Ocean Image Detection for Real-Time Surf Condition Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining ocean conditions, such as surf conditions and recreational activities, rely on manual analysis of video footage, which is time-consuming and prone to error, making it difficult for beachgoers to plan their visits efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An automated system using ocean-facing cameras and machine-learning algorithms to detect features and parameters in ocean environments, enabling real-time data analysis and prediction of conditions without the need for manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual analysis of video footage is used to determine ocean conditions, then detailed assessment of surf conditions and recreational activities can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassessment accuracyVSAvoidplanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis of video footage with an automated computer vision system that uses machine learning algorithms to detect and analyze ocean conditions, wave patterns, and recreational activities. This substitution eliminates the need for human observers to manually review video footage, thereby resolving the contradiction between obtaining detailed assessments and minimizing time investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated detection system as an intermediary between video footage collection and condition assessment. This intermediary system automatically processes video data to extract meaningful information about ocean conditions and recreational activities, enabling users to obtain accurate assessments without directly engaging in time-consuming manual analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If ocean sensors are deployed to measure ocean conditions, then accurate real-time data can be obtained, but the system becomes costly and maintenance-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocean condition data accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses video footage as a visual copy or representation of ocean conditions, replacing physical ocean sensors. The computer vision system analyzes this visual copy to extract accurate measurements of wave height, water temperature, and other ocean parameters, thereby obtaining sensor-level data accuracy without deploying complex physical sensing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes physical ocean sensing equipment with a computer vision-based measurement system. Instead of using mechanical and electronic ocean sensors that require deployment and maintenance in harsh marine environments, the system uses image processing and machine learning to infer ocean conditions from video data, significantly reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If real-time webcam footage is used to monitor multiple beaches, then ocean conditions can be observed, but the planning process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-beach monitoring capabilityVSAvoiduser effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated system that performs the monitoring and analysis work itself without requiring user intervention. The computer vision system automatically processes video footage from multiple beaches, detects ocean conditions and recreational activities, and presents processed information to users. This self-service approach enables multi-beach monitoring while eliminating the tedious manual review process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated detection system as an intermediary that handles the complex task of analyzing multiple video feeds simultaneously. This intermediary system processes footage from multiple beaches, extracts relevant information about ocean conditions and activities, and presents synthesized results to users, thereby enabling versatile multi-beach monitoring while keeping user effort minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12548326B2Automated detection of features and/or parameters within an ocean environment using image data

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 SURFLINE WAVETRAK INC

AI summary

Automated detection of features and/or parameters within an ocean environment using image data. In an embodiment, captured image data is received from ocean-facing camera(s) that are positioned to capture a region of an ocean environment. Feature(s) are identified within the captured image data, and parameter(s) are measured based on the identified feature(s). Then, when a request for data is received from a user system, the requested data is generated based on the parameter(s) and sent to the user system.