Water Level Monitoring via Virtual Alert Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring water levels, such as water gauges and human observation, are prone to inaccuracies and costs, while satellite imaging faces challenges with large area coverage and objectivity.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system comprising an image capturing module and an image processing module that captures and processes images to identify virtual alert points within a water body region, determining water levels and generating alerts based on predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water gauge is placed directly in the water body to detect water level, then the water level can be monitored continuously, but the water gauge has the risk of being flushed away by flooding and may not be controllable afterward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image capturing devices to capture images of the water body and processes these images to extract water level information. Instead of placing a physical water gauge in the water body, the system creates a virtual copy of the water level through image processing, thereby avoiding the risk of equipment loss while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical water gauge system with an optical and computational system. Image capturing devices and image processing algorithms substitute for the physical water level detection mechanism, eliminating the need for mechanical contact with the water body and thus avoiding equipment damage from flooding
2Adaptability or versatility
If human observers are used to monitor water level, then the monitoring can be performed flexibly, but the cost is high and the observed result may not be objective
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated image capturing devices and image processing algorithms to perform water level monitoring without human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically capturing images, processing them to extract water level information, and generating monitoring results, thereby eliminating subjectivity while maintaining flexibility and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human observers with an automated optical and computational system. Image capturing devices and processing algorithms substitute for human visual observation, providing objective and consistent measurements while maintaining the flexibility to monitor water levels at various locations
3Area of stationary object
If satellite images are used to monitor water level, then the coverage area is large, but the accuracy is reduced due to the large area covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent focuses on monitoring specific local water bodies rather than attempting to cover large areas with satellite images. By segmenting the monitoring task into smaller, localized water bodies, the system achieves high measurement precision for each individual water body while allowing multiple such systems to be deployed across different locations to achieve broad coverage
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for monitoring water level of a water body, a monitoring system is configured to: capture a current image that has a portion of the water body, and a remaining portion aside from the portion of the water body; process the current image into a processed image that includes a water body region corresponding to the portion of the water body, and a background region corresponding to the remaining portion of the current image; mark, on the processed image, a plurality of virtual alert points according to a predetermined water level of the water body; determine whether at least one of the virtual alert points is located within the water body region of the processed image; and generate a monitoring result according to the determination thus made.