WO2009043065A2 - Système de mesure à distance - Google Patents

Système de mesure à distance Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009043065A2
WO2009043065A2 PCT/ZA2008/000087 ZA2008000087W WO2009043065A2 WO 2009043065 A2 WO2009043065 A2 WO 2009043065A2 ZA 2008000087 W ZA2008000087 W ZA 2008000087W WO 2009043065 A2 WO2009043065 A2 WO 2009043065A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
service
meter
signal
remote
previous
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/ZA2008/000087
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2009043065A3 (fr
Inventor
Alexander Atilla Gulyas
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2009043065A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009043065A2/fr
Publication of WO2009043065A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009043065A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D4/00—Tariff metering apparatus
    • G01D4/002—Remote reading of utility meters
    • G01D4/004—Remote reading of utility meters to a fixed location
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D4/00—Tariff metering apparatus
    • G01D4/008—Modifications to installed utility meters to enable remote reading
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/26—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
    • G01D5/39—Scanning a visible indication of the measured value and reproducing this indication at the remote place, e.g. on the screen of a cathode ray tube
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02B90/20—Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
    • Y04S20/30—Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a service meter or a device attachable to a service meter and a remote monitoring system.
  • the inventor has identified a problem for service providers such as electricity, water and gas service providers who rely on individual metering devices each located at premises of an industrial site or a residence or residential complex to calculate the monthly amount to be billed to the user of the services.
  • service providers such as electricity, water and gas service providers who rely on individual metering devices each located at premises of an industrial site or a residence or residential complex to calculate the monthly amount to be billed to the user of the services.
  • the reading or monitoring of the meters of the devices by a person requires large manpower and traveling expenses. Often the readings are inaccurate or taken at a date different to the billing date for the service, which leads to legal disputes.
  • the inventor also identified a further problem experienced by service providers, such as electricity service providers that they only have crude regional power cutting means in the case of an overburdened power grid.
  • the inventor also identified a problem experienced by service providers and service users in that they have crude means for monitoring service usage. It is another object of the invention to provide a system for live monitoring service use level and its integration into a service provider management system.
  • a service meter or a device attachable to a service meter which service meter or device includes: a means for capturing a digital image of a meter reading; and a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote station, which signal relates to the digital image of current reading of the meter.
  • a device attachable to the service meter is preferable.
  • the service meter will include a service metering module, preferably an electronic service metering module.
  • the means for capturing a current meter reading may be any digital imaging device configured to capture a digital photographic image of the current reading of the meter.
  • the digital image may be transmitted to a remote location with a processor where the signal may be processed for further use.
  • the service meter or device attachable to a service meter may include a processor for processing the digital image into a format or signal recognizable by a remote station.
  • the processor may be programmed to process the digital image by means of optical character recognition software to convert the image into text, binary and/ or numerical characters for identification and calculation of service bills and database management purposes.
  • the service meter or device attachable to a service meter may include an internal clock so that the date and time of the reading can be included in the signal to a remote station.
  • the clock may be self correcting or programmable to be synchronized or corrected from time to time.
  • Each service meter or device attachable to a service meter may include a unique identification means or code, which is incorporated in the image or signal.
  • the service meter or device attachable to a service meter may include a power source.
  • the power source may include rechargeable chemical cell.
  • the power source may be obtained by means of a connection to the municipal power grid or a solar cell which provides power directly to the meter or device, or which maintains the rechargeable chemical cell in a sufficiently charged state.
  • the service meter or device attachable to a service meter may be manufactured in a sealed unit which is tamper resistant.
  • the sealed unit may be a replacement cover for the service meter with the components of the device integrated into the cover.
  • the service meter may include a plurality of sensors arranged in communication with a remote location which sensors are configured to sense certain attributes, such as motion, tampering, unauthorized access and/or the like. It is to be appreciated that these attributes are generally associated with the predetermined parameters.
  • the service may also be configured to reset any of the sensors upon instruction from a control center at the remote location to avoid triggering of alarms.
  • the processor may be configured or programmed to send a signal at a predetermined date and time or on a real time basis with regular intervals, or the device may include a receiver for receiving a remote signal, such as a request for a current reading.
  • the transmitter and/ or receiver of the device may be linked on the Ethernet, radio, satellite or a cell phone network and may be accessible by a person with the necessary access clearance to monitor the reading or usage of the service at any time.
  • the device may include a GPS transceiver and the location coordinates of the meter may accompany the signal.
  • the processor may be programmable by means of a remote signal which carries the reprogramming software.
  • a remote monitoring system which system includes a service meter or a device attachable to a service meter as described above and a remote station, which remote station includes: a receiver or transceiver for receiving a signal from the service meter or device, which signal carries the data of a digital image of the current meter reading; and a remote processor configured to process the signal into a form readable and/ or displayed to a person.
  • the processor may further be configured to automatically produce an invoice or the system may be integrated into an existing accounting system and the processor may be configured to process the signal into a form recognizable by such an accounting system.
  • the system may include a storage means for storing the information or data.
  • the processor may be configured to monitor and/ or display current readings, usage or consumptions over a time period. The usage or consumption may be displayed graphically or in a statistically useful manner.
  • a photographic printout of the image of the meter reading, the time and date and unique code may accompany such an invoice.
  • the stored information or data on the storage means may be accessible to a user of the service and/ or the service provider via website based viewer.
  • the website may be configured to allow access to a user with a pre selected username and/ or password.
  • the user of service provider may monitor and read current readings, usage or consumptions over a time period and a reading at a selected time. The usage or consumption may be displayed graphically.
  • a remote monitoring and management system which system includes a monitoring system as described above and a service meter or a device attachable to a service meter as described above and which service meter or device also includes a receiver for receiving a remote signal and a processor for processing a received signal and a switching means for switching a service or device on or off in response to a received signal.
  • the switch includes a valve for water or gas services.
  • the means for switching of appliances may include remote switches for such devices and the remote monitoring and management system may include a communication means between the processor and such switches.
  • the communication means may be a modem configured to communicate to each switch through normal electrical wiring of a building.
  • the switching means may be accessible to a user of the service and/ or the service provider via website based viewer.
  • the switching means may additionally or alternatively be accessible via a cellular phone.
  • Each device may be provided with an identification means such as a unique identification code.
  • the identification codes may be classed into regional groups from a single house, street, suburb, city, up to the borders of the country in which the service provider operates.
  • the service provider can then manage, on a first level, service usage of groups on a regional basis of different sizes.
  • the regional service usage can then also be, on a second level, further classed into halting of full services or by cutting power on an appliance lever, in the case of electrical services.
  • On a third level a user can manage own power usage.
  • the management of each level may be controlled by a dedicated processor.
  • the system can also include a processor and modem located at a central point such as a transformer for a region such as a street which processor communicates with devices fitted to service meters or service meters located at a premise such as a house.
  • a processor and modem located at a central point such as a transformer for a region such as a street which processor communicates with devices fitted to service meters or service meters located at a premise such as a house.
  • the invention has several advantages. Remote reading of service meters reduces manpower and costs.
  • the image of the reading at a specific date and time eliminates inaccuracies and disputes due to real time monitoring.
  • Consumers and service providers can check the actual physical reading of a service meter.
  • a consumer can monitor the rate of usage of a service at a specific time or over a period of time.
  • Property transactions or changes between service providers requires hand over of service accounts, which is usually guessed for a specific time which can be inaccurate within a few days and the system provides a record of the reading of the meter at a specific time, which can be used to provide an accurate record at the time of handover.
  • the system can also be used to calculate the debtors' book value of the service provider at a specific point in time.
  • the system provides a photographic image of the physical reading of a service meter together with time and date, which accompanies the invoice or bill for the service.
  • the system also allows a user to monitor usage of a service in real time or over a time period and any abnormalities such as earth leakage of electricity, water or gas leakage can be detected by a user and fixed.
  • the invention provides a means to manage and control service usage by the service provider and the service user.
  • the service provider can manage service usage such as power usage on a geographical level to an individual appliance in a building while a user can also optimize his power usage and switch appliances on or off remotely.
  • the service provider can use the system and device to provide the service on a pre-paid basis. Effectively, the device can turn any service meter into a pre-paid type service meter. This may be very useful for landlords.
  • the system lowers wear and tear on electrical switch gear since power to an area, house or appliance is interrupted without manipulation of switchgear.
  • the system can also be used in a modular way.
  • Figure 1 in diagrammatic view, shows a device attachable to a service meter, in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 in diagrammatic view, shows a remote monitoring system, in accordance with the invention
  • Figures 3 to 7 shows, by example, diagrams of different possible configurations of the device and system, in accordance with the invention.
  • the following key is used:
  • a remote monitoring system in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.
  • the system 10 includes a device 12 attachable to an electrical supply service meter 14 of a house 13 and a remote station 16.
  • the device 12 includes a means for capturing a current meter reading in the form of a digital image camera 30 and a transceiver 32 for transmitting a signal 20 to the remote station 16, which signal relates to the current electrical service use reading of the meter 14.
  • the device 12 further includes a clock and processor 34 for processing the digital image of the reading into a signal recognizable by a remote station 16 and which signal carries the data of the reading, the date and time and a unique code in the form of a picture or address of the house 13 in question photographed together with the meter reading.
  • the device 12 attachable to a service meter includes a power source 36 in the form of the electrical wiring 36 of the house 13 and a chemical power cell (not shown), which cell is kept in a sufficiently charged state.
  • the device 12 attachable to a service meter 14 is manufactured in a sealed unit which is tamper resistant and includes a accelerometer (not shown) arranged in communication with the remote station 16, which accelerometer is configured to sense motion, tampering or unauthorized access and signal such an event to the remote station 16.
  • a accelerometer not shown
  • the remote station 16 includes a transceiver 18 for receiving a signal 20 via a relay station 22 from the device 12, which signal carries the digital photographic image data of a current meter reading.
  • the remote station 16 further includes a processor 24 configured to process the signal 20 to be displayed in a readable format on a display 26 to a person.
  • the system 10 also includes a storage means 38 in the form of data storing hard drive server for storing the information or data.
  • the stored information or data on the storage means is accessible to a user 40 of a service and the service provider via website based viewer 42.
  • a website is configured to allow access to a user with a pre selected username and password.
  • the user 40 of service provider can monitor and read current readings, usage or consumptions over a time period and a reading at a selected time. The usage or consumption over time is also displayed graphically.
  • the transceiver 32 for transmitting a signal 20 to the remote station 16 is also configured to receive a remote signal 20 and the processor 34 is also configured for processing the received signal for switching a geyser 48 on or off in response to a received signal, by actuating a switch 46.
  • the processor 34 and the switch 46 communicates by means of a modem 52 configured to communicate to the switch 46 through the normal electrical wiring 36 of the house 13.
  • the switch 46 is accessible to the user via the website based viewer 42.
  • the switch 46 is additionally accessible to a user via a cellular phone 50.
  • the device 12 also includes an override switch (not shown) to switch off the power supply to the house 13 or individual appliances such as the geyser 48.
  • the override switch is accessible to the service provider at the remote station 16.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un dispositif et un système qui permettent de vérifier et/ou gérer à distance des services tels que l'eau, le gaz et l'électricité. Le système de l'invention comprend un compteur ou un dispositif pouvant être attaché à un compteur. Le compteur ou le dispositif comprennent des moyens qui permettent de capturer une image numérique d'un relevé de compteur, et un émetteur qui permet de transmettre un signal à une station éloignée, lequel signal est lié à l'image numérique du relevé de compteur en cours.
PCT/ZA2008/000087 2007-09-27 2008-09-26 Système de mesure à distance Ceased WO2009043065A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2007/08250 2007-09-27
ZA200708250 2007-09-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009043065A2 true WO2009043065A2 (fr) 2009-04-02
WO2009043065A3 WO2009043065A3 (fr) 2009-05-28

Family

ID=40429998

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ZA2008/000087 Ceased WO2009043065A2 (fr) 2007-09-27 2008-09-26 Système de mesure à distance

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009043065A2 (fr)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1019502A4 (fr) * 2010-07-14 2012-08-07 Fanuel Jean Sonde pour relever de maniere optique et automatique les afficheurs des compteurs d'eau, de gaz, d'electricite ou de tout autre equipement dote d'un cadran exposant les donnees pertinentes.
WO2013136295A1 (fr) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-19 Northstar Telemetrics, S. L. Procédé de lecture automatique d'un compteur de service public, lecteur de compteurs modernisable, et système de lecture automatique de compteur les utilisant
CN103414887A (zh) * 2013-08-30 2013-11-27 国家电网公司 配电网监测系统
US9410833B1 (en) 2011-03-18 2016-08-09 Soneter, Inc. Methods and apparatus for fluid flow measurement
EP3232163A3 (fr) * 2016-04-12 2017-12-27 Neptune Technology Group Inc. Détection de fraude dans des compteurs de service
EP4030144A1 (fr) * 2021-01-19 2022-07-20 Acer Being Communication Inc. Dispositif de lecture intelligent pour compteur d'eau et son procédé de commande
WO2022211608A1 (fr) * 2021-04-01 2022-10-06 Université Internationale de RABAT Boitier et système smart de gestion des compteurs mécaniques
US11702821B2 (en) 2020-12-25 2023-07-18 Acer Being Communication Inc. Smart reading device for water meter and controlling method thereof
CN117749990A (zh) * 2023-11-22 2024-03-22 昆山亿硕智能科技有限公司 一种基于边缘计算及机器视觉的抄表方法及系统

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0020285D0 (en) * 2000-08-18 2000-10-04 Ascot Man Solutions Ltd Monitoring system
US7310052B2 (en) * 2005-07-06 2007-12-18 Bowman Eric L Wireless meter-reading system and methods thereof
US8144027B2 (en) * 2005-07-12 2012-03-27 Avaak, Inc. Remote meter reader using a network sensor system and protocol

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE1019502A4 (fr) * 2010-07-14 2012-08-07 Fanuel Jean Sonde pour relever de maniere optique et automatique les afficheurs des compteurs d'eau, de gaz, d'electricite ou de tout autre equipement dote d'un cadran exposant les donnees pertinentes.
US9410833B1 (en) 2011-03-18 2016-08-09 Soneter, Inc. Methods and apparatus for fluid flow measurement
US9874466B2 (en) 2011-03-18 2018-01-23 Reliance Worldwide Corporation Methods and apparatus for ultrasonic fluid flow measurement and fluid flow data analysis
WO2013136295A1 (fr) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-19 Northstar Telemetrics, S. L. Procédé de lecture automatique d'un compteur de service public, lecteur de compteurs modernisable, et système de lecture automatique de compteur les utilisant
CN103414887A (zh) * 2013-08-30 2013-11-27 国家电网公司 配电网监测系统
EP3232163A3 (fr) * 2016-04-12 2017-12-27 Neptune Technology Group Inc. Détection de fraude dans des compteurs de service
US11702821B2 (en) 2020-12-25 2023-07-18 Acer Being Communication Inc. Smart reading device for water meter and controlling method thereof
EP4030144A1 (fr) * 2021-01-19 2022-07-20 Acer Being Communication Inc. Dispositif de lecture intelligent pour compteur d'eau et son procédé de commande
WO2022211608A1 (fr) * 2021-04-01 2022-10-06 Université Internationale de RABAT Boitier et système smart de gestion des compteurs mécaniques
CN117749990A (zh) * 2023-11-22 2024-03-22 昆山亿硕智能科技有限公司 一种基于边缘计算及机器视觉的抄表方法及系统

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