Weather Timeline Nowcaster with User Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weather forecasting systems provide inaccurate short-term forecasts and lack precision, failing to provide timely and location-specific weather information, and do not allow user interaction for improvement.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that generates and displays timelines of weather information, including past, current, and future weather data, allowing user input such as pictures, videos, and comments to enhance forecast accuracy, using a nowcaster device that combines weather sources and user observations to provide precise and interactive short-term weather forecasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional weather forecasting systems are used, then weather predictions are provided for general areas, but the forecast accuracy for precise locations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from area-averaged weather forecasts to location-specific forecasts. The system uses geographic coordinates to identify precise locations and generates weather forecasts tailored to each specific location rather than providing general area forecasts. This allows the forecast accuracy to improve for precise locations while maintaining the broader coverage capability.
2Loss of time
If conventional weather forecasts are displayed on a coarse time scale, then hourly forecasts are provided, but the precise timing and duration of weather events cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the time scale from coarse hourly intervals into finer sub-intervals. The system segments each hour into multiple time slots and displays weather events with their specific start and end times within those slots. This segmentation allows users to see not just that rain occurred during an hour, but precisely when it started and how long it lasted, resolving the contradiction between time resolution and event timing precision.
3Extent of automation
If conventional weather forecasting systems are used, then forecasts are generated without user interaction, but there is no way to verify or improve forecast accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a two-way communication system between users and the weather forecasting system. Users can input actual weather observations, photos, and videos that are fed back to the system. The system then uses this feedback to verify forecast accuracy and improve future predictions. This maintains automated forecast generation while adding a verification and improvement mechanism through user feedback.
4Area of stationary object
If conventional weather forecasting systems provide average forecasts for areas, then broad coverage is achieved, but short-term and fine-scale weather predictions are inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies another dimension by adding a spatial dimension to the forecast system. Instead of providing a single average forecast for an entire area, the system divides the area into multiple grid cells or zones and provides forecasts for each zone individually. This dimensional transformation allows the system to maintain broad coverage while significantly improving forecast precision for specific locations within the area.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods, devices, and non-transitory computer readable storage mediums to generate a weather timeline such as a succession of weather information on a continuous time scale. For example, a timeline may include first weather information associated with a first time in a first territorial location, second weather information associated with a second time, and third weather information associated with a third time. At least one of the first, second and third weather information may comprise a forecasted weather value indicative of a probability of having a specific type of precipitation at a specific intensity. A weather timeline may follow a specific location (e.g. city, town, any region with a definite boundary), a specific weather event (e.g. a specific precipitation type, a specific temperature level, a specific wind intensity), and/or a specific user. A timeline may include data created by an observer of the related weather information, where the data may be at least one of a picture, a video or a comment inputted by, the observer about the related weather information.