Alternating Exposure CCD Camera for Space Debris Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional space debris observation methods using CCD cameras face challenges in detecting and accurately positioning low-orbit, medium-orbit, and high-orbit debris due to fixed exposure times, which either fail to detect dim targets or reduce positioning accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving alternating exposure times for a CCD camera, acquiring (2n+1) frames with short and long exposures, estimating image backgrounds, calculating 2D plane coordinates, and using plate constant model coefficients for precise detection and positioning of space debris in various orbits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exposure time of the CCD camera is prolonged to improve the detection success rate of dim low-orbit, medium-orbit and high-orbit space debris, then the detection capability is improved, but the background star is lengthened excessively which reduces the astronomical positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image acquisition process into two separate sequences: one using short exposure time for astronomical positioning and another using long exposure time for detecting dim space debris. This segmentation allows each sequence to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the results from two separate observation sequences (short exposure and long exposure) to achieve both accurate astronomical positioning and successful detection of dim space debris. The coordinate transformation and matching processes integrate information from both sequences.
2Reliability
If the exposure time of the CCD camera is long to detect medium-orbit and high-orbit space debris, then the detection capability is improved, but the image of low-orbit space debris is lengthened and the number of pixels increases which results in detection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the observation into two modes: search mode using long exposure for medium and high-orbit debris, and tracking mode using short exposure for low-orbit debris. This segmentation prevents the image lengthening problem from affecting low-orbit debris detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between different exposure times based on the observation mode and target characteristics. The system adapts the exposure time according to whether it is searching for debris or tracking specific targets, optimizing detection for each scenario.
3Measurement precision
If the exposure time of the CCD camera is long in search mode to ensure astronomical positioning accuracy, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but low-orbit space debris detection fails due to excessive lengthening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the observation process into distinct phases with different exposure settings. The search mode uses long exposure for accurate positioning of the field, while the tracking mode uses short exposure to properly capture low-orbit debris without excessive lengthening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different exposure quality settings to different parts of the observation process. Long exposure is applied to the background star field for accurate positioning, while short exposure is applied when capturing moving low-orbit debris, ensuring each element is captured with appropriate quality.
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 enhances the detection success rate and measurement accuracy of space debris across all orbits, improving observation efficiency and accuracy without being limited by the image acquisition mode.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring (2n+1) frames including space debris and background stars in a designated area based on a preset first exposure time and a preset second exposure time
Data Source
AI summary
A space debris observation method based on alternating exposure times of a charge coupled device (CCD) camera is provided. The present disclosure controls the CCD camera to acquire consecutively and alternately short-exposure and long-exposure images based on preset exposure times. The present disclosure realizes detection and astronomical positioning of low-orbit, medium-orbit and high-orbit space debris by processing short-exposure images of odd-numbered frames. The present disclosure realizes detection of medium-orbit and high-orbit space debris by processing long-exposure images of even-numbered frames, and realizes astronomical positioning of the medium-orbit and high-orbit space debris detected in a current frame through plate constant model coefficients of adjacent odd-numbered frames. In addition, in a search mode, the present disclosure realizes precise astronomical positioning of low-orbit, medium-orbit and high-orbit space debris through a multi-point adjustment method and the plate constant model coefficients of adjacent odd-numbered frames.