Localized Weather Forecasting via Distributed Camera Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional weather forecasting methods lack accuracy and efficiency in predicting local weather patterns, especially in specific geographic areas, as they rely on general radar and satellite systems rather than real-time, location-specific data from multiple sources.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize images from various cameras and sensors to analyze weather phenomena, determine their motion, and generate localized weather forecasts by correlating the data with known weather patterns, enabling the extrapolation of forecasts to cover gaps in geographic areas without direct camera coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional radar and satellite systems are used for weather forecasting, then coverage area is large, but measurement precision and local accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocal weather forecast accuracyVSAvoidgeographic coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the weather forecasting system into multiple localized camera units distributed across different geographic areas. Each camera captures local weather phenomena independently, and the system processes images from multiple segments (cameras) to provide location-specific forecasts. This segmentation allows high local measurement precision while maintaining broad geographic coverage through the network of distributed cameras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by using multiple cameras positioned at specific geographic locations to capture weather phenomena unique to each area. Each camera provides localized weather data that reflects the specific conditions of its location, enabling accurate local forecasts rather than applying general regional patterns. This approach ensures that each location receives weather information tailored to its specific environmental characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If multiple cameras and sensors are deployed for localized weather data, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation-specific weather accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional system where cameras and sensors serve both their primary purposes (traffic monitoring, security) and weather forecasting functions. The same camera infrastructure used for other purposes is leveraged to capture weather phenomena, eliminating the need for dedicated weather equipment and reducing overall system complexity. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically processing images from multiple cameras using image recognition algorithms and machine learning models. The automated processing pipeline independently analyzes weather phenomena, determines motion patterns, and generates forecasts without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration. This self-service approach simplifies operation and reduces the complexity burden of managing multiple distributed sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If image analysis from multiple cameras is performed, then information completeness improves, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweather data completenessVSAvoidforecast generation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by continuously capturing and pre-processing images from multiple cameras in real-time, maintaining a buffer of analyzed weather data ready for immediate forecast generation. The system performs preliminary analysis of weather phenomena motion and patterns as images are captured, so when a forecast is needed, the computational work has already been partially completed. This reduces the time required to generate forecasts while maintaining complete information from all camera sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical weather measurement systems with optical image-based detection and computational analysis. Instead of using complex physical sensors and processing mechanisms, the system uses image recognition algorithms and machine learning models to analyze weather phenomena from camera feeds. This substitution reduces computational complexity and processing time while maintaining information completeness, as image analysis can be performed more efficiently than traditional mechanical measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10955586B2Weather forecasting system and methods
Publication Date: 2021.03.23 KYNDRYL INC
  • US10955586B2 patent drawing
  • US10955586B2 patent drawing
  • US10955586B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An approach for forecasting local weather patterns. The approach includes a method that includes receiving, by at least one computing device, images that include weather related information. The method includes analyzing, by the at least one computing device, the images to determine particular types of weather phenomena. The method includes analyzing, by the at least one computing device, the images to determine a motion of the particular types of weather phenomena. The method includes determining, by the at least one computing device, a weather forecast based on the analyzed images and the motion of the particular types of weather phenomena.