Active Imaging via Communication Satellite Constellations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and limited availability of dedicated active imaging satellites restrict the widespread use of active imaging for terrestrial mapping and object identification, as most existing systems are designed specifically for this purpose and require multiple satellites for global coverage.
Innovation Solution
Repurposing a constellation of communication satellites, such as the Iridium™ system, to perform active imaging by emitting time-synchronized signals and receiving reflected signals with temporal data to form high-resolution images of targets, leveraging their existing global coverage and multi-purpose capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated active imaging satellites are deployed, then active imaging capability and image quality are improved, but system cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling communication satellites to perform both their primary communication function and active imaging function. The communication satellites are equipped with transponders that can receive illumination signals and transmit reflected signals, allowing them to serve dual purposes. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated active imaging satellites, thereby reducing system cost and device complexity while maintaining active imaging capability.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple satellites are deployed for global coverage, then coverage area is improved, but quantity of satellites and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Existing communication satellite constellations that provide global coverage are repurposed for active imaging. These satellites already orbit in configurations that ensure global coverage for communication purposes. By utilizing their transponders for active imaging, the same satellite fleet provides both communication services and active imaging coverage, eliminating the need to deploy additional satellites solely for imaging purposes.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated active imaging satellites are used, then active imaging resolution is improved, but availability and accessibility decrease due to limited numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes active imaging capability widely available by utilizing the existing fleet of communication satellites. Since these satellites are already deployed in large numbers for communication services, repurposing them for active imaging provides broad availability and accessibility. Multiple satellites can perform active imaging simultaneously, increasing the frequency and coverage of imaging operations compared to a limited fleet of dedicated imaging satellites.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables cost-effective and extensive active imaging capabilities for terrestrial mapping and object identification, providing high-resolution images that can penetrate cloud cover and operate in any weather conditions, without the need for dedicated active imaging satellites, thus expanding the use of active imaging technology.
Implementation Method 1
A constellation of communication satellites receive and time stamp the time-synchronized signal reflected from the target to form an active image of the target
Data Source
AI summary
An active imaging system uses communication satellites to identify the location and physical attributes of a target. A transmitter emits a time-synchronized signal directed to a target. The transmitter radiates L-band RF signals. The transmitter can be positioned on an airborne or ground platform. A constellation of communication satellites receives and time stamps the time-synchronized signal reflected from the target to form an active image of the target. The constellation of communication satellites have multiple roles other than active imaging, such as providing voice and data communications. The time-synchronized signal reflected from the target can be received by multiple satellites within the constellation of communication satellites or by multiple antenna disposed on one satellite within the constellation of communication satellites.