INTER-SATELLITE LINK ACQUISITION SUPPORTED BY MACHINE VISION

摘要

The present invention provides a method and apparatus used to reduce the estimated field of uncertainty of satellite positions in space. This reduced field of uncertainty estimate reduces link acquisition time of satellites as they establish inter-satellite optical links between each other. The method and apparatus reduces the estimated field of uncertainty by combining estimated field of uncertainty generated by multiple independent sources. The method further includes combining estimated field of uncertainty generated using existing field of uncertainty techniques with estimated filed of uncertainty created by a machine vision detection and location module. This machine vision detection and location module generates an estimated field of uncertainty that is a result of executing of one or more algorithms to process digital imagery data provided by a passive digital camera.