Optical Turbulence Detection via Light Scintillation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbulence detection systems are ineffective in identifying turbulent air, especially at cruising altitudes with low particulates and in predicting close-range turbulence, such as wake turbulence, without requiring aircraft to enter turbulent airspace.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing optical sensors and processors to detect turbulence by observing scintillation in light from remote sources, determining the distance to turbulent air through time differences and position/velocity calculations, and providing notifications to pilots, which can use multiple light sources and sensors to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Doppler radar or lidar systems are used to detect turbulence, then detection capability is improved, but the systems are limited at cruising altitudes above cloud layers that are relatively free of dust or other particulates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/radar-based turbulence detection systems with an optical detection system that uses cameras to capture images of light sources. This substitution allows the system to detect turbulence through clear air by analyzing scintillation effects on light from distant sources, eliminating the limitation of requiring particulate matter for detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light from distant sources as an intermediary element to detect turbulence. By observing how turbulence affects the appearance and intensity of light from remote sources, the system can indirectly detect turbulent air masses without requiring direct interaction with the turbulence or presence of particulates.
2Reliability
If pilot reports (PIREPS) or accelerometer data are used, then turbulence detection is improved, but these techniques are inherently unable to predict turbulence in areas where an aircraft has not previously experienced turbulent air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of turbulence ahead of the aircraft by continuously monitoring light scintillation from distant sources. This allows the system to identify turbulent air masses before the aircraft enters them, providing advance warning and predictive capability that accelerometer-based systems cannot offer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reactive detection methods (accelerometers that only detect turbulence after the aircraft encounters it) with proactive optical detection that can identify turbulence remotely by analyzing light scintillation patterns before the aircraft reaches the turbulent area.
3Reliability
If GPS signal variations are used to predict turbulence, then detection effectiveness is improved, but these systems are presently quite expensive and not typically intended to detect close range turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard digital cameras, which are relatively inexpensive and widely available, to perform turbulence detection. This replaces expensive specialized GPS-based turbulence prediction systems with affordable commercial-off-the-shelf technology, significantly reducing system cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single camera-based system capable of detecting multiple types of turbulence (clear air turbulence, wake turbulence, and mountain wave turbulence) at various ranges, replacing the need for multiple specialized expensive systems including GPS-based prediction systems.
4Reliability
If existing turbulence detection systems are used, then some detection capability is achieved, but they are not capable of effectively identifying close range turbulence such as wake turbulence generated by other aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light from distant sources as an intermediary to detect close-range turbulence. By analyzing scintillation effects on light passing through or near the aircraft, the system can detect wake turbulence and other close-range turbulent phenomena that traditional systems cannot detect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends detection capability to close ranges by utilizing the temporal dimension - analyzing rapid changes in light scintillation patterns that occur when light passes through close-range turbulence. This temporal analysis allows detection of turbulence at very close distances to the aircraft.
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
Enables effective identification of various types of turbulence, including clear air and close-range turbulence, without aircraft exposure, providing economic and safety benefits by improving turbulence detection sensitivity and range.
Implementation Method 1
quantify scintillation in the light based upon the indication, and to identify turbulent air between the light source and the optical sensor based upon the scintillation in the light
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for detecting turbulent air located between a light source and an observer based upon the scintillation of light produced by the light source. An optical sensor associated with the observer is configured to receive the light and to produce an indication of the light. A processor is configured to quantify scintillation in the light and to identify turbulent air between the light source and the optical sensor based upon the scintillation. A feedback device provides a notification when turbulent air is identified. Light sources and optical sensors may be located on airborne platforms or on the ground, and information may be transferred between multiple observers.