SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE NUMBER OF USERS ON AT LEAST ONE SKI RESORT RUN

Abstract

A system for detecting the passage of users in a ski resort, the ski resort comprising a plurality of ski runs and a plurality of ski lifts; the system for detecting the passage of users comprising: an image sensor and a processing unit, which are connected in communication with each other; wherein the image sensor is configured to capture images, such as a video, of a portion of the ski run, and send them to the processing unit; the processing unit being configured to analyse said images, such as the video, and detect moving objects, such as moving in a given direction, and count said detected moving objects; such as the image sensor is a video camera.

Claims

1-23. (canceled)

24. A system comprising: an image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images of a portion of a ski run of a plurality of ski runs of a ski resort; and a processing unit configured to: receive, from the image sensor, data associated with the plurality of images of the portion of the ski run of the plurality of ski runs, and analyse the data associated with the plurality of images to detect any moving objects and count any detected moving objects to determine a number of users passing on the portion of the ski run of the plurality of ski runs.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the plurality of images comprise a video and the image sensor comprises a video camera.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the detected moving objects comprises objects moving in a designated direction.

27. A management system configured to manage a ski resort comprising a plurality of ski runs and a plurality of ski lifts, the management system comprising: a central unit; at least one detection system associated with at least one portion of at least one ski run of the plurality of ski runs, each detection system comprising: an image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images of the portion of the ski run associated with that detection system, and a processing unit configured to: receive, from the image sensor, data associated with the plurality of images of the portion of the ski run associated with that detection system, analyse the data associated with the plurality of images to detect any moving objects and count any detected moving objects to determine a number of users passing on the portion of the ski run associated with that detection system, and communicate data associated with a first number of users passing on the portion of the ski run associated with that detection system to the central unit; and a display interface in communication with the central unit and configured to display the data associated with a second number of users passing on each of the plurality of ski runs associated with each of the detection systems.

28. The management system of claim 27, further comprising a storage system accessible via at least one of a web-based application and a wireless network.

29. The management system of claim 27, wherein the display interface is configured to display a map with the plurality of ski runs of the ski resort and associate each ski run with a different color based on the number of users passing on that ski run.

30. The management system of claim 27, wherein based on the number of users passing on each ski run, the central unit is configured to control each of the plurality of ski lifts by at least one of: modifying a speed of that ski lift and regulate access to that ski lift.

31. The management system of claim 27, wherein based on the number of users passing on each ski run, the central unit is configured to at least one of: program at least one snow groomer vehicle of the ski resort and intervene an operation of the at least one snow groomer vehicle.

32. The management system of claim 27, wherein when at least one snow groomer vehicle is active on one of the plurality of ski runs, the central unit is configured to: detect a presence of any users on that ski run, and responsive to a detected presence of at least one user on that ski run, cause an alarm signal to be communicated to the at least one snow groomer vehicle.

33. The management system of claim 27, wherein the image sensor is housed on one of a plurality of snow guns of an artificial-snow system associated with one of the plurality of ski runs.

34. The management system of claim 33, wherein, based on the number of users passing on the one of the plurality of ski runs, the central unit is configured to control the artificial-snow system.

35. The management system of claim 33, wherein the processing unit comprises at least one of a central control unit of the artificial-snow system and a local control unit of at least one of the plurality of snow guns.

36. The management system of claim 33, wherein the central unit is in communication, via a communication system, with a central control unit of the artificial snow system and at least one local control unit of at least one of the plurality of snow guns.

37. A method comprising: installing an image sensor on a snow gun of a ski resort; causing the image sensor to capture a plurality of images of a portion of a ski run of a plurality of ski runs of the ski resort and communicate data associated with the plurality of images of the portion of the ski run of the plurality of ski runs to a processing unit; and causing the processing unit to analyse the data associated with the plurality of images to detect any moving objects and count any detected moving objects to determine, in real time, a number of users passing on the portion of the ski run of the plurality of ski runs.

38. A method comprising: capturing, by an image sensor, a plurality of images of a portion of a ski run of a plurality of ski runs of a ski resort, and analysing, by a processing unit, the plurality of images to detect any moving objects and count any detected moving objects to determine a number of users passing on the portion of the ski run of the plurality of ski runs.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the plurality of images comprise a video and the image sensor comprises a video camera.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the detected moving objects comprises objects moving in a designated direction.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein the ski resort comprises an artificial-snow system comprising a first portion of a plurality of snow guns arranged along a first ski run of the plurality of ski runs, and a second portion of the plurality of snow guns arranged along a second ski run of the plurality of ski runs and the method further comprises: determining a first number of users passing on a portion of the first ski run, determining a second number of users passing on a portion of the second ski run, controlling the first plurality of snow guns based on the determined first number of users passing on the portion of the first ski run, and controlling the second plurality of snow guns based on the determined second number of users passing on the portion of the second ski run.

42. The method of claim 38, further comprising displaying a map representing the plurality of ski runs of the ski resort and information regarding the determined number of users passing on a ski run of the plurality of ski runs, wherein that ski run is represented on the map by different colors based on different determined numbers of users.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the map is accessible via at least one of a web-based application and a wireless network.

44. The method of claim 38, further comprising controlling a snow groomer vehicle based on the number of users passing on the portion of the ski run.

45. The method of claim 38, further comprising locating a snow groomer vehicle of the ski resort, and sending an alarm signal to the snow groomer vehicle responsive to the snow groomer vehicle being located on a same ski run as a ski run which at least one user has been detected.

46. The method of claim 38, further comprising at least one of: modifying a speed of a ski lift and regulating access to the ski lift that serves the ski run based on the determined number of users passing on the ski run.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0048] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a ski resort;

[0049] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a system for managing the ski resort of FIG. 1;

[0050] FIG. 3 is a more detailed view of a portion of the ski resort of FIG. 1;

[0051] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram relating to a ski lift of the ski resort of FIG. 1;

[0052] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram relating to a portion of the ski resort of FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 6 is a more detailed view of another portion of the ski resort of FIG. 1, in particular a portion of a ski run with a portion of an artificial-snow system and a portion of a device for detecting objects moving on the ski run;

[0054] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of a device of the artificial-snow system for detecting moving objects; and

[0055] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of the device for detecting moving objects in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a ski resort, indicated as a whole by the number 1, extends over a geographical area and comprises a plurality of ski lifts 2, a plurality of ski runs 3, artificial-snow systems 5, a weather detection system 6, a fleet of snow-groomer vehicles 7, a fleet of snowmobiles 8, and a fleet of motor vehicles 9. Furthermore, the ski resort 1 is managed by a ski resort management system indicated by the number 10, and for convenience simply referred to in the following as the “management system”. The management system 10 comprises a central processing unit 10a.

[0057] The term “users” refers to any user of a ski run, including skiers, snowboarders or other types of users of the ski run.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, one of the ski lifts 2. For the sake of simplicity, here and in the following it is understood that ski lifts can comprise at least, but not exclusively, cable transportation systems (for example cableways, gondola cableways, telemixes, chair lifts, button lifts, funicular railways), cableless, rail transportation systems (for example, with a rack railway driving system) and conveyor belts, operating both on a level gradient and on a substantially flat land (for example, for connecting stations downstream of ski resorts not connected to each other by ski runs). Each ski lift 2 extends along a respective path, in particular a path with a difference in height, and has a first terminal station or downstream station 11 and a second terminal station or upstream station 12. Furthermore, some of the ski lifts 2, like the one in the example of FIG. 3, can have intermediate stations 13.

[0059] The ski lifts 2 are equipped with detection equipment 14 (FIG. 4) and with a coupled telemetry system 15 in communication with the management system 10, in particular with the central unit 10a. The detection equipment 14 can comprise sensors and meters of various kinds and is configured to detect quantities relating to the operating state and condition of the respective ski lift 2. For example, the detection equipment 14 can be used to detect a torque applied to a driving pulley in a cable system, an angular speed of the driving pulley, the total electric power absorbed, environmental conditions, such as wind speed and direction at one or more points along the paths of the respective ski lifts 2. Moreover, the ski lifts 2 are equipped with respective control systems 16 which, among other things, provide status signals relating to operating conditions of parts of the ski lifts themselves, and turnstile control systems.

[0060] The ski runs 3 extend over slopes of the geographical area (FIGS. 1 and 3) and are served by respective ski lifts 2, not necessarily in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0061] In one embodiment, systems 17 configured to detect the passage of users are located along the ski runs 3, for counting the actual number of users passing on the ski runs or on sections of the ski runs. For example, systems 17 configured to detect the passage of users can be installed at the beginning and at the bifurcations of the ski runs 3.

[0062] The artificial snow systems 5 extend along at least some of the ski runs 3 of the ski resort 1 (FIG. 3) and comprise pumping stations 18, fed by water supply sources 19, and a plurality of snow guns 20 connected to respective pumping stations 18 by pipes 21. The snow guns 20 can be of any known type, for example stationary or mobile snow cannons and lances. As seen in FIG. 5, the artificial snow systems 5 are equipped with respective control systems 23, which can comprise a central control unit 24 and local control units 25, which are located at respective snow guns 20 and coupled in communication with the respective central control unit 24 via a cable or radio communication system 40.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the communication system 40 can be integrated in the pipes 21 or external thereto, in particular via cable or radio. When the communication system 40 is integrated in the pipes 21, the communication system 40 itself is placed within the housing run through by the pipes 21, or in the same covering of the pipes 21; therefore, in this case, the same housing is travelled both by the power cables and the data cables for the communication system 40.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the system 17 for detecting the passage of users comprises at least one device 17a configured to detect the passage of users on each ski run 3.

[0065] Each device 17a for detecting the passage of users comprises at least one image sensor 17b, in particular a video camera. The video camera may be a monochrome video camera, a colour video camera, a thermal imaging camera, an infrared video camera, or a combination thereof. In other words, each device 17a for detecting the passage of users comprises one or more sensors selected from the group consisting of: a monochrome video camera, a colour video camera, an infrared video camera, a thermal imaging camera.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the device 17a for detecting the passage of users comprises a radar sensor system.

[0067] In another embodiment, the image sensor 17b is a colour or monochrome or infrared camera, or a combination thereof.

[0068] For example, each device 17a for detecting the passage of users comprises a video camera or an infrared video camera or a thermal imaging camera or a combination of two or more of the above; or, for example, an infrared video camera or a thermal imaging camera and a radar sensor system for night vision.

[0069] The image sensor 17b is located in a position along the ski run 3 and is configured to frame the ski run 3.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the image sensor 17b is arranged on one of the plurality of snow guns 20 of the respective ski run 3. In one such embodiment, the image sensor 17b is housed on a snow cannon.

[0071] In another embodiment, the image sensor 17b is housed on a lance.

[0072] In another embodiment, the image sensor 17b is housed on a weather station of the weather detection system 6.

[0073] In another embodiment, the image sensor 17b is arranged on a dedicated structure, in other words it is housed on a supporting structure specially installed at the edges or above the ski run 3 to house the image sensor 17b. In particular, the image sensor 17b frames a portion of the ski run 3 which has a slope such that it is no longer possible to go back. In particular, the image sensor 17b frames a portion of the ski run 3, which is a portion following the initial portion and has a given or designated slope.

[0074] Furthermore, each device 17a for detecting the passage of users comprises a processing unit 17c coupled to the image sensor 17b.

[0075] The image sensor 17b sends data relating to the images in real time, in particular it sends the videos in the form of a video signal, in real time, to the processing unit 17c via a cable or radio connection 17d.

[0076] The processing unit 17c comprises a module 100 for detecting moving objects, which is configured to analyse the images, in particular the video, arriving in real time from the image sensor 17b, and to detect objects moving in the video sequence, in particular to detect objects moving at least in part in a given direction.

[0077] In the following, the word video or video sequence or videostream will be used interchangeably to refer to a sequence of successive images.

[0078] The processing unit 17c comprises a memory 17e storing a reference image, which is defined when the ski run is empty and without skiers.

[0079] In greater detail, in order to detect moving objects, the module 100 for detecting moving objects is configured to operate through the following steps: [0080] (A) Each image of the video is processed to reduce or remove the background noise; in certain, non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, this noise reduction step is carried out by blurring the image through the application of a Gaussian filter. [0081] (B) If the video is a colour video, therefore in RGB format, it is converted into a monochrome video, in particular into a greyscale video, so that each pixel of the video is represented by a value representing the greyscale shade of that particular pixel. [0082] (C) The moving objects are detected by analysing each image and subtracting, from each pixel of the image, the value of the corresponding pixel in the reference image; the result of each subtraction is evaluated and if it is greater than a threshold value, then the analysed pixel is detected as a moving object in the analysed image, if it is less than a threshold value, the analysed pixel does not correspond to a moving object. In certain, non-limiting embodiments, to avoid false positives, for example due to background noise or other causes, once a moving object has been detected, a checking procedure is performed by analysing the pixels close to the pixels associated with the moving object. In greater detail, a predefined number of pixels close to the pixel corresponding to a moving object are analysed; the value of each neighbouring pixel is subtracted from the value of the corresponding pixel of the reference image, and the result is compared to a second threshold value. If each of the results of the subtraction is greater than the second threshold value, then the checking has a positive outcome and consequently the moving object is validated and the next steps are undertaken. In this embodiment, the number of neighbouring pixels is defined during the setting phase and can be subsequently adjusted by an operator skilled in the detection system. In greater detail, the neighbouring pixels are the pixels that are included around the pixel relating to the object moving inside a square, whose dimensions are defined during the setting phase. It is understood that the checking sub-step described herein is an optional sub-step, which gives a relatively higher resolution of the measurement of the moving objects because it reduces false positives, but can also be omitted. [0083] (D) In certain embodiments, if the system has detected one or more moving objects in step (C), these one or more moving objects are defined by a square that is represented by a specific area with its central point having an x coordinate and a Y coordinate. This object is assigned a unique ID. [0084] (E) Once an object has been assigned a unique ID in step (D), this object is traced by associating the object found in an image with the object closest to it detected in the subsequent image. In other words, the object detected in image n is associated with the object closest to it detected in image n+1. Subsequently, the movement of the detected moving object is calculated. If this movement is less than a third threshold, then the two objects in the consecutive images are determined to correspond to the same moving object, and the object detected in said subsequent image (image n+1) is assigned the same unique ID as that of the object detected in the previous image (image n). In this way, the object can be traced from the first time it is detected in an image in the video until it is detected in the other images of the video. In other words, the object is traced from the moment it enters the area framed by the image sensor 17b until it leaves the area framed by the image sensor 17b.

[0085] It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, step (B) is an optional step that can be omitted.

[0086] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the comparisons of the images can be made between the values of one or more of the colours red, green and blue of each pixel composing the colour images.

[0087] The processing unit 17c comprises a counter module 101 configured to count moving objects which is coupled to the detection module 100 for detecting moving objects, in order to count the objects detected by the detection module 100.

[0088] In particular, the counter module 101 for counting moving objects is configured to operate through the following steps: [0089] (F) The images in the video are divided into two halves; a first half and a second half; the dividing line can be horizontal or oblique. The first half is defined as the half that frames an area of the ski run that has a height above sea level greater than the area framed by the second half. If a moving object is detected in the first half and the same moving object (same unique ID) is detected in a subsequent image in the second half or on the dividing line, then the counter module increases its number by one unity.

[0090] The detection module 100 and the counter module 101 can be defined by hardware elements or software elements, or a combination of both. In particular, the detection module 100 and the counter module 101 can be formed by lines of software code running on a common hardware platform.

[0091] The device 17a for detecting the passage of users comprises a communication module 17e, which is connected via the communication line 40, which can be a cable or radio communication line, to the management system 10, in particular to the central unit 10a. In these embodiments, at each predefined time interval, the device sends the number of detected moving objects to the management system 10, in particular to the central unit 10a. Furthermore, when the device 17a for detecting the passage of users has sent the number of moving objects, it zeros the counter.

[0092] In particular, at each defined time interval, the number of detected moving objects is transmitted via the communication module 17e to the management system 10, in particular to the central unit 10a, and the number of the counter is zeroed.

[0093] The management system 10, in particular the central unit 10a, comprises a set of counters that count the number of passages received in a plurality of units of time. By way of example, the units of time are 24 hours, one day of operation of the ski resort, or the entire ski season, one hour, and multiples and submultiples of said units of time.

[0094] In certain embodiments and with reference to FIG. 6, the image sensor 15b is mounted on one of the snow guns 20, in particular a snow cannon or a snow lance.

[0095] Moreover, in these embodiments, the communication line 17e which connects the device 17a for detecting the passage of users to the management system 10, in particular to the central unit 10a, is defined by the communication line 40 which connects the snow guns 20 to the management system 10. In other words, in this embodiment, the communication line 40 is also used by the system 17 for detecting the passage of users. Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication line 40 has both the function of carrying information for the operation of the artificial-snow system 5 and the function of carrying information for the system 17 for detecting the passage of users. In particular, the communication line 40 can comprise the communication line 17e, and/or incorporate it and/or replace it.

[0096] Moreover, in certain embodiments, the image sensor 15b is housed on a weather station of the weather detection system 6 or in a structure specifically set up for it.

[0097] In another embodiment, the processing unit 17c is housed inside the snow gun 20.

[0098] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the image sensor 17b of the device 17a for detecting the passage of users is housed on one of the snow guns 20, and the processing unit 17c is defined by, in particular included in, the local control unit 25 of the respective snow gun 20. In particular, the local control unit 25 has both the function of managing the snow gun 20 and the tasks of the processing unit 17c, and is connected in communication with the image sensor 17b. In other words, the local control unit 25 of the snow gun 20, in addition to implementing the functions of controlling the respective snow gun 20, also implements the functions of the processing unit 17c of the device 17a for detecting the passage of users.

[0099] In another embodiment, the processing unit 17c is defined by, in particular included in, the central control unit 24 of the artificial snow system 5. In particular, the central control unit 24 has both the function of managing the artificial snow system 5 and the tasks of the processing unit 17c, and is connected in communication with the image sensor 17b. In certain embodiments, the image sensor is housed on one of the snow guns 20 of the artificial snow system 5. In other words, the central control unit 25 of the artificial snow system 5, in addition to implementing the functions of controlling the artificial snow system 5, also implements the functions of the processing unit 17c of the device 17 for detecting the passage of users.

[0100] In these last two embodiments described herein, the system 17 for detecting the passage of users can comprise: (i) a first plurality of devices 17a for detecting the passage of users, wherein each one is arranged completely or partially in one of the artificial snow systems 5 and/or in a respective snow gun 20, (ii) a second plurality of devices 17a for detecting the passage of users arranged on weather stations of the weather detection system 6, and (iii) a third plurality of devices 17a for detecting the passage of users on dedicated structures. Alternatively, the system can comprise only one or two of said three pluralities of devices 17a for detecting the passage of users.

[0101] In certain, but non-limiting embodiments, the partial or aggregated data received from the management system 10 is transmitted to a server and consulted via a website or application on a mobile device by the users of the ski runs 3 and/or by other operators.

[0102] The management system 10 receives the number of users passing on each ski run 3 of the ski resort 1 in real time and comprises a display interface 10b, for example a screen or a display, and displays on said display interface 10b the users passing on each ski run. In certain embodiments, the management system 10 is configured to show on the display interface 10b all the ski runs 3 of the ski resort 1 and associate different colours to each ski run based on the number of users detected in real-time. In particular and by way of example, each ski run 3 can be shown in green if the number of users is less than a first given or designated threshold of users, in red if it is greater than a second given or designated threshold of users, and in yellow if it is greater than the first threshold of users and less than the second threshold of users. The operators can have a complete and immediate awareness of the situation of each ski run 3 by looking at the screen and take actions for user safety and/or for scheduled maintenance of said ski run at the end of the day. Furthermore, the data relating to each ski run and to other units of time can be displayed on said map. In other words, the total number of passages of users detected until that moment in relation to the entire operating day, or the entire ski season, or one hour, or multiples and submultiples of said units of time, can be displayed thereon.

[0103] Said map can also be shown to the users through a web-based application.

[0104] Furthermore, the management system 10 can control the entrance turnstiles of the ski resort 1 or the speed of the ski lifts 2 based on the number of users on each ski run. Lastly, the management system 10 can order the temporary closure of some ski runs 3 if the number of users is greater than a fourth threshold of users.

[0105] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, when the snow-groomer vehicles 7 are operating on the ski run 3, the management system 10 activates the control mode, and the system 17 for detecting the passage of users also operates in control mode. In this mode, above-described step (F) is omitted and consequently the system 17 for detecting the passage of users detects the presence of moving objects in any direction. In this mode, if the management system 10, in particular the central unit 10a, receives a signal from the system 17 for detecting the passage of users that indicates the presence of a user on a specific ski run 3, then the management system 10 sends an alarm signal to all the snow-groomer vehicles indicating that at least one user is present on the ski run 3. In certain embodiments, the management system 10 locates all the snow-groomer vehicles and checks whether any of the snow-groomer vehicles is present on the ski run on which a user has been detected and, if so, sends an alarm signal to the snow-groomer vehicle to warn it of the presence of users on the ski run 3.

[0106] In certain embodiments, the above-described system 17 for detecting the passage of users can be installed in an already existing ski resort devoid of such a system 17 for detecting the passage of users. Therefore, in this embodiment, the system 17 for detecting the passage of users will be installed as a retrofit in the ski resort. In certain embodiments, said modified ski resort will comprise an artificial snow system 5 and the system 17 for detecting the passage of users comprising image sensors 17b housed on snow cannons or lances. Moreover, in this embodiment, the devices 17a for detecting the passage of users will be fed and connected to each other by the feed and communication system of the artificial snow system 5 already present in the ski resort 1.

[0107] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the system for detecting the passage of users described herein can be implemented as a system for detecting the passage of users in the management system of Italian patent application no. 102018000008982 (filed on Sep. 27, 2018 in the name of HTI Digital GMBH). In other words, one embodiment of the disclosure comprises using the system for detecting the passage of users described herein as a system for detecting the passage of users within the management system of Italian patent application no. 102018000008982 (filed on Sep. 27, 2018 in the name of HTI Digital GMBH).

[0108] It should be appreciated that that modifications and variations may be made to the disclosure described herein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. That is, the scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the claims which cover variants not specifically described and equivalent embodiments. Accordingly, various changes and modifications to the presently disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.