Satellite Imaging System with Annulus Lens for 360-Degree Thermal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellites require complex mechanical components to achieve a full view of the Earth, which can be costly and prone to failure in obtaining a 360-degree field of view for infrared sensing systems, especially for detecting thermal radiation from objects like missiles during their mid-course phase of flight.

Innovation Solution

A satellite onboard imaging system with dual imagers, one configured for a look-down view and another for a toroidal view, utilizing midwave and longwave infrared sensors respectively, to generate thermal image signals and provide a 360-degree panoramic view without the need for mechanical rotation, using an annulus lens system and focal plane arrays to detect and process infrared radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If mechanical components are used to rotate imaging systems for a full view of the Earth, then a complete field of view can be obtained, but the system becomes complex and prone to failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidmechanical component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical rotation systems with a static optical design using an annulus lens that provides a 360-degree toroidal field of view without any moving parts. The annulus lens captures infrared radiation from all directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation while maintaining complete area coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional planar field of view to a three-dimensional toroidal field of view centered on the satellite. This dimensional change allows the imaging system to capture radiation from all directions (360 degrees horizontally and vertically) through the annulus lens configuration, achieving complete coverage without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If mechanical rotation systems are implemented to achieve full Earth view, then complete surveillance is possible, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEarth view coverageVSAvoidsystem implementation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing expensive mechanical rotation systems with a static annulus lens optical system, the patent significantly reduces manufacturing and implementation costs. The annulus lens provides complete 360-degree coverage through its inherent optical geometry rather than through costly mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a single infrared band is used, then the system is simpler, but detection capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing system complexityVSAvoidobject detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the infrared detection into two distinct wavelength bands: midwave infrared (MWIR) for detecting hot objects like missile plumes and exhaust, and longwave infrared (LWIR) for detecting cooler objects such as missile bodies and space situational awareness targets. This segmentation allows each band to be optimized for specific detection scenarios, enhancing overall detection capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient detection and tracking of missiles and space situational awareness by providing a 360-degree field of view, reducing the need for mechanical components and enhancing detection capabilities with dual-band infrared sensing, thereby improving the reliability and cost-effectiveness of space-based imaging systems.

Implementation Method 1

The second imager further includes an annulus lens system and a focal plane array that detects longwave infrared radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

infrared sensing systems track objects by detecting emitted heat energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

the first imager detects midwave infrared radiation within the look-down field of view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMidwave infrared detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11125623B2Satellite onboard imaging systems and methods for space applications

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 L3 CINCINNATI ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

Satellite onboard imaging systems having a look-down view and a toroidal view of the Earth are disclosed. In one embodiment, a satellite onboard imaging systems include an infrared sensing system and a controller. The infrared sensing system includes a first imager configured to have a first field of view that observes a look-down view of the Earth from a satellite and a second imager configured to have a second field of view that observes a toroidal view of the Earth centered at the satellite. The controller is coupled to the first imager and the second imager and operable to process image data from the first imager and the second imager. The controller is further operable to output indications of thermal energy of an identical, or different objects based on the first thermal image signal, the second thermal image signal, or both.