Machine Vision Guidance for Inter-Satellite Laser Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inter-satellite link acquisition in low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations is time-consuming and inefficient due to signal loss during satellite motion, requiring complex mechanical alignment of communication lasers, leading to long acquisition times and low success rates.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a passive digital camera and machine vision techniques, including deep learning networks, to process optical images and reduce the field of uncertainty in satellite location, enabling precise alignment of communication lasers for faster link acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex scan/stare patterns are used for spatial acquisition, then link acquisition reliability is improved, but link acquisition time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using passive digital cameras to capture images of the target satellite before the actual link acquisition process begins. These pre-captured images provide advance information about the target's position and orientation, allowing the acquiring satellite to pre-calibrate its laser pointing directions and reduce the search space for spatial acquisition, thereby significantly reducing acquisition time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces passive digital cameras as an intermediary component between the satellite's main antenna and the communication laser. These cameras capture optical images that serve as intermediate information, which is then processed to generate pointing direction data. This intermediary step enables the system to avoid time-consuming mechanical scanning while maintaining accurate link acquisition
2Reliability
If mechanical laser directing is used for spatial acquisition, then link acquisition reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the traditional mechanical scan/stare system with an optical-based solution. Instead of mechanically moving antennas or lasers to scan for the target satellite, the system uses passive digital cameras to optically detect the target's position. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical movement mechanisms while maintaining or improving acquisition reliability through optical field of view analysis
3Loss of time
If passive digital camera and machine vision are used, then link acquisition time is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a visual representation (optical image) of the target satellite using passive digital cameras. Instead of directly measuring the satellite's position with high-precision instruments, the system captures an optical copy/image of the satellite and analyzes this image to determine position and orientation. This copying approach enables faster measurement while the image processing algorithms maintain the required precision through feature recognition and pattern matching
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus used to reduce the estimated field of uncertainty of satellite positions in space. This reduced field of uncertainty estimate reduces link acquisition time of satellites as they establish inter-satellite optical links between each other. The method and apparatus reduces the estimated field of uncertainty by combining estimated field of uncertainty generated by multiple independent sources. The method further includes combining estimated field of uncertainty generated using existing field of uncertainty techniques with estimated filed of uncertainty created by a machine vision detection and location module. This machine vision detection and location module generates an estimated field of uncertainty that is a result of executing of one or more algorithms to process digital imagery data provided by a passive digital camera.