[Vineyard & Winery Elf EN](https://help.vineyardelf.com/index.md) / [VineyardElf](https://help.vineyardelf.com/vineyardelf.md)

# [Reading device panels - integration with external systems](https://help.vineyardelf.com/reading-device-panels-integration-with-external-systems.md)

## What is Panel Reader?

Panel Reader is a tool that reads values from device displays using photos. You take a picture of a pressure gauge, a digital display or another indicator - the system recognizes the value and saves it.

## When is it useful?

- You have an **analog pressure gauge** and want to track pressure over time
- You want to document **device readings** without transcribing them by hand
- You need a **measurement history** from devices that have no digital interface

## How does it work?

### 1. You upload a photo
Take a picture with your phone or upload an existing one.

### 2. The system analyzes the image
Roboflow AI recognizes indicators and digits and reads out the values.

### 3. The result is saved
The reading is added to the history together with its date and the source photo.

## How to use Panel Reader

### Step 1: Open the tool

1. Open **Weather Station**
2. Select **Panel Reader** from the menu

### Step 2: Upload a photo

1. Click **Choose file** or drag and drop a photo
2. Select the **device type**:
   - Digital display
   - Analog gauge
3. Optionally enter a **device name** (e.g. "Tank A pressure gauge")
4. Click **Analyze**

### Step 3: Check the result

The system shows:
- The detected values
- A highlight on the photo marking where it found them
- The confidence level

If the result is correct, it is saved to the history.

## Configuration (optional)

### Roboflow API key

By default we use a shared key. If you have your own Roboflow project:
1. Go to **Settings > Panel Reader**
2. Enter your **API Key**
3. Provide the **Model ID** (e.g. `digital-meter-detection/2`)

### Gauge calibration

For analog gauges you can set:
- **Scale range** (min/max values)
- **Needle angles** (the min and max positions on the dial)

This improves reading accuracy.

## Reading history

At the bottom of the page you can see all previous readings:
- Date and time
- Device name
- Reading value
- Photo thumbnail

## Tips for good photos

- **Good lighting** - avoid glare and shadows
- **Straight on to the display** - not at an angle
- **Sharp digits/indicator** - no blur
- **Only one device** per photo

## Troubleshooting

**"No value detected"**
- Try better lighting
- Take the photo more straight on
- Make sure the digits/indicator are sharp

**Wrong value?**
- For gauges: check the angle calibration
- Try a different photo

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## What's coming next?

Right now you upload photos manually. **In the future** we plan to add:

- **Automatic cameras** - a camera pointed at a gauge will take photos on its own and send them for analysis
- **Alerts** - the system will automatically notify you when pressure drops below the norm
- **Winery monitoring** - cameras on fermentation tanks reading temperature and level

This will give you continuous monitoring without having to take photos by hand.

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