UAS Remote Sensing Calibration via Satellite Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting high-quality surface measurements for remote sensing systems are labor-intensive, costly, and limited by accessibility and human error, particularly for large-scale or hard-to-reach areas, hindering the calibration and validation of space-based and airborne sensors.
Innovation Solution
The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) equipped with sensors for near surface directional or hemispheric directional observations, allowing for repeatable data collection over defined geographic areas, enabling comparison with satellite data to calibrate remote sensing instruments and providing high-quality reference data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distributed networks of sensors are deployed at fixed sites to collect reference measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to labor-intensive deployment and limited coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed-site sensor networks to a dynamic mobile platform (unmanned aircraft system) that can move to different locations and adjust its position to capture surface measurements. The UAS flies at variable altitudes and can reposition itself to maintain optimal viewing geometry, enabling both high measurement precision and improved productivity through automated aerial surveying.
Solution Approach 2:
The unmanned aircraft system serves as an intermediary platform between ground-based sensor networks and space-based remote sensing instruments. It carries sensors that match satellite instrument characteristics and collects reference measurements from accessible geographic areas, acting as a mobile intermediary to calibrate and validate satellite data without requiring extensive ground infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If groups of individuals are deployed on foot to collect surface measurements, then measurement precision is improved through direct observation, but ease of operation deteriorates due to accessibility limitations and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The unmanned aircraft system performs measurements autonomously without requiring human operators to physically access the measurement sites. The UAS navigates automatically along predefined paths, captures images and spectral data, and transmits information to ground stations, eliminating human error in data collection and significantly improving ease of operation for difficult-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human operators physically traversing terrain with an automated aerial robotic system. The UAS uses avionics, GPS navigation, and automated imaging systems to collect surface measurements that previously required manual field deployment, thereby improving both ease of operation and consistency of data collection.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned close to the surface for directional observations, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to atmospheric obscuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the altitude parameter of the UAS to balance measurement precision and atmospheric interference. By flying at specific altitudes (e.g., 50-500 meters above surface), the system achieves sufficient proximity to capture detailed directional and hemispheric observations while maintaining distance to minimize atmospheric obscuration effects on the measurements.
4Reliability
If repeatable flight paths are used for data collection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to navigation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The unmanned aircraft system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: navigation, imaging, spectral sensing, GPS tracking, and data transmission. This multi-functional design achieves reliable repeatable measurements without proportionally increasing complexity, as the UAS uses standardized avionics and sensor packages that can be programmed for different survey patterns and applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer program product and system where a processor(s) configures sensor(s) on an unmanned aircraft system, to capture data related to a surface of a defined geographic area. The processor(s) navigate the unmanned aircraft system in a repeatable defined travel path proximate to the defined geographic area, such that the sensor(s) capture surface data related to the defined geographic area during the navigating, wherein a position of the unmanned aircraft system in the travel path is within a satellite view geometry of a satellite. The processor(s) maintain the unmanned aircraft system at a distance from the surface at which atmosphere does not obscure the data and obtain the data collected by the sensor(s). The processor(s) compares the data collected by the sensor(s) to data collected by one or more instruments on the satellite related to the defined geographic area to determine is the instrument(s) of the satellite are calibrated.