Image sensing meter reading probe
US9046390B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus to monitor one or more utility meters includes a communication unit with a processor, a communication interface coupled to the processor, and a probe interface coupled to the processor. A meter monitoring probe that includes a probe head is coupled by a cable to a probe connector capable to mate with the probe interface. The probe head includes an image sensor, an indicator, and a button. The probe head is capable to detect a characteristic of a utility meter that is dependent on a usage of a utility metered, and send information related to the characteristic to the processor. The processor is capable to receive the information from the probe head and send a message related to the usage of the utility over the communication interface, and the image sensor is capable to capture an image in response to a press of the button.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.