METHOD FOR DETERMINING A METEOROLOGICAL QUANTITY

Abstract

In a method for determining, in particular predicting, at least one meteorological quantity for describing a current and/or past and/or future weather situation using a data processing device, (a) first meteorological parameters obtained from first measurements are assigned to grid points of a first grid. In the method, (b) at least one setting parameter, which can be entered via an interface, in particular a user interface, is received, and (c) the at least one meteorological quantity is determined from the first meteorological parameters, dependent on the at least one setting parameter, by applying a first algorithm, wherein preferably, the determined meteorological quantity is output at a user interface and/or is transmitted by an electronic message sending device.

Claims

1. A method for determining, in particular predicting, at least one meteorological quantity (10) for describing a current and/or past and/or future weather situation by means of a data processing device (9), in which (a) first meteorological parameters (1) obtained from first measurements (11) are provided, wherein the first meteorological parameters (1) are assigned to grid points (P1) of a first grid (G1), wherein, in the method (b) at least one setting parameter (2), which can be entered via an interface (8), in particular a user interface, is received, (c) the at least one meteorological quantity (10) is determined from the first meteorological parameters (1), dependent on the at least one setting parameter (2), by applying a first algorithm (7), wherein preferably, the determined meteorological quantity (10) is output at a user interface (18) and/or is transmitted by means of an electronic message sending device (17).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one setting parameter (2) comprises a time coordinate (T), preferably a point in time, and wherein, in step (c), the at least one meteorological quantity (10) is determined for this time coordinate (T), wherein preferably, the time coordinate (T) is in the past.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one setting parameter comprises a location coordinate (X), preferably a point, and wherein, in step (c), the at least one meteorological quantity (10) is determined for this location coordinate (X), wherein preferably, the location coordinate (X) is located between the grid points (P1) of the first grid (G1).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one setting parameter (2) comprises a characterization of at least one local condition, preferably concerning the vegetation, and/or the building development, and/or a wind- and/or sun-shading object, and/or the sea level, and/or the landscape form.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one setting parameter (2) comprises at least one meteorological comparison parameter, which is obtained—independently of the first measurements (11)—from observation and/or from at least one second measurement (12), wherein preferably, the comparison parameter describes the current weather situation.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one situation parameter (3), which can be entered via an interface (8), in particular a user interface, is received, wherein the situation parameter (3) is assigned to the determined meteorological quantity (10), and/or wherein the situation parameter (3) is compared to the determined meteorological quantity (10), and/or wherein, depending on the situation parameter (3), preferably depending on a deviation of the determined meteorological quantity (10) from the situation parameter (3), the determined meteorological quantity (10) is adapted and/or the first algorithm (7) is changed, wherein preferably, the situation parameter (3) describes a current situation, in particular the weather situation or an action caused by the weather situation, in particular a de-icing operation or a road-clearing operation.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the meteorological quantity (10) is determined for different points in time, and situation parameters (3) for corresponding points in time are received.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one situation parameter (3) comprises at least one meteorological parameter, which is obtained—independently of the first measurements (11)—from observation and/or from at least one second measurement (12).

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one situation parameter (3) comprises a parameter, which describes a physiological condition and/or a subjective perception of at least one person.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, depending on the determined meteorological quantity (10), a situation parameter (13), which preferably is a meteorological parameter and/or describes a physiological state and/or a subjective perception of at least one person, is determined or estimated—preferably by means of an algorithm or an assignment table—, wherein preferably, the situation parameter (13) is output at a user interface (18) and/or transmitted by means of an electronic message sending device (17).

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein a meteorological quantity (5) is determined from the first meteorological parameters (1), independently of the at least one setting parameter (2), by applying a second algorithm (6).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the meteorological quantity (5) determined independently of the at least one setting parameter (2), and the meteorological quantity (10) determined—according to step (c)—dependently on the at least one setting parameter (2) are compared to one another, wherein preferably, depending on the deviation of the meteorological quantity (5) determined independently of the at least one setting parameter (2) from the meteorological quantity (10) determined dependently on the at least one setting parameter (2), the first algorithm (7) is changed or adapted, and/or a value (19) derived from both quantities (5, 10) is determined and preferably output to a user interface (18) and/or is preferably transmitted by means of an electronic message sending device (17).

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein before or in step (c), second parameters (4)—assigned to the grid points (P2) of a second grid (G2)—are created from the first parameters (1)—assigned to the grid points (P1) of the first grid (G1)—, wherein the grid points (P2) of the second grid (G2) have a higher spatial resolution than the grid points (P1) of the first grid (G1), wherein preferably, the creation of the second parameters (4) is carried out by means of interpolation and/or averaging of the first parameters (1), and the at least one meteorological quantity (10) is derived from the second meteorological parameters (4), preferably by means of interpolation and/or averaging.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first meteorological parameters (1) comprise values of the temperature and/or the atmospheric pressure and/or the humidity and/or the wind strength and/or the wind direction and/or the precipitation and/or the cloudiness and/or the solar irradiance and/or wherein the at least one meteorological quantity (10) comprises a value of the temperature and/or the atmospheric pressure and/or the humidity and/or the wind strength and/or the wind direction and/or the precipitation and/or the cloudiness and/or the solar irradiance.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first meteorological parameters (1) comprise current and/or past values and/or values to be expected in the future.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the algorithm (7) is a configurable and/or self-learning algorithm.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data processing device (9) is a portable device, preferably a smartphone or a tablet.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data processing device (9) comprises a measuring device (14) for measuring at least one meteorological parameter.

19. An algorithm (15) for determining, in particular predicting, at least one meteorological quantity (10) for describing a current and/or past and/or future weather situation, wherein the algorithm comprises the steps of the method according to claim 1.

20. A data processing device (9) and/or a computer program product stored on a data carrier (16) for determining, in particular predicting, at least one meteorological quantity (10) for describing a current and/or past and/or future weather situation, wherein the algorithm (15) according to claim 19 is stored in the data processing device (9) and/or in the computer program product.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0044] In the drawings,

[0045] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a first embodiment of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0047] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a third embodiment of the invention;

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a variant of the first embodiment; and

[0049] FIG. 5 shows a data processing device in the form of a smartphone and a data carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure and in case of a change of position, these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0051] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, and it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not restricted to these particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that rather also various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible and that this possibility of variation owing to the technical teaching provided by the present invention lies within the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

[0052] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. Nevertheless, the description and drawings are to be used for construing the claims. Individual features or feature combinations from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions may be gathered from the description.

[0053] Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease of understanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted to scale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

[0054] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention for determining, in particular predicting, at least one meteorological quantity 10 for describing a current and/or past and/or future weather situation. The method is carried out by means of a data processing device 9 (see FIG. 5).

[0055] Preceding the method are first measurements 11, which are carried out e.g. by a plurality of weather measuring stations—positioned at different locations—and/or by means of weather balloons and/or from satellite images and/or by means of radio signals, which are weakened to a greater or lesser extent by the atmosphere (by clouds, fog, precipitation, etc.).

[0056] From these first measurements 11, first meteorological parameters 1, each of which is assigned to grid points P1 of a grid G1, are obtained. The first meteorological parameters 1 may comprise values of the temperature and/or the atmospheric pressure and/or the humidity and/or the wind strength and/or the wind direction and/or the precipitation and/or the cloudiness and/or the solar irradiance. The first meteorological parameters 1 may comprise current and/or past values and/or to be expected in the future.

[0057] The invention is aimed both at a method and at a (superordinate) algorithm 15—see figures—for determining, in particular predicting, at least one meteorological quantity 10 for describing a current and/or past and/or future weather situation.

[0058] In step (a), first meteorological parameters 1 obtained from the first measurements 11 are provided, wherein the first meteorological parameters 1 are assigned to grid points P1 of a first grid G1. Preferably, each grid point P1 of the grid G1 is assigned at least one, preferably multiple first parameters (e.g. temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, etc.).

[0059] In step (b), at least one setting parameter 2, which can be entered via an interface 8, in particular a user interface, is received. The setting parameter may be entered e.g. by a user of the “virtual weather station”.

[0060] In step (c), the at least one meteorological quantity 10 is determined from the first meteorological parameters 1, dependent on the at least one setting parameter 2, by applying a first algorithm 7. The first algorithm 7 is preferably a configurable (by the setting parameters 2) and/or self-learning algorithm.

[0061] The at least one meteorological quantity 10 may comprise—like the first meteorological parameters—values of the temperature and/or the atmospheric pressure and/or the humidity and/or the wind strength and/or the wind direction and/or the precipitation and/or the cloudiness and/or the solar irradiance.

[0062] The thus determined meteorological quantity 10 is preferably output at a user interface 18, in particular a screen, and/or transmitted by means of an electronic message sending device 17 (email, short message, SMS, etc.).

[0063] As adumbrated in FIG. 1, the at least one setting parameter 2 may comprise a time coordinate T, preferably a point in time, wherein subsequently, in step (c), the at least one meteorological quantity 10 for this time coordinate T is determined. The time coordinate T may be in the past, in the present or in the future.

[0064] As also adumbrated in FIG. 1, the at least one setting parameter may comprise a location coordinate X, preferably a point, wherein subsequently, in step (c), the at least one meteorological quantity 10 for this location coordinate X is determined. In this regard, the location coordinate X may also be located between the grid points P1 of the first grid G1. This is preferably carried out by interpolation and/or averaging of the first parameters 1 and/or by considering the parameters 1 of the spatially closest grid points P1.

[0065] Additionally, the at least one setting parameter 2 may also comprise a characterization of at least one local condition, preferably concerning the vegetation, and/or the building development, and/or a wind- and/or sun-shading object, and/or the sea level, and/or the landscape form. The local conditions have a substantial influence on the local weather situation and can thus improve the assertion and/or prediction.

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one setting parameter 2 may comprise at least one meteorological comparison parameter, which is obtained—independently of the first measurements 11—from observation and/or from at least one second measurement 12, wherein the comparison parameter preferably describes the current weather situation.

[0067] It is therefore possible—as described above—to enter multiple setting parameters (e.g., Time and/or location and/or local condition(s) and/or meteorological comparison parameter).

[0068] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment, in which at least one situation parameter 3, which can be entered via an interface 8, in particular a user interface, is received, wherein the situation parameter 3 can be assigned to the determined meteorological quantity 10 and/or compared to the determined meteorological quantity 10. It is also possible to adapt the meteorological quantity 10 and/or to change the first algorithm 7 depending on the situation parameter 3, preferably depending on a deviation of the determined meteorological quantity 10 from the situation parameter 3. The situation parameter 3 describes a current situation, in particular the weather situation or an action caused by the weather situation, in particular a de-icing operation (airport) or a road-clearing operation.

[0069] In this regard, the meteorological quantity 10 can be determined for different points in time, and situation parameters 3 for corresponding points in time can be received.

[0070] FIG. 2 shows that the at least one situation parameter 3 may comprise a meteorological parameter, which can be obtained—independently of the first measurements 11—from observation and/or from at least one second measurement 12.

[0071] However, the at least one situation parameter 3 may also comprise a parameter which describes a physiological state and/or a subjective perception of at least one person.

[0072] It is preferred if—not only situation parameters 3 are entered, but also—, depending on the determined meteorological quantity 10, a situation parameter 13, which preferably is a meteorological parameter and/or describes a physiological state and/or a subjective perception of at least one person, is determined or estimated—preferably by means of an algorithm or an assignment table. The situation parameter 13 may also be output at a user interface 18 and/or be transmitted by means of an electronic message sending device 17.

[0073] According to the embodiment of FIG. 3, a meteorological quantity 5 is determined from the first meteorological parameters 1, independently of the at least one setting parameter 2, by applying a second algorithm 6. The meteorological quantity 5 determined independently of the at least one setting parameter (2), and the meteorological quantity 10 determined—according to step (c)—dependently on the at least one setting parameter 2 can be compared to one another, wherein preferably, depending on the deviation of the meteorological quantity 5 determined independently of the at least one setting parameter 2 from the meteorological quantity 10 determined dependently on the at least one setting parameter 2, the first algorithm 7 is changed or adapted, and/or a value 19 derived from both quantities 5, 10 is determined and preferably output to a user interface 18 and/or is preferably transmitted by means of an electronic message sending device 17.

[0074] The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is characterized in that before or in step (c), second parameters 4—assigned to the grid points P2 of a second grid G2—are created from the first parameters 1—assigned to the grid points P1 of the first grid G1—, wherein the grid points P2 of the second grid G2 have a higher spatial resolution than the grid points P1 of the first grid G1, wherein the creation of the second parameters 4 is preferably carried out by means of interpolation and/or averaging of the first parameters 1, and the at least one meteorological quantity 10 is derived from the second meteorological parameters 4, preferably by means of interpolation and/or averaging.

[0075] Lastly, FIG. 5 shows a data processing device 9 in the form of a portable device, preferably a smartphone or a tablet. It is preferred that the data processing device 9 comprises a measuring device 14 for measuring at least one meteorological parameter.

[0076] Lastly, the invention also relates to a data processing device 9 and/or a computer program product stored on a data carrier 16 (shown in FIG. 5 as a data stick), for determining, in particular predicting, at least one meteorological quantity 10 for describing a current and/or past and/or future weather situation, wherein the algorithm 15 is stored in the data processing device 9 and/or in the computer program product.

[0077] Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0078] 1 First meteorological parameters

[0079] 2 Setting parameter

[0080] 3 Situation parameter

[0081] 4 Second meteorological parameters

[0082] 5 Meteorological quantity

[0083] 6 Algorithm

[0084] 7 Algorithm

[0085] 8 Interface

[0086] 9 Data processing device

[0087] 10 Meteorological quantity

[0088] 11 First measurements

[0089] 12 Second measurements

[0090] 13 Situation parameter

[0091] 14 Measuring device

[0092] 15 Algorithm

[0093] 16 Data carrier

[0094] 17 Message sending device

[0095] 18 User interface

[0096] 19 Derived value

[0097] P1 Grid points

[0098] G1 First grid

[0099] P2 Grid points

[0100] G2 Second grid

[0101] T Time coordinate

[0102] X Location coordinate