Aircraft Light Backscatter Volcanic Ash Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting volcanic ash around aircraft are inadequate, particularly at night, as they rely on human vision, coarse spatial resolution forecasts, or require special-purpose optical emitters, failing to provide real-time, fine-grained detection of hazardous ash concentrations.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using standard aircraft lights, such as strobe or landing lights, to detect backscattered radiation with cameras and processors, integrating multiple images and using image intensifiers for enhanced sensitivity, and distinguishing volcanic ash from other particles based on scattering patterns and environmental data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If naked eye observation is used to detect volcanic ash, then the system is simple and requires no special equipment, but the detection sensitivity is limited and cannot detect low concentration ash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using standard aircraft lights (strobe or landing lights) for their primary purpose of illumination and collision avoidance, while simultaneously utilizing them as light sources for volcanic ash detection. This multi-functional approach enables ash detection without requiring special-purpose optical emitters, thereby improving detection sensitivity while avoiding additional system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If active optical sensors with special-purpose emitters are used, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and certification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using standard aircraft lights (strobe or landing lights) for their primary purpose of illumination and collision avoidance, while simultaneously utilizing them as light sources for volcanic ash detection. This multi-functional approach enables ash detection without requiring special-purpose optical emitters, thereby improving detection precision while avoiding additional system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by using the aircraft's own existing light sources and cameras to perform ash detection. The standard aircraft lights serve dual purposes: their primary function for safety and illumination, and their secondary function as illumination sources for the optical detection system. This eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment.
3Device complexity
If standard aircraft lights are used for detection, then device complexity is reduced and certification is simplified, but detection reliability at night may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the intensity and timing parameters of standard aircraft lights to optimize them for dual purposes. The lights are pulsed at high intensity during strobe operation or continuously during landing light operation, creating sufficient illumination for ash detection at night while maintaining their primary safety functions. This parameter optimization ensures detection reliability without requiring different equipment for day and night operations.
4Measurement precision
If forecasts with coarse spatial resolution are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the detection precision and real-time capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical/operational complexity of implementing and continuously updating coarse-resolution forecast systems with a direct optical measurement system. Instead of relying on weather models and forecast data processing, the system directly measures ash presence using optical backscatter, achieving fine spatial resolution and real-time capability while simplifying implementation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides reliable, real-time alerts for the presence of volcanic ash, enabling aircraft to avoid damage by detecting hazardous concentrations even at low visibility, improving safety and reducing operational costs and certification delays.
Implementation Method 1
detect backscattered radiation with cameras
Data Source
AI summary
Onboard systems and methods for detection of airborne volcanic ash. One or more cameras are added to an aircraft. Each camera is configured to view a volume of air illuminated by a standard aircraft light, such as a strobe warning light (e.g., located on a wing tip) or a forward-facing landing light (e.g., located in the nose). Each camera is connected to a data processor. When diffuse volcanic ash is present, it scatters light transmitted from the standard aircraft light. Each camera converts impinging backscattered light into digital data which is sent to the processor. The processor processes the data from the camera or cameras to derive a measurement of the backscattered light and issues an alert when the amount and type of backscatter are compatible with the presence of volcanic ash.