Satellite Imaging Time Correction via Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite image acquisition systems face errors in orbit prediction due to limited performance, resulting in inaccuracies of approximately 200 meters per day, which can hinder satellite missions by misaligning the satellite's position for image capture.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for correcting satellite image acquisition time by calculating a correction time using satellite positioning systems like GPS, GLONASS, or Galileo, which involves receiving an initially predicted imaging time and desired satellite position, calculating a waiting time, and adding a correction time to the initially predicted imaging time to ensure accurate image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a ground-based orbit propagator is used to predict satellite position, then the system complexity is reduced, but the position prediction accuracy deteriorates with errors amounting to approximately 200 meters per day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a correction calculation unit that acts as an intermediary between the ground-based orbit propagator and the satellite imaging system. This unit receives the predicted satellite position from the ground-based propagator, obtains actual satellite position information from a satellite positioning system receiver, calculates the position difference, and generates correction values to compensate for the prediction errors, thereby improving position accuracy without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the satellite positioning system receiver continuously provides actual position information back to the correction calculation unit. This feedback loop enables real-time comparison between predicted and actual positions, allowing the system to dynamically adjust and correct orbit prediction errors, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity
2Measurement precision
If the satellite uses its own satellite-based orbit propagator, then the position prediction accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing only the essential correction functionality on the satellite rather than a full satellite-based orbit propagator. The correction calculation unit performs selective corrections based on position differences obtained from the satellite positioning system, providing improved accuracy without the complete complexity of a satellite-based propagator
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite performs self-correction of its orbit prediction by using its own positioning system receiver and correction calculation unit. The satellite independently calculates position differences and generates correction values without requiring constant ground intervention, improving accuracy while keeping the system relatively simple through autonomous operation
3Ease of operation
If the satellite image acquisition time is not corrected, then the operation is simple, but the imaging precision deteriorates due to satellite position errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by calculating the correction value for image acquisition time in advance, before the actual imaging operation. The correction calculation unit computes the time correction based on satellite position differences, and this pre-calculated correction is then applied to the scheduled imaging time, ensuring both operational simplicity and imaging precision
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for correcting a satellite image acquisition time. The method may include receiving, from a ground-based orbit propagator, an initially predicted imaging time, a correction command execution time, and a desired satellite position for imaging, and calculating a waiting time for imaging, a predicted satellite position, a correction time, and a corrected imaging time to correct a satellite image acquisition time.