Omni-directional cloud height indicator
AssigneeOceanit Laboratories, Inc.
InventorsPatrick K. Sullivan, Christopher J. Sullivan, Robert W. Deuel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and method is provided for 3-D measurement and visualization of cloud formations using ceilometers and computer software. Data collected from the ceilometers contains cloud range information in polar coordinates (r,θ,π) which is then converted to a cloud height depiction in a 3-D space. Visualization of data is enhanced by animating consecutive sets of data in a time loop to show the movement and evolution of the clouds over the measurement site during an extended period of time.
Claims53
A method for determining omni-directional cloud heights comprising collecting data including 3-D measurement and visualization of cloud formations in a site with a ceilometer, determining cloud range information in polar coordinates r,θ,π from the collected data, and converting the determined information to a cloud height visualization in 3-D space.
Apparatus for determining omni-directional cloud height comprising a data acquisition system comprising a ceilometer mounted on support arms for universal movement, a gear connected to the ceilometer, and a servomotor for driving the gear and rotating the ceilometer about an horizontal axis and measuring and outputting cloud height information in all axes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.