INS Ellipse-D amplifies high-precision wind condition observation

Business overview

Metro Weather specializes in high-precision wind condition observation using remote sensing technology, predictive wind condition simulation, and unidentified drone detection and recognition. Its flagship product, an ultra-high resolution Doppler LiDAR, provides accurate measurements of wind speed and direction, essential for predicting weather-related risks and enhancing safety.

Metro Weather’s product and working principle

Metro Weather provides “high precision wind condition observation” using its ultra-high resolution Doppler LiDAR. This advanced technology uses the Doppler effect, a phenomenon where the frequency of a wave changes when it hits a moving object.

The Doppler LiDAR emits a laser into the atmosphere that interacts with aerosols (such as dust and fine particles like PM2.5). By detecting the frequency shift (Doppler shift) in the reflected light from these aerosols, the device can determine their speed. Since these particles move with the wind, their velocity is directly equal to the wind movement.

This precise measurement capability allows Metro Weather to:

• Avoid flight routes with gusty winds, thereby improving aviation safety.
• Detect convergence of winds. This helps in predicting severe weather events such as guerrilla downpours, reducing weather-related disasters.
• Detect objects, thus extending the utility of the technology beyond wind detection to identify and track objects.

Applications

Applications for this integrated technology span a number of sectors, including:

• Real-time wind condition observation for the aeronautical and defense industries.
• Environmental monitoring and green technology initiatives.
• Supporting major events such as EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, where real-time wind speed and direction observations are critical.

Metro Weather’s technical requirements

Metro Weather’s Doppler LiDAR technology relies on precise measurement and adjustment capabilities to operate effectively, especially when installed on moving platforms. Specific requirements for the integration of their Doppler LiDAR technology with our INS included:

• GPS/GNSS positioning: To ensure accurate location tracking.
• GPS/GNSS timing: To synchronize data collection.
• Speed of movement acquisition: Critical for moving installations to adjust wind speed readings.
• Tilt detection: To compensate for movement and maintain accurate beam alignment.
• Ethernet Support: For seamless data transfer.
• OS compatibility: Strong support for Linux/Mac.

Engagement and product integration

Initial engagement

Metro Weather was introduced to us through a referral from Creact Corporation. The relationship began smoothly, with our company providing the necessary technical support and guidance throughout the integration process. After studying Metro Weather’s requirements, Kyoki, our sales manager for Japan, suggested Ellipse-D for its low power consumption and high accuracy.

Significant improvements after product integration

Ellipse-D provided the perfect solution by providing accurate motion speed and tilt data that could be used to adjust the LiDAR readings for true wind speed.

By integrating our INS technology, Metro Weather has significantly improved its wind condition observation capabilities:

• Accurate wind speed measurement: The Doppler LiDAR installed on moving objects, such as ships, previously faced challenges in accurately calculating wind speed due to the added motion speed. Our Ellipse-D provided the necessary data to subtract the motion speed from the observed values, ensuring accurate wind speed measurement.
• Improved data accuracy: Ellipse-D also provided data on the tilt and inclination of the moving object. This allowed Metro Weather to adjust the angle of the laser beam accordingly, maintaining high measurement accuracy regardless of platform movement.
• Increased product value: The addition of SBG Systems’ technology increased the overall value and marketability of Metro Weather’s solutions.
• Valuable meteorological data collection: Ellipse-D enabled the collection of accurate meteorological data by installing Doppler LiDAR on ships. This allowed comprehensive wind speed data to be collected at low altitude over the sea in a radius of 15 km and a diameter of 30 km, areas where actual measurements were previously almost non-existent.

Support and Collaboration

Metro Weather received comprehensive support from our Support team throughout the integration process. This included:

• Access to a well-documented software library.
• Prompt resolution of technical issues through email, online meetings, and on-site visits by our engineers.
• Continued collaboration to address ongoing challenges, such as the rotation of azimuth when installed on ships.

Positive Feedback

Metro Weather highlighted several key benefits of working with us:

• The measurable improvement in product value.
• The exceptional quality and performance of our INS, Ellipse-D.
• The outstanding support and professionalism of our Sales and Support teams.

We remain committed to supporting Metro Weather as they continue to expand their capabilities in high-precision wind condition observation.