The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
May. 05, 2015

Filed:

May. 22, 2012
Applicants:

Elizabeth A. Dakin, Great Falls, VA (US);

Priyavadan Mamidipudi, Bristow, VA (US);

Philip L. Rogers, Hume, VA (US);

Inventors:

Elizabeth A. Dakin, Great Falls, VA (US);

Priyavadan Mamidipudi, Bristow, VA (US);

Philip L. Rogers, Hume, VA (US);

Assignee:

Optical Air Data Systems, LLC, Manassas, VA (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01S 17/95 (2006.01); G05D 1/04 (2006.01); G06F 7/00 (2006.01); G01N 21/53 (2006.01); G01P 5/26 (2006.01); G01S 17/58 (2006.01); G01N 21/64 (2006.01); G01P 13/02 (2006.01); G01S 7/481 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G01S 17/95 (2013.01); G01N 21/53 (2013.01); G01P 5/26 (2013.01); G01S 17/58 (2013.01); G01N 21/6408 (2013.01); G01P 13/025 (2013.01); G01S 7/4812 (2013.01); G01S 7/4818 (2013.01);
Abstract

A method of using LIDAR on an airborne vehicle is described. A beam of radiation is transmitted to target areas at least one of above, below, and in front of the airborne vehicle, the target areas including particles or objects. Scattered radiation is received from the target areas. Respective characteristics of the scattered radiation are determined. An air turbulence factor or characteristics are determined from the respective characteristics. The airborne vehicle is controlled based on the air turbulence factor, such that turbulence experienced by the airborne vehicle is minimized. Alternatively, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to avoid colliding with the one or more objects. In another example, the airborne vehicle is controlled based on the characteristics to reduce headwind or increase tailwind, and substantially reduce a carbon footprint of the aircraft.


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