River Flow Estimation Model Using Basin Image Data Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for estimating river flow rates require on-site measurements, which are costly and inefficient, and existing models lack accuracy and versatility.

Innovation Solution

An estimation model generating apparatus that acquires basin data from images, verifies candidate models using verification data and predetermined formulas, and accumulates a validated estimation model for remote river flow rate estimation, incorporating uniform and rational formulas, and integrates with hydrological databases for enhanced accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If on-site field survey is conducted to measure river flow rate, then accurate flow rate information can be obtained, but various costs increase and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate information accuracyVSAvoidestimation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the river basin using geographical information data, satellite images, and topographical maps to build a digital estimation model. This virtual model replicates the physical basin's characteristics (area, gradient, land use) to enable remote flow rate estimation without physical field survey, thus maintaining accuracy while improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical field survey system with an information processing system that uses computational algorithms, satellite imagery, and geographical data. The estimation model automatically calculates flow rates using predetermined formulas (Manning's equation, rational formula) based on digital basin characteristics, eliminating the need for physical measurement equipment and field operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional regression functions are used to estimate flow rate, then some estimation capability is achieved, but accuracy and versatility are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveestimation capabilityVSAvoidflow rate estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves beyond simple regression by incorporating multiple physical parameters (basin area, gradient, land use type, rainfall intensity) into the estimation model. The system uses predetermined hydraulic formulas with adjustable parameters specific to different basin characteristics, allowing accurate estimation across diverse river types rather than relying on a single regression relationship

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a versatile estimation model that can handle different river basin types (mountain rivers, plain rivers, forested basins, urban areas) by integrating multiple calculation methods (Manning's equation for uniform flow, rational formula for peak flow). The model adapts to various land use types and basin geometries, making it universally applicable rather than limited to specific conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If remote estimation method is implemented, then efficiency and cost are improved, but model accuracy and reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote estimation efficiencyVSAvoidestimation model validity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary verification of the estimation model using historical flow rate data and existing hydrological information before deployment. The model is calibrated and validated against known basin characteristics and past measurement data, ensuring reliability is established in advance before conducting remote estimations, thus preventing accuracy deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260051163A1Estimation model generating apparatus, river flow rate estimating apparatus, method for producing estimation model, river flow rate estimating method, and program

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 SUNTORY HLDG LTD

AI summary

Conventional estimation model generating apparatuses are required to be able to estimate information on a flow rate of a target river. An estimation model generating apparatus 101 includes: a basin data acquiring unit 142 that acquires basin data of a basin of a river of interest from an image containing the basin; a candidate model acquiring unit 143 that acquires one or more candidate models for estimating information on a flow rate of the river based on the basin data; a verifying unit 145 that verifies validity of at least one candidate model out of the one or more candidate models using verification data; an estimation model acquiring unit 147 that acquires one candidate model out of the one or more candidate models as an estimation model based on a verification result; and a model accumulating unit 149 that accumulates the acquired estimation mode. Accordingly, it is possible to estimate information on a flow rate of a target river.