Digital utility meters help to prevent meter-reading errors and are rapidly increasing in importance for use with billing and energy management systems. FAST Forward AG’s EnergyCam products present a simple way to integrate analog utility meters into smart digital networks.
The retrofit solution uses an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) algorithm to convert images of meter readings into data that can be processed digitally. The latest version of the product is due to be introduced at the European Utility Week and includes a new, improved camera lens and a reworked housing that is suitable for use in challenging industrial environments.
EnergyCam 2.0 has a new, pivoted mounting bracket that makes it simple to install on virtually all current gas, water and electricity meters. It requires no additional adapters and gives the user an unobstructed view of the source meter.
To prevent the meter’s counter from being obscured by the device and to enable manual readings if necessary, previous versions of the EnergyCam device used a three-mirror system to capture meter readings from diagonally below. The new-generation EnergyCam 2.0 has a completely redeveloped camera that captures images directly, thus preventing shadows, distortion and unwanted reflections while providing even LED illumination. The new system uses a single mirror, thus reducing the risk of manufacturing tolerance errors. The quality of the resulting readings has also been optimised, making it simpler for the OCR algorithm to provide precise digital data. Readings are transmitted via a wired or wireless network to a gateway or read directly from the device via USB.
Simple to install with all types of meter
To combine direct image capture with an unobstructed view of the source meter, EnergyCam 2.0 is mounted on a transparent pivoted bracket. This makes it simple to swing the 87x70x22mm device to one side, giving the operator a clear view of the meter number/barcode and the counter window. A template is provided to aid correct positioning and the mounting bracket is fixed in place using clear, high-performance tape. Releasing a high-visibility coloured clip enables the device to be swung to the side, giving the operator a full view of the source meter.
EnergyCam is a proven retrofit solution for digitising analog utility meters, and the new mounting bracket and improved camera system in EnergyCam 2.0 enable installation on all popular types of gas and water meter without the use of additional adapters. These types of meters have wide counters that sit very close to the glass cover and previous EnergyCam versions required an adapter to create the gap necessary for capturing usable images. These adapters were often difficult to mount, especially on older meter types. EnergyCam 2.0’s all-new mounting bracket and redeveloped camera make adapters a thing of the past.
IP64 protection
EnergyCam 2.0 has a new housing that is developed to withstand the pressures of industrial environments and conforms to the IP64 dust and moisture protection standard. Protection also extends to the battery and data transfer interfaces, which are now located within the device’s housing. This makes EnergyCam 2.0 more robust and simpler to handle.
