EP1182409A1 - Computer controlled equipment for maintaining and covering skiing slopes with snow - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has at least one snow generator (7), at least one mobile piste device (9) and a central computer for controlling the snow generator. The piste device is equipped with a GPS unit for detecting the position of the piste device or snow generator, whereby corresponding position signals are transmitted to the central computer by a signal transmitter. Independent claims are also included for the following: a method of applying snow to and maintaining at least one ski piste.

Description

The invention relates to a computer-controlled device for snowmaking and maintenance of at least one ski slope according to the introductory part of claim 1.

Correspondingly, the invention also relates to a process to control snowmaking and maintenance at least one of ski slopes according to the introductory part of the independent Method claim.

For the artificial snow production on ski slopes, here here especially alpine ski slopes, but possibly also cross-country slopes are to be understood, it is well known Snow guns in the form of at taps or water pipes connected snow cannons. Such snow cannons have been described many times in the literature, cf. for example EP 277 933 A or US 5 322 218 A. it is also common to use artificial snow or natural snow Help of piste equipment to distribute on ski slopes and the ski slopes to prepare with the help of these snow groomers. In the event of Artificial snow-making must also be taken into account that a slope preparation immediately after an artificial Snowmaking is inappropriate and that a slope preparation on best about 3 to 6 hours after the snowmaking, if the Snow has dried up. An artificial one is therefore often used Snowmaking is preferred in the evenings, and the morning of the following The ski slopes are covered with the Grooming equipment prepared.

There are also several others for artificial snow Factors of importance, such as weather conditions in particular. For example, in a known manner Air temperature and humidity the so-called wet bulb temperature determined, with artificial snow suitably at wet bulb temperatures of -3.5 ° C or below he follows. From the wet bulb temperature and the water temperature the so-called control temperature for the snow cannon is also determined. This control temperature is in turn for the possible Water flow rate of importance: the deeper the Control temperature, the greater the water flow can be.

In the past, in practice, too Central computer used to control the To control snow guns. This remote control was limited the snow operation, however, usually insists on the Switch snow guns on and off at predefined times, the snow guns only being commissioned then was possible if these were in turn available in the provision. The latter was the case when the meteorological conditions (in particular the snow globe temperature ≤ -3.5 ° C) were accordingly.

So far, artificial snow production has been, despite the Use of a central computer with numerous manual activities and reviews connected, which is significant Time and cost involved, and what more Optimized snow grooming and slope maintenance prevented.

It is therefore an object of the invention to increase the Efficiency of controlling the different in the snowmaking and equipment used for ski slopes, namely snow guns and snow groomers (possibly also the snow groomers equipped with snow guns, namely snow cannons can be achieved. The invention is based on the Circumstance that the central computer with an appropriate supply with data to a much greater extent than before for the Control of snow cannons and snow groomers can be used can. As a result, it should then also be possible with comparative short operating times for the snow guns and also find snow groomers to get enough.

To achieve this object, the invention primarily sees one Device as defined in claim 1, and a method such as defined in the independent procedural claim. advantageous Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

In the snowmaking and slope maintenance technology according to the invention the central computer is always exactly about the position of the piste equipment or preferably also the or the (stationary) snow guns informed via GPS. This allows with appropriate recording of the piste equipment during the day with regard to their position on the ski slopes, this piste equipment in optimized way to groom the slopes, what for the central computer sends appropriate information to the piste equipment, i.e. more precisely to the snow groomer drivers. on the other hand the central computer knows the exact time at all times Positions of the snow guns, even if their location should change, and depending on information regarding weather and snow depth, snow producers can specifically use snowmaking be put into operation. As a result, the central computer naturally informed about those ski slopes where Artificial snow has recently been made, and a corresponding one Control of snow groomers for preparation This ski slopes will only be used after a certain time when the snow cover has dried out, i.e. about 3 to 6 hours after snowmaking, depending on the weather. The efficient use of snow groomers and snow guns can also subsequently are used to increasingly use mobile snow guns, which dismantled after its operation and in other places, can also be built on other ski slopes. This is it possible in an advantageous, economical manner, such Snow guns for rent to ski slope operators, including too take into account that optimized by the inventive Snowmaking and slope maintenance control the operating times of the Snow guns (as well as snow groomers) significantly reduced can be. The operating times can even in favorable cases to about half the normal Snow production operating times can be shortened. This helps also the possibility of quick snowmaking at Measuring the systems with the GPS system, taking only existing ones solid hydrants, i.e. Tap points are used. The Artificial snow-making can easily be designed in this way that an artificial snow pad of 30 to 40 cm (as - like has been shown - optimal snow thickness) is generated. The extent the snowmaking is conveniently at the end of the Ski season, so the snow cover that goes without saying should be sufficient for skiing as long as the Ski operation is running, should not be too high.

To information in this context in an advantageous manner regarding snow depth on the ski slopes it is advantageous if the snow groomer has a sensor, in particular Radar sensor, for measuring the thickness of the slope snow cover, which is connected to the signal transmission device. This means that the piste machine can run continuously when driving down a ski slope Send snow thickness signals to the central computer so that this is informed about the local snow depths.

It is also for cyclical, automatic signal transmission advantageous if the snow groomer is a wireless signal transmission device for communication with the central computer having. On the other hand, the snow gun or snow guns themselves be connected to the central computer via lines, provided that are stationary, but expediently point with regard to the mobile installation mentioned above also wireless signal transmission devices.

The different data, especially the position data, but if necessary also the measurement data relating to the Thickness of snow cover, are preferably cyclical, for example every 15 s, and it is advantageous if the signal transmission device a memory for temporary storage from position data acquired by means of the GPS unit, if necessary, also from the thickness of the snow cover Measurement data. It can also be provided that that a signal transmission to the central computer only takes place if there is a significant change in certain data, such as the current position of moving snow groomers is.

For the determination of tax information it is also from Advantage if the snow groomer for processing and transmission the position signals contain their own processor, which is preferred the driving speed from the recorded position data of the snow groomer.

To the desired control of snowmaking and slope maintenance They can also be designed to be particularly efficient Water taps in the slope area for the Snow guns automatically recorded in terms of their position be, for which a GPS unit is also provided, and wherein the position data in turn by means of a transmission device from the tap - the corresponding with electrical Energy is supplied - to be transmitted to the central computer. Such tapping points, also called hydrants, are considered on the supply of electrical energy also as so-called "electrants" designated. These taps or electrants can be in Follow the existing power supply and signal transmission device also advantageously as an emergency call column be used. In the case of an emergency call, the position the tap is recorded by GPS and together with the emergency signal be transmitted to the central computer so that the Emergency position on the ski slope is centrally recognizable.

It is then also for the optimization of snowmaking an advantage if the snow gun or the tap with a the air temperature, humidity and air pressure Weather station and with a transmitter for Transmission of such meteorological data together with the Snow guns or position identifying the tap or address data to the central computer is equipped. To this Depending on the local weather conditions, a optimized local snow production achieved via the central computer become. In order to quickly create a graphic on the central computer Overview of the snow conditions on various ski slopes To enable, it is also advantageous if the central computer assigned an image scanner for entering slope area maps and the central computer is set up, at least the Thickness of the snow cover places in the piste area maps accordingly assign to the recorded positions of the snow groomer. This means that regardless of whether the central computer prefers the snow guns and snow groomers in an automatic mode controls, an operator a quick overview be procured about the slope situation, whereby if necessary also manual intervention by the operator in more efficient Way is made possible.

Especially before the first snowmaking, when the slopes are still green, is the specification of a priority scheme appropriate to certain Ski slopes or sectors for the first snowmaking to be selected, also depending on the slope of the terrain, etc. Snow depth specifications are appropriate. In this context it is therefore particularly favorable if in the case of several Ski slopes, snow guns and piste equipment from the central computer a priority module for generating command information Concerning ski slopes to be snowed or worked on first has, this information selectively to one or several of the snow guns or one or more of the snow groomers, assigned to these ski slopes.

Fig. 1 schematisch ein Gelände mit mehreren alpinen Skipisten; und

Fig. 2 in einem Blockschaltbild eine Einrichtung zur Steuerung von Schneeerzeugern und Pistengeräten mit Hilfe eines Zentralrechners im Zuge einer automatisierten Skipisten-Pflege.

The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing.
Show it:

1 schematically shows a terrain with several alpine ski slopes; and

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a device for controlling snow guns and piste equipment using a central computer in the course of automated ski slope maintenance.

In Fig. 1, three alpine are very schematically on a mountain slope Ski slopes 1, 2 and 3 with associated cable car facilities 1 ', 2' and 3 '. Furthermore, a water pumping station 4 is schematic illustrated, of which water pressure lines are only partially illustrated, e.g. 5, 5 ', to taps or hydrants 6, 6' with connected to the formation of snow guns 7, 7 ' Snow cannons (not shown in detail in Fig. 1) lead. Several of these snow guns 7, 7 'are each one of the ski slopes 1, 2 or 3 assigned to artificially if necessary to make snow. The snow cannons used for this in detail (8 in Fig. 2) can be of any conventional design, and they do not form part of the subject matter of the present invention, so there is no need for further explanation here can.

The same also applies very schematically in FIG. 1 shown snow groomers 9, 9 ', which in a conventional manner as self-propelled caterpillar vehicles with slope preparation units, like plow and roller. So much for these snow groomers 9, 9 'as well as for the snow guns 7, 7' or tapping points 6, 6 'special elements are provided, they will explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

In Fig. 1 is finally very schematically at 10 in Area of the valley station illustrates a building in which a central computer (11 in Fig. 2) is housed with the individual snow guns 7, 7 'or tapping points 6, 6' as well with the snow groomers 9, 9 ', i.e. their cabins and thus with their drivers, in order to - especially wireless - To transmit signals to or from the central computer 11. This will now be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

From Fig. 2 it can be seen that the or each piste device 9, the or each snow gun 7 and each associated water tap 6 (with which the snow cannon via a water pipe 8 ' is connected) are equipped with a GPS unit 12 to in Connection to a satellite 13 in a conventional manner To enable position determination of the respective component 9, 7 or 6. (In Fig. 1 there is only one example Snow groomer 9, a snow gun 7 and a tap 6 illustrated, but with several such facilities may be present and will be present in practice.)

The GPS unit 12 is a local computer (microprocessor, µP) 14 connected to the corresponding position signals processed and via a transmitting / receiving unit 15 for Central computer 11 transmits to which a corresponding transmission / reception unit 16 is assigned. The transmission takes place preferred for all components 6, 7, 9 wireless, although it it would also be possible to use the tapping points 6 or snow guns 7 Cable to connect to the central computer 11. The position signals become, for example, the central computer 11 every 15 s transmitted. Instead, it can also be provided that Position signals are initially transmitted, and after that new ones Position signals only when there are corresponding changes in position be transmitted. The latter is mainly used Snow groomers 9 apply. With these the processor 14 can also be set up in such a way that it derives from the position signals immediately local signals determined that the driving speed of the respective piste equipment 9, and that he also corresponding driving speed signals by radio to Central computer 11 transmitted.

For the at least temporary storage of the individual Data, such as in particular regarding position, driving speed, the processors 14 are each assigned a memory 17 in order to With the help of the processors 14, write the respective data as well to be able to read out at predetermined times.

The snow groomers 9 are further preferred with a snow depth measurement sensor equipped in the form of a radar sensor 18, the the thickness of the snow cover in the respective slope area and transmits a corresponding measurement signal to the computer 14. such Snow depth signals then become the central computer 11 Submitted where to be evaluated for future Snowmaking and slope grooming can be used. Furthermore, a scanner 19 can be assigned to the central computer 11, with which a corresponding ski slope map is scanned, and The central computer 11 then carries the measurement points as they do are defined by the position signals for the piste device 9, the associated snow depths. In this way, also from the time course of a decrease in snow depth in certain slope areas, a decision is made when or where to get cheap snow.

Regardless of this, the central computer 11 can be a schematic at 20 shown priority module (for example a software-implemented module with corresponding input options), to selectively prepare snow to cause certain slopes to take priority over other slopes. This is especially the case with the first snowmaking Start of the season, important if none (or too) by then little) natural snow should have fallen.

The taps or at least some taps 6 (or Snow guns 7 if they are placed away from the taps are) with a so-called weather station 21 for Acquisition of meteorological data, such as air temperature, air humidity, Air pressure, be equipped, and corresponding Data also becomes the central computer via the local processor 14 11 sparked, so in the place of the central computer 11 to be able to determine whether the respective snow gun 7 due to the weather conditions for snowmaking at all can be ready, or whether the weather conditions for snow-making is unsuitable.

As a result of the equipment of the tap 6 or snow guns 7 with the GPS unit 12 and with a weather station 21 to supply them with electrical energy, and with regard to the position detection of the tap 6 results in combination with the power supply also the advantageous possibility these taps or "electrants" 6 as "emergency call pillars" to design, as indicated schematically in Fig. 2 at 14 '; this means that an emergency call, e.g. in an accident on the associated ski slope, then located via GPS or together with the Position signal to the central computer 11 are reported.

In the operation of the facility described, the individual report Components 6, 7, 9 continuously their position recorded via GPS, and the weather situation is also reported at the taps. This information is registered in the central computer 11.

In the case of first snow, the priority switch decides on which ski slopes 1, 2 or 3 the snow guns 7 have priority to be put into operation. It is from Central computer 11 also specified when the first cheap snowmaking should take place (for example from 7 p.m.) and how for a long time. When on ski slopes 1, 2 and 3 there is already a blanket of snow with snow groomers 9 is drivable, so from the piste equipment 9 With the help of the radar sensor 18, the snow depth, i.e. the fat the snow cover, measured, together with this snow depth information also the associated position data that corresponds to the current Specify the location of the snow groomer 9 to the central computer 11 are transmitted. The central computer 11 can accordingly be set up according to the slope of the slope area under consideration and decide independently depending on the measured snow depth, whether new snowmaking is required or whether the existing snow depth is still sufficient. Such data can be found in Tabular form based on past experience from past seasons in one belonging to the central computer 11, not in FIG. 2 stored memory for comparison purposes.

After artificial snowmaking on ski slopes, the Piste devices 9 controlled for preparing the ski slopes, wherein first those ski slopes are to be driven by the piste equipment 9, where the new snow has already dried out (approx. 3 to 6 hours after snowmaking, depending on the humidity), because only after this drying of the artificial snow is a sensible preparation can be done. In the course of the slope preparation, the Snow depth measured using the radar sensors 18 of the piste equipment 9, to enter the corresponding values on the piste map, and if necessary a further snowmaking cause.

To the driver of the respective piste device 9 from the central computer 11 upcoming instructions optically or acoustically is to be indicated, each piste device 9 must have an optical or acoustic display unit 22 equipped.

Modifications are of course also within the scope of the invention with regard to the detailed training of the individual Components possible, such as that of the snow groomer driver via radio and headphones from a central computer 11 operating Person to be kept informed. A snow depth measurement can also instead of with the described radar sensors 18 Help from other traditional institutions and in particular also with the help of one made via the GPS satellite 13 Height measurement can be carried out. In the latter case, is given on Points a measurement of the height position in snowless Condition made as a base, and in the presence of one Snow cover is obtained by measuring the respective absolute height position with this blanket of snow, of which the "green" height position subtracted, the thickness of the snow cover is determined.

Claims (16)

Computer-controlled device for snow-making and maintenance of at least one ski slope (1, 2, 3), with at least one snow generator (7), at least one mobile piste device (9) and a central computer for controlling the snow generator, characterized in that the piste device (9) includes a GPS unit (12) is equipped to detect the position of the piste device (9) or snow gun (7), corresponding position signals being transmitted to the central computer (11) by means of a signal transmission device (15). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the piste device 9 contains a snow gun. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a stationary snow gun (7) separate from the piste device (9) is provided, which is equipped with a GPS unit (12). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the piste device (9) has a sensor, in particular radar sensor (18), for measuring the thickness of the piste snow cover, which is connected to the signal transmission device (15). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the piste device (9) has a wireless signal transmission device (15) for communication with the central computer (11). Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the signal transmission device (15) has a memory (17) for the temporary storage of position data acquired by means of the GPS unit (12), optionally also of measurement data indicating the thickness of the snow cover, assigned. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the piste device (9) for processing and transmitting the position signals contains its own processor (14) which preferably further determines the driving speed of the piste device (9) from the detected position data. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one water tap (6) is set up for the snow gun in the slope area and the position of the tap (6) supplied with electrical energy is also detected by means of a GPS unit (12) and is transmitted to the central computer (11) by means of a transmission device (15). Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the tap (6) is also designed as an emergency call point. Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the tap (6) with a weather station (21) which detects the air temperature, air humidity and air pressure and with a transmitting device (15) for transmitting such meteorological data together with the tap (6) Position or address data to the central computer (11) is equipped. Device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the central computer (11) is assigned an image scanner (19) for entering piste area maps and the central computer (11) is set up, at least the thicknesses of the snow cover points in the piste area maps corresponding to the detected positions assign the snow groomer (9). Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in the case of several ski slopes (1, 2, 3), snow guns (7, 7 ') and piste devices (9, 9') the central computer (11) has a priority module (20) for generating command information relating to ski slopes (1, 2, 3) to be snowed on or processed first, said information selectively relating to one or more of the snow guns (7, 7 ') or to one or more of the piste devices (9 , 9 ') which are assigned to these ski slopes (1, 2, 3). Method for controlling the snowmaking and maintenance of at least one ski slope (1, 2, 3) with the aid of at least one snow gun (7, 7 '; 8) and at least one piste device (9, 9'), command signals being sent via a central computer (11) the snow guns (7, 7 ') are sent, characterized in that the positions of the snow guns (7, 7') and piste equipment (9, 9 ') are recorded with the aid of GPS and transmitted to the central computer (11), and in that the central computer (11) of the snow guns (7, 7 ') and the piste device (9, 9') are controlled depending on their positions for selective snowmaking and maintenance of the respective ski slope (1, 2, 3). Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that meteorological data relating to air temperature, humidity and pressure are taken into account for the selective activation of snow guns (7, 7 ') or piste equipment (9, 9'). Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that for the selective control of the snow generator (7, 7 ') snow height data are taken into account, which are recorded by the piste device (9, 9') and transmitted to the central computer (11). Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that known ski slopes are selected with the central computer (11), which are preferably snowed or prepared beforehand.

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