Satellite Laser Beam Sensor Rotational Position Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the rotational position of sensors, such as gyros and star trackers, face accuracy limitations and high technical effort, with star trackers being constrained by faint fixed stars and requiring long exposure times.
Innovation Solution
A rotational position determination device using a laser beam detection system that aligns with a satellite's laser beam, offering a high signal-to-noise ratio and reducing technical effort, allowing for precise orientation with reduced exposure times and increased accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If star trackers are used to determine rotational position, then the system can provide orientation information, but the accuracy is limited due to faint fixed stars and requires long exposure times
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the reference source from faint fixed stars to bright laser beams emitted by satellites, fundamentally altering the signal characteristics. This parameter change enables much shorter exposure times while achieving higher rotational position accuracy, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss
2Reliability
If local mechanical or electrical devices like gyroscopes are used for rotational position determination, then the system can provide continuous orientation data, but the technical effort and complexity are high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical or electrical rotational position determination devices with a simpler optical detection system that uses a laser beam detection device. This substitution maintains reliability for rotational position determination while significantly reducing device complexity and technical effort
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a satellite-emitted laser beam as an intermediary reference source between the sensor and the rotational position determination system. This intermediary provides a stable, high-contrast reference that simplifies the detection system while maintaining high reliability
3Measurement precision
If high-precision rotational position determination is achieved using local devices, then accuracy is improved, but the technical effort and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the satellite laser beam serve multiple functions: it provides a reference source for rotational position determination, acts as a signal for orientation, and enables high precision measurement. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision while reducing technical effort compared to dedicated high-precision local devices
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 high accuracy in determining rotational positions with reduced technical effort, enhancing precision and cost-effectiveness for sensors like high-resolution cameras and UAVs, while minimizing exposure times.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam detection device for detecting a laser beam emitted by a satellite
Implementation Method 2
The laser beam detection device may be understood to mean a sensor unit for detecting optical and/or infrared laser radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the determination of the rotational position of a sensor by means of a laser beam emitted by a satellite. For this purpose, the sensor includes a rotational position determination device which has a laser beam detection device for detecting the laser beam emitted by the satellite. Moreover, the rotational position determination device includes a control device which is designed for determining the rotational position of the rotational position determination device based on the detected laser beam.