Development of a watthour meter data recognition device

Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc. has developed a watthour meter data recognition device, which enables data to be processed by a personal computer by optically recognizing images of attribute data (10 items including index and meter type) indicated on the meter plate. A prototype of the device is now undergoing demonstration tests. Since this device is capable of recognizing the data of a single meter in about 4 seconds, drafting of work plans and post-work documentation can be also automated, resulting in greater work efficiency and prevention of human error. Images are fed to the device using CCD cameras and are pre-processed or corrected before peripheral and mesh pattern matching of characters. This procedure has enabled a high recognition rate of characters of various sizes and fonts