A method for object tracking with an image-stabilizing function is adapted for making an image capturing direction of a tracking dock approach an optical signal source. The optical signal source is configured to emit an optical positioning signal. The method includes: receiving the optical positioning signal by using an optical-signal receiving array, and generating receiving strengths separately by using a plurality of optical-signal receiving units in the optical-signal receiving array; comparing the receiving strengths, and analyzing a position of the optical signal source of the optical positioning signal relative to the optical-signal receiving array according to the receiving strengths, to generate a first turning signal; and sending the first turning signal to control the tracking dock, to enable the image capturing direction to approach the position of the optical signal source.

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.

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.

A star tracker includes a lens slice, a pixelated image sensor, an ephemeral database and a processor configured to estimate attitude, orientation and/or location of the star tracker based on an image of one or more celestial objects projected by the lens slice onto the pixelated image sensor. The lens slice is smaller and lighter than an optically comparable conventional lens, thereby making the star tracker less voluminous and less massive than conventional star trackers. A lens slice is elongated along one axis. Optical performance along the elongation axis is comparable to that of a conventional circular lens of equal diameter. Although optical performance along a width axis, perpendicular to the elongation axis, of a lens slice can be significantly worse than that of a conventional lens, use of two orthogonal lens slices provides adequate optical performance in both axes, and still saves volume and mass over a conventional lens.

A star tracker includes a lens slice, a pixelated image sensor, an ephemeral database and a processor configured to estimate attitude, orientation and/or location of the star tracker based on an image of one or more celestial objects projected by the lens slice onto the pixelated image sensor. The lens slice is smaller and lighter than an optically comparable conventional lens, thereby making the star tracker less voluminous and less massive than conventional star trackers. A lens slice is elongated along one axis. Optical performance along the elongation axis is comparable to that of a conventional circular lens of equal diameter. Although optical performance along a width axis, perpendicular to the elongation axis, of a lens slice can be significantly worse than that of a conventional lens, use of two orthogonal lens slices provides adequate optical performance in both axes, and still saves volume and mass over a conventional lens.

A quantum dot (QD) lightning detection and warning (LDW) system and method. This LDW system and method find broader applicability to spark and other transient optical event detection as well. The QDs are operable for receiving ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), visible, x-ray, and/or gamma ray radiation emanating from lightning or the like and generating visible radiation that may be detected and utilized to generate topological event information, such that property, human life, and the like may be safeguarded.

A quantum dot (QD) lightning detection and warning (LDW) system and method. This LDW system and method find broader applicability to spark and other transient optical event detection as well. The QDs are operable for receiving ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), visible, x-ray, and/or gamma ray radiation emanating from lightning or the like and generating visible radiation that may be detected and utilized to generate topological event information, such that property, human life, and the like may be safeguarded.

An apparatus includes a substrate, a first patterned layer, and a second patterned layer. The first patterned layer may be coupled to the substrate and may have a first metasurface pattern. The second patterned layer disposed separately from the substrate and the first patterned layer, and may have a second metasurface pattern. Movement of the first patterned layer relative to the second patterned layer may be controllable via control circuitry such that a gap distance of a gap between the first patterned layer and the second patterned layer is changed to cause a transmittance for radiant energy of a selected wavelength passing through the apparatus to change from a first transmittance value to a second transmittance value.

An apparatus includes a substrate, a first patterned layer, and a second patterned layer. The first patterned layer may be coupled to the substrate and may have a first metasurface pattern. The second patterned layer disposed separately from the substrate and the first patterned layer, and may have a second metasurface pattern. Movement of the first patterned layer relative to the second patterned layer may be controllable via control circuitry such that a gap distance of a gap between the first patterned layer and the second patterned layer is changed to cause a transmittance for radiant energy of a selected wavelength passing through the apparatus to change from a first transmittance value to a second transmittance value.

Aspects of the subject disclosure include a pressure-sensing device consisting of a housing including a membrane and one or more piezoresistive elements disposed on the membrane to sense a displacement due to a deflection of the membrane. A first set of electrodes is disposed over the membrane, and a second set of electrodes is disposed on a permeable port of the device at a distance from the membrane. The first and second sets of electrodes form an electrostatic actuator to exert a repulsive force onto the membrane to reduce the deflection of the membrane.