Satellite Magnetometer Data Pre-processing for Birkeland Current Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively monitor and map magnetic signals from Earth's upper atmosphere to prepare for and respond to geomagnetic storms, which can disrupt communications, GPS, and electrical power grids.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a network of satellites to collect and process magnetic field measurements, determining residual magnetic fields by comparing satellite data to a planetary magnetic field model, and arranging these into time series to create global maps of magnetic activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If magnetic field measurements are collected from multiple satellites orbiting Earth, then global coverage and monitoring capability are improved, but data processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex task of global magnetic field monitoring into segments by processing data from individual satellites separately. Each satellite's magnetometer data is processed independently to determine residual magnetic fields, which are then combined to create global maps. This segmentation reduces the overall computational complexity by breaking down the large-scale problem into manageable satellite-specific processing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that transforms raw magnetometer measurements from multiple satellites into residual magnetic field data. This intermediary representation serves as a simplified intermediate form that captures the essential magnetic field information while removing Earth's main magnetic field components, making subsequent global mapping and analysis more computationally efficient.
2Measurement precision
If residual magnetic fields are determined by comparing satellite measurements to planetary magnetic field models, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing planetary magnetic field models (such as IGRF models) before satellite data analysis. These pre-computed models provide baseline magnetic field values that can be quickly compared against actual satellite measurements during real-time or near-real-time processing, reducing the computational burden during actual data analysis while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If time series of residual magnetic fields are arranged for selected locations, then monitoring capability for geomagnetic storms is improved, but data arrangement and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the spatial distribution of magnetic field measurements from multiple satellites into temporal time series data for selected geographic locations. By rearranging the data dimensions—converting satellite position and measurement time into location-based time series—the system enables continuous monitoring of magnetic field variations at fixed locations, which is essential for detecting and analyzing geomagnetic storm events.
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 real-time monitoring and mapping of magnetic activity, allowing for the determination of currents between Earth's space environment and ionosphere, thereby facilitating preparedness and response to disruptive events.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the plurality of magnetometers is configured to measure a magnetic field of the planetary object along an orbital path of the at least one magnetometer
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer-readable medium for mapping magnetic activity for a current linking a planet's space environment to an ionosphere of the planet are disclosed. Magnetic field measurements of the current are obtained from a plurality of satellites orbiting the planet. A residual magnetic field is determined from the obtained magnetic field measurements. The determined residual magnetic field is arranged to create a time series for a selected location of a planet-centered coordinate system. The magnetic activity is mapped using the created time series for the selected location.