Integrated astronomical camera
By employing a dual-CMOS design and confocal adjustment, the problem of insufficient guiding light in astronomical cameras has been solved, achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio guiding effect and stable astrophotography performance. In particular, it significantly improves the success rate and accuracy of guiding under narrowband filter conditions.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-27
AI Technical Summary
The guiding CMOS of existing astronomical cameras receives insufficient light, resulting in an inadequate signal-to-noise ratio. This leads to poor guiding performance, especially when using narrowband filters, and sometimes even an inability to identify a sufficient number of stars.
It adopts a dual CMOS design. The first imaging CMOS performs imaging behind the filter disk, and the second imaging CMOS receives light from the unfiltered filter disk through a reflector to perform star guiding imaging. The confocal focus is adjusted by a focusing mechanism, and both are integrated in the same housing.
It improves the guiding light throughput and signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring reliable identification of stellar targets even under narrowband filters, enhancing guiding accuracy and system stability, simplifying the operation process, and increasing the compactness and portability of the equipment.
Smart Images
Figure CN224054345U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to the field of astronomical telescopes, in particular to an integrated astronomical camera. BACKGROUND
[0002] With the development of astronomical photography technology, the threshold of astronomical photography is getting lower and lower, and more and more astronomical enthusiasts begin to use astronomical cameras for astronomical photography. However, the camera used for astronomical photography is relatively complex at present, especially for the black and white astronomical camera which is popular among astronomical enthusiasts, and the filter wheel needs to be switched. Therefore, the astronomical camera integrated with the filter wheel is very popular. At the same time, for astronomical photography, it is necessary to guide the star to realize automatic tracking of the target celestial body. There are two common methods for guiding the star, one is to use a star guide mirror, and the other is to use an off-axis star guider. At present, these methods are separate components from the camera, which need to be combined by the user.
[0003] Although there are cameras with built-in star guiding function, the star guiding CMOS sensor of such cameras is beside the imaging CMOS in spatial position. For the camera with a filter wheel, the light received by the CMOS has passed through the filter provided by the filter wheel. Since narrow-band filters are often used in astronomical photography, such filters will only allow a very narrow range of light to pass through, and will reflect most of the energy. Therefore, the light obtained by the star guiding CMOS is very small. Since the star guiding CMOS needs to take pictures at a relatively fast frame rate, for example, at a frequency of 2 frames per second to 1 frame per second, the exposure time is short, and the light obtained is very small. The signal-to-noise ratio of the star guiding is not enough, which makes the star guiding effect poor, and even in the field of view of the star guiding camera, there is no enough amount of stars to be recognized. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL
[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides an integrated astronomical camera.
[0005] The integrated astronomical camera provided by the present application adopts the following technical scheme:
[0006] An integrated astronomical camera, comprising a first imaging CMOS, a second imaging CMOS, a filter disc and a mirror, the first imaging CMOS is arranged behind the filter disc and receives light of the filter disc for imaging, the second imaging CMOS and the mirror are arranged in front of the filter disc, and the second imaging CMOS receives light not passing through the filter disc through the mirror for star guiding imaging.
[0007] By adopting the technical scheme, the first imaging CMOS receives light passing through the filter disc to perform imaging, supports selective application of multiple filters (including narrow-band filters), effectively improves imaging quality, and enhances observation effect under weak light source conditions. The second imaging CMOS receives light not passing through the filter disc through the mirror to perform star guiding imaging, avoids light loss caused by the filter, significantly improves star guiding light flux, and further improves signal-to-noise ratio and success rate of star guiding, so that the star target can be reliably identified even in the case of using a narrow-band filter. High integration of main imaging and star guiding functions is realized.
[0008] Preferably, a focusing mechanism is further included, which is arranged below the second imaging CMOS, and drives the second imaging CMOS to move in parallel along the optical axis direction through a driving member, adjusts the focal length of the second imaging CMOS, and makes it confocal with the first imaging CMOS.
[0009] By adopting the technical scheme, the second imaging CMOS is adjusted to move in parallel along the optical axis direction through the focusing mechanism to adjust the focal length of the second imaging CMOS, so that the first imaging CMOS and the second imaging CMOS are confocal, thereby obtaining a clear star point image in the star guiding process, improving star guiding accuracy, solving the problem of insufficient light received by the star guiding CMOS caused by the filter wheel, and effectively improving signal-to-noise ratio and reliability of the star guiding system, especially in the case of using a narrow-band filter. At the same time, the confocal state ensures that the star guiding function is more stable, reduces errors caused by focusing deviation, and further optimizes automatic tracking performance in the astronomical photography process.
[0010] Preferably, the driving member includes a precision linear slide rail, and guides movement of the second imaging CMOS through the slide rail to ensure accurate positioning of the second imaging CMOS in the optical axis direction. By adopting the technical scheme, movement of the second imaging CMOS is guided by the precision linear slide rail to ensure accurate positioning of the second imaging CMOS in the optical axis direction, thereby effectively improving confocal accuracy between the second imaging CMOS and the first imaging CMOS. This design significantly improves reliability of the star guiding function, and can maintain high stable performance even in a complex astronomical observation environment. In the technical means introduced in the current claim, mechanical stability in the confocal adjustment process is further enhanced, imaging misalignment caused by position deviation is avoided, and finally higher quality astronomical photography and accurate star guiding effect are realized.
[0011] Preferably, the mirror is a plane mirror.
[0012] By adopting the above technical scheme, the application of the plane mirror can effectively change the direction of the light path, so that the second imaging CMOS receives light that has not been filtered by the filter disc, thereby avoiding the problem of star guide light loss caused by narrow-band filters. The light utilization rate during star guiding is improved, the brightness and signal-to-noise ratio of the star guide image are enhanced, and even in a weak light source environment, the star can be accurately identified, thereby improving the star guiding accuracy and stability.
[0013] Preferably, the mirror is a right-angle total reflection prism.
[0014] By adopting the above technical scheme, the right-angle total reflection prism can effectively avoid the light scattering problem that may be caused by the traditional plane mirror, and improve the light reflection efficiency and stability. Compared with other types of reflecting elements, the right-angle total reflection prism has higher reflectivity and more accurate angle control ability, ensuring that the light path entering the second imaging CMOS is stable and reliable, thereby improving the quality and accuracy of star imaging. At the same time, this design helps to reduce the error accumulation of the optical system, further optimizing the performance of the entire astronomical camera.
[0015] Preferably, the filter disc is provided with multiple optical filters of different types.
[0016] By adopting the above technical scheme, the filter disc is provided with multiple optical filters of different types, which can meet various observation needs. Users can flexibly select appropriate filter types according to different celestial targets and observation conditions, such as narrow-band filters that can effectively improve the imaging quality and observation effect under weak light source conditions, and other types of filters that are suitable for more extensive scenarios, thereby improving the adaptability and functionality of the device.
[0017] Preferably, the multiple optical filters include at least one narrow-band filter, which is used to selectively allow light within a specific wavelength range to pass through, thereby improving the imaging quality and enhancing the observation effect under weak light source conditions.
[0018] By adopting the above technical scheme, the selective light transmission characteristics of the narrow-band filter can effectively filter out unnecessary stray light, allowing only light within a specific wavelength range to pass through, thereby reducing background noise and improving signal-to-noise ratio. In astronomical photography, especially when targeting distant celestial bodies or other weak light source targets, this narrow-band filtering capability helps to enhance the detail performance of the target object, allowing observers to more clearly capture information about the target celestial body. In addition, the application of narrow-band filters can also optimize observation performance in special environments, such as urban light pollution areas, further expanding the applicable scenarios of the integrated astronomical camera. The imaging quality and observation effect are significantly improved under weak light source conditions.
[0019] Preferably, the first imaging CMOS and the second imaging CMOS are both installed in the same housing.
[0020] By adopting the technical scheme, the first imaging CMOS and the second imaging CMOS are integrated in the same shell, which not only reduces the number of external devices, improves the compactness and portability of the system, but also enhances the overall stability of the camera, avoiding the misalignment of optical elements caused by the separation of the shell. At the same time, the integrated design is convenient for user operation and maintenance, reduces the assembly difficulty, and further improves the user experience.
[0021] Preferably, a processor is further included, which is arranged inside the shell and electrically connected with the first imaging CMOS and the second imaging CMOS, and is used to collect and process the respective image data streams in real time and generate corresponding imaging results or star guiding instructions.
[0022] By adopting the technical scheme, the data streams of the first imaging CMOS and the second imaging CMOS are collected and processed in real time by the processor, which improves the response speed and efficiency of the system. Through the analysis of the image data stream, the processor can generate accurate imaging results or star guiding instructions, enhancing the overall performance of the device. In the narrow-band filter application scenario, even if the first imaging CMOS is limited by the filter, the second imaging CMOS can still complete the high-quality star guiding task through the unfiltered light, significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio and success rate of star guiding.
[0023] In summary, the present application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:
[0024] 1. By placing the second imaging CMOS outside the filter disc light path and receiving unfiltered light through the mirror for star guiding imaging, the influence of the narrow-band filter on the star guiding light flux is effectively avoided, the signal-to-noise ratio during star guiding is improved, and stable star guiding function is ensured even in the case of using a narrow-band filter;
[0025] 2. The position of the second imaging CMOS is adjusted by the focusing mechanism to be in focus with the first imaging CMOS, ensuring accurate optical matching between the main camera and the star guiding camera, simplifying the user's operation process and improving the reliability of the system;
[0026] 3. The first imaging CMOS, the second imaging CMOS and the filter disc and other functional components are integrated in the same shell, forming a highly compact integrated design, reducing the number of external accessories, facilitating carrying and installation, and at the same time enhancing the overall stability and portability of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an integrated astronomical camera structure according to the present application.
[0028] Figure 2 is a sectional view of an integrated astronomical camera according to the present application.
[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an integrated astronomical camera according to this application.
[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Housing; 11. Light inlet; 12. Heat sink; 2. First imaging CMOS; 3. Second imaging CMOS; 4. Filter disk; 41. Rotating bracket; 411. Mounting hole; 412. Optical filter; 42. Mounting base; 5. Reflector; 6. Focusing mechanism; 61. Drive component; 7. Processor. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-3 This application will be described in further detail.
[0032] This application discloses an integrated astronomical camera. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2 The integrated astronomical camera includes a housing 1, a first imaging CMOS 2, a second imaging CMOS 3, a filter disk 4, and a reflector 5. A light inlet 11 is opened on one side of the housing to allow light to enter. The light inlet 11 is square and light enters the filter disk 4 through the light inlet 11. A heat sink 12 is installed on the other side of the housing 11.
[0033] Reference Figure 2 The first imaging CMOS 2, the second imaging CMOS 3, the filter disk 4, and the reflector 5 are all housed inside the housing 1. The first imaging CMOS 2 is positioned behind the filter disk 4 and receives light from the filter disk 4 for imaging. The second imaging CMOS 3 and the reflector 5 are positioned in front of the filter disk 4 and receive light from the unfiltered area through the reflector 5 for guiding imaging. This design separates the main imaging system from the guiding system, ensuring that the guiding function is not interfered with by the filter, while also improving the compactness and ease of use of the equipment.
[0034] Specifically, the first imaging CMOS 2 mainly includes a photosensitive element and supporting circuitry. The photosensitive element is used to capture light and convert it into electrical signals, while the supporting circuitry contains functional modules such as power management and data transmission. For example, the photosensitive element can be a high-sensitivity CMOS chip or a CCD chip; the supporting circuitry is fixed to the substrate using a soldering process to ensure stable and reliable electrical connections.
[0035] Reference Figure 3, the filter disc 4 is composed of a rotating support 41 and a mounting seat 42, used to accommodate multiple optical filters 412 of different types. The rotating support 41 is arranged in a circular shape and a plurality of mounting holes 411 are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction. The mounting holes 411 are square and used to mount optical filters 412 of different types. The optical filters 412 include at least one narrow-band filter, which can selectively allow light within a specific wavelength range to pass through, effectively filtering out other wavelengths of interfering light. This not only improves the imaging quality, but also significantly enhances the observation effect under weak light source conditions, enabling astronomical photography to capture clearer and more detailed images in low light environments.
[0036] The rotating support 41 can be precisely switched by gear rack drive or direct drive by a stepping motor, and the mounting seat 42 is usually made of lightweight metal material, and the surface is treated to enhance durability.
[0037] The mirror 5 can be a plane mirror or a right-angle total reflection prism. Both of these two ways can effectively guide the light to the path where the second imaging CMOS 3 is located. Regardless of which form, it is necessary to ensure its stability in working state by appropriate fixing method.
[0038] The focusing mechanism 6 is also included, which is used to dynamically adjust the position of the second imaging CMOS 3. The focusing mechanism 6 includes a driving member 61, which is composed of a precision linear slide rail and a micro DC motor, and can accurately move the second imaging CMOS 3 along the optical axis direction, so as to realize the confocal with the first imaging CMOS 2.
[0039] The processor 7 is also included, which is arranged inside the housing 1 and electrically connected with the first imaging CMOS 2 and the second imaging CMOS 3, responsible for the collection and processing of image data stream. Through a preset algorithm, high-quality imaging results and reliable star guide instructions are generated from the data received from the first imaging CMOS 2 and the second imaging CMOS 3 respectively. The processor 7 itself integrates high-speed computing capability, and establishes a communication link with each component through a special interface, ensuring the smoothness of the overall work.
[0040] The implementation principle of the integrated astronomical camera according to an embodiment of the present application is as follows: the integrated astronomical camera adopts a unique double-CMOS layout strategy, places the main imaging system at the end of the conventional light path to receive the clear image after the filter, and uses the mirror 5 to introduce the original unmodified data stream for auxiliary navigation on the other side. Such arrangement not only avoids many contradictions and conflicts existing in the traditional single-sensor mode, but also takes into account the extreme resolution performance required for scientific exploration and the need to reduce external factor interference in daily application.
[0041] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the protection scope of the present application, so that: all equivalent changes made according to the structure, shape, principle of the present application should be covered in the protection scope of the present application.
Claims
1. An integrated astronomical camera, characterized by: The device comprises a first imaging CMOS (2), a second imaging CMOS (3), a filter disc (4) and a mirror (5). The first imaging CMOS (2) is arranged behind the filter disc (4) and receives light from the filter disc (4) for imaging. The second imaging CMOS (3) and the mirror (5) are arranged in front of the filter disc (4). The second imaging CMOS (3) receives light that has not passed through the filter disc (4) for guiding star imaging through the mirror (5).
2. The integrated astronomical camera of claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises a focusing mechanism (6) arranged below the second imaging CMOS (3). The focusing mechanism (6) drives the second imaging CMOS (3) to move in parallel along the optical axis direction through a driving member (61) to adjust the focal length of the second imaging CMOS (3) to be confocal with the first imaging CMOS (2).
3. The integrated astronomical camera of claim 2, wherein: The driving member (61) comprises a precision linear slide rail, and the movement of the second imaging CMOS (3) is guided by the slide rail to ensure accurate positioning in the optical axis direction.
4. The integrated astronomical camera of claim 1, wherein: The mirror (5) is a plane mirror.
5. The integrated astronomical camera of claim 1, wherein: The mirror (5) is a right-angle total reflection prism.
6. The integrated astronomical camera of claim 1, wherein: The filter disc (4) is provided with multiple optical filters (412) of different types.
7. The integrated astronomical camera of claim 6, wherein: The multiple optical filters (412) comprise at least one narrowband filter for selectively allowing light within a specific wavelength range to pass through, thereby improving imaging quality and enhancing observation effect under weak light source conditions.
8. The integrated astronomical camera of claim 1, wherein: The first imaging CMOS (2) and the second imaging CMOS (3) are both mounted in the same housing (1).
9. The integrated astronomical camera of claim 8, wherein: The device further comprises a processor (7) arranged inside the housing (1) and electrically connected with the first imaging CMOS (2) and the second imaging CMOS (3) to collect and process real-time image data streams and generate corresponding imaging results or guiding star instructions.