Remote Sensing Satellite Auto-Focus Using Point Spread Function Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto-focus methods for remote sensing satellites are time-consuming and laborious, requiring capture of specific images to adjust focus, which is inefficient due to the satellite's orbit and limited access to the same location.
Innovation Solution
An auto-focus method that processes point spread function (PSF) estimation on multiple regions of images, generates average PSF, fits Gaussian curves, and compares focus numbers between images to determine if focus adjustment is improving, allowing for continuous regulation without needing specific images or locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground staff regulate focus remotely using specific pattern images, then focus adjustment can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and laborious due to orbital constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite performs automatic focus regulation using onboard image processing capabilities. The system captures images, processes them to extract focus information, and adjusts focus without ground staff intervention, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating time-consuming ground communication cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs focus regulation using previously captured images that contain sufficient focus information. By analyzing existing images rather than requiring new specific pattern captures, the system eliminates waiting time for orbital revisits to predetermined locations
Solution Approach 3:
The patent replaces manual ground-based focus regulation with automated onboard image processing and analysis. Optical and computational methods substitute for mechanical ground operations, enabling rapid automatic focus determination and adjustment
2Measurement precision
If specific pattern images are captured for focus determination, then focus status can be assessed, but the process requires repeated orbital passes to the same location
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite autonomously determines focus status using onboard processing of captured images. The system extracts focus information from general imagery without requiring specific pattern captures, enabling continuous operation without waiting for orbital revisits to predetermined locations
Solution Approach 2:
The focus determination system can utilize any captured image containing sufficient information, rather than requiring specific pattern images. This universal approach allows the system to process diverse image types and eliminates the need for dedicated focus calibration locations
3Measurement precision
If ground staff manually regulate focus based on transmitted images, then focus can be adjusted, but the process is laborious and requires continuous ground-satellite communication
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite autonomously performs focus determination and regulation using onboard image processing and control systems. The focus adjusting apparatus is controlled automatically based on processed image data, eliminating the need for ground staff to manually analyze images and send adjustment commands
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback control where image quality metrics are continuously monitored and used to adjust focus settings. The focus adjusting apparatus receives real-time feedback from image processing results, enabling automatic closed-loop control without ground intervention
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
This method enables efficient and autonomous focus adjustment on remote sensing satellites, reducing the complexity of the focus adjusting apparatus and significantly shortening the verification time of focus regulation results.
Implementation Method 1
processing a point spread function (PSF) estimation to multiple regions of a first image to generate a plurality of first estimated point spread functions
Implementation Method 2
processing a Gaussian curve fitting to the first average point spread function and defining a first focus number of the first image
Data Source
AI summary
Auto-focus method and a remote sensing satellite are disclosed. The satellite comprises at least a focal plane assembly (FPA) and a focus adjusting apparatus, the auto-focus method comprises: processing a point spread function (PSF) estimation to a multiple regions of a first image to generate multiple first estimated point spread functions; generating a first average point spread function according to the first estimated point spread functions; processing a Gaussian curve fitting to the first average PSF function and defining a first focus number; processing a PSF estimation to multiple regions of a second image to generate multiple second estimated PSF functions; generating a second average point spread function according to the second estimated point spread functions; processing a Gaussian curve fitting to the second average point spread function and defining a second focus number; and comparing the first focus number and the second focus number.