WaterView - IR2
Today precipitation is monitored by combining terrestrial systems, weather radars and satellite images. The quality of today's precipitation mapping is yet to be satisfactory due to the relevant costs of these systems and the coarse resolution of their measures. WaterView leverages the power of digital cameras to turn them into powerful tools for the real-time and diffuse collection of precipitation data.
The innovation is built around WaterView's patented technology IR2 that uses artificial intelligence and computer vision techniques to turn imaging devices, like surveillance IP cameras and smartphone cameras, into “eyes” for seeing, gauging and returning real time precipitation measures (rain, hail, snow).
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
The technology has already been tested and validated in the lab (at the Polytechnic of Torino - IT) and in controlled field environment (roof terrace of the same lab). We are currently implementing the first pilot test sites, under the supervision and with the support of WaterView's technological partners (AXIS communication, DHI Italy, Calabria University).
How does it work?
IR2, acronym of Instant Rain Rate, is a patented computer vision algorithm, which gauges rain intensity in real time from pictures and videos registered during rain events. IR2 is based on a simple assumption: since a picture actually conveys 3D information, it is possible to put into relation the optical signature of rain drops within a sampled volume with their numerosity and dimension to estimate the instant rain intensity.
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