| 摘要 |
Disclosed is an automatic remote meter-reading method and apparatus for a rotation needle type or rotation number wheel type metering device. The rotation frequency of the needle or number wheel is counted using a changing pattern in the output signal of plural photoelectric elements. The plural photoelectric elements are arranged in one column or row, or so as to have a certain desired area, and one or more light emitting element are disposed adjacent to the photoelectric elements, thereby forming a photosensor unit. The light from the light emitting element is incident on a scale plate of the rotation needle or on the surface of a certain number wheel, which corresponds to a certain number place below the significant number for a meter-reading. The light reflected from the surface is detected by the plural photoelectric elements, which converts it into a collection of electrical signals. A reference pattern is stored in a microcomputer beforehand. The reference pattern is a level change with time of an electrical signal output from each photoelectric element during one cycle of rotation of the specific rotation needle or rotation number wheel. The microcomputer extracts a level-changing pattern with time of an electrical signal output from the plural photoelectric elements and compares them with the stored reference pattern to thereby determine whether the specific needle or wheel has performed one rotation. The counted rotation frequency is accumulated and, when required, transmitted to a data-administrating computer of utility companies, through an appropriate communication system. |
