Obtaining data from a utility meter using image-based movement tracking
OwnerJefferson Burch, Gary Gordoninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Power data is obtained from a power meter that utilizes a rotatable element (e.g., a disk) by illuminating a spot on the rotatable element, capturing image information from the surface of the rotatable element, processing the image information to track movement of the rotatable element, and converting the movement information to digital power data. Movement of the rotatable element is tracked by capturing successive frames of image information and correlating common features in the image frames to determine the magnitude of movement of the common features.
Claims20
A power meter comprising:
- a rotatable element that rotates in response to power consumption or power generation;
- a movement tracking system comprising:
- a light source configured to illuminate a spot on the rotatable element;
- an image sensor configured to capture image information related to the rotatable element in response to light that reflects off the illuminated spot on the rotatable element;
- a tracking engine configured to process the image information to track movement of the rotatable element and to output movement information;
- and
- conversion logic configured to generate digital power data in response to the movement information.
A method for obtaining data from a power meter that utilizes rotation of a rotatable element to measure power, the method comprising:
- capturing image information from a surface of the rotatable element;
- processing the image information to track movement of the rotatable element, wherein the movement is indicated by movement information;
- and
- converting the movement information to digital power data.
A retrofit system for obtaining data from a power meter that utilizes rotation of a rotatable element to measure power, the retrofit system comprising:
- a light source configured to illuminate a spot on the rotatable element of the power meter;
- an image sensor configured to capture image information related to the rotatable element in response to light that reflects off the illuminated spot on the rotatable element;
- a tracking engine configured to use the image information to track movement of the rotatable element and to output movement information;
- and
- conversion logic configured to generate digital power data in response to the movement information.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.