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Image sensing meter reading probe

  • US 9,046,390 B2
  • Filed: 01/23/2014
  • Issued: 06/02/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/01/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus to monitor one or more utility meters comprising:

  • a communication unit comprising a processor, a communication interface coupled to the processor, and a probe interface coupled to the processor; and

    a meter monitoring probe comprising a probe head coupled by a cable to a probe connector capable to mate with the probe interface;

    wherein the probe head comprises;

    an image sensor;

    an externally visible indicator; and

    a button;

    wherein the probe head is capable to detect a characteristic of a utility meter that is dependent on a usage of a utility metered, and send information related to the characteristic to the processor;

    the processor is capable to receive the information from the probe head and send a message related to the usage of the utility over the communication interface; and

    the image sensor is capable to capture an image in response to a press of the button.

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