Football Flight Prediction Using 3D Wind Field Mapping

The patent transitions from traditional single-point wind measurements to three-dimensional wind field mapping by introducing vertical wind component measurements and spatial distribution analysis. CFD models generate 3D wind vectors at multiple grid points throughout the venue, capturing wind behavior in all spatial dimensions rather than at isolated locations.

The patent introduces CFD computational models as an intermediary between raw weather sensor data and trajectory predictions. The CFD model processes weather parameter inputs and generates detailed three-dimensional wind field distributions, acting as a computational mediator that transforms simplified measurements into comprehensive wind field information.

The patent performs preliminary CFD model setup and digital venue model creation before the football event occurs. Weather sensor calibration and baseline trajectory modeling are completed in advance, allowing real-time processing to focus only on updating wind field calculations with current weather data rather than building the entire predictive framework during the event.

The system dynamically adjusts calculation parameters based on weather conditions and football type. Different cross-sectional areas are selected based on whether the football is thrown, punted, or kicked. The CFD model resolves wind vectors at varying grid densities depending on local wind complexity, optimizing computational resources by concentrating calculations where wind patterns are most variable.