Early warning system for rockfalls and avalanches

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for detecting vibrations at a monitoring surface (3), in particular a rockfall barrier, mudslide barrier or avalanche barrier, comprising a housing (1) comprising a sensor unit having at least one sensor, a spacer (2), a sending unit that is configured to send recorded measurement data from the at least one sensor to a reception unit, and a power supply source (6), wherein the spacer (2) has a first and second end (2´, 2´´), wherein the first end (2´) is able to be attached to the monitoring surface (3), wherein the housing (1) is installed on the second end (2´´) such that, when the device is attached to the monitoring surface (3), there is a distance d between the monitoring surface (3) and the housing (1). The invention furthermore relates to a gateway (7) for receiving and transmitting the measurement data recorded by the device, and to a system and method for monitoring natural events such as avalanches, mudslides or landslides.

Description

[0001] ROCKFALL AND AVALANCHE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

[0002] The invention relates to a device for detecting vibrations on a monitoring surface, in particular a rockfall, mudslide or avalanche barrier, a gateway for receiving and transmitting the measurement data recorded by the device to a cloud environment with the corresponding monitoring, and a system and method for monitoring natural events such as avalanches, mudslides or landslides.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Protection against natural hazards such as rockfalls, avalanches, or mudslides is often highly relevant in alpine and high-alpine regions due to the geological composition of the subsoil (permafrost), the landscape's relief, and the climate. Since such events often occur without warning, there is a significant risk for people living or staying in the exposed areas. Falling boulders repeatedly smash through houses or destroy roads and cars.

[0005] Protection systems against natural hazards, such as avalanche barriers or rockfall nets, must be regularly monitored to ensure their continued operation. Since these systems are often located in exposed locations, it is necessary to use dedicated, self-sufficient monitoring systems to assess their condition remotely.

[0006] However, there are few specific monitoring systems for rockfall protection barriers, and the few known systems usually include several sensors installed to monitor the structure, such as inclinometers, strain gauges, cameras and other devices with high energy consumption, and in addition, difficulties exist in data transmission.

[0007] It is therefore of great interest to provide more efficient monitoring systems to obtain information about the condition of rockfall protection barriers. Once a barrier is hit by a boulder, for example, its condition is compromised and the barrier can no longer provide the necessary protection. Alarm systems for monitoring hydrological phenomena, in which sensors are attached directly to rockfall nets, are disclosed, for example, in WO 2020 / 026137 A1, CN 212847082 U, CN 112614310 A, and CN 112627200 A. These systems can detect an impact in the rockfall net using vibration sensors, with the signal being evaluated remotely via data transmission to a server or cloud. To detect an event, the sensors are attached directly to the rockfall net.Therefore, these systems do not allow for monitoring the general condition of the rock trap net, which often accumulates segmental deposits that lead to silting. The condition of the systems cannot therefore be monitored remotely.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a monitoring system for rockfall protection barriers and an early warning system for natural events such as avalanches, rockfalls or mudslides, which can detect vibrations triggered by the natural events extremely accurately and yet without great energy expenditure, enables data transmission even from very exposed locations and at the same time allows constant monitoring of the condition of the rockfall protection barriers.

[0010] This object is achieved by a device for detecting vibrations on a monitoring surface, in particular a rockfall, mudslide or avalanche barrier, comprising a housing comprising a sensor unit with at least one sensor, a spacer, a transmitting unit which is designed to send recorded measurement data of the at least one sensor to a receiving unit and a power supply source, wherein the spacer has a first and a second end, wherein the first end can be fastened to the monitoring surface, wherein the housing is attached to the second end, so that when the device is fastened to the monitoring surface there is a distance d between the monitoring surface and the housing.

[0011] Using the device according to the invention, even the smallest vibrations at the monitoring surface can be detected. These vibrations are transmitted to the first end of the spacer bracket and from this end via the spacer bracket to the second end and thus to the sensor unit. The distance d between the housing and the monitoring surface caused by the spacer bracket results in an amplitude effect on the sensor. This means that even small impacts at the monitoring surface, e.g. a rockfall net, can be detected and the rockfall net can be protected from wear and tear. In addition, impending rockfalls, avalanches or mudslides can be detected very early using the device at the monitoring surface and forwarded to various control centers by transmitting the measurement data. This allows these natural events to be monitored in real time.In addition, the distance d between the sensor unit and the monitoring area also allows the general condition of the monitoring area to be monitored. This distance allows the sensor unit to detect silting and similar conditions in the monitoring area.

[0012] The distance between the monitored area and the housing is particularly preferably 0.5 to 2 m. This distance can be adjusted depending on the size of the monitored area and local conditions. In a special design variant, the distance is particularly preferably between 1.5 and 1.8 m.

[0013] In a preferred design variant, the length of the spacer bracket can be varied. This allows the transmission of shocks and vibrations to be optimized on different monitoring surfaces. For example, the length of the spacer bracket can be adjusted to the slope of the monitoring surface. In one exemplary design variant, the length of the spacer bracket can be adjusted between 0.3 and 2.5 m.

[0014] Furthermore, the spacer bracket can include a telescopic rod. A telescopic rod can be easily adjusted in length and set to a specific length. For example, the telescopic rod can include side mounting screws that allow its height to be adjusted. By simply adjusting the height of the telescopic rod, the amplitude effect on the sensor can be manually increased or minimized in an extremely simple manner.

[0015] The housing is particularly preferably water and dustproof according to IP68. Since the device has to be installed in very exposed locations on steep mountain slopes and the like, the device should be able to withstand the adverse conditions that prevail in these locations. The device can therefore withstand temperatures of -40 to +60°C and can be installed without any problems even in high mountains and Arctic Circle regions. In another embodiment, the power source is a battery, which is preferably maintenance-free for at least five years, and / or a solar panel. Because the device is used in remote locations, it is a great advantage if it can be used maintenance-free for several years. Because the device includes a battery and a solar panel, the power supply is secure at all times and outages can be avoided.

[0016] In addition, the sensor unit of the device can comprise an acceleration sensor and / or a distance sensor. Vibrations and shocks can be detected using the acceleration sensor. For example, the acceleration sensor can measure impacts with an acceleration force of less than 5 G. Due to the amplitude effect resulting from the distance d between the sensor unit and the monitoring surface, even the smallest vibrations are amplified at the acceleration sensor, so that even small shocks can be measured with high accuracy. The distance sensor measures the distance from the sensor unit to the monitoring surface and can thus detect an accumulation of stones, snow, or similar materials on the monitoring surface, e.g., a rockfall protection barrier or an avalanche barrier, which could lead to silting.By remotely monitoring such a buildup, the snow or stones can be removed from the monitoring area as needed, relieving pressure on a rockfall protection barrier such as a rockfall net. This can reduce wear on the barrier and increase its service life.

[0017] In another variant, the transmitter unit includes an antenna. This allows the recorded measurement data to be wirelessly transmitted to a data processing system / gateway or similar device. The transmitter unit is thus a self-contained transmitting and receiving unit based on wireless transmission. It receives data from sensors, for example, via Wi-Fi, LoRa, or MQTT, evaluates it, and forwards it, for example, via GSM / 3G / LTE / 5G, to a data processing system or a cloud in the data center.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor unit comprises a processing unit that enables advance evaluation of the recorded data. The processing unit is configured to select only the data recorded by the at least one sensor that contains relevant measurement data. This means that the measurement data is divided into relevant measurement data and non-relevant measurement data. In addition, the transmitting unit is configured to send only the relevant measurement data to the receiving unit. This relevant measurement data includes, for example, actual events, such as a rockfall, or the detection of silting in the monitored area. As a result, the transmitting unit only sends the relevant measurement data to the gateway, the cloud, or a data processing system. This allows the data bandwidth to be massively reduced.

[0019] This processing unit can also include an artificial neural network and / or machine learning. In this case, the processing unit learns from constant events in the monitoring area, e.g., the rockfall network, and compares these events with specific parameters. This allows the AI ​​unit to learn to make independent decisions and send alerts based on relevant measurement data. This reduces false alarms when, for example, incorrect information is generated by wind or wildlife.

[0020] The invention also relates to a gateway for receiving and forwarding the measurement data recorded by the device to a cloud environment. The gateway comprises a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, a microphone, and a camera. Using the receiving unit of the gateway, the measurement data recorded by the sensor unit, which is transmitted wirelessly, for example, can be received by the gateway and then forwarded, for example, to a data processing system / cloud using the transmitting unit of the gateway. The transmitting unit preferably enables the measurement data to be transmitted via mobile radio, preferably LTE. In a preferred embodiment, the gateway is networked with other gateways via a mesh WLAN network to increase data throughput.

[0021] Preferably, the data received by the gateway is also evaluated there. For this purpose, the gateway includes a processing unit that enables advance evaluation of the measurement data. The processing unit can also include an artificial neural network and / or machine learning. This allows the measurement data received by the gateway to be prioritized. At the same time, the gateway can thus check radio connections and decide which message to send via which radio network.

[0022] This ensures that alerts arrive at a central location in a timely and timely manner. Furthermore, the processing unit can check the gateway's vital signs, precipitation, temperature, humidity, gateway lifecycle, and similar parameters. This allows alerts or error codes to be sent to the data processing system or the cloud for manual review.

[0023] Furthermore, the gateway's camera can be remotely controlled and pivoted. This allows the gateway to inspect the surrounding area and, in the event of a natural event detected by the device's sensor unit, to determine the extent of the event more precisely. Furthermore, if the gateway is mounted within line of sight of the device, the camera can also be used to monitor and inspect the monitoring area, such as a rockfall protection barrier. The microphone can also be used to acoustically detect a possible rockfall, avalanche, or mudslide. The gateway is preferably designed in the form of a vertical rod with the camera located at its upper end, allowing a large part of the surrounding area to be observed. The camera is preferably a dome camera.

[0024] The gateway's power supply preferably includes a battery / hydrogen battery, preferably maintenance-free for at least five years, and / or a solar panel with a wind turbine. This ensures a continuous power supply even in exposed locations, and the gateway is particularly low-maintenance.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system for monitoring natural events such as avalanches, mudslides, or landslides, comprising at least one device according to the invention and a data processing system and / or cloud environment. The system allows natural events to be monitored by sending the measurement data recorded by the sensor unit of the device to the data processing system or cloud environment for analysis there. The natural events can be detected in real time, and potential hazards can be identified very quickly. Furthermore, the service life of rockfall protection barriers or avalanche barriers can be increased by detecting accumulations of rocks or snow on them. Since these barriers are installed in highly exposed locations, it is a great advantage to be able to monitor them remotely.In a preferred embodiment, the system additionally comprises at least one gateway according to the invention, wherein the gateway enables the transmission of the measurement data recorded by the at least one device to a cloud environment and / or the data processing system. Due to the potentially exposed nature of the monitored areas, a gateway is often required to enable the transmission of the measurement data.

[0026] Furthermore, the data processing system and / or cloud environment can comprise a processing unit for processing the recorded measurement data. The processing unit comprises an artificial neural network and / or machine learning, wherein the artificial neural network and / or machine learning is configured to identify a natural event based on a large number of training data. This also allows for long-term studies and data logging to be conducted, and the processed measurement data can be fed into a central database, resulting in a wide variety of calculations. The use of machine learning allows for more precise classification of natural events.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring natural events such as avalanches, mudslides, or landslides, using a device according to the invention and a gateway according to the invention or a gateway according to the invention, comprising the steps of continuously recording measurement data in the area of ​​the monitoring surface using the sensor unit, sending measurement data to at least one gateway, transmitting the sent measurement data from the gateway to the cloud environment and / or data processing system, and evaluating the sent measurement data. As previously described, the measurement data recorded by the sensor unit can also be evaluated in advance in the sensor unit and / or in the gateway and / or divided into relevant and non-relevant measurement data.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained below with reference to the following figures and figure descriptions.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a device mounted on a rock net.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, the device according to the invention for detecting vibrations on a monitoring surface 3 comprises a housing 1 comprising a sensor unit with at least one sensor and a spacer 2. In addition, the device comprises a transmitting unit with which recorded measurement data of the at least one sensor can be sent to a receiving unit and a power supply source 6. The spacer 2 comprises a first and a second end 2', 2". The first end 2' can be fastened to the monitoring surface 3 as shown, for example, in Fig. 2. For example, the first end 2' is connected to a connecting surface 4, which is fixed to the monitoring surface 3 by means of connecting means 5, such as screws. The housing 1 is attached to the second end 2", so that when the device is fastened to the monitoring surface 3, a distance d exists between the monitoring surface 3 and the housing 1.

[0033] Particularly preferably, the length of the spacer 2 is variable, for example, by the spacer 2 comprising a telescopic rod. To allow a distance d between the connecting surface 4 and the housing 1, the spacer 2 preferably has a certain minimum length. For example, the spacer 2 can be at least 0.5 m long.

[0034] The power source 6 can comprise a battery, which is preferably maintenance-free for at least five years, and / or a solar panel. As shown in Fig. 2, the power source 6 can also be mounted externally on the monitoring surface 3. This allows multiple devices and / or gateways 7 to be supplied with a single power source 6. The power source 6 shown in the embodiment variant in Fig. 2 is a solar panel.

[0035] Fig. 2 also shows a gateway 7 according to the invention for receiving and transmitting the measurement data recorded by a device according to the invention to a cloud environment and / or a data processing system. The gateway 7 in Fig. 2 is also located at the monitoring area 3, but can also be placed further away independently. Furthermore, additional gateways 7 can also be provided in the vicinity of the monitoring area 3. The gateway 7 comprises a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, a microphone, and a camera 8.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the camera 8 is designed to be remotely controllable and pivotable. This allows, on the one hand, the monitoring area 3 to be observed using the camera 8 and any damage to the monitoring area 3 to be detected. On the other hand, the surroundings of the monitoring area 3 can be observed using the camera 8 in order to detect or verify natural events such as avalanches and rockfalls in advance.

[0037] Furthermore, the gateway 7 comprises a battery for power supply, which is preferably maintenance-free for at least five years, and / or a solar panel. Figure 2 shows a solar panel 6, which enables the power supply of the gateway 7. The solar panel can also comprise an additional wind turbine.

[0038] With the aid of the device according to the invention, a system for monitoring natural events such as avalanches, mudslides or landslides can be created, which additionally comprises a data processing system and / or cloud environment.

[0039] In addition, the system can be supplemented by at least one gateway 7 according to the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device for detecting vibrations on a monitoring surface (3), in particular a rockfall, mudslide or avalanche barrier, comprising • a housing (1) comprising a sensor unit with at least one sensor, • a spacer bracket (2), • a transmitting unit which is configured to transmit recorded measurement data of the at least one sensor to a receiving unit and • a power supply source (6), wherein the spacer (2) has a first and a second end (2', 2"), wherein the first end (2') can be fastened to the monitoring surface (3), wherein the housing (1) is attached to the second end (2"), so that when the device is fastened to the monitoring surface (3) there is a distance d between the monitoring surface (3) and the housing (1).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the spacer (2) is variable.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the spacer (2) comprises a telescopic rod.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing (1) is water and dustproof according to IP68.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the power supply source (6) comprises a battery, which is preferably designed to be maintenance-free for at least five years, and / or a solar panel.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor unit comprises an acceleration sensor and / or a distance sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmitting unit comprises an antenna.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor unit comprises a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to divide the measurement data recorded by the at least one sensor into relevant and non-relevant measurement data, wherein the transmitting unit is configured to send only the relevant measurement data to the receiving unit.

9. Gateway (7) for receiving and transmitting the measurement data recorded by a device according to one of claims 1 to 8 to a cloud environment and / or a data processing system comprising • a receiving unit, • a transmitting unit, • a microphone and • a camera (8).

10. Gateway (7) according to claim 9, wherein the camera (8) is remotely controllable and pivotable.

11. Gateway (7) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the gateway (7) comprises a battery for power supply, which is preferably designed to be maintenance-free for at least five years, and / or a solar panel with preferably a wind turbine.

12. System for monitoring natural events such as avalanches, mudslides or landslides, comprising at least one device according to one of claims 1 to 8 and a data processing system and / or cloud environment, 13. System according to claim 12, comprising at least one gateway (7) according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the gateway (7) enables the transmission of the measurement data recorded by the at least one device to a cloud environment and / or the data processing system.

14. System according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the data processing system and / or cloud environment comprises a processing unit for processing the recorded measurement data, wherein the processing unit comprises an artificial neural network and / or machine learning, wherein the artificial neural network and / or machine learning is configured to identify a natural event based on a plurality of training data.

15. A method for monitoring natural events such as avalanches, mudslides or landslides, with a device according to one of claims 1 to 8 and a gateway (7) according to one of claims 9 to 11 or a system according to one of claims 13 or 14, comprising the steps • Continuous recording of measurement data in the area of ​​the monitoring area (3) using the sensor unit, • Sending measurement data to at least one gateway (7), • Transferring the sent measurement data from the gateway (7) to the cloud environment and / or data processing system, • Evaluate the sent measurement data.

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