Abrégé

Systems and methods are provided for optically reading data from metering equipment by using a camera to record images of a meter, and converting the displayed data measurement regions of the images into alphanumeric data for reporting over a wireless network to a database system for storage, analysis and reporting. One implementation of the device is a water meter reading device integrated into a form factor that replaces the lid of a water meter box. The device captures images of the meter face, converts the images using optical character recognition software into usage data, meter identification and date/time of the data capture and sends the data to a database over a wireless data network.

Classes IPC  ?

• G01D 4/00 - Appareils compteurs à tarif
• G01D 9/42 - Enregistrement des indications des instruments de mesure, p.ex. des compteurs, par des moyens optiques
• G06F 17/30 - Recherche documentaire; Structures de bases de données à cet effet

Produits et services

Water meters; replacement parts for water meters; data receivers; mobile data receivers; electronic instrumentation, namely, computer software for reading and collecting water meter data, meter identification and date and time of the data capture and delivery of such reading information over a wireless network; electronic instrumentation, namely, detectors for leak detection using motion-tracking software; mobile water meter reading and data-collection hardware; apparatus and instruments, namely, data processors for reading data from metering equipment and converting the displayed data for reporting over a wireless network to a database system for storage, analysis and reporting; meter reading lid with camera port and parts therefore; meter reading lid with motion-tracking software; water meter reading lid assembly having a battery, wireless antennas, wireless modems, lighting source, processor, camera image sensor, camera lens