Image-Based Ski Run User Detection for Real-Time Count Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing ski resorts lack real-time and accurate counting of users on each ski run, which is essential for efficient management and safety.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an image sensor and a processing unit connected in communication, where the image sensor captures images of a ski run and sends them to the processing unit to analyze, detect moving objects, count them, and determine the number of users passing on the ski run.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ski passes and ski lifts data are used to count users, then the counting method is simple to implement, but the accuracy of user count per ski run is poor and real-time information is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual counting methods and mechanical ski lift passenger counting with an automated optical detection system. Image sensors capture visual data of users on ski runs, and processing units automatically analyze these images to count users, substituting mechanical counting mechanisms with electronic vision-based systems to achieve accurate per-run user counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image sensors as intermediary devices positioned along ski runs to capture visual information of users. These sensors act as mediators between the physical presence of users and the digital counting system, converting visual data into countable information that can be processed and analyzed for accurate user measurement on each specific ski run.
2Loss of time
If manual counting methods are used, then the system complexity is low, but the real-time information availability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous image capture and processing along ski runs, ensuring that user counting operates without interruption. The system continuously acquires visual data, processes it in real-time, and updates user count information, maintaining an ongoing measurement process that eliminates gaps in data availability and provides continuous monitoring of ski run occupancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to automatically capture, process, and count users without requiring manual intervention. The image sensors and processing units operate autonomously, with the system serving itself by automatically analyzing captured images and generating user count data, eliminating the need for human counters and reducing response time for information availability.
3Loss of information
If ski lifts serve multiple ski runs, then the ski lift infrastructure is efficient, but the ability to determine precise user count on each ski run is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into separate detection zones along different ski runs. Image sensors are positioned at specific locations to capture images of users on individual ski runs, segmenting the counting function by location. This allows the system to track and count users on each specific ski run independently, even when ski lifts serve multiple runs, preserving detailed user distribution information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to user counting by deploying image sensors at multiple locations along the ski runs. Instead of a single centralized counting point, the system uses distributed sensors positioned at different spatial locations to capture user presence on specific runs, adding location-based dimensional information that enables precise per-run user count determination while maintaining multi-run ski lift operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting the passage of users in a ski resort, the ski resort comprising a plurality of ski runs and a plurality of ski lifts; the system for detecting the passage of users comprising: an image sensor and a processing unit, which are connected in communication with each other; wherein the image sensor is configured to capture images, such as a video, of a portion of the ski run, and send them to the processing unit; the processing unit being configured to analyse said images, such as the video, and detect moving objects, such as moving in a given direction, and count said detected moving objects; such as the image sensor is a video camera.