• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to a method for reading a counter (20) for consumption of a fluid having means (21) for identifying the counter and means (22) for displaying the consumption of said fluid, comprising the following steps: a) a user makes a single photograph (30), b) said user transmits by a computer terminal (10), eg a mobile phone, said photograph (30) to a server which contains a computer program, c) said computer program performs the cutting of said photograph (30) to isolate a first area (31) with the image of the identification means (21) and a second area (32) the image of the means of display (22), d) said computer program performs a processing of the first zone (31) to identify said counter by an identifier, and said computer program performs a processing of the second zone (32) to recognize at least one following numbers, the edit identifier and said sequence of digits forming a proposed statement.
    公开号:CH710839A1
    申请号:CH00331/15
    申请日:2015-03-11
    公开日:2016-09-15
    发明作者:Franchi Jean-Philippe
    申请人:Localbargain Solutions Suisse Sarl；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Technical area
    The present invention relates to a method of reading a consumption meter of a fluid and computer system for the implementation of this survey method.
    [0002] Companies distributing fluids serving the premises, such as in particular water, gas or electricity, must as part of their services, perform, or have performed by dedicated service providers, regular records of all meters to know the consumption of the fluid in question and thus be able to bill the customer user of this fluid the amount consumed. It is therefore necessary to organize meter reading tours, which requires significant human resources and an associated additional cost.
    State of the art
    It is now relatively common to perform, between two actual readings, taking into account the actual consumption by direct reading of the meter, an estimated statement including extrapolating the values of previous records. Such a procedure makes it possible to reduce the costs but does not exempt from the realization of actual readings. In addition, by this extrapolation, the estimated consumption may be greater than the actual consumption and consequently the corresponding invoice higher than if the actual reading had been made.
    Users seek to reduce their expenses and therefore receive bills reflecting their actual consumption. The actual survey also allows them to more quickly identify leaks in their private portion, and thus allow faster implementation of corrective measures (repairs). In addition, companies responsible for distributing fluids to users are seeking to reduce the cost of actual readings.
    Brief summary of the invention
    An object of the present invention is to provide a method for reading a consumption meter of a fluid free from the limitations of known collection methods.
    Another object of the invention is to provide a method of reading a consumption meter of a fluid which improves the optimization of the agreement between the readings made and the actual consumption.
    It is also intended to provide a method of reading a consumption meter of a fluid whose reliability is improved.
    An object of the invention is also to provide a method of reading a consumption meter of a fluid that adds an incentive dimension to the user of the meter, and more specifically to the recipient of the invoice associated with the statement. made.
    According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular by means of a method of reading a consumption meter of a fluid having means for identifying the meter and means for displaying the consumption of said fluid. , comprising the following steps:<tb> a) <SEP> a user makes a single photograph of the consumption meter of a fluid using a smart computer terminal equipped with means of shooting, so that the photograph includes both a first zone with the image of the identification means and a second zone with the image of the display means,<tb> b) <SEP> said user transmits by said computer terminal said photograph to a server which contains a computer program,<tb> c) <SEP> said computer program in said server realizes the cutting of said photograph in order to isolate firstly said first zone and secondly said second zone,<tb> d) <SEP> said computer program performs a processing of the first zone to identify said counter by an identifier, and said computer program performs a processing of the second zone to recognize at least a sequence of digits corresponding to the consumption record, said identifier and said sequence of digits forming a proposed statement.
    It is understood that in this way, the user of the process, which may in particular be the user of the fluid whose consumption is measured by the meter or a person in charge of the succession in the building (concierge, council union ....), takes the survey in a very simple way.
    By intelligent computer terminal is meant a computer system that communicates with a computer or a server and which may in particular be formed of a computer. In particular, it is a tablet, or a smartphone or "smartphone", preferably with a touch screen. For the implementation of the present invention, the computer terminal comprises means for shooting, that is to say a function of a camera.
    Furthermore, it is understood that by means of identification of the meter is made to match well the statement with the place of consumption. For this purpose, the identification means comprise at least one of a bar code, a QR code and a sequence of alphanumeric characters.
    These identification means may be formed of a label or other support bearing an identifier and previously applied on the front of the meter, near the consumption display area, or an identifier directly. printed or engraved on the facade of the meter.
    Thus, the survey method is implemented by the user, directly on the place of consumption and is a record of the actual consumption. This statement is reliable because it is not dependent on a human error in entering the sequence of numbers or the series of numbers forming the index. Indeed, it is by the treatment of the first area of the photograph by the computer program that are recognized the figures forming the index or indices to be recorded.
    This solution has the advantage over the prior art to be able to completely delegate the consumption record to the user without having to involve a dedicated provider to the next generation. In this way, it is understood that this makes it possible to reduce the costs relating to the realization of these index statements.
    To add an incentive dimension to the user in order to use the method according to the invention to perform the survey, the fluid dispensing company may provide for the awarding of the user a reward. This reward can for example take the form of a reduction on one of the invoices which are sent to this user for the consumption of the fluid for which the user makes his own readings via the method according to the invention. Other types of rewards can be provided, such as gifts, loyalty bonuses ......
    According to a preferred embodiment, the survey method according to the invention further comprises the following steps:<tb> e) <SEP> said computer program transmits said counter identifier and said sequence of digits to said computer terminal so that said user can view the proposed reading,<tb> f) <SEP> said user enters into the computer terminal a validation or refusal response of the proposed statement. The proposed statement corresponds to the photograph taken and previously transmitted by the computer terminal to the server.
    In a preferred embodiment of the polling method according to the invention, following a refusal response of the statement proposed by the user, the computer terminal provides the user with a signal inviting him to make a new photograph. the fluid consumption meter. This is for example the case where the photograph is fuzzy or does not show the entire area of the counter comprising both the identification means and the display means. Such a signal is for example an auditory and / or visual signal such as an alarm, an error message.
    Following this signal, the user is invited to perform again steps a) to d) of the process to obtain a new statement proposed. For this proposed new statement, steps e) and f) are preferably implemented again in order to validate or reject the proposed new statement and allow the user to repeat the process if necessary until a proposed statement that is acceptable to the user.
    Also, in a preferred embodiment of the survey method according to the invention, following a validation response by the user of the proposed survey, said computer program creates an actual statement comprising said identifier and said sequence of figures of the proposed statement then transmits said actual statement to said server. In this way, this actual reading is made available within the server, in particular for the fluid dispensing company or any other means for relieving the indexes of said fluid.
    In this case, according to a preferred embodiment, the computer terminal provides the user with a signal confirming the finalization of the reading of said counter. Such a signal is for example an auditory and / or visual signal such as a ringtone or a confirmation message.
    The invention also relates to a computer system for implementing the aforementioned method of reading a consumption counter of a fluid, comprisingat least one computer terminal comprising computer input means,a server connected to said computer terminal and comprising a database in which at least the identifiers of a group of counters are stored.
    Brief description of the figures
    Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:<tb> Fig. 1 <SEP> illustrates a first step of the method of reading a consumption meter of a fluid according to the invention,<tb> fig. 2 <SEP> illustrates another step of the process for reading a consumption counter of a fluid according to the invention, and<tb> fig. 3 <SEP> illustrates another possible step of the relief process according to the invention, and<tb> fig. 4 <SEP> illustrates yet another possible step of the process according to the invention.
    Example (s) of embodiment of the invention
    According to the invention, the user 100 uses a computer terminal 10, such as a smartphone, including a multimedia phone operating using a touch screen 12. It also uses a server (not shown remote from the computer terminal 10, and comprising a database used for the implementation of the invention as will be described below.
    The computer terminal 10 and the server are connected to each other in order to exchange information. Such a link can be wired but is preferably wireless, over the air or GSM or a wireless network according to the TCP-IP communication protocol, namely the Internet.
    In FIG. 1 is a counter 20 whose facade comprises in particular:identification means 21: it is for example a label bearing symbols or other signs that constitute the identifier of the counter. In this illustrated example, there is both a series of alphanumeric characters formed here of a sequence of digits constituting a counter number (Nr 03 082 814 487 596) and below a barcode, andconsumption display means 22: it is generally a window through which the index formed by a sequence of digits is visible (here the counter 20 is an electric meter).
    To this identifier is associated a set of information relating to the place of consumption, such as for example, the contract number, the customer number, the detailed address of the place of consumption (meter location information). , the name and telephone number and / or e-mail address of the user residing on the site, and / or the contact information (name and telephone number and / or e-mail address and / or address mailing address) of the owner of this location and / or billing information including contact information (name and phone number and / or email address and / or mailing address) of the recipient of the invoice for counter. This set of information is preferably stored in a database.
    According to the method of the invention, the user 100 makes a single photograph 30 with its computer terminal 10 (here a smart phone with touch screen). This photograph 30 must make it possible to display both the identification means 21 and the display means of the consumption 22. If the user is satisfied with this photograph 30, he proceeds to the next step and transmits via his computer terminal 10 said photograph 30 to a server that contains a computer program.
    This computer program performs a digital processing of the photograph 30. For this, it first performs the cutting of the photograph 30 in a first area 31 in which are visible the identification means 21 but not the means of display of the consumption 22, and in a second zone 32 in which the consumption display means 22 but not the identification means 21.
    Next, this computer program performs the digital processing of the first zone 31 and the second zone 32. The processing of the first zone 32 makes it possible to recognize the identifier of the counter 20. This identifier makes it possible in particular to the computer program, via access to a database that may be on the aforementioned server or another server, to access all the information relating to the place of consumption. The processing of the second zone 32 makes it possible to recognize the sequence of digits forming the index, that is to say the current value of the counter. It is by difference between this index and the index raised the previous time, that one can deduce the consumption of the fluid between these two moments of survey.
    In an embodiment not shown, the display means of the consumption 22 and consequently, said second zone 32 comprises a first region with a first sequence of figures for a consumption according to a first tariff, and a second region with a second series of figures for consumption according to a second tariff. This situation is for example met for an electricity meter which measures a first consumption (first sequence of figures) for peak hours (first rate) and a second consumption (second series of figures) for off-peak hours (second rate which is often lower than the first rate).
    In FIG. 2, there is shown what is visible on the screen 12 of the computer terminal 10 after the aforementioned processing, after said computer program has transmitted said counter identifier and said series of digits to said computer terminal 10 so that said user can view the proposed survey 40 comprising a proposed identifier 41 and a proposed index 42. Then the user validates or refuses this proposed survey 40: in FIG. 2, the user validates by pressing a confirmation button visible on the screen 12 (arrow V). In this example, it is the reading of a water meter.
    In this way, the proposed survey 40 becomes an actual survey (here the index of 5890 m3 for the record of a water meter is confirmed).
    By this method, it is enriched, read after reading the information on the consumption associated with the meter 20. It is then possible to use these cumulative data to establish a consumption graph 15 showing on the screen 12 the consumption recorded in function of the elapsed time as shown in FIG. 3. Other statistics related to consumption can also be established.
    In an embodiment not shown, the method comprises a preliminary step of selecting the type of counter, according to which said computer terminal 10 proposes to the user to choose between several types of counters, in particular as a function of the fluid whose consumption must be measured. Thus, the choice is offered to the user between a meter for gas, for water and for electricity. In a second step, optionally the choice is also offered to the user to select from a list of counters for the previously selected fluid, for example between a mechanical counter, an electromechanical counter, and an electronic counter with digital display.
    In the case where several counters are present on the place to be controlled, the method according to the present invention can be implemented for each of the counters. Thus, if a reading is made for a first counter, for example an electricity meter, and a second meter, for example a water meter, and a third meter, for example a gas meter, three effective indices are obtained. . In fig. 4 representing a step of viewing the summary of the statements made, the actual index 44 relating to the consumption of water is visible in a second portion 13b of the screen, while the first portion 13a of the screen indicates the reading effective for power consumption and the third portion 13c of the screen indicates the actual reading for gas consumption.
    According to one embodiment, the use of the method grants a reduction on the amount of the invoice associated with the actual statement.
    For the implementation of the collection method according to the invention, one can use a computer system also object of the present invention. Such a computer system includes in particular:at least one computer terminal 10 comprising computer input means that can be used by the user, anda server connected to said computer terminal 10 and comprising a database in which at least the identifiers of a group of counters are stored.
    In one embodiment, this database further includes counter location information associated with the identifier of each counter.
    Also, preferably, said database further includes billing information including the addressee of the invoice for the counter reading.
    Also, advantageously, the computer system further comprises an internet network for the exchange of information between said server and said computer terminal 10 of the user, and preferably also with the computer terminal at the supplier of the fluid corresponding to said counter.
    Reference numbers used in the figures
    [0042]<tb> 10 <SEP> Computer Terminal<tb> 12 <SEP> Touch Screen<tb> 13a <SEP> First portion<tb> 13b <SEP> Second portion<tb> 13c <SEP> Third portion<tb> 15 <SEP> Consumption graph<tb> 20 <SEP> Consumption meter of a fluid<tb> 21 <SEP> Means of identification<tb> 22 <SEP> Means of display of consumption<Tb> 30 <September> Photography<tb> 31 <SEP> First zone<tb> 32 <SEP> Second zone<tb> 40 <SEP> Proposed statement<tb> 41 <SEP> Proposed identifier<tb> 42 <SEP> Proposed Index<tb> 44 <SEP> Effective Index<Tb> 100 <September> User<tb> V <SEP> Validation of the proposed index
    权利要求:
    Claims (14)
    [1]
    1. A method of reading a counter (20) for consumption of a fluid having identification means (21) of the counter and means (22) for displaying the consumption of said fluid, comprising the following steps:a) a user makes a single photograph (30) of the fluid consumption meter (20) using an intelligent computer terminal (10) equipped with imaging means, so that the photograph (30) ) comprises both a first zone (31) with the image of the identification means (21) and a second zone (32) with the image of the display means (22), b) said user transmits by said computer terminal (10) said photograph (30) to a server which contains a computer program,c) said computer program in said server performs the cutting of said photograph (30) to isolate firstly said first zone (31) and secondly said second zone (32),d) said computer program performs a processing of the first zone (31) to identify said counter by an identifier, and said computer program performs a processing of the second zone (32) to recognize at least a sequence of digits corresponding to the consumption record,said identifier and said sequence of digits forming a proposed statement.
    [2]
    The method of claim 1, which further comprises the steps of:e) said computer program transmits said counter identifier (20) and said sequence of digits to said computer terminal (10) so that said user can view the proposed survey (40),f) said user enters in the computer terminal (10) a validation or refusal response of the proposed statement (40).
    [3]
    3. The method of claim 2, wherein following a refusal response by the user of the proposed statement (40), the computer terminal (10) provides the user with a signal inviting him to make a new photograph (30). ) of the fluid consumption meter (20).
    [4]
    4. Method according to claim 2, wherein following a validation response by the user of the proposed statement (40), said computer program creates an actual statement comprising said identifier and said sequence of digits of the proposed statement and then transmits said actual statement to said server.
    [5]
    5. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the computer terminal (10) provides the user with a signal confirming the finalization of the reading of said counter (20).
    [6]
    The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said identifier is associated with location information of the counter (20).
    [7]
    7. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said identifier is associated with billing information comprising the recipient of the invoice details.
    [8]
    The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said second zone comprises a first region with a first sequence of digits for consumption according to a first tariff, and a second region with a second series of digits for a consumption. according to a second tariff.
    [9]
    9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a prior step of selecting the type of counter (20), wherein said computer terminal offers the user to choose between several types of counters (20).
    [10]
    The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said identifying means comprises at least one of a bar code, a QR code, and a sequence of alphanumeric characters.
    [11]
    Computer system for implementing the method of reading a fluid consumption meter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprisingAt least one computer terminal (10) comprising computer input means,A server connected to said computer terminal (10) and comprising a database in which at least the identifiers of a group of counters (20) are stored.
    [12]
    12. Computer system according to the preceding claim, further comprising an internet network for the exchange of information between said server and said computer terminal (10).
    [13]
    The computer system of claim 11 or 12, wherein said database further includes counter location information associated with the identifier of each counter (20).
    [14]
    14. The computer system according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said database further comprises billing information comprising the coordinates of the invoice recipient for the meter reading (20).
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    CN101454794A|2009-06-10|Mobile person-to-person payment system
    WO1998003940A1|1998-01-29|Service control and management system
    EP2631600B1|2017-02-01|System for presenting data from a communicating electricity meter
    US20200081519A1|2020-03-12|Customized internet-of-things data packaging and brokering
    EP1916623A1|2008-04-30|Method of supplying transaction details, corresponding terminal, transaction method, method of enhancing bank statements, server, signal and computer program products.
    CH710839A1|2016-09-15|The process of reading a consumption meter with a fluid and computer system for the implementation of the process.
    WO2006016059A1|2006-02-16|Method and system for processing a user&#39;s identity
    CN108881121B|2021-11-26|P2P credit mutual-watching system and method based on mobile internet
    KR20180128596A|2018-12-04|System for providing photo edit filter
    KR20140002820A|2014-01-09|Methop for private shop smartphone application having regular customer relationship management system and advertizing method using a data base of thereof
    WO2017152787A1|2017-09-14|Automatic payment method and device
    WO2009101335A1|2009-08-20|Method of displaying a consumption of a resource
    FR2980893A1|2013-04-05|METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REALIZED CONSUMER SIGNALING, AND AUTOMATED RENTAL INSTALLATION OF VEHICLES USING SUCH A METHOD AND / OR SUCH A SYSTEM.
    FR2910682A1|2008-06-27|Motor vehicle parking management system e.g. Internet server, for supervising territory, has emitter to emit response message comprising list of vehicle codes to monitoring device equipping monitoring agent
    US20210065315A1|2021-03-04|Systems for procuring service customers and related methods
    BE1028068B1|2021-09-13|Computerized billing tracking process
    US20210233011A1|2021-07-29|Volunteer connection system
    KR20200139936A|2020-12-15|A method for providing marketing services based on game influencers using blockchains
    KR20200139939A|2020-12-15|A method for providing marketing services based on influencers using blockchains
    KR20200139961A|2020-12-15|Method for game marketing based on influencers using blockchains
    KR20130089851A|2013-08-13|Service system for family event and the service method
    FR2971347A1|2012-08-10|Method for managing e.g. LED integrated electronic display panels, in public notice field, involves displaying message published by advertiser on terminal, during space-time reserved by advertiser
    CN112185018A|2021-01-05|Shared telephone booth and call service method thereof
    BE1019350A3|2012-06-05|USE OF AN ELECTRONIC IDENTITY CARD AS AN AFFILIATION CARD.
    FR2842380A1|2004-01-16|METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING THE PROVISION OF A DATA TERMINAL MANAGED BY AN EXTERNAL NETWORK, AND CORRESPONDING INTERMEDIATE EQUIPMENT
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    FR3033638B1|2020-07-10|
    FR3033638A1|2016-09-16|
    CH710839B1|2019-02-28|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    CN112309102A|2020-11-06|2021-02-02|湖南常德牌水表制造有限公司|Method for mobile acquisition of water meter data|
    CN107911654A|2017-11-16|2018-04-13|四川长虹电器股份有限公司|Water-flowmeter auto-recording and method based on image processing techniques|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    CH00331/15A|CH710839B1|2015-03-11|2015-03-11|Method for reading a fluid consumption meter and computer system for implementing the method|CH00331/15A| CH710839B1|2015-03-11|2015-03-11|Method for reading a fluid consumption meter and computer system for implementing the method|
    FR1600406A| FR3033638B1|2015-03-11|2016-03-11|METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR READING A CONSUMPTION COUNTER|
    [返回顶部]