Storm Track Display Using Tile-Based Image Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for displaying high-resolution weather-related imagery require large memory capacity and processing time, making it difficult to efficiently display and track weather events across large geographic areas, especially when weather systems occur beyond the scope of initial image tiles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for displaying weather-related symbology on high-resolution images by assembling tiles based on geographic coordinates, using compressed meta-data files, and a processor-readable memory with control logic to quickly access and display relevant tiles, allowing for the overlay of weather-related symbology and efficient panning across images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are displayed to show detailed weather events, then image quality and detail are improved, but memory capacity requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The high-resolution image is divided into multiple smaller tiles, each stored as a separate image file with associated metadata. This segmentation allows the system to load and display only the specific tiles needed for the current view, rather than loading the entire high-resolution image, thereby reducing memory capacity requirements while maintaining image quality.
2Reliability
If the entire image is loaded before display to ensure complete coverage, then image completeness is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image tiles are pre-organized with metadata including geographic coordinates and sequence numbers that define their placement in the overall image. This preliminary organization allows the system to quickly assemble the necessary tiles without loading the entire image, reducing processing time while ensuring the displayed portion is complete and correctly positioned.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple tiles are loaded to cover large weather systems, then coverage area is improved, but memory usage and loading time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system loads only the specific tiles that are currently needed to display the weather system of interest, rather than loading all tiles that might potentially be needed. The metadata allows the system to determine precisely which tiles are required for the current view, optimizing memory usage by loading only the necessary portion of the large-area coverage.
4Ease of manufacture
If tiles are loaded sequentially according to sequence number, then loading simplicity is improved, but display speed decreases when weather events move across non-sequential tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses geographic coordinates as the primary parameter for tile identification and loading, rather than relying solely on sequence numbers. This parameter change allows the system to directly calculate which tiles are needed based on the weather event's location and movement, enabling faster loading of non-sequential tiles by using coordinate-based addressing instead of sequential loading.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for displaying storm tracks is provided. The method includes combining topographic imagery, preferably high-resolution photographic images, with storm path vectors. The method further includes panning along the storm path vector, in a “zoomed-in” mode, to allow site-specific depiction of geographic landmarks and expected times of arrival. A system for performing the method includes control logic which causes a computer system to execute the steps of the method is also provided.