Sensor system, sensor arrangement, and method for weather-related condition detection

Abstract

A sensor system (100) and a method (1000) for weather-related condition detection are provided. The sensor system comprises a receiver (110) arranged to receive signals (120) from at least one satellite (130), and an element (200) adjacently arranged to the receiver, whereby the receiver is arranged to receive the signals through the element. The element is configured to receive water (210) from the surrounding environment. The sensor system comprises a processor (300) configured to obtain first data (400) of nominal signal strength reception of the receiver, and to obtain second data (410) of signal strength reception from the receiver based on reception of signals through the element. The processor is further configured to determine signal strength attenuation data (430) as a function of the obtained first and second data, and to detect at least one weather-related condition (500) as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data.

Description

[0001] Sensor system, sensor arrangement, and method for weather-related condition detection

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a sensor system, sensor arrangement, and method for weather-related condition detection. More specifically, the present invention is related to a system, arrangement and method for weather-related condition detection using satellite signals.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] With a trend towards cities becoming smarter and greener, intelligent infrastructure can contribute to the reduction of energy consumption, whilst at the same time also making cities safer and easier to navigate.

[0006] The desire to develop environmental sensing apparatuses is particularly propelled considering that environmental (weather) conditions may influence traffic negatively. For example, vehicle drivers may experience an impaired visibility during weather conditions such as rain, drizzle, fog, snow fall, etc. Consequently, traffic may be subjected to an impaired safety during these conditions.

[0007] In the prior art, different kind of environmental sensors have been implemented with the purpose to provide associated information to a user. However, there remains a stark need for a development in this field by systems and methods which may provide an efficient environmental sensing system or apparatus, especially for challenging environmental conditions.

[0008] Hence, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system, arrangement, and a method for an improved detection of weather-related conditions, in particular concerning detection reliability and / or cost efficiency of the system, arrangement and method. W02018 / 092031A1 discloses a system for the environmental monitoring of precipitation events.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is of interest to overcome at least some of the deficiencies of current systems and methods related to environmental sensors, for an improved detection of weather-related conditions as well as an improved cost efficiency of the proposed system(s) and / or method(s).

[0011] This and other objects are achieved by providing a sensor system, a sensor arrangement, and a method having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensor system for weather-related condition detection. The sensor system comprises a receiver arranged to receive signals from at least one satellite, and an element adjacently arranged to the receiver, whereby the receiver is arranged to receive the signals through the element. The element is configured to receive water from the surrounding environment and is arranged to attain at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water. The sensor system further comprises a processor coupled to the receiver, wherein the processor is configured to obtain first data of nominal signal strength reception of the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at a zero water level of the element, and to obtain second data of signal strength reception from the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at at least one water level of the element, different from the zero water level of the element. The processor is further configured to determine signal strength attenuation data as a function of the obtained first data and the obtained second data, and to detect at least one weather-related condition as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensor arrangement for weather-related condition detection. The sensor arrangement comprises a receiver arranged to receive signals from at least one satellite, and an element adjacently arranged to the receiver. The receiver is arranged to receive the signals through the element, wherein the element is configured to receive water from the surrounding environment and is arranged to attain at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water. The sensor arrangement comprises at least one auxiliary receiver arranged to receive signals from at least one satellite, and a processor coupled to the receiver and to the at least one auxiliary receiver. The processor is configured to obtain first data of nominal signal strength reception of the at least one auxiliary receiver, and to obtain second data of signal strength reception from the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at at least one water level of the element. The processor is further configured to determine signal strength attenuation data as a function of the obtained first data and the obtained second data, and to detect at least one weather-related condition as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for weather-related condition detection via a sensor system comprising a receiver, and an element adjacently arranged to the receiver. The method comprises the steps of receiving water by the element from the surrounding environment, and attaining, by the element, at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water. The method further comprises the steps of receiving, by the receiver through the element, signals from at least one satellite, and obtaining first data of nominal signal strength reception of the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at a zero water level of the element. The method further comprises the steps of obtaining second data of signal strength reception from the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at at least one water level of the element, different from the zero water level of the element, and determining signal strength attenuation data as a function of the obtained first data and the obtained second data. The method further comprises the step of detecting at least one weather-related condition as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data.

[0015] Thus, the present invention is based on the idea of a sensor system for detecting weather-related conditions comprising a receiver, an element and a processor, wherein the sensor system obtains first and second data, and determines a signal strength attenuation data using the obtained first data and the obtained second data to detect at least one weather-related condition. The sensor system is hereby able to detect weather-related conditions, and in an example, the detected weather-related conditions can be used to enable an improvement in the relative safety of traffic in an area where the sensor system is employed. It should be noted that the sensor system of the first aspect of the present invention, the sensor arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention and the method of the third aspect of the present invention share the same common general inventive concept of detecting weather related conditions via their (common) features, functions and / or operations.

[0016] Due to the ability of the sensor system to detect a weather-related condition utilizing a satellite signal strength attenuation (of a received signal strength) by the presence of water in (of) an element, the present invention is advantageous in that (a) weather-related condition(s) can be readily detected in a system in a reliable and (cost-)efficient manner.

[0017] There is provided a sensor system for weather-related condition detection. By the term weather-related condition, it is here meant a condition or state related to the weather such as a wet, misty, rainy, foggy, snowy condition, etc. The sensor system comprises a receiver arranged to receive signals from at least one satellite. Herein, the receiver may be a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. For example, the receiver may be a standard National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) output GPS receiver. The receiver may utilize the NMEA 0138 protocol. The satellite may be a normal satellite or a low-earth orbit satellite. In another alternative example, the satellite may be a high-altitude platform station (HAPS). The signals may be wireless signals sent in the L-band within the ultra-high frequency spectrum. Alternatively, the wireless signals may be sent in any one or more of the S, C, X, Ku, K and Ka satellite frequency bands. The signals may be sent at between 1- 40GHz, preferably between 1-26 GHz, even more preferably between 1-12 GHz, and most preferably between 1-4 GHz. The frequency for the signal(s) may be 1 Ghz or 2 Ghz. Furthermore, the sensor system comprises an element, wherein the element is adjacently arranged to the receiver. By “adjacently arranged”, it is here meant that the element is arranged in a (relatively) close vicinity of the receiver, such as on the receiver. Alternatively, or in combination with the previous explanation, the element may be arranged to at least partially enclose the receiver. The adjacent arrangement of the element to the receiver results in signals received by the receiver to pass through the element, i.e that the receiver is arranged to receive signals, from the at least one satellite, through the element. The element is configured to receive water, and the element may hereby constitute or comprise a construction and / or material suitable to receive water. The processor is configured to obtain first data of nominal signal strength reception. By “nominal signal strength”, it is here meant real and / or unattenuated signal strength. The processor is further configured to obtain second data of signal strength reception based on the reception of signals through the element, whereby the signal strength (of the first data) may be attenuated with respect to the nominal signal strength (of the second data).

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first data comprises at least one of a measured signal strength reception of the receiver, and a predetermined signal strength reception of the receiver. Hence, the first data comprises a signal strength reception of the receiver which is measured (e.g. in situ) and / or that the signal strength reception of the receiver is predetermined (e.g. known, estimated). The measured signal strength reception of the receiver can be measured at the location of the sensor system. It is appreciated that in some examples, the measuring of the signal strength of the sensor system may be performed at a remote location compared to the sensor system. Herein, a “predetermined signal” means that the signal may be simulated or calculated in advance. In other words, the predetermined signal is determined a priori to any reception of signals from a satellite at the sensor system, e.g., at a coupled, centralized processor, or at another auxiliary receiver. A centralized processor means a processor that is not comprised within the sensor system itself, but rather in that it can communicate (send / receive digital messages) to one or more sensor systems. The present embodiment is advantageous in that it increases the versatility, and thereby the efficiency, of the sensor system. More specifically, the advantage of a measured signal strength reception is that current (time and / or position) signal strength reception may be obtained via measurement. Furthermore, the embodiment is advantageous as it may off-load the processor of the sensor system processor. The advantage of a predetermined signal strength reception is that the signal strength reception of the receiver may provide an even more energy efficient sensor system.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second data is further based on the reception of signals as a function of at least one of an azimuth angle, (|>i, of the at least one satellite, and an elevation angle, 0i, of the at least one satellite. Hence, the second data is further based on the reception of signals as a function of a (respective) azimuth angle, (|>i, of the satellite(s) and / or a (respective) elevation angle, 0i, of the satellite(s). The present embodiment is advantageous as the azimuth angle, (|>i, and the elevation angle, 0i, of the satellite(s) for the second data of signal strength reception may enable an even more accurate determination of the signal strength attenuation dependent on the water level of the element. This is enabled as the signal strength reception may be dependent on the location of the satellite, and utilizing the information of the reception of signals may improve the determined signal strength attenuation data, consequently leading to an even further improved detection of the weather-related condition(s).

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second data is further based on the reception of signals as a function of at least one weather condition. Hence, the second data is based on the reception of signals which in turn are affected and / or influenced by weather condition(s). By the term “weather condition”, it is hereby meant substantially any kind of weather, weather condition, or weather situation, e.g., a cloudy, sunny, rainy, misty, snowy, etc., condition. These weather conditions may be sourced from for example a local weather site or a regional weather forecast. The present embodiment is advantageous as it provides an improved signal strength attenuation data based on the reception of signals through the element at at least one water level, thereby enabling an improved detection of the at least one weather-related condition. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the element is absorbent and configured to receive water via absorption. Hence, the property(ies) of the absorbent element is such that the element is configured or arranged to absorb water. The present embodiment is advantageous as the absorption of water by an element being absorbent (i.e. an absorbent element) can be measured and / or calibrated, thereby enabling an improved determined signal strength attenuation data. It should be noted that the property(ies) of the absorbent element may further include desorption of water, i.e. that the element is configured or arranged to desorb water (after absorption), leading to an increased versatility of the sensor system.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the element comprises a fabric configured to change its volume as a function of the amount of received water. Hence, the element comprises fabric such that the fabric’s properties (e.g., volume, surface area, etc.) may alter in response to receiving water. The alteration of the element (e.g., shrinkage, growth, bending, etc.) upon water reception is dependent on the properties of the fabric. Herein the fabric may be made from any one or more of animal material, e.g., hair, wool, or wool keratin, etc., vegetative material e.g., cotton, hemp, bamboo, beech tree, etc., and / or (semi-) synthetic material e.g., microfiber, polyester, polyamides, rayon, etc. The absorbent element may, for example, be a sponge or comprise a sponge-like material. Alternatively, the element may be or comprise a powder, e.g., powdered moss or a synthetic powder.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fabric comprises at least one pair of electrically conducting elements, and at least one slit arranged between the at least one pair of electrically conducting elements, wherein the at least one slit has a respective length, Li. The fabric is configured to change the respective length, Li, of the at least one slit as a function of the amount of received water, wherein the respective length, Li, is correlated to an attenuation of signals received by the receiver as a function of wavelength, X, of the received signals. Hence, the fabric of the element comprises one or more pairs of electrically conducting elements. The electrically conducting elements may be within (embedded in) the fabric or arranged on the surface of the fabric. The slit(s) with a length, Li, is (are) arranged between the pair(s) of electrically conducting elements, and in response to the amount of received water within the fabric, the fabric is configured to change the respective length, Li, of the slit(s). The present embodiment is advantageous as the provision of electrically conducting elements and slit(s) therebetween may enable a tuning of the attenuation effect of the fabric concerning the reception of satellite signals by the receiver through the element. A tuning of the attenuation may be achieved with the change of the slit length, Li, as a function of the amount of received water of the element (fabric), as an attenuation of signals received by the receiver is dependent on the wavelength, X, of the received satellite signal(s). For example, by the ability of the fabric to change the slit length, Li, to e.g. a quarter of the wavelength, X, of the received satellite signal(s), i.e. Li = X / 4, the attenuation may be tuned. For example, a maximal attenuation may be attained if the fabric of the element has received an amount of water which exceeds a first threshold of saturation. This is advantageous as the attenuation effect may increase as the amount of received water of the fabric increases, enabling a first correlation between the saturation of the fabric and attenuation of the signal strength of the received signals. Alternatively, in another example, a tuning of the attenuation may be achieved with the change of the slit length, Li, as a function of the amount of received water to achieve a minimal attenuation of the received signals when the fabric has received an amount of water to exceed a second threshold, such as a (second) threshold of saturation. This is particularly advantageous during weather situations that even further increase the satellite signal attenuation, as the signals may still be receivable by the receiver even in case the signals have undergone a (significant) attenuation due to the weather conditions.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the element comprises a container arranged to contain the received water. Hence, the element, which is configured to receive water, is further enabled to contain the received water within a container of the element. The container may be made out of a material such as iron, nickel, aluminum, copper, silver, or an alloy for example brass, bronze, pewter, stainless steel, etc. Alternatively, the container can be made out of a synthetic material e.g., plastics, polyester, silicones, halogenated plastics. In particular, the container may be made of at least one material suitable to be used in a 3D printer, e.g., polyactic acid, polypropylene, polyamide, or thermoplastics polyurethane etc.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the element may be a surface which may hold water (e.g. droplets) or on which water may accumulate. According to an embodiment, the element may be an adhesive patch or sticker. Such a patch or sticker may e.g. be attached to a luminaire housing. According to an embodiment, the element may be at least part of a luminaire housing. The element may be monolithic with said luminaire housing. Such luminaire housing may for example accommodate (or: hold) the processor, the receiver and / or auxiliary receiver(s) according to the invention. The element may be a carved, embossed, protruding, indented pattern on a surface, such as the surface of a luminaire housing, which luminaire housing may comprise the receiver. For example, grooves of said element may hold said water. Said element may be a porous structure, e.g. a porous polymer structure.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured to obtain a mapping between at least one weather-related condition and a road water condition, and detect a road water condition based on the detected at least one weather condition and the obtained mapping. Hence, there may be a correlation between the detected at least one weather condition and a road water condition that may be mapped, and said mapping is obtained by the processor configured to detect the road water condition. Herein, a mapping between at least one weather-related condition and a road water condition may be predetermined, wherein the predetermined mapping may be based on calculation(s) (and / or simulation(s)) and / or experiment s). In an example, the predetermined mapping may be based on results of a (controlled) test environment. The mapping may relate the attained water level and / or weather related condition to a possible road water condition, e.g. a water level on a road. A predetermined mapping may be generated (e.g. in a (controlled) test environment), by simulation, e.g. via correlation of the zero water level of the element and (a) water level(s) different from the zero water level of the element to particular road water conditions. According to another alternative example, the sensor system may be deployed and a particular type of road and dousing the sensor and road in water and experimentally generating the related road water condition for the desired type or road for a particular water level of the element. It is appreciated that such mapping may be performed using simulations of the zero water level and the water level(s) different from the zero water level of the element, and road water conditions. Such simulations may be performed using past known weather conditions and amount of rain fall in an area. It is further appreciated that such mapping may be enabled by Artificial Intelligence (Al) such as machine learning methods e.g., supervised learning, semi-supervised learning, etc. For Al approaches of this kind, input training data may comprise detected weather-related conditions, signal attenuation and / or (a) correlated pre-determined road water condition(s). Input data may comprise (a) detected weather-related condition(s), and signal attenuation, and the output data may comprise a road water condition. Optionally, the training data may further include one or more of a water level, a weather condition, an azimuth angle of at least one satellite, and an elevation angle of at least one satellite. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the processor’s ability to detect a road water condition based on the detected weather condition(s) and the obtained mapping provides an improved determination on the potential hazards (i.e., safety) of a road depending on the water on the road. Consequently, the present embodiment provides the possibility to inform road-users of for an improved safety of the traffic on a particular road.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the receiver and the at least one auxiliary receiver may be arranged to receive signals from a single satellite. Hence, the receiver and the at least one auxiliary receiver are configured such that each of the receiver and the auxiliary receiver(s) receives signals from a single satellite. Herein, an auxiliary receiver is a receiver that does not have any element adjacently arranged to it, i.e. that the auxiliary receiver is arranged to receive the signals directly (and not through any (the) element). The auxiliary receiver is hereby receiving signals that are unattenuated by any (the) element. In other words, the auxiliary receiver is configured to receive signals from a satellite without the signals passing through any (the) element. The present embodiment is advantageous as it enables a juxtaposition of similar signals from the same source, under similar conditions thereby enabling an improved determination of the signal strength attenuation data. In other words, the auxiliary receiver(s) enable(s) the sensor system to mitigate the effect of, for example, weather based conditions that may otherwise further attenuate the signal strength of the received signal(s), thereby enabling a measuring of the attenuation caused by the element and the water level thereof.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an outdoor luminaire device. The outdoor luminaire device comprises a luminaire arranged to emit light, the sensor system according to any embodiment s) and / or aspect(s) of the invention, and a controller connected to the luminaire and to the sensor system, wherein the controller is configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire based on the detected at least one weather-related condition. The outdoor luminaire device comprises a luminaire housing arranged to at least partially enclose at least one of the luminaire, the sensor system, and the controller. Hence, the outdoor luminaire device comprises a light emitting luminaire, a sensor system, and a controller. The controller is connected to both the sensor system and the light emitting luminaire, so as to enable the controller, configured to control the light emitting luminaire, to manage and adjust the intensity of the light emitted by the light emitting luminaire in response to the detected weather-related condition(s). The luminaire housing is arranged to at least partially enclose the light emitting luminaire, the sensor system, and / or the controller. Herein, an outdoor luminaire device may for example be a street light or a park light. The luminaire device may further comprise an actuator coupled to the luminaire and communicatively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller may be configured to control the luminaire output of the luminaire via the actuator according to a predetermined setting. By “actuator”, it is here meant substantially any device or element which is able to (mechanically and / or electrically) change any setting, parameter, or the like, of the luminaire. According to an example, the luminaire housing and the element may be arranged as a monolithic arrangement. In other words, the element may be part of the luminaire housing. Furthermore, the element may in such an arrangement be arranged to remain exposed to the weather. Alternatively there may be an arrangement so that a surface area of the housing is arranged to direct liquid, e.g., water towards the element whilst still shielding, in full or in part, the element from the environment. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the controller may set and / or adjust the luminaire(s) in a convenient and efficient manner in order to obtain the desired light output from the luminaire based on the detected weather-related condition(s).

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an outdoor luminaire arrangement. The outdoor luminaire arrangement comprises at least one luminaire arranged to emit light, at least one sensor system according to one or more embodiment(s) and / or aspect(s) of the invention, and at least one controller connected to the at least one luminaire and to the at least one sensor system, wherein the at least one controller is configured to control the light emitted from the at least one luminaire based on the detected at least one weather-related condition. The outdoor luminaire arrangement may be intended for location at a predetermined area or region. It will be appreciated that the number of luminaries is arbitrary, i.e. there may be one or more luminaries. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the controller may set and / or adjust the luminaire arrangement in a convenient and efficient manner in order to obtain the desired light output based on the detected weather-related condition(s).

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor luminaire arrangement comprises at least one primary luminaire arranged to emit light, wherein each primary luminaire comprises a sensor system, and at least one secondary luminaire arranged to emit light, wherein at least one of the at least one primary luminaire is arranged adjacent to at least one of the at least one secondary luminaire. The at least one controller is configured to control the light emitted from the at least one primary luminaire based on the detected at least one weather-related condition by the sensor system of the respective at least one primary luminaire, and to control the light emitted from the at least one secondary luminaire arranged adjacent to at least one of the at least one primary luminaire based on the controlled light emitted from the at least one of the at least one primary luminaire arranged adjacent to the at least one of the at least one secondary luminaire. Hence, the outdoor luminaire arrangement comprises one or a plurality of primary luminaire(s) arranged to emit light wherein each primary luminaire comprises a sensor system. The outdoor luminaire arrangement comprises one or a plurality of secondary luminaire(s) arranged to emit light wherein at least one of the one or plurality of primary luminaire(s) is arranged adjacent to the one or plurality of secondary luminaire(s). The controller is configured to control the light emitted from the primary luminaire(s) based on the detected weather-related condition by the sensor system of the respective primary luminaire, and is further configured to control the light emitted from the secondary luminaire(s) arranged adjacent to the primary luminaire(s) based on the controlled light emitted from the primary luminaire(s) arranged adjacent to the secondary luminaire(s). The present embodiment is advantageous as the controller may set and / or adjust the light emitted from the at least one secondary luminaire arrangement in a convenient and efficient manner in order to obtain the desired light output for the outdoor luminaire arrangement for a detected weather-related condition.

[0030] According to an example of the present invention, there is provided a street lighting luminaire arrangement. The street lighting luminaire arrangement comprises a plurality of street lighting luminaires arranged to emit light, at least one sensor system according to one or more previous embodiment s) and / or aspect(s) of the present invention. The street lighting luminaire arrangement further comprises at least one controller connected to the plurality of street light luminaires and the at least one sensor system, wherein the at least one controller is configured to control the light emitted from the plurality of street lighting luminaires based on the detected at least one weather-related condition. Hence, the street lighting luminaire arrangement is arranged to control light emitted from a plurality of street lighting luminaries with a controller connected to the plurality of street light luminaires and a sensor system. The present example is advantageous as the street lighting luminaire arrangement is configured to be operated in an efficient manner depending on the detected weather-related condition, thereby enabling an improved safety for traffic in the street in the area wherein the street lights are installed.

[0031] It should be understood that the sensor arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention and / or the method of the third aspect of the present invention may have similar and / or identical embodiments and / or advantages as the sensor system of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0032] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0035] Fig. 1 schematically shows a sensor system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0036] Fig. 2 schematically shows reception of signals of a sensor system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0037] Figs. 3a, 3b and 4 schematically show elements of a sensor system according to embodiments of the present invention,

[0038] Fig. 5 schematically shows a part of a sensor system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0039] Fig. 6 schematically shows a sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0040] Fig. 7 schematically shows an outdoor luminaire device according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0041] Fig. 8a and 8b schematically shows an outdoor luminaire arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0042] Fig. 9 schematically shows a method for lighting control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Fig. 1 schematically shows a sensor system 100 for weather-related condition detection according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sensor system 100 comprises a receiver 110, an element 200 and a processor 300. The receiver 110 is arranged to receive signals 120 from at least one satellite 130. It will be appreciated that the satellite(s) 130 may be of any kind, such as satellites intended as communication relays. The satellite(s) 130 may further be provided for weather forecasting, navigation (GPS), broadcasting, scientific research, Earth observation, etc. The at least one satellite 130 may also be an atmospheric satellite or a pseudo-satellite, e.g., a high-altitude platform station (HAPS), which can also be a high-altitude pseudo-satellite or high-altitude platform system. The element 200 of the sensor system 100 is merely schematically indicated in Fig. 1, as it may have many different forms and / or features. The element 200 is arranged adjacently to the receiver 110, whereby the receiver 110 is arranged to receive the signals 120 through the element 200. In Fig. 1, the element 200 is exemplified as being arranged on top of the receiver 110, but it should be noted that other arrangements of the element 200 in relation to the receiver 110 are possible. For example, the element 200 may at least partially cover and / or enclose the receiver 110.

[0045] The element 200 is configured to receive water 210 from the surrounding environment. The water (content) 210 of the element is schematically indicated by a dashed rectangle within the element 200. In an example, the ability to receive water 210 by the element 200 is due to the element 200 being absorbent, whereby the element 200 receives water 210 through absorption from its surroundings (i.e. surrounding environment).

[0046] The element 200 is arranged to attain at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water 210. It is appreciated that at least one water level implies a change in the water level of the element 200. Hence, there may be a zero water level of the element 200, wherein the zero water level may correspond to a (first) baseline amount of water of the element 200. The baseline may be an amount of water of the element 200, which may be (very) low or zero. The zero water level or baseline amount of water of the element 200 may, for example, represent a relatively low percentage with respect to e.g. saturation, volume and / or humidity of the element 200. For example, the zero water level of the element 200 may correspond to a dry state of the element 200. According to another example, the zero water level may correspond to a percentage in the range(s) of e.g. 0-10%, 0-25%, 0-30 %, etc., such as e.g. 0%, 5%, or 25%, of saturation, volume and / or humidity of the element 200. Alternatively, the zero water level of the element 200 may correspond to (be represented by) a weight (of water) or a volume (of water) in gram (g) or milliliters (ml) of (within) the element 200. Alternatively, the zero water level or baseline amount of water may be a water level e.g., in relation to a maximum amount of water that may be received by the element 200.

[0047] The processor 300 of the sensor system 100 is coupled (connected) to the receiver 110. It should be noted that the processor 300 may be provided substantially anywhere in the sensor system 100, and may be coupled (connected) to the receiver 110 via wire or wirelessly. The processor 300 is configured to obtain first data 400 of nominal signal strength reception of the receiver 110, and to obtain second data 410 of signal strength reception from the receiver 110, wherein the first data 400 and the second data 410 are schematically indicated by arrows in Fig. 1. The first data 400 is of (represents) nominal signal strength reception of the receiver 110, and the first data 400 is based on reception of signals 120 through the element 200 at the zero water level of the element 200. The second data 410 is of (represents) signal strength reception from the receiver 110 based on reception of signals 120 through the element 200 at at least one water level of the element 200, wherein the water level(s) of the element 200 is (are) different from the zero water level of the element 200. The processor 300 is further configured to determine signal strength attenuation data 430, and detect at least one weather-related condition 500, wherein the signal strength attenuation data 430 and the weather-related condition(s) 500 are schematically indicated by dashed rectangles in Fig. 1. The signal strength attenuation data 430 is determined as a function of the obtained first data 400 and the obtained second data 410, wherein the obtained first data 400 and obtained second data 410 are provided as inputs to the processor 300. The at least one weather-related condition 500 is detected as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data 430, wherein the determined signal strength attenuation data 430 is provided as input to the processor 300.

[0048] In an embodiment of the sensor system 100, the first data 400 comprises a measured signal strength reception of the receiver 110. Herein, the measured signal strength reception of the receiver 110 may be measured at the sensor system 100 (i.e. in situ). For example, the measured signal strength reception of the receiver 110 may be performed by substantially any measurement(s) of signal strength reception by the receiver 100. Additionally, the measured signal strength reception of the receiver 110 may be performed by measurement(s) of signal strength reception by the receiver 100 complemented by statistics, extrapolation, interpolations, etc. Alternatively, or in addition to the measured signal strength reception of the receiver 110, the first data 400 may comprise a predetermined signal strength reception of the receiver 110. The predetermined signal strength reception may be determined prior to the installation and / or use of the sensor system 100. For example, the predetermined signal strength reception may be provided by calculation and / or simulation of a signal strength at the location of the sensor system 100.

[0049] Fig. 2 schematically shows reception of signals of a sensor system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the second data of signal strength reception from the receiver of the sensor system 100, based on reception of signals through the element of the sensor system 100, is further based upon the reception of signals as a function of an azimuth angle, (|)i, of the at least one satellite 130 and / or as a function of an elevation angle, 0i, of the at least one satellite 130. In an embodiment of the sensor system 100, the second data may further be based on the reception of signals as a function of at least one weather condition 550. In Fig. 2, the weather condition 550 is schematically indicated by a dashed form, and the weather condition 550 may encompass substantially any kind of weather, weather condition, or weather situation, e.g., a weather condition 550 comprising one or more of cloud(s), sun, precipitation, rain, mist, snow, etc.

[0050] Figs. 3a, 3b and 4 schematically show elements 200 of a sensor system according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] The element 200 as exemplified in Fig. 3a is an absorbent element 200, configured to receive water from the surrounding environment. More specifically, the element 200 as exemplified in Fig. 3a has a slab-like shape with a relatively large surface area in relation to its thickness. The element 200 may comprise a fabric. For example, the fabric may be made from any one or more of animal material, e.g., hair, wool, or wool keratin, etc., vegetative material e.g., cotton, hemp, bamboo, beech tree, etc., and / or (semi-) synthetic material e.g., microfiber, polyester, polyamides, rayon, etc. The (fabric of the) element 200 may be configured to change its volume as a function of the amount of received water. This effect is shown by the comparison of Fig. 3a with Fig. 3b, wherein the element 200 in Fig. 3a represents a dry element 200 (e.g. that the element 200 has a zero water level), and wherein the element 200 in Fig. 3b represents a wet element 200 (e.g. that the element 200 has a water level which is different from the zero water level of the element 200). Upon reception (absorption of water), the element 200 is hereby configured to reduce its volume, which is shown by the comparison of the size of the (relatively) dry element 200 of Fig. 3a with the (relatively) wet element 200 of Fig. 3b. According to an embodiment, the fabric of the element 200 may comprise at least one pair of electrically conducting elements 600. The electrically conducting elements 600 may be substantially any elements 600 configured or arranged for electrical conduction. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the configuration, distribution and / or pattern of the electrically conducting elements 600 on (of) the element 200 may vary, and that Fig. 3a merely shows an example. The fabric of the element 200 further comprises at least one slit (opening) 610. The at least one slit 610 is arranged between the at least one pair of electrically conducting elements 600, wherein the slit(s) 610 has (have) a respective length, Li. The fabric is configured to change the respective length, Li, of the at least one slit 610 as a function of the amount of received water of the element 200. According to an example, a tuning of the attenuation is achieved with the change of the length, Li, of the slit(s) 610. For example, by the ability of the fabric to change the length, Li, of the slit(s) 610 to e.g. a quarter of the wavelength, , of the received satellite signal(s), i.e. Li = X / 4, the attenuation may be tuned. For example, a maximal attenuation may be attained if the fabric of the element 200 has received an amount of water which exceeds a first threshold of saturation. Alternatively, in another example, a tuning of the attenuation may be achieved with the change of the slit length, Li, as a function of the amount of received water to achieve a minimal attenuation of the received signals when the fabric has received an amount of water to exceed a second threshold, such as a (second) threshold of saturation.

[0052] Fig. 4 schematically shows an element 200 of a sensor system, wherein the element 200 comprises a container 650 arranged to contain received water. The element 200 for arrangement adjacent to the (schematically indicated) receiver 110 of the sensor system, wherein the element 200 is configured to receive water from the surrounding environment and arranged to attain at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water, is schematically exemplified as a container 650. The container 650, which may be able to receive rainwater, may constitute a hose. The container 650 can be made out of a material for example, a metal such as iron, nickel, aluminum, copper, silver, or an alloy such as brass, bronze, pewter, stainless steel, etc. Alternatively, the container 650 can be made out of a synthetic material such as plastics, polyester, silicones, halogenated plastics, etc. In particular, the container 650 may be made of at least one material suitable to be used in a 3D printer, e.g., polyactic acid, polypropylene, polyamide, thermoplastics polyurethane, etc. The container 650 or hose may enable water to be received via a first opening 660, and to be released via a second opening 670, whereby water is arranged to flow through the container 650 from the first opening 660 to the second opening 670. It will be appreciated that the position, orientation width and shape of the container 650 or hose can be adjusted to amend the attenuation effect provided by the container 650 or hose on the signals 120 received from the satellite 130.

[0053] Fig. 5 schematically shows a part of a sensor system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is referred to one or more of the previous figures and associated text for an increased understanding of the sensor system 100 and its functioning. In Fig. 5, the processor 300 of the sensor system 100 is configured to obtain a mapping 680 between at least one weather-related condition 510 and a road water condition 685, and detect a road water condition 690 based on the detected at least one weather condition 500 and the obtained mapping 680. Hence, there is a correlation between the detected weather condition(s) 510 and a road water condition 685 that is mapped via mapping 680, and said mapping 680 is obtained by the processor 300 which is configured to detect the road water condition 690. The mapping 680 between the weather-related condition(s) 510 and the road water condition 685 may be predetermined, wherein the predetermined mapping 680 may be based on calculation(s) (and / or simulation(s)) and / or experiment s). In an example, the predetermined mapping 680 may be based on results of a (controlled) test environment. The mapping 680 may, for example, relate an attained water level and / or weather related parameter to a possible road water condition, e.g. a water level on a road. A predetermined mapping 680 may be generated (e.g. in a (controlled) test environment) by simulation, e.g. via correlation of the zero water level of the element of the sensor system 100 and (a) water level(s) different from the zero water level of the element to particular road water conditions. The sensor system 100 may be deployed for a particular type of road condition, wherein e.g. dousing the sensor and road in water enables experimentally generating the related road water condition for the desired type or road for a particular water level of the element. It is appreciated that such mapping may be performed using simulations of the zero water level and the water level(s) different from the zero water level of the element, and associated road water conditions. Simulations of this kind may be performed using past (known) weather conditions and amount of rain fall in an area. It is further appreciated that such mapping may be enabled by Artificial Intelligence (Al) such as machine learning methods including e.g. supervised learning, semi-supervised learning, etc. For Al approaches of this kind, input training data may comprise detected weather-related conditions, signal attenuation and / or a correlated pre-determined road water condition. Input data may comprise detected weather- related conditions, and signal attenuation, and the output data may comprise a road water condition. Optionally, the training data may further include one or more of a water level, a weather condition, an azimuth angle of at least one satellite, and an elevation angle of at least one satellite.

[0054] Fig. 6 schematically shows a sensor arrangement 700 for weather-related condition detection according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sensor arrangement 700 comprises a receiver 110a arranged to receive signals 120 from at least one satellite 130. The sensor arrangement 700 further comprises an element 200 adjacently arranged to the receiver 110a. The receiver 110a is arranged to receive the signals 120 through the element 200, wherein the element 200 is configured to receive water 210 from the surrounding environment and is arranged to attain at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water. Hence, the arrangement and / or construction of the receiver 110a and the element 200 of the sensor arrangement 700 of Fig. 6 is the same or similar to the arrangement and / or construction of the receiver 110 and the element 200 of the sensor system 100 of Fig. 1. The sensor arrangement 700 comprises at least one auxiliary receiver 110b, 110c arranged to receive signals 120 from at least one satellite 130. It will be appreciated that the number of auxiliary receivers 110b, 110c is arbitrary, and that Fig. 6 discloses two auxiliary receivers 110b, 110c as an example. Furthermore, the (two) auxiliary receivers 110b, 110c in Fig. 6 are arranged on either side of the receiver 110a in Fig. 6, but it will be appreciated that (many) other arrangements of the auxiliary receiver(s) 110b, 110c with respect to the receiver 110a are feasible. The sensor arrangement 700 further comprises a processor 300 coupled to the receiver 110a and to the at least one auxiliary receiver 110b, 110c. The processor 300 is configured to obtain first data 400 of nominal signal strength reception of the at least one auxiliary receiver 110b, 110c. Hence, as the auxiliary receiver(s) 110b, 110c are not arranged to receive signals 120 through any element, the reception strength of signals 120 by the auxiliary receiver(s) 110b, 110c represents a nominal signal strength reception. In other words, the receiver 110a is arranged to receive satellite signals 120 through the element 200, whereas the auxiliary receiver(s) 110b, 100c is (are) arranged to receive satellite 130 signals 120 (without passing through any element). The (each of the) auxiliary receiver(s) 110b, 100c may hereby be a receiver that is located outside the range of the element 200, meaning that the signals 120 the auxiliary receiver 110b, 110c receives have not passed through the (any) element 200. Hence, the auxiliary receiver(s) 110b, 110c is (are) arranged or configured to receive signals 120 that are unattenuated by the (any) element 200, and the reception strength of signals 120 by the auxiliary receiver(s) 110b, 110c represents a nominal signal strength reception.

[0055] The processor 300 is further configured to obtain second data 410 of signal strength reception from the receiver 110a based on reception of signals 120 through the element 200 at at least one water level of the element 200. The processor 300 is further configured to determine signal strength attenuation data 430 as a function of the obtained first data 400 and the obtained second data 410, and to detect at least one weather-related condition 500 as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data 430.

[0056] The receiver 110a and the at least one auxiliary receiver 110b, 110c may be arranged to receive signals 120 from a single (i.e. one and the same) satellite 130. Optionally, the receiver 110a and the auxiliary receiver(s) 110b, 110c may receive signals 120 from a (same) plurality or set of satellites 130. The plurality or set of satellites 130 may comprise substantially any number of satellites 130, such as 2 -24 satellites 130, e.g. a pair of (i.e. two) satellites 130, or four satellites 130.

[0057] Fig. 7 schematically shows an outdoor luminaire device 750 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The outdoor luminaire device 750 may be substantially any luminaire device for outdoor use, such as a street light, a park light or an outdoor garden light. A street light may be any kind of lighting fixture to illuminate a street, such as a light pole, a bollard, a wall-mounted fixture, overhead lights, etc. The outdoor luminaire device 750 comprises a luminaire 760 arranged to emit light. The outdoor luminaire device 750 further comprises a sensor system 100 according to any one of the previously described embodiments, and a controller 770 connected to the luminaire 760 and to the sensor system 100. The controller 770 is configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire 760 based on the detected at least one weather-related condition provided by the sensor system 100. It will be appreciated that the sensor system 100 and the controller 770 are schematically indicated. The outdoor luminaire device 750 comprises a luminaire housing 780 arranged to at least partially enclose at least one of the luminaire 760, the sensor system 100, and the controller 770. Hence, the sensor system 100 may not necessarily be arranged in the luminaire housing 780 as shown in Fig. 7, and its position may be substantially anywhere in the outdoor luminaire device 750. For example, the controller 770 may be (physically) attached to one or more of the components of the outdoor luminaire device 750, or alternatively, be (physically) separated from (any) component(s) of the outdoor luminaire device 750. For example, the controller 770 may be attached to the luminaire 760 and / or the sensor system 100. Analogously, it will be appreciated that the sensor system 100 may not necessarily be arranged in the luminaire housing 780 as shown in Fig. 7, and that its position may be substantially anywhere in the outdoor luminaire device 750. The outdoor luminaire device 750 may further comprise an actuator (not shown) coupled to the luminaire 760 and communicatively coupled to the controller 770, wherein the controller 770 may be configured to control the luminaire’s 760 light output via the actuator, e.g. according to predetermined setting. By “actuator”, it is here meant substantially any device or element which is able to (mechanically and / or electrically) change any setting, parameter, or the like, of the luminaire 760.

[0058] According to an example of the outdoor luminaire device 750, the luminaire housing 780 and the element 200 of the sensor system 100 may be arranged as a monolithic arrangement, i.e. be unitary. For example, the element 200 may be part of the luminaire housing 780. Furthermore, in such an arrangement, the element 200 may be arranged to remain exposed to the weather. Alternatively, the outdoor luminaire device 750 may be arranged so that a surface area of the luminaire housing 780 is arranged to direct liquid, e.g., water, towards the element 200 whilst still shielding, in full or in part, the element 200 from the environment. Fig. 8a schematically shows an outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 comprises at least one luminaire 810 arranged to emit light. The outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 may for example be located at the side of a street, a road, a motorway, a highway, a pedestrian footpath, a bicycle path, etc. The number of at least one luminaire 810 is substantially arbitrary. In Fig. 8a, the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 comprises a plurality of luminaires 810 exemplified as street lights adjacent a road. The luminaires 810 of the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 may be of a same type or of (many) different types. The outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 comprises at least one sensor system 100, and at least one controller 820. In Fig. 8a, a (single) sensor system 100 and a (single) controller 820 are schematically indicated by dashed rectangles. The controlled s) 820 is connected to the luminaire(s) 810 and to the sensor system(s) 100, wherein the controller 820 is configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire(s) 810 based on the detected at least one weather- related condition provided by the sensor system(s) 100. It will be appreciated that the schematically indicated controller 820 may be positioned substantially anywhere in the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800. For example, the controller 820 may be arranged in or on the luminaire 820. Alternatively, the controller 820 may be provided separately from the luminaire 820.

[0059] As the controller 820 of the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 is configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire(s) 810 based on the detected weather-related condition(s) provided by the sensor system(s) 100, the luminaire(s) 810 may hereby emit light which is adapted to the detected weather-related condition(s). For example, if the sensor system 100 detects (relatively) dry weather (e.g. no precipitation and / or no rain), the controller 820 may be configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire(s) 810 according to a (first) setting, whereas if the sensor system 100 detects precipitation (e.g. rain, rainy weather), the controller 820 may be configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire(s) 810 according to a (second) setting, different from the first setting. In case of invocation of the features of the sensor system 100 according to Fig. 5 and the associated text, wherein the sensor system 100 is configured to obtain a mapping between (a) weather- related condition(s) and a road water condition, and detect a road water condition 690 based on the detected weather condition(s) and the obtained mapping, the controller 820 may be configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire(s) 810 accordingly. For example, if the road water condition 690 is detected as a (relatively) dry road (e.g. no or relatively little water on the road), the controller 820 may be configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire(s) 810 according to a setting which is different from a setting of the light emitted from the luminaire(s) 810 in case of a detected wet road by the sensor system 100. For example, in case of a detection of a road water condition 690 which corresponds to a (relatively) wet road, the controller 820 may be configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire(s) 810 in order to reduce glare for a person driving a vehicle (e.g. a car) 705 and / or to improve the driving conditions for the driver of the vehicle 705.

[0060] A further optional embodiment of the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 of the present invention is schematically shown in Fig. 8b. The outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 comprises at least one primary luminaire 810a arranged to emit light, wherein each primary luminaire 810a comprises a sensor system 100. In Fig. 8b, as an example (and for reasons of simplicity), the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 comprises a single primary luminaire 810a. The outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 further comprises at least one secondary luminaire 810b arranged to emit light, wherein at least one of the at least one primary luminaire 810a is arranged adjacent to at least one of the at least one secondary luminaire 810b. In Fig. 8b, as an example, the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 comprises two secondary luminaires 810b provided on either side of the primary luminaires 810a. It will be appreciated that the number of primary and / or secondary luminaires 810a, 810b illustrated in the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 in Fig. 8b is arbitrary. Hence, there may be a plurality of both primary luminaries 810a and secondary luminaires 810b in the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800.

[0061] The at least one controller 820, which is connected to the at least one primary luminaire 810a and to the at least one sensor system 100, is configured to control the light emitted from the at least one primary luminaire 810a based on the detected at least one weather-related condition by the sensor system 100 of the respective at least one primary luminaire 810a. The at least one controller 820 is further configured to control the light emitted from the at least one secondary luminaire 810b arranged adjacent to at least one of the at least one primary luminaire 810a based on the controlled light emitted from the at least one of the at least one primary luminaire 810a arranged adjacent to the at least one of the at least one secondary luminaire 810b. Hence, according to the example of Fig. 8b, the controller 820 of the primary luminaire 810a is configured to control the light emitted from the (here, single) primary luminaire 810a based on the detected weather-related condition(s) by the sensor system 100 thereof, and the controller 820 is further configured to control the light emitted from the (two) secondary luminaires 810b arranged adjacent to the primary luminaire 810a based on the controlled light emitted from the primary luminaire 810a. As the controller 820 of the outdoor luminaire arrangement 800 is configured to control the light emitted from the primary and secondary luminaires 810a, 810b based on the detected weather-related condition(s) provided by the sensor system(s) 100, the luminaires 810a, 810b may hereby emit light which is adapted to the detected weather-related condition(s). In case of invocation of the features of the sensor system 100 according to Fig. 5 and the associated text, wherein the sensor system 100 is configured to obtain a mapping between (a) weather-related condition(s) and a road water condition, and detect a road water condition 690 based on the detected weather condition(s) and the obtained mapping, the controller 820 may be configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire(s) 810a, 810b accordingly. For example, in case of a detection of a road water condition 690 which corresponds to a (relatively) wet road, the controller 820 may be configured to control the light emitted from the luminaires 810a, 810b in order to reduce glare for a person driving a vehicle (e.g. a car) 705 and / or to improve the driving conditions for the driver of the vehicle 705.

[0062] Fig. 9 schematically shows a method 1000 for weather-related condition detection according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 1000 is performed via a sensor system comprising a receiver, and an element adjacently arranged to the receiver. The method comprises receiving 1010 water by the element 200 from the surrounding environment, wherein the reception of water by the element 200 may, for example, be via absorption. The method 1000 hereby comprises attaining 1020, by the element, at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water. The method 1000 further comprises receiving 1030, by the receiver through the element, signals from at least one satellite. The method 1000 further comprises obtaining 1040 first data of nominal signal strength reception of the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at a zero water level of the element, and obtaining 1050 second data of signal strength reception from the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at at least one water level of the element, wherein the at least one water level of the element 200 is different from the zero water level of the element. The method 1000 further comprises determining 1060 signal strength attenuation data as a function of the obtained first data 400 and the obtained second data 410, and detecting 1070 at least one weather-related condition as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data. As optional, additional method steps (indicated by dashed rectangles), the method 1000 may further comprise obtaining 1080 a mapping between at least one weather-related condition and a road water condition, and detecting 1090 a road water condition based on the detected at least one weather condition and the obtained mapping.

[0063] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the arrangement(s) of the receiver, element and / or processor of the sensor system may be different than that (those) shown.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sensor system (100) for weather-related condition detection, comprising a receiver (110) arranged to receive signals (120) from at least one satellite (130), an element (200) adjacently arranged to the receiver, whereby the receiver is arranged to receive the signals through the element, wherein the element is configured to receive water (210) from the surrounding environment, and arranged to attain at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water, and a processor (300) coupled to the receiver, wherein the processor is configured to obtain first data (400) of nominal signal strength reception of the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at a zero water level of the element, obtain second data (410) of signal strength reception from the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at at least one water level of the element, different from the zero water level of the element, determine signal strength attenuation data (430) as a function of the obtained first data and the obtained second data, and detect at least one weather-related condition (500) as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data.

2. The sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the first data comprises at least one of measured signal strength reception of the receiver, and predetermined signal strength reception of the receiver.

3. The sensor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second data is further based on the reception of signals as a function of at least one of an azimuth angle, (|)i, of the at least one satellite, and an elevation angle, 0i, of the at least one satellite.

4. The sensor system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second data is further based on the reception of signals as a function of at least one weather condition (550).

5. The sensor system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element is absorbent and configured to receive water via absorption.

6. The sensor system according to claim 5, wherein the element comprises a fabric configured to change its volume as a function of the amount of received water.

7. The sensor system according to claim 6, wherein the fabric comprises at least one pair of electrically conducting elements (600), and at least one slit (610) arranged between the at least one pair of electrically conducting elements, wherein the at least one slit has a respective length, Li, wherein the fabric is configured to change the respective length, Li, of the at least one slit as a function of the amount of received water, wherein the respective length, Li, is correlated to an attenuation of signals received by the receiver as a function of wavelength, X, of the received signals.

8. The sensor system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the element comprises a container (650) arranged to contain the received water.

9. The sensor system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor is further configured to obtain a mapping (680) between at least one weather-related condition (510) and a road water condition (685), and detect a road water condition (690) based on the detected at least one weather condition and the obtained mapping.

10. A sensor arrangement (700) for weather-related condition detection, comprising a receiver (110a) arranged to receive signals (120) from at least one satellite (130),an element (200) adjacently arranged to the receiver, whereby the receiver is arranged to receive the signals through the element, wherein the element is configured to receive water (210) from the surrounding environment, and arranged to attain at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water, at least one auxiliary receiver (110b, 110c) arranged to receive signals from at least one satellite, and a processor (300) coupled to the receiver and to the at least one auxiliary receiver, wherein the processor is configured to obtain first data (400) of nominal signal strength reception of the at least one auxiliary receiver, obtain second data ( 10) of signal strength reception from the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at at least one water level of the element, determine signal strength attenuation data (430) as a function of the obtained first data and the obtained second data, detect at least one weather-related condition (500) as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data.

11. The sensor arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the receiver and the at least one auxiliary receiver are arranged to receive signals from a single satellite.

12. Outdoor luminaire device (750), comprising a luminaire (760) arranged to emit light, the sensor system according to any one of claims 1-9, a controller (770) connected to the luminaire and to the sensor system, wherein the controller is configured to control the light emitted from the luminaire based on the detected at least one weather-related condition, and a luminaire housing (780) arranged to at least partially enclose at least one of the luminaire, the sensor system, and the controller.

13. Outdoor luminaire arrangement (800), comprising at least one luminaire (810) arranged to emit light, at least one sensor system according to any one of claims 1-9, andat least one controller (820) connected to the at least one luminaire and to the at least one sensor system, wherein the at least one controller is configured to control the light emitted from the at least one luminaire based on the detected at least one weather- related condition.

14. The outdoor luminaire arrangement according to claim 13, comprising at least one primary luminaire (810a) arranged to emit light, wherein each primary luminaire comprises a sensor system, and at least one secondary luminaire (810b) arranged to emit light, wherein at least one of the at least one primary luminaire is arranged adjacent to at least one of the at least one secondary luminaire, wherein the at least one controller (820) is configured to control the light emitted from the at least one primary luminaire based on the detected at least one weather-related condition by the sensor system of the respective at least one primary luminaire, and to control the light emitted from the at least one secondary luminaire arranged adjacent to at least one of the at least one primary luminaire based on the controlled light emitted from the at least one of the at least one primary luminaire arranged adjacent to the at least one of the at least one secondary luminaire.

15. A method (1000) for weather-related condition detection via a sensor system comprising a receiver, an element adjacently arranged to the receiver, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving (1010) water by the element from the surrounding environment, attaining (1020), by the element, at least one water level as a function of an amount of received water, receiving (1030), by the receiver through the element, signals from at least one satellite, obtaining (1040) first data of nominal signal strength reception of the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at a zero water level of the element, obtaining (1050) second data of signal strength reception from the receiver based on reception of signals through the element at at least one water level of the element, different from the zero water level of the element,determining (1060) signal strength attenuation data as a function of the obtained first data and the obtained second data, and detecting (1070) at least one weather-related condition as a function of the determined signal strength attenuation data.

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