WO2011128709A1

WO2011128709A1 - Cmos sensor with optical prism for metering counter readout

Info

Publication number: WO2011128709A1
Application number: PCT/HR2011/000015
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vlado DOMENKUŠ
Original assignee: Elektrokem D.O.O
Priority date: 2010-04-15
Filing date: 2011-04-15
Publication date: 2011-10-20
Also published as: HRP20100215A2; HRPK20100215B3

Abstract

The given invention resolves the problem with reading out of the consumption on existing metering counters (4). By means of upgrading the counters with CMOS sensor (2) and optical prism (1) the digitalization process of analogue measuring elements - counters is performed in simple and efficient way with no effect on their measuring accuracy. Digitalized information about the counter state, which was the purpose of this invention, has been completely fulfilled with this process. Presented sensor is used as a measuring element of the system for automatic counters readout, and it is an ideal solution for set technical problem.

Description

CMOS sensor with optical prism for metering counter readout

Scope of invention

The invention is applied for the consumption metering counter readout (water, gas, electric energy)

Technical problem

Until recently, the consumption metering counter readout process could be performed only by physical reading out of given counters. Operator was performing the readout process by physical accessing the counter and optical reading the value from the counter. Such read values were written down and forwarded to further processing. Such obviously obsolete way of reading compromises the reliability of the whole system because it is subjected to readout errors (inability to assure free access to metering counters, human error... etc). The technical problem of the given invention could be resolved by reliable, quick i simple digitalized readout of existing consumption metering counters.

The technical solutions

There are different metering counter readout products, based on various principles which can be found on today's market. The most often solution is comprised from counters with built-in sensors. Such metering counters completely replace existing ones and this can be considered as a one solution for reading out the metering counters. Such counters are equipped with magnet and magnetic sensors. When magnet passes near the sensor it generates a pulse which is then registered and further processed. Here described principle is used in the most of new electronic metering counters, however there are new metering counters using other principles.

However, such metering counters do not offer readout problem solution where the using of old metering counter is an ultimate. The existing metering counters are fulfilling its role - metering the consumption and therefore their replacement would not be required if there would be possibility for upgrading such counters. Regarding this considerations, the new metering counters with built-in sensors would not resolve the readout problem on existing metering counters.

At the moment, there are no such sensors for upgrading the existing metering counters commercially sold on the market. Essence of the invention

Reading out and digitalize the information about the counter state, prepare it for transfer and processing poses the most important purpose of every readout sensor. Not affecting the measuring accuracy and performing the process on the site were the most important demands for described sensors. Given invention is based on camera with CMOS sensor. Its position on metering counter should ensure reading out of one or more counters on meter by using the optical prism. Depending on counter type, the prism dimensions are defined in such way to ensure the picture transfer from the counter to the camera not obstructing insight in counter any way and leaving the possibility for the optical check of the quantity on counter. At the given moment the camera records the counter state.

The state of counter with this sensor is described by picture containing information about consumed quantity at set moment.

Short description of drawing

Fig. 1/1. shows upgraded metering counter where is:

1. Optical prism

2. CMOS sensor (camera)

3. LED

4. Consumption metering counter

Detailed description at list for one way of realizing the invention

On the existing consumption metering counter (4), there is an optical prism (1) installed with built-in CMOS sensor (2). The prism is built from different materials (glass, Plexiglas), and it is installed without additional materials (adhesive, silicon compound). Since for the quality reading out the long-term clearness should be ensured, while dimensioning the prism there should be place left for the seal installation between prism and counter. Very often the counters are positioned on places with poor optical conditions (dark surroundings). From that reason the prism contains the LED (3) for lightning the desired counter surface while reading out (taking the picture) of the counter. At the same time the prism design should completely ensure its basic function. Since on the market there are various types of counters, the prism design would follow the market demands. It finally means that for every counter type there would be appropriate CMOS sensor with optical prism. The prism installation should be performed on measuring place and it is obtained by pressing it into predefined position. The cleanliness is the ultimate demand for the installation

The sensor is controlled by microprocessor which in regular periods of time takes sample on counter state. Instantaneous state of the counter is reading out on demand sent by user through the same communication channel which is used for sending the counter state information. However, the sensor alone is not sufficient for realizing the whole metering counter readout system. The sensor should be connected with microcontroller unit which controls the whole metering counter readout system. The microcontroller controls the sensor and transmission system which is used for the consumption information transfer to relevant database. The microcontroller unit and the transmission system are not subject of this document.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Sensor for metering counter readout with indication which is comprised from CMOS sensor, optical prism and lightning element.

2. Sensor for mechanical metering counters readout, in according with 1st Claim with indication that it is used as the measuring element of the system for the metering counters readout which are used for measuring the water and gas consumptions.