Aircraft Cloud Ceiling Detection Using Mobile Sensor Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack the capability to accurately measure cloud ceilings and tops outside fixed locations, and there is no automated method for reporting cloud data to and from aircraft, posing challenges for urban air mobility and unmanned aircraft operations.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft-based system that determines cloud ceilings and tops by recording altitudes, locations, and times, correlates this data with satellite information, and shares it to create a comprehensive cloud map, utilizing onboard cameras and sensors to identify cloud entry and exit points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ASOS equipment is deployed to each location, then cloud ceiling measurement coverage is improved, but deployment cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aircraft as mobile platforms to replicate the cloud detection function of fixed ASOS stations. Instead of deploying expensive fixed equipment at every location, the system uses aircraft equipped with sensors and cameras to perform similar measurements dynamically, significantly reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed ASOS stations to dynamic mobile measurement platforms (aircraft). The aircraft can be routed to various locations on demand, providing flexible and adaptive cloud ceiling measurements without requiring permanent infrastructure at each site, thus reducing overall deployment costs.
2Measurement precision
If ASOS is used for cloud ceiling measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but cloud top measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft-based measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure both cloud ceilings (using altimeter data) and cloud tops (using camera imagery and sensor data). This multi-functional approach replaces the limited ASOS capability with a versatile system that can adapt to different measurement requirements at the same location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters by using aircraft altitude data combined with visual observations from cameras. By varying the altitude parameter and using multiple sensor types (altimeter, camera, weather sensors), the system can detect both the base (ceiling) and top of clouds, expanding the measurement capability beyond fixed ASOS stations.
3Extent of automation
If fixed ASOS stations are deployed, then cloud data collection is automated, but location flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed automated stations with mobile aircraft platforms that can be dynamically routed to various locations. The aircraft maintain automated data collection capabilities through onboard sensors and communication systems, but now have the flexibility to visit any location on demand rather than being constrained to fixed sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft serves as an intermediary platform between the operator and the cloud measurement function. Instead of having fixed stations directly at each location, the aircraft acts as a mobile intermediary that can be positioned at any location to perform automated measurements, providing both automation and location flexibility.
4Device complexity
If no aircraft sensors are used for cloud detection, then aircraft equipment simplicity is maintained, but cloud ceiling and top detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is equipped with multi-functional sensors and systems that can perform various tasks: altimeters for ceiling detection, cameras for visual observation and cloud top identification, and weather sensors for atmospheric data. This universal equipment setup enables the aircraft to perform cloud detection functions without requiring specialized dedicated sensors, maintaining relative simplicity while expanding capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system onboard an aircraft is configured to determine when an aircraft enters or detects a cloud top or cloud base, and record a corresponding altitude. The correlated altitude, location, and time are shared to establish a set of data points corresponding to cloud ceilings and tops. Onboard cameras may be used to identify when the aircraft enters and leaves a cloud. The system correlates the recorded data points to satellite data such as satellite-based cloud images and/or clout top elevations based on location. The correlated images and data points may establish a more complete map of clouds in a wide area. Data points from multiple aircraft may be correlated and combined over time. Data points from multiple aircraft may be shared between aircraft directly or via a network including one or more ground stations.