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Optical meter reader using a shadow

  • US 5,880,464 A
  • Filed: 06/09/1997
  • Issued: 03/09/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/09/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A meter reader for reading a meter having a face and a pointer, the pointer having a relative position with respect to the face for indicating a meter readout, comprising:

  • a light source disposed for shining a light toward said pointer;

    a light detector disposed for receiving at least one reflection of said light from at least one section, respectively, of said face; and

    a detection circuit, coupled to the light detector for detecting a variation in intensity of said reflection, said variation caused by a shadow made by said pointer from said light when said shadow passes over said section of said face, said shadow indicating said relative position of said pointer with respect to said face for indicating said meter readout.

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