Star tracker for multiple-mode detection and tracking of dim targets
US10761182B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2019 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/20221
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Multiple mode star tracker methods and systems in which attitude information and image information is generated are provided. The multiple mode star tracker includes a detector having a plurality of pixels arranged in a focal plane array. The detector is operated to obtain multiple image frames from within a field of view containing a plurality of stars. For each of the image frames, the attitude of the detector and in turn the attitude of each pixel is determined. Based on the attitude quaternion of the individual pixels within a plurality of frames, image data from the plurality of frames is co-added or stacked to form a composite image. The co-addition of multiple frames of image data enables or facilitates the detection of dim objects by the multiple mode star tracker. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure enable the attitude quaternion for individual pixels within individual frames to be determined using the multiple mode star tracker function of the instrument, and without requiring attitude information provided by a separate device, such as a gyroscope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.