WO2022217357A1

WO2022217357A1 - Monitoring system for monitoring a snow layer on a building roof

Info

Publication number: WO2022217357A1
Application number: PCT/CA2022/050572
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abdelrhamane FERCHICHI; Ahmed ATOUBI; Charlphillip BOUTET; Jonathan BOUCHER
Original assignee: Technologies Domely
Priority date: 2021-04-13
Filing date: 2022-04-13
Publication date: 2022-10-20
Also published as: CA3180899A1

Abstract

A monitoring system for monitoring a snow layer on a building roof, the system comprising: at least one snow height monitoring unit positioned on the building roof for measuring a height of the snow layer; a controller operatively connected to the at least one snow height monitoring unit for receiving a first snow layer height indication related to the measured height of the snow layer from the at least one snow height monitoring unit, the controller being configured for providing a second snow layer height indication related to the height measurement of the snow layer based on the height measurement received from the at least one snow height monitoring unit.

Description

MONITORING SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A SNOW LAYER ON A BUILDING

ROOF TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to monitoring systems for monitoring an amount of a substance on a structure, and more specifically to snow monitoring systems for building roofs.

BACKGROUND

For various reasons, it may be desirable to monitor an amount of a substance on a structure. For example, it may be desirable to monitor an amount of snow on a building roof (i.e. a roof of a residential or commercial building). Specifically, snowfall and wind may cause snow to accumulate on the building roof, which may damage the roof and/or the building structure and, in some cases, may even cause the roof to collapse. One solution is to remove snow at regular intervals and/or following particularly heavy snowfall. However, it may be more advantageous to only remove the snow once a predetermined amount of snow has accumulated on the roof. It therefore becomes necessary to monitor the amount of snow on the roof to be able to plan the snow removal operations adequately.

The amount of snow could be assessed manually by a worker climbing on the roof periodically, but obviously this operation may be hazardous, as well as time and resource consuming. It has been proposed to place snow monitoring modules on roofs to be able to remotely assess the amount of snow thereon. Unfortunately, the proposed modules typically include some type of scale or weight gauge which often provides relatively low accuracy and which may be prone to becoming inoperative in winter conditions. SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a monitoring system for monitoring a snow layer on a building roof, the system comprising: at least one snow height monitoring unit positioned on the building roof for measuring a height of the snow layer; a controller operatively connected to the at least one snow height monitoring unit for receiving a first snow layer height indication related to the measured height of the snow layer from the at least one snow height monitoring unit, the controller being configured for providing a second snow layer height indication related to the height measurement of the snow layer based on the height measurement received from the at least one snow height monitoring unit.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one snow height monitoring unit includes a plurality of snow height monitoring units.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of snow height monitoring units includes at least one side snow height monitoring units positioned near a side edge of the building roof and at least one center snow height monitoring unit positioned away from the side edge of the building roof.

In at least one embodiment, each snow height monitoring unit includes at least one snow sensor and a sensor support member for supporting the at least snow sensor.

In at least one embodiment, the sensor support member includes a base receivable on a top roof surface of the building roof and an upright member extending upwardly from the base.

In at least one embodiment, the base includes a planar bottom surface positionable against a planar top surface of the building roof.

In at least one embodiment, the upright member extends along a longitudinal upright member axis, the sensor support member being configured such that the longitudinal upright member axis extends substantially orthogonally to the planar bottom surface of the base.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one snow sensor includes a plurality of snow sensors spaced apart from each other in a lengthwise direction on the upright member.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of snow sensors are spaced apart evenly from each other.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of snow sensors are spaced apart from each other by a distance of between about 5 cm and 15 cm.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of snow sensors are spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 10 cm.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of snow sensors includes between 2 and 15 sensors.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of snow sensors includes 8 sensors.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of snow sensors include a plurality of snow sensing portions for detecting a presence of snow adjacent thereto.

In at least one embodiment, the snow sensing portions of all the snow sensors are aligned with each other along a sensor alignment axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal upright member axis.

In at least one embodiment, each one of the at least one snow sensor includes a temperature sensor.

In at least one embodiment, each one of the at least one snow sensor includes an optical sensor.

In at least one embodiment, each one of the at least one snow sensor includes a humidity sensor. In at least one embodiment, the controller includes a data receiving unit operatively connected to the at least one height monitoring unit for receiving the height measurement from the at least one snow height monitoring unit.

In at least one embodiment, the controller includes a communication unit operatively connected to the data receiving unit for providing an indication regarding the height measurement.

In at least one embodiment, the communication unit is configured to provide the indication regarding the height measurement wirelessly.

In at least one embodiment, the controller is solar powered. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises at least one camera operatively connected to the controller, each camera providing to the controller a visual indication.

In at least one embodiment, the visual indication is related to the snow layer on the roof. In at least one embodiment, the visual indication is unrelated to the snow layer.

In at least one embodiment, the system further comprises an artificial intelligence solution configured for analyzing the visual indication and determining a presence of one or more predetermined features.

According to another aspect, there is also provided a method for monitoring a snow layer on a roof, the method comprising: measuring, using at least one snow height monitoring unit positioned on the roof, a snow layer height of the snow layer; providing an input snow height indication related to the measured snow layer height; comparing the input snow height indication with a target maximum snow layer height; upon determining that the measured snow layer height is higher than the target maximum snow layer height, removing at least some of the snow layer from the building roof. In at least one embodiment, the input snow height indication includes the measured snow layer height.

In at least one embodiment, the input snow height indication includes an indication that the measured height of the snow layer is between first and second predetermined height values.

In at least one embodiment, the input snow height indication includes an indication that the measured height of the snow layer is within a corresponding one of a plurality of predetermined height intervals.

In at least one embodiment, comparing the input snow height indication with the target maximum snow layer height is performed using the controller.

In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises the controller providing to a user an output snow height indication related to the input snow height indication.

In at least one embodiment, the output snow height indication includes the measured snow layer height.

In at least one embodiment, the output snow height indication includes an indication that the measured snow layer height is higher than the target maximum snow layer height.

According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a snow height monitoring unit positionable on a building roof for measuring a height of a snow layer on the building roof, the snow height monitoring unit comprising: a sensor support member includes a base receivable on a top roof surface of the building roof and an upright member extending upwardly from the base; and a plurality of snow sensors spaced apart from each other in a lengthwise direction on the upright member.

According to still another aspect, there is also provided a monitoring system for monitoring an amount of a substance on a structure, the substance forming a substance layer on the structure, the system comprising: at least one substance height monitoring unit positioned on the structure for measuring a height of the substance layer; a controller operatively connected to the at least one substance height monitoring unit for receiving a first substance layer height indication related to the measured height of the substance layer from the at least one substance height monitoring unit, the controller being configured for providing a second substance layer height indication related to the height measurement of the substance layer based on the height measurement received from the at least one substance height monitoring unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a monitoring system for monitoring a snow layer on a building roof in accordance with one embodiment, showing the system mounted on a building roof having multiple roof portions, each roof portion having a flat roof configuration;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the monitoring system illustrated in FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a snow monitoring unit for the snow monitoring system illustrated in FIG.1 , in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the snow monitoring unit illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the snow monitoring unit illustrated in FIG. 3, with the wiring removed to better show the configuration of the snow sensors;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a mounting bar for the snow monitoring unit illustrated in FIG. 3, showing the mounting bar removed from the upright member and with the snow sensors mounted thereto, including the metal rods;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the mounting bar for the snow monitoring unit illustrated in FIG. 3; FIG. 8 is another side elevation view of the snow monitoring unit illustrated in FIG. 5, showing a snow layer on the roof;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a snow monitoring unit, in accordance with another embodiment, in which a solar panel is mounted on the upright member; FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a monitoring system for monitoring a snow layer on a building roof in accordance with another embodiment, showing the system mounted to a building roof having a sloped roof configuration;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a plot representing a change in measured temperature measured by sensors of a monitoring unit for the monitoring system illustrated in FIG. 1 over a certain period of time;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a plot representing a change in measured luminosity level measured by sensors of a monitoring unit for the monitoring system illustrated in FIG. 1 over a certain period of time;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a plot representing a change in measured humidity measured by sensors of a monitoring unit for the monitoring system illustrated in FIG. 1 over a certain period of time;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a plot representing a change in temperature measured by one of multiple sensors of a monitoring unit for the monitoring system illustrated in FIG. 1 as a function of a temperature difference between a lowermost one of the sensors and an uppermost one of the sensors, showing a comparison of the change observed in a substantially low density snow and in a substantially high density snow; and

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a snow monitoring unit, in accordance with another embodiment, in which a camera is mounted on the upright member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.

For the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “top”, “bottom”, “forward”, “rearward” “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and correspond to the position and orientation in the snow monitoring system and corresponding parts when being used. Positional descriptions should not be considered limiting.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a monitoring system for monitoring an amount of a substance on a structure, in accordance with one embodiment. Specifically, the monitoring system is configured to monitor the amount of substance on the structure by monitoring a height of a layer of the substance on the structure. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring system includes a snow monitoring system 100 for a building roof 50 and the substance being monitored is snow. When accumulating on the building roof 50, the snow will form a snow layer 60 on a top roof surface 52 of the roof 50. The snow monitoring system 100 allows the monitoring of an amount of snow on the building roof by measuring a thickness or height of the snow layer.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the building roof 50 includes a plurality of roof portions 51a, 51 b, 51c, and more specifically first, second and third roof portions 51a, 51 b, 51c, which are each configured substantially as a flat roof in which the top roof surface 52 extends substantially horizontally. This type of roof is typically found on commercial buildings, but may also be found on residential buildings or other types of buildings. Alternatively, the snow monitoring system 100 could instead be installed on any other types of roofs such as a sloped roof, as will be explained further below. In yet another embodiment, the snow monitoring system 100 may not be installed on a roof but could instead be installed on any surface on which snow may have a tendency to accumulate, such as an outdoor deck or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the snow monitoring system 100 includes a plurality of snow monitoring units 200 positioned on the roof 50 for measuring the snow layer height on the roof 50. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of snow monitoring units 200 include a first plurality of snow monitoring units 200a positioned on the first roof portion 51a and a second plurality of snow monitoring units 200b positioned on the second roof portion 51 b. Specifically, the first plurality of snow monitoring units 200a includes a plurality of side snow height monitoring units 202 positioned near a side edge 54 of the first roof portion 51a and a central snow height monitoring unit 204 positioned in a central area 56 of the first roof portion 51a. The second plurality of snow monitoring units 200b are positioned substantially similarly on the second roof portion 51b. Still in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of snow monitoring units 200 further include a single third roof portion snow monitoring unit 200c which is substantially centered on the third roof portion 51 c.

It will be understood that when snow accumulates on a building roof via snowfall, wind or a combination of snowfall and wind, it may not form a continuous layer having an even thickness across its entire area. The configuration of the roof itself, of other buildings or structures around the roof, the layout of the area around the roof or other similar factors may cause the snow accumulating in greater quantities in some locations on the roof as compared to other locations. By providing a plurality of snow monitoring units on a roof portion instead of a single snow monitoring unit, an acceptable measurement or approximation of the height of the snow layer on the roof portion can be determined using measurements provided by some or all of the snow monitoring units, as will be explained further below.

In the illustrated embodiment, each side snow height monitoring units 202 is positioned in one of four corners 58 of the first roof portion 51a such that all side snow height monitoring units 202 is substantially equidistant from the central snow height monitoring unit 204. Alternatively, the side snow height monitoring units 202 could be positioned at different positions along the side edge 54 of the first roof portion 51a, and/or could include more or less than four snow height monitoring units 202. In another embodiment, the monitoring units 200a could include more than one central snow height monitoring unit 204, and the central snow height monitoring unit(s) 204 could be positioned at different locations on the roof portion 51a between the side snow height monitoring units 202. In yet another embodiment, the snow monitoring units 200a may not even include a central snow height monitoring unit 204 and include only the side snow height monitoring units 202. In still another embodiment, the snow monitoring units 200a may not include side snow height monitoring units 202 and central snow height monitoring unit 204. Instead, the snow monitoring units 200a could be positioned at various predetermined locations and according to any suitable configuration on the roof portion 51a. In yet another embodiment, instead of using multiple snow height monitoring units 200a, a single snow monitoring unit such as the third roof portion snow monitoring unit 200c positioned on the third roof portion 51c may be sufficient to measure a height of the snow layer. It will be understood that the number and configuration of the snow monitoring unit(s) on the roof 50 may be selected according to one or multiple various factors such as a size, configuration and/or shape of the roof 50 and/or the roofs surroundings.

In the illustrated embodiment, all the snow height monitoring units 200 are substantially identical to each other. Alternatively, some of the snow height monitoring units 200 may be configured differently than the other snow height monitoring units 200. For example, the side snow height monitoring units 202 could be configured in accordance with a first configuration and the central snow height monitoring unit 204 could be configured in accordance with a second configuration different from the first configuration. It will also be understood that in other embodiments, the roof 50 may not include multiple roof portions but could instead include a single, substantially planar roof surface. Alternatively, the roof 50 may not be planar and could instead be slightly concave, convex or have any other configuration.

The system 100 further includes a controller 300, shown in FIG. 2, operatively connected to the snow height monitoring units 200. The controller 300 is configured for receiving a first or input snow height indication related to the measured snow layer height from the snow height monitoring units 202. Specifically, the controller 300 includes a processing unit 302 configured for receiving the input snow height indication from the snow height monitoring units 202, as best shown in FIG. 2. The processing unit 302 could include one or more microcontrollers, one or more microprocessors, circuit means, any combination of microcontrollers, microprocessors and circuit means or any other suitable processing device.

In one embodiment, the input snow height indication related to the measured snow layer height could include the measured snow layer height itself. Alternatively, the input snow height indication could include an indication that the measured snow layer height is substantially equal to or higher than a predetermined maximum height value. In yet another embodiment, the input snow height indication could include an indication that the measured height of the snow layer is between first and second predetermined height values, i.e. is higher than a first predetermined height value and lower than a second predetermined height value which is higher than the first predetermined height value. For example, the height of the snow layer would be divided into a plurality of predetermined height intervals which could be substantially equal in height to each other, such as height intervals each having a height of substantially 10 cm. In this example, the first height interval could correspond to a snow layer height of between about 0 cm and 10 cm, the second height interval could correspond to a snow layer height of between about 10 cm and 20 cm, and so on. Each height interval could be associated with a corresponding label or identifier. In this embodiment, the input snow height indication could include an indication that the measured height of the snow layer is in a certain interval. This indication could include the label or identifier of the certain interval. For example, the input snow height indication could include an identifier corresponding to the second interval which, in the above example, would mean that the measured snow layer height is between 10 cm and 20 cm. In yet another embodiment, the input snow height indication could also include a combination of any of the above indications, such as a combination of the measured height value of the snow layer and an indication that the measured height value is equal to or higher than a predetermined maximum height value. Alternatively, the input snow height indication could include any indication that could provide information to the controller 300 regarding the snow layer height.

The controller 300 is further configured to provide to the user a second or output snow height indication related to the input snow height indication. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 300 includes a communication unit 304 operatively connected to the processing unit 302 for providing the output snow height indication to the user. In one embodiment, the communication unit 304 could be configured to provide the output snow height indication to the user when the user is either remote from the controller 300 or substantially proximal to the controller 300. Alternatively, the communication unit 304 could be configured to provide the output snow height indication to the user only remotely or only when the user is substantially proximal to the controller 300. In one embodiment, the communication unit 304 is configured to send the output snow height indication to the user wirelessly. Specifically, the communication unit 304 is configured for sending the output snow height indication using a known wireless standard such as WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE or any other suitable standard. The communication unit 304 could be configured to communicate with one or more remote client devices such as a cellular phone, a smartphone, a personal computer, a client server or the like, which is accessible directly or indirectly by the user.

In one embodiment, the output snow height indication provided by the controller 300 to the user may be substantially similar to the input snow height indication and may include the measured snow layer height. In this embodiment, the controller 300 simply relays the measured snow layer height from the units 200 to the user. When receiving the measured height of the snow layer, the user may compare the measured height of the snow layer with a target maximum snow layer height. Upon determining that the measured height of the snow layer is higher than the target maximum snow layer height, the user may then proceed to remove some or all the snow from the roof.

In one embodiment, the measured snow layer height may not be compared to a target maximum height and may instead be provided for informational purposes. For example, the measured snow layer height may be received and stored in a database 307. The database 307 could be located in a server remote from the controller 300, or could be a local database provided in the controller 300.

In one embodiment, the output snow height indication could instead include an indication that the measured snow layer height is higher than the target maximum height of the snow layer. In this embodiment, the controller 300 would receive the measured snow layer height from the units 200 and would compare the measured snow layer height with the target maximum snow layer height. Instead of comprising the measured snow layer height, the output snow height signal sent by the controller 300 could then simply comprise a true/false indication regarding whether the measured snow layer height is higher than the target maximum snow layer height.

In one embodiment, the controller 300 may be configured to send the output snow height indication to a third-party snow removal service. In this embodiment, the third-party snow removal service would then proceed to remove some or all the snow from the roof.

In one embodiment, the controller 300 may be operatively connected to a weather service for receiving weather data. In this embodiment, the weather service could include one or more server containing data related to current and/or future weather conditions. In some embodiments, the weather data could be used to adjust the target maximum height of the snow layer. For example, if a snowfall is forecasted in the near future, the target maximum height of the snow layer could be lowered so as to trigger a snow removal operation when less snow is accumulated on the roof.

In some embodiment, instead of directly comparing the measured snow layer height to the target maximum snow layer height, the measured snow layer height could instead be used for calculating a snow layer weight of the snow layer. More specifically, the controller 300 may be configured for receiving, from the weather service or from any other source, one or more characteristics of the snow in the snow layer that would allow the snow layer weight to be calculated. The characteristics of the snow could include a snow density, a snow-water equivalent value of the snow or any other suitable characteristic of the snow. The controller 300 could also be provided with geometric characteristics of the building roof such as an area of the roof to further allow the snow layer weight to be calculated. In other embodiments, the characteristics of the snow could be calculated directly by the controller 300 using air humidity data, air temperature data and the like. It will be understood that the system 100 may be configured to monitor the snow layer over time. Specifically, the snow layer height could be measured and the input snow height indication could be provided to the controller 300 at a certain sample or measurement frequency. For example, the snow layer height may be measured twice per day, twice per week, or at any other suitable frequency.

It will also be understood that the output snow height indication could be provided by the controller 300 to the user at a certain output frequency. It will also be appreciated that the output frequency could be different from the measurement frequency. For example, the output snow height indication could be provided to the user once per day. Alternatively, the measurement frequency and the output frequency could be substantially similar.

In another embodiment, instead of monitoring the snow layer over time, the system 100 may be configured to only selectively measure the snow layer height and/or to selectively provide the output snow layer height indication upon receiving a specific command from the user. The command could be provided by a user via a user interface which could be provided on the remote client device (e.g. cellular phone, smartphone, personal computer) on which the output snow height indication is received or on a separate client device.

It will be understood that the above configuration of the controller 300 is merely provided as an example and that the controller 300 could instead have any other configuration that a skilled person would consider suitable. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 300 may further includes a local database for storing the target maximum snow layer height and/or weight, for temporarily storing the measured snow layer height or for storing any other relevant information. The controller 300 could further include other modules and/or units.

In the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring system 100 further includes a battery 306 operatively connected to the controller 300 for powering the controller 300. In one embodiment, the battery 306 may be operatively connected to a solar panel 308, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, which would allow the battery 306 to be charged using solar power. It will be appreciated that since the monitoring system 100 is installable on a building roof 50, the solar panel 308 may also be placed on the building roof 50, substantially proximal to the controller 300 and/or the snow monitoring units 200, and will thereby receive a relatively large amount of sunlight. Alternatively, the solar panel 308 may not be located on the building roof 50 and may instead be positioned at another location which would allow it to receive an appropriate amount of sunlight. In other embodiments, the battery 306 may not be connected to a solar panel 308 and may instead be rechargeable using another power source such as a portable power source or the like. In this case, the controller could be configured to provide to the user an indication related to a charge level of the battery 306. Upon determining that the charge level is below a predetermined minimum charge, the battery 306 may be operatively coupled temporarily to the power source to thereby recharge the battery 306. In yet another embodiment, the system 100 may not include a battery and the controller 300 may instead be coupled to a power grid to be powered.

In one embodiment, the controller 300 may further be configured for receiving one or more commands from the user. For example, the controller 300 may be configured for receiving a deactivation command from the user to deactivate the snow monitoring system 100. In this embodiment, the system 100 could therefore remain on the building roof 50 but be inactive outside of winter when no snowfall is expected. The controller 300 may be configured for receiving an activation command from the user to reactivate the snow monitoring system 100. Alternatively, the controller 300 may be configured to be automatically deactivated at a certain time (i.e. at a certain date) corresponding approximately to the end of winter, and be automatically reactivated at a certain date corresponding approximately to the start of winter. The controller 300 may further be configured to receive commands for selectively activating and deactivating one or more of the snow monitoring units 200 independently from the other snow monitoring units 200, or may be configured to receive any other suitable commands. In some embodiments, the commands could be provided by a user interface which could be controlled by an end user of the system 100, such as an owner or operator of the building which includes the roof 50, and/or by an operator of the system 100 such as an entity leasing or loaning the system 100 to an end user. For example, in some embodiments, the end user could have access to an end user interface and the operator could have access to an operator interface, and the controller 300 could be configured to selectively receive commands from the end user interface and from the operator interface. Management of the system 100 could therefore be handled by the end user and/or by the operator as desired.

Moreover, the controller 300 may include a single controller operatively connected to more than one of the snow height monitoring units 200. In the illustrated embodiment for example, the controller 300 may be connected to all the snow height monitoring units 200. Alternatively, the controller 300 could include multiple controllers 300. In one embodiment, each controller 300 could be connected to some of the snow height monitoring units 200. For example, the controller 300 could include a first controller operatively connected to the first plurality of monitoring units 200a positioned on the first roof portion 51a, a second controller operatively connected to the second plurality of monitoring units 200b positioned on the second roof portion 51b and a third controller operatively connected to the third roof portion snow monitoring unit 200c positioned on the third roof portion 51c. In yet another embodiment, each controller 300 could be connected to a corresponding one of the snow height monitoring units. In this embodiment, the system 100 would therefore include as many controllers as snow height monitoring units 200.

In one embodiment, the system 100 could be substantially modular, such that any number of snow monitoring units 200 may be operatively connected to one or more controllers, depending on a configuration and/or size of the building roof. This would allow the system 100 to be readily scaled according to the configuration and/or size of the building roof.

In one embodiment, the controller 300 may be located on the roof and may be directly connected to the snow height monitoring units 200 via a wired connection. Alternatively, the controller 300 could be located remotely from the roof. Specifically, each snow height monitoring unit 200 could be provided with an integrated sensor unit communication module which can be configured to provide the input snow height indication related to the measured snow layer height to the controller 300 wirelessly. In this embodiment, the input snow height indication could be received by the communication unit 304, which is able to perform as a receiver as well as a transmitter. Alternatively, the controller 300 could include a receiver separate from the communication unit 304 for receiving the input snow height indication from the snow monitoring units 200.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 to 8, one of the snow height monitoring units 200 will now be described in accordance with one embodiment. It will be understood that this embodiment is merely provided as an example and that the snow height monitoring units could have various other configurations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the snow height monitoring unit 200 includes a plurality of snow sensors 210 and a sensor support member 220 for supporting the snow sensors 210. Specifically, the sensor support member 220 includes a base 222 which is adapted to be received on the top roof surface 52 of the roof 50 and an upright member 224 which extends upwardly from the base 222.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 222 is generally plate-shaped and includes a substantially planar base bottom surface 223 which extends against the top roof surface 52 when the base 222 is received on the roof 50.

In one embodiment, the base 222 is placed on the top roof surface 52 but remains unsecured to the top roof surface 52 so as to prevent damaging the roof. In this embodiment, the base 222 could further be weighted so as to have a significant weight in order to prevent it from being displaced by wind or other forces. Specifically, the base 222 could be weighted by using a substantially heavy material such as concrete or the like to manufacture the base 222. Alternatively, the base 222 could be substantially hollow and contain one or more substantially heavy weights made of metal, concrete or any similar material. In another embodiment, the base 222 could be weighted by one or more external weights attached to the base 222.

In yet another embodiment, the base 222 may be secured to the roof 50 using mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws or the like. The base 22 could be secured to the roof 50 permanently or may be removably secured to the roof 50 such that the snow height monitoring units 200 could be removed from the roof 50 during summer, for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upright member 224 is substantially cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal upright member axis A. In this embodiment, the sensor support member 220 is configured such that the longitudinal upright member axis A extends substantially orthogonally to the planar base bottom surface 223 of the base 222. According to this configuration, when the base 222 is received on the roof 50 such that the base bottom surface 223 extends against the top roof surface 52 of the roof 50, the longitudinal upright member axis A therefore extends substantially vertically, since the roof 50 extends substantially horizontally. Alternatively, the sensor support member 220 may instead be configured such that the longitudinal upright member axis A does not extend substantially orthogonally to the base bottom surface 223, and is instead angled relative to the top roof surface 52 of the roof 50 when the base 222 is received on the top roof surface 52.

The upright member 224 could be made of a metal such as aluminum or an alloy thereof, or any other suitable material such as a plastic or the like.

The upright member 224 includes a lower upright end 226 secured to the base 222 and an upper upright end 228 located opposite the lower upright end 226. As best shown in FIG. 5, the snow sensors 210 are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction along the upright member 224 between the lower and upper upright ends 226, 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the snow sensors 210 include eight (8) snow sensors 210, i.e. first to eight snow sensors 211 a to 211 h disposed such that the first snow sensor 211a is located towards the lower upright end 226 and the eight snow sensor 211 h is disposed towards the upper upright end 228. Alternatively, the snow sensors 210 could include between 2 and 15 sensors, or more than 15 sensors or even a single sensor.

In the illustrated embodiment, the snow sensors 210 are spaced apart substantially evenly from each other. Specifically, the snow sensors 210 may be spaced from each other by a distance of between about 5 cm and 15 cm, and more specifically by a distance of about 10 cm. Alternatively, the snow sensors 210 may be spaced from each other by more or less than 10 cm. In yet another embodiment, the snow sensors 210 could be spaced apart form each other by difference distances, instead of being evenly spaced apart.

Each snow sensor 210 is further configured to detect the presence of snow adjacent the snow sensor 210. Such a detection is indicative that the snow layer is at least as high as a vertical position of the snow sensor 210. For example, a detection of the presence of snow by the second snow sensor 211 b indicates that the snow layer is at least as high as the second snow sensor 211 b. Therefore, by determining which snow sensors detect the presence of snow adjacent thereto, the snow layer height can be measured. Specifically, a detection of the presence of snow by a first one of the snow sensors and a detection of the absence of snow by a second one of the snow sensors located adjacent and above the first one of the snow sensors would provide an indication that the snow layer height is between the first and second ones of the snow sensors 200, which corresponds to a measurement of the snow layer height.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the snow layer is higher than the first and second snow sensors 211a, 211 b, but lower than the third snow sensor 211 c. In this situation, the first and second snow sensors 211 a, 211 b would therefore detect the presence of snow adjacent thereto while the third to sixth snow sensors 211c to 211 h would not detect any snow adjacent thereto. In one embodiment, since no snow is adjacent the third to sixth snow sensors 211c to 211 h, the snow sensors 211 c to 211 h may simply not provide any indication of the presence of snow or alternatively, may provide an indication that snow is not present adjacent thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, each snow sensor 210 includes a temperature sensor 212 such as a thermistor or the like. Specifically, each snow sensor 210 further includes a metal rod 214 such as a bolt or the like which contacts the temperature sensor 212 so as to be in thermal communication with the temperature sensor 212. In this embodiment, the metal rod 214 therefore defines a snow sensing portion of the snow sensor 210 which acts as an extension of the temperature sensor 212 which enhances the contact of the temperature sensor 212 with the snow, and thereby enhances the detection of the presence of snow adjacent the temperature sensor 212.

The metal rods 214 are further threaded and are adapted to be inserted through the upright member 224 and be secured thereto using corresponding nuts 226. Specifically, each metal rod 214 has a longitudinal rod axis and is positioned such that the longitudinal rod axis is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal upright axis. In the illustrated embodiment in which the snow monitoring unit 200 is positioned on a flat roof, the longitudinal rod axis of the metal rods 214 therefore extend substantially horizontally. Alternatively, the metal rods 214 may be oriented according to any other suitable orientation and/or may be oriented at different orientations from each other.

Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the metal rods 214 are all positioned so as to be aligned with each other along a sensor alignment axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal upright axis. Alternatively, the rods 214 may not be aligned with each other and may be oriented at different radial orientations around the upright member 224.

In the illustrated embodiment, the snow height monitoring unit 200 further includes a mounting bar 230 extending along the upright member 224. Specifically, the mounting bar 230 is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal upright member axis. In this embodiment, the mounting bar 230 is made of a metal and provides a certain level of thermal conduction between the snow sensors 220. It has been found that in some circumstances, this configuration may be beneficial in increasing the accuracy and/or reliability of the temperatures measured by the snow sensors 220. Alternatively, the snow height monitoring unit 200 may not include a mounting bar 230.

In one embodiment, the measured temperature may be compared to a reference temperature, such as the air temperature. In this embodiment, a measurement of temperature which is below or substantially below the air temperature may provide an indication of the presence of snow adjacent the snow sensor. Alternatively, the measured temperature for each sensor may be compared with the measured temperature measured by the other snow sensors. For example, if the measured temperature measured by the first and second snow sensors 211a, 211 b is substantially lower than the measured temperature measured by the remaining sensors 211c to 211 h, then an indication that the snow layer is higher than the second snow sensor 211 b but lower than the third snow sensor 211 c is provided.

Moreover, it has been observed that since snow is a relatively effective thermal insulant, the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 212 which are located deeper in the snow layer (i.e. closer to the top roof surface 52) is more stable over a certain period of time than the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 212 which are located further towards an upper surface of the snow layer (i.e. further from the top roof surface 52). For example, FIG. 11 shows a plot 1100 of the measured temperature provided by the snow sensors 211 a to 211 h over a certain period of time. Specifically, the plot 1100 includes first to eighth temperature curves 1102a to 1102h corresponding respectively to the temperature measured by the first to eighth snow sensors 211a to 211 h over the period of time. It can be appreciated that although the temperature measured by all snow sensors 211 a to 211 h decreases over the period of time, the temperature measured by the first snow sensor 211a, represented by the first temperature curve 1102a, varies substantially less (i.e. by relatively smaller amplitudes) over the period of time than the temperature measured by the eighth snow sensor 211 h as represented by the eighth temperature curve 1102h, for example. This is indicative that the eighth snow sensor 211 h is located slightly below the top surface of the snow layer or above the snow layer, while the first snow sensor 211a is substantially deep beneath the top surface of the snow layer. Furthermore, it can also be observed that the temperatures measured by the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth snow sensors 211e to 211 h, represented by the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth temperature curves 1102e to 1102h, remain substantially close to each other. This may be indicative that the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth snow sensors 211e to 211 h are above the snow layer and are exposed to ambient air, which indicates that the snow layer is as high as the fourth snow sensor 211 d but lower than the fifth snow sensor 211e. Alternatively, this could be indicative that one or more of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth snow sensors 211e to 211 h is located slightly below the top surface of the snow layer.

In another embodiment, each snow sensor 210 could include a photodetector or light sensor which could detect a luminosity level at a height corresponding to the height of the corresponding sensor. The light sensor could be configured to measure the luminosity level provided by sunlight during daytime and/or by another light source such as one or more lamp oriented towards the roof. In this embodiment, the luminosity level measured by the snow sensors 210 located beneath the top surface of the snow layer will be substantially lower than the luminosity of the snow sensors 210 located above the snow layer. For example, FIG. 12 shows a plot 1200 of the luminosity level provided by two of the snow sensors 210 over a certain period of time ranging from December 23 to December 29. Specifically, the plot 1200 includes a first luminosity curve 1202a corresponding to the luminosity level measured by the first snow sensor 211a and a second luminosity curve 1202b corresponding to the luminosity level measured by the fourth snow sensor 211 d. In this example, the fourth snow sensor 211 d remained above the snow layer for the entire period of time, while the first snow layer 211a was under a snow layer having a substantially low snow layer height for a portion of the period of time preceding December 25 and was substantially exposed for the rest of the period of time. It can be appreciated that the luminosity level measured by the first snow sensor 211a represented by the first luminosity curve 1202a is therefore substantially lower than the luminosity level measured by the fourth snow sensor 211 d represented by the fourth luminosity curve 1202d for the portion of the period of time preceding December 25, i.e. when the first snow sensor 211a was below the snow layer and the fourth snow sensor 211 d was above the snow layer. It can further be appreciated that the luminosity level measured by the first and second snow sensors 211a, 211 d is substantially the same for the rest of the period of time, i.e. when the snow layer height is below the first snow sensor 211a or when no snow is present on the roof such that both the first and fourth snow sensors 211 a, 211 d are exposed.

In another embodiment, each snow sensor 210 could instead include a humidity sensor which could detect the presence of snow adjacent thereto based on a measured humidity. Specifically, the humidity sensor would provide a humidity measurement which is substantially higher when the sensor is below the top surface of the snow layer than when the sensor is above the snow layer. In one embodiment, an ambient air humidity could be measured and the measured ambient air humidity could be compared to the measured humidity provided by each sensor. In this embodiment, a determination that the measured humidity provided by a snow sensor is substantially similar to the measured ambient air humidity is indicative that the snow sensor is located above the snow layer.

In some embodiments, the system could further include an ambient air humidity sensor which is positioned so as to remain exposed (i.e. uncovered by the snow layer) at all times in order to provide the measured ambient air humidity. In another embodiment, the controller could be operatively connected to a local meteorological measurement station located substantially close to the roof to receive the ambient air humidity measurement from the local meteorological measurement station.

It will be understood that the sensors 210 may not all be positioned on the upright member 224. For example, one or more of the sensors 210 could be positioned on the base 222. Alternatively, one or more of the sensors 210 could be located away from the sensor support member 220. For example, the sensors 210 could include one or more sensors (e.g., a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor) that are positioned on the top roof surface 52, away from the sensor support member 220, and be connected to the controller 300 either through wires or wirelessly.

FIG. 13 shows a plot 1300 of the measured humidity provided by the sensors over a certain period of time ranging from December 23 to December 27. The plot 1300 includes a first humidity curve 1302a corresponding to the humidity measured by the first sensor 211a, a second humidity curve 1302b corresponding to the humidity measured by another one of the sensors 211 b to 211 h located above the first sensor 211a, and third humidity curve 1302c corresponding the ambient air humidity provided by a local meteorological measurement station located substantially close to the roof. During the period preceding December 25, the first sensor 211a was located below the top surface of the snow layer and the other one of the sensors 211 b to 211 h was located above the snow layer. It can be appreciated that during the period preceding December 25, the measured humidity provided by the first snow sensor 211a, being in contact with snow, is about 100%. During the same portion of the period of time, the measured humidity provided by the other one of the snow sensors 211 b to 211 h, which is exposed to ambient air instead of being in contact with snow, substantially corresponds to the measured ambient air humidity provided by the local meteorological measurement station.

In another embodiment, each snow sensor 210 could instead include an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor or any other suitable sensor. In another embodiment, the snow sensors 210 may not all include the same type of sensors and may instead include different types of sensors. In yet another embodiment, each snow sensor 210 may include more than one type of sensors. For example, each snow sensor 210 may include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for redundancy or to obtain a more accurate detection of the presence of snow.

It will be appreciated that while the snow layer height may, in some circumstances, provide an adequate indication of the amount of snow of the roof, it may be desirable, in other circumstances, to be provided with an indication of a weight of the snow layer rather than only the snow layer height. Since the weight of the snow layer will vary according to the density of the snow layer, it may further be desirable to monitor a density of the snow layer in addition to monitoring the snow layer height.

In one embodiment, the density of the snow layer may be determined based on a thermal conductivity of the snow. Specifically, it is known that a snow layer having a higher density is less insulating, and therefore has a higher thermal conductivity, than a snow layer having a lower density. The density of the snow could therefore be measured or at least estimated by measuring the temperature of the snow at a certain vertical location of the snow layer corresponding to the height of a sensor at a certain frequency over a period of time and comparing these measured temperatures to a temperature difference between two spaced-apart sensors such as the first and eighth sensors 211a, 211 h. These measurements could then be compared to predetermined charts which would indicate whether the variation of the measured temperature over time corresponds to a variation previously observed in snow having relatively low density or to a variation previously observed in snow having relatively high or medium density.

For example, FIG. 14 shows a plot 1400 of the measured temperature provided by one of the sensors over a certain period of time, in accordance with one embodiment. More specifically, the plot 1400 includes a first temperature curve 1402a which corresponds to the temperature which was measured by the sensor in snow having relatively low density and a second temperature curve which corresponds to the temperature which was measured by the sensor in snow having relatively high density. In this example, the sensor is covered by 40 cm of snow and a temperature measurement was taken at 20-minute intervals. At the start of each interval, the temperature difference between the temperature measured by the sensor and the temperature above the snow layer is calculated. At the next interval, the temperature and measured and the temperature variation between the measured temperature and the measured temperature at the previous interval is calculated. The temperature variation is then compared with the temperature difference between the sensor and the sensor above the snow layer to determine whether the snow has substantially low or high density. In this example, if the temperature difference between two sensors located 40 cm apart is -7 degrees Celsius, a further variation of -0.17 degrees Celsius after 20 minutes will provide an indication that the snow within the snow layer between the two sensors has a substantially high density, which a variation of -0.06 degrees Celsius after 20 minutes will provide an indication that the snow within the snow layer between the two sensors has a substantially low density.

In some embodiments, the monitoring system 100 could further be provided with an artificial intelligence solution, such as an artificial neural network or the like, which could predict or estimate the density of the snow based on the age of the snow, the time of the year, the number of rainfalls in the preceding days or any other relevant meteorological parameter. This artificial intelligence solution could further be trained using data gathered from the monitoring system 100 itself to further enhance the accuracy of the predictions.

Moreover, in embodiments in which the sensors 210 include both temperature and humidity sensors, the monitoring system 100 may further be configured to detect the formation of ice within the snow layer. For example, a measured humidity of 100% combined with a temperature measurement which is above the water freezing temperature may provide an indication that the snow layer or at least a location within the snow layer adjacent the corresponding sensor is substantially wet. If the same sensor subsequently provides a measured humidity which is relatively high but a measured temperature which is lower than the water freezing temperature, a determination that ice is formed or forming within the snow layer may be made. This determination may then be used to enhance the accuracy of the calculation or estimation of the snow layer density.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown another embodiment of a snow monitoring unit 200’. In this embodiment, the solar panel 308 is secured at the upper upright end 228. Still in this embodiment, the upright member 224’ is not tubular but instead has an octagonal cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the upright member 224’ could be square, triangular or have any other suitable shape. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the snow sensors 220’ are further enclosed within the upright member 224’. Alternatively, the snow sensors 220’ could instead be secured to an exterior of the upright member 224’ similarly to the snow monitoring units 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a building 10 configured as a dwelling having a building roof 50’ which is configured as a sloped roof rather than a flat roof. Specifically, the building roof 50’ includes first and second sloped roof portions 52’, 54’ on which a snow monitoring system 100’ is installed. In this embodiment, the snow monitoring system 100’ includes a first snow monitoring unit 200’ positioned on a center of the first sloped roof portion 52’ and a second snow monitoring unit 202’ positioned on a center of the second sloped roof portion 54’. In this embodiment, the first and second sloped roof portion 52’, 54’ are substantially planar and the longitudinal upright axis A’ of the first and second snow monitoring units 200’, 202’ are still substantially orthogonal to the first and second sloped roof portion 52’, 54’, similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8. Flowever, since the first and second sloped roof portion 52’, 54’ are sloped instead of being configured as flat roofs, the longitudinal upright axis A’ of the first and second snow monitoring units 200’, 202’ are not substantially vertical, but are instead angled. Alternatively, the first and second snow monitoring units 200’, 202’ could be configured such that the longitudinal upright axis A’ of the first and second snow monitoring units 200’, 202’ is still substantially vertical. In yet another embodiment, instead of the system 100’ comprising first and second single monitoring units 200’, 202’ positioned respectively on the first and second sloped roof portions 52’ 54’, the system 100’ could instead include a plurality of snow monitoring units, with at least one snow monitoring units being positioned on each roof portion 52’, 54’.

It will be understood that the embodiments provided above are merely provided as examples and that various other embodiments could be considered. For example, the monitoring system may further include one or more camera 350 operatively connected to the controller. Each camera may be positioned towards an upper end of a corresponding monitoring unit to have a substantially wide-angle view of at least a portion of the roof. For example, FIG. 15 shows a snow monitoring unit 500 in accordance with another embodiment, in which the snow monitoring unit 500 includes a plurality of snow sensors 501 and a sensor support member 503 for supporting the snow sensors 501. The sensor support member 503 includes a base 502 and an upright member 504 including a lower upright end 506 connected to the base 502 and an upper upright end 508 opposite the lower upright end 506. In this embodiment, the one or more camera 350 includes a camera 550 located at the upper upright end 508. In this embodiment, the camera 550 is provided under a dome-shaped cover 552 which is made of a substantially transparent or at least translucent material.

In some embodiments, the one or more cameras 350 could include a single camera (e.g., the camera 550 illustrated in FIG. 15) positioned so as to allow a visualization of the entire roof. For example, the single camera could include a 360- degree camera using a suitable lens which would provide a wider angle of view, such as a fisheye lens, a panoramic lens or a wide-angle lens. In other embodiments, the one or more cameras 350 could include a plurality of cameras, each camera being positioned to as to allow visualization of a corresponding portion of the roof. More specifically, the cameras could be positioned to together allow visualization of the entire roof.

The camera(s) 350 may provide to the controller a visual indication regarding the snow layer on the roof. The visual indication provided by the camera(s) 350 could allow the user to visually confirm the snow layer height before initiating a snow removal operation. This would prevent unnecessary snow removal operations if the determination of the snow layer height by the monitoring system is inaccurate. The visual indication provided by the camera(s) 350 could allow the user to visually confirm that the positioning of the monitoring unit is appropriate in accordance with a distribution pattern of the snow on the roof. If the positioning of the monitoring unit is considered inadequate by the user (e.g. if the monitoring unit is positioned in a location where the roof configuration prevents the accumulation of snow while snow is accumulating on other portions of the roof), the monitoring unit could then be moved to another location considered more appropriate by the user.

In one embodiment, the camera(s) 350 could provide a single image to a user when prompted by the user. In another embodiment, the camera(s) 350 could provide a plurality of discrete images at a desired frequency, such as once every 6h, 12h or 24h for example. In yet another embodiment, the camera(s) 350 could instead be configured to provide a continuous video feed of the roof or the roof portion towards which it is directed.

In other embodiments, instead of being directly inspected visually by the user, the visual indications provided by the camera(s) 350 could be analyzed using an appropriate artificial intelligence solution, such as an artificial neural network or the like, which could be configured to analyze the visual indications and recognize (i.e. determine a presence of) certain predetermined features shown by these visual indications. The system could then be configured to provide an indication to the user that an action should be taken based on this analysis, or adjust certain parameters of the monitoring units based on these features to provide more accurate measurements. In some embodiments, this indication could be unrelated to the snow layer on the roof 50. For example, the artificial intelligence solution could be provided to analyze one or more images provided by the camera(s) 350 to detect a type of roofing material of the roof, defects or discontinuities on the roof, an accumulation of water on the roof, a presence of a drain, and if a drain is detected, whether the drain is clogged, the formation of ice on the roof, an accumulation of snow on the roof at a location where no monitoring unit is positioned (thereby providing an indication to the user that an additional monitoring unit should be added at this location or that one of the monitoring unit already positioned on the roof should be moved to this location), or any other feature that a skilled person would consider desirable to monitor. This would allow the system 100 to be used in wintertime to monitor the snow layer and in summertime or any other period where there is no snow on the roof 50 to monitor the roof itself or other features on or around the roof 50. It will be appreciated that although the monitoring system was described hereinabove in connection with the monitoring of snow on a building roof, the monitoring system could instead be configured to monitor an amount of another type of substance, and/or to monitor an amount of substance on another structure than a building roof. For example, the monitoring system could be configured for monitoring an amount of sand or dust on a surface located in a mine, or any other substance which, when deposited on a surface, forms a layer. Alternatively, the monitoring system could be configured to monitor an amount of any other substance on any other structure based at least on a height of a layer of the substance formed on the structure.

While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for monitoring a snow layer on a building roof, the system comprising: at least one snow height monitoring unit positioned on the building roof for measuring a height of the snow layer; a controller operatively connected to the at least one snow height monitoring unit for receiving a first snow layer height indication related to the measured height of the snow layer from the at least one snow height monitoring unit, the controller being configured for providing a second snow layer height indication related to the height measurement of the snow layer based on the height measurement received from the at least one snow height monitoring unit.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one snow height monitoring unit includes a plurality of snow height monitoring units.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of snow height monitoring units includes at least one side snow height monitoring units positioned near a side edge of the building roof and at least one center snow height monitoring unit positioned away from the side edge of the building roof.

4. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each snow height monitoring unit includes at least one snow sensor and a sensor support member for supporting the at least snow sensor.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sensor support member includes a base receivable on a top roof surface of the building roof and an upright member extending upwardly from the base.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the base includes a planar bottom surface positionable against a planar top surface of the building roof.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the upright member extends along a longitudinal upright member axis, the sensor support member being configured such that the longitudinal upright member axis extends substantially orthogonally to the planar bottom surface of the base.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one snow sensor includes a plurality of snow sensors spaced apart from each other in a lengthwise direction on the upright member.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of snow sensors are spaced apart evenly from each other.

10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of snow sensors are spaced apart from each other by a distance of between about 5 cm and 15 cm.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality of snow sensors are spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 10 cm.

12. The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the plurality of snow sensors includes between 2 and 15 sensors.

13. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of snow sensors includes 8 sensors.

14. The system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the plurality of snow sensors include a plurality of snow sensing portions for detecting a presence of snow adjacent thereto.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the snow sensing portions of all the snow sensors are aligned with each other along a sensor alignment axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal upright member axis.

16. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each one of the at least one snow sensor includes a temperature sensor.

17. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each one of the at least one snow sensor includes an optical sensor.

18. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each one of the at least one snow sensor includes a humidity sensor.

19. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the controller includes a data receiving unit operatively connected to the at least one height monitoring unit for receiving the height measurement from the at least one snow height monitoring unit.

20. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the controller includes a communication unit operatively connected to the data receiving unit for providing an indication regarding the height measurement.

21. The system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the communication unit is configured to provide the indication regarding the height measurement wirelessly.

22. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the controller is solar powered.

23. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising at least one camera operatively connected to the controller, each camera providing to the controller a visual indication.

24. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the visual indication is related to the snow layer on the roof.

25. The system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the visual indication is unrelated to the snow layer.

26. The system as claimed in any one of claim 23, further comprising an artificial intelligence solution configured for analyzing the visual indication and determining a presence of one or more predetermined features.

27. A method for monitoring a snow layer on a roof, the method comprising: measuring, using at least one snow height monitoring unit positioned on the roof, a snow layer height of the snow layer; providing an input snow height indication related to the measured snow layer height; comparing the input snow height indication with a target maximum snow layer height; upon determining that the measured snow layer height is higher than the target maximum snow layer height, removing at least some of the snow layer from the building roof.

28. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the input snow height indication includes the measured snow layer height.

29. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the input snow height indication includes an indication that the measured height of the snow layer is between first and second predetermined height values.

30. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the input snow height indication includes an indication that the measured height of the snow layer is within a corresponding one of a plurality of predetermined height intervals.

31. The method as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein comparing the input snow height indication with the target maximum snow layer height is performed using the controller.

32. The method as claimed in claim 31, further comprising the controller providing to a user an output snow height indication related to the input snow height indication.

33. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the output snow height indication includes the measured snow layer height.

34. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the output snow height indication includes an indication that the measured snow layer height is higher than the target maximum snow layer height.

35. A snow height monitoring unit positionable on a building roof for measuring a height of a snow layer on the building roof, the snow height monitoring unit comprising: a sensor support member includes a base receivable on a top roof surface of the building roof and an upright member extending upwardly from the base; and a plurality of snow sensors spaced apart from each other in a lengthwise direction on the upright member.

36. A monitoring system for monitoring an amount of a substance on a structure, the substance forming a substance layer on the structure, the system comprising: at least one substance height monitoring unit positioned on the structure for measuring a height of the substance layer; a controller operatively connected to the at least one substance height monitoring unit for receiving a first substance layer height indication related to the measured height of the substance layer from the at least one substance height monitoring unit, the controller being configured for providing a second substance layer height indication related to the height measurement of the substance layer based on the height measurement received from the at least one substance height monitoring unit.