Satellite Sensor Access Geometry for Rapid Target-Region Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining sensor access to target regions on Earth's surface are computationally complex and time-consuming, especially for large regions and numerous satellites, making it difficult to rapidly assess spatial and temporal coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine sensor access by calculating the field of regard and target region extension using polar coordinates, allowing for rapid assessment of access possibilities through simplified geometric representations and look-up tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods for determining sensor access to target regions are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but computational complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the target region into discrete grid cells and processes sensor access determination independently for each cell. This segmentation allows the complex problem of determining sensor access to large target regions to be broken down into smaller, manageable calculations, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and stores geometric relationships and access parameters in lookup tables during system initialization or offline processing. During actual sensor access determination, these pre-computed values are retrieved rather than recalculating, significantly reducing real-time computational complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If existing methods for determining sensor access to target regions are used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the target region into grid cells and processing access determination independently for each cell, the patent enables parallel computation across multiple processors or threads. This segmentation strategy dramatically reduces the total time required for access determination while maintaining the precision of the measurement results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations and stores geometric parameters in lookup tables during system setup. During actual operation, these pre-computed values are retrieved instantly, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time calculations and significantly reducing the time required for sensor access determination.
3Device complexity
If simplified geometric representations are used, then computational complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different levels of geometric precision to different parts of the calculation. While the overall framework uses simplified grid-based representations to reduce computational complexity, the patent maintains high precision by using accurate geometric models for critical calculations such as sensor field-of-view overlap and target region boundary intersections. This local quality approach ensures measurement precision is maintained where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the level of geometric precision based on the specific calculation requirements and available computational resources. By changing parameters such as grid cell resolution, polygon vertex density, and calculation precision levels, the system can maintain measurement accuracy while adapting to different computational complexity constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a system for determining the capability of a sensor contained in a satellite to access a target region. The position of the satellite is ascertained, the viewing radius of the sensor in the direction of a target reference point in a target region is then determined, the extension of the target region in the direction of a satellite position point is ascertained, and the sensor is determined to be capable of accessing the target region if the distance between the satellite position point and the target reference point in the target region is less than or equal to the sum of the viewing radius of the sensor and the extension of the target region in the direction of the target reference point.