Satellite Image Feature Extraction for Limited Ground Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication of an artificial satellite with a ground station is limited to several minutes to several tens of minutes, necessitating efficient data storage and transmission of high-quality satellite images during this brief period.
Innovation Solution
The satellite includes an image processing unit for generating feature amount data, a storage unit to hold this data, and a communication unit to transmit it to the ground station when possible, while the ground system generates complemented data using feature amount data from the satellite images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-quality satellite images are captured and stored in the artificial satellite, then image quality is improved, but storage resources are consumed and communication time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments satellite image data into two types: feature amount data (extracted characteristics such as object presence, land use type, vegetation index) and complementing data (detailed image information). By transmitting only feature amount data during brief communication windows and retrieving complementing data later when communication is available, the system reduces communication time while preserving image quality analysis capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts essential feature amount data from complete satellite images and transmits only this extracted information during limited communication periods. This extraction principle allows the system to convey critical information (e.g., detected objects, changes from previous images) without transmitting entire high-resolution images, thereby reducing communication time and bandwidth requirements while maintaining analytical value.
2Loss of information
If complete satellite image data is transmitted to the ground station, then data completeness is improved, but communication bandwidth and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides satellite image data into feature amount data (transmitted during communication windows) and complementing data (stored and retrieved as needed). This segmentation ensures that essential information is communicated efficiently while complete data remains accessible on the ground, balancing data completeness with communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs feature amount extraction and identifies necessary data requirements in advance, before communication with the ground station. By determining what information is needed (e.g., specific feature amounts for analysis) beforehand, the system can prepare appropriate data packages and transmit them efficiently during available communication windows, improving overall communication productivity.
3Quantity of substance
If feature amount generation processing is executed on the satellite, then data transmission amount is reduced, but on-satellite processing resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the satellite to autonomously perform feature amount extraction and identify its own data requirements using onboard processing capabilities. The satellite independently determines what feature amounts need to be transmitted and prepares the appropriate data packages without requiring constant ground control intervention, thereby reducing transmission amounts while managing processing complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent executes feature amount generation processing in advance during previous communication windows, preparing data for future transmission. By performing processing ahead of time when communication is available, the system reduces the burden during subsequent transmissions and optimizes the use of both satellite processing resources and communication bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an artificial satellite and a ground system enabling to efficiently hold data in the artificial satellite. The artificial satellite includes an image processing unit that executes feature amount generation processing of generating a feature amount of a captured satellite image, a storage unit that holds feature amount data obtained as a result of the feature amount generation processing, and a communication unit that transmits the feature amount data to a ground station when communication with the ground station becomes possible. The ground system includes an image processing unit configured to generate complemented data by using complementing data and feature amount data that indicates a feature amount of a satellite image acquired from an artificial satellite and obtained by capturing an image of a ground by the artificial satellite.