Laser Scan Parameter Control for Faster Satellite Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser scanning methods for establishing satellite communications are not time-efficient, as they do not dynamically adjust scan parameters based on the probability of satellite location, leading to potential misses due to vibrations and uncertainties in satellite positioning.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that adjust scan parameters such as speed, overlap, and divergence during the scanning process to enhance the likelihood of hitting the satellite, using a controller to direct and move a laser beam in a spiral path while optimizing these parameters for efficient satellite detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a laser beam is transmitted to establish satellite communications, then data transmission is achieved, but the time required to establish the communications link is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of establishing communications linkVSAvoidtime to establish satellite link

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scan parameters adjustable during the scanning process. The controller dynamically changes scan parameters such as scan speed, beam divergence, and overlap based on the current scanning location and probability of satellite presence, transitioning from static to dynamic operation to reduce acquisition time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying multiple scan parameters including scan speed, beam divergence angle, and beam overlap during the scanning process. These parameter adjustments are made based on location-specific probability assessments, allowing the system to optimize scanning efficiency at different stages and locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the laser beam scans the entire search area uniformly, then complete coverage is achieved, but the probability of missing the satellite due to vibrations and positioning uncertainties increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobability of hitting satelliteVSAvoidcomplexity of scan parameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different scan parameters to different locations within the search area based on probability assessments. High-probability areas receive more scanning resources (slower scan speed, greater overlap, increased beam divergence) while low-probability areas are scanned more quickly, creating location-specific scanning strategies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously assessing the probability of satellite presence at different locations and adjusting scan parameters accordingly. The controller uses feedback from the scanning process and probability calculations to dynamically modify beam characteristics and scanning patterns in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If the scan parameters are adjusted dynamically during the scanning process, then the acquisition time is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to establish satellite linkVSAvoidcomplexity of controller system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed as a multi-functional device that performs probability assessment, scan parameter calculation, real-time parameter adjustment, and beam control functions. This universal controller consolidates multiple functions into a single system, managing complexity while enabling dynamic parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260039382A1Changing Laser Scan for Satellite Acquisition

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method for pointing a laser beam. The laser beam is directed at a central location in a search area in which a satellite is expected to be located. The laser beam is moved in a path from the central location to an outer location. A number of scan parameters is adjusted during movement of the laser beam on the path.