Apparatus for Cloud Cover Estimation and Method Thereof

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the meteorological field, more particularly to an improved method for providing estimation in cloud cover based on the eighths (oktas) of the sky.

Background of Invention

In the meteorological field of the emergent world, the visibility of the cloud within the sky is typically observed by way of an observer or a plurality of observers located at a suitable meteorological station and obtains readings in oktas or in tenths. Comprehendingly, these are visual estimates which are normally given at the closest value. The said observers play a significant role in providing reliable information on the cloud cover and thus sky conditions. It is technically understood however that human observers reporting sky conditions may cause discrepancies based on such subjective observations.

A relatively conventional example of a method is using the cloud chart to record the distribution over the sky for the purpose of weather forecasting. The said chart recording is normally done manually, wherein a human observer is assigned to observe the

hemispherical sky, technically referred as the celestial dome; and subsequently estimates the total fraction of the celestial dome covered by cloud of any thicknesses. As previously elucidated the value is rounded to the closest one-eighth or okta. Suitably, the recoding is done manually and in the form of hard copy of print out chart. Such method may be reliable to an extent, however apart from being cumbersome and less time effective; it is technically understood however that human observers reporting sky conditions may cause discrepancies based on such subjective observations.

In order to prevail over the shortcomings of the conventional methods and systems in addition to the scientific challenges within the meteorological field, experts of the respective industry are constantly developing solutions to increase and thus improve the efficiency of identifying and thus determine cloud cover within the sky.

At present, much effort have been directed toward improving the visibility capability of the apparatus or equipment during the day or at night, increasing the system sensitivity in the event that there are other interruptions within the sky, for instance fog and the like and improving the tactical aspect of the equipment.

Nonetheless, great majorities of the known in the art systems have their own drawbacks, be it in the method of operation or are

prohibitively expensive. For instance, currently there is great dependence on human observers, wherein information collected is in the form of media hardcopies, and thus the availability of updated data depends substantially on the operators and the human observers of the system. In addition, most of these methods, although economical, may not be configured as real-time application.

Therefore, there is a need in the prior art for automated, real- time and a more enhanced cloud cover estimation method or system to facilitate efficiency in response to cloud distribution over the sky.

Recognizing the aforementioned shortcomings, the present invention has been accomplished to significantly improve the conventional methods and systems. Accordingly, with the apparatus and method of the present invention, automated and reliable observation is a highly attainable goal.

It is therefore the primary object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method thereof for efficient estimation of cloud cover within the sky.

It is therefore another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method thereof which is configured to allow automated and thus real-time data observation in regards to cloud cover within the sky.

It is further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method thereof for cloud cover observation and estimation which is highly reliable and economical.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method thereof which is time-effective and economical .

Summary of Invention

The present invention discloses an apparatus (1) for use in automated cloud cover estimation within the sky; said apparatus comprise of : at least one means (2) for capturing images of the sky; at least one means (4) for providing alignment reference of the apparatus (1) for facing north; means (6) for providing leveling reference for said apparatus (1) ; said reference is for positioning the apparatus (1) in a geocentric manner; a base comprising a motorized actuating means for providing alignment and leveling of said apparatus (10); said base (10) is further providing at least three degrees of orientation; an image processing unit (12) for processing the captured images and providing output based on the images captured; wherein the apparatus (1) is leveled and aligned to face north; wherein the apparatus (1) is connected to the image processing unit (12) .

The invention further discloses a method for providing automated estimation of cloud cover within the sky, said method comprise of:

a) preparing the apparatus as claimed in Claim 1;

b) aligning and leveling the said apparatus (1) facing in a geocentric manner and facing north;

c) capturing images of the cloud within the sky;

d) providing image input to image processing unit (12) ; wherein the said image processing unit (12);

e) converting the said image to a discolored image;

f) generating a binary image;

g) performing fractionated masking of the image;

h) performing fractionated percentage count and rounding up;

i) obtaining an output based on the input from step h) .

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more understood by reference to the description below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings herein:

Detailed Description of the Present Invention

In addition to the drawings, further understanding of the object, construction, characteristics and functions of the invention, a detailed description with reference to the embodiments is given in the following.

In accordance to the preferred embodiments of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for the hemispherical sky image capture and a method for processing the said hemispherical sky images to attain estimated cloud cover in okta.

In regards to the apparatus of the present invention, the essential embodiments or components comprise of a hemispherical sky camera (2), a compass (4), a level bubble (6), a housing (8) and an alignment and leveling base (10) .

Each element which collaboratively forms the present invention will be described herewith, in accordance to the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, the hemispherical sky camera (2) primary function is to capture the hemispherical view of the sky, whereby that said camera (2) preferably producing a circular image. As shown in Figure 1, the said camera (2) is preferably formed in hemispherical shape and may be configured to capture multi- temporal circular images . Suitably, the captured images may be stored within the camera (2). In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the camera (2) is fixed to north direction and preferably leveled to horizon with suitable means provided by the present invention.

The compass (4) is for providing alignment of the camera (2) for facing the north direction. The level bubble (6) is for providing leveling reference in order for the apparatus of the present invention to be positioned in a geocentric manner.

The housing (8) of the present invention functions primarily to accommodate a few components, said components comprise of the camera (2), the compass (4) and the leveling and alignment base (10) in suitable manner. This embodiment serves as the primary reference base for the apparatus of the present invention.

Another essential embodiment of the present invention is the alignment and leveling base means (10) . The main function of this embodiment is for providing three degrees of rotational freedom or orientation, said rotational movement may comprise roll, pitch and yaw for the apparatus of the present invention. The said movements are preferably provided, but not limiting to, by a motorized actuating means. With this embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention can be leveled to horizon and aligned to the north geographical direction.

The apparatus of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The camera (2) is positioned on the top of the alignment and leveling base (10) and adjacent to the compass (4) and level bubble (6). The apparatus of the present invention is accordingly connected with an image processing unit (12) , whereby said image processing unit may be hosted by a server or web based. In this connection, the apparatus (1) is configured to provide image input to the image processing unit (12) .

During installation, the apparatus (1) may be connected to a grounded power provider, and is facing geographically north. The said apparatus (1) may also be connected to a networked computer for providing the image processing unit (12) . Upon completion of installation, the apparatus (1) runs automatically.

The image processing unit (12) functions in accordance with the following steps. Upon captured the images in circular form with predetermined pixels and lines, the images are forwarded (step 101) from the apparatus (1) to the image processing unit proceeds to provide or convert the cloud -enhanced color to grayscale (step 102) . In the subsequent step, (step 103) binary image is generated for a fractionated region masking, preferably okta region masking in the following step (step 104) . Upon completion of okta region masking, the percentage count and rounding up is accordingly performed (step 105) . Finally an output is generated and may be displayed for user's observation.

It is understood that the input from the apparatus (1) is processed immediately and there may be provided a real-time display for further observation.

From the foregoing, it would be appreciated that the present invention provides an apparatus and method thereof for providing automated and thus immediate result in regards to the cloud cover estimation technology. The present invention may be modified in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.