Turbulence Map Generation via Airplane Accelerometer Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for obtaining and presenting turbulence data during flights suffer from inaccuracies, particularly in clear-air turbulence detection, leading to 'no detection' and 'false alarm' scenarios, undermining the reliability of turbulence monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize communication devices on airplanes to collect and transmit turbulence data, with a processor generating and updating a tempo-spatial database to generate accurate turbulence maps by prioritizing and validating data from multiple sources, selectively updating values to minimize 'false positive' events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If forecast models based on weather conditions are used to generate turbulence data, then turbulence maps can be generated for flight planning, but the accuracy is severely compromised due to inability to correctly estimate weather effects and detect clear-air turbulence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturbulence detection reliabilityVSAvoidturbulence measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces forecast models based on weather conditions with actual accelerometer measurements from communication devices. Instead of using mathematical models that estimate turbulence from weather data, the system directly measures turbulence effects through accelerometers, substituting a mechanical measurement system for a theoretical forecasting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the communication devices' own accelerometers to measure turbulence, making the devices self-sufficient for turbulence detection. The devices independently collect, process, and transmit their own turbulence data without relying on external forecast models or ground-based weather stations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple turbulence values from different communication devices are collected, then data coverage is improved, but the complexity of validating and processing data from multiple sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturbulence data reliabilityVSAvoiddata processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to determine if turbulence exists by collecting evidence for its presence, the system inverts the approach by seeking evidence for the absence of turbulence. Multiple devices must agree on low turbulence values to confirm calm conditions, while a single device reporting high turbulence can trigger validation. This inversion simplifies the consensus-building process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation of turbulence data before finalizing turbulence map updates. A lock-out period is implemented where turbulence values are held for validation, preventing premature updates based on potentially erroneous single-device readings. This preliminary action filters out false positives before they propagate through the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If real-time turbulence data is transmitted to all communication devices, then flight safety is improved, but the communication bandwidth and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight safetyVSAvoidcommunication energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transmits turbulence information selectively to communication devices based on their local needs and positions. Instead of broadcasting to all devices universally, turbulence data is targeted to devices operating in or approaching turbulent regions, reducing unnecessary communication overhead for devices in stable conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Turbulence data transmission occurs periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. The system updates turbulence information at intervals or when significant changes are detected, reducing communication frequency and energy consumption while maintaining adequate situational awareness for flight safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10720063B2Method and system for obtaining and presenting turbulence data via communication devices located on airplanes

Publication Date: 2020.07.21 YAMASEE

AI summary

A device, system and method is provided for obtaining and processing turbulence data via communication devices located on-board airplanes. Turbulence data obtained by a plurality of communication devices may be received during flights onboard respective ones of a plurality of airplanes. Turbulence map data may be generated by super-positioning the turbulence data received from the plurality of communication devices onto a single tempo-spatial frame of reference. The turbulence map data may be distributed to one or more of the communication devices. A device, system and method is also provided for generating turbulence map data that may reduce or eliminate “false positive” turbulence events. Turbulence map data may be generated for the airspace region based on a minimum of different turbulence values. The turbulence map data of at least the airspace region may be transmitted to one or more communication devices based on the minimum of the turbulence values.