Control method for video guidance sensor system

US6888476B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Richard T. Howard · Huntsville, US
• Michael L. Book · Huntsville, US
• Thomas Clark Bryan · Carlsbad, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 3, 2003
• Grant date: May 3, 2005
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01S17/933
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method is provided for controlling operations in a video guidance sensor system wherein images of laser output signals transmitted by the system and returned from a target are captured and processed by the system to produce data used in tracking of the target. Six modes of operation are provided as follows: (i) a reset mode; (ii) a diagnostic mode; (iii) a standby mode; (iv) an acquisition mode; (v) a tracking mode; and (vi) a spot mode wherein captured images of returned laser signals are processed to produce data for all spots found in the image. The method provides for automatic transition to the standby mode from the reset mode after integrity checks are performed and from the diagnostic mode to the reset mode after diagnostic operations are carried out. Further, acceptance of reset and diagnostic commands is permitted only when the system is in the standby mode. The method also provides for automatic transition from the acquisition mode to the tracking mode when an acceptable target is found.