Device for passive sun position measurement

Abstract

Device for passive sun position measurement, characterized by that it comprises at least two partially transparent optical elements (2), which are staggered one behind the other in the optical axis direction and arranged at fixed angles to each other, wherein the partially transparent optical elements (2) in the final state either touch each other directly or are connected to each other functionally, structurally or functionally and structurally via at least one further body, so that they form a functional unit.

Description

The known measuring devices include, for example, classic sextants and the so-called Bris sextant. They are used in particular for navigation at sea and on land by measuring the elevation angle of the sun and determining the geographical location from this.Classic sextants use movable mirrors, adjustable measuring arms or digital evaluation systems for angle determination. These are technically precise, but mechanically complicated, subject to calibration and require both training and maintenance. Variants such as the Bris sextant work with fixed glass plates, but are demanding in use because the interpretation of the sun images requires experience and accuracy. In addition, in the case of the Bris sextant, the solar reflections must be observed with one eye, while the other eye is directed simultaneously onto the horizon, since an opaque sweat protection glass is located at the end of the device, which completely prevents see-through.This requires a certain degree of slate or coordinated double vision, which is difficult, in particular for inexperienced users, and can have a negative influence on the measurement accuracy. Moreover, the glass plates in the bris sextant are usually glued together and mounted unprotected, making them susceptible to soiling, damage or unintentional adjustment. The present invention is based on the problem of providing a compact sun position measuring device which manages without moving or electronic components but nevertheless permits repeatable and user-friendly measurement of the sun position. In particular, the observation situation should be designed such that intuitive and accurate use is possible with only one eye-in analogy to the handling of classic full-view extremes in which the sun image and horizon appear in the same field of view.To solve this problem, a solar position measuring device is provided with the features specified in claim 1, in particular with partially transparent optical elements and passive reflected solar image generation resulting therefrom. The invention achieves that the user can visually determine the point of contact with the horizon on the basis of multiple, defined sun images which are generated by optical elements. These are partially transparent optical elements, by means of which the user can simultaneously recognize both the reflected sun images and the horizon in the background through the viewing opening with only one eye. The elements fixedly arranged in a modular rail holder are replaceable by a plug-in mechanism, but are rigidly fixed in operation. The observation is thereby carried out in complete see-through-similar to a classic full-view pedestrian-without shingles or separate view guidance. The user waits until one of the generated sun images touches the horizon with its upper or lower edge. As soon as this moment is visually recognized, the associated sun angle can be taken from a prepared table.An important advantage compared to known devices such as the Bris sextant lies in the completely enclosing, compact housing which not only fixes the optical elements exactly at predefined angles but also mechanically protects them. This prevents unintentional displacement or tilting of the elements, protects them from external influences such as dirt, impacts or scratches and thereby increases the long-term stability and reliability of the measurement results. Without such a fixing device, the angles could not be maintained permanently and in a positionally secure manner, which would impair the function of the solar position measurement. No calibration, adjustment or scale reading is required.It can be used several times daily for position determination and is particularly robust, maintenance-free and easy to operate. The device may additionally be equipped with a cord hole feedthrough which enables the attachment of a carrying loop or fastening cord. This component serves for handling and simplification of the transport, but is not necessary for the function of the measuring principle. The side surfaces of the housing can be provided with structured knobs or elevations, which make possible reliable handling even under adverse conditions such as moisture, cold or wave formation. These grip surfaces increase the anti-slip property and facilitate the precise alignment during observation.The structure of the measuring device according to the invention is explained with reference to the following figures: FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional representation of the device with inserted partially transparent optical elements. FIG. 2 : shows the device with removed partially transparent optical elements to show the plug-in mechanism. FIG. 3 shows the partially transparent optical elements in optical staggered arrangement.The figures show a compact position measuring device. The housing body ( 1) is designed to be completely closed (FIG. 1 ) and has at least one viewing opening ( 3) through which the user can observe both the horizon and the generated solar reflections (FIG. 3 ). The partially transparent optical elements (2) used are arranged in several planes one above the other and staggered in the optical axis direction in plug-in rails (4), as shown in FIG. 2. This staggering enables the generation of several mutually distinguishable solar reflections which appear in the field of view together with the horizon. The optical elements (2) are held in an exactly defined position by a plug mechanism. To improve handling, the device is provided on the side surfaces with a structured knob structure ( 6) (FIG. 1 ), which ensures a secure grip even in the case of moisture or cold. On the bottom side there is a cord hole feedthrough ( 5) via which the device can be secured or fastened, for example, with a retaining loop (FIG. 1 ).In a partially opened representation (cf. FIG. 2 ), the optical elements ( 2) are shown removed in order to make the plug-in rails ( 4) lying underneath visible. These are let into the housing at defined angles and ensure the precise and repeatable insertion of the partially transparent optical elements along the optical axis. The staggering of the optical elements provides a unique geometric order to produce reflections which are clearly distinguishable from one another. A cross-section of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 3. Here, the viewing opening ( 3) can be clearly seen, through which the user can simultaneously view the horizon and the solar reflections with only one eye. The plug-in rails ( 4) are also visible in this view and illustrate the exactly designed guides for the positionally accurate reception of the optical elements.List of reference characters1 Housing body 2 partially transparent optical elements 3 Viewing opening for the user 4 Plug-in rails for receiving the optical elements 5 Cord hole feedthrough 6 Knob structure on the side surfaces

Claims

Device for passive solar position measurement, characterized in that it comprises at least two partially transparent optical elements (2) which are staggered one behind the other in the optical axial direction and are arranged at fixed angles to one another, wherein the partially transparent optical elements (2) in the final state either touch one another directly or are functionally, structurally or functionally and structurally connected to one another via at least one further body, such that they form a functional unit.Measuring device according to claim 1, characterised in that the viewing opening (3) is arranged and dimensioned in such a way that it enables both the solar reflections generated by the partially transparent optical elements (2) and a free view of the horizon in the optical axis direction.Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light transmission of one or more partially transparent optical elements (2) is below 50%.Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a compact, protective housing with at least one viewing opening (3), in the interior of which are guided rails (4) for receiving the partially transparent optical elements (2), wherein the partially transparent optical elements (2) are held in a defined position by a plug-in mechanism.A measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (1) has an outer dimension of less than 60 mm in each spatial direction.

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