Inundation Damage Determination Using Reference Object Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual surveys of inundation damage during widespread floods are time-consuming and challenging due to the need for pre-installed sensors, which may be damaged and non-functional during disasters, making it difficult to determine the extent of damage accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor and memory that acquires images of water surfaces, detects reference objects, measures water levels, and determines inundation damage without pre-installed sensors, using a drone or camera to capture images and calculate water levels based on reference object heights and positions, allowing for remote assessment of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pre-installed sensors are used for water level measurement, then measurement automation is achieved, but the sensors may be damaged during disasters and fail to function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image copying technology to create a virtual model of the water level by capturing images with a camera and processing them through image recognition algorithms. This optical copy replaces the physical sensor, allowing measurement without direct contact with the measurement environment, thus avoiding sensor damage while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based measurement system with an optical system using cameras and image processing. The camera captures images of water levels, and computer vision algorithms extract measurement data, substituting the mechanical sensor with a non-contact optical measurement approach that is more resilient to disaster conditions.
2Measurement precision
If manual surveys are conducted for inundation damage assessment, then accurate damage determination is possible, but the process takes a lot of time and requires visiting inundated sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual field surveys with an automated image-based measurement system. Cameras mounted on drones or other platforms capture images of inundated areas, and image processing algorithms automatically extract water level and damage information, eliminating the need for personnel to physically visit dangerous areas while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service measurement by using the environment itself (water surface reflections, floating objects) as measurement references. The image processing system automatically identifies water levels and damage indicators without human intervention, allowing the system to assess damage independently without requiring surveyors to interpret data on-site.
3Reliability
If sensors are installed in advance for disaster detection, then real-time monitoring is possible, but the sensors themselves may be damaged and may not function during a disaster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the water level measurement process by using camera images instead of physical sensors. The image-based system observes water levels from a distance, copying the measurement function without placing any physical device in the hazardous flood environment, thus eliminating the risk of sensor damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light and image processing as intermediaries between the observer and the water level. Instead of directly contacting the water with sensors, the system uses optical signals (light reflections from water surface) as a mediator to transmit measurement information, allowing indirect measurement that avoids harmful flood conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an inundation damage determination device, an inundation damage determination method, and a program for determining inundation damage of a house without disposing a sensor in advance or visiting an inundated site. An image including a water surface is acquired, a reference object, which is a reference for a height, is detected from the image, a total length and a position of the reference object are acquired, a length above the water surface of the reference object in the image is measured, and a water level of the water surface is measured from a difference between the total length of the reference object and the length above the water surface of the reference object, the water level of the water surface and the position of the reference object are stored in association with each other, a position of a house, which is a target of an inundation damage determination, is acquired, an inundation water level of the house is decided from the position associated with the water level of the water surface and the position of the house, and a degree of damage of the house from the inundation water level is determined.