Meade Instruments Corporation

John E Hoot

Kenneth W Baun

Brian G Tingey

John E Smith

Stanley H Dewan

Michael A Wachala

Brent G Duchon

Embodiments of the present disclosure include presenting data related to image information captured by a telescope on an electronic display, such as, for example, a high definition display. For example, a telescope control system may advantageously output video or other signals to one or more displays in a multi-media or image presentation. In certain preferred embodiments, such display comprises high definition displays, or the like. For example, such display may comprise entertainment, academic or other presentations.

High definition telescope

Embodiments of the present disclosure include self-aligning telescope control systems and self-alignment methods. In an embodiment, a telescope control system orients a telescope with respect to the celestial sphere by pointing the telescope in the direction of an alignment star or alignment area of the sky. The telescope control system images a field of view in the alignment area, and processes the images to determine the celestial coordinates of a center of the filed a field of view the alignment area. The telescope control system then maps the telescope's coordinate system to the celestial coordinate system. Once mapped, the telescope control system can advantageously slew the telescope to any desired celestial object in the viewable sky based on, for example, user selection, system recommendations, combinations of the same, or the like.

Self-aligning telescope

Embodiments of an automated telescope system are operable in multiple modes, including alt-az and equatorial modes. The telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system using, for example, data gained through tracking the drift of a celestial object. In various embodiments, an imager may be used to find and track celestial objects.

Systems and methods for automated telescope alignment and orientation

An apparatus, system and method are provided for composing an image at a selectable wavelength, wavelengths or bandwidth. Light passing through an entrance slit is dispersed into a spectrum and recorded. In an embodiment, spectral images corresponding to respective portions of an object are generated. Image data corresponding to a selected wavelength, wavelengths or bandwidth is extracted from the spectral images and compiled into an image of the object. In an embodiment, user optics are provided which allow a user to align the object with the entrance slit or to focus the light from the object onto the entrance slit.

Wavelength selectable spectroheliograph

A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

Automated telescope alignment and orientation method

An automated telescope includes an optical system and respective altitude and azimuth motor systems. Each motor system is configured to rotate the optical system about a corresponding altitude or azimuth axis. Each of the altitude and azimuth motor systems includes a motor and a microprocessor configured to control its respective motor. A third microprocessor is connected to microprocessors of both the altitude and azimuth motor systems. The third microprocessor is programmed to determine a relationship between a celestial coordinate system and an altitude-azimuth coordinate system and to generate motion control commands based at least in part on the determined relationship. Each microprocessor of the altitude and azimuth motor systems then controls its respective motor based at least in part on the motion control commands.

Automated telescope with distributed orientation and operation processing

A fully automated telescope system is operable in both alt-az and equatorial modes. In either configuration, the telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed North and then pointed towards the horizon. A command processor, under application software control, orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation is refined by automatically inputting geographical location data and a timing parameter. A simplified tracking procedure allows tracking of celestial objects after the telescope system has had its axis positions initialized to a horizontal and a vertical index. Object tracking is subsequently performed with no additional orientation procedure required.

Fully automated telescope system with distributed intelligence

A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to be celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.

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San Clemente, CA, United States of America

John E Hoot