River Flood Prediction Using LiDAR Water Surface Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for predicting flooding using water level gauges and visible light cameras are inaccurate due to variations in installation position and ambient brightness, respectively, making it difficult to accurately predict flooding occurrences.
Innovation Solution
A flooding prediction device utilizing a coherent light sensing device to acquire measurement data, generate a three-dimensional point group model, and predict flooding based on water surface state information, including water level and flow speed, using laser light detection and ranging (LiDAR) techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a water level gauge is used to measure water level, then measurement can be obtained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to variations in installation position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical water level gauge with a laser-based measurement system. The laser measuring device emits laser light to the water surface and measures the reflected light to calculate water level, eliminating the need for physical installation in the river and avoiding position-dependent measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point measurement (water level gauge at a single position) to two-dimensional area measurement (laser scanning across the water surface). By measuring multiple points across the river width and calculating average water level, the system achieves position-independent accurate measurement.
2Measurement precision
If a visible light camera is used to measure water level, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to ambient brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visible light camera system with a laser-based measurement system. The laser emitting device uses coherent laser light with specific wavelength and the receiving device detects reflected laser light intensity and phase, making the measurement independent of ambient brightness conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from broad-spectrum visible light to monochromatic laser light with specific wavelength. This parameter change allows the system to operate independently of ambient brightness by using the known laser wavelength and intensity characteristics for precise water surface detection.
3Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used, then simple equipment is required, but prediction accuracy deteriorates due to inability to measure flow speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional measurement system where the laser emitting device and receiving device can measure both water level (via reflected light intensity and time of flight) and flow speed (via Doppler shift or particle tracking). This universal system eliminates the need for separate measurement devices while achieving comprehensive flooding prediction parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges water level measurement and flow speed measurement into a single integrated laser-based system. By combining multiple measurement functions into one device, the system achieves high prediction accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the core laser technology serves multiple purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate prediction of flooding by detecting water levels and flow speeds with high precision, allowing for precise forecasting of flooding events at multiple points along a river.
Implementation Method 1
measurement data indicating a result of measurement based on applied laser light being emitted by a coherent light sensing device and being applied to a measurement target region including a water surface portion of a river, and reflected laser light being reflected by the measurement target region and being received by the coherent light sensing device
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a flooding prediction device, etc. that make it possible to accurately predict the occurrence of flooding of a river. A flooding prediction device comprises: at least one processor configured to acquire measurement data indicating the result of measurement based on irradiation laser light emitted and radiated onto a measurement target region including the water surface part of a river, and reflection laser light reflected by the region and received by the coherent light sensing device, generate three-dimensional point group model of the measurement target region by using the measurement data, generate, by using the measurement data and the three-dimensional point group model, water surface state information indicating the state of the water surface part in the measurement target region, and predict the occurrence of flooding of the river by using the water surface state information.