Sun-Tracking Mirror for Airborne Imaging Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location markers for satellite imaging systems are large and static, occupying significant land area and requiring satellite maneuvers for calibration, which limits their practicality and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A compact, mobile location marker system using a mirror capable of tilting about orthogonal axes to track the sun and reflect its beam towards the satellite, allowing for precise calibration of spatial coordinates without the need for satellite adjustments, utilizing a camera to obtain transformation of mirror axes and determine a known earth reference location within aerial images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large static resolution targets are used as location markers, then the markers are visible to airborne cameras and enable accurate calibration, but the markers occupy large land area and require satellite maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the location marker from a large static target to a compact mobile mirror. The mirror's small size dramatically reduces land area occupation, while its mobility and sun-tracking capability maintain visibility to airborne cameras. The mirror reflects sunlight to create a visible reference point without requiring large physical dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static location markers to a dynamic mobile mirror system. The mirror can move and reposition itself, eliminating the need for satellite maneuvers to achieve proper calibration geometry. The mirror's ability to track the sun and adjust its position provides dynamic adaptability while maintaining calibration accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If large static resolution targets are used as location markers, then the markers are visible to airborne cameras, but the satellite must undertake special maneuvers to track the markers
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile mirror system dynamically adjusts its position and orientation to maintain visibility and proper calibration geometry with the airborne camera. The mirror tracks the sun and can reposition itself, eliminating the need for complex satellite maneuvers. This dynamic adaptability simplifies the operational process while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror system serves itself by autonomously tracking the sun and adjusting its position to remain visible to the airborne camera. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex coordinated maneuvers between the satellite and ground equipment, reducing operational complexity while maintaining calibration precision.
3Area of stationary object
If compact location markers are used, then land area occupancy is reduced, but the markers may not be sufficiently visible or resolvable by airborne cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the location marker by using a mirror to reflect sunlight. This creates a bright, high-contrast reference point that is highly visible to airborne cameras despite the mirror's small physical size. The reflected sunlight provides sufficient brightness and resolution for accurate calibration without requiring large land area occupation.
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 precise calibration of satellite imaging systems with compact markers that reduce land occupancy and eliminate the need for satellite maneuvers, allowing for accurate determination of spatial coordinates and feature locations in images.
Implementation Method 1
A compact, mobile location marker system using a mirror capable of tilting about orthogonal axes to track the sun and reflect its beam towards the satellite
Data Source
AI summary
Method for providing a known reference point for an airborne imaging system, the method including providing at measured earth co-ordinates a camera/mirror assembly having a camera and a mirror mounted in fixed mutual spatial relationship and capable of tilting about two mutually orthogonal axes. Using the camera to track the sun and produce at least two or more different measured times respective time tagged camera images. Using the time tagged camera images to obtain a transformation of mirror axes relative to axes of the earth at a mirror location on the earth where the mirror is mounted.During a time window when the mirror is within a line of sight of the airborne imaging system and the sun, adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the mirror so that the sun is reflected by the mirror toward the airborne imaging system thereby capturing an image of the mirror in an aerial image produced by the airborne imaging system. Determining a location in the aerial image corresponding to the mirror thus providing a known earth reference location in said aerial image.