Crosswind Speed Measurement via Laser Scintillation Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual estimation of crosswind speed by weapon operators introduces inaccuracies, leading to potential miss-hits of projectiles due to varying crosswind speeds along the trajectory, especially at longer ranges.

Innovation Solution

Measuring crosswind speed through optical measurement of laser scintillation patterns created by atmospheric eddies, using a system that projects radiation, receives scintillation patterns with photodetectors, and calculates a cumulative weighted average cross-movement to determine crosswind speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual visual observation is used to estimate crosswind speed, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to operator training and experience limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrosswind speed measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual observation with an optical measurement system that uses laser scintillation patterns to measure crosswind speed. The laser transmitter projects radiation through the atmosphere and the photodetector receiver detects scintillation patterns caused by atmospheric turbulence, converting physical wind effects into measurable optical signals that are processed to determine crosswind speed objectively and accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures crosswind speed by detecting changes in optical parameters (scintillation pattern intensity and position) caused by atmospheric turbulence. By monitoring how these optical parameters vary over time, the system derives crosswind speed measurements without requiring manual estimation, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining acceptable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual estimation is used for crosswind speed, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability deteriorates due to varying crosswind speeds along the trajectory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrosswind measurement reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous measurement of crosswind speed along the entire projectile trajectory by maintaining a continuous laser beam through the atmosphere. The system continuously detects scintillation patterns at multiple points along the trajectory and calculates a cumulative weighted average crosswind speed, ensuring reliable measurements that account for varying wind conditions throughout the flight path rather than relying on discrete manual estimates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If optical measurement of laser scintillation is used, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of energy increases due to laser power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrosswind speed measurement accuracyVSAvoidlaser energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a laser transmitter that projects radiation through the atmosphere, but the system is designed to detect scintillation patterns caused by atmospheric turbulence rather than requiring intense laser power. The measurement relies on detecting small variations in the laser beam caused by refractive index changes in turbulent air, allowing for precise crosswind measurements with moderate energy consumption rather than requiring excessive laser power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enhances projectile accuracy by providing highly accurate, real-time crosswind speed measurements, allowing for precise weapon aiming adjustments and reducing the need for manual estimations, thus improving hit probability and operator safety.

Implementation Method 1

As eddies drift from gas/liquid current through a laser path, an associated scintillation pattern created by the eddies moves as well

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

projecting radiation into a medium, receiving, over time, with a photodetector receiver, a plurality of scintillation patterns of scattered radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

receiving, over time, with a photodetector receiver, a plurality of scintillation patterns of scattered radiation, comparing cumulative a radiation intensity for each received scintillation pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotodetection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12352861B2Crosswind speed measurement by optical measurement of scintillation

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 TORREY PINES LOGIC INC

AI summary

The present disclosure describes methods and systems for measuring crosswind speed by optical measurement of laser scintillation. One method includes projecting radiation into a medium, receiving, over time, with a photodetector receiver, a plurality of scintillation patterns of scattered radiation, comparing cumulative a radiation intensity for each received scintillation pattern of the received plurality of scintillation patterns, and measuring a cumulative weighted average cross-movement within the medium using the compared cumulative radiation intensities.