Meter character recognition method based on gray template matching

Aiming to the problem that spots on meter dial and recurring semi-characters seriously affect character recognition accuracy in the process of automatic meter reading. A template matching algorithm based on gray-scale image is raised for recognizing meter readings. The algorithm firstly locate print wheel region in the print wheel region image on dial after coarse positioning, then match the gray-scale character image with template image one by one. Experiment verify that the algorithm better to overcome the impact of spot caused by meter surface reflection, and both of the whole character and semi-character have a higher recognition rate.