Weather estimation device, weather estimation system, weather estimation method, and program

Abstract

The present invention achieves local weather estimation. An observation unit (11) observes a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of an optical fiber on the basis of the difference between the center frequency of an optical signal that has entered the optical fiber and the center frequency of Brillouin scattered light due to the vibration of the optical fiber. An estimation unit (12) estimates or predicts occurrence of snow drifting on the basis of the Brillouin frequency shift due to the vibration of the optical fiber and the amount of snow at the location in the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift has been observed. An output unit (13) outputs information based on the results of estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of snow drifting.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a weather estimation device, a weather estimation system, a weather estimation method, and a recording medium, and more particularly to a weather estimation device, a weather estimation system, a weather estimation method, and a recording medium that utilize optical fiber sensing to perform local weather estimation. [Background technology]

[0002] Research and development of optical fiber sensing technology using optical fiber as a medium is ongoing. For example, it is expected that optical fiber sensing technology will be used to detect cracks in concrete and monitor the occurrence of fires in infrastructure facilities and buildings.

[0003] Brillouin scattering is observed at positions shifted to the low-frequency (Stokes) side and high-frequency (anti-Stokes) side with respect to the center frequency of the optical pulse incident on the optical fiber. The deviation of the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light from the center frequency of the optical pulse is called the Brillouin frequency shift. The Brillouin frequency shift has the property of changing linearly depending on the strain and temperature of the optical fiber. From the observed Brillouin frequency shift, it is possible to estimate changes in strain and temperature of infrastructure equipment, buildings, etc. (Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-104700 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-60666 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2019 / 189192 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] With the spread of Internet communications, optical fiber cables are now used nationwide as a communications infrastructure, and the effective use of optical fiber cables for local observation and estimation using optical fiber sensing technology is being considered.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize local weather estimation using optical fiber sensing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A weather estimation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an observation means for observing a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of an optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of an optical signal input to the optical fiber and the center frequency of Brillouin scattered light due to vibration of the optical fiber, an estimation means for estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground blizzard based on the amount of snow accumulation at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed, and an output means for outputting information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground blizzard.

[0008] A weather estimation method according to one aspect of the present invention observes a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of an optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of an optical signal input to the optical fiber and the center frequency of Brillouin scattered light due to vibration of the optical fiber, estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground blizzard based on the amount of snow accumulation at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed, and outputs information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground blizzard.

[0009] A recording medium according to one embodiment of the present invention stores a program for causing a computer to observe a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of an optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of an optical signal input to the optical fiber and the center frequency of Brillouin scattered light due to vibration of the optical fiber, estimate or predict the occurrence of a ground blizzard based on the amount of snow accumulation at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed, and output information based on the results of the estimate or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground blizzard.

[0010] A weather estimation system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a weather estimation device including: an observation means for observing the Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of the optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of an optical signal input to the optical fiber and the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to vibration of the optical fiber; an estimation means for estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground blizzard based on the amount of snow accumulated at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed; and an output means for outputting information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground blizzard; an optical receiver for receiving the Brillouin scattered light generated by vibration of the optical fiber; and an observation value database storing data on the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground blizzard was occurring and data on the amount of snow accumulated at that time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, local weather estimation can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a weather estimation system including a weather estimation device according to any one of first to third embodiments. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a weather estimation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the weather estimation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a weather estimation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a weather estimation device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the weather estimation device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a weather estimation device according to any one of the first to third embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Some embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Weather Estimation System 1) First, an example of the configuration of a weather estimation system 1 including any one of the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 according to the first to third embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, "weather estimation device 10 (20, 30)" refers to any one of the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 according to the first to third embodiments.

[0015] 1, the weather estimation system 1 includes an optical receiver 100, an estimator 200, an observation value database 300, and a user terminal 400. The weather estimation system 1 may include a plurality of user terminals 400.

[0016] The optical receiver 100 is connected to an optical line terminal of an optical fiber cable (not shown). The optical line terminal converts an optical signal (e.g., optical pulses) received from the optical fiber cable into a digital signal and transmits the digital signal to the optical receiver 100. The optical receiver 100 receives the digital signal converted from the optical signal from the optical line terminal. Hereinafter, the digital signal converted from the optical signal will be simply referred to as the "optical signal."

[0017] The estimator 200 has previously learned the relationship between the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurred and the amount of snow accumulation at that time. For example, the estimator 200 uses the presence or absence of a ground snowstorm as a dependent variable and the amount of Brillouin frequency shift and the amount of snow accumulation as explanatory variables to learn parameters (coefficients) indicating the relationship between the dependent variable and the explanatory variables using a statistical method such as regression analysis (least squares method). Alternatively, the estimator 200 may have previously learned the relationship between the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurred and the strength of wind (e.g., wind speed) at that time. Alternatively, the estimator 200 may have previously learned the relationship between the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurred and the strength of snow accumulation and wind strength at that time (a modified example of the first embodiment).

[0018] Data on the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurred and data on the amount of snowfall at that time are linked to each other and stored together in the observation value database 300. Furthermore, the observation value database 300 may also store meteorological information other than the amount of snowfall.

[0019] The data on the Brillouin frequency shift amount and the data on the amount of snowfall stored in the observation value database 300 are used by the weather estimation device 10 (20, 30) to train the above-mentioned estimator 200. In one variation, in addition to the data on the amount of Brillouin frequency shift amount and the data on the amount of snowfall, data on the strength of the wind (e.g., wind speed) when a ground blizzard occurred is also stored in the observation value database 300.

[0020] The user terminal 400 is an information terminal connectable to a network. The user terminal 400 is, for example, a car navigation system, a smartphone, a smartwatch, or smart glasses. When it is estimated that a ground blizzard is occurring in an area designated by the user, an alert is delivered to the user terminal 400 (embodiment 2). The alert may be delivered to the user terminal 400 through a social network service (SNS) system.

[0021] The weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 will be described in the first to third embodiments below.

[0022] [Embodiment 1] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0023] (Weather Estimation Device 10) The configuration of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the weather estimation device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the weather estimation device 10 includes an observation unit 11, an estimation unit 12, and an output unit 13.

[0024] The observation unit 11 observes the Brillouin frequency shift caused by the vibration of the optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light caused by the vibration of the optical fiber. The observation unit 11 is an example of an observation means.

[0025] In one example, the observation unit 11 acquires Brillouin scattered light caused by vibrations of an optical fiber from the optical receiver 100 (FIG. 1) via a network such as the Internet. The vibrations of an optical fiber are caused by the optical fiber cable swinging due to wind pressure (and its own weight).

[0026] However, the observation unit 11 does not receive the Brillouin scattered light itself, but rather a digital signal converted from the Brillouin scattered light by the optical receiver 100. Hereinafter, the digital signal converted from the Brillouin scattered light will also be referred to as Brillouin scattered light.

[0027] The observation unit 11 identifies the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light by frequency analysis of the Brillouin scattered light. The observation unit 11 also acquires information indicating the center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber. For example, if the center frequency of the optical signal is known, the observation unit 11 may acquire information indicating the center frequency of the optical signal in advance.

[0028] Alternatively, the observation unit 11 may receive an optical signal (digital signal) from the optical receiver 100 and identify the center frequency of the optical signal by frequency analysis.

[0029] Next, the observation unit 11 calculates the difference between the center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to vibration of the optical fiber, that is, the amount of Brillouin frequency shift.

[0030] The observation unit 11 outputs data on the calculated Brillouin frequency shift amount to the estimation unit 12.

[0031] The estimation unit 12 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snowfall at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed. The estimation unit 12 is an example of an estimation means. Estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground snowstorm means estimating that a ground snowstorm is currently occurring or predicting that a ground snowstorm may occur in the future. Here, the "position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed" corresponds to the position of a source where Brillouin scattered light is generated when the optical fiber cable through which the optical fiber passes is subjected to wind pressure, causing the optical fiber to vibrate.

[0032] In one example, the estimation unit 12 receives data on the amount of Brillouin frequency shift from the observation unit 11.

[0033] Furthermore, the estimation unit 12 identifies the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed, based on the time from when the optical signal is input to the optical fiber until the Brillouin frequency shift is observed. The estimation unit 12 identifies a point on a map (not shown) showing the distribution of optical fibers, which corresponds to the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed.

[0034] Next, the estimation unit 12 acquires data on the amount of snowfall. For example, the estimation unit 12 acquires meteorological data (including data on the amount of snowfall) related to the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed from a weather information service or the like.

[0035] Thereafter, the estimation unit 12 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed, based on the data on the amount of Brillouin frequency shift and the acquired data on the amount of snow accumulation. For example, the estimation unit 12 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm using an estimator that has learned the relationship between the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm was occurring and the amount of snow accumulation at that time. In one variation, the estimation unit 12 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed, based on the data on the amount of Brillouin frequency shift and data on the amount of snow accumulation and / or wind strength (e.g., wind speed).

[0036] The estimation unit 12 outputs the result of estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm. The result of estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm includes information indicating whether or not a ground snowstorm has occurred, as well as information indicating the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed (for example, an address or longitude and latitude).

[0037] Here, the cause of Brillouin scattering in an optical fiber is not limited to vibration of the optical fiber. For example, Brillouin scattering can also be caused by bending of the optical fiber or a local drop in temperature. Therefore, before estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground blizzard, the estimation unit 12 may perform a process to confirm that the cause of Brillouin scattering is vibration of the optical fiber.

[0038] For example, the estimation unit 12 distinguishes between a Brillouin frequency shift due to a change in temperature and a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of an optical fiber, based on the response coefficient of the Brillouin frequency shift observed by the observation unit 11. This is because the Brillouin frequency shift due to a change in temperature and the Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of an optical fiber differ in the magnitude of deviation (shift amount) from the center frequency of the optical signal.

[0039] Furthermore, the estimation unit 12 distinguishes between Brillouin frequency shifts due to optical fiber flexure and Brillouin frequency shifts due to optical fiber vibration based on the magnitude of the time change of the observed Brillouin frequency shift, because the Brillouin frequency shift due to optical fiber flexure has a relatively small time change, while the Brillouin frequency shift due to optical fiber vibration has a relatively large time change.

[0040] In this way, the estimation unit 12 can confirm that the cause of the Brillouin scattering is the vibration of the optical fiber. Only if the cause of the Brillouin scattering is the vibration of the optical fiber, the estimation unit 12 outputs the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm.

[0041] Furthermore, the estimation unit 12 may store data on the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurred and data on the amount of snowfall and / or wind strength at that time in the observation value database 300 (FIG. 1). The data stored in the observation value database 300 may be used for re-training the estimator 200.

[0042] The output unit 13 outputs information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm. The output unit 13 is an example of an output means.

[0043] In one example, the output unit 13 receives the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm from the estimation unit 12. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm.

[0044] The information based on the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm is, for example, information indicating whether or not a ground snowstorm will occur. For example, the output unit 13 displays the information indicating whether or not a ground snowstorm will occur on a monitor (not shown).

[0045] Furthermore, the output unit 13 may output information indicating whether or not a ground blizzard is occurring to an external device (for example, a Home Energy Management System (HEMS)) via the Internet, etc. Alternatively, the output unit 13 may provide information indicating whether or not a ground blizzard is occurring to a weather forecast service, an electric power company, etc.

[0046] It should be noted that the information based on the results of estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground blizzard is not limited to the examples described here.

[0047] (Operation of the weather estimation device 10) The operation of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by each unit of the weather estimation device 10.

[0048] 3, the observation unit 11 observes the Brillouin frequency shift due to the vibration of the optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to the vibration of the optical fiber (S1). In step S1, the observation unit 11 may confirm that the observed Brillouin frequency shift is caused by the vibration of the optical fiber. The observation unit 11 outputs data on the observed amount of Brillouin frequency shift to the estimation unit 12.

[0049] The estimation unit 12 receives data on the observed Brillouin frequency shift amount from the observation unit 11. The estimation unit 12 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snowfall at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed (S2). The estimation unit 12 outputs the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm to the output unit 13.

[0050] The output unit 13 receives the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm from the estimation unit 12. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm (S3). For example, the output unit 13 displays information indicating whether or not a ground snowstorm is occurring on a monitor (not shown). Note that in step S3, the output unit 13 may also output information explaining the reason why it is estimated that a ground snowstorm is occurring (for example, whether the amount of snow is small / large, or whether the wind is weak / strong).

[0051] This completes the operation of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0052] (Variation) In the first embodiment, the estimation unit 12 of the weather estimation device 10 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snowfall (and / or wind speed) at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed. However, the estimation unit 12 can also estimate secondary natural phenomena or abnormal weather other than a ground snowstorm caused by wind.

[0053] In one variation, the estimation unit 12 estimates whether a natural phenomenon or abnormal weather other than a blizzard is occurring based on the Brillouin frequency shift caused by the vibration of the optical fiber. For example, the estimation unit 12 estimates whether a sandstorm or pollen is occurring based on the Brillouin frequency shift caused by the vibration of the optical fiber.

[0054] In another variation, the estimation unit 12 changes the abnormal weather to be estimated depending on the natural environment of the area. For example, in an area with cedar plantations, the estimation unit 12 estimates whether pollen is occurring based on the Brillouin frequency shift caused by the vibration of the optical fiber. On the other hand, in an area with sandy soil, the estimation unit 12 estimates whether a sandstorm is occurring based on the Brillouin frequency shift caused by the vibration of the optical fiber.

[0055] According to the configuration of this modified example, it is possible to estimate various secondary natural phenomena or abnormal weather caused by wind.

[0056] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the observation unit 11 observes the Brillouin frequency shift due to the vibration of the optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to the vibration of the optical fiber. The estimation unit 12 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground blizzard based on the amount of snowfall at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground blizzard.

[0057] The position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed corresponds to the position of the source where the Brillouin scattered light is generated due to the vibration of the optical fiber. The vibration of the optical fiber is mainly caused by the wind pressure on the optical fiber cable. Therefore, from the observation results of the Brillouin frequency shift, it is possible to estimate abnormal weather such as strong winds and ground blizzards or sandstorms caused by strong winds, as well as the location of the abnormal weather. In this way, local weather prediction can be realized.

[0058] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the second embodiment, some specific examples of information based on the results of estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm will be described.

[0059] (Weather Estimation Device 20) The configuration of the weather estimation device 20 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the weather estimation device 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the weather estimation device 20 includes an observation unit 11, an estimation unit 12, and an output unit 13'. The output unit 13' of the weather estimation device 20 is partially different from the output unit 13 of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment in the content of the processing it performs. The processing performed by the output unit 13' will be described below.

[0060] The output unit 13′ outputs information based on the results of estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm, similar to the output unit 13. In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the output unit 13 outputs information indicating whether or not a ground snowstorm has occurred has been exemplified.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the output unit 13' outputs information indicating the location of the ground snowstorm based on the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed. For example, the output unit 13' identifies a point on a map (not shown) showing the distribution of optical fibers that corresponds to the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed.

[0062] Then, the output unit 13' outputs information indicating the location of the ground blizzard occurrence (for example, an address or longitude and latitude). For example, the output unit 13' displays the information indicating the location of the ground blizzard occurrence on a monitor (not shown). Furthermore, the output unit 13' may output the information indicating the location of the ground blizzard occurrence to an external device via the Internet or the like.

[0063] Furthermore, if it is estimated that a ground blizzard is occurring, the output unit 13′ delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal 400 (FIG. 1). For example, in the weather estimation service provided by the weather estimation device 20, the output unit 13′ receives a setting from the user specifying an area for which the user wishes to receive an alert.

[0064] If the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed is included in the area specified by the user, the output unit 13′ delivers an alert to the user terminal 400. The output unit 13′ may also notify the user terminal 400 that a ground blizzard may be occurring in the area specified by the user.

[0065] (Operation of the weather estimation device 20) The operation of the weather estimation device 20 according to the second embodiment is the same as the operation (FIG. 3) of the weather estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the description of the first embodiment will be cited, and the description of the operation of the weather estimation device 20 will be omitted.

[0066] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the observation unit 11 observes the Brillouin frequency shift due to the vibration of the optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to the vibration of the optical fiber. The estimation unit 12 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snowfall at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed. The output unit 13' outputs information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm.

[0067] The output unit 13' outputs information indicating the location of the drifting snow based on the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed. The output unit 13' also outputs information indicating the location of the drifting snow (for example, an address or longitude and latitude).

[0068] The position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed corresponds to the position of the source where the Brillouin scattered light is generated due to the vibration of the optical fiber. The vibration of the optical fiber is mainly caused by the wind pressure on the optical fiber cable. Therefore, from the observation results of the Brillouin frequency shift, it is possible to estimate abnormal weather such as strong winds and ground blizzards or sandstorms caused by strong winds, as well as the location of the abnormal weather. In this way, local weather prediction can be realized.

[0069] [Embodiment 3] A third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first or second embodiment are used for components that execute the same processes as those in the first or second embodiment, and descriptions of those components will be omitted.

[0070] In the third embodiment, a configuration will be described in which the wind strength is measured and information indicating the measured wind strength is further output.

[0071] (Weather Estimation Device 30) The configuration of a weather estimation device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the weather estimation device 30. As shown in Fig. 5, the weather estimation device 30 includes an observation unit 11, an estimation unit 12, and an output unit 13. The weather estimation device 30 further includes a measurement unit 34.

[0072] In the third embodiment, the measurement unit 34 measures the wind strength based on the observed Brillouin frequency shift. The measurement unit 34 is an example of a measurement means.

[0073] In one example, the measurement unit 34 uses a second estimator (not shown) that has learned, through machine learning, the relationship between the time series of Brillouin frequency shift amounts observed during a certain period and the wind strength (e.g., wind speed) during that period. Alternatively, the measurement unit 34 may use, instead of the second estimator, an estimator 200 that has learned, through machine learning, the relationship between the Brillouin frequency shift amounts observed during a ground blizzard and the wind strength (e.g., wind speed) at that time (a variation of the first embodiment). As described above, the Brillouin frequency shift due to optical fiber vibration is mainly caused by wind pressure on the optical fiber cable. Therefore, the second estimator can learn the relationship between the Brillouin frequency shift amounts and wind strength through machine learning, such as an RNN (Recurrent Neural Network).

[0074] The measurement unit 34 inputs data on the observed Brillouin frequency shift amount to the second estimator, and acquires information indicating wind strength (for example, wind speed data) output from the second estimator.

[0075] The measurement unit 34 outputs the acquired information indicating the wind strength to the output unit 13.

[0076] The output unit 13 receives information indicating wind strength from the measurement unit 34. The output unit 13 further outputs the information indicating the measured wind strength. For example, the output unit 13 displays the information indicating the measured wind strength on a monitor (not shown). Furthermore, the output unit 13 may output the information indicating the measured wind strength to an external device via the Internet or the like.

[0077] (Operation of the weather estimation device 30) The operation of the weather estimation device 30 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by each unit of the weather estimation device 30.

[0078] 6, the observation unit 11 observes the Brillouin frequency shift due to the vibration of the optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to the vibration of the optical fiber (S301). In step S1, the observation unit 11 may confirm that the observed Brillouin frequency shift is caused by the vibration of the optical fiber. The observation unit 11 outputs data on the observed amount of Brillouin frequency shift to the estimation unit 12 and the measurement unit 34.

[0079] The estimation unit 12 receives data on the observed Brillouin frequency shift amount from the observation unit 11. The estimation unit 12 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snowfall at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift was observed (S302). The estimation unit 12 outputs the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm to the output unit 13.

[0080] The output unit 13 receives the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm from the estimation unit 12. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the result of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground snowstorm (S303). For example, the output unit 13 displays information indicating whether or not a ground snowstorm is occurring on a monitor (not shown). Note that in step S3, the output unit 13 may also output information explaining the reason why it is estimated that a ground snowstorm is occurring (for example, whether the amount of snow is small / large, or whether the wind is weak / strong).

[0081] The measurement unit 34 measures the wind strength based on the observed Brillouin frequency shift (S304). The measurement unit 34 outputs information indicating the measured wind strength to the output unit 13.

[0082] The output unit 13 further outputs information indicating the measured wind strength (S305).

[0083] This completes the operation of the weather estimation device 30 according to the third embodiment.

[0084] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the observation unit 11 observes the Brillouin frequency shift due to the vibration of the optical fiber based on the difference between the center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and the center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to the vibration of the optical fiber. The estimation unit 12 estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground blizzard based on the amount of snowfall at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed. The output unit 13 outputs information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of a ground blizzard.

[0085] The position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed corresponds to the position of the source where the Brillouin scattered light is generated due to the vibration of the optical fiber. The vibration of the optical fiber is mainly caused by the wind pressure on the optical fiber cable. Therefore, from the observation results of the Brillouin frequency shift, it is possible to estimate abnormal weather such as strong winds and ground blizzards or sandstorms caused by strong winds, as well as the location of the abnormal weather. In this way, local weather prediction can be realized.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the measurement unit 34 measures wind strength based on the observed Brillouin frequency shift. The output unit 13 further outputs information indicating the measured wind strength. In this way, local weather estimation can be realized.

[0087] (Other embodiments) As described in the first embodiment, the estimation unit 12 may estimate or predict the occurrence of a ground blizzard using an estimator 200 that has learned the relationship between the amount of Brillouin frequency shift when a ground blizzard occurs and the amount of snow accumulation at that time.

[0088] The weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 described in the first to third embodiments may further include a learning means (not shown) that causes the estimator 200 (FIG. 1) to perform machine learning.

[0089] The learning means uses data stored in the observation value database 300 (FIG. 1) to make the estimator 200 learn the relationship between the amount of Brillouin frequency shift when a ground snowstorm occurs and the amount of snow accumulation at that time. The estimation unit 12 can use the trained estimator 200 to estimate or predict the occurrence of a ground snowstorm.

[0090] (About hardware configuration) Each of the components of the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 described in the first to third embodiments represents a functional block. Some or all of these components are realized by an information processing device 900 as shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 8, the information processing device 900 includes, for example, the following configuration.

[0092] ·CPU(Central Processing Unit)901 ROM (Read Only Memory) 902 ·RAM(Random Access Memory)903 Program 904 loaded into RAM 903 A storage device 905 for storing a program 904 A drive device 907 for reading and writing data from and to the recording medium 906 A communication interface 908 for connecting to a communication network 909 Input / output interface 910 for inputting and outputting data Bus 911 connecting each component Each of the components of the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 described in the first to third embodiments is realized by the CPU 901 reading and executing a program 904 that realizes the functions of the components. The program 904 that realizes the functions of the components is stored, for example, in advance in the storage device 905 or the ROM 902, and is loaded into the RAM 903 and executed by the CPU 901 as needed. The program 904 may be supplied to the CPU 901 via the communication network 909, or may be stored in advance in the recording medium 906, and the drive device 907 may read out the program and supply it to the CPU 901.

[0093] According to the above configuration, the weather estimation devices 10, 20, and 30 described in the first to third embodiments are realized as hardware, and therefore, the same effects as those described in any of the first to third embodiments can be achieved.

[0094] [Note] One aspect of the present invention can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0095] (Appendix 1) an observation means for observing a Brillouin frequency shift caused by vibration of the optical fiber based on a difference between a center frequency of an optical signal input to the optical fiber and a center frequency of Brillouin scattered light caused by vibration of the optical fiber; an estimation means for estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snow accumulated at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed; an output means for outputting information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of drifting snow; A weather estimation device equipped with the

[0096] (Appendix 2) The estimation means obtains the snowfall data from meteorological data related to the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0097] (Appendix 3) The estimation means distinguishes between a Brillouin frequency shift due to a change in temperature and a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of the optical fiber based on a response coefficient of the observed Brillouin frequency shift. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0098] (Appendix 4) The estimation means distinguishes between a Brillouin frequency shift due to bending of the optical fiber and a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of the optical fiber based on the magnitude of the time change of the observed Brillouin frequency shift. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0099] (Appendix 5) The estimation means estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm using an estimator that has learned the relationship between the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurs and the amount of snow accumulated at that time. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0100] (Appendix 6) The estimation means identifies the position in the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed, based on the time from when the optical signal is input to the optical fiber until when the Brillouin frequency shift is observed. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0101] (Appendix 7) The output means outputs information indicating the location of the ground blizzard based on the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed. 7. The weather estimation device according to claim 1, wherein:

[0102] (Appendix 8) When it is estimated that a ground blizzard is occurring, the output means delivers an alert to a pre-registered user terminal. 7. The weather estimation device according to claim 1, wherein:

[0103] (Appendix 9) further comprising a measuring means for measuring wind strength based on the observed Brillouin frequency shift; The output means further outputs information indicating the measured wind strength. 2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1,

[0104] (Appendix 10) observing a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of the optical fiber based on a difference between a center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and a center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to vibration of the optical fiber; estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snow accumulated at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed; Output information based on the results of estimation or prediction of the occurrence of drifting snow Weather estimation methods.

[0105] (Appendix 11) Observing a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of the optical fiber based on a difference between a center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and a center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to vibration of the optical fiber; estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snow accumulated at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed; Outputting information based on the results of estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of drifting snow; A non-transitory recording medium that stores a program for causing a computer to execute the above.

[0106] (Appendix 12) an observation means for observing a Brillouin frequency shift caused by vibration of the optical fiber based on a difference between a center frequency of an optical signal input to the optical fiber and a center frequency of Brillouin scattered light caused by vibration of the optical fiber; an estimation means for estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snow accumulated at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed; an output means for outputting information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of drifting snow; A weather estimation device comprising: an optical receiver that receives the Brillouin scattered light generated by vibration of the optical fiber; An estimator that has learned the relationship between the Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurs and the amount of snow at that time; An observation database that stores data on the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurred and data on the amount of snowfall at that time. A weather estimation system with

[0107] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments (and examples). Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configurations and details of the above-described embodiments (and examples) within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0108] The present invention can be used, for example, in a weather estimation device that observes Brillouin frequency shifts caused by optical fiber vibrations and estimates local weather conditions based on optical fiber sensing technology using an optical fiber cable, and in a weather information service that provides weather information to users. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Weather Estimation System 10 Weather Estimation Device 11 Observation Section 12 Estimation part 13 Output section 13' Output section 20 Weather Estimation Device 30 Weather Estimation Device 34 Measuring part 100 Optical Receiver 200 estimator 300 observation database 400 User Terminals

Claims

1. an observation means for observing a Brillouin frequency shift caused by vibration of the optical fiber based on a difference between a center frequency of an optical signal input to the optical fiber and a center frequency of Brillouin scattered light caused by vibration of the optical fiber; an estimation means for estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snow accumulated at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed; an output means for outputting information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of drifting snow; A weather estimation device equipped with the

2. The estimation means obtains the snowfall data from meteorological data related to the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed. The weather estimation device according to claim 1 .

3. The estimation means distinguishes between a Brillouin frequency shift due to a change in temperature and a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of the optical fiber based on a response coefficient of the observed Brillouin frequency shift. The weather estimation device according to claim 1 .

4. The estimation means distinguishes between a Brillouin frequency shift due to bending of the optical fiber and a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of the optical fiber based on the magnitude of the time change of the observed Brillouin frequency shift. The weather estimation device according to claim 1 .

5. The estimation means estimates or predicts the occurrence of a ground snowstorm using an estimator that has learned the relationship between the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurs and the amount of snow accumulated at that time. The weather estimation device according to claim 1 .

6. The estimation means identifies the position in the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed, based on the time from when the optical signal is input to the optical fiber until when the Brillouin frequency shift is observed.

2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1.

7. further comprising a measuring means for measuring wind strength based on the observed Brillouin frequency shift; The output means further outputs information indicating the measured wind strength.

2. The weather estimation device according to claim 1.

8. observing a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of the optical fiber based on a difference between a center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and a center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to vibration of the optical fiber; estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snow accumulated at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed; Output information based on the results of estimation or prediction of the occurrence of drifting snow Weather estimation methods.

9. Observing a Brillouin frequency shift due to vibration of the optical fiber based on a difference between a center frequency of the optical signal incident on the optical fiber and a center frequency of the Brillouin scattered light due to vibration of the optical fiber; estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snow accumulated at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed; Outputting information based on the results of estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of drifting snow; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

10. an observation means for observing a Brillouin frequency shift caused by vibration of the optical fiber based on a difference between a center frequency of an optical signal input to the optical fiber and a center frequency of Brillouin scattered light caused by vibration of the optical fiber; an estimation means for estimating or predicting the occurrence of a ground snowstorm based on the amount of snow accumulated at the position of the optical fiber where the Brillouin frequency shift is observed; an output means for outputting information based on the results of the estimation or prediction regarding the occurrence of drifting snow; A weather estimation device comprising: an optical receiver that receives the Brillouin scattered light generated by vibration of the optical fiber; An observation database that stores data on the amount of Brillouin frequency shift observed when a ground snowstorm occurred and data on the amount of snowfall at that time. A weather estimation system with

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