Optical sensor apparatus and method for remotely monitoring a utility meter or the like
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United States of America Patent
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Jul 14, 1987
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Dec 28, 1984
filing date -
Dec 28, 1984
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
The present invention relates to an optical sensor apparatus (21) for remotely monitoring a utility meter or the like. The optical sensor apparatus (21) includes optically sensitive detector, in this case, a dynamic RAM device (40) which consists of an array (42, 44) of light sensitive elements. Light from a light source (56) is reflected off the faceplate (52) of the meter. Microprocessor control system (100) operatively interconnected to the optically sensitive dynamic RAM device (40) controls the exposure of the RAM device (40) to the light. The microprocessor control system (100) further determines the angular position of the individual pointer members (50) of the meter by correlating a binary image stored in memory to a predetermined geometic shape. The microprocessor control system (100) further includes logic for converting the angular positions of the pointer members (50) of the meter stages to a decimal value representative of the meter reading. A transmitter device is operatively interconnected to the microprocessor control system (100) for transmitting the decimal values to a remote site.
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