This invention relates to methods and systems for use in remote sensing. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for use in remote sensing applications associated with an energy capture device.

BACKGROUND

Remote sensing involves the acquisition of data relating to an object or region from a distance and can be used to acquire measurements of fluid properties from a fluid under investigation. These fluid properties may, for example but not exclusively, include wind conditions or other atmospheric and/or environmental parameters within a given measurement volume. Remote sensing devices (RSDs) used to carry out remote sensing operations operate by emitting a signal ("a probe") which interacts with, and is modified by, the fluid under investigation. The modified probe is then detected by the RSD, or by another RSD or other receiver, and analysed to determine one or more property of the fluid in the region in which the interaction occurred ("the probe volume"). The desired property or properties of the fluid under investigation may then be determined from the way the probe was modified.

RSDs are used in a number of different applications and environments and take a number of different forms.

Although RSDs are used effectively in many applications, there are challenges and drawbacks with conventional systems and techniques. For example, inaccuracies in the fluid data acquired by the RSD can have a significant detrimental effect on the effectiveness of the measurement campaign and, where for example the acquired data relates to fluid properties associated with energy capture devices, can result in inefficiency of the energy capture devices and inaccuracy in estimates of their performance and energy yield.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for use in remote sensing, the method comprising:

receiving measurement data acquired previously during a remote sensing measurement campaign;

determining from the received measurement data an adjustment in a measurement configuration of the remote sensing device, wherein said adjustment to the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a change in a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device; and

providing an output indicative of the change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device for use in adjusting the remote sensing device during said measurement campaign.

The method may comprise a method for improving the operation of a remote sensing device for use in implementing a remote sensing measurement campaign.

The method may comprise a method for implementing a remote sensing measurement campaign.

The method may comprise adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device by changing, during said measurement campaign, the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device based on the output.

In particular embodiments, the measurement data acquired previously comprises measurement data acquired in a previous scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

Alternatively, or additionally, the measurement data acquired previously may comprise measurement data acquired during the measurement campaign by another remote sensing device, or other sensing or measurement device.

Beneficially, embodiments of the invention permit an optimal or at least improved remote sensing measurement campaign to be implemented under changing conditions by actively adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device during the measurement campaign. This is effected by adapting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device during the measurement campaign based on measurement data acquired earlier during the same measurement campaign; in contrast to conventional RSDs which offer only a single scan geometry configuration during a measurement campaign - typically the default setting of the particular remote sensing device or one which is based on the initial objectives of the measurement campaign and projections of prevailing conditions made prior to

commencing the measurement campaign. Embodiments of the present invention may adapt the configuration of the remote sensing device, and in particular the configuration of its scan geometry, during the measurement campaign to match the circumstances and conditions in which the measurements are acquired, which may vary significantly and repeatedly over time. Embodiments of the present invention thereby mitigate or eliminate inaccuracies which may otherwise arise in conventional systems and techniques due to measurement biases resulting from the, often significant, periods of time when measurements obtained are not fit for purpose or are relevant only for part of a given measurement campaign.

Particular embodiments of the present invention may facilitate the improved acquisition of measurement data, for example, but not exclusively, relating to wind conditions in the lower region of the atmosphere known as the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) which is of particular interest for ground based and low altitude wind energy applications and/or relating to water or tidal conditions which is of particular interest for tidal energy applications.

In use, the remote sensing device may be provided in a first scan geometry configuration and the method may comprise adjusting the remote sensing device from the first scan geometry configuration to a second scan geometry configuration based on the measurement data acquired previously during the measurement campaign.

The method may comprise determining from the measurement data acquired previously during the measurement campaign a required change in the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device. The method may comprise communicating the required change in scan geometry configuration to the remote sensing device.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise rewriting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device. Adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device may comprise rewriting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device based on the output.

In other embodiments, the method may comprise choosing a selected scan geometry configuration for the remote sensing device from a plurality of pre-determined scan geometry configurations for the remote sensing device. Adjusting the

measurement configuration of the remote sensing device may comprise choosing a selected scan geometry configuration for the remote sensing device from a plurality of pre-determined scan geometry configurations for the remote sensing device based on the output.

In particular embodiments, the method may comprise adjusting the remote sensing device from the first scan geometry configuration to the second scan geometry configuration based on a previous data set acquired during the measurement campaign by the remote sensing device. For example, the method may comprise adjusting the remote sensing device from the first scan geometry configuration to the second scan geometry configuration based on a first measurement data set acquired during the measurement campaign by operation of the remote sensing device in the first scan geometry configuration. The method may comprise operating the remote sensing device according to the first scan geometry configuration to acquire the first measurement data set.

The method may comprise determining from the acquired first data set a measurement of interest.

Determining the change in the scan geometry configuration may comprise determining a measurement of interest from the received measurement data acquired previously during the measurement campaign and determining from the measurement of interest a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest.

Adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device may comprise changing the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device according to the improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest during the measurement campaign.

The method may comprise outputting the measurement of interest.

The method may comprise operating the remote sensing device according to the second scan geometry configuration to acquire a second measurement data set.

The method may comprise determining, from the acquired second data set, a measurement of interest. The method may comprise outputting the measurement of interest determined from the acquired second data set.

The active adjustment of the scan geometry configuration may be repeated to acquire a series of data sets, each of which is obtained under circumstances optimised in terms of scan geometry and device configuration.

Accordingly, the conditions relative to which the scan geometry configuration is to be improved or optimised may be assessed continuously or at intervals during the measurement campaign and the scan geometry configuration adjusted while the measurements are being taken.

Adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device may be carried out after each data acquisition.

Adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device may be carried out after a selected number of data acquisitions.

Adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device may be carried out when the data acquired in the first or previous scan geometry configuration indicates a change in scan geometry configuration is required to maintain an optimal device configuration on the basis of the value of a parameter related to wind conditions and derived from the data exceeding a selected threshold.

The adjustment of the scan geometry configuration may take a number of forms.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise a direction tracking operation. The direction tracking operation may comprise a direction tracking arc scan operation.

The direction tracking arc scan operation may comprise at least one of:

configuring the remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration, the first scan geometry configuration comprising a first subset of beam orientations or lines of sight (LoS) from the available beam orientations or lines of sight (LoS) of the remote sensing device;

determining a measurement of interest from a first measurement data set acquired previously during the measurement campaign, said first measurement data set comprising measurement data acquired by the remote sensing device from said first subset of beam orientations or lines of sights (LoS) in the first scan geometry configuration or comprising measurement data acquired by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign; determining from the measurement of interest obtained from the first measurement data set a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest;

providing an output indicative of the required change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

The method may comprise the step of operating the remote sensing device according to the first scan geometry configuration to acquire a first data set.

The method may comprise at least one of:

adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device by changing the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device to a second scan geometry configuration based on the output, the second scan geometry configuration comprising a second subset of beam orientations or lines of sight (LoS) from the available beam orientations or lines of sight (LoS) of the remote sensing device; and

operating the remote sensing device according to the second scan geometry configuration to acquire a second measurement data set.

This process may be continued, with each subsequent scan geometry being optimised with reference to the data set acquired using the preceding scan geometry in a similar way.

Beneficially, a direction tracking arc scan operation facilitates optimisation or at least improvement in the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device since the most appropriate subset of beam orientations or lines of sight (LoS) is implemented for a given instance of data acquisition during the measurement campaign, this based on active monitoring of the results from previous recent iterations.

The direction tracking may comprise a direction tracking compound scan geometry operation.

The direction tracking arc scan operation may comprise at least one of:

configuring the remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration, the first scan geometry configuration comprising a compound scan geometry including a first simple scan geometry element and a second simple scan geometry element; determining a measurement of interest from a first measurement data set acquired previously during the measurement campaign, said first measurement data set comprising measurement data acquired by the remote sensing device from said compound scan geometry or comprising measurement data acquired by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign;

determining from the measurement of interest obtained from the first measurement data set a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest;

providing an output indicative of the required change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

The method may comprise the step of operating the remote sensing device according to the first scan geometry configuration to acquire the first measurement data set.

The method may comprise at least one of:

adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device to a second scan geometry configuration by aligning the orientation of the first simple scan geometry element with the orientation of the second simple scan geometry element; and

operating the remote sensing device according to the second scan geometry configuration to acquire a second measurement data set.

The first simple scan geometry element may comprise a range height indicator (RHI) element for surveying a vertical surface for detailed characterisation of wind shear phenomena.

The second simple scan geometry element may comprise an arc scan element, for determination of wind direction.

This process of measurement and adjustment may be repeated for the duration of the measurement campaign.

In this context, the orientation of the RHI vertical surface comprises the azimuth angle of the beam swept in elevation angle across the surface to implement the necessary lines of sight.

The method may comprise or further comprise a volume tracking operation. The volume tracking operation may comprise at least one of:

configuring the remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration, the first scan geometry configuration comprising information relating to the direction to a volume of interest relative to the remote sensing device;

determining a measurement of interest from a first measurement data set acquired previously during the measurement campaign, said first measurement data set comprising measurement data acquired by the remote sensing device from the first measurement data set or comprising measurement data acquired by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign;

determining from the measurement of interest obtained from the first measurement data set a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest;

providing an output indicative of the required change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

The method may comprise the step of operating the remote sensing device according to the first scan geometry configuration to acquire a first measurement data set, the first measurement data set including information relating to the direction to the volume of interest relative to the remote sensing device.

The method may comprise at least one of:

adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device from the first scan geometry configuration to a second scan geometry configuration based on the data indicating the direction to the volume of interest relative to the remote sensing device; and

operating the remote sensing device according to the second scan geometry configuration to acquire a second measurement data set.

This process of alternating measurement and adjustment of scan geometry to maintain an optimal device configuration may be repeated for the duration of the measurement campaign.

Beneficially, a volume tracking operation facilitates improvement or optimisation of the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device in applications where, for example, the remote sensing device is mounted on a platform that is not fixed with respect to the reference frame relative to which the wind velocity vector components are expressed and in which the volume of interest is fixed. For example, a remote sensing device, such as a Lidar device, may be situated on the nacelle of a wind turbine, which rotates about a vertical axis in the reference frame in which wind velocity vector components are expressed and the volume of interest is fixed as the axis of the wind turbine is yawed to follow the wind as it changes direction. The lines of sight of the Lidar device are fixed in the frame of reference in which the remote sensing device and the platform on which it is mounted are fixed. However this frame of reference itself rotates in the frame of reference in which wind velocity vector components are expressed and the location of a volume of potential interest where these velocity components are to be determined is fixed. In some applications, the remote sensing device is required to measure wind conditions in another volume which is fixed relative to another reference frame. For example, the Lidar device installed on the nacelle of one turbine may be required to measure conditions in front of, or behind, the rotor of another wind turbine. The direction to this volume in the reference frame of the device will change depending upon the orientation of the platform on which the Lidar is

mounted with respect to the location of the volume of interest. The lines of sight are fixed in the frame of reference in which the RSD and the platform on which it is mounted are fixed. However this frame of reference itself rotates in the frame of reference in which the volume of interest it fixed. In this case, active optimisation can be achieved if signals indicating the direction to the volume of interest relative to the RSD are processed and the scan geometry updated accordingly to re-orientate the lines of sight towards the volume of interest.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise or further comprise a convergent scan geometry operation.

The convergent scan geometry operation may comprise at least one of:

configuring the remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration, the first scan geometry configuration comprising a probe volume configured to coincide with a probe volume of at least one other remote sensing device;

determining a measurement of interest from a first measurement data set acquired previously during the measurement campaign, said first measurement data set comprising measurement data acquired by the remote sensing device from the first measurement data set or comprising measurement data acquired by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign;

determining from the measurement of interest obtained from the first measurement data set a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest;

providing an output indicative of the required change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

The method may comprise the step of operating the remote sensing device according to the first scan geometry configuration to acquire the first measurement data set.

The method may comprise at least one of:

adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device based on the first measurement data set to maintain co-incidence between the probe volume of the remote sensing device and the probe volume of the at least one other remote sensing device; and

operating the remote sensing device according to the second scan geometry configuration to acquire a second measurement data set.

Beneficially, a convergent scan geometry operation permits the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device to be updated to track the location of interest and ensure the probe volume common to multiple lines of sight at which the convergent scan geometry measurements are acquired coincides with the location of the volume of interest.

Other features of the first aspect are described below, although it will be understood that these features may also be found in any other aspect.

The scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device may determine the properties of a probe signal emitted by the remote sensing device.

The scan geometry configuration may comprise positional information.

The scan geometry configuration may comprise information relating to the location of a probe volume within the measurement volume.

The scan geometry configuration may comprise information relating to the distribution of probe volumes within the measurement volume.

The scan geometry configuration may comprise information relating to the orientation of a probe volume relative to the direction or line of sight along which the probe signal is emitted.

The scan geometry configuration may comprise information relating to the orientation of a probe volume relative to the direction along which the probe signal is detected.

The information relating to the orientation of the probe volume may comprise azimuth angle and/or elevation angle information.

The scan geometry configuration may comprise timing information.

The scan geometry configuration may comprise information relating to the time at which the probe is emitted.

The scan geometry configuration may comprise information relating to the time the probe interacts with the fluid under investigation.

The scan geometry configuration may comprise information relating to the time the probe is detected.

In use, the remote sensing device may be operated according to the scan geometry configuration to acquire the measurement data from the fluid under investigation, from which the desired fluid property or properties can be determined.

The scan geometry configuration may be selected from a look-up table of scan geometries.

The scan geometry configuration may be calculated using an algorithm.

The scan geometry configuration may be adjusted according to, or to take account of, a number of inputs.

For example, the scan geometry configuration may be adjusted to take account of a changing frame of reference. The remote sensing device may be installed in a location which changes its position or orientation relative to the intended measurement volume. The scan geometry configuration may be adjusted to compensate for these changes and maintain an unchanged measurement volume.

The scan geometry may comprise a simple scan geometry.

A simple scan geometry can be defined as a collection of probe volumes in which measurements acquired such that the orientations of the lines of sight along which they are acquired vary in only a single degree of freedom. For example, the lines of sight may differ only in azimuth angle, or only in elevation angle.

In embodiments where the scan geometry comprises a simple scan geometry, the simple scan geometry may comprise one of: Range Height Indicators (RHIs);

Position Plan Indicators (PPIs); Velocity Azimuth Display (VAD); and Arc scans.

Range Height Indicators (RHIs) entail lines of sight that differ in elevation angle. Position Plan Indicators (PPIs) entail lines of sight that differ in azimuth angle.

Velocity Azimuth Display (VAD) and Arc scans may be considered special cases of PPIs for specific purposes. VAD entails variation in beam orientation over 360 degrees of azimuth whereas Arc scans (also termed sector scans) entail variation in beam azimuth over less than 360 degrees. As a consequence, the measurement volume is not constrained to the region above the device. By way of comparison, VAD and arc scans are typically sparse with a small number of probe volumes used to measure wind speed and direction, whereas RHI and PPI scans are typically dense with many more lines of sight and probe volumes used to visualise and map fluid flow over a large surface area.

The scan geometry may comprise a complex scan geometry.

A complex scan geometry is less constrained than a simple scan geometry. For example, the lines of sight may differ in more than one degree of freedom, such as both azimuth angle and elevation angle.

The scan geometry may comprise a compound scan geometry.

This is a scan geometry from which subsets of probe volumes can be selected. Each of these subsets also constitute a valid scan geometry for a specified purpose. A compound scan geometry may comprise a combination of multiple elements which are

themselves scan geometries. Each element may contain a unique set of probe volumes, or individual probe volumes may be included in more than one element.

The scan geometry may comprise a single probe volume.

The scan geometry may comprise a plurality of probe volumes.

Operating the remote sensing device may comprise emitting a probe signal

("the emitted probe signal").

The emitted probe signal may comprise a laser signal.

The emitted probe signal may comprise a sound signal.

The emitted probe signal may comprise an acoustic signal.

In some embodiments, the emitted probe signal may comprise a continuous signal. For example, the remote sensing device may be configured to emit the emitted probe signal in the form of a continuous wave or continuous beam.

In other embodiments, the emitted probe signal may comprise a non-continuous signal. For example, the emitted probe signal may comprise a series of pulses.

The method may comprise detecting a return probe signal, that is the modified probe signal emitted by the remote sensing device or another remote sensing device.

The method may comprise providing one or more output value from the data acquired which is indicative of a fluid property of the fluid under investigation. The one or more output value may comprise or may be determined from the measurement of interest.

The method may comprise providing output values from the data acquired by each of the simple scan geometry elements which can be extracted from compound scan geometries.

The fluid data may comprise fluid velocity data.

In some embodiments, the fluid data may comprise wind velocity data.

In some embodiments, the fluid data may comprise water velocity data.

The fluid data may comprise fluid speed data.

The fluid data may comprise wind speed data.

The fluid data may comprise water speed data.

The fluid data may comprise fluid direction data.

In some embodiments, the fluid data may comprise wind direction data.

In some embodiments, the fluid data may comprise water direction data.

The fluid data may comprise fluid turbulence data.

In some embodiments, the fluid data may comprise wind turbulence data.

In some embodiments, the fluid data may comprise water turbulence data.

In particular embodiments, the method may determine the output value by measuring the back-scatter of the emitted probe signal, for example the back scatter of the emitted probe signal reflected - in the case of air - by natural aerosols carried by the wind, such as dust, water droplets, pollution, pollen, salt crystals or the like or - in the case of water - particles in the water column. The emissions are back-scattered and detected and the Doppler shift imposed on the frequency of the probe signal by the motion of the aerosol particles is analysed to infer characteristics of the fluid motion. As the Doppler shift is proportional to the component of the fluid velocity vector aligned with the line of sight (LoS) along which the probe signal is directed, that is, the radial velocity, the fluid velocity vector components can be inferred from observations of radial velocities along various lines of sight. The velocity vectors (for example wind velocity vectors or water velocity vectors) witnessed in each probe volume can be deduced from the observations, for example if each probe volume used in the calculation witnesses the same velocity vector, which is the case under conditions of uniform flow.

The fluid data may comprise data relating to the composition of the fluid.

For example, the strength of the detected return probe signal can indicate the concentration of the particles at the point where the interaction occurred. Polarisation effects are also sometimes observed.

The output value may be communicated to a control system and/or to a remote location.

The method may comprise adjusting the position, for example the yaw angle, of the energy capture device.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for use in remote sensing, the method comprising:

adjusting a measurement configuration of a remote sensing device for use in implementing a remote sensing measurement campaign during said remote sensing measurement campaign,

wherein said adjustment to the measurement configuration of said remote sensing device comprises changing a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device based on measurement data acquired previously during the

measurement campaign.

Features described above with respect to the first aspect may be implemented in isolation or in combination in the second aspect or any other aspect.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a system for use in remote sensing, the system comprising:

a controller configured to receive measurement data acquired previously during a remote sensing device measurement campaign, the controller configured to determine from the received measurement data an adjustment in a measurement configuration of the remote sensing device, wherein said adjustment to the

measurement configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a change in a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device,

wherein the controller is configured to provide an output indicative of the change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device for use in adjusting the remote sensing device during said measurement campaign.

The system may be configured to adjust the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device during the measurement campaign based on the output.

The controller may be configured to adjust the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device based on measurement data acquired previously during the measurement campaign by the remote sensing device.

The system may be configured to adjust the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device based on measurement data acquired previously during the measurement campaign by the remote sensing device.

The system may be configured to adjust the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device based on measurement data acquired previously during the remote sensing measurement campaign by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign.

The system may be configured to adjust the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device by rewriting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

The controller may be configured to adjust the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device by rewriting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

In other embodiments, the system may be configured to adjust the

measurement configuration of the remote sensing device by selecting a scan geometry configuration for the remote sensing device from a plurality of pre-determined scan geometry configurations for the remote sensing device.

The controller may be configured to adjust the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device by selecting a scan geometry configuration for the remote sensing device from a plurality of pre-determined scan geometry configurations for the remote sensing device.

The system may comprise a remote sensing device.

The remote sensing device may comprise a Lidar sensing device. Beneficially, a Lidar sensing device permits measurement of complex fluid flows across wide areas. One example of an RSD is a Lidar (light detection and ranging) device operable to emit a probe in the form of a laser signal. In use, the Lidar probe may be backscattered in the atmosphere, the modification to the Lidar probe resulting from the backscattering being measured when the laser signal is detected by the Lidar device. Properties of the probe volume (in this case the volume of the atmosphere in which the interaction and backscattering occurred) can be determined from the way the probe was modified. For example, the frequency of the laser emissions may be Doppler shifted by the motion of material which has caused the backscattering being advected in the atmosphere relative to the location of the Lidar device. By measuring the Doppler shift, the motion can then be inferred.

In other embodiments, the remote sensing device may comprise a Sodar sensing arrangement. Another example of an RSD is a Sodar (sonic detection and ranging) device operable to emit a probe in the form of a sound signal. In use, the Sodar probe may be reflected by temperature inhomogeneities in the air, the atmospheric features with which the sonic signal interacts through reflection being advected by the motion of the fluid, in this case wind.

In other embodiments, the remote sensing device may comprise an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). Another example of an RSD is an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), which as the name suggests is typically used in underwater applications to determine properties of water currents. In use, the ADCP device emits a sonic probe which interacts and is modified by the current, the interaction for example imposing a Doppler shift on the frequency of the reflected sound signal which is proportional to the component of the fluid velocity vector along the direction in which the probe signal was emitted and reflected. The ambient fluid velocity vector can then be inferred by witnessing its components detected in multiple directions along which multiple instances of this interaction are observed.

The system may comprise one or more energy capture devices. The remote sensing device may be operatively associated with the one or more energy capture devices.

The energy capture device may comprise a wind energy capture device. For example, the energy capture device may comprise a wind turbine.

The energy capture device may comprise a tidal energy capture device. For example, the energy capture device may comprise a tidal turbine.

The remote sensing device may be located on the energy capture device.

Alternatively, or additionally, the remote sensing device may be disposed at a remote location. The remote sensing device may be disposed on the ground. The remote sensing device may be disposed on a platform, such as an offshore platform or the like. The remote sensing device may be disposed on another energy capture device.

The remote sensing device may be configured to acquire data relating to environmental conditions.

The remote sensing device may be configured to acquire data relating to atmospheric conditions.

In particular embodiments, the remote sensing device may be configured to acquire data relating to wind conditions.

In other embodiments, the remote sensing device may be configured to acquire data relating to tidal conditions.

The remote sensing device may be configured to emit a probe signal ("the emitted probe signal").

The emitted probe signal may comprise a laser signal.

The emitted probe signal may comprise a sound signal.

The emitted probe signal may comprise an acoustic signal.

In some embodiments, the emitted probe signal may comprise a continuous signal. For example, the remote sensing device may be configured to emit the emitted probe signal in the form of a continuous wave or continuous beam.

In addition to variations in the nature of the emitted probe signal (for example laser signal, sonic signal, etc), the emitted probe may also take a number of different forms. For example, in some instances RSDs emit a probe in the form of a continuous signal or beam, this being known as continuous emission or Continuous Wave (CW). In use, continuous emission or CW devices typically impose a variation in the sensitivity of the device with distance in order to select a specific range at which the measurements are acquired, in order to provide the required discrimination of the distance from the RSD to the probe volume where the interaction with the fluid under investigation occurs. In other instances, RSDs emit a probe in the form of a series of pulses, for example a series of laser pulses or a series of sonic pulses. In use, the distance to the probe volume is determined by observing the time of flight (ToF) of the pulses from the moment of emission, through the moment at which the interaction occurs, to the moment of detection by the RSD.

In other embodiments, the emitted probe signal may comprise a non-continuous signal. For example, the emitted probe signal may comprise a series of pulses.

The remote sensing device may be configured to impose a variation in the sensitivity of the remote sensing device with distance in order to select a specific distance range for the emitted probe signal.

The remote sensing device may be configured to detect the modified probe signal emitted by the remote sensing device or another remote sensing device ("the return signal").

The system may comprise a control system.

The control system may be configured to adjust the position, for example the yaw angle, of the energy capture device.

The system may comprise a communication arrangement.

The communication arrangement may be of any suitable form and construction.

The communication arrangement may be configured to transmit the output value to the control system.

Alternatively, or additionally, the communication arrangement may be configured to transmit the output value to a remote location.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for use in remote sensing, the method comprising:

receiving measurement data acquired by a remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration at a first time interval, the first scan geometry configuration comprising a plurality of scan geometries;

determining, from the received measurement data, one of the plurality of scan geometries which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry at the first time interval; and

providing an output indicative of a measurement of interest the improved or optimal scan geometry at the first time interval.

The method may comprise a method for improving the operation of a remote sensing device for use in implementing a remote sensing measurement campaign.

The method may comprise a method for implementing a remote sensing measurement campaign.

The method may comprise multiple passes through the acquired data, a first pass for determining the prevailing conditions relevant for the selection of the optimal scan geometry for a given iteration of the compound scan geometry and a second pass for deriving a measurement of interest from the acquired data.

The plurality of scan geometries of the first scan geometry configuration may comprise a plurality of distinct and valid individual scan geometries which together form a compound scan geometry.

The method may comprise at least one of:

providing a remote sensing device and configuring the remote sensing device in the first scan geometry configuration;

operating the remote sensing device in the first scan geometry configuration to acquire the first measurement data set for each of the scan geometries at the first time interval;

determining, from the acquired data set, a measurement of interest at the first time interval from the selected optimal scan geometry;

operating the remote sensing device to acquire a second measurement data set for each of the plurality of scan geometries at a second time interval;

determining, from the acquired measurement data set, one of the plurality of scan geometries which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry at the second time interval.

The method may comprise multiple passes through the acquired second measurement data set, a first pass determining the prevailing conditions relevant for the selection of the improved or optimal scan geometry and a second pass deriving a measurement of interest from the acquired second measurement data set.

Beneficially, embodiments of this aspect permit an optimal or at least improved remote sensing measurement campaign to be implemented under changing conditions by passively adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device during the measurement campaign by selecting the optimal scan geometry from the plurality of scan geometries available of which the first scan geometry is comprised, during processing of data acquired over multiple time steps; in contrast to conventional RSDs which offer only a single scan geometry configuration - typically the default setting of the particular remote sensing device - or one geometry configuration which is configured prior to commencing a measurement campaign and which is based on the initial objectives of the measurement campaign, such that an optimal scan geometry

cannot be selected with reference to variation of wind conditions during the

measurement campaign.

The method may comprise operating the remote sensing device in the first scan geometry configuration to acquire the first measurement data set for each of the scan geometries at the first time interval.

The method may comprise determining, from the acquired data set, a measurement of interest at the first time interval from the selected optimal scan geometry.

The method may comprise operating the remote sensing device to acquire a second measurement data set for each of the plurality of scan geometries at a second time interval.

The method may comprise determining, from the acquired measurement data set, one of the plurality of scan geometries which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry at the second time interval.

The method may comprise determining, from the acquired data set, a measurement of interest at the second time interval from the selected scan geometry.

This process may be iterated over a succession of subsequent time steps.

The first scan geometry configuration may comprise a compound scan geometry. In particular embodiments, the first scan geometry configuration comprises a fixed compound scan geometry.

The first scan geometry configuration may comprise a plurality of probe volumes. Different combinations of probe volumes may then comprise the plurality of scan geometries comprising the first scan geometry.

The improved or optimal scan geometry may comprise a single probe volume. However, in particular embodiments the improved or optimal scan geometry comprises a plurality of probe volumes.

Once circumstances of the measurement at a given time during the campaign are determined, during subsequent data analysis the appropriate subsets of probe volumes are selected as the optimal scan geometry at any given time from the available probe volumes in the compound scan geometry.

The subset of probe volumes may be selected from a look up table of scan geometry elements included in the compound scan geometry that was implemented with reference to the prevailing conditions (for example prevailing wind conditions or prevailing water conditions) at any given time.

The subset of probe volumes may be determined using an algorithm that relates the observed conditions (for example observed wind conditions or observed water conditions) to the selection of probe volumes that would constitute an optimal subset under those circumstances.

As outlined above, the method may comprise multiple passes through the acquired data.

A first pass may determine the prevailing conditions relevant for the selection of the optimal scan geometry from the compound scan geometry for a given iteration of the compound scan geometry.

A second pass may derive the measurements of interest from the acquired data using the selected scan geometry comprising the subset of probe volumes identified as optimal.

The first scan geometry configuration may comprise a Velocity Azimuth Display scan (VAD scan) operation.

In some embodiments, the first scan geometry configuration may comprise a

Velocity Azimuth Display scan (VAD scan) operation in which the number of probe volumes is greater than the minimum necessary to implement a VAD scan.

The VAD scan may then comprise a plurality of arc scan elements. The VAD scan may thus define an over-determined VAD. Whereas a minimum number of beam orientations are required to determine wind velocity when using a conventional VAD scan, by implementing a plurality of arc scan elements it is possible to acquire data along more lines of sight, from which an optimal arc scan element or subset of elements, and thus an optimal scan geometry configuration, can be determined.

The reasons why an individual arc scan may be considered optimal include (but are not limited to) the following. Wind measurements are required in the upwind direction only. This direction relative to the device changes as the wind direction changes. The wind turbine obstructs the flow downwind of it. This causes a

perturbation which results in conditions which may violate the assumptions on which the inference of wind parameters from the line of sight data is based. At any given time an individual arc scan may be selected from the available arc scans elements, such that this element is not influenced by flow perturbation arising from obstructions. At any given time the upwind arc scan element is available for selection. This arc scan element is not influenced by perturbations that violate the assumptions on which the inference of wind parameters from line of sight data is based.

The scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device may comprise scan geometry information comprising at least one of: positional information; information relating to the location of a probe volume within a measurement volume; information relating to the distribution of probe volumes within a measurement volume; information relating to the orientation of a probe volume relative to the direction or line of sight along which a probe signal is emitted; information relating to the orientation of a probe volume relative to the direction along which the probe signal is detected; information relating to the azimuth angle of a probe volume relative to the direction along which the probe signal is detected; information relating to the elevation angle of a probe volume.

CLAIMS

1. A method for use in remote sensing, the method comprising:

receiving measurement data acquired previously during a remote sensing measurement campaign;

determining from the received measurement data an adjustment in a measurement configuration of the remote sensing device, wherein said adjustment to the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a change in a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device; and

providing an output indicative of the change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device for use in adjusting the remote sensing device during said measurement campaign.

2. The method of claim 1 , comprising adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device by changing, during said measurement campaign, the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device based on the output.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the measurement data acquired previously during the remote sensing measurement campaign comprises measurement data acquired by the remote sensing device in a previous scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device during said measurement campaign.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the measurement data acquired previously during the remote sensing measurement campaign comprises measurement data acquired by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign.

5. The method of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device comprises rewriting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device based on the output.

6. The method of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device comprises choosing a selected scan geometry configuration for the remote sensing device from a plurality of pre-determined scan geometry configurations for the remote sensing device based on the output.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein determining the change in the scan geometry configuration comprises determining a measurement of interest from the received measurement data acquired previously during the measurement campaign and determining from the measurement of interest a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest.

8. The method of claim 7, when dependent on claim 2, wherein adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device comprises changing the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device according to the improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest during the measurement campaign.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, comprising outputting the measurement of interest.

10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein adjusting the measurement configuration comprises one of:

changing the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device after each measurement data acquisition;

changing the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device after a selected number of measurement data acquisitions;

changing the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device where the determined change exceeds a selected threshold.

1 1. The method of any preceding claim, comprising a direction tracking operation.

12. The method of claim 1 1 , wherein the direction tracking operation comprises a direction tracking arc scan operation, the direction tracking arc scan operation comprising at least one of:

configuring the remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration, the first scan geometry configuration comprising a first subset of beam orientations or lines of sight (LoS) from the available beam orientations or lines of sight (LoS) of the remote sensing device;

determining a measurement of interest from a first measurement data set acquired previously during the measurement campaign, said first measurement data set comprising measurement data acquired by the remote sensing device from said first subset of beam orientations or lines of sights (LoS) in the first scan geometry configuration or comprising measurement data acquired by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign; determining from the measurement of interest obtained from the first measurement data set a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest;

providing an output indicative of the required change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising the step of operating the remote sensing device according to the first scan geometry configuration to acquire the first

measurement data set.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, comprising at least one of:

adjusting the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device by changing the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device to a second scan geometry configuration based on the output, the second scan geometry configuration comprising a second subset of beam orientations or lines of sight (LoS) from the available beam orientations or lines of sight (LoS) of the remote sensing device; and

operating the remote sensing device according to the second scan geometry configuration to acquire a second measurement data set.

15. The method of 12, 13 or 14, wherein the direction tracking operation comprises a direction tracking compound scan geometry operation comprising at least one of: configuring the remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration, the first scan geometry configuration comprising a compound scan geometry including a first simple scan geometry element and a second simple scan geometry element; determining a measurement of interest from a first measurement data set acquired previously during the measurement campaign, said first measurement data set comprising measurement data acquired by the remote sensing device from said

compound scan geometry or comprising measurement data acquired by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign;

determining from the measurement of interest obtained from the first measurement data set a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest;

providing an output indicative of the required change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising the step of operating the remote sensing device according to the first scan geometry configuration to acquire the first

measurement data set.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, comprising at least one of:

adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device to a second scan geometry configuration by aligning the orientation of the first simple scan geometry element with the orientation of the second simple scan geometry element; and

operating the remote sensing device according to the second scan geometry configuration to acquire a second measurement data set.

18. The method of any preceding claim, comprising a volume tracking operation.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the volume tracking operation comprises at least one of:

configuring the remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration, the first scan geometry configuration comprising information relating to the direction to a volume of interest relative to the remote sensing device;

determining a measurement of interest from a first measurement data set acquired previously during the measurement campaign, said first measurement data set comprising measurement data acquired by the remote sensing device from the first measurement data set or comprising measurement data acquired by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign;

determining from the measurement of interest obtained from the first measurement data set a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest;

providing an output indicative of the required change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

20. The method of claim 19, comprising the step of operating the remote sensing device according to the first scan geometry configuration to acquire a first

measurement data set, the first measurement data set including information relating to the direction to the volume of interest relative to the remote sensing device.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, comprising at least one of:

adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device from the first scan geometry configuration to a second scan geometry configuration based on the data indicating the direction to the volume of interest relative to the remote sensing device; and

operating the remote sensing device according to the second scan geometry configuration to acquire a second measurement data set.

22. The method of any preceding claim, comprising a convergent scan geometry operation.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the convergent scan geometry operation comprises at least one of:

configuring the remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration, the first scan geometry configuration comprising a probe volume configured to coincide with a probe volume of at least one other remote sensing device;

determining a measurement of interest from a first measurement data set acquired previously during the measurement campaign, said first measurement data set comprising measurement data acquired by the remote sensing device from the first measurement data set or comprising measurement data acquired by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign;

determining from the measurement of interest obtained from the first measurement data set a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing for said measurement of interest;

providing an output indicative of the required change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

24. The method of claim 23, comprising the step of operating the remote sensing device according to the first scan geometry configuration to acquire the first measurement data set.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, comprising at least one of:

adjusting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device based on the first measurement data set to maintain co-incidence between the probe volume of the remote sensing device and the probe volume of the at least one other remote sensing device; and

operating the remote sensing device according to the second scan geometry configuration to acquire a second measurement data set.

26. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device comprises scan geometry information comprising at least one of:

positional information;

information relating to the location of a probe volume within a measurement volume;

information relating to the distribution of probe volumes within a measurement volume;

information relating to the orientation of a probe volume relative to the direction or line of sight along which a probe signal is emitted;

information relating to the orientation of a probe volume relative to the direction along which the probe signal is detected.

information relating to the azimuth angle of a probe volume relative to the direction along which the probe signal is detected;

information relating to the elevation angle of a probe volume.

27. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the scan geometry configuration comprises scan geometry information comprising at least one of:

timing information;

information relating to the time at which the probe is emitted;

information relating to the time the probe interacts with the fluid under investigation;

information relating to the time the probe is detected.

28. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the scan geometry configuration is selected from a look-up table of scan geometry configurations.

29. The method of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the scan geometry configuration is calculated using an algorithm.

30. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a simple scan geometry element or arrangement.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the simple scan geometry element comprises at least one of:

a Range Height Indicator (RHI);

a Position Plan Indicator (PPIs);

a Velocity Azimuth Display (VAD); and

an Arc scan.

32. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a complex scan geometry element or

arrangement.

33. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a compound scan geometry element or arrangement.

34. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the measurement data comprises fluid data.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the measurement data comprises at least one of: fluid velocity data; fluid speed data; fluid direction data; fluid turbulence data; fluid compositional data.

36. A method for use in remote sensing, the method comprising:

adjusting a measurement configuration of a remote sensing device for use in implementing a remote sensing measurement campaign during said remote sensing measurement campaign,

wherein said adjustment to the measurement configuration of said remote sensing device comprises changing a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device based on measurement data acquired previously during the measurement campaign.

37. A system for use in remote sensing, the system comprising:

a controller configured to receive measurement data acquired previously during a remote sensing device measurement campaign, the controller configured to determine from the received measurement data an adjustment in a measurement configuration of the remote sensing device, wherein said adjustment to the

measurement configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a change in a scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device,

wherein the controller is configured to provide an output indicative of the change to the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device for use in adjusting the remote sensing device during said measurement campaign.

38. The system of claim 37, comprising a remote sensing device.

39. The system of claim 37 or 38, wherein the system is configured to adjust the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device during the measurement campaign based on the output.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the system is configured to adjust the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device based on measurement data acquired previously during the measurement campaign by the remote sensing device.

41. The system of claim 39, wherein the system is configured to adjust the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device based on measurement data acquired previously during the remote sensing measurement campaign by another remote sensing device or other sensing or measurement device during said measurement campaign.

42. The system of claim 39, 40 or 41 , wherein the system is configured to adjust the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device by rewriting the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device.

43. The system of claim 39, 40 or 41 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust the measurement configuration of the remote sensing device by selecting a scan geometry configuration for the remote sensing device from a plurality of pre-determined scan geometry configurations for the remote sensing device.

44. The system of any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the remote sensing device comprises a Lidar sensing device.

45. The system of any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the remote sensing device comprises a Sodar sensing arrangement.

46. The system of any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the remote sensing device comprises an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP).

47. The system of any one of claims 37 to 46, comprising one or more energy capture devices.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the energy capture device comprises a wind energy capture device.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the energy capture device comprises a tidal energy capture device.

50. The system of any one of claims 37 to 49, comprising a control system.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein the control system may be configured to adjust the position, for example the yaw angle, of the energy capture device.

52. A method for use in remote sensing, the method comprising:

receiving measurement data acquired by a remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration at a first time interval, the first scan geometry configuration comprising a plurality of scan geometries;

determining, from the received measurement data, one of the plurality of scan geometries which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry at the first time interval; and

providing an output indicative of a measurement of interest the improved or optimal scan geometry at the first time interval.

53. The method of claim 52, comprising multiple passes through the acquired data, a first pass for determining the prevailing conditions relevant for the selection of the optimal scan geometry for a given iteration of the compound scan geometry and a second pass for deriving a measurement of interest from the acquired data.

54. The method of claim 52 or 53, wherein the plurality of scan geometries of the first scan geometry configuration comprise a plurality of distinct and valid individual scan geometries which together form a compound scan geometry.

55. The method of claim 54, comprising at least one of:

providing a remote sensing device and configuring the remote sensing device in the first scan geometry configuration;

operating the remote sensing device in the first scan geometry configuration to acquire the first measurement data set for each of the scan geometries at the first time interval;

determining, from the acquired data set, a measurement of interest at the first time interval from the selected optimal scan geometry;

operating the remote sensing device to acquire a second measurement data set for each of the plurality of scan geometries at a second time interval;

determining, from the acquired measurement data set, one of the plurality of scan geometries which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry at the second time interval.

56. The method of claim 55, comprising multiple passes through the acquired second measurement data set, a first pass determining the prevailing conditions relevant for the selection of the improved or optimal scan geometry and a second pass deriving a measurement of interest from the acquired second measurement data set.

57. The method of any one of claims 52 to 56, wherein the first scan geometry configuration comprises a Velocity Azimuth Display scan (VAD scan) operation.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the VAD scan operation comprises or defines an over-determined VAD comprising a plurality of probe volumes, the number of probe volumes being greater than the minimum necessary to implement a VAD scan.

59. The method of any one of claims 52 to 58, wherein the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device comprises scan geometry information comprising at least one of:

positional information;

information relating to the location of a probe volume within a measurement volume;

information relating to the distribution of probe volumes within a measurement volume;

information relating to the orientation of a probe volume relative to the direction or line of sight along which a probe signal is emitted;

information relating to the orientation of a probe volume relative to the direction along which the probe signal is detected.

information relating to the azimuth angle of a probe volume relative to the direction along which the probe signal is detected;

information relating to the elevation angle of a probe volume.

60. The method of any one of claims 52 to 59, wherein the scan geometry configuration comprises scan geometry information comprising at least one of:

timing information;

information relating to the time at which the probe is emitted;

information relating to the time the probe interacts with the fluid under investigation;

information relating to the time the probe is detected.

61. The method of any one of claims 52 to 60, wherein the scan geometry configuration is selected from a look-up table of scan geometry configurations.

62. The method of any one of claims 52 to 60, wherein the scan geometry configuration is calculated using an algorithm.

63. The method of any one of claims 52 to 62, wherein the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a simple scan geometry element or arrangement.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the simple scan geometry element comprises one of:

a Range Height Indicator (RHI);

a Position Plan Indicator (PPIs);

a Velocity Azimuth Display (VAD); and

an Arc scan.

65. The method of any one of claims 52 to 62, wherein the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a complex scan geometry element or arrangement.

66. The method of any one of claims 52 to 62, wherein the scan geometry configuration of the remote sensing device comprises a compound scan geometry element or arrangement.

67. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the measurement data comprises fluid data.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein the measurement data comprises at least one of: fluid velocity data; fluid speed data; fluid direction data; fluid turbulence data; fluid compositional data.

69. A system for use in remote sensing comprising:

a controller configured to determine, from a measurement data set acquired by the remote sensing device in a first scan geometry configuration at a first time interval, one of a plurality of scan geometries which is indicative of an improved or optimal scan geometry at the first time interval.

70. The system of claim 69, comprising a remote sensing device operable to implement a remote sensing measurement campaign.

71. A processing system configured to implement the method or system of any preceding claim.

72. The processing system of claim 71 , comprising at least one processor.

73. The processing system of claim 71 to 72, wherein the processing system comprises and/or is configured to access at least one data store or memory.

74. The processing system of claim 73, wherein the data store or memory comprises or is configured to receive operating instructions or a program specifying operations of the at least one processor.

75. The processing system of claim 72, 73 or 74, wherein the at least one processor is configured to process and implement the operating instructions or program.

76. The processing system of any one of claims 71 to 75, wherein the processing system comprises a processing apparatus or a plurality of processing apparatus.

77. The processing system of claim 76, wherein the processing apparatus comprises at least a processor and optionally a memory or data store and/or a network or interface module.

78. A computer program product configured such that when processed by a suitable processing system configures the processing system to implement the method or system of any preceding claim.