Camera-Based Water Level Measurement Using Staff Gauge Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring water levels in rivers and streams are costly, require extensive installation and maintenance, and are prone to vandalism, with limitations in coverage density and accuracy due to reliance on image processing and stereo imaging, which can be computationally expensive and error-prone, especially in varying weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system using a mobile device equipped with a camera, GPS sensor, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) that combines inertial measurements with image data to determine water levels through geometric calculations, eliminating the need for on-site gauges and providing a low-cost, reliable solution for water level measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pressure, optic, or acoustic sensors are deployed for stream level measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the water level and staff gauge, creating a visual copy of the measurement scene. Image processing algorithms then analyze this visual copy to determine water level, replacing the need for complex physical sensors while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors, optic sensors, or acoustic sensors with a camera-based vision system. The mechanical or physical sensing mechanisms are substituted with optical imaging and computational image analysis, simplifying the device while achieving the same measurement function
2Measurement precision
If staff gauges and on-site infrastructure are installed for water level measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extensive installation and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing staff gauge infrastructure that is already present at monitoring locations. The camera-based system captures images of this existing infrastructure and uses image processing to extract water level data, eliminating the need for separate installation of measurement devices while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures water level data by imaging the staff gauge, provides visual documentation of the measurement scene, and enables remote monitoring without requiring physical presence at the site. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity
3Ease of operation
If deployed sensors are made accessible for public monitoring, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the water level measurement through photography and image processing. Since the measurement is derived from image analysis rather than physical sensor contact, the system can be remotely accessed and monitored without exposing vulnerable physical components to public interaction or vandalism
4Device complexity
If camera-based photogrammetric solutions are used for water level estimation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to computational errors and weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The staff gauge serves as an intermediary reference object between the camera and the water level. Instead of directly measuring water level from camera images alone, the system uses the staff gauge with its known scale markings as a reference mediator, enabling accurate conversion of image pixel measurements to real-world water level values even under varying weather conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring elevation of an accumulating resource with a visually distinguishable intersecting object includes providing an electronic device comprising a camera and at least one position sensor, performing at least one survey by obtaining sensor readings while the camera is aimed at an intersection, determining an altitude and pitch angle of the camera using the sensor readings; and computing the elevation of the accumulating resource using the geolocation and pitch angle of the camera.