Autonomous direction identifiable SQM platform

Abstract

The invention relates to a software-assisted SQM control platform that uses an SQM (Sky Quality Meter) device to autonomously measure the sky's light pollution level in different directions and to autonomously position the device at various angles for each direction. The SQM control platform of the invention comprises a platform foot (5), a horizontal axis component (3), a vertical axis component (4), servo motors (1) located in both the horizontal axis component (3) and the vertical axis component (4), an Arduino microcontroller (6) on which the software is executed to control the servo motors (1), and a circuit board (7) that provides the electronic connection.

Description

[0001] AUTONOMOUS DIRECTION IDENTIFIABLE SQM PLATFORM

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a software-assisted SQM control platform that uses an SQM ( Sky Quality Meter ) device to autonomously measure the sky' s light pollution level in different directions and to autonomously position the device at various angles for each direction .

[0004] Background

[0005] Light pollution is a condition caused by incorrect positioning and excessive use of light sources . This situation causes energy waste , disrupts the biological balance of living things , and makes it difficult to observe the sky . In order to prevent this situation, the measurement of the amount of light in the environment and in the s ky is one of the most critical issues . Many different methods and devices are used for measurements . One of the devices used for measurement is the SQM ( Sky Quality Meter ) device . SQM ( Sky quality meter ) is a device used to take field measurements carried out in the process of determining light pollution on a local scale .

[0006] The use of the SQM device in studies to rate the sky quality in terms of light pollution is generally carried out by measuring in the direction of the peak ( zenith) at a 90-degree angle from a coordinate . When such a measurement is made , the light pollution effect at different angles between the zenith and the horizon line cannot be determined . Although there is no measurement standard for obtaining data at different angles , the desired angle is determined using an angle meter, and the device is manually aligned to this angle for measurement . With this method, obtaining data at appropriate angles is entirely dependent on the user ' s manual skill and attentiveness , which leads to variations in measurements taken by different individuals and results in inconsistencies in the data . In the process of determining the directions correctly, it is necessary to use a compass for each direction horizontally and an angle gauge for each angle measurement vertically . Since the measurements are made manually, there are differences in the data that different users will obtain at the same angles with the same device . This is because the determination of directions and angles during the measurement process is performed manually by the user . After each measurement , the use of the compass provides a limited accuracy during the next measurement orientation of the SQM device . It is not possible to take standard measurements in all directions and at all angles , causing loss of time and performance .

[0007] There are documents in the art that disclose developments concerning systems enabling the measurement of light pollution from various angles .

[0008] Patent document No . CN112577596A may be given as an example of the prior art . The present invention relates to the light pollution detector device , in particular the device in which the light receiving detector can rotate at different angles by being guided by the servo motor . The light-receiving detector is mounted onto the hollow stationary mirror . The servo motor is connected to the light-receiving detector and enables the detector to rotate on the hollow stationary mirror . This rotational movement allows the detector to orientate in different directions and thus detect light pollution levels in a given area from a wide angle . The lightreceiving detector may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise under the drive of the servo motor to continuously scan for ambient light pollution in the area . The operation of the light pollution detector is controlled by a single-chip microcomputer .

[0009] Another example of the prior art is the useful model document No . CN217006089U . The present invention relates to a device for monitoring and managing light pollution . This device consists of various components such as a base , a device housing, and a monitoring device (monitor ) . There is a circular notch on the upper surface of the device housing and a round groove outside this notch . Two sliding blocks are located in this groove and their upper surfaces are fixed to a rotary table . There is a fixed motor inside the device and this motor moves the rotary table and allows the monitor to rotate in the horizontal plane . The monitor can rotate in two directions and thus light pollution can be monitored at a wider range in each direction .

[0010] Another example of the current state of the art is the useful model document No . CN209589249U . The present invention relates to a device designed to detect light pollution from various angles . This device is used to effectively measure light intensity, especially in areas where light pollution is intense . The device can measure light intensity at different heights and angles , allowing real-time monitoring of light pollution . The device described in the document generally comprises a base , a controller, a display, a telescopic support bar, a hemispherical support , a slider, a servo motor, a light intensity detector , a sensor , a cylinder, a sliding rail , and an angle sensor . The rotary mechanism consists of an angle sensor and hemispherical support . The servo motor is controlled by a controller and the servo motor drives the slider so that the light intensity detector moves over the outer surface of the hemisphere support . The SQM device is not used in the inventions described in the aforementioned documents . Since SQM is an easily portable and low-cost device , there has been a need to develop alternative systems or platforms that enable autonomous positioning of the SQM device in different directions and at different angles for each direction .

[0011] An autonomous directional identifiable SQM control platform has been developed using the SQM device , enabling autonomous positioning of the device in different directions and at different angles for each direction .

[0012] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0013] The invention relates to a software-assisted SQM control platform that uses an SQM ( Sky Quality Meter ) device to autonomously measure the sky' s light pollution level in different directions and to autonomously position the device at various angles for each direction .

[0014] The primary obj ective of the invention is to ensure that all measurements obtained by the SQM device at specified coordinates , in four main directions (North, South, East , West ) and at four different angles ( 20 ° , 40 ° , 60 ° , 90 ° ) , conform to scientific standards .

[0015] A further obj ect of the invention is the autonomous measurement of the light pollution level using the SQM device without relying on manual dexterity .

[0016] Another obj ect of the invention is to realize the platform that allows the SQM device to be autonomously positioned at different angles for different directions and each direction . Another obj ective of the invention is to minimize errors by linking the device to a software algorithm. The invention relates to a control platform comprising an SQM device (8) for autonomously measuring the darkness level of the sky,

[0017] - horizontal axis component (3) with mounting holes (2) for fixing the motor (1) on the base center and side surfaces,

[0018] - vertical axis component (4) with mounting holes (2) for the motor (1) on the side surfaces,

[0019] - at least two motors (1) positioned by means of a lever in the mounting holes (2) of the horizontal axis component (3) and the vertical axis component (4) , for the rotational movement of the horizontal axis component (3) by 360° in the horizontal axis and the vertical axis component (4) by 180° in the vertical axis,

[0020] - a platform foot (5) , on which the horizontal axis component (3) is positioned, the foot comprising a motor arm having a mounting hole (2) concentric with a mounting hole (2) located at the base of the horizontal axis component (3) , the motor arm being fixed to said mounting hole (2) ,

[0021] - at least one microcontroller that allows the device to be oriented in different directions and angles thanks to the executed software inside (6) ,

[0022] - at least one circuit board (7) for directing the signals from the microcontroller (6) to the motors (1) , wherein the motors (1) and the microcontroller (6) are electrically connected .

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the SQM device (8) is fixed at the center of the inner surface of the vertical axis component ( 4 ) .

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the microcontroller (6) is of the Arduino type.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, the motor (1) is a servo motor ( 1 ) . In an embodiment of the invention, the servo motor ( 1 ) is of type MG995 .

[0026] SQM ( Sky Quality Meter ) is a device used to take field measurements carried out in the process of determining light pollution on a local scale . The invention has been developed to ensure that all measurements obtained by the SQM device ( 8 ) at specified coordinates , in four main directions (North, South, East , West ) and at four different angles ( 20 ° , 40 ° , 60 ° , 90 ° ) , conform to scientific standards .

[0027] The invention is a software-assisted platform that enables the autonomous positioning of the SQM device ( 8 ) in different directions and at different angles for each direction .

[0028] The invention has been developed as a platform capable of evolving more efficiently and in accordance with scientific methodologies during the local determination of light pollution caused by incorrect lighting . In this context , in addition to its use especially in academic studies , it provides the opportunity to be used in determining the most efficient and healthy lighting in the lighting design proj ects of the residential areas of local governments , determining the energy losses caused by the existing lighting within the city center and provincial borders and the measures to be taken . It can also be used in astronomy-oriented observation applications and clear sky requirement research, such as site selection for observatory construction . It can also be used effectively in the creation of existing light pollution distribution maps and the identification and registration of clean s ky areas and the realization of tourism activities focused on astronomy observations .

[0029] The platform of the invention aims to minimize errors by linking the use of the device to a software algorithm . Regardless of the user s kill , in addition to the measurements taken from the coordinate at 90 degrees from the zenith, it performs computer-controlled and autonomous measurements in 4 main directions and 3 different angles for each direction. It allows changes to the software in line with different project goals, in accordance with usage practices, and has different flexibility of use.

[0030] During the use of the control platform according to the invention, the SQM device (8) is positioned in the north direction with a compass only once. Once positioning is complete, the platform of the invention performs precise horizontal and vertical positioning and measurements in 13 different directions while maintaining the standards defined for the purposes.

[0031] The invention is a software-assisted platform that enables the SQM device (8) to take measurements on the horizontal and vertical axis at the angles determined in accordance with the purpose of the study. The invention generally consists of the platform foot (5) , the horizontal axis component (3) , the vertical axis component (4) , the horizontal axis component

[0032] (3) , and the servo motors (1) in the vertical axis component

[0033] (4) , the Arduino microcontroller (6) controlling the servo motors (1) , and the circuit board (7) on which the electronic connection is provided. Arduino UNO is a board for controlling electronic circuits .

[0034] MG995 servo motor (1) is used to ensure horizontal and vertical axis mobility. The platform foot (5) is a sheet plate with dimensions of 200 mm * 200 mm * 2 mm. By determining the center point of this plate, the mounting hole (2) is opened in the size of the platform foot (5) arm and the MG995 servo motor (1) arm is fixed. MG995 is a metal geared servo motor (1) and has the ability to manage and control objects. The horizontal axis U type servo holder component is a plate bent so that its side surfaces are the same length with dimensions of 150 mm * 80 mm * 60 mm. The mounting hole (2) is opened in the size of the gear of the MG995 servo motor (1) in the base center of the horizontal axis component (3) with a size of 150 mm * 80 mm * 60 mm and 140 mm above the side surface. The hole in the center of the platform foot (5) and the mounting hole (2) at the bottom of the horizontal axis component (3) are concentric.

[0035] The two side surfaces of the vertical axis U type holder component with a size of 35 mm * 72 mm * 60 mm are at the same height and the mounting holes (2) are opened at the center points in the size of the gear of the servo motor (1) and the MG995 servo motor (1) arm is fixed on the outer surface. There are holes suitable for the servo motor (1) arm in the center of the side surfaces, and these holes correspond to the mounting holes (2) on the side surfaces of the horizontal axis component (3) .

[0036] The mounting hole (2) at the base of the horizontal axis component (3) is placed on the mounting hole (2) in the center of the platform foot (5) . The gear of the MG995 servo motor (1) is screwed through the horizontal axis component (3) to the servo motor (1) arm on the platform foot (5) . The mounting hole (2) located 140 mm above the horizontal axis component (3) and the mounting holes (2) on the side surfaces of the vertical axis component (4) are balanced through the horizontal axis component (3) and the servo motor (1) is screwed from the outside. The SQM device (8) is placed in the vertical axis component (4) and is compressed on both sides with a plastic sleeve.

[0037] The platform of the invention comprises two MG995 servo motors

[0038] (1) fixed by means of mounting holes (2) , one on the inner surface of the base of the horizontal axis component (3) and the other on the outer surface of one of the side surfaces of the vertical axis component (4) .

[0039] An Arduino UNO card connected to the computer is connected to the servo motors (1) through the circuit board (7) and provides the control of the motors (1) through the software.

[0040] Two servo motors (1) in the system provide a 2-axis movement of 180 degrees in the vertical axis connected to the vertical axis component (4) and 360 degrees in the horizontal axis connected to the horizontal cutting holder component. With this movement potential, the SQM device (8) can be directed at the desired angles. By automatically positioning the SQM device (8) at the specified angles, manual adjustment of the angles is not required, and the measurements are independent of human skill, resulting in a lower error rate.

[0041] Arduino circuit connection is shown in Figure-7. The connections are on the MB-102 circuit board (7) and there are 10 cables that provide the connections. There is a connection on the circuit board (7) from the Arduino GRD (Ground) pin. There is a connection from the Arduino 5V pin to the line on the circuit board (7) . The VCC (5V) cables of the servo motors (1) are connected to the appropriate line on the circuit board (7) , the (GRD) cables to the appropriate line on the circuit board (7) , the cable (Data Pin) of the horizontal axis motor (1) to the digital pin 5, and the cable of the vertical axis motor (1) to the digital pin 9. One end of the key is connected to the GRD pin and the other end is connected to the arduino digital pin 2. There is a 100R resistor for the key connection .

[0042] The connection between the invention and the mechanical components of the circuit design is as illustrated in Figure- 7 , and computer connections are established via two USB cables . After the circuit design of the platform of the invention is completed, it is integrated with its mechanical components , computer connections are established, and the system is brought into an operational state . The software of the invention was developed on the Microsoft Visual Studio platform . In the application window, after determining the COM connection information of the SQM Positioner and Arduino Board, SQM measurements can be taken by selecting OKU and directing the SQM positioner platform in four main directions and at different angles .

[0043] An advantage of the SQM control platform of the invention is that all measurements taken by the SQM device in four main directions (North, South, East , West ) and four different angles ( 20 ° , 40 ° , 60 ° , 90 ° ) at the specified coordinates are performed in accordance with science-based standards .

[0044] Another advantage of the inventive SQM control platform is the autonomous measurement of the light pollution level using the SQM device with a software algorithm, without relying on manual dexterity .

[0045] Another advantage of the SQM control platform of the invention is its capability to autonomously position the SQM device at various angles corresponding to different orientations .

[0046] Description of the Figures

[0047] Figure-1 : View of the direction angles for the measurement of the SQM device ( 8 )

[0048] Figure-2 : Perspective view of the platform leg ( 5 )

[0049] Figure-3 : Perspective view of the horizontal axis component ( 3 )

[0050] Figure-4 : Perspective view of the vertical axis component ( 4 )

[0051] Figure-5 : Perspective view of the SQM control platform Figure-6: Another perspective view of the SQM control platform Figure-7 : A view showing the connections of the Arduino card microcontroller (6) and the servo motors (1) on the circuit board (7)

[0052] Description of Reference Numbers in Figures

[0053] 1. Motor

[0054] 2. Mounting holes

[0055] 3. Horizontal axis component 4. Vertical axis component

[0056] 5. Platform foot

[0057] 6. Microcontroller

[0058] 7. Circuit board

[0059] 8. SQM device

Claims

CLAIMS1. A control platform comprising an SQM device (8) for autonomously measuring the darkness level of the sky, characterized in that it comprises:- horizontal axis component (3) with mounting holes (2) for fixing the motor (1) on the base center and side surfaces,- vertical axis component (4) with mounting holes (2) for the motor (1) on its side surfaces,- at least two motors (1) positioned by means of a lever in the mounting holes (2) of the horizontal axis component (3) and the vertical axis component (4) , for the rotational movement of the horizontal axis component (3) by 360° in the horizontal axis and the vertical axis component (4) by 180° in the vertical axis,- a platform foot (5) , on which the horizontal axis component (3) is positioned, having a motor arm with a mounting hole (2) concentric with a mounting hole (2) located at the base of the horizontal axis component (3) , the motor arm being fixed to said mounting hole (2) ;- at least one microcontroller (6) that allows the SQM device (8) to be oriented in different directions and angles thanks to the executed software inside,- at least one circuit board (7) providing the connection for directing the signals from the microcontroller (6) to the motors (1) , wherein the motors (1) and the microcontroller (6) are electrically connected.

2. A control platform comprising the SQM device (8) according to claim 1, wherein the vertical axis comprises an SQM device (8) fixed to the center at the inner surface of the component ( 4 ) .

3. A control platform comprising the SQM device (8) according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (6) is Arduino UNO.

4. A control platform comprising the SQM device (8) according to claim 1, wherein the motor (1) is a servo motor (1) .

5. A control platform comprising the SQM device (8) according to claim 1, wherein the servo motor (1) is MG995.

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