This page explains how to set up the meter reading AI - "hakaru.ai" (provided by GMO GlobalSign Holdings Inc.) to read meters by attaching a QR code near the meter instead of attaching markers to the four corners around the meter.
Please see here for instructions on how to set up meter reading using the QR code issued from the hakaru.ai Web ledger .
Table of Contents
・Check the Meter Reading Operation
◆ Function Overview
In addition to the traditional four-corner marker method, Meter Reading (hakaru.ai) now supports QR code integration. Simply place a single QR code near each meter to automatically define the image cropping range for the reading.
*ugo OS v3.6.0 or later is required to use this function.
*If you use a QR code issued from the hakaru.ai Web ledger, please refer to the following manual:
- How to set up meter reading linked with the hakaru.ai Web ledger
[Specific benefits]
Streamlined pre-configuration:
Previously, setting up a meter required precisely placing four individual markers—a process that was often time-consuming and labor-intensive. This new feature significantly reduces preparation time by requiring only a single QR code per meter.
Convenient installation in congested spaces:
This update also accommodates tight installations. Even in cases where space is too limited to accommodate four corner markers, you can still complete the setup as long as there is enough room for a single QR code.
◆ Meter Image
For this demonstration, we are using a site where three meters are installed in close proximity on a single wall. Because the tight spacing makes it difficult to fit four markers around each meter, we will use the QR code method to define the image cropping range. During the reading process in hakaru.ai, we will then configure specific "check items" for each individual meter.
◆ Preparation
STEP 1: Prepare a QR code
Please use the QR code issued by your system.
[QR code setting rules]
To ensure high reading accuracy, the system must definitively link each QR code to its corresponding meter. Therefore, a unique, separate QR code must be generated and attached for every individual meter you intend to monitor.
| Rule | Content |
| Make your URL unique | Please create all QR codes used for meter reading settings from different URLs. |
| Do not use the same URL | If multiple QR codes generated from the same URL appear within the camera’s field of view simultaneously, the AI will be unable to distinguish between the meters. This conflict will result in a processing error. To ensure stability, each meter must have a unique QR code. |
STEP 2: Attach the QR code near the meter
Please be careful not to cover the meter you want to read when attaching the marker. Please also refer to the instructions on how to attach the marker in the "Notes for Meter Reading Settings" section.
STEP3 Register your hakaru.ai login information
Please register your hakaru.ai login information on the ugo Portal. For details, please refer to How to register your hakaru.ai login information.
*This procedure can only be performed by users with organization administrator accounts.
◆ Check Item Settings
Your ugo mini must be powered on and online.
1. Position the ugo mini directly facing the target meter at a distance of 60 to 70 cm.
2. If a partial map for the Standing Position Adjustment command has not yet been created, lower the telescopic pole to 60 cm and generate one.
Precise meter reading accuracy depends on the ugo mini maintaining a consistent position and angle; any deviation will degrade the results.
Because the system relies on capturing photos from the exact same perspective every time, the Standing Position Adjustment command is a mandatory step in the meter reading workflow.
3. Adjust the height of the telescopic pole until the target meter is centered on the operation screen. Once positioned, verify the pole's height using the Lifter icon on the display and record the measurement (for example, 150 cm).
4. Open the operation screen and select the current floor from the [Current Floor Setting] menu at the top center. (You may skip this step if the correct floor is already displayed.)
Prerequisite: A pre-existing map must be created and assigned to the floor in advance.
5. Navigate to Action Menu > Settings > Basic Settings and locate the camera configuration options. When setting up markers, ensure the selected device is set to the [Front camera (4K)].
6. Navigate to the [Action Menu] at the bottom right of the operation screen and select [Check Item Settings].
7. When the [Check Item Settings] window opens, configure the following fields:
A. Check item: Select [New Check Item]
B. New check item name: Enter a descriptive name of your choice.
C. Area detection settings: Choose [Crop area using one QR code]
Once all information is entered, click [Next] to proceed.
8. Upon successful detection, the system will display the image captured by the ugo mini's 4K gimbal camera.
From the [QR Code] drop-down menu, select the specific code highlighted in red.
Once selected, the highlight will turn yellow to confirm the link.
Troubleshooting Detection Failures: > If the QR code is not detected, a "Marker not found" error message will appear. In this event, please attempt the following adjustments:
A. Distance: Re-verify that the ugo mini is positioned 60–70 cm from the meter.
B. QR Size: Use a larger QR code if the current one is too small to be resolved.
C. Lighting: Toggle the ring light on or off to reduce glare or increase visibility.
D. Alignment: Re-adjust the height of the telescopic pole to improve the camera's viewing angle.
9. Click and drag to draw a box around the target meter to define the image cropping range. Once the area is set, the selection will be highlighted in blue to confirm the reading zone.
10. Click [Marker Detection Test] to verify that the image cropping range is accurately positioned. Once you have confirmed the alignment, click [Next] to proceed.
11. Uncheck [Link with Web Ledger].
12. Select the appropriate category from the [Type of check item] menu. If the meter is not used for measuring temperature or humidity, please select [Other: Meter].
| Temperature (Celsius): Meter | Temperature (Fahrenheit): Meter | Humidity: Meter |
| Other: Meter | Recording: Camera | Recorded by thermal camera |
13. For [Reading service], select [hakaru.ai].
14. Choose the appropriate [Meter Type] from the options below. hakaru.ai currently supports the following six meter categories: ① Analog/Round
② Analog/Square (Voltage/Current)
③ Digital/7-segment
④ Digital/Other ⑤ Rotary counter (electricity, gas, water)
⑥ Multimeter
15. Click [Register]. This completes the setting of the image cropping range for meter reading using QR codes.
16. To configure the remaining meters, generate unique QR codes from their respective URLs and affix them near each device. Once the markers are in place, follow the same initial configuration steps for each additional meter.
◆ Creating a Meter Reading Flow
This section guides you through setting up a Flow to be executed directly in front of the meter.
1. To start adding commands to your flow, click the green-framed [Create New] button to open the [Command Picker].
2. Add the [Start Task] command (from the [Record] tab) to the very beginning of the Flow.
Parameter: Set the [Report Type] to either [Patrol] or [Sentry] based on your specific requirements.
3. Because meter reading requires a fixed position and angle to maintain accuracy, you must add the [Position Adjustment] command (found in the [ELV] tab).
Parameters: Select the Partial Map you created during the initial setup.
Retry Settings: Set both [Number of retries] and [Number of repetitions] to [2].
Note: For more details on partial maps, please [see here].
4. Add the [Telescopic Pole Height Adjustment] command from the [Settings] tab to position the camera.
Parameters: Enter the pole height recorded during your setup (e.g., 150 cm).
Note: Input the value in millimeters (1500mm).
5. Add the [Take photos of multiple checked items] command from the [Record] tab.
Check Items: Select your registered meters from the dropdown menu (e.g., the three meters from our example).
Resolution: Select [4K]
Image Size: Select [1/2 size]
6. To prepare the robot for movement, add another [Change Telescopic Pole Height] command.
Parameters: Enter [600] (60 cm) to return the pole to its original height.
7. Add the [Task Completed] command from the [Record] tab at the end of the Flow.
8. Click the [Update] button at the bottom right of the page to save your changes.
9. The Flow for reading meters is now complete. When deploying this in the field, remember to incorporate movement commands, such as [Map Patrol], before and after this sequence to navigate the robot between inspection points.
◆ Meter Reading Operation Check
1. Open the operation screen, press [Load Flow], and then run the Flow you created.
2. Check the latest report from Global Menu > Report Management > Report List and confirm the results.
*If an error appears on the report screen, please contact our support team for assistance. To help us resolve the issue quickly, please include the specific error message found in the report details.
◆ Notes
Meter reading capabilities are governed by the hakaru.ai service, which currently supports the following six categories: ① Analog/Round
② Analog/Square (Voltage/Current)
③ Digital/7-segment
④ Digital/Other ⑤ Rotary counter (electricity, gas, water)
⑥ Multimeter *Please note: Successful reading is subject to the physical shape of the meter and specific installation conditions; certain configurations may not be compatible.
If the meter or the QR code is moved after the initial setup, reading errors will occur.
Additionally, significant changes to the background or the meter’s mounting environment may interfere with detection.
Should any physical changes occur, a full reconfiguration is required.
Reflective glare from fluorescent lighting on the meter face can degrade reading accuracy.
If reflections are present, resolve the issue by slightly adjusting the telescopic pole height or the ugo mini’s orientation to change the camera’s angle of incidence.