On-board Optical Observation Instrument Variable Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multispectral optical observation systems on satellites or aircrafts face challenges in achieving both high spatial and spectral resolutions within limited volume, weight, and recording capacities, often requiring complex dual-mode systems that are not entirely satisfactory for either 'high resolution' or 'hyperspectral' missions.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional detection matrix is used, where one dimension is dedicated to spatial extent and the other to spectral extent, with signal grouping and processing modes like Time-Directed Integration (TDI) and binning to switch between high spatial and high spectral resolution modes, utilizing spectral dispersion devices and filters like Fabry-Perot cavities, and operating in global or rolling shutter acquisition modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-dimensional detection matrix with signal grouping modes is used to switch between high spatial and high spectral resolution, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different mission requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through electronic control of signal grouping modes in the detection matrix. The system can switch between different acquisition modes (spatial resolution mode, spectral resolution mode, and intermediate modes) by dynamically reconfiguring how pixel signals are grouped and processed, allowing the same optical instrument to adapt to different mission requirements without physical modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The two-dimensional detection matrix serves multiple functions simultaneously: it can operate in high spatial resolution mode for detailed imaging, high spectral resolution mode for compositional analysis, and intermediate modes for balanced performance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized instruments while maintaining versatility across different observation missions
2Measurement precision
If the sampling period duration is extended to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity decreases due to limited acquisition time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional temporal integration to two-dimensional signal grouping in the detection matrix. By grouping signals across multiple pixels spatially (both along track and across track directions), the system achieves enhanced signal-to-noise ratio through spatial integration rather than solely relying on extended temporal sampling, thus maintaining high acquisition rates while improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines signals from multiple pixels through different grouping strategies: along-track grouping for high spectral resolution, across-track grouping for high spatial resolution, and hybrid grouping for intermediate modes. This merging of multiple signal sources enhances the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining flexible data acquisition rates through electronic control
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 allows for efficient switching between spatial and spectral resolution modes without complicating the optical head, optimizing data acquisition time and signal-to-noise ratio, enabling a single instrument to perform both high-resolution and hyperspectral missions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
spectral filters arranged on the photodetection matrix, the length of a filter being equal to the length of a line of pixels... spectral filters are Fabry-Perot cavities with a spectral width of approximately 10 nanometers
Implementation Method 2
spectral dispersion means arranged so that, at the level of the photodetection array in the focal plane of the optical system, spatial information is obtained in one dimension and spectral information in the perpendicular dimension
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical observation instrument intended to be carried on a satellite or aircraft, said instrument comprising an optical system forming an image (I) of an overflown terrain onto a photodetection matrix (M) composed of pixels (PIJ) organized into rows (LI) and groups of columns (CJ). Each row of pixels corresponds to different points of the image, each point of a row corresponds to the same spectral band, each group of columns corresponds to a different spectral band, the movement of the overflown terrain being perpendicular to the rows, the observation instrument comprising a device for acquiring data from the pixels during a determined sampling period, the acquisition device operating according to an acquisition mode defined by the common reading of identical matrix blocks of pixels belonging to adjacent rows and columns.the number of rows and columns of the blocks being chosen according to an expected spatial resolution and spectral resolution, the observation instrument comprising at least two acquisition modes, a first acquisition mode in which the reading of the rows is carried out by blocks of pixels and a second acquisition mode in which the reading of the columns is carried out by blocks of pixels.