Computer-assisted method for operating at least one snow groomer and computer-assisted system for carrying out the method

Abstract

A method for operating at least one snow groomer for one work assignment per unit of time in a topographically mapped ski resort, wherein position and driving data of the at least one snow groomer are recorded time-dependently during a driving operation, is known. According to the invention, the fill level of an energy storage device for the snow groomer's drive system is recorded at the beginning of the work assignment, an average energy consumption of the snow groomer per planned unit of time is stored depending on the respective work assignment, and depending on the fill level of the energy storage device and the stored energy consumption per planned unit of time, a driving route for the snow groomer is specified for a time-dependent work assignment.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a computer-aided method for operating at least one snow groomer for one work assignment per unit of time in a topographically mapped ski resort, wherein position and driving data of the at least one snow groomer are recorded over time during a run of the snow groomer. The invention further relates to a computer-aided system for carrying out this method.

[0002] A computer-aided method for maintaining a ski slope and a computer-aided system for carrying out this method are known from EP 4 166 721 A1. In this method, snow condition data of the ski slope are recorded. From this data, a predictive model for the state of the ski slope at a future point in time is calculated. Based on the predictive model, the computer-aided method generates control instructions for operating at least one snow groomer and / or for operating a snowmaking system for the ski slope and / or for controlling access to the ski slope for winter sports enthusiasts. For carrying out the method, at least one sensor is provided for recording snow condition data from the surface of the ski slope; this sensor is mounted on the snow groomer.

[0003] The object of the invention is to create a computer-aided method and a computer-aided system of the type mentioned above, which enable energy-efficient operation of at least one snow groomer.

[0004] This task is solved for the computer-aided method of the type mentioned above by recording the fill level of an energy storage device for the snow groomer's drive system at the start of the work operation, by storing an average energy consumption of the snow groomer per planned time unit depending on the specific work operation, and by prescribing a route for the snow groomer based on the fill level of the energy storage device and the stored energy consumption per planned time unit for a time-dependent work operation. The energy storage device can be a power storage device, a fuel tank, a hydrogen tank, or a storage device for another energy carrier.The at least one snow groomer can be purely electric or hybrid, consisting of a combination of electric and hydraulic drives, or hydraulically powered by a diesel engine or an internal combustion engine using a different type of fuel. The solution according to the invention is suitable for operating a single snow groomer and is particularly advantageous for operating a fleet of several snow groomers. Work time is preferably defined as the operation of the snow groomer during a shift for the operator. A work time over a corresponding shift can comprise a single task or several different tasks. These tasks include the preparation and maintenance of snow slopes in the ski area, the transport of equipment or personnel through the ski area, the setup and dismantling of restricted areas in the ski area, and similar activities.For the preparation and / or maintenance of snow slopes in the ski area, at least one snow groomer is equipped with a front-mounted snowplow and a rear-mounted snow blower, and, on steep slopes, additionally with a winch. These attachments are detachably mounted on the snow groomer. A work operation of at least one snow groomer therefore includes, in particular, driving the snow groomer, snow removal and clearing using the rear-mounted snow blower and snowplow, and, on steep slopes, additional winch operation. In this operation, a winch cable is attached to an anchor point at the top of the slope to assist the snow groomer's driving and snow removal on this steep slope.

[0005] In this embodiment of the invention, the driving route is visualized in the cab of the snow groomer in such a way that the driver can control the snow groomer along the route. The driver therefore guides the snow groomer along the predetermined driving route.

[0006] In a further embodiment of the invention, the snow groomer is operated in autonomous driving mode, and an autonomous control system for the snow groomer is designed such that the snow groomer is steered along the predetermined route. This embodiment enables driverless operation of the snow groomer.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, the driving route is determined depending on the position of an energy refueling station and / or the position of a winch anchor point and / or topographical data of the ski area and / or the position of an accommodation facility for winter sports enthusiasts and / or snow groomer-independent tasks. Snow groomer-independent tasks are tasks that a snow groomer operator must perform outside the snow groomer. This means that the operator must leave the snow groomer to do so. These tasks include, in particular, the setup or dismantling of barriers within the ski area. The positions of an energy refueling station, in particular a gas station or an electric charging station, as well as an accommodation facility, in particular a guesthouse or an overnight accommodation building, are topographically stationary within the ski area.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, several snow groomers are provided, each with a work assignment assigned to it per unit of time. A route adapted to the work assignment is specified for each snow groomer, with the routes being determined in such a way that all routes are distinct from one another to prevent duplicate passes. This embodiment enables the operation of a fleet of several snow groomers. Because the routes for these snow groomers are distinct from one another, it is ensured that work assignments and tasks are not duplicated and executed.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, several work tasks are integrated into a single work assignment per time unit, which are completed along the selected route within the planned time unit. The time unit represents a shift operation for the respective snow groomer or for the respective snow groomer operator. In addition to maintaining or shaping a snow slope within the ski area, the snow groomer can also transport work materials or personnel, resulting in various work tasks within a single work assignment. Besides the aforementioned tasks, trail closures can also be advantageously lifted or created.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, snow and weather condition data are used to calculate the driving route. The snow condition data preferably includes snow depth, snow temperature, snow moisture content, and similar parameters. Weather condition data is transmitted and evaluated by a stationary meteorological station. Weather forecast data also falls under the category of weather condition data.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the frequency of use of the ski area by winter sports enthusiasts is taken into account for the calculation of the route. This means that, in particular, a ski slope heavily used by winter sports enthusiasts may require more extensive maintenance than a slope that is rarely or never used.

[0012] Advantageously, process parameters of at least one attachment, in particular a rear-mounted rotary tiller, a snowplow blade, or a winch, are also recorded in order to control the attachments based on snow condition data, weather data, and / or the frequency of use of the snow slopes along the predetermined route. These parameters include, in particular, the tilling depth of the rear-mounted rotary tiller, the rotational speed of at least one tiller shaft, the contact pressure of a finisher on the rear-mounted rotary tiller, the positioning of the snowplow blade in the vertical and lateral directions, the tensile load on the winch cable, and similar data. These process parameters inevitably result in varying energy consumption, which is empirically determined and stored for the different process tasks.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, a predictive model for the energy consumption of each snow groomer per planned unit of time, depending on the corresponding work task, is calculated from empirical data that are recorded over time during the operation of a snow groomer. This allows for a particularly precise calculation and control of a route for the snow groomer by comparing it with the energy level of the respective snow groomer at the beginning of the work operation.

[0014] For the computer-aided system for carrying out the method of the type mentioned at the outset, the problem underlying the invention is solved by the features of claim 10. The electronic central system for data processing is advantageously located in a fixed position in the ski resort. An electromagnetic wave network, preferably a radio network, can be provided as the wireless data transmission system. The navigation system in each snow groomer visualizes the route specified by the central system for the respective snow groomer.

[0015] In the configuration of the computer-based system, the central system is coupled with a meteorological station to collect weather data and preferably to calculate a forecast model that takes the weather data into account. The weather data itself can also include a weather forecast, which can be incorporated into the forecast model to enable route planning for at least one snow groomer.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the central system is coupled with a system for recording the frequency of use of the ski area by winter sports enthusiasts, wherein the recording data of the system is preferably used to calculate the predictive model. The ski area frequency can be recorded by access data at ski lifts, by the occupancy rates of restaurants or hotels in the ski area, or similar methods.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, each snow groomer is equipped with a monitor for visualizing the predetermined driving route. The monitor can be part of the navigation system assigned to each snow groomer.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mobile data processing system of each snow groomer records process parameters of an attachment, in particular a rear-mounted rotary tiller, a snowplow blade, or a winch, and these process parameters are preferably used to calculate a predictive model for the energy consumption and time required for each task of the attachment. The calculation of the predictive model can also utilize other data such as weather data or snow condition data, since a rear-mounted rotary tiller, a snowplow blade, or a winch must be operated differently in snowstorms, wet snow, icy snow conditions, or under other environmental parameters, each with varying energy consumption.

[0019] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated by the single drawing.

[0020] The single drawing schematically shows an embodiment of a computer-aided system according to the invention for carrying out a computer-aided method for operating several snow groomers in a ski resort.

[0021] A fleet of several snow groomers 2 is operated in a ski resort using a central electronic system 1 for data processing. The central system 1 is shown schematically and is referred to as the "server". Each snow groomer 2 is equipped with a mobile electronic data processing system, which is referred to as the "ECU" in the drawing. The mobile electronic data processing systems of the snow groomers 2 are in constant communication with the central system 1 via wireless data transmission, symbolized by the electromagnetic waves in the drawing. Each snow groomer 2 has a monitor 4 in its cab, on which the driving routes specified by the central system for each snow groomer 2 are visualized for the driver of the respective snow groomer 2.

[0022] Reference number 6 designates a specification document outlining the tasks to be performed for the ski resort. These tasks are evaluated by central system 1 and transmitted to the snow groomers 2 for execution of the corresponding work assignments along predefined routes. A meteorological station 3, which transmits weather data, including forecasts, to central system 1, is permanently assigned to the ski resort. Additionally, ski resort data is transmitted to central system 1, recording the number of people using the ski area. This entire visitor data system is designated by reference number 7.The collected ski resort data includes visitor flows by recording the occupancy of ski lifts or the sale of ski passes, camera recording of snow slopes to document the frequency of use of these slopes, as well as the collection of data on the occupancy of restaurants or hotels in the ski resort.

[0023] The mobile electronic data processing systems of the two snow groomers record the fill levels of the energy storage units in each groomer, as well as driving and position data for each groomer. A Global Positioning System (GPS) is assigned to the central system for this purpose. The central system also stores complete topographical data of the ski area, including the respective snow depths of all slopes within the ski area. The mobile electronic data processing systems of the two snow groomers also transmit process parameters from the track drives, attachments such as rear-mounted tillers and snowplows, as well as from winches (not shown) that may be mounted on the snow groomers.

[0024] The central system 1 generates routes for the various snow groomers 2 based on the work tasks specified in the requirements document 6 for shift operation, i.e., per unit of time. These routes guide the completion of the corresponding work tasks. The routes are calculated based on the fill level of each snow groomer 2's respective energy storage system, specifically its fuel tank or battery level. The respective route is visualized for the snow groomer 2 operator on monitor 4. The routes are unique for each snow groomer 2 to prevent multiple trips on the same route. Furthermore, the routes are calculated based on energy consumption pre-calculated for each task, using empirical data from previous snow groomer 2 operations.The remaining data, such as weather data, weather forecast data, process parameters of the attachments and ski area data 7, are additionally processed to calculate the individual driving routes for the snow groomers 2.

[0025] If the snow groomers 2 are operated autonomously, the driving routes are forwarded to a corresponding autonomous driving system 5 of the snow groomers 2, which is symbolized in the drawing for the lower snow groomer.

Claims

1. Computer-aided method for operating at least one snow groomer (2) for one work operation per unit of time in a ski resort that is topographically mapped, wherein position and driving data of the at least one snow groomer (2) are recorded time-dependently during a driving operation of the snow groomer (2), characterized by the fact that a fill level of an energy storage device for a drive system of the snow groomer (2) is recorded at the beginning of the work operation, an average energy consumption of the snow groomer (2) per planned time unit is stored depending on the respective work operation, and a driving route for the snow groomer (2) is specified depending on the fill level of the energy storage device and depending on the stored energy consumption per planned time unit for a time-dependent work operation.

2. Computer-aided method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe driving route is visualized in a driver's cab of the snow groomer (2) in such a way that a driver of the snow groomer can control the snow groomer along the driving route.

3. Computer-aided method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the snow groomer (2) is operated in autonomous driving mode, and that an autonomous control of the snow groomer (2) is designed such that the snow groomer (2) is controlled along the specified driving route.

4. Computer-aided method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The route is determined depending on the position of an energy filling station and / or the position of a winch anchor point and / or the topographic data of the ski area and / or the position of an accommodation station for winter sports enthusiasts and / or work tasks independent of snow groomers.

5. Computer-aided method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that several snow groomers (2) are provided, for each of which a work assignment per unit of time is specified, and for each snow groomer (2) a driving route adapted to the work assignment is specified, whereby the driving routes are determined in such a way that all driving routes differ from each other in order to avoid multiple trips.

6. Computer-aided method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that In one work assignment per time unit, several work tasks are integrated, which are completed along the selected route within the planned time unit.

7. Computer-aided method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that Snow and weather condition data are used to calculate the route.

8. Computer-aided method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatTo calculate the route, the frequency of use of the ski area by people engaging in winter sports is recorded.

9. Computer-aided method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that A predictive model for the energy consumption of each snow groomer (2) per planned time unit and depending on a corresponding work task is calculated from empirical data that are recorded time-dependently in a working operation of a snow groomer (2).

10. Computer-aided system for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a mobile electronic data processing system in each snow groomer (2), a central electronic system (1) for data processing which is provided as a stationary unit in the ski resort, and a wireless data transmission system to couple each mobile data processing system with the central system (1), wherein a navigation system and a position and driving data acquisition system are provided for each snow groomer (2), which calculate a driving route for the snow groomer (2) depending on the fill level of the energy storage and depending on the energy consumption per unit of time for a work task or a work assignment consisting of several work tasks.

11. Computer-aided system according to claim 10, characterized by the fact thatthe central system (1) is coupled with a meteorological station (3) to collect weather data and preferably to calculate a forecast model that takes the weather data into account.

12. Computer-aided system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by the fact that the central system (1) is coupled with a system (7) for recording the frequency of use of the ski area by persons engaging in winter sports, wherein the recording data of the system (7) are preferably used for calculating the prediction model.

13. Computer-aided system according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the fact that Each snow groomer (2) is equipped with a monitor (4) for visualizing the specified driving route.

14. Computer-aided system according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by the fact that(2) the mobile data processing system of each snow groomer records process parameters of an attachment, in particular a rear milling attachment, a snowplow or a winch, and that the process parameters are preferably used to calculate a predictive model for energy consumption and time requirement per work task of the attachment.

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