Mobile Snowfall Measurement Device with Image-Based Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current snowfall measurement devices face issues with measurement accuracy due to snow remaining on the measurement table, and difficulties in accurately measuring snowfall in rugged terrain where observation facilities are not appropriately installed.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device equipped with a bottom plate, graduated ruler, image capturing unit, measurement unit, and movement unit that captures images of snow, measures snowfall, and moves to different positions, while also having a rotation mechanism to remove deposited snow and accommodate snowfall in a body unit with lateral parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If snowfall is measured using traditional snow gauges, then measurement can be performed, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to snow remaining on the measurement table after measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the snow removal function as a separate operational step from the measurement process. A dedicated snow removal unit is introduced to clear accumulated snow from the measurement table after each measurement cycle, ensuring the measurement surface is reset for the next measurement. This separation of measurement and cleanup functions resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement accuracy while enabling reliable subsequent measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary snow removal action before subsequent measurements. The system automatically removes snow from the measurement table after each measurement cycle, preparing the measurement surface in advance for the next measurement. This preliminary action ensures that accumulated snow does not interfere with future measurements, thereby maintaining both accuracy and reliability across multiple measurement cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If meteorological observation devices are installed in rugged terrain, then regional snowfall measurement can be achieved, but installation and operation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical snowfall measurement mechanisms with an image-based optical measurement system. Instead of using complex mechanical gauges that require precise installation and maintenance in rugged terrain, the system uses image capturing units to photograph the measurement table and processes these images computationally to determine snowfall depth. This substitution dramatically simplifies installation and operation while maintaining adaptability to various terrains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of the snow-covered measurement table and processes these copies to extract measurement data. The image capturing units photograph the graduated ruler and snow depth, and the control unit analyzes these image copies to calculate snowfall amounts. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical measurement systems, making the device easier to install and operate in rugged terrain while maintaining measurement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a device for measuring the amount of snowfall and a method of controlling the same, the device including a bottom plate, a graduated ruler extending upward from the bottom plate, an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of the graduated ruler and an upper portion of snow deposited on the bottom plate by using an image capturing device, a measurement unit configured to measure the amount of snowfall based on information on the captured image, and a movement unit configured to move the device for measuring the amount of snowfall so that a position of the bottom plate moves from a first position to a second position.