| 摘要 |
A system for remote meter viewing and reporting. The system comprises a remo te camera located at the meter. The remote camera is coupled to a central computer through a communications channel. In response to a command from the central computer, the camera scans the meter face, i.e. readings on the dial s, and stores an image in memory. The scanned image is transmitted to the centr al computer. The central computer includes software for analyzing the scanned image in determining the consumption of electricity, for example, by compari ng the current readings on the dials with the readings on the dials taken at th e last billing cycle. The processed image is then used to generate a billing statement which is sent to the household consumer using conventional post. I n another aspect, the billing statement generated by the system includes scann ed images of the past and current meter readings. The system according to the present invention is suitable for public utilities, such as gas, electricity , water companies and leasing companies which lease office equipment to companies situated in remote locations, which equipment is fitted with meter s which record their use, i.e. copying machines, printers, etc. where it is desirable to determine the quantities of copies made, thus enabling the time ly scheduling of visits of company service representatives to perform ongoing maintenance, thereby helping to ensure minimal down-time and optimal equipme nt performance.
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