water vapor covering the value display area R1.

Please refer to FIG. 5, which shows a block diagram of the smart reading device 100 of FIG. 1. The smart reading device 100 includes a fixing element 110, an image capturing element 120, an image analyzing element 130, a transmission element 140, a timing element 150, a control element 160, and a storage element 170. The main functions of each component are described as follows.

The fixing element 110 is used to fix the water meter 900, such as (but not limited to) a clamping element, a magnetic element, a locking element, an elastic socket element, or various elements and structures with fixing functions.

The image capturing element 120 is used to capture images, such as (but not limited to) a camera, a lens, a digital photosensitive element, or various elements with image capturing functions.

The image analysis component 130 is used to perform an image analysis process, such as (but not limited to) a chip, a circuit board, a circuit, a firmware, or a storage device for storing array codes.

The transmission element 140 is used for a transmission element, such as (but not limited to) a Bluetooth transmission module, a LoRa radio frequency module, a Wifi module, or a transmission line.

The timing component 150 is used to calculate time, such as (but not limited to) a chip, a circuit board, a circuit, a firmware, or a storage device storing an array of program codes.

The control element 160 is used to control the operation of the image capturing element 120 and the transmission element 140, such as (but not limited to) a chip, a circuit board, a circuit, a firmware, or a storage device storing an array of codes.

The storage element 170 is used to store various data, such as (but not limited to) a memory. The following is a detailed description of the operation of each component of the smart reading device 100 in conjunction with a flowchart.

Please refer to FIG. 6, which illustrates a flowchart of a control method of the smart reading device 100 according to an embodiment (but not limited to). The following describes the operation of each step of the flowchart with the block diagram in Figure 5. First, in step S110, the control element 160 determines whether a predetermined time has been reached, and the predetermined time is, for example, one month, one week, or one day. As shown in Fig. 6, if the predetermined time has been reached, step S120 is entered; if the predetermined time has not been reached, step S110 is returned. As shown in FIG. 6, the timing element 150 provides a time signal TS1 to the control element 160, and the control element 160 knows whether the predetermined time is reached according to the time signal TS1. The time signal TS1 is, for example (but not limited to) time cumulative information (such as cumulative 502 minutes, cumulative 678 minutes, etc.) or standard time information (such as 1:00, March 5, etc.).

Next, in step S120, the control element 160 outputs a control signal CR1 to the image capturing element 120, so that the image capturing element 120 takes a picture of a value display area R1 (shown in Figure 2) of the water meter 900 to obtain One-level image IM1. The water level image IM1 is, for example (but not limited to) a monochrome image, a color image, or a monochrome grayscale image.

Then, in step S130, the water level image IM1 is analyzed to obtain the water level value NM1. In this step, for example (but not limited to) the water level value NM1 is recognized through an optical character recognition technology (Optical Character Recognition). Or, in an embodiment, for example (but not limited to) a deep learning model is used to identify the water level value NM1. In this step, the image analysis component 130 can perform this step, and the relay device 600 can also perform this step.

In one embodiment, when the difference between the water level value NM1 obtained by the image analysis component 130 and the previous water level value NM1 exceeds a preset value, it means that there is an error in the analysis, and step S120 needs to be re-executed to obtain the water level. Image IM1 is analyzed again. If the water level value NM1 obtained by the analysis is less than the previous water level value NM1, there is also an error, and step S120 needs to be executed again. The default value can be set remotely.

If step S120 is executed again five times (for example, five pictures are taken in one minute), and the water level value NM1 obtained by the analysis is out of the range, the water level value NM1 is still uploaded.

Then, in step S140, the relay device 600 transmits the water level value NM1 to the main server 700 or the handheld device 800. In one embodiment, the smart reading device 100 may not perform the step of analyzing and obtaining the water level value NM1, but directly transmit the water level image IM1 to the main server 700 or the handheld device 800 through the transmission element 140, which is more expensive. However, the smart capture device 100 does not need to be equipped with the image analysis component 130. Compared with the method of transmitting the water level image IM1, the method of analyzing and transmitting the water level value NM1 is more power-saving.

In an embodiment (but not limited to), the transmission element 140 can transmit the water level value NM1 (or the water level image IM1) to the relay device 600 through the Bluetooth technology. Alternatively, in another embodiment (but not limited to), the transmission element 140 can transmit the water level value NM1 (or the water level image IM1) to the relay device 600 through LoRa technology. In one embodiment, when the water level value NM1 is transmitted, if the transmission is not successful in the first time, the relay device 600 may repeat the transmission for a predetermined number of times until the transmission is successful.

In another embodiment, the water level value NM1 can be stored in the storage element 170 or the relay device 600 of the smart reading device 100, and the user can also actively obtain the complete water level value from the storage element 170 or the relay device 600 NM1.

Please refer to Figs. 7-8. Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a smart reading device 100' and a water meter 900 according to another embodiment (but not limited to), and Fig. 8 shows a smart reading according to Fig. 7 A cross-sectional view of the device 100' and the water meter 900. The smart reading device 100' of this embodiment can also be directly connected to the conventional water meter 900. Consumers do not need to replace the original water meter 900, nor do they need to spend a lot of time in construction, so that the traditional water meter 900 can have the function of a smart water meter. In this way, the smart reading device 100 can be popularized in various homes and places to effectively control and manage water resources.

Please refer to FIGS. 9-12, which illustrate the assembly diagram of the smart reading device 100' of FIG. 7. First, as shown in Figures 9-10, in an embodiment, the fixing element 110' may be (but not limited to) composed of two semicircular clamping structures 111, 112. The clamping structure 111 and the clamping structure 112 clamp the water meter 900 from both sides of the water meter 900. The clamping structure 111 and the clamping structure 112 are locked by the screw 113 to fit the water meter 900 tightly.

In another embodiment (but not limited to), the clamping structures 111 and 112 may have magnetic properties and are directly adsorbed on the outer side wall of the water meter 900.

Or, in another embodiment (but not limited to), the clamping structures 111 and 112 may be flexible to match water meters of various sizes.

Then, as shown in Figs. 11-12, the housing 190' of the smart reading device 100' is locked to the fixing element 110 through the screw 194 from above.

Through the above assembly method, the water meter 900 does not need to be changed in structure, and the user can easily assemble the smart reading device 100' on the water meter 900.

Through the above description, the smart reading device 100, 100' of the above embodiment can be directly connected to the traditional water meter 900. The user does not need to replace the original water meter 900, and does not need to spend a lot of time in construction, so that the traditional water meter 900 can have the function of a smart water meter. In this way, the smart reading device 100, 100' can be popularized in various homes and places to effectively control and manage water resources.

To sum up, although the present disclosure has been disclosed as above through the embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this disclosure belongs can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be subject to the scope of the attached patent application.

100, 100’: Smart reader 110, 110’: Fixing element 111: clamping structure 112: clamping structure 113: Screw 120: Image capture component 130: image analysis components 140: Transmission element 150: Timing element 160: control element 170: storage components 180: light-emitting element 190, 190’: Shell 191: Base 192: top plate 193: Flip Cover 194: Screw 600: Relay 610: SIM card 700: main server 800: Handheld device 900: water meter BT: battery CR1: Control signal IM1: Water image LN: Convex lens NM1: Water degree value R1: Numerical display area RB1: Rubber gasket RB2: Rubber ring S110, S120, S130, S140: steps TS1: Time signal

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a smart reading device and a water meter according to an embodiment (but not limited to). Figure 2 shows a top view of the base and water meter of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the water meter and the housing of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a rear view of the housing of Figure 1. Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of the smart reading device of Fig. 1. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a control method of a smart reading device according to an embodiment (but not limited to). FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a smart reading device and a water meter according to another embodiment (but not limited to). Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the smart reading device and the water meter in Fig. 7. Figures 9-12 are schematic diagrams showing the assembly of the smart reading device shown in Figure 7.

100: Smart reader

110: fixed element

120: Image capture component

130: image analysis components

140: Transmission element

180: light-emitting element

190: Shell

191: Base

192: top plate

193: Flip Cover

900: water meter

600: Relay

610: SIM card

700: main server

IM1: Water image

LN: Convex lens

NM1: Water degree value

Claims (20)

A smart reading device for water meters, including: A fixing element for fixing to the water meter; A shell set on the fixing element; An image capturing element is arranged in the casing, and the image capturing element is used to photograph a value display area of the water meter to obtain a water level image; An image analysis element, the water level image is analyzed by the image analysis element or a relay device to obtain a water level value; and A transmission element for transmitting the water level value or the water level image to the relay device. The smart reading device for water meters as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application includes: A timing element for providing a time signal; and A control element controls the image capturing element to shoot according to the time signal. The smart reading device for water meters as described in item 1 of the scope of patent application includes: A light-emitting element is used to provide a light source to the value display area. Such as the smart reading device of water meter described in item 3 of the scope of patent application, wherein the casing includes: A base A top plate connected to the base, the top plate having a convex lens; and A flip cover is connected to the top plate. When the flip cover is opened, the light-emitting element is activated for a user to view the value display area. For the smart reading device of the water meter described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, the fixing element is a clamping element, a magnetic element, a locking element or an elastic socket element. For example, the smart reading device for water meters described in the scope of patent application, wherein the transmission element is a Bluetooth transmission module, a LoRa radio frequency module, an NB-IoT module, a 4G-LTE module, Or a Wifi module. For example, the smart reading device for water meters described in the scope of patent application, wherein the image analysis component recognizes the water level value through a deep learning model or an optical character recognition technology (Optical Character Recognition). For example, the smart reading device for a water meter described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein if the water level image has an angular deviation, the image analysis element or the relay device obtains a rotation angle according to the water level image, and according to The rotation angle rotates the water level image. Such as the smart reading device of the water meter described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the relay device transmits the water level value to a main server. For example, the control method of the smart reading device of the water meter described in the scope of patent application, wherein the water meter is an electromagnetic water meter, a Woltmann water meter, or a multiple nozzle type Multi-Jet water meter. For example, in the smart reading device for a water meter described in item 1 of the scope of patent application, the fixing element is adjusted according to the size and type of the water meter to be fixed on the water meter of various sizes and types. A control method of a smart reading device of a water meter, the smart reading device is arranged on the water meter, and the control method includes: Judge whether it reaches a predetermined time; If the predetermined time is reached, photograph a value display area of the water meter to obtain a water level image; Analyze the water level image with an image analysis component or a relay device to obtain a water level value; and Transmit the water level value. For example, in the control method of the smart reading device of the water meter described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, a light source is further provided in the step of photographing the value display area of the water meter. For example, the control method of the smart reading device of the water meter described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, wherein in the step of transmitting the water level value, a Bluetooth transmission module, a LoRa radio frequency module, and an NB-IoT are used A module, a 4G-LTE module, or a Wifi module transmits the water level value. Such as the control method of the smart reading device of the water meter described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, in which the water level image is analyzed through a deep learning model or an optical character recognition technology (Optical Character Recognition) to identify The water level value. For example, the control method of the smart reading device of the water meter described in the scope of patent application, wherein in the step of analyzing the water level image, if the water level image has an angular deviation, a rotation is obtained according to the water level image Angle, and rotate the water level image according to the rotation angle. Such as the control method of the smart reading device of the water meter described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, wherein the water level value is transmitted to a main server. For example, the control method of the smart reading device of the water meter described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, wherein the water meter is an electromagnetic water meter, a Woltmann water meter, or a multi-nozzle type Multi-Jet water meter. For example, the control method of the smart reading device of the water meter described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, wherein the smart reading device is fixed to the water meter 1 through a fixing element, and the fixing element is a sleeve connected around the water meter. Attached structure. For example, in the control method of the smart reading device of the water meter described in item 12 of the scope of patent application, the fixing element is adjusted according to the size and type of the water meter to be fixed on the water meter of various sizes and types.

Images