River Water Level Measurement Using Imaging Reference Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring river water levels and surface velocities are invasive, expensive, and prone to damage during floods, with non-invasive digital imaging systems facing challenges in precision due to varying light conditions and requiring structural landmarks, which limits their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a camera system that captures images of a river site with distributed reference points, using colorimetry and particle imaging velocimetry to determine water surface levels and velocities, allowing for precise and robust measurements without direct contact with the water and adaptable to varying light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intrusive sensors are used to monitor water level, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of being washed away and/or damaged during floods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying through digital imaging to capture water level information remotely, replacing physical intrusive sensors with a non-contact optical measurement system. The camera captures images of the water surface and structural landmarks, allowing precise measurement without direct contact with water, thus eliminating the risk of sensors being washed away or damaged during floods.
2Reliability
If digital imaging systems are used to monitor water level remotely, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces structural landmarks as intermediary reference objects between the camera and water surface. These landmarks provide stable, recognizable features that serve as reference points for georeferencing and calculating water level position, compensating for variations in lighting conditions. The mathematical model uses these intermediary references to establish accurate geometric relationships regardless of light changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct brightness comparison to geometric coordinate calculation. Instead of relying on brightness thresholds that vary with lighting conditions, the system uses the geometric relationship between reference points, structural landmarks, and water surface intersections to determine water level position, making the measurement independent of light intensity variations.
3Measurement precision
If digital imaging systems require structural landmarks for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited effectiveness in sites without landmarks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the observation site into multiple reference points distributed across the area. Instead of requiring a single large structural landmark, the system uses multiple smaller reference points (at least two reference points distributed on the observation site) that can be placed at various locations. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different site configurations and geometries while maintaining measurement precision through the mathematical model that processes coordinates of these distributed points.
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
The method improves precision and robustness of water level and surface velocity measurements, enabling remote monitoring without risk of damage during floods and maintaining accuracy across different lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving a camera system that captures images of a river site with distributed reference points, using colorimetry and particle imaging velocimetry to determine water surface levels and velocities
Implementation Method 2
A method involving a camera system that captures images of a river site with distributed reference points, using colorimetry and particle imaging velocimetry to determine water surface levels and velocities
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining an observation parameter associated with a water surface (5) by imaging. Said method includes a referencing step at the end of which a three-dimensional model of an observation site including the water surface (5) is obtained from physical reference points (19) placed on a permanent structure (15) and from virtual reference points (21) placed on a temporary structure. The method further includes an observation step during which the height of the water surface is determined. For this purpose, an imaging device (23) captures images of the observation site, and a data-processing algorithm then determines the coordinates of the water surface (5) using a visual medium (7). The height of the water surface is determined using the three-dimensional model of the observation site. The method further enables the surface velocities of the water surface (5) to be determined.