A local-sky star recognition algorithm based on rapid triangle pattern index for ICCD images

Local-sky star recognition algorithm is a process of recognizing the extracted stars in image by making use of the prior rough attitude of star sensor in celestial sphere. In order to improve the detection and response performance of star sensor working in dynamic condition, ICCD is applied to imaging stars. However, image taken by ICCD has more non-Gaussian noise and the energy of imaging star is unstable. So a local-sky star recognition algorithm using spatial triangular relationship as matching features is supposed to deal with the difficulties. In the first place, an index array is designed according to Guide Triangles, which is applied to construct Guide Triangle Index List. In the second place, a general directing range of star sensor boresight is calculated according to FOV of star sensor and the output of inertial guidance system, and then, the candidate Guide Triangles set in above region is obtained rapidly. In the third place, construct image triangle patterns by applying position and energy of the extracted stars in the image, and then match the image triangle patterns with the above candidate Guide Triangles set for two stages, until N(N≥2) groups of successfully matched triangles pairs with smallest matching deviations sum are obtained. At the last, the recognized Guide Stars have to be matched posterior referring to the principle of simulated sky image, and the recognition results of image stars are all obtained. The proposed algorithm has compact Guide Database structure, rapid local-sky guide triangles obtaining, and good recognition correction percentage, even it has worse star location precision and more false stars. The simulation tests are performed to validate the relative efficiency and adaptation of the algorithm.