Method and apparatus for reading meters from a video image

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:871163

Lewis, Trevor J ^[1]; Ferguson, Jeffrey J ^[2]

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1. Irwin, PA
2. North Huntingdon, PA

A method and system to enable acquisition of data about an environment from one or more meters using video images. One or more meters are imaged by a video camera and the video signal is digitized. Then, each region of the digital image which corresponds to the indicator of the meter is calibrated and the video signal is analyzed to determine the value indicated by each meter indicator. Finally, from the value indicated by each meter indicator in the calibrated region, a meter reading is generated. The method and system offer the advantages of automatic data collection in a relatively non-intrusive manner without making any complicated or expensive electronic connections, and without requiring intensive manpower.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC11-89PN38014
• Assignee: United States Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5673331
• OSTI ID: 871163
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

method
apparatus
reading
meters
video
image
enable
acquisition
data
environment
images
imaged
camera
signal
digitized
region
digital
corresponds
indicator
meter
calibrated
analyzed
determine
value
indicated
finally
generated
offer
advantages
automatic
collection
relatively
non-intrusive
manner
complicated
expensive
electronic
connections
requiring
intensive
manpower
video signal
video camera
data collection
digital image
video image
non-intrusive manner
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