Apparatus/method estimate LOS rotation, to track, approach, pursue, intercept or avoid objects. Vehicle-fixed imagers approach/recede-from objects, recording image series with background. Computations, from images exclusively, estimate rotation vs. the vehicle, applying the estimate. Preferably, recording/estimating provide proportional navigation; scan mirrors extend strapdown-sensor FOR; applying includes measuring "range rate over range", exclusively from interimage optical flow, using results to optimize proportional-navigation loop gain; estimating includes evaluating interframe optical flow, preregistering roughly as first approximation, selecting sequence anchor points, and applying a second, finer technique developing output registration that's a coordinate translation, aligning inertial surroundings. The approximation operates optical flow with efficient embedded registration/mapping, applying a homography matrix to nearby imagery. Alternatively, inexpensive low-quality inertial sensors establish preregistration, deriving a homography matrix. When contrast in the object direction is inadequate, dual sensors yield accurate virtual imaging with an object centroid superposed into background.
This information is part of a study by Oasis Global, Inc. of all space inventions filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any particular assignee, inventor or invention. Although Peter A. Koziol represents inventors and assignees of space inventions he does not represent all of the inventors and assignees listed. The prosecuting attorney agent or firm for each patent is identified by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the patent specfication, which can be viewed by clicking on the patent image or downloading the patent document. For more information regarding Mr. Koziol's background and experience, or to learn more about space inventions, please contact Mr. Koziol.
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