3D Wind Field Estimation Using MWIR Spectral Radiance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite-based digital imaging devices are unable to resolve the vertical structure of the Earth's atmospheric moisture field due to their broad band radiance observations, limiting wind estimation products to three spatially discontinuous layers of the troposphere.
Innovation Solution
A technique using simulated hyperspectral data and image processing devices that calculate atmospheric wind vectors from mid-wave infrared region (MWIR) channels, assigning altitudes based on brightness temperature and pre-computed temperature profiles to generate three-dimensional wind field products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If broad band radiance observations are used for wind field estimation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the vertical structure resolution of the moisture field is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broadband radiance observations into multiple spectral bands (water vapor band, CO2 band, oxygen band) that are sensitive to different atmospheric layers. By analyzing wind vectors from each spectral band separately and assigning altitudes based on the absorption characteristics of each band, the system resolves vertical structure without requiring complex hyperspectral instrumentation.
2Device complexity
If only three layers of the troposphere are estimated, then the processing complexity is reduced, but the spatial continuity of wind estimation is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the vertical dimension to wind estimation by assigning altitudes to wind vectors based on the spectral characteristics of each band and pre-computed atmospheric temperature profiles. This transforms the traditional 2D wind field (horizontal only) into a 3D wind field (horizontal + vertical), providing continuous spatial coverage throughout the troposphere rather than discrete layers.
3Measurement precision
If spectral radiance of multiband imagery is used for vertical profile estimation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computation of atmospheric temperature profiles and pre-determines the altitude sensitivity characteristics of each spectral band before actual wind field processing. These pre-computed lookup tables and calibration data enable rapid assignment of altitudes to wind vectors during operational processing, significantly reducing the computational burden while maintaining high vertical resolution.
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
This approach enables the production of a 3D wind field product from the Earth's surface to the troposphere, enhancing weather prediction capabilities and improving spatial continuity of wind estimation.
Implementation Method 1
receive image information comprising image data for a plurality of mid-wave infrared region (MWIR) channels
Implementation Method 2
An altitude is assigned to the plurality of atmospheric wind vectors in each set based on a brightness temperature of each wind vector and a pre-computed atmospheric temperature profile
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for an image processing device to receive image information comprising image data for a plurality of mid-wave infrared region (MWIR) channels, where the image data is obtained during a first imaging period and during a second imaging period temporally different from the first imaging period. A plurality of sets of atmospheric wind vectors are calculated using differences between image data obtained during the first imaging period and the image data obtained during the second imaging period for corresponding sets of MWIR channels. An altitude is assigned to the plurality of atmospheric wind vectors in each set based on a brightness temperature of each wind vector and a pre-computed atmospheric temperature profile to generate a set of two-dimensional wind fields comprising one two-dimensional wind field for each set of MWIR channels.