JP6440324B2 - Snow cover detection device and snow cover detection system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a snow cover detection apparatus and a snow cover detection system, and more particularly to a snow cover detection apparatus capable of quantitatively measuring snow cover height and a snow cover detection system in which the snow cover detection apparatuses are connected via a network.

  In Japan, there are heavy snow areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku and Hokuriku, and railways and roads are often disconnected during heavy snow. A surveillance camera is usually used for snow cover monitoring. Some monitor cameras are connected via a network to collect images on a server, and snow conditions are monitored from image analysis (see, for example, Patent Document 1) to determine whether or not to perform snow removal work.

Satoshi Aoki, “Research and Development of Snow Sensor by Image Processing (Part 3)”, July 2005, Fukui Prefectural Snow Countermeasures and Construction Technology Research Institute, Annual Report Regional Technology No. 18, pp. 17-21.

  However, the surveillance camera has a problem that it is difficult to obtain a clear image in a snowstorm, and it is difficult to quantitatively measure the snow cover height. In addition, surveillance cameras are used for human flow analysis, but two or more imaging cameras are required to measure the three-dimensional coordinates such as the snow cover position, and the camera orientation must be adjusted. The adjustment mechanism is complicated and expensive. In addition, there are areas that cannot be covered by services provided by existing communication carriers.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a snow cover detection apparatus that is simple and inexpensive and can detect a quantitative snow cover height. It is another object of the present invention to provide a snow detection system that can detect areas that cannot be covered by existing communication carrier services.

  To achieve the above object, the snow detection device 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention irradiates the snow surface 5 to form spots 12a and 12b on the snow surface 5, respectively, for example, as shown in FIG. The snow height h is calculated from the distance between the two light irradiators 10a and 10b, the imaging camera 20 that captures the two spots 12a and 12b, and the two spots 12a and 12b that are captured by the imaging camera 20. Weather snow removal that collects and records the relationship between the snow height calculation unit 51 to calculate, the weather sensors 31 and 32 that measure weather data including temperature, the weather data including past temperature and snow height, and the snow removal work data A snow removal work determination unit 53 that determines the necessity of the snow removal work by comparing the database 52, the weather data including the measured temperature / snow accumulation height and the snow removal work data of the weather snow removal database 52, and a snow removal work judgment And a transceiver 54 for communicating the results of determination by section 53.

  Here, as weather data, there are humidity, wind direction, wind speed, rainfall, etc. in addition to temperature, and these may be measured or not. Further, COD (chemical oxygen demand) in water, soil moisture, and the like may be measured, but may not be measured. As the weather snow removal database 52, a shared database may be used for the memory built into the snow detection device 1, an external storage device, or the plurality of snow detection devices 1A to 1N. The snow removal work data includes, for example, a snow removal area, snow removal time, snow removal equipment, snow removal method, snow removal personnel, and the like. The snow height calculating unit 51, the snow removal operation determination unit 53, and the transmission / reception unit 54 are preferably configured in a computer built in the snow detection device 1, but the snow removal operation determination unit 53 is included in the function server 50S of the network NW, for example. The transmitter / receiver 54 may be configured as a transmitter / receiver or the like outside the computer, for example. In addition, since it becomes possible to communicate with the outside if it has the transmission / reception part 54, it becomes possible to comprise the communication network NW.

  If comprised in this way, since snow cover height h is measured from the distance between the two spots 12a and 12b image | photographed with the imaging camera 20, snow cover height h can be detected quantitatively. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a precise direction adjusting mechanism for a plurality of imaging cameras for the measurement of the snow cover height h, a simple and inexpensive configuration can be achieved.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the snow detection device 1 according to the second aspect of the present invention is the same as the snow detection device 1 according to the first aspect, except that the light irradiators 10a and 10b, the imaging camera 20, and the snow height. A casing 2 in which a calculation unit 51, a snow removal operation determination unit 53, and weather sensors 31, 32 can be built in or can be attached to the outside, the light irradiators 10a and 10b, the imaging camera 20, the snow cover height calculation unit 51, and the snow removal operation The case 2 which can be attached to the support | pillar which can attach the photovoltaic power generation panel 40 for supplying the determination part 53, the electrical storage 41 for supplying electric power to the weather sensors 31 and 32, and the electrical storage 41 is provided. By mounting jig 4a

Here, the pillar 4 is typically a pipe that extends in the vertical direction. However, even if the angle or the like is formed in a bridge shape, the snow detection device 1 or its parts are fixed to the bridge beam. good.
If comprised in this way, since the light irradiators 10a and 10b, the imaging camera 20, etc. are stably attached to the housing | casing 2 fixed to the support | pillar 4, the snow cover height near the snow cover detection apparatus 1 can be measured stably.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the snow detection device according to the third aspect of the present invention has a wide angle for monitoring all directions in the east, west, south, and north directions in the snow detection device according to the first aspect or the second aspect. A camera 21 is provided.

Here, all directions may be covered by acquired images of a plurality of wide-angle cameras 21, or a plurality of captured images may be acquired and covered while changing the direction of one wide-angle camera 21.
If comprised in this way, since the wide-angle camera 21 is provided, the snow-covered condition and abnormality of the wide area | region surrounding the snow-covering detection apparatus 1 can be monitored.

  Moreover, the snow cover detection system which concerns on the 4th aspect of this invention WHEREIN: In the snow cover detection apparatus 1 which concerns on either of the 1st aspect thru | or the 3rd aspect, Furthermore, the laser sensor or crime prevention for detecting distortion of a track | line -A surveillance camera or a second sensor for any of snow damage, waterproof damage, and beast damage is provided.

Here, a known monitoring camera can be used as the monitoring camera. A known laser sensor can also be used. Examples of the second sensor include an optical sensor, a tactile sensor, a water level sensor, and a rainfall sensor.
If comprised in this way, in addition to snow accumulation detection, the distortion of a track | line can be detected, or prevention of crime prevention, snow prevention damage, waterproof damage, and animal protection damage can be performed.

  Moreover, the snow detection system which concerns on the 5th aspect of this invention is any one of the some 1st aspect thru | or the 3rd aspect installed along the railway or the road, for example, as shown in FIG. The snow cover detection system 1S in which the snow cover detection devices according to the above are connected via a communication network NW, and the function server 50S for controlling the snow cover detection system 1S as a whole and each of the snow cover detection devices 1A to 1N constituting the snow cover detection system 1S can be measured by the system And a monitor 60S for displaying the snow condition in the area, and a specific low-power radio system is used for communication within the communication network NW.

Here, the specific low-power radio system means that a radio station license is not required if the radio wave type, frequency, antenna power, occupied frequency bandwidth, etc. are within a predetermined range in a specific application such as data transmission. It is a wireless system that can be used. However, for example, if the 920 MHz band is used, there are advantages such that the radio wave reach can be about 30 km at the maximum, and communication outside the mobile phone service area provided by the communication carrier is possible.
If comprised in this way, since the specific low-power radio system is used for the communication in the communication network NW, it becomes possible to detect the snow cover height even in an area where the communication carrier cannot cover.

  The snow cover detection system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention uses the spread spectrum method in the 920 MHz band for communication within the communication network NW in the snow cover detection system according to the fifth aspect.

  If comprised in this way, since a spread spectrum system is used, omission of the contents of communication can be suppressed. Further, since electromagnetic waves in the 920 MHz band are difficult to be absorbed by water, there is little attenuation due to rainfall / snowfall.

  In addition, the snow detection system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the snow detection system according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect, wherein any one of the snow detection devices is a laser sensor for detecting the distortion of the track. Alternatively, a surveillance camera or a second sensor for crime prevention, snow prevention damage, waterproof damage, and animal protection damage is provided.

Here, examples of the second sensor include an optical sensor, a tactile sensor, a water level sensor, a rainfall sensor, and the like.
If comprised in this way, in addition to snow accumulation detection, the distortion of a track | line can be detected, or it can apply also to prevention of crime prevention, snow prevention damage, waterproof damage, and animal protection damage.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a snow cover detection device that is simple and inexpensive and can detect a quantitative snow cover height. In addition, it is possible to provide a snow cover detection system that can detect even areas that cannot be covered by the services of existing communication carriers.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a snow cover detection apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the entire snow detection device 1, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the snow detection device to a column. It is a figure which shows the example of the external appearance of the housing | casing of the snow cover detection apparatus which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the measurement principle of the snow cover height which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the snow cover detection method which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the concept of the snow cover detection apparatus which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the concept of the snow cover detection system which concerns on Example 3. FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar members are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a snow cover detection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the entire snow detection device 1, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the snow detection device 1 to the column 4.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the housing 2 of the snow cover detection apparatus 1. The casing 2 has a shape in which a cylindrical first body portion 2a with a bowl-shaped head and a circular ring with circular cones (the diameters of the circles are different on the top and bottom of the ring) are stacked in multiple stages. It consists of the second part 2b. The reason why the first part 2a is in such a shape is that the basic cylindrical shape is to prevent accidents such as collapse by minimizing air resistance when the snow cover 1 is subjected to strong wind, and the head is spherical. The reason for this is to prevent snow from accumulating. In addition, a power connector and the like are disposed on the second portion 2b, and therefore a skirt is used to provide good ventilation and to be strong against damage from wind and the like from the outside. The housing 2 is airtight and waterproof, and contains various sensors and IT equipment.
The dimensions of the housing are, for example, 15 cmφ × 20 to 30 cm made of resin, and are small and light (for example, 20 kg or less including internal devices), so that they can be easily transported, installed, and removed. Furthermore, environmental performance of −30 to + 50 ° C. can be realized. The material of the housing 2 is typically an ABS resin (high impact resistance, high heat resistance and good workability). When an electromagnetic shield is required, a lightweight metal is used instead of or together with the resin.

  Returning now to FIG. The housing 2 is attached to a support column 4 fixed to the ground 3 by using, for example, an attachment jig 4a (see FIG. 1B). In addition, a solar power generation panel 40 that generates power using sunlight and a capacitor 41 that stores electricity generated by the solar power generation panel 40 are attached to the support column 4 (see FIG. 1A).

In the present embodiment, the first part 2 a includes a snow cover height calculation unit 51, a weather snow removal database 52, a snow removal work determination unit 53, a transceiver 54 and a control unit 50.
In the second part 2 b, two light irradiators 10 a and 10 b and an imaging camera 20 are included in the housing 2. In addition, a temperature sensor 31 that measures temperature and a wind speed sensor 32 that measures wind speed are attached to the outside of the housing 2 as weather sensors. In addition, an antenna 54 a of a transmitter / receiver 54 for allowing the snow detection device 1 to communicate with another snow detection device and the function server 50 </ b> S is attached to the outside of the housing 2. In this embodiment, since the position of the snow detection device 1 is fixed, a position sensor is not necessary. However, when the snow detection device is mounted on a moving body, a global positioning system (GPS) is used. A position sensor 33 for measuring the position can be attached to the outside of the housing 2. The two light irradiators 10a and 10b and the imaging camera 20 are used for measuring the snow cover height.
These light irradiators 10a and 10b, the imaging camera 20, the temperature sensor 31, the wind speed sensor 32, the position sensor 33, and the like can use known devices and sensors. As a weather sensor, a known sensor can also be used when a humidity sensor or a rainfall sensor is used.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the principle of measuring the snow cover height. The irradiation lights 11a and 11b from the two light irradiators 10a and 10b form spots 12a and 12b on the snow surface 5 of the snow piled on the ground 3, respectively. The distance between the two spots 12a and 12b is d, the snow cover height is h, the height of the intersection 11c of the two irradiation lights 11a and 11b from the ground 3 is H, and the angle between the irradiation lights 11a and 11b and the vertical direction. If θ is
tan θ = d / 2 (H−h) (1)
If the distance d is measured, the snow height h can be uniquely obtained. The snow cover height calculation unit 51 obtains the distance d by analyzing the image captured by the imaging camera 20.
As for the distance d, the distance dx between two spots in the image captured by the imaging camera 20 may be measured.
tan θc = d / 2 (Hc−h) (2)
tan θc = dx / 2hx (3)
Here, Hc is the height of the imaging camera 20 from the ground, θc is the angle between the line connecting the imaging camera 20 and the spot 12a or 12b and the vertical direction, and hx is the distance from the origin of the photographic image space to the photographic image. . Hc and hx are known values. Note that HC ≠ H, but HC <H is preferable.
From equations (1) to (3),

h = (Htanθ-Hctanθc) / (tanθ-tanθc)
= (Htanθ−Hc (dx / 2hx)) / (tanθ− (dx / 2hx)) (4)

If dx is measured, the snow cover height h can be obtained.
Further, for example, if an index of a predetermined length d ₀ placed at a predetermined height h ₀ from the ground is simultaneously photographed, the distance d can be obtained using this.
It should be noted that in the snow height measurement range, the track is almost flat and the amount of snow is uniform, so the snow surface can be considered flat.

  Returning now to FIG. The housing first part 2a includes a snow height calculating unit 51 that calculates a snow cover speed from a temporal change of the snow cover height h, weather data including past temperature, wind speed, snow cover height, snow cover speed, and snow removal work data. Meteorological snow removal database 52 that collects and records the relationship with (snow removal area, snow removal time, snow removal equipment, snow removal method, snow removal personnel, special notes), and meteorological data including measured temperature, wind speed, snow cover height, and snow cover speed And a snow removal work determination unit 53 for comparing the snow removal work data in the weather snow removal database 52 and determining the necessity and work time of the snow removal work. Moreover, it has the control part 50 for controlling the whole snow detection apparatus 1 and each part, and exhibiting a snow cover detection function. The detection data of each sensor is sent to the control unit 50 and returned to the control of each unit.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a snow cover detection method according to the first embodiment. First, the snow surface 5 is irradiated by the two light irradiators 10a and 10b to form spots 12a and 12b on the snow surface 5, respectively (S101). Next, two spots 12a and 12b are photographed with the imaging camera 20 (S102). Next, the snow height calculating unit 51 calculates the snow height h from the distance d between the two spots 12a and 12b photographed by the imaging camera 20 (S103). Next, the snow cover height calculation unit 51 calculates the snow cover speed from the temporal change of the snow cover height h (S104). In addition to the steps S101 to S104, weather data is measured by the weather sensors 31 and 32 (S106). In addition to the processes of S101 to S104 and S106, weather data including past temperature, wind speed, snow cover height, snow cover speed and snow removal work data (snow removal area, snow removal time, snow removal equipment, snow removal method, snow removal) A weather snow removal database 52 that collects and records relationships with personnel and special notes is created (S107). After the process of S104, the process of S106, and the process of S107, for example, the snow removal work determination unit 53 compares the measured weather data with the snow removal work data of the weather snow removal database 52 (S108). Next, the snow removal work determination unit 53 determines the necessity and work time of the snow removal work (S109). Next, the transmission / reception unit 54 communicates (transmits and / or receives) the determination result by the snow removal work determination unit 53 (S110).

  Note that the step of S104 may be omitted. Moreover, you may abbreviate | omit a wind speed and snow accumulation speed among the weather data of S106. In addition, the determination of the work timing of the snow removal work may be omitted in step S110. As an example of the weather snow removal database 52, the horizontal items include weather data (temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, snow cover height, snow cover speed), snow removal work data (snow removal area, snow removal time, snow removal equipment, snow removal method).・ Snow removal personnel / special notes) are arranged, and snow removal work cases are arranged vertically. Further, when the snow detection device 1 is loaded on a moving body, the position sensor 33 measures the position of the imaging camera 20 using the earth positioning system (GPS) separately from the steps S101 to S104. (S105). In step S108, the measurement position is compared with the snow removal area of the snow removal work data.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to adjust the directions of a plurality of imaging cameras when measuring the snow cover height, so that the apparatus configuration is simple, inexpensive, and quantitative snow cover height can be detected. A snow cover can be provided.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the snow cover detection apparatus according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, an example in which a wide-angle camera 21 is added to the snow detection device 1 of the first embodiment will be described.
When the wide-angle camera 21 is used, a wide range can be monitored. For example, if a wide-angle camera 21 covering a range of 120 degrees of field of view is installed so that it can rotate 360 degrees around the support column 4 as shown in FIG. You can shoot the direction. In addition, for example, three wide-angle cameras may be installed by changing the direction by 120 degrees and photographed. The measurement object can be observed visually, and if there are abnormalities such as intruders (including animals) in addition to snow conditions, it can be confirmed.
Further, when a wide-angle camera is used as the imaging camera 20, it is possible to clearly detect the snow condition on a track or a point.
The other device configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and similarly to the first embodiment, the device configuration is simple and inexpensive, and it is possible to provide a snow cover detection device that can detect a quantitative snow cover height.

In the third embodiment, an example in which an infrared laser is added to the snow cover detection apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described. When an infrared laser is irradiated on the measurement target, it becomes possible to observe the distortion of the track and the cracking condition of the concrete (tunnel, side wall, pillow pile, etc.). Therefore, it is possible to monitor these in addition to snow conditions. In addition, snow cover detection is mainly used in the winter, but these are used throughout the year for monitoring.
The other device configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and similarly to the first embodiment, the device configuration is simple and inexpensive, and it is possible to provide a snow cover detection device that can detect a quantitative snow cover height.

  Example 4 describes a snow cover detection system 1S in which the snow cover detection devices 1A to 1N are connected by a communication network NW.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the snow cover detection system 1S. Each of the snow detection devices 1 </ b> A to 1 </ b> N is installed at approximately equal intervals along the railroad track 6, for example, and mainly monitors the snow cover situation along the railroad track. Because it monitors the snow cover on the track, it will be installed near the track that does not hinder train traffic and operation. However, it is installed mainly at points where there is a large amount of snow and there is a high risk that the point switching will be buried in the snow. In other words, each of the snow detection devices 1A to 1N functions as a function node of the system. The function nodes 1A to 1N have a snow cover height detection function and / or a relay function, and constitute a network NW.

The snow cover detection system 1S includes a function server 50S that controls the entire snow cover detection system and the snow cover detection devices 1A to 1N constituting the snow cover detection system, and a monitoring monitor 60S that displays the snow cover situation in an area that can be measured by the system. We also collected and recorded the relationship between weather data including past temperature, wind speed, snow cover height, snow cover speed, and snow removal work data (snow removal area, snow removal time, snow removal equipment, snow removal method, snow removal personnel, special notes). A common weather snow removal database 52S that is a database and can be used jointly by the snow detection devices 1A to 1N. Furthermore, a notification device 61S that notifies the worker of the start of work when the work time determined by the snow removal work determination unit 53 has arrived is provided.
It is preferable to cover all the areas that can be measured by the system as the areas that can be measured by the system. However, if some areas cannot display snow conditions due to accidents, etc., display the majority and display all areas. It is not necessary.

The function server 50S is communicatively connected to each of the snow detection devices 1A to 1N via the communication network NW, and controls each of the snow detection devices 1A to 1N. At this time, the control is typically performed via the control unit 50 of each of the snow detection devices 1A to 1N. For example, when a snow removal determination is made by any one of the snow detection devices 1K, the wide-angle camera 21 of the snow detection device 1K is operated to check the local situation in detail.
Further, the function server 50S is connected to the shared weather removal database 52S. Thereby, each snow cover detection apparatus 1A-1N can use the common weather snow removal database 52S as the weather snow removal database 52. FIG. However, if the weather snow removal database 52 has only the frequently used data in the shared weather snow removal database 52S, a quick determination can be made. The operation of the function server 50S can be performed by an information operation terminal directly connected to the server, but can also be performed from the information operation terminal 62 connected to the function server 50S via the Internet IN. is there. For example, the function server 50S is arranged in Hokuto City, and the information operation terminal 62 is arranged in Hakodate City and Sapporo City, and can be operated from either information operation terminal 62. As the monitor 60S, a monitor connected to the function server 50S may be used, or a monitor connected to the information operation terminal 62 may be used.

  A specific low power wireless system is used for communication in the communication network NW. A specific low-power radio system is a radio that can be used without a license from a radio station if the radio wave type, frequency, antenna power, occupied frequency bandwidth, etc. are within a specified range for specific applications such as data transmission. It is a method. For example, the frequency band is 315 MHz band, 400 MHz band, 920 MHz band, 1.2 GHz band, 2.4 GHz band, antenna power is 0.01 W or less, and transmission time is within 30 seconds / time. However, if the 920 MHz band is used, for example, there is an advantage that a radio communication range can be set to about 30 km, communication can be performed outside the mobile phone area, and a communication carrier is not used. In particular, it is suitable for communication in mountainous areas outside the mobile phone area. Since the radio wave arrival distance is long, the interval between the snow detection devices 1A to 1N can be increased, and the wide area can be covered with a small amount of snow detection devices 1A to 1N. Thereby, the snow cover detection system 1S can be constructed at low cost. In addition, the snow detection device 1M can be used for relay even in a place that is not along the track or a place that is not measured along the track. By providing the relay point, it is possible to perform long-distance communication exceeding the radio wave arrival distance. In addition, by providing a relay point, by providing a detour in the network NW and multiplexing the route, even if a failure occurs in any of the snow detection devices 1K, the network NW can function. The reliability of the network NW can be increased. The specified low-power radio system is not suitable for large-capacity communication, but it is sufficient for communication of snow height detection data, and in the use of surveillance cameras for crime prevention, snow prevention damage, waterproof damage, and animal protection damage, Even if you send an image, it is a still image or a short movie, so there is no problem.

Also, spread spectrum can be used. There are two types of spread spectrum: direct spread that spreads energy over a wider frequency band than transmission data and frequency hopping that communicates while switching the frequency alternately in a short time. However, it is resistant to interference, interference, and interception, and the communication content is kept stable. In addition, when an electromagnetic wave in the 920 MHz band is used, it is difficult to be absorbed by water, so that there is little attenuation due to rain / snow.
The communication network NW is preferably connected to the Internet IN. Then, the judgment result can be distributed nationwide. In addition, resources connected to the Internet IN can be used. Then, the snow cover detection system 1S can be managed from the remote information operation terminal 62.

  Therefore, even if the track to be monitored is a long distance far from the urban area, it can be monitored and the system can be configured at low cost. In such an area, low noise communication can be obtained because the use of a unique wireless network NW different from the Internet IN and the radio wave congestion is low.

  Moreover, about the snow cover detection method in the snow cover detection system 1S, S101-S109 are the same as FIG. Thereafter, instead of S110, the determination result is communicated with the network (S210). Next, the determination results are collected in the shared weather snow removal database 62S via the function server 50S (S211). Next, the snow cover situation relating to the entire system is displayed on the monitor 60S (S212). Next, when the work time determined by the snow removal work determination unit 53 arrives, the notification device 61S notifies the worker of the start of the work (S213).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the apparatus configuration is simple and inexpensive, and the snow cover detection system 1S is configured by networking the snow cover detection apparatuses 1A to 1N that can detect the quantitative snow cover height. It is possible to provide a snow detection system that is simple, inexpensive, and capable of detecting quantitative snow cover height. In addition, since the specific low-power wireless system is used, it is possible to provide a snow cover detection system that can detect the snow cover height even in an area that cannot be covered by a communication carrier.

Although Example 4 demonstrated the example which installs snow-covering detection apparatuses 1A-1N along a railway track, the present Example demonstrates the example installed along a road. The monitoring target becomes the snow condition on the road instead of the snow condition on the track. If the road freezes, it may cause accidents such as slipping, so it is necessary to determine the snow removal time. On wide roads, it is necessary to monitor not only directly under the pillars but also a wide area. For example, a snow cover may be installed on the bridge beam.
Other system configurations are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, and similarly to the fourth embodiment, a snow cover detection system capable of detecting a quantitative snow cover height with a simple and inexpensive apparatus configuration can be provided. In addition, it is possible to provide a snow cover detection system that can detect the snow cover height even in an area that cannot be covered by a communication carrier.

In the sixth embodiment, an example in which a traffic delay is predicted in addition to the necessity of snow removal and determination of the snow removal time will be described.
The weather snow removal database 52 and the common weather snow removal database 52S include, in addition to weather data and snow removal work data, operation status data of trains traveling on railroad tracks, or operation status data of automobiles and buses traveling on roads, such as lasers. Collected as a function of time by detection by sensors or image analysis from surveillance cameras.
Combining the correlation between weather data collected in the past and operation status data and weather forecasts by the Japan Meteorological Agency makes it possible to predict the operation status. Therefore, for example, the snow removal work determination unit 53 or the function server 50S predicts the delay situation. By providing the prediction result to the railway operator / bus operator or the road manager, it can be used for smooth operation management of trains, cars, buses and the like.

In the seventh embodiment, an example in which other sensors are incorporated in addition to the detection of the snow cover height will be described. For example, if a surveillance camera for crime prevention, snow prevention damage, waterproof damage, or beast damage is incorporated, it can be used for prevention of crime prevention, snow prevention damage, waterproof damage, and animal prevention damage in addition to detection of snow height. Incorporating a rain sensor and water level sensor can help prevent waterproof damage. Incorporating wind direction and speed sensors can help prevent wind damage.
Snow level detection is mainly performed in winter, but if these other sensors are incorporated, they can be used throughout the year.

  The present invention can also be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the snow cover detection method described in the above embodiments. The program may be stored and used in the control unit 50 or the central control device 50S of the snow detection device 1, may be stored and used in an external storage device, or may be downloaded from the Internet and used. . Moreover, it is realizable also as a recording medium which recorded the said program.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made to the embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. is there.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the case where there is one imaging camera 20 has been described, but two or more imaging cameras may be used. Measuring with two or more units improves accuracy, and even when one unit fails, it can be measured with another camera. Moreover, although the photovoltaic power generation panel 40 was shown on the support | pillar 4 in the above Example, it may be installed beside the support | pillar 4. FIG. Moreover, although the above embodiment demonstrated the example in which the snow detection system 1S was connected by one network, a plurality of snow detection networks NW may be connected by the Internet IN to constitute one snow detection system. In this case, the function server 50S is arranged for each snow cover detection network NW, but any one function server may also serve as a function server that controls the entire system, or a function different from the function server of each snow cover detection network. A server may control the entire system. In the above embodiments, the case where the shape of the housing 2 is based on the cylindrical shape has been described. However, the size and shape of the housing 2 can be appropriately changed according to the measurement target and the surrounding environment.

  Further, for example, a place where snow cover monitoring is necessary is not limited to along a railway line or a road. It can also be applied to monitoring the snow cover of houses and greenhouse roofs, and the snow cover of ski resorts and outdoor sports fields. In addition, the status of snowfall on the solar power generation system (to determine snow removal), the status of snowfall on the wind power generation system (stopping the windmill during a snowstorm), the status of snowfall on the offshore power generation system (stopping the windmill during a snowstorm), etc. It can also be applied to monitoring. In the solar power generation system and the wind power generation system, it is possible to monitor and detect not only snow conditions but also various weather information such as wind power, wind direction, and amount of sunlight by providing sensors other than the snow cover height. In addition, when abnormal snow is predicted at a point other than the function node by the weather forecast, a new function node may be configured by loading the snow detecting device on the moving body and moving to the point. In this case, it is useful to use a position sensor using a global positioning system (GPS). Further, the combination and accuracy of the sensors incorporated in the snow cover monitoring device can be appropriately changed according to the situation.

  The present invention is applicable to a snow cover detection device and a snow cover detection system.

1,1A ~ 1N Snow detection device (function node)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1S Snow cover detection system 2 Housing | casing 2a 1st part 2b 2nd part 3 Ground 4 Support | pillar 4a Mounting jig 5 Snow surface 6 Line 10a, 10b Light irradiation device 11a, 11b Irradiation light 11c Intersection 12a, 12b of irradiation light Spot 20 Imaging Camera 21 Wide-angle camera 31 Temperature sensor 32 Wind speed sensor 33 Position sensor 40 Photovoltaic power generation panel 41 Capacitor 50 Control unit 50S Function server 51 Snow cover height calculation unit 52 Weather snow removal database 52S Common weather snow removal database 53 Snow removal work determination unit 54 Transmission / reception unit 54a Transmission / reception Antenna 60S Monitoring monitor 61S Notification device 62 Information operation terminal d Distance between spots 12a and 12b H Height of intersection of irradiated light from ground h Snow cover height IN Internet NW Communication network θ Irradiated light 11a and 11b are in vertical direction Angle between

Claims (7)

Two light irradiators for irradiating the snow surface and forming spots respectively on the snow surface;
An imaging camera for photographing the two spots;
A snow cover height calculating unit that calculates the snow cover height from the distance between the two spots photographed by the imaging camera;
A weather sensor for measuring weather data including temperature;
A weather snow removal database that collects and records the relationship between weather data, including past temperature and snow cover height, and snow removal work data;
A snow removal work determination unit that determines the necessity of snow removal work by comparing meteorological data including measured temperature / snow accumulation height and snow removal work data of the weather snow removal database;
A transmission / reception unit for communicating a determination result by the snow removal work determination unit.
Snow cover detector. A housing in which the light irradiator, the imaging camera, the snow cover height calculation unit, the snow removal operation determination unit, and the weather sensor can be incorporated or attached to the outside;
The light irradiator, the imaging camera, the snow cover height calculation unit, the snow removal operation determination unit, a capacitor for supplying power to the weather sensor, and a photovoltaic power generation panel for supplying power to the capacitor can be attached. Provide a housing that can be attached to a column;
The snow cover detection device according to claim 1. Equipped with wide-angle cameras to monitor all directions in east, west, south, and north;
The snow cover detection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. Furthermore, a laser sensor for detecting distortion of the track, or a surveillance camera or a second sensor for any one of crime prevention, snow prevention damage, waterproof damage, and animal protection damage;
The snow cover detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A snow cover detection system in which a plurality of snow cover detection devices according to any one of claims 1 to 4 installed along a railway or a road are connected by a communication network;
A function server that controls the entire snow detection system and each of the snow detection devices constituting the snow detection system;
A monitoring monitor that displays snow conditions in the area that can be measured by the system;
A specific low power radio system is used for communication within the communication network;
Snow cover detection system. Spread spectrum system in 920 MHz band is used for communication in the communication network;
The snow cover detection system according to claim 5. Any of the snow detection devices includes a surveillance camera or a second sensor for any one of crime prevention, snow prevention damage, waterproof damage, and animal protection damage;
The snow cover detection system according to claim 5 or 6.

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