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Robust Targeting for the Smartphone Video Guidance SensorThe Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor (SVGS) is a miniature, self-contained autonomous rendezvous and docking sensor developed using a commercial off the shelf Android-based smartphone. It aims to provide a miniaturized solution for rendezvous and docking, enabling small satellites to conduct proximity operations and formation flying while minimizing interference with a primary payload. Previously, the sensor was limited by a slow (2 Hz) refresh rate and its use of retro-reflectors, both of which contributed to a limited operating environment. To advance the technology readiness level, a modified approach was developed, combining a multi-colored LED target with a focused target-detection algorithm. Alone, the use of an LED system was determined to be much more reliable, though slower, than the retro-reflector system. The focused target-detection system was developed in response to this problem to mitigate the speed reduction of using color. However, it also improved the reliability. In combination these two methods have been demonstrated to dramatically increase sensor speed and allow the sensor to select the target even with significant noise interfering with the sensor, providing millimeter level accuracy at a range of two meters with a 1U target.
Document ID
20170012426
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Abstract
Authors
Carter, Christopher
(Georgia Tech Savannah, GA, United States)
Date Acquired
December 19, 2017
Publication Date
October 18, 2017
Subject Category
Aircraft Communications And Navigation
Geosciences (General)
Cybernetics, Artificial Intelligence And Robotics
Report/Patent Number
M17-6161
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on Space Innovations
Location: Atlanta, GA
Country: United States
Start Date: October 18, 2017
End Date: October 19, 2017
Sponsors: Georgia Tech
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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