Cloud Layer Segmentation for Accurate Advection Vector Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for predicting cloud movement from satellite images struggle to accurately estimate movement vectors when clouds are three-dimensionally stacked, leading to inaccuracies in cloud position estimation.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that divides clouds into multiple portions based on height information, estimates cloud states at target times for each portion, and calculates advection vectors for each level, using visible and infrared satellite images to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single movement vector is calculated from satellite images for three-dimensionally stacked clouds, then the calculation process is simple, but the movement vector cannot be accurately estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments three-dimensionally stacked clouds into multiple two-dimensional cloud layers based on height information from satellite images. Each layer is analyzed independently to calculate its own movement vector, resolving the contradiction by transforming a complex 3D analysis problem into multiple simpler 2D analysis problems that can be accurately solved separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces height information as an additional dimension to differentiate between stacked clouds. By using the vertical dimension (height) to separate clouds that overlap in the horizontal plane, the system can accurately estimate movement vectors for each cloud layer independently, improving measurement precision without excessive complexity.
2Measurement precision
If clouds are divided into multiple portions based on height information, then cloud position calculation accuracy is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides three-dimensionally stacked clouds into multiple two-dimensional cloud layers using height information from satellite images. This segmentation allows each layer to be processed independently with standard 2D image analysis techniques, improving position calculation accuracy while keeping individual processing steps relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing approaches to different cloud layers based on their specific characteristics. Each cloud layer is analyzed with methods suited to its particular properties (such as visible vs. infrared characteristics), improving overall accuracy without requiring a single complex universal processing system.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first estimator configured to estimate height information of a cloud based on data obtained by sensing the cloud, a divider configured to divide the cloud into a plurality of portions based on the height information, and a second estimator configured to estimate states of the cloud at target time for each of the portions.