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Supply meter and method for reading a fixed supply meter

  • US 6,853,309 B1
  • Filed: 05/06/2000
  • Issued: 02/08/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/10/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A supply meter system, comprising:

  • a supply meter for measuring a consumption value and including a viewing field for alphanumerically displaying the measured value in an optically readable form, with the viewing field having an optical configuration and an optical situation;

    a frame that is in the form of hollow shell having opposite first and second ends, with the first end adapted to a surface of the supply meter and placed thereon so that the shell extends around the viewing field;

    an image reader for obtaining an image of the viewing field, wherein the image reader includes a camera mounted to the second end of the shell, with the camera having an optical system that is adapted to the optical configuration and the optical situation of the viewing field, wherein the shell produces a predetermined spacing between the camera and said surface of the supply meter, the shell establishes an orientation of the optical system of the camera toward the viewing field, and the shell extends around the optical system;

    a light source for illuminating the viewing field, wherein the light source is positioned above the viewing field by the shell and the shell extends around the light source; and

    a display connected to the camera for displaying the image of the viewing field.

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