Space Debris Detection Image Sensor Rolling Read Mode
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current space debris detection systems face challenges in efficiently detecting debris of varying sizes, speeds, trajectories, and appearances within a large observation field, leading to high image data throughput that is not compatible with real-time monitoring and limited cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
A space debris detection device with an image sensor using a rolling mode for continuous line-to-line reading, integrating pixel detection elements with photosensitive components, subtraction, comparator, and output memory systems, which reduces data processing by transmitting only binary image point variation results, allowing for real-time processing and reduced data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional image processing methods are used to process the large throughput of image data from wide-field debris detection, then complete debris detection coverage is achieved, but real-time monitoring capability is lost and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor matrix is divided into multiple columns, each with its own dedicated motion detection circuit. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different column data streams, enabling real-time motion detection across the entire wide field of view without requiring centralized processing of all image data.
Solution Approach 2:
Motion detection is performed preliminarily at the pixel circuit level before full image processing. By detecting motion at the individual pixel or small group level first, the system identifies regions of interest early in the processing chain, avoiding the need to process and transmit complete high-resolution images for every frame.
2Area of stationary object
If the observation field is made wide to detect debris across large spatial domain, then debris detection coverage is improved, but image data throughput increases making real-time processing incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential motion information from the wide-field images by implementing motion detection directly in the pixel circuits. This extraction process removes unnecessary image data (color, texture, full resolution details) and retains only the critical motion detection signals, dramatically reducing data throughput while maintaining wide field coverage.
3Productivity
If dedicated motion detection circuits are assigned to each pixel column, then real-time processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motion detection functionality is merged directly into the existing pixel circuit structure of the image sensor. By integrating motion detection circuits within the pixel array itself rather than adding separate external processing units, the system achieves real-time processing capability while minimizing additional device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixel circuits are designed to perform multiple functions: standard image capture and the additional motion detection function. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware infrastructure to support both conventional imaging operations and real-time motion detection, avoiding the need for completely separate dedicated processing systems.
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 solution enables high-frequency detection and monitoring of space debris, reducing the probability of false detection and maintaining low costs, while processing information in real-time and providing sufficient security for satellites.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitive component, suitable for accumulating an electric signal during an integration period as a function of a light intensity which is received by this photosensitive component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting space debris, which is designed to provide at least one image datum at a frequency sufficient for performing effective monitoring. To this end, the device includes a matrix image sensor, wherein each image point detection element (11) comprises an integrated function for determining an image point variation. The result of said image point variation is binary. The image sensor is used in a continuous line-by-line read mode. For each line, when said line contains an image point detection element, the image point variation of which is positive, a column containing said element is determined, and a code for said column constitutes the image datum.