Satellite Imaging Re-planning Using Ship AIS Weather Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Satellite imaging acquisition plans often fail due to deteriorating weather conditions, as they are not adjusted in real time, leading to the capture of invalid images, and existing systems rely on ground control stations for weather estimation, which is not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize ship automatic identification information to estimate weather conditions in real time, allowing the satellite to re-plan imaging acquisition by determining the current status of ships in the target area and adjusting the payload usage accordingly, such as switching from an electro-optic camera to an infrared or synthetic aperture radar camera when conditions are unfavorable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground control station estimates weather conditions before imaging, then imaging acquisition plan can be established, but real-time weather condition changes cannot be detected leading to invalid images
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite performs autonomous weather estimation and imaging acquisition re-planning by itself using ship AIS information, without requiring ground control station support. The satellite collects AIS information, estimates weather conditions, and autonomously decides whether to proceed with imaging or switch to alternative payloads, enabling real-time adaptation to weather changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors weather conditions through ship AIS information and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the imaging acquisition plan. When weather conditions deteriorate, the system receives feedback and automatically triggers re-planning to switch to alternative payloads or reschedule imaging, ensuring real-time responsiveness.
2Productivity
If satellite autonomously performs imaging under deteriorating weather conditions, then imaging schedule is maintained, but image quality becomes invalid
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging acquisition plan is made dynamic and adjustable based on real-time weather conditions. Instead of rigidly executing the pre-planned schedule, the system continuously evaluates weather conditions and dynamically modifies the plan by switching to alternative payloads (infrared camera or SAR) when weather deteriorates, or rescheduling imaging when conditions improve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different imaging payloads based on weather conditions. When electro-optic camera imaging becomes impossible due to poor weather, the system changes the imaging modality by activating infrared camera or SAR payloads, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring image quality through appropriate payload selection.
3Measurement precision
If ground control station supports weather estimation, then weather conditions can be monitored, but satellite autonomy is reduced and ground support is required
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite performs autonomous weather estimation and imaging acquisition re-planning by itself using ship AIS information, without requiring ground control station support. The satellite collects AIS information, estimates weather conditions, and autonomously decides whether to proceed with imaging or switch to alternative payloads, enabling real-time adaptation to weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ship AIS information as an intermediary to estimate weather conditions. Instead of direct satellite-based weather sensing or ground control station monitoring, the system leverages ship movement patterns (AIS data) as a proxy indicator of weather conditions, enabling autonomous weather assessment without additional onboard sensors or ground support.
4Device complexity
If imaging acquisition plan is fixed in advance, then scheduling is simple, but adaptability to changing weather conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging acquisition plan is made dynamic and adjustable based on real-time weather conditions. Instead of rigidly executing the pre-planned schedule, the system continuously evaluates weather conditions and dynamically modifies the plan by switching to alternative payloads (infrared camera or SAR) when weather deteriorates, or rescheduling imaging when conditions improve.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite pre-loads multiple imaging payloads (electro-optic camera, infrared camera, SAR) and prepares alternative imaging plans in advance. When weather conditions deteriorate, the system can immediately switch to pre-prepared alternative payloads without requiring complex real-time decision-making or ground control intervention, thus maintaining adaptability while managing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for satellite imaging acquisition re-planning using ship automatic identification information are disclosed. The method for satellite imaging acquisition re-planning using ship automatic identification information may include, upon arrival of a point in time for imaging a target area based on an imaging acquisition plan set in a satellite, collecting automatic identification system (AIS) information of a ship generated in the target area, estimating a weather condition in the target area by analyzing the AIS information, and performing an imaging acquisition re-planning when it is determined that imaging by an electro-optic (EO) camera is impossible under the estimated weather condition.