SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE EMISSION OF ARTIFICIAL SNOW WITH WIND TRACEABILITY

Abstract

 System (1) for the emission of artificial snow comprising a device for emitting (2) an artificial snow flow (F), at least one optical device (3) configured to monitor an emitted snow flow (F) so as to generate and send detection signals identifying the monitored snow flow (F) and a processing unit configured to receive the detection signals and compare them with reference data and send a command signal to the emitting device (2) to control the artificial snow flow (F) and/or an alarm signal to an operator if said comparison results in a difference between the data of the monitored detection signals and the reference data.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method for the emission of artificial snow with wind traceability.

[0002] That is, the present invention belongs to the sector of snow production for ski slopes.

Prior art

[0003] To date, snow guns are the most widely used tools for distributing snow on ski slopes.

[0004] However, the snow flow generated by the guns is heavily influenced by the wind which diverts the trajectory thereof, leading to non-optimal distributions or unwanted or excessive accumulations of snow in unrequested areas.

[0005] In addition, the wind and its direction can negatively affect the quality of the snow which is produced by the snow guns.

[0006] For such a reason, the snow guns follow the wind direction in the best possible manner in order to ensure the best possible snow quality. Therefore, the snow guns are controlled to allow an even distribution of snow on ski slopes.

[0007] In particular, in order to know the wind direction and intensity, a measurement is performed by means of special sensors, for example anemometers, installed locally along the ski slopes.

[0008] Alternatively, as occurs in most cases, the guns receive information about wind speed and direction from a weather station arranged near the guns themselves.

[0009] In the light of the information about the wind intensity and speed, a control unit makes an estimate (indirect measurement) on the trajectory of the snow flow and adjusts the snow guns as a function of the deviation of the wind (for example by compensating it) and thus obtains the desired uniform distribution.

[0010] Disadvantageously, both the wind direction and the wind speed show a high variance within short distances (especially in alpine areas). For this reason, the measurement carried out by remote stations can lead to several errors in the estimation of the wind intensity and speed which influences specific snow guns.

[0011] Therefore, an indirect measurement such as that carried out in the state of the art thus leads to errors and inaccuracies which can in any case lead to obtaining unwanted accumulation areas or uneven distributions of snow on the slopes or the production of low-quality snow.

[0012] Furthermore, the compensation carried out in the light of the estimate is only possible for fixed snow guns which do not require changes of orientation. In particular, it is envisaged to assign a reference direction which must be followed by the snow flow which depends on the position where the movable gun is positioned. Due to the lack of an economical and technical manner for determining the absolute orientation of a machine (note that an electronic compass would not work due to interference with the metal structure of the machine itself), the current solutions remain reserved for permanent guns.

[0013] Furthermore, the known solutions require stable and real-time communication between the guns and stations in order to make the best calculation to obtain an optimal compensation.

[0014] Finally, in the event of using a measurement made at a weather station separate from the guns, it is necessary to correlate the direction and force of the wind measured at such a station with respect to the position of the snow guns which can be more or less far from the weather station.

Objects of the present invention

[0015] The technical task of the present invention is thus to provide a system and a method for the emission of artificial snow which are capable of overcoming the prior-art drawbacks which have emerged.

[0016] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system and a method for the emission of artificial snow which allow a direct recognition of the impact of the wind on the snow flow released from the gun.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system and a method for the emission of artificial snow which allow a compensation for obtaining a distribution of snow on the slopes which is as uniform and optimal as possible.

[0018] The technical task set and the objects specified are substantially reached by a system and a method for the emission of artificial snow comprising the technical features as set out in one or more of the accompanying claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0019] In particular, the specified technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a system for the emission of artificial snow comprising a device for emitting an artificial snow flow comprising a tubular body extending along a snow direction between an inlet opening and an outlet opening, blowing means for generating an air flow between the inlet opening and the outlet opening and snow generation means associated with the outlet opening.

[0020] The system further comprises at least one optical device, oriented along the snow direction, configured to monitor a snow flow emitted from the outlet opening so as to generate and send detection signals identifying the monitored snow flow and in particular the emission direction of the snow flow.

[0021] The system further comprises a processing unit configured to receive the detection signals and to compare them with reference data and send a command signal to the emitting device to control the artificial snow flow and/or an alarm signal to an operator if the comparison results in a difference between the monitored detection signals and the reference data.

[0022] Preferably, the command signal envisages controlling the emitting device so as to adjust an orientation of the emitting device itself (i.e., of the flow) or to adjust an intensity of the emitted snow flow.

[0023] Furthermore, the specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a method for controlling a system according to one or more of the preceding claims comprising the steps of monitoring an artificial snow flow released from an outlet opening of an emitting device, generating detection signals identifying the monitored artificial snow flow, comparing the monitored detection signals with reference data, sending a command signal to the emitting device to control the artificial snow flow and/or an alarm signal to an operator if the comparison results in a (directional) difference between the data of the monitored detection signals and the reference data.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of an embodiment of a system and a method for the emission of artificial snow.

Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Such a description will be set out below with reference to the appended drawings, which are provided solely for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes, in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a section side view of the system for the emission of artificial snow object of the present invention;
• Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a front view of the system of figure 1;
• Figures 3A and 3B are schematic representations of an artificial snow flow.

Detailed description of one or more embodiments according to the present invention

[0026] With reference to the appended drawings, 1 denotes overall a system for the emission of artificial snow.

[0027] The system 1 comprises an emitting device 2, at least one optical device 3 and a processing unit (not shown).

[0028] The emitting device 2 comprises a tubular body 4 extending along a snow direction "A" between an inlet opening 5 and an outlet opening 6. In particular, the emitting device 2 envisages emitting an artificial snow flow "F" by sucking an air flow in input at the inlet opening 5 and releasing an artificial snow flow "F" through the outlet opening 6.

[0029] In particular, the tubular body 4 internally defines a passage area 7 in fluid communication with the external environment through the inlet opening 5 and the outlet opening 6.

[0030] The emitting device 2 therefore comprises blowing means 8 operatively associated with the tubular body 4 for generating, in use, an air flow in the passage area 7 along the snow direction "A" which goes from the inlet opening 5 to the outlet opening 6.

[0031] The blowing means 8 can be defined, for example, by a fan having the snow direction "A" as its rotation axis.

[0032] In order to generate artificial snow, the emitting device 2 comprises snow generation means associated with the outlet opening 6. In particular, the snow generation means comprises nucleator nozzles 9 operatively associated with the tubular body 4 for injecting, in use, freezing nuclei in the air flow which are thus transported by the air flow itself and nebulisation nozzles 10 operatively associated with the tubular body 4 for injecting, in use, particles of nebulised liquid into the air flow which are thus transported by the air flow itself.

[0033] The emitting device 2 can further comprise a base 11 provided with means for adjusting a horizontal and vertical orientation of the emitting device 2 itself or of the tubular body 4.

[0034] For example, as shown in the appended drawings, the emitting device 2 is made in the form of a snow gun. Alternatively, the emitting device 2 could be made in the form of a lance for artificial snow and thus the present invention also extends to such an application.

[0035] The optical device 3 is oriented along the snow direction "A". That is, the optical device 3 can be integrated with or separate from the emitting device 2, but in both cases it is directed towards the outlet opening 6. Preferably, the optical device 3 has an axis of vision thereof which is substantially parallel to the snow direction A.

[0036] Preferably, the optical device 3 is arranged in a lower portion of the outlet opening 6 or of the tubular body 4.

[0037] Alternatively, the optical device 3 can be mounted in another portion of the emitting device 2 (for example above the outlet opening 6) or be separate therefrom but always directed so as to observe the snow flow "F" exiting the outlet opening 6.

[0038] The optical device 3 is therefore configured to monitor a snow flow "F" emitted from the outlet opening 6 so as to generate and send detection signals identifying the monitored snow flow "F" and, preferably, the emission direction of the snow flow "F".

[0039] The term detection signals refers to electrical signals containing information related to the detection made.

[0040] In detail, said detection signals are optical signals in which the term "optical signals" means digital images, temperature matrices, three-dimensional representations or similar visual representations of the portion of space immediately near or facing the outlet opening 6 and depicting the snow flow "F" according to one or more features which allow a clear identification in the space.

[0041] Advantageously, the optical device 3 allows to obtain a direct measurement of the impact of the wind on the snow flow "F", as will be clearer in the continuation of the present description.

[0042] Advantageously, the optical device 3 also allows to obtain a measurement or an estimate of the volume of snow produced in a certain period of time. That is, the optical device 3 can be made in the form of one or more cameras (example 2-3) or other similar device capable of obtaining images or visual representations of the snow flow "F" emitted from the emitting device 2.

[0043] It should be noted that the optical device 3 is configured to distinguish the edges of the snow flow "F" from the surrounding environment so as to identify the current emission direction of the snow flow "F" with respect to an ideal reference direction which preferably coincides with the snow direction "A".

[0044] Preferably, the optical device 3 comprises at least one thermal sensor 12, preferably array, configured to detect a temperature distribution of the snow flow "F" emitted from the outlet opening 6. Even more preferably, the optical device 3 or the thermal sensor 12 is made in the form of an infrared camera.

[0045] The optical signals generated by the thermal sensor 12 comprise, for example, a temperature matrix in which the different portions of the snow flow "F" are represented by different colours identifying the temperature thereof, as shown in figures 3A and 3B.

[0046] Preferably, the optical device 3 comprises at least one LIDAR sensor configured to determine the concentration of snow flow "F" emitted from the outlet opening.

[0047] Advantageously, the LIDAR sensor allows to obtain a measurement of the volume produced by the emitting device 2 in a certain period of time. Preferably, the optical device 3 comprises at least one RADAR sensor for detecting a direction and a speed of the snow flow "F" emitted from the outlet opening 6.

[0048] Preferably, the optical device 3 can comprise one or more of the devices described above.

[0049] That is, the optical device 3 can comprise a camera and/or an array thermal sensor 12 and/or a LIDAR sensor and/or a RADAR sensor as a function of the needs and the particular location of the emitting device 2 along the ski slope or in the territory of interest or as a function of the economic possibilities of the possible manager of the ski slope.

[0050] The processing unit, which can be integrated with the emitting device 2 or external thereto (for example placed in a ski slope control unit or the ski lift) is configured to receive the detection signals and compare them with reference data.

[0051] The term "reference data" means digital images, temperature matrices, three-dimensional representations or similar visual representations of the portion of space immediately near or facing the outlet opening 6 and representative of a snow flow "F" correctly emitted to obtain a uniformly distributed snowpack. Such "reference data" can be represented by a reference optical signal.

[0052] If the comparison results in a difference between the monitored detection signals and the reference data, the processing unit sends a command signal to the emitting device to control (or regulate) the artificial snow flow "F".

[0053] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to send a command signal to the emitting device 2 (or to a general command unit of the emitting devices 2 distributed along a ski slope) to regulate an orientation of the emitting device itself and/or an intensity of the emitted snow flow "F" preferably, in terms of water fed to the nozzles and rotation speed of the blowing means 8. That is, the processing unit is configured to command one or more of the components described above of the emitting device 2 in order to correct, if possible, the emitted snow flow "F" as a function of the atmospheric conditions (and in particular with reference to flow deviations). For example, the processing unit can send a command signal to the emitting device 2 which allows the same to orient itself so as to ensure perfect tailwind flow conditions.

[0054] For example, the processing unit can send a command signal to the emitting device 2 so that it is oriented against the wind.

[0055] For example, the processing unit can send a command signal to the emitting device 2 to vertically tilt the emitting device 2 itself.

[0056] Alternatively, If the comparison results in a difference between the monitored detection signals and the reference data, the processing unit sends an alarm signal to the operator so that the same can control the emitting device 2.

[0057] It is thereby possible to warn the operator that the snow has escaped from a designated area or that it has settled in a non-uniform manner on the ski slope.

[0058] Alternatively, if the comparison results in a difference between the monitored detection signals and the reference data, the processing unit sends both the command signal and the error signal so that an operator can know if and when irregularities have occurred in the snow distribution due to weather conditions.

[0059] It is thereby possible to warn the operator that for a certain moment/period of time the snow has not settled correctly and that therefore, despite the regulation of the snow flow "F", there may still be risk areas and thus promptly intervene.

[0060] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to compare the detection signals with reference data representative of an artificial snow flow "F" distributed along a central vertical acquisition axis "V" of the optical device 3 so as to identify a deviation of the monitored artificial snow flow "F". For example, in figures 3A and 3B, figure 3A can be understood as a reference optical signal in which the snow flow "F" is aligned with the central vertical axis "V" and figure 3B is an optical signal in which the snow flow "F" is deviated from the wind and whose comparison with the image of figure 3A would require sending the command signal and/or the alarm signal by the control unit.

[0061] Preferably, the processing unit is configured to compare the detection signals with reference data representative of the tilting limits of the optical device 3.

[0062] For example, the emitting device 2 operating in wind/flow tracking mode is set with a snow area through the left and right tilting limits. If the flow is central, the emitting device 2 will move towards the centre between the two tilting angles, otherwise the dispensing device 2 will follow the flow direction up to the maximum limit set by the operator.

[0063] Alternatively, the emitting device 2 can operate differently (not necessarily tracking) always as a function of what is detected by the optical device 3.

[0064] If the emitting device 2 is oriented so as to be at the limit of the operating angle and the snow flow "F" does not fall therein, the alarm signal is sent or the emitting device 2 is stopped, avoiding depositing the snow produced outside the angles desired by the operator.

[0065] Preferably, the system 1 comprises a signal transmission device, between the optical device 3 and the processing unit, of wired or wireless type.

[0066] Referring to figures 3A and 3B, where the optical signal of figure 3B has been obtained by an optical device 3 comprising an array thermal sensor 12, it is known that the artificial snow must have a certain temperature which is clearly visible.

[0067] At regular intervals, the processing unit acquires the detection signals representative of a thermal image and compares them with the image of figure 3A.

[0068] The central position of the array thermal sensor 12 with respect to the flow makes the analysis temperature matrix symmetrical.

[0069] During the comparison, an algorithm of a specific program installed or installable in the processing unit analyses the temperature matrix detected by the array thermal sensor 12, appropriately weighing the values and giving a relationship with respect to the centre of the image, in output from the algorithm it is thus indicated if the flow is in a central position (the snow flow "F" corresponds to that of figure 3A), tends hardly or greatly to the left (Figure 3B) or tends hardly or greatly to the right.

[0070] It should be noted that what is described above is a system 1 for the emission of snow located in a specific point of a ski slope. Different emitting systems 1 can therefore be present along the same, each having its own emitting device 2 and its own optical device 3 (according to any of the forms described above in order to obtain the best monitoring as a function of the environment surrounding the emitting device 2). It should be noted that each system 1 can comprise its own processing unit or that a single processing unit located for example in a control station is configured to command the different emitting devices 2 as a function of the signals obtained from the respective optical devices 3.

[0071] The present invention further relates to a method for controlling a system 1 as described above. The term method can mean a computer program, software, an algorithm or part thereof carried out through the processing unit and the different components of the system 1 described above.

[0072] The method comprises the steps of monitoring an artificial snow flow "F" released from an outlet opening 6 of an emitting device 2, generating (and sending) detection signals identifying the emission direction of the monitored artificial snow flow "F", comparing the monitored optical signals with reference data related to a predetermined emission direction, and sending a command signal to the emitting device 2 to adjust the artificial snow flow "F" and/or sending an alarm signal to an operator if the comparison results in a difference between the monitored detection signals and the reference data.

[0073] In the comparison step, the method can envisage comparing the detection signals with reference data representative of an artificial snow flow "F" distributed along a central vertical acquisition axis of the optical device 3 so as to identify a deviation of the monitored artificial snow flow "F".

[0074] In the comparison step, the method can envisage comparing the detection signals with reference data representative of the tilting limits of the optical device.

[0075] Advantageously, the present invention is able to overcome the drawbacks which have emerged from the prior art.

[0076] Advantageously, the present invention allows to obtain an immediate recognition of the impact of the wind on the snow flow "F" released from the gun.

[0077] Advantageously, the present invention allows to obtain a precise compensation of the artificial snow flow "F" for obtaining a uniform and optimal distribution of snow on ski slopes.

Claims

1. A system (1) for the emission of artificial snow comprising:

- a device for emitting (2) an artificial snow flow (F) comprising a tubular body (4) extending along a snow direction (A) between an inlet opening (5) and an outlet opening (6), blowing means (8) for generating an air flow between said inlet opening (5) and said outlet opening (6) and snow generation means associated with the outlet opening (6);

- at least one optical device (3) associated with said emitting device and oriented along said snow direction (A), configured to detect the emission direction of said snow flow (F) emitted by said outlet opening (6) and to generate and send detection signals representative of said detected snow flow (F);

- a processing unit configured to receive said detection signals and to compare them with reference data related to a reference snow direction; said processing unit being further configured to send a command signal to said emitting device (2) to control the generation of said artificial snow flow (F) and/or an alarm signal to an operator if said comparison results in a difference between the detected emission direction of the snow flow (F) and said reference snow direction.

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said processing unit is configured to distinguish said snow flow (F) from the surrounding environment and to detect the snow flow (F) emission direction.

3. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said optical device (3) comprises at least one thermal sensor (12) configured to detect a temperature distribution of the snow flow (F) emitted from the outlet opening (6), preferably said array thermal sensor (12) being an infrared camera.

4. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said optical device (3) comprises at least one LIDAR sensor configured to determine the concentration of snow flow (F) emitted from the outlet opening (6).

5. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said optical device (3) comprises at least one RADAR sensor for detecting a direction and a speed of the flow and volume of snow (F) emitted from the outlet opening (6).

6. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said processing unit is configured to send a command signal to the emitting device (2) to vary an orientation of the emitting device (2) itself and/or an intensity of the snow flow (F) emitted with respect to an initial flow orientation and/or intensity.

7. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said processing unit is configured to compare said detection signals with reference data representative of an artificial snow flow (F) distributed along a central vertical acquisition axis (V) of the optical device (3) so as to identify a deviation of the monitored artificial snow flow (F).

8. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said processing unit is configured to compare said detection signals with reference data representative of the tilting limits of the optical device (3).

9. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said optical device (3) is mounted on the emitting device (2) and facing towards the snow direction (A).

10. The system (1) according to claim 9, wherein said optical device is arranged in a lower portion of the outlet opening (6).

11. The system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said optical device (3) has a vision axis thereof which is substantially parallel to the snow direction (A).

12. The system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a signal transmission device, between the optical device (3) and the processing unit, of wired or wireless type.

13. A method for controlling a system (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:

- monitoring an artificial snow flow (F) released from an outlet opening (6) of an emitting device (2);

- generating detection signals identifying the emission direction of the monitored artificial snow flow (F);

- comparing said monitored detection signals with reference data related to a reference snow direction;

- sending a command signal to said emitting device (2) to control said artificial snow flow (F) and/or an alarm signal to an operator if said comparison results in a difference between the emission direction of the snow flow (F) detected and said reference snow direction.

Drawing