Empirical Snow Depth Estimation Using Optical Disdrometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for estimating snow depth are prone to observation errors due to environmental influences and require complex density calculations, making them inaccurate and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an optical disdrometer to measure snow particle sizes and concentrations, combined with a laser snow depth gauge and automatic weather system, calculates an optimal index for snow depth estimation through mathematical equations, eliminating the need for density observations and simplifying computations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional snow depth gauge is used to measure snow depth, then snow depth can be observed, but observation errors occur due to environmental influences such as heat from ground temperature, wind, and interference from animals or plants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based snow depth gauge with an optical measurement system using laser beams. The laser snow depth gauge emits laser beams that reflect off the snow surface, allowing non-contact measurement of snow depth, thereby eliminating errors caused by ground heat conduction, wind interference, and biological disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (laser beam) to measure snow depth indirectly. Instead of direct contact measurement, the system uses light reflection properties to determine snow depth, adding an intermediary measurement medium that is not affected by environmental factors like temperature, wind, or living organisms.
2Measurement precision
If theoretical equations and empirical equations are used to estimate snow depth, then snow depth can be calculated, but the computation becomes complicated due to requirement of density observation values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for snow density observation values from the snow depth estimation process. By using optical properties and particle size distribution data only, the system removes the complex density measurement component while maintaining estimation accuracy through alternative physical relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the input parameters from requiring density values to using only optical and particle size parameters. The estimation equations are reformulated to use measurable optical properties (light scattering, particle size distribution) instead of density, simplifying the computational requirements while preserving accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If optical disdrometer is used to measure snow particle sizes and concentrations, then snow depth can be estimated without density observations, but the system complexity increases with multiple measuring instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple measurement functions into a unified estimation framework. The optical disdrometer data (particle size and concentration) and laser snow depth gauge measurements are combined through a single empirical equation system that performs both particle characterization and depth estimation, making the complex system operate as a cohesive multi-functional unit.
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
This approach provides a more accurate and simplified method for estimating snow depth, reducing errors and computational complexity by using snow particle size distributions to determine empirical snow depth equations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical disdrometer for acquiring information on diameters of snow particles and particle number concentration
Implementation Method 2
a laser snow depth gauge for measuring the height of snow accumulated through a laser beam type sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for estimating a snow depth including: an optical disdrometer for acquiring information on diameters of snow particles and particle number concentration; a laser snow depth gauge for measuring the height of snow accumulated through a laser beam type sensor to provide an observed stop depth; an estimated snow depth equation calculator for determining an optimal index for the diameters of the snow particles provided by the optical disdrometer, substituting the optimal index for a snow depth calculation equation as a first mathematical equation to calculate a computed snow depth, obtaining correlation between the observed snow depth and the computed snow depth, and calculating a regression equation between the observed snow depth and the computed snow depth as an estimated snow depth equation; and a snow depth estimator for estimating the snow depth on the basis of the estimated snow depth equation, and the first mathematical equation.