Earth Observation Platform Using Dual-System Cloud Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial and satellite observation methods face challenges in acquiring complete and satisfactory images of Earth's surface due to cloud coverage and other unwanted elements, leading to high rejection rates and lengthy acquisition times.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two quasi-stationary aerial or space platforms with distinct image acquisition systems, where a first platform with a wide field of view estimates observation conditions and a second platform with a narrower, high-resolution view acquires images only in favorable sectors, optimizing image acquisition through repeated observation cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single satellite passes quickly over a target zone to capture images, then the observation time is short, but the probability of encountering cloud coverage is high and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the target zone into multiple sub-zones and uses multiple satellites to observe different sectors simultaneously. This segmentation allows continuous observation of the entire zone without requiring a single satellite to wait for cloud clearance, thereby maintaining short observation times while improving image quality reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary cloud detection using a first satellite before the main imaging satellite arrives. This preliminary action identifies clear sectors in advance, allowing the imaging satellite to immediately capture images only in favorable sectors, thus avoiding time loss while ensuring high image quality.
2Reliability
If multiple satellites are used to increase observation coverage, then image completeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a modular system where different satellites perform specialized functions (cloud detection, image acquisition, data transmission) that can be reused across multiple observation cycles. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high image completeness through coordinated operations of multiple satellites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground control station as an intermediary that coordinates multiple satellites, manages observation schedules, and processes data. This intermediary simplifies the complexity of multi-satellite operations by centralizing control and automation, making the system more manageable while achieving complete zone coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If images are captured only in clear sectors to ensure quality, then image quality improves, but observation time increases due to repeated cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary cloud detection to identify clear sectors before main imaging occurs. This allows the imaging satellite to immediately capture images only in favorable sectors without waiting for clouds to clear, significantly reducing acquisition time while maintaining high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous observation cycles where satellites repeatedly pass over the target zone, and the system continuously identifies and captures images in clear sectors. This continuous action ensures that as soon as a sector becomes clear, it is immediately imaged, minimizing idle time while ensuring high image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for acquiring images of the surface of the earth, installing an aerial platform in a quasi-stationary position, equipped with an image acquisition system with a large field of view and a second, high-resolution, image acquisition system is disclosed. The method includes implementing successive observation cycles, each one including the acquisition of an image of a zone of interest by the first system, the partitioning of the image thus acquired into mesh units which each correspond to a sector of the zone of interest, the analysis of the image in order to detect the potential presence of unwanted marks, and the acquisition of an image by the second system for the mesh units for which no unwanted marks have been detected. Observation cycles are thereby implemented until images of the entire zone of interest have been acquired by the second system.