Wireless Ski Slope User Detection for Accurate Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting users on ski slopes are imprecise, impractical, or invasive, failing to accurately count the number of people using the slopes and their times of use due to issues with ski pass counting, smartphone app reliance, and atmospheric conditions affecting optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A detection system using wireless signal-emitting devices like smartphones and smartwatches, combined with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi antennas, to generate and send detection signals to a control unit for precise user counting, supplemented by light beam sensors, which creates a database for real-time user tracking and slope management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ski pass counting with statistical methods is used, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of user counting is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual counting methods and complex optical tracking systems with a wireless signal-based detection system. Detection devices use wireless communication protocols to automatically detect and count users passing through defined zones, substituting mechanical/manual counting with electronic signal processing while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless signals as an intermediary between users and the detection system. Instead of directly observing or mechanically counting users, the system uses wireless signal emissions and receptions as a mediator to indirectly detect user presence and movement, achieving accurate counting without complex direct observation mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensors such as cameras are used, then the measurement precision of user detection is high, but the reliability under atmospheric conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical sensor-based detection with wireless signal-based detection. Instead of using cameras that are sensitive to fog, ice, and lighting conditions, the system uses wireless communication signals that penetrate atmospheric obstacles, providing reliable detection regardless of weather conditions while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated apps on smartphones are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to user participation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where users' own smartphones serve the detection function without requiring them to actively participate. The detection devices communicate with users' smartphones, which automatically transmit presence information without user intervention. This eliminates the need for users to install dedicated detection apps while maintaining high counting accuracy through automatic device-to-device communication.
4Measurement precision
If wireless signal detection devices are deployed along the ski slope, then the measurement precision of user counting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wireless communication devices that serve multiple functions: they detect user presence, track movement through zones, and communicate with the central system using standard wireless protocols. By using multi-functional wireless devices rather than specialized detection equipment, the system achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Enables accurate, non-invasive user counting and real-time slope management by precisely tracking user numbers and times, facilitating optimal snow distribution and accident prevention through improved data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
at least one detection device for detecting people, preferably by means of wireless signals, emitted by user interface devices
Implementation Method 2
the detection of people is performed by means of a light beam sensor which detects the passage of people when the light beam is interrupted
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
Detection system (1) for detecting users (U) for a ski area (10) comprising at least one ski slope (11) and at least one ski lift (12). The system (1) comprises at least one detection device (2) of the passage of users (U) arranged along the ski slope (11) and configured to generate and send a detection signal representative of the passage of a user interface device near the detection device (2) itself in a given moment or time interval and a control unit (3) configured to communicate with the detection device (2) to receive the detection signals so as to define a database (4) representative of a number of users who have used the ski slope (11) in given moments or time intervals.