Geostationary Satellite Image Sensor Using Co-Collimated Telescopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite imaging systems cannot produce real-time images of a full hemisphere of the Earth at high resolution due to physical limitations, with existing systems taking minutes to hours to generate images, and none provide persistent imaging of the entire observable hemisphere at frequencies of once every thirty seconds or more often.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a geostationary satellite image sensor system using multiple co-collimated telescopes and focal plane arrays that capture images in parallel, allowing for simultaneous imaging of the entire observable hemisphere at resolutions of at least one hundred meters per pixel, with the ability to transmit images to a user on Earth within thirty seconds of the event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional scanning sensors are used to image the entire hemisphere, then coverage area is complete, but imaging time is too long (minutes to hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The focal plane is divided into multiple focal plane arrays (FPAs), each capturing a portion of the hemisphere simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel imaging of different regions, reducing total imaging time from sequential scanning to simultaneous capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning to two-dimensional parallel imaging by arranging multiple FPAs in a spatial array that covers the entire hemisphere field of view simultaneously, adding a spatial dimension to the imaging process.
2Productivity
If multiple focal plane arrays are used to capture the entire hemisphere simultaneously, then imaging speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple focal plane arrays are merged into a single integrated focal plane structure that functions as one unified sensor system. The FPAs are arranged adjacently with abutting or overlapping active imaging areas, creating a composite focal plane that captures the entire hemisphere as a single simultaneous image.
Solution Approach 2:
Each focal plane array is designed with universal functionality to capture identical portions of the field of view, allowing any FPA to be replaced or repositioned without affecting overall system performance. This modularity simplifies design and maintenance while enabling parallel imaging.
3Area of stationary object
If focal plane arrays are arranged to cover the entire hemisphere, then coverage area increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each focal plane array is designed with local optimization, where the active imaging area of each FPA is precisely defined and positioned. The abutting or overlapping arrangement ensures that each local region contributes to the overall hemisphere coverage without requiring perfect alignment across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The focal plane arrays are pre-assembled and tested as modular units before integration into the complete sensor system. This preliminary assembly allows for quality control and alignment verification at a manageable scale, reducing the complexity of achieving precise alignment in the final integrated system.
4Measurement precision
If real-time imaging is achieved with multiple FPAs, then update frequency increases, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each focal plane array includes self-contained readout electronics and data processing capabilities, allowing independent operation and minimal central processing requirements. The FPAs can perform preliminary image processing and data formatting locally, reducing the burden on centralized processing systems.
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
Enables persistent imaging of the entire visible hemisphere of the Earth at high resolution, capturing images up to 30 times more frequently than existing systems, with the entire process from image capture to user delivery taking less than ten seconds, providing real-time global coverage.
Implementation Method 1
an array of image sensors... each including a focal plane array
Data Source
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Figure 3a
AI summary
Image sensors and methods for a geostationary orbiting satellite are disclosed. One image sensor includes a plurality of co-collimated telescopes having substantially the same field of view of a planet when mounted on the geostationary orbiting satellite and a plurality of focal plane arrays. Each of the plurality of co-collimated telescopes is arranged to direct its image to a respective one of said focal plane arrays. The focal plane arrays are sparsely populated upon a focal plane of each of said co-collimated telescopes and configured, in combination, to provide an image of a generally entire visible hemisphere of the surface of the planet.