Image-Based User Detection for Real-Time Ski Run Traffic Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing ski resorts lack real-time and precise tracking of user numbers on individual ski runs, leading to inefficient management and safety concerns due to inaccurate data.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing image sensors and processing units to capture and analyze video footage of ski runs, detecting moving objects and counting users in real-time, which is integrated with a management system to control ski lifts, snow-groomer vehicles, and artificial snow systems based on user traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ski passes and ski lifts data are used to estimate user numbers, then data collection is simple, but measurement precision is poor and cannot provide real-time accurate counts for individual ski runs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual counting methods and indirect estimation systems with an automated image recognition system using cameras and processing units. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated optical detection resolves the contradiction by providing precise real-time user counts without requiring complex manual data collection across multiple ski runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that captures images via cameras, processes them through algorithms to detect and count users, and integrates this data with the management system. This intermediary layer translates raw visual data into actionable user count information, achieving measurement precision while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
2Productivity
If manual counting or indirect data estimation is used, then system complexity is low, but information availability is delayed and inaccurate for real-time management decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous image capture and processing operations that provide uninterrupted real-time user count data. The system continuously monitors ski runs through camera feeds and processing units, ensuring uninterrupted information availability for management decisions, thereby achieving high productivity through persistent data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where user count data from image processing is continuously fed back to the management system, enabling real-time adjustments to ski lift operations, snowmaking, and grooming. This feedback mechanism transforms static estimation into dynamic, actionable information, improving productivity while justifying system complexity through tangible operational benefits.
3Loss of energy
If ski lifts and snow-groomer vehicles operate without real-time user data, then energy consumption is high due to inefficient scheduling, but implementing real-time tracking increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling of ski lifts and snow-groomer vehicles based on real-time user count data. The system continuously adjusts vehicle deployment, timing, and routing according to actual user distribution across ski runs, transforming static schedules into adaptive operations that minimize energy consumption while managing complexity through automated decision algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of ski lifts and snow-groomer vehicles based on detected user numbers. When user counts are low, the system reduces lift frequency or suspends grooming operations; when counts are high, it increases activity levels. This parameter adjustment strategy optimizes energy efficiency by matching resource deployment to actual demand, justifying the integrated management system's complexity through measurable energy savings.
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.