Snow depth measurement device and snow depth measurement system

Abstract

This invention provides a snow depth measuring device and snow depth measuring system that can accurately measure the depth of fresh snow. [Solution] A snow depth measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a control unit that causes a boundary layer forming device to form a first boundary layer on the surface of snow accumulated on a snow plate at predetermined timings based on the detection result of a detection device that detects the amount of snow or the time of snow accumulation, and a calculation unit that calculates the snow depth based on the detection result of a detection device that detects the height position of the first boundary layer and the height position of the outermost surface of snow further accumulated from the first boundary layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a snow accumulation measurement device and a snow accumulation measurement system for measuring the amount of accumulated snow.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the measurement of the amount of accumulated snow is performed using a snow depth gauge such as an ultrasonic type or an optical type. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an optical snow depth gauge in which a plurality of sets of light emitters and light receivers are provided side by side in the vertical direction inside a detection pole erected on the ground, and snow accumulation is detected based on whether the light emitted from the light emitter is received by the light receiver.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of Patent Document 1, when measuring the depth of newly accumulated snow, since the snow in the lower layer that has passed through time is compressed by the weight of the upper layer of snow and its height decreases, it has been difficult to measure the depth of the newly fallen snow.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a snow accumulation measurement device and a snow accumulation measurement system capable of accurately measuring the depth of newly fallen snow.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A snow accumulation measurement device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control unit and a calculation unit. The control unit forms a first boundary layer on the surface of the snow accumulated on the snow board by a boundary layer forming device at predetermined timings based on the detection results of a detection device that detects the amount of snow accumulation or the snow accumulation time. The calculation unit calculates the snow depth based on the detection results of a detection device that detects the height position of the first boundary layer and the height position of the outermost layer of snow accumulated above the first boundary layer.

[0007] The outermost surface of the snow may include a second boundary layer formed by the boundary layer forming device.

[0008] The control unit may cause the boundary layer forming device to form the second boundary layer again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first boundary layer was formed by the boundary layer forming device.

[0009] The boundary layer described above may be in the form of a powder or granular material.

[0010] The boundary layer described above may be made of an insoluble material.

[0011] The boundary layer described above may contain metallic components or magnetic materials.

[0012] The above detection device is an imaging device, The boundary layer may contain color components that can be distinguished as snow by the imaging device.

[0013] A snow depth measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a snow plate, a detection device, a boundary layer forming device, a detection device, and a snow depth measurement device. The snow-retaining board shown above is where fallen snow accumulates. The detection device described above detects the amount of snow or the duration of snow accumulation on the snow-covered plate. The boundary layer forming device described above forms a boundary layer on the surface of the snow accumulated on the snow plate described above. The above detection device detects the height position of the boundary layer. The snow depth measuring device described above comprises a snow plate installed at a predetermined height and a detection unit for detecting the amount of snow accumulated on the snow plate. The snow accumulation amount measuring device includes a control unit that forms a first boundary layer on the surface of the accumulated snow at predetermined timings based on the detection result of the detection device, and a calculation unit that calculates the snow accumulation height based on the detection result of a detection device that detects the height position of the first boundary layer and the height position of the outermost surface of the snow further accumulated from the first boundary layer.

Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the depth of fresh snow can be accurately measured.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is an overall view showing a snow accumulation amount measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a snow accumulation amount measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the operation of the snow accumulation amount measurement system. (A) is a diagram for measuring the first snow accumulation amount, (B) is a diagram for measuring the second snow accumulation amount, and (C) is a diagram in which the accumulated snow is compressed. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing snow accumulation amount measurement.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings.

[0017] (Snow Accumulation Amount Measurement System) FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a snow accumulation measurement system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the snow accumulation measurement system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the snow accumulation measurement system 100. (A) is a diagram for measuring the first snow accumulation amount Y1, (B) is a diagram for measuring the second snow accumulation amount Y2, and (C) is a diagram showing the compression of the accumulated snow. The snow accumulation measurement system 100 of the present embodiment includes a detection device 10, a boundary layer forming device 20, a detection device 30, and a snow accumulation amount measurement device 40. The snow accumulation measurement system 100 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to measure the amount of snow accumulated on the snow board S.

[0018] As the snow accumulation measurement system 100, for example, it is configured to be able to measure the amount of snow (depth, weight), snow accumulation time, snow quality, etc. accumulated through the snow board S in an area with a large amount of snow accumulation (for example, mountainous areas, etc.). In the present embodiment, the snow board S is installed on the ground G, but of course, it is not limited to this and may be installed outdoors or on the rooftop.

[0019] (Detection device) The detection device 10 detects the snow accumulation amount or the snow accumulation time. The detection device 10 detects (measures) the amount of snow (snow accumulation height, snow accumulation weight) accumulated on the snow board S (in the present embodiment, it is a square metal plate with a size of 1.5 m × 1.5 m, but of course, it is not limited to this and may be non-square with a size of 2 to 10 m or more × 2 to 10 m or more, 3 to 6 m × 4 to 8 m, or circular with a diameter of 1 to 3 m) or the time of snowfall on the snow board S (snow accumulation time).

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the detection device 10 is installed facing the snow plate S in this embodiment. The detection device 10 may be installed on the snow depth measuring device 40, which will be described later, as shown in Figure 1, or it may be installed on a wall or the like (not shown). The detection device 10 is configured to emit measuring radio waves toward the snow plate S and to receive the reflected waves of the above radio waves from the accumulated snow Y. In this embodiment, the detection device 10 consists of a single transceiver installed in the air, and typically includes a single transmitter and a single receiver. Typically, millimeter waves are used as the measuring radio waves, but it is not limited to this, and ultrasonic waves may also be used. In this embodiment, the detection device 10 measures the snow depth, but of course it is not limited to this, and it may also measure the weight of the snow (measured by providing a weight sensor on the snow plate S as the detection device 10 to measure the weight), or it may also measure the time of snow accumulation (measured based on whether or not there is a change in snow depth).

[0021] Furthermore, the detection device 10 is installed approximately 3 to 4 meters above the snow plate S (ground G), but is not limited to this. Also, although the detection device 10 measures using radio waves, it is not limited to this, and the amount of snow (snow height) may be detected using camera images (by using a pole marked with a scale to detect which mark on the scale the snow has reached).

[0022] The detection device 10 is configured to communicate with the snow depth measuring device 40 by wire or wireless connection. The detection device 10 transmits the detection result to the snow depth measuring device 40.

[0023] (boundary layer forming device) The boundary layer forming device 20 forms boundary layers K (first boundary layer K1, second boundary layer K2) on the surface of snow Y. The boundary layer forming device 20 is controlled by the snow depth measuring device 40, which will be described later, to form boundary layers K on the surface of snow Y at predetermined timings.

[0024] Here, the boundary layer K functions as a boundary to distinguish between snow that has accumulated for a predetermined time (a predetermined amount of snow) and snow that accumulates further thereafter. In this embodiment, the boundary layer forming device 20 forms the boundary layer K based on whether a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0025] In this embodiment, the boundary layer K is composed of a powdered or granular material (boundary layer forming material) containing a metal such as iron, but is not limited to this. It may also contain retroreflective materials such as glass beads or prisms, high-reflectivity materials such as aluminum or silver, ferromagnetic materials such as iron, or color components (e.g., red or blue) to distinguish it from snow. The inclusion of these materials makes it detectable by the detection device 30 described later. Furthermore, the boundary layer K is insoluble in snow. This makes detection by the detection device 30 easier.

[0026] The boundary layer forming device 20 is configured to inject the aforementioned boundary layer forming material, which forms the boundary layer K inside, by pressing with, for example, a pressurizing gas (such as nitrogen) or an air pump (compressed air), but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, an on / off valve (lid) equipped with a mesh filter at the bottom of a stirrer-type storage container to prevent overfilling may be opened during boundary formation, and a rotating member inside the container may be operated to improve fluidity during boundary formation, and the boundary layer forming material may be allowed to free fall by vibrating the area near the opening (around the filter). The range of the boundary layer K formed by the boundary layer forming device 20 is not particularly limited, but it is sufficient if it is scattered on the snow accumulated on the snow plate S, for example, an area of ​​1.5m x 1.5m. Furthermore, the boundary layer forming device 20 is not limited to one unit, and multiple units may be used to scatter the boundary layer forming material.

[0027] The boundary layer forming device 20 is installed facing the snow plate S, as shown in Figure 1, but is not limited to this. The boundary layer forming device 20 may be installed on the snow depth measuring device 40, which will be described later, as shown in Figure 1, or it may be installed on a wall or the like, which is not shown. The boundary layer forming device 20 is installed at a position of approximately 3 to 4 m from the snow plate S (ground G), but is not limited to this.

[0028] The boundary layer forming device 20 is configured to communicate with the snow depth measuring device 40 by wire or wireless connection. The boundary layer forming device 20 receives a control signal from the snow depth measuring device 40 to form a boundary layer K. Based on this control signal, the boundary layer forming device 20 sprays a boundary layer forming material.

[0029] (Detection device) The detection device 30 detects the height position of the boundary layer K formed by the boundary layer forming device 20 described above, and the height position of the outermost surface of the snow that has accumulated further from the boundary layer K.

[0030] In this embodiment, the detection device 30 is installed on the snow plate S and detects the height of the snow accumulated on the snow plate S. As shown in Figure 1, the detection device 30 is installed in a pipe P that is perpendicular to the snow plate S and contains a plurality of detection units 301 for detecting the boundary layer K and the outermost surface of the snow.

[0031] Multiple detection units 301 are provided along the height direction of the pipe P (in the direction perpendicular to the snow plate S). The spacing between the detection units 301 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 1 cm apart. The detection units 301 are positioned perpendicular to the pipe P (in the direction parallel to the ground G and the snow plate S). The detection units 301 are positioned to detect the boundary layer K and the outermost surface of the snow as described above.

[0032] The detection unit 301 may, for example, detect the boundary layer K using electromagnetic induction if a metallic component is present in the boundary layer K (electromagnetic induction type metal detector), or detect the boundary layer K using an image sensor if the boundary layer K is colored (detection using camera image).

[0033] Furthermore, each of the multiple detection units 301 contains information about the height at which it is installed. In other words, when a detection unit 301 detects the boundary layer K, it transmits information about the detection and the location information of that detection unit 301 to the snow depth measuring device 40. This makes it possible to distinguish which height position the information belongs to, even if each detection unit 301 transmits height position information to the snow depth measuring device 40, which will be described later.

[0034] The detection device 30 is configured to communicate with the snow depth measuring device 40 by wire or wireless connection. The detection device 30 transmits the detection result to the snow depth measuring device 40.

[0035] (Windbreak board) The windbreak panel B is installed around the snow-retaining panel S to prevent wind from blowing through the snow accumulated on the snow-retaining panel S. In this embodiment, the windbreak panel B is supported by two support columns B1 and has an openable and closable panel section B2.

[0036] In its initial state, plate section B2 is installed so as shown in Figure 1 that it is inclined at a predetermined angle from the height direction of the support column B1 (the direction perpendicular to the snow plate S) toward the side opposite to the snow plate S. Furthermore, when plate section B2 receives wind pressure exceeding a predetermined level from the side opposite to the snow plate S, plate section B2 is maintained so as to be approximately parallel to the height direction of the support column B1. In other words, when plate section B2 is not receiving wind pressure exceeding a predetermined level from the side opposite to the snow plate S, it is installed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle as shown in Figure 1. On the other hand, when plate section B2 receives wind pressure exceeding a predetermined level from the side opposite to the snow plate S, it is installed so as to be parallel to the height direction of the support column B1, thereby suppressing wind from entering the snow plate S side.

[0037] In this embodiment, there were three plates B2, but of course, it is not limited to this, and there may be four or more, or two or fewer. Also, in this embodiment, there was only one windbreak plate B, but of course, it is not limited to this, and multiple windbreak plates B may be provided to surround the snow load plate S.

[0038] (Snow depth measurement device) The snow depth measurement device 40 is typically composed of a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, etc. The snow depth measurement device 40 has an acquisition unit 41, a determination unit 42, a control unit 43, a calculation unit 44, a storage unit 45, and a transmission unit 46. In this embodiment, the snow depth measurement device 40 is provided around the snow plate S, but of course it is not limited to this and may be provided externally.

[0039] The acquisition unit 41 acquires the detection results (snow depth, snow depth) detected by the detection device 10 and stores the information regarding the snow depth and snow depth in the storage unit 45.

[0040] The determination unit 42 includes a first determination unit 421 that determines whether there is snow cover based on the detection results obtained by the acquisition unit 41, a second determination unit 422 that determines whether the amount of snow cover or the duration of snow cover is above a predetermined threshold, and a third determination unit 423 that determines whether there are multiple boundary layers.

[0041] The first determination unit 421 determines that there is snow accumulation when the detection device 10 detects an increase in the weight of the snow or an increase in the height of the snow accumulation.

[0042] In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold for snow depth (snow depth) determined by the second determination unit 422 is 5 cm, but is not limited to this. The predetermined threshold for snow depth (snow depth weight) is 5 kg, but is not limited to this. The predetermined threshold for snow depth time is 10 minutes, but is not limited to this.

[0043] The third determination unit 423 determines whether there are multiple boundary layers based on the boundary layer information stored in the memory unit 45.

[0044] The control unit 43 includes a first control unit 431 that generates a first control signal for injecting boundary layer forming material from the boundary layer forming device 20 at predetermined intervals based on the determination result of the determination unit 42. The control unit 43 also includes a second control unit 432 that generates a second control signal for causing the detection device 30 to detect the height position of the snow.

[0045] The first control unit 431 generates a first control signal to drive the boundary layer forming device 20 (to form the boundary layer K) when the determination result of the determination unit 42 (first determination unit 421 and second determination unit 422) is snowfall (snow accumulation) and a predetermined time has elapsed. In this embodiment, the first control unit 431 generates a first control signal when it is determined that the value of the snow accumulation amount (snow height, weight) has increased.

[0046] The second control unit 432 generates a second control signal to drive the detection device 30. When the first control signal is generated by the first control unit 431, the second control unit 432 generates a second control signal to the detection device 30 to detect the height difference between the boundary layer K and the outermost surface of the snow.

[0047] The calculation unit 44 calculates the snow depth accumulated on the snow plate S over a predetermined period of time. The calculation unit 44 calculates the total snow depth accumulated over the predetermined period of time from the snow depths detected by the detection device 30. In other words, the calculation unit 44 calculates the distance (height) between the boundary layers from the height position information of the two boundary layers detected by the detection unit 301 (the outermost layer of the snow layer and the boundary layer formed just below the outermost layer).

[0048] The storage unit 45 is composed of a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 45 stores programs and calculation parameters for executing the various functions described above in the determination unit 42, control unit 43, and calculation unit 44. The storage unit 45 is not limited to being built into the snow depth measuring device 40, but may be a separate storage device from the snow depth measuring device 40, or it may be a cloud server that can be connected via a network.

[0049] The transmitting unit 46 is configured to transmit a first control signal and a second control signal between the boundary layer forming device 20 and the detection device 30. The communication method is not particularly limited and may be wired or wireless.

[0050] Next, we will explain the mechanism for calculating snow depth using Figures 3(A) to 3(C).

[0051] First, the left diagram in Figure 3(A) shows a state where there is no snow accumulation. From this state where there is no snow accumulation (left), snow begins to accumulate (middle). Subsequently, the first boundary layer K1 is formed on the first snow layer Y1 (right).

[0052] In other words, when the snow depth measuring device 40 detects that snow has accumulated for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) by the detection device 10, it generates a first control signal for the boundary layer forming device 20 to form a first boundary layer K1 on the first snow layer Y1.

[0053] Next, in the left diagram of Figure 3(B), the detection device 10 detects the start of snowfall on the first boundary layer K1. As snow accumulates on the first boundary layer K1, the first snow layer Y1 is compressed by the weight of the snow to become Y1' (center). Subsequently, a second boundary layer K2 is formed on the second snow layer Y2 that has accumulated on the first boundary layer K1, and the height difference between the first boundary layer K1 and the second boundary layer K2 is detected (right).

[0054] In other words, when the snow depth measuring device 40 detects that snow has fallen on the first boundary layer K1 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) since the detection device 10 formed the first boundary layer K1, it generates a first control signal for the boundary layer forming device 20 to form the second boundary layer K2 on the second snow layer Y2. The snow depth measuring device 40 calculates the height of the second snow layer Y2 from the height positions of the first boundary layer K1 and the second boundary layer K2 detected by the detection device 30.

[0055] Next, in the left diagram of Figure 3(C), the height position of the first boundary layer K1 and the second boundary layer K2 at the end of snowfall is detected. Subsequently, after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, until the next snowfall), the height position of the first boundary layer K1 and the second boundary layer K2 when the second boundary layer Y2 is compressed by its own weight and becomes Y2' is detected (right).

[0056] In other words, the snow depth measuring device 40 calculates the change in height between the first boundary layer K1 and the second boundary layer K2 (height of old snow) from the end of snowfall to the next snowfall.

[0057] (Method for measuring snow depth) Next, we will describe the typical operation of the snow depth measurement system 100 configured as described above. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the snow depth measurement process.

[0058] First, the first determination unit 421 determines whether there was snow accumulation based on the detection results from the detection device 10 acquired by the acquisition unit 41 (step 101). The detection device 10 detects the weight or height of the snow accumulation on the snow plate S, and the acquisition unit 41 acquires information regarding the amount (weight or height) of snow accumulated on the snow plate S. Based on the acquired information on the weight or height of the snow, the first determination unit 421 determines whether there was snow accumulation based on whether the weight or height of the snow has increased. If the first determination unit 421 determines that there was snow accumulation (YES in step 101), it proceeds to the next step.

[0059] Next, the second determination unit 422 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the snow cover was placed on the snow plate S (step 102). The detection device 10 detects the elapsed time since detecting the weight or height of the snow cover on the snow plate S. The second determination unit 422 determines whether the elapsed time obtained from the detection device 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined time (10 minutes in this embodiment). If the second determination unit 422 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step 102), it proceeds to the next step.

[0060] Next, the boundary layer forming device 20 forms a boundary layer on the surface of the snow (step 103). The first control unit 431 generates a first control signal that causes the boundary layer forming device 20 to form a boundary layer based on the determination results of the first determination unit 421 and the second determination unit 422. As shown in the right figure of Figure 3(A), the boundary layer forming device 20 forms a first boundary layer K on the first snow layer.

[0061] Next, the height position of the boundary layer is stored (step 104). After the boundary layer is formed by the boundary layer forming device 20, the second control unit 432 generates a second control signal that causes the detection device 30 to detect the height position of the boundary layer. The storage unit 45 stores the information regarding the height position of the boundary layer acquired from the detection device 30 by the acquisition unit 41.

[0062] Next, the third determination unit 423 determines whether there are multiple boundary layers (step 105). The third determination unit 423 determines whether there are multiple boundary layer information stored in the storage unit 45 (for example, this corresponds to the case where there are multiple right diagrams in Figure 3(B)). If the third determination unit 423 determines that there are multiple boundary layers (YES in step 105), it proceeds to the next step.

[0063] Next, the calculation unit 44 calculates the distance between the boundary layers (step 105). The calculation unit 44 calculates the difference between the boundary layer with the highest height and the boundary layer with the second highest height among the multiple boundary layers stored in the storage unit 45. As shown in the right figure of Figure 3(B), the distance between the boundary layers is the difference obtained by subtracting the height position of the first boundary layer K1, which is formed on the first snow layer Y1' compressed by the weight of the snow, from the height position of the second boundary layer K2 formed on the second snow layer Y2.

[0064] Furthermore, if the first determination unit 421 determines that there is no snow cover (NO in step 101), the boundary layer forming device 20 forms a boundary layer on the surface of the snow (step 107). When there is no snow cover (no snowfall), the boundary layer forming device 20 forms a boundary layer on the surface of the snow, creating a reference point for measuring the height when snowfall begins again.

[0065] As described above, according to this embodiment, the depth of fresh snow can be measured with high accuracy.

[0066] In other words, a boundary layer is formed on the surface of the accumulated snow at predetermined intervals, and the distance between these boundary layers is calculated to measure the depth of the snow accumulated at those intervals. As a result, although the height of the snow decreases over time due to its own weight, the formation of boundary layers allows for accurate measurement of the height of fresh snow accumulated during a predetermined period.

[0067] Furthermore, regarding the measurement of snow depth, if a predetermined time (10 minutes in this embodiment) or more had elapsed, a boundary layer was formed and the height of the fresh snow was measured. This prevents errors caused by the snow being compressed by the weight of the accumulated snow, which reduces the amount of snow (snow height). In other words, in this embodiment, a boundary layer is formed before the snow hardens, allowing for accurate measurement of the fresh snow.

[0068] Furthermore, since the boundary layer-forming material is an insoluble substance containing powdered or granular metal components or magnetic material, it does not dissolve in snow. This makes it easier to detect by detection devices 30, such as metal detectors. In other words, if it were to dissolve and penetrate the snow, it would be dispersed in the height direction, and there is a risk that the height position could not be accurately detected. However, in this embodiment, since the boundary layer-forming material is insoluble, the height position can be detected with high accuracy.

[0069] In this embodiment, a windbreak plate B is provided. This helps to suppress changes in snow height due to wind. Furthermore, when there is no wind, the structure allows sunlight to enter, which helps to prevent the area around the snow-retaining plate S from becoming unnaturally cold or snow from remaining there.

[0070] <Variation> In the detection device 30, boundary layer-forming material may adhere to the side surface of the detection device 30 (pipe P), potentially causing the detection unit 301 to malfunction. For this reason, the detection device 30 may further include a removal means for removing the boundary layer-forming material.

[0071] The removal method is not particularly limited, but for example, a vibrator may be provided around the detection unit 301 to remove the boundary layer forming material by the vibration of the vibrator, or an airbrush or the like may be provided around the detection unit 301 to remove the boundary layer forming material by airflow. Alternatively, the detection unit 301 may adjust its sensor sensitivity to exclude boundary layer forming material adhering to the area around the detection unit 301 that is below a certain detection value.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the snow depth detection device 10 uses one sensor on the snow plate S, but of course, it is not limited to this, and two or more sensors may be provided on the snow plate S. This makes it possible to reduce errors caused by unevenness in the snow that occur when detecting at only one location.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the snow depth was detected from the side, but of course, it is not limited to this, and it may also be detected from above (in the direction opposite to the snow plate S in the height direction). In this case, the detection device 30 detects the height position of the boundary layer based on the reflectivity of the boundary layer and snow using radio waves or ultrasound. In this case, the boundary layer forming material may include high-reflectivity materials such as glass beads or prisms. As a result, since the reflectivity of the boundary layer is different from that of the snow, it becomes easy to detect the height position of the boundary layer.

[0074] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the boundary layer was formed by the snow accumulation time, but of course, it is not limited to this, and the boundary layer may be formed by the weight of the snow accumulation.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, if there is no snow cover, the process ends with the formation of a boundary layer, but of course, it is not limited to this, and the distance between that boundary layer and the boundary layer immediately below it may also be calculated.

[0076] Furthermore, although the boundary layers were identical in the embodiments described above, this is by no means limited, and the materials may be changed for each boundary layer. In other words, by changing, for example, the reflectivity, metallic components, and color of the materials contained in the boundary layer for each snow layer, it becomes easier to detect which boundary layer the radio waves (or ultrasonic waves) were reflected from.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the height of the new snow was calculated by first forming a boundary layer on the outermost surface of the snow and then calculating the distance between the boundary layers. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the distance between the outermost surface of the snow and the boundary layer below it may be calculated first, and then the boundary layer may be formed on the outermost surface of the snow. In this case, the detection device 30 is provided with an infrared sensor that detects the presence or absence of snow in addition to the detection unit 301 that detects the boundary layer. That is, by irradiating the snow layer with the infrared sensor, the presence or absence of snow can be detected based on the reflected intensity. This makes it possible to detect the outermost surface of the snow.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a snow-melting section for melting snow accumulated on the snow-retaining plate S is not provided, but of course, this is not the case. For example, a snow-melting section (e.g., a heater) for melting snow may be provided inside the snow-retaining plate S. This prevents the snow accumulation from rising higher than the detection device 30 by melting the snow at a certain time interval.

[0079] Furthermore, the shape of the windbreak plate B is not limited to those described above, and may be made of a colorless, transparent acrylic plate or the like. This also creates a structure that suppresses wind from blowing on the snow accumulated on the snow-retaining plate S while still allowing sunlight to penetrate. Moreover, it is not limited to an acrylic plate, but may be made of a transparent vinyl sheet, a glass-covered structure, transparent plastic, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10…Detection device 20…Boundary layer forming device 30...Detection device 40...Snow depth measurement device 41…Acquisition part 42...Judgment section 43…Control Unit 44…calculation department S…snowboard

Claims

1. A control unit that, based on the detection results of a detection device that detects the amount of snow accumulation or the duration of snow accumulation, causes a boundary layer forming device to form a first boundary layer on the surface of the snow accumulated on the snow plate at predetermined intervals, A calculation unit calculates the snow depth based on the detection results of a detection device that detects the height position of the first boundary layer and the height position of the outermost surface of snow further accumulated on top of the first boundary layer. A snow depth measuring device equipped with the following features.

2. A snow depth measuring device according to claim 1, The outermost surface of the snow includes a second boundary layer formed by the boundary layer forming device. Snow depth measurement device.

3. A snow depth measuring device according to claim 2, The control unit causes the boundary layer forming device to form the second boundary layer again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first boundary layer was formed by the boundary layer forming device. Snow depth measurement device.

4. A snow depth measuring device according to claim 1, The first boundary layer is a powdered or granular substance. Snow depth measurement device.

5. A snow depth measuring device according to claim 1, The first boundary layer is an insoluble material. Snow depth measurement device.

6. A snow depth measuring device according to claim 1, The first boundary layer contains a metallic component or a magnetic material. Snow depth measurement device.

7. A snow depth measuring device according to claim 1, The detection device is an imaging device, The first boundary layer includes color components that can be distinguished as snow by the imaging device. Snow depth measurement device.

8. Snow that has fallen accumulates on a snowboard, A detection device for detecting the amount of snow or the duration of snow accumulation on the snow-covered plate, A boundary layer forming device for forming a boundary layer on the surface of snow accumulated on the aforementioned snow plate, A detection device for detecting the height position of the boundary layer, A snow depth measuring device having: a control unit that causes the boundary layer forming device to form a first boundary layer on the surface of the accumulated snow at predetermined intervals based on the detection results of the detection device; and a calculation unit that calculates the snow depth based on the detection results of the detection device that detects the height position of the first boundary layer and the height position of the outermost surface of the snow further accumulated from the first boundary layer. A snow depth measurement system equipped with the following features.

9. A snow depth measurement system according to claim 8, The snow-retaining plate is further provided with a windbreak plate that is placed around it to prevent wind from blowing onto the snow accumulated on the snow-retaining plate. Snow depth measurement system.

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