US5870140A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for remote meter viewing and reporting
Assignee: Harbour Management Services Ltd
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Filing: 1996-09-25
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Granted: 1999-02-09
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Expires: 2016-09-25
Abstract
Abstract A system for remote meter viewing and reporting. The system comprises a remote camera located at the meter. The remote camera is coupled to a central computer through a communications channel. In response to a command from the central computer, the camera scans the meter face, i.e. readings on the dials, and stores an image in memory. The scanned image is transmitted to the central computer. The central computer includes software for analyzing the scanned image in determining the consumption of electricity, for example, by comparing the current readings on the dials with the readings on the dials taken at the last billing cycle. The processed image is then used to generate a billing statement which is sent to the household consumer using conventional post. In another aspect, the billing statement generated by the system includes scanned images of the past and current meter readings. The system according to the present invention is suitable for public utilities, such as gas, electricity, water companies and leasing companies who lease office equipment to companies situated in remote locations, which equipment is fitted with meters which record their use, i.e. copying machines, printers, etc. where it is desirable to determine the quantities of copies made, thus enabling the timely scheduling of visits of company service representatives to perform ongoing maintenance, thereby helping to ensure minimal down-time and optimal equipment performance.
Inventors
- 👤 Wilfred A. Gillberry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 17:21
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D5/00; G01D5/26; G01D5/39; G01D4/00; G01D4/008; G06; G06V; G06V2201/00; G06V2201/02; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B90/00; Y02B90/20; Y04; Y04S; Y04S20/00; Y04S20/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A system for viewing and reporting readings from a meter located in a remote location, said system comprising: (a) image capture means for capturing an image of a reading on the meter, said image capture means being located at said meter; (b) said image capture means including transmitter means for transmitting said image to another location; (c) central processing means for processing said image captured by said image capture means located at said meter; (d) said central processing means being located at a distance from the meter and including communication means for receiving said transmitted image from said image capture means; (e) means for comparing said image to a previous image taken of said meter and determining a consumption amount and having means for generating a billing statement based on said consumption amount; and (f) means for providing a reproduction of said image on said billing statement.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
147 words
A system for viewing and reporting readings from a meter located in a remote location, said system comprising: (a) image capture means for capturing an image of a reading on the meter, said image capture means being located at said meter; (b) said image capture means including transmitter means for transmitting said image to another location; (c) central processing means for processing said image captured by said image capture means located at said meter; (d) said central processing means being located at a distance from the meter and including communication means for receiving said transmitted image from said image capture means; (e) means for comparing said image to a previous image taken of said meter and determining a consumption amount and having means for generating a billing statement based on said consumption amount; and (f) means for providing a reproduction of said image on said billing statement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system as claimed in claim 1, further including means for providing a reproduction of said previous image on said billing statement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said meter comprises a utility meter located in a building at a distance from a utility company.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said image capture means comprises a camera having a lens focused on the face of said meter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system as claimed in claim 4, further including a mirror for focusing the lens of said camera on the face of said meter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said camera comprises a digital camera.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transmitter means comprises a modem.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system as claimed in claim 7, further including a controller coupled to said modem, said controller including means for receiving command data from said central processing means and means for controlling transmission of said captured images to said central processing means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said controller includes means for pre-processing said captured image and memory for storing said images.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
128 words
A method for viewing and reporting readings from a meter located in a remote location, the remote location including an image capture device focussed on the meter and a communications device accessible by a central processing unit through a communications link, said method comprising the steps of: (a) establishing a connection between said remote communications device and said central processing unit; (b) enabling said image capture device to capture an image of readings on said meter; (c) transmitting said captured image to said central processing unit via said communications link; (d) processing the meter readings captured in said image at said central processing unit to generate a consumption figure; (e) generating a billing statement for said consumption figure; and (f) reproducing said captured image on said billing statement.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
128 words
A method for viewing and reporting readings from a meter located in a remote location, the remote location including an image capture device focussed on the meter and a communications device accessible by a central processing unit through a communications link, said method comprising the steps of: (a) establishing a connection between said remote communications device and said central processing unit; (b) enabling said image capture device to capture an image of readings on said meter; (c) transmitting said captured image to said central processing unit via said communications link; (d) processing the meter readings captured in said image at said central processing unit to generate a consumption figure; (e) generating a billing statement for said consumption figure; and (f) reproducing said captured image on said billing statement.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as claimed in claim 10, further including the step of pre-processing said captured image at said remote location prior to transmitting the image to said central processing unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein said step (d) comprises comparing the meter readings for said captured image with meter readings of previously captured image taken from said same remote meter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as claimed in claim 12, further including the step of providing on said billing statement reproductions of said captured image and said previously captured image.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein said step (a) comprises dialing said remote communications device and connecting over a telecommunications link.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said step of transmitting said captured image is delayed for a predetermined time or until a transmit request is received from said central processing unit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-02-08 | 2002-08-10 | 2003-02-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-08 | 2006-08-10 | 2007-02-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-08 | 2010-08-10 | 2011-02-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |