CA1261394A - Remote metering - Google Patents
Remote meteringInfo
- Publication number
- CA1261394A CA1261394A CA000540137A CA540137A CA1261394A CA 1261394 A CA1261394 A CA 1261394A CA 000540137 A CA000540137 A CA 000540137A CA 540137 A CA540137 A CA 540137A CA 1261394 A CA1261394 A CA 1261394A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- light
- fibre
- array
- light source
- meter
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003595 spectral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229920005439 Perspex® Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 description 3
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005253 cladding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004634 thermosetting polymer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D5/26—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
- G01D5/39—Scanning a visible indication of the measured value and reproducing this indication at the remote place, e.g. on the screen of a cathode ray tube
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D4/00—Tariff metering apparatus
- G01D4/008—Modifications to installed utility meters to enable remote reading
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F15/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups G01F1/00 - G01F13/00 insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
- G01F15/06—Indicating or recording devices
- G01F15/061—Indicating or recording devices for remote indication
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C23/00—Non-electrical signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems
- G08C23/06—Non-electrical signal transmission systems, e.g. optical systems through light guides, e.g. optical fibres
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02B90/20—Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
- Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
- Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
- Y04S20/30—Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Details Of Flowmeters (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
REMOTE METERING
A system for the remote reading of a gas meter includes an interface unit within a domestic residence but situated such that an input/output terminal for the interface unit is accessable from the exterior of the residence, and a hand-held meter reading unit for connection to the terminal in order to read and record the value of the gas consumption indicated by the meter.
The meter reading unit has two LED sources, whose outputs are combined at Y-coupler, for passage into the interface unit when an optical fibre is connected thereto. At a multiplexer, the combined beam is dispersed according to wavelength and separately passes along a fibre array to respective roller digits of the tumbler for reflection or not according to the displayed reading. Reflected light passes back through the system, is divided at a Y-coupler and passes to a de-multiplexer such that the light returning in respect of the roller digits can be measured and displayed at a light detector and liquid crystal display.
REMOTE METERING
A system for the remote reading of a gas meter includes an interface unit within a domestic residence but situated such that an input/output terminal for the interface unit is accessable from the exterior of the residence, and a hand-held meter reading unit for connection to the terminal in order to read and record the value of the gas consumption indicated by the meter.
The meter reading unit has two LED sources, whose outputs are combined at Y-coupler, for passage into the interface unit when an optical fibre is connected thereto. At a multiplexer, the combined beam is dispersed according to wavelength and separately passes along a fibre array to respective roller digits of the tumbler for reflection or not according to the displayed reading. Reflected light passes back through the system, is divided at a Y-coupler and passes to a de-multiplexer such that the light returning in respect of the roller digits can be measured and displayed at a light detector and liquid crystal display.
Description
39~
REMOTE METERING
-The present invention relates to a remote metering system.
The present invention provides a remote-metering system comprising: a light sourceS an optical fibre for connection with the light source thereby to direct light therefrom towards means to separate the light into a number of different-wavelength portions of light; an array of optical fibres for connection to the output of the separation means to enable each said light portion to be fed into a separate optical fibre of said arrays meter means having at least one moveable member with two or more sets of markings, to indicate the consumption of a quantity; the end of each fibre in the array remote from the separation means being located Ln the vicinity of a set of markings to cause light, output from the fibre end and reflected at the moveable member, to return into the fibre~ means to direct reflected light, from all the fibres of the array, into the optical fibre for connection with the light source; and means for determining whether a reflected light output exists for each set of markings.
Preferably, the light source is detachably connectable to the separation means. Also preferably, the determining means is detachably connectable to the direction means. AdVantageoUsly, the light source and the determining means are situated in a unit which is detaahably connectable to other components of the system.
Preferably, one device can achieve the separation and direction funations as specified, and thereby constitutes the separation means and the direction means.
The present invention also provides a meter interface unit comprising the separation means and an array of the system as defined herein.
According to this aspect, the present invention may provide a meter interface unit for a remote-metering system, the unit comprising means to separate light from a light source into a number of different-wavelength portions of light; an array of *
: 2 optical fibres arranged with the output of the separation means to enable each said light portion to be fed into a separate optical fibre of said array, the end of each fibre in the array remote from the separation means for location in the vicinity of a set of markings to cause light, output from the fibre end and reflected at the moveable member, to return into the fibre.
The present invention also provides a meter reading unit comprising the light source and determining means of the system as defined herein.
According to this aspect, the present invention may provide a meter reading unit for a remote-metering system, the unit comprising a light source; an optical fibre for connection with the light source thereby to direct light therefrom towards means to separate the light into a number of different-wavelength portions of light; and means for determining whether a reflected light output exists for each set of markings of a meter.
In order that the invention may more readily be understood, a description is now given, by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a remote metering system embodying the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic view of part of the system of Figure 1.
Figure 1 shows a gas meter 1 having a remote-metering interface unit 2 within a domestic residence 3 but situated such that an input/output terminal 4 for unit 2 is accessable from the exterior of the residence. There is also shown in this Figure a hand-held meter reading unit 5 for connection to terminal 4 in order to read and record the value of the gas consumption indicated by meter 1.
More specifically, unit 5 has two LED sources 6 and 7, one with a peak emission at 820nm and the other at 860nm; each is butt-coupled to an optical fibre 8,9 respectively, which are joined at a Y-coupler 10 to combine the two light outputs, thereby giving a light beam with a 3dB bandwidth of approximately lOOnm.
The power consumption of the LEDs 6,7 and their associated drivers is less than 3 watts.
When the length 11 of optical fibre, which extends from : 3 : ~13~
coupler 10, is connected via a connection unit 12 to terminal 4 (and hence optical fibre 13) of unit 2, then the combined light beam output from coupler 10 passes into unit 2. The beam is received at multiplexer 14, where it is collimated by a lens lS
(see Figure 2) and is incident on a grating 16 where it is reflected and dispersed. Each wavelength of the incident beam is reflected at an angle depending on groove density and angular setting of the grating. The reflected light is then refocussed by the lens 15; however, the spread of wavelengths which now exists results in the beam being refocussed over a wide area of the fibre array 17 (not merely that region of the input fibre 13). This is because each wavelength, being incident onto lens 15 at an angle different to all other wavelengths in the spectrum is focussed to a different position on the array 17. Consequently each fibre in the array 17 only receives a small portion of the total light spectrum, the amount depending on the size of the fibre core, the focal length of the lens 15 and the dispersion of the grating 16.
The optical fibres used in the system are chosen to match commercially available Y-couplers, and to give maximum coupling to LEDs while keeping the multiplexer array width to a minimum. Thus for example the fibre may be wholly silica, step index with a numerical aperture of 0.3, a core diameter of 100l~ m, cladding diameter of 140 ~m and an outer polymer buffer of 250~ m diameter.
The gas meter provides a visual display of five decimal digits to indicate the quantity of gas consumed, the display comprising a tumbler 18 of five rollers 19 each with the numbers 0 to 9 marked thereon. Each roller 19 also has a space beside each number, each space providing a four-digit binary representation of the appropriate number arranged in a Grey code format, whereby a ~1~ is indicated by a section covered in retroreflective material and an ~o~ by a section with a non-reflective surface. Use of retroreflective material can eliminate the need to accurately align and position the fibres to the rollers.
A fibre from array 17 is assigned to each binary digit of roller 19 so that the array 17 must incorporate twenty fibres in order to service tumbler 18. Each fibre of array 17 guides its : 4 ~ 9 ~
portion of the total spectrum to the relevent position on the tumbler 18 where the light is either reflected (bit=l) or not (bit=0). Any reflected light is recaptured by that fibre and reguided back to the multiplexer 14, which also works in reverse.
Thus each fibre of array 17 now acts as an input fibre for multiplexer 14 guiding a small portion of the total spectrum. The fibre 13 now becomes the output fibre for the multiplexer and the grating recombines the various portions of the spectrum which are then retransmitted down fibre 13 to unit 5.
As the returning light passes along fibre 11 in unit 5, a portion is diverted by a Y-coupler 20 and directed to a de-multiplexer 21 which operates in a similar way to multiplexer 14 in that the input range of wavelengths is dispersed, each wavelength being focussed to a different position in a line spectrum. The output of de-multiplexer 21 is caused to fall upon a light detector array 22, each element of which determines whether there is any light output at the particular wavelength falllng upon it. Thus by determining whether each element of detector 22 notes the existence of a light signal corresponding to passage of a wavelength attributed to a roller digit, and recording it, the meter recording can be obtained at unit 5 and displayed on a liquid crystal display 23. Alternatively, light detector array 22 might be replaced with a fibre optic array, each optical fibre being directed to a separate light detector~ or light detector array 22 might be replaced with a single light detector element which is mechanically scanned along the line spectrum or light detector array 22 might be replaced by a fibre optic array of suitable shape such that a single light detector may be mechanically scanned over the outputs of the fibres. In a variant, the light detector 22 is replaced by a single light detector and an array of optical modulators or switches to alter the wave length, or limited group of wavelengths, falling on the light detector.
A CCD array may be placed at the focal plane of the de-multiplexer to detect the optical signals for subsequent recordal and processing at a microprocessor unit to compensate for : 5 : ~39~
the spectral distribution of the source and variations in source intensity, and losses due to connector 4. Such variations may be compensated by including two reference fibres in the interface unit 2. One such fibre is directed to an area in unit 2 which is reflective (constituted by retroreflective material) and the corresponding signal generated in the light detector array 22 ls designated a reference for binary values of ~1~. The second such fibre is directed to an area in unit 2 which is non-reflective and the corresponding signal generated in the light detector array 22 is designated a reference for binary values of ~OU. Scaling of the signals generated in the light detector array 22, corresponding to the other fibres in the array 17, with these reference signals, may be used in conjunction with the known spectral distribution of the combined outputs of the LED's 6 and 7 in order to provide the required compensation.
Interfacing of the fibre array 17 with the multiplexer 14 is achieved in slmilar fashion to that with rollers 19. Thus, for the interface with the multiplexer, 24 slots (each 1201Jm wide and on 140~ m centres) are machined in the perspex base to act as guides for the fibres. One of these slots is maintained empty to separate the input fibre from the rest to prevent or inhibit optical crosstalk. A perspex cover, clamped to the base but spaced from it by 100 ~ m, is used to keep the fibres in position until they can be permanantly fixed using a u.v. curing adhesive.
For the interface with the rollers, the arrrangement aligns each of the fibres to its correct position opposite the coded spaces on the rollers and is produced by machining 20 slots in groups of 4, each slot being 140lJ m. wide on 1.15mm centres within each group.
The groups are on 13.6mm centres. A perspex cover clamps the fibres in position.
Another form of the present invention may provide a remote metering system which interfaces with an electrical-mains-wiring signalling system. In such a situation the remote metering system has a meter interface unit essentially the same as unit 2 of Figure 1 and located by the meter, but that it now connects with a signalling interface unit located within the residence and of : 6 similar components to the unit 5 of Figure 1 except the detector equivalent to detector 22 now feeds its output to a modem which inserts an appropriate signal into the electrical mains wiring for passage to a central control unit of the signalling system (which may be within the residence or not). The meter readings may be used to control functions or operations (e.g. heating) of the residence, or to prepare invoices for consumption charges, or both.
Another form of the present invention may use a multiplexer provided with a concave mirror to collimate the light'rather than lens 15.
Another form of the invention may use a multiplexer fabricated by injection moulding thermosetting polymers incorporating a grating, lenses or mirrors, and a fibre array.
Another form of the present invention may use a modified form of Grey Code, whereby only one digit of the binary encoded number changes between neighbouring humbers and such that the code is continuous through the numbers O to 9 and correct for the change 9 to O. The numbers on the rollers are encoded such that the number displayed by the tumbler 18 may still be encoded and decoded even though some of the rollers may be in the process of changing the displayed numeral.
Another form of the invention may use a reflector around the roller with a reflection efficiency that continuously varles around the circumference of the roller so that the amount of light reflected back into the fibre depends on the rotational position of the roller. In this way an analog rather than digital signal representing the position of the roller is obtained. Any combination of digital and analog coding means may be used to eliminate ambiguous readings when the rollers are in the process of changing the displayed numeral or to reduce the number of fibres required to read each roller and thereby reduce the complexity of the multiplexer.
Another form of the present invention may provide means to effect reading of a meter identification number in a likewise manner to the reading of the roller values. The meter identification number comprises an appropriate pattern of 7 ~61~
reflective areas ~constituted by retroreflective material) and non-reflective areas whose sequence provides a binary representation of the relevant identification number. Reading of a meter identification number is particularly important when the present invention is utilised in a mains signalling system.
For a number of reasons, the present invention provides an intrinsically safe technique for the remote reading of a meter.
It provides an optical interface with the meter rather than an electrical or electromechanical interface; also it req~ires only a low-energy source, and moreover the light source can be positioned in a safe and convenient distance from the meter.
Furthermore the light source need be energised only when a reading is being made.
The present invention is applicable to the reading of any appropriate type of meter, for example an electricity meter, a water meter, a meter in a petrol pump or gasoline dispenser.
REMOTE METERING
-The present invention relates to a remote metering system.
The present invention provides a remote-metering system comprising: a light sourceS an optical fibre for connection with the light source thereby to direct light therefrom towards means to separate the light into a number of different-wavelength portions of light; an array of optical fibres for connection to the output of the separation means to enable each said light portion to be fed into a separate optical fibre of said arrays meter means having at least one moveable member with two or more sets of markings, to indicate the consumption of a quantity; the end of each fibre in the array remote from the separation means being located Ln the vicinity of a set of markings to cause light, output from the fibre end and reflected at the moveable member, to return into the fibre~ means to direct reflected light, from all the fibres of the array, into the optical fibre for connection with the light source; and means for determining whether a reflected light output exists for each set of markings.
Preferably, the light source is detachably connectable to the separation means. Also preferably, the determining means is detachably connectable to the direction means. AdVantageoUsly, the light source and the determining means are situated in a unit which is detaahably connectable to other components of the system.
Preferably, one device can achieve the separation and direction funations as specified, and thereby constitutes the separation means and the direction means.
The present invention also provides a meter interface unit comprising the separation means and an array of the system as defined herein.
According to this aspect, the present invention may provide a meter interface unit for a remote-metering system, the unit comprising means to separate light from a light source into a number of different-wavelength portions of light; an array of *
: 2 optical fibres arranged with the output of the separation means to enable each said light portion to be fed into a separate optical fibre of said array, the end of each fibre in the array remote from the separation means for location in the vicinity of a set of markings to cause light, output from the fibre end and reflected at the moveable member, to return into the fibre.
The present invention also provides a meter reading unit comprising the light source and determining means of the system as defined herein.
According to this aspect, the present invention may provide a meter reading unit for a remote-metering system, the unit comprising a light source; an optical fibre for connection with the light source thereby to direct light therefrom towards means to separate the light into a number of different-wavelength portions of light; and means for determining whether a reflected light output exists for each set of markings of a meter.
In order that the invention may more readily be understood, a description is now given, by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of a remote metering system embodying the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic view of part of the system of Figure 1.
Figure 1 shows a gas meter 1 having a remote-metering interface unit 2 within a domestic residence 3 but situated such that an input/output terminal 4 for unit 2 is accessable from the exterior of the residence. There is also shown in this Figure a hand-held meter reading unit 5 for connection to terminal 4 in order to read and record the value of the gas consumption indicated by meter 1.
More specifically, unit 5 has two LED sources 6 and 7, one with a peak emission at 820nm and the other at 860nm; each is butt-coupled to an optical fibre 8,9 respectively, which are joined at a Y-coupler 10 to combine the two light outputs, thereby giving a light beam with a 3dB bandwidth of approximately lOOnm.
The power consumption of the LEDs 6,7 and their associated drivers is less than 3 watts.
When the length 11 of optical fibre, which extends from : 3 : ~13~
coupler 10, is connected via a connection unit 12 to terminal 4 (and hence optical fibre 13) of unit 2, then the combined light beam output from coupler 10 passes into unit 2. The beam is received at multiplexer 14, where it is collimated by a lens lS
(see Figure 2) and is incident on a grating 16 where it is reflected and dispersed. Each wavelength of the incident beam is reflected at an angle depending on groove density and angular setting of the grating. The reflected light is then refocussed by the lens 15; however, the spread of wavelengths which now exists results in the beam being refocussed over a wide area of the fibre array 17 (not merely that region of the input fibre 13). This is because each wavelength, being incident onto lens 15 at an angle different to all other wavelengths in the spectrum is focussed to a different position on the array 17. Consequently each fibre in the array 17 only receives a small portion of the total light spectrum, the amount depending on the size of the fibre core, the focal length of the lens 15 and the dispersion of the grating 16.
The optical fibres used in the system are chosen to match commercially available Y-couplers, and to give maximum coupling to LEDs while keeping the multiplexer array width to a minimum. Thus for example the fibre may be wholly silica, step index with a numerical aperture of 0.3, a core diameter of 100l~ m, cladding diameter of 140 ~m and an outer polymer buffer of 250~ m diameter.
The gas meter provides a visual display of five decimal digits to indicate the quantity of gas consumed, the display comprising a tumbler 18 of five rollers 19 each with the numbers 0 to 9 marked thereon. Each roller 19 also has a space beside each number, each space providing a four-digit binary representation of the appropriate number arranged in a Grey code format, whereby a ~1~ is indicated by a section covered in retroreflective material and an ~o~ by a section with a non-reflective surface. Use of retroreflective material can eliminate the need to accurately align and position the fibres to the rollers.
A fibre from array 17 is assigned to each binary digit of roller 19 so that the array 17 must incorporate twenty fibres in order to service tumbler 18. Each fibre of array 17 guides its : 4 ~ 9 ~
portion of the total spectrum to the relevent position on the tumbler 18 where the light is either reflected (bit=l) or not (bit=0). Any reflected light is recaptured by that fibre and reguided back to the multiplexer 14, which also works in reverse.
Thus each fibre of array 17 now acts as an input fibre for multiplexer 14 guiding a small portion of the total spectrum. The fibre 13 now becomes the output fibre for the multiplexer and the grating recombines the various portions of the spectrum which are then retransmitted down fibre 13 to unit 5.
As the returning light passes along fibre 11 in unit 5, a portion is diverted by a Y-coupler 20 and directed to a de-multiplexer 21 which operates in a similar way to multiplexer 14 in that the input range of wavelengths is dispersed, each wavelength being focussed to a different position in a line spectrum. The output of de-multiplexer 21 is caused to fall upon a light detector array 22, each element of which determines whether there is any light output at the particular wavelength falllng upon it. Thus by determining whether each element of detector 22 notes the existence of a light signal corresponding to passage of a wavelength attributed to a roller digit, and recording it, the meter recording can be obtained at unit 5 and displayed on a liquid crystal display 23. Alternatively, light detector array 22 might be replaced with a fibre optic array, each optical fibre being directed to a separate light detector~ or light detector array 22 might be replaced with a single light detector element which is mechanically scanned along the line spectrum or light detector array 22 might be replaced by a fibre optic array of suitable shape such that a single light detector may be mechanically scanned over the outputs of the fibres. In a variant, the light detector 22 is replaced by a single light detector and an array of optical modulators or switches to alter the wave length, or limited group of wavelengths, falling on the light detector.
A CCD array may be placed at the focal plane of the de-multiplexer to detect the optical signals for subsequent recordal and processing at a microprocessor unit to compensate for : 5 : ~39~
the spectral distribution of the source and variations in source intensity, and losses due to connector 4. Such variations may be compensated by including two reference fibres in the interface unit 2. One such fibre is directed to an area in unit 2 which is reflective (constituted by retroreflective material) and the corresponding signal generated in the light detector array 22 ls designated a reference for binary values of ~1~. The second such fibre is directed to an area in unit 2 which is non-reflective and the corresponding signal generated in the light detector array 22 is designated a reference for binary values of ~OU. Scaling of the signals generated in the light detector array 22, corresponding to the other fibres in the array 17, with these reference signals, may be used in conjunction with the known spectral distribution of the combined outputs of the LED's 6 and 7 in order to provide the required compensation.
Interfacing of the fibre array 17 with the multiplexer 14 is achieved in slmilar fashion to that with rollers 19. Thus, for the interface with the multiplexer, 24 slots (each 1201Jm wide and on 140~ m centres) are machined in the perspex base to act as guides for the fibres. One of these slots is maintained empty to separate the input fibre from the rest to prevent or inhibit optical crosstalk. A perspex cover, clamped to the base but spaced from it by 100 ~ m, is used to keep the fibres in position until they can be permanantly fixed using a u.v. curing adhesive.
For the interface with the rollers, the arrrangement aligns each of the fibres to its correct position opposite the coded spaces on the rollers and is produced by machining 20 slots in groups of 4, each slot being 140lJ m. wide on 1.15mm centres within each group.
The groups are on 13.6mm centres. A perspex cover clamps the fibres in position.
Another form of the present invention may provide a remote metering system which interfaces with an electrical-mains-wiring signalling system. In such a situation the remote metering system has a meter interface unit essentially the same as unit 2 of Figure 1 and located by the meter, but that it now connects with a signalling interface unit located within the residence and of : 6 similar components to the unit 5 of Figure 1 except the detector equivalent to detector 22 now feeds its output to a modem which inserts an appropriate signal into the electrical mains wiring for passage to a central control unit of the signalling system (which may be within the residence or not). The meter readings may be used to control functions or operations (e.g. heating) of the residence, or to prepare invoices for consumption charges, or both.
Another form of the present invention may use a multiplexer provided with a concave mirror to collimate the light'rather than lens 15.
Another form of the invention may use a multiplexer fabricated by injection moulding thermosetting polymers incorporating a grating, lenses or mirrors, and a fibre array.
Another form of the present invention may use a modified form of Grey Code, whereby only one digit of the binary encoded number changes between neighbouring humbers and such that the code is continuous through the numbers O to 9 and correct for the change 9 to O. The numbers on the rollers are encoded such that the number displayed by the tumbler 18 may still be encoded and decoded even though some of the rollers may be in the process of changing the displayed numeral.
Another form of the invention may use a reflector around the roller with a reflection efficiency that continuously varles around the circumference of the roller so that the amount of light reflected back into the fibre depends on the rotational position of the roller. In this way an analog rather than digital signal representing the position of the roller is obtained. Any combination of digital and analog coding means may be used to eliminate ambiguous readings when the rollers are in the process of changing the displayed numeral or to reduce the number of fibres required to read each roller and thereby reduce the complexity of the multiplexer.
Another form of the present invention may provide means to effect reading of a meter identification number in a likewise manner to the reading of the roller values. The meter identification number comprises an appropriate pattern of 7 ~61~
reflective areas ~constituted by retroreflective material) and non-reflective areas whose sequence provides a binary representation of the relevant identification number. Reading of a meter identification number is particularly important when the present invention is utilised in a mains signalling system.
For a number of reasons, the present invention provides an intrinsically safe technique for the remote reading of a meter.
It provides an optical interface with the meter rather than an electrical or electromechanical interface; also it req~ires only a low-energy source, and moreover the light source can be positioned in a safe and convenient distance from the meter.
Furthermore the light source need be energised only when a reading is being made.
The present invention is applicable to the reading of any appropriate type of meter, for example an electricity meter, a water meter, a meter in a petrol pump or gasoline dispenser.
Claims (12)
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A remote-metering system comprising: a light source; an optical fibre for connection with the light source thereby to direct light therefrom towards means to separate the light into a number of different-wavelength portions of light; an array of optical fibres for connection to the output of the separation means to enable each said light portion to be fed into a separate optical fibre of said array; meter means having at least one moveable member with two or more sets of markings, to indicate the consumption of a quantity; the end of each fibre in the array remote from the separation means being located in the vicinity of a set of markings to cause light, output from the fibre end and reflected at the moveable member, to return into the fibre; means to direct reflected light, from all the fibres of the array, into the optical fibre for connection with the light source; and means for determining whether a reflected light output exists for each set of markings.
2. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the light source is detachably connectable to the separation means.
3. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the determining means is detachably connectable to the direction means.
4. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the light source and the determining means are situated in a unit which is detachably connectable to other components of the system.
5. A system according to Claim 1, wherein one device constitutes the separation means and the direction means.
6. A system according to Claim 1, wherein the meter incorporates retroreflective material in the provision of sets of markings.
7. A system according to Claim 1, comprising means to compensate for changes in light source intensity and spectral distribution.
8. A meter-interface unit for a remote-metering system, the unit comprising means to separate light from a light source into a : 9 :
number of different-wavelength portions of light; an array of optical fibres arranged with the output of the separation means to enable each said light portion to be fed into a separate optical fibre of said array, the end of each fibre in the array remote from the separation means for location in the vicinity of a set of markings to cause light, output from the fibre end and reflected at the moveable member, to return into the fibre.
number of different-wavelength portions of light; an array of optical fibres arranged with the output of the separation means to enable each said light portion to be fed into a separate optical fibre of said array, the end of each fibre in the array remote from the separation means for location in the vicinity of a set of markings to cause light, output from the fibre end and reflected at the moveable member, to return into the fibre.
9. A meter reading unit for a remote-metering system, the unit comprising a light source; an optical fibre for connection with the light source thereby to direct light therefrom towards means to separate the light into a number of different-wavelength portions of light; and means for determining whether a reflected light output exists for each set of markings of a meter.
10. A remote metering system comprising:
a light source; means for separating the light from the light source into a number of different wavelength portions of light; a plurality of light transmissive means each arranged to receive light of a respective one of said portions and transmit it to a respective one of said markings; means for receiving light reflected at said portions and analysing it to determine the metered quantity; means for transmitting the reflected light from the respective markings to the receiving and analysing means.
a light source; means for separating the light from the light source into a number of different wavelength portions of light; a plurality of light transmissive means each arranged to receive light of a respective one of said portions and transmit it to a respective one of said markings; means for receiving light reflected at said portions and analysing it to determine the metered quantity; means for transmitting the reflected light from the respective markings to the receiving and analysing means.
11. A remote metering system according to Claim 1 in which the means for transmitting the reflected light is the said plurality of light transmissive means.
12. A system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the means for receiving and analysing are separable from the means for separating and the light transmissive means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB868615203A GB8615203D0 (en) | 1986-06-21 | 1986-06-21 | Remote metering |
| GB8615203 | 1986-06-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1261394A true CA1261394A (en) | 1989-09-26 |
Family
ID=10599885
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000540137A Expired CA1261394A (en) | 1986-06-21 | 1987-06-19 | Remote metering |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4816672A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0251549A3 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7458287A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1261394A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB8615203D0 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6470903B2 (en) | 1998-05-05 | 2002-10-29 | Mark Reyman | Enhanced and remote meter reading with vibration actuated valve |
Families Citing this family (20)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2009665A6 (en) * | 1988-11-04 | 1989-10-01 | Perez Lago Alfredo | Fluid flow volume measurement and billing system |
| US5237391A (en) * | 1988-11-23 | 1993-08-17 | The Boeing Company | Multitrack multilevel sensing system |
| US4999489A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1991-03-12 | The Boeing Company | Optical sensor using concave diffraction grating |
| US5493393A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1996-02-20 | The Boeing Company | Planar waveguide spectrograph |
| US5099114A (en) * | 1989-04-28 | 1992-03-24 | Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation | Optical wavelength demultiplexer |
| US5029967A (en) * | 1990-04-09 | 1991-07-09 | The Boeing Company | Optical source for optical sensing system |
| CH683211A5 (en) * | 1990-04-09 | 1994-01-31 | Tesa Sa | Connector device transmitting data signals between measurement appts. and electronic processing unit e.g. calculator - has socket associated with cursor by slide element and engaged by plug, connected via cable to processing unit, and having light emitter, light modulator and photodetector |
| CA2047847A1 (en) * | 1991-07-23 | 1993-01-24 | Da-Kuang Chang | Automated utility reporting system |
| EP0553332B1 (en) * | 1991-08-21 | 1999-05-12 | Marconi Communications Limited | Remote meter reading |
| US5424535A (en) * | 1993-04-29 | 1995-06-13 | The Boeing Company | Optical angle sensor using polarization techniques |
| US5870140A (en) * | 1996-09-25 | 1999-02-09 | Harbour Management Services Limited | System for remote meter viewing and reporting |
| GB2321305A (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 1998-07-22 | Marconi Gec Ltd | Remote meter reading apparatus |
| CN1091517C (en) * | 2000-11-07 | 2002-09-25 | 孙洪泰 | Instantaneous acquiring and transmission system of remote passive data for non-electric meters and its transmission method |
| WO2002101334A1 (en) * | 2001-06-11 | 2002-12-19 | Bluemax Communication Co., Ltd. | Light sensing system for automatic meter reading |
| GB2471260A (en) * | 2009-04-01 | 2010-12-29 | Navetas Energy Man Ltd | Remote monitoring of utility meters |
| GB2492845A (en) * | 2011-07-15 | 2013-01-16 | Navetas Energy Man Ltd | Gas meter power supply which uses remote light source, optical fibre and photovoltaic cell to charge battery |
| US20140353477A1 (en) * | 2013-05-29 | 2014-12-04 | The Cleveland Electric Laboratories Company | Optical encoder |
| JP6849681B2 (en) * | 2015-12-02 | 2021-03-24 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェＫｏｎｉｎｋｌｉｊｋｅ Ｐｈｉｌｉｐｓ Ｎ．Ｖ． | Control device for home appliances system |
| CN105675033A (en) * | 2016-02-29 | 2016-06-15 | 江西通用光电应用技术研究所有限责任公司 | Identification apparatus for digital display type instrument dial plate |
| CN110095139B (en) * | 2019-05-29 | 2021-06-11 | 南京工程学院 | Device for remote charging of natural gas and use method thereof |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1540907A (en) * | 1976-12-07 | 1979-02-21 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | System for obtaining data from a plurality of condition responsive optical devices |
| US4334152A (en) * | 1978-12-06 | 1982-06-08 | Plessey Incorporated | Position indicating systems |
| US4367040A (en) * | 1979-05-29 | 1983-01-04 | Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Multi-channel optical sensing system |
| EP0054363B1 (en) * | 1980-12-17 | 1985-06-12 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Apparatus for gathering data from a plurality of condition responsive optical sensors |
| WO1984001214A1 (en) * | 1982-09-25 | 1984-03-29 | Renishaw Plc | Displacement measuring apparatus |
| US4543961A (en) * | 1983-11-14 | 1985-10-01 | Cordis Corporation | Data transmission system |
| DE3665786D1 (en) * | 1985-06-19 | 1989-10-26 | Framatome Sa | Arrangement for the control and surveillance of an industrial plant by optical transmission of information and commands |
-
1986
- 1986-06-21 GB GB868615203A patent/GB8615203D0/en active Pending
-
1987
- 1987-06-16 EP EP87305313A patent/EP0251549A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1987-06-19 US US07/064,061 patent/US4816672A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-06-19 CA CA000540137A patent/CA1261394A/en not_active Expired
- 1987-06-22 AU AU74582/87A patent/AU7458287A/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6470903B2 (en) | 1998-05-05 | 2002-10-29 | Mark Reyman | Enhanced and remote meter reading with vibration actuated valve |
| US6694997B2 (en) | 1998-05-05 | 2004-02-24 | Mark Reyman | Enhanced and remote meter reading with vibration actuated valve |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU7458287A (en) | 1987-12-24 |
| EP0251549A2 (en) | 1988-01-07 |
| EP0251549A3 (en) | 1989-08-23 |
| US4816672A (en) | 1989-03-28 |
| GB8615203D0 (en) | 1986-07-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |