Projective Optical Metrology for Satellite Attitude
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projective optical metrology systems for determining the mutual attitude and position of satellites require complex and power-intensive setups, often necessitating optoelectronic circuits and significant energy consumption, while purely projective systems lack the ability to measure power and are inefficient in beam distribution.
Innovation Solution
A projective optical metrology system utilizing a transceiving unit with a bandpass optical filter and optoelectronic sensor, combined with a passive unit featuring dichroic elements and optical fibres, to generate and process a white light beam with specific spectral peaks, allowing for precise determination of satellite positions and attitudes with reduced energy consumption and improved resilience to external light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a passive reflecting unit is used to reduce power consumption, then energy consumption is reduced, but the optical beam requires significant cross-section dimensions and high power to effectively illuminate all reflectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical beam into multiple discrete wavelengths using dichroic elements, with each wavelength carried by a separate optical fibre. This segmentation allows the optical input to have a smaller cross-section while still delivering multiple spectral components to the target, resolving the contradiction between reduced beam area and effective illumination of multiple reflectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different spectral properties to different spatial locations by using dichroic elements that separate wavelengths and direct them into specific optical fibres. Each fibre carries a specific wavelength component, creating local spectral quality that enables precise illumination of reflectors with a compact beam structure.
2Measurement precision
If optoelectronic circuits and power supplies are added to both satellites to enable six degrees of freedom determination, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copies (different wavelengths of light) to carry different measurement information. By encoding spatial and spectral information into multiple wavelength components that travel through separate optical fibres, the system achieves six degrees of freedom measurement capability without requiring complex optoelectronic circuits or power supplies on the passive satellite.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for active optoelectronic measurement circuits with a passive optical system. Instead of using electronic sensors and power supplies on both satellites, the invention uses a passive reflecting unit that modulates the optical beam's spectral properties, allowing measurement information to be extracted purely through optical means on the active satellite.
3Area of stationary object
If a wideband optical beam is used to illuminate all reflectors, then coverage is improved, but the transceiving unit requires significant electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wideband optical spectrum into multiple discrete wavelength bands using dichroic elements. Each wavelength band is directed through a separate optical fibre to illuminate specific reflectors. This segmentation allows the system to cover multiple reflectors with a compact beam structure, reducing the required electric power while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
4Loss of information
If multiple wavelengths are transmitted through a single optical fibre, then spectral information is preserved, but wavelength separation and detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dichroic elements to spatially segment different wavelengths before they enter the optical fibre system. Each optical fibre is assigned to carry a specific wavelength component, eliminating the need for complex wavelength separation at the detection end. This pre-segmentation approach preserves spectral information while simplifying the detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dichroic elements act as intermediaries that separate wavelengths and direct them into appropriate optical fibres. This intermediary function simplifies the overall system by performing wavelength separation at the source rather than requiring complex demultiplexing at the detector, reducing device complexity while preserving spectral information.
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
The system achieves efficient determination of satellite positions and attitudes with lower energy consumption and reduced interference from external light sources, enabling smaller beam cross-sections and simpler circuitry without increasing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a bandpass optical filter and optoelectronic sensor, combined with a passive unit featuring dichroic elements and optical fibres, to generate and process a white light beam with specific spectral peaks
Implementation Method 2
a passive unit featuring dichroic elements and optical fibres, to generate and process a white light beam with specific spectral peaks
Implementation Method 3
a transceiving unit with a bandpass optical filter and optoelectronic sensor, combined with a passive unit featuring dichroic elements and optical fibres
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A projective optical metrology system (1) including a first optical unit (4), which includes: an optical input (30,32,34) that receives a first light signal; a number (N) of optical paths (60); and a separator (50,52), which is optically interposed between the optical input and the optical paths and separates a number (N) of components of the first light signal received by the optical input and couples each of the separate components to a corresponding optical path. The first optical unit also includes a light target (70), which emits a second light signal and is formed by a number of light elements (62), each light element being optically coupled to a corresponding optical path, so as to be illuminated, in use, by the component of the first light signal coupled to the corresponding optical path. The metrology system also includes a second optical unit (2), which generates the first light signal and receives the second light signal.