3D Spatial Imaging System Using Satellite Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spatial imaging systems fail to provide continuous, precise, and global three-dimensional imaging of the Earth's surface with frequent updates, often covering only small areas and lacking in high-resolution visible range optical imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least two satellites in geocentric orbit, controlled to maintain an angle of incidence relative to the nadir between a minimum and maximum threshold, allowing for stereoscopic imaging without specific on-board equipment, enabling continuous and frequent updates of three-dimensional images across the globe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If optical imaging systems are used to cover large geographical areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the Earth's surface into multiple geographical zones that are imaged by different satellites in the constellation. Each satellite captures high-resolution images of its specific zone, and the ground station combines these segmented images to create comprehensive global coverage, thus maintaining both high resolution and large area coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image compilation to three-dimensional spatial imaging by utilizing stereoscopic observation from multiple satellites at different positions and angles. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to maintain high resolution while covering large areas through 3D reconstruction techniques
2Loss of information
If imaging systems perform periodic updates of geographical areas, then the information freshness is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite constellation is designed with multiple satellites performing identical imaging functions, allowing any satellite to image any geographical zone. This universal capability enables flexible periodic updates without requiring complex task scheduling or specialized satellite configurations, thus improving information freshness while managing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic revisits to the same geographical zones by utilizing the orbital characteristics of multiple satellites. The periodic nature of satellite passes over the same areas enables regular information updates without requiring continuous active imaging, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining frequent refresh rates
3Manufacturing precision
If satellites are positioned to provide stereoscopic observations, then the three-dimensional imaging capability is improved, but the orbital coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging capabilities of multiple satellites into a unified stereoscopic observation system. By coordinating satellites in specific orbital configurations (such as sun-synchronous orbits with controlled spacing), the system achieves 3D imaging capability through the combined data from multiple platforms, improving stereoscopic accuracy while distributing the coordination complexity across standard orbital operations
Solution Approach 2:
The ground station serves as an intermediary that receives, processes, and coordinates data from multiple satellites. It manages the complex orbital coordination by calculating optimal imaging windows, satellite positions, and data fusion parameters, thereby enabling precise stereoscopic observations without requiring complex onboard processing or real-time inter-satellite communication
Data Source
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AI summary
The system has a processing center for processing images received in two dimensions from satellites (Sat1, Sat2) in a geocentric orbit in a same orbital plane to create resulting images in three dimensions and to broadcast the resulting images in three dimensions. The center is connected to a communications network. A control unit controls the satellites such that a geographical zone (ZG) of earth of which images are to be taken is seen under an angle of incidence (alpha) with respect to nadir that is greater than a minimum threshold and/or less than a maximum threshold. The minimum threshold is equal to 0 degrees, and/or maximum threshold is equal to 30 degrees. An independent claim is also included for a method for space-based imaging in three dimensions.