Real-time Precipitation Rate Computation via Image Brightness Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing technologies for computing atmospheric precipitation rates require a rich database of reference images, leading to significant storage resource demands and limitations in reliability.
Innovation Solution
A real-time atmospheric precipitation rate computation system that uses a mathematical model to calculate precipitation rates directly from captured digital images, independent of reference images, by computing atmospheric precipitation brightness and incorporating image processing techniques to isolate precipitation elements and correct for ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rich database of reference images is used to compute atmospheric precipitation rates, then measurement precision is improved, but storage resources are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the dependency on reference image databases from the precipitation rate computation system. Instead of comparing captured images against stored reference images, the system uses a mathematical model that directly computes precipitation rates from image features, thereby eliminating the need for extensive storage resources while maintaining computation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the physical storage of reference images with a mathematical model that can be represented and stored in a compact form. The model captures the essential relationships needed for precipitation rate computation without requiring actual image copies, significantly reducing storage requirements
2Reliability
If traditional rain gauges are used to measure atmospheric precipitation, then measurement reliability is improved, but spatial coverage and data collection efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical rain gauge systems with an image processing-based computational system. Digital images captured by cameras are processed through mathematical models to compute precipitation rates, eliminating the need for physical collection and mechanical measurement devices while improving both reliability and data collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct physical collection (rain gauge) to optical property analysis (image brightness and features). By analyzing how precipitation affects light transmission and image characteristics, the system computes precipitation rates without physical contact, enabling broader spatial coverage and higher efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
An atmospheric precipitation rate computation system (1), comprising an electronic digital image/video capture apparatus (10) to capture digital images/videos of an environment in which an atmospheric precipitation is taking place; an electronic digital image processing apparatus (20) connected to the electronic digital image/video capture apparatus (10) to receive therefrom and process captured digital images/videos to compute atmospheric precipitation rates of atmospheric precipitations which are taking place in the environments shown in the received digital images/videos; and an electronic display device (30) connected to the electronic digital image processing apparatus (20) to receive therefrom and display the computed atmospheric precipitation rate. The electronic digital image processing apparatus (20) is configured to compute an atmospheric precipitation rate of an atmospheric precipitation which is taking place in an environment shown in a captured digital image based on the atmospheric precipitation brightness in the captured digital image and on a mathematical model that expresses the atmospheric precipitation brightness in a captured digital image as a function of an atmospheric precipitation rate of an atmospheric precipitation that is taking place in an environment shown in a captured digital image.