Device and method for assisting in the location of celestial objects

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for assisting in the localization of celestial objects, comprising: - binoculars equipped with a combination of sensors measuring horizontal coordinates of a celestial observation area, which combination includes: a magnetometer, an accelerometer and a gyroscope; - a geolocation module for determining position, date and time data of the observation; - a processing module determining equatorial celestial coordinates of the observation area using the measurements from the sensor combination and the data from the geolocation module; - an interface for selecting a celestial object from a database containing equatorial celestial coordinates of selectable celestial objects; - a comparison module calculating a difference between the coordinates determined by the processing module and the coordinates of the selected object;- a guidance module generating a guidance signal as a function of the calculated difference.

Description

Title of the invention: Device and method for assisting in the localization of celestial objects. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for assisting in the localization of celestial objects. The invention also relates to a computer program enabling the implementation of the method.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to the field of techniques for assisting in the localization of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, comets, asteroids, constellations, galaxies, satellites, etc. State of the art

[0003] To date, to observe celestial objects in the sky, more and more amateurs are using binoculars with a fixed focal length, that is to say, without zoom (unlike telescopes dedicated to astronomy). Binoculars have the advantage of being easier to transport and handle than telescopes, but locating celestial objects in the sky is nevertheless more complex, in particular due to their limited resolution, their restricted field of view, their increased sensitivity to light interference, and their lack of stability.

[0004] There is therefore a need to assist the user in locating celestial objects. Usually, the precise location of celestial objects requires the use of sophisticated observation instruments such as telescopes with electronic tracking systems, for example of the type described in patent document EP3494430A1.

[0005] However, these systems can be expensive, bulky, require a relatively large computing load and are in any case difficult to transpose into a binocular, except by making complex modifications.

[0006] US patent document 2016124210 describes an assistance device adaptable to binoculars. A mechanical support allows a smartphone to be held on the binoculars. The Skyview® computer application installed on the smartphone assists the user in locating celestial objects using measurement data from a GPS integrated into the smartphone. However, since the smartphone is relatively bulky, it is understandable that handling the binoculars equipped with the smartphone becomes awkward. Furthermore, the location of celestial objects remains, in practice, rather imprecise.

[0007] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, one objective of the invention is to provide an assistance device for The invention aims to provide a localization system specifically designed for binoculars, with improved localization accuracy compared to prior art solutions. Another objective is to offer a simple, reliable, robust, and computationally efficient localization assistance technique. Presentation of the invention

[0008] The solution proposed by the invention is a device for assisting in the localization of celestial objects, comprising: - a pair of binoculars comprising an optical system, said binoculars being equipped with at least one combination of sensors configured to measure horizontal coordinates of a celestial observation area, which combination of sensors includes: at least one magnetometer, one accelerometer and one gyroscope; - a geolocation module to determine position, date and time data of the observation; - a processing module to determine equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation area using measurements from the sensor combination and data from the geolocation module; - a database containing equatorial celestial coordinates of selectable celestial objects; - a user interface to select a celestial object from the database; - a comparison module to calculate a difference between the equatorial celestial coordinates determined by the processing module and the celestial coordinates of the selected celestial object; - a guidance module to generate a guidance signal of which at least one characteristic is a function of the difference calculated by the comparison module.

[0009] The present invention offers an easy-to-use, economical device for assisting in the location of celestial objects, with increased accuracy compared to prior art solutions, and which can be easily used with conventional binoculars by amateur observers / users who do not necessarily have in-depth knowledge of astronomy or specialized equipment.

[0010] Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below. Each of these features may be considered alone or in combination with the notable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the other features defined above do not necessarily participate. The following features may thus be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0011] According to one embodiment, the sensor combination comprises at least two magnetometers and / or the binocular is equipped with several sensor combinations.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the measurements of the sensor combination(s) used to determine the equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation area include the mean or median of the magnetometer measurements.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the processing module is configured to take the average or median of the real-time measurements from the sensor combination to determine the equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation area.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the processing module is configured to: a) receive measurements from the magnetometer; b) access a global magnetic model (MMM) representing the Earth's magnetic field; c) apply corrections to the magnetometer measurements based on information obtained from the MMM to calculate corrected measurements; d) use the corrected measurements to determine the equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation area.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the binocular includes a display means, the processing module being configured to generate and / or select information to be displayed on said display means.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the display means is installed so as to display the information in an image plane of the optical system of the binoculars.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the display means is a screen installed in the image plane so as to only partially obstruct the image of the celestial observation area observed through an eyepiece of the optical system.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the display means is a semi-reflective screen installed in the image plane so that the displayed information is superimposed on the image of the celestial observation area observed through an eyepiece of the optical system.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the display means is in the form of a screen projecting a digital image of the information towards a semi-reflective blade, which blade is arranged in the optical system so that said digital image is superimposed on the image of the celestial observation area observed through an eyepiece of said optical system.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the guidance module is configured to generate the guidance signal if the calculated difference is less than or equal to a first predetermined threshold value.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the guidance module is configured to cease generating the guidance signal when the difference calculated by the module of comparison remains less than or equal to a second predetermined threshold value for a predetermined period.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the sensors are housed in a casing designed to be mounted on the binoculars.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the geolocation module, the processing module, the comparison module and the guidance module are integrated into a smartphone or tablet.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the sensors, the geolocation module, the processing module, the comparison module and the guidance module are integrated into the binoculars.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the guidance module is configured to generate an audible signal and / or a visual signal and / or a vibratory signal, at least one characteristic of which is amplified when the difference calculated by the comparison module decreases.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for assisting in the localization of celestial objects, comprising the following steps: a) equipping binoculars comprising an optical system, with at least one combination of sensors configured to measure horizontal coordinates of a celestial observation area, which combination of sensors comprises: at least one magnetometer, one accelerometer and one gyroscope; b) determining position, date and time data of the observation; c) determining equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation area using the measurements from the combination of sensors and the data determined in step c); d) selecting a celestial object from a database containing selectable celestial objects associated with equatorial celestial coordinates; e) calculating a difference between the equatorial celestial coordinates determined in step c) and the celestial coordinates of the selected celestial object;f) generate a guidance signal of which at least one characteristic is a function of the difference calculated in step e). ;

[0027] According to one embodiment, step a) consists of equipping the binocular with several combinations of sensors and / or a combination of sensors comprising at least two magnetometers; and step c) is carried out using the mean or median of the magnetometer measurements.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: automatically selecting from the database one or more celestial objects whose equatorial celestial coordinates correspond to those determined in step c); generating and / or selecting information on said or said celestial objects selected; displaying said information on a display means.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps: c') determining geographical coordinates of a terrestrial area using the measurements of the sensor combination and the data determined in step b); d') selecting a terrestrial reference point from a database containing selectable terrestrial reference points associated with geographical coordinates; e') calculating a difference between the geographical coordinates determined in step c') and the geographical coordinates of the selected terrestrial reference point; f') generating a guidance signal of which at least one characteristic is a function of the difference calculated in step e').

[0030] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising code instructions for the execution of steps b), c), e) and f) of the aforementioned process, when said instructions are executed by a processing module. Brief description of the figures

[0031] Other advantages and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description of the embodiments that follow, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples and on which:

[0032] [Fig.1] is an overview of a device according to the invention.

[0033] [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B] illustrate user interfaces for selecting a celestial object from a database.

[0034] [Fig.3] is a diagram illustrating the interaction of different elements of a device according to the invention and showing different stages of a process according to the invention.

[0035] [Fig.4A] and [Fig.4B] schematically illustrate examples of the realization of a housing integrating a set of sensors.

[0036] [Fig.5] is a simplified diagram of an optical system of a binocular in which a display means is integrated according to an embodiment.

[0037] [Fig.6] is a simplified diagram of an optical system of a binocular in which a display means is integrated according to another embodiment. Description of the implementation methods

[0038] The invention can implement one or more computer programs executed by equipment. For clarity, for the purposes of the invention, "equipment does something" or "the computer program does something" should be understood to mean "the computer program executed by a processing module of the equipment does something".

[0039] Where appropriate, and to possibly supplement their current definition, the following clarifications are provided for certain terms used in the claims and the description:

[0040] - "Twin" can be understood in a non-limiting way as a simple twin or a pair of binoculars.

[0041] - "Optical system" can be understood as the organized and integrated set in Binoculars are optical components, such as optical lenses and prisms, designed to capture, direct, and modify light rays from an observation area in order to magnify the image perceived by the observer.

[0042] - "Computer resource" may be understood in a non-limiting way as: component, hardware, software, file, connection to a computer network, amount of RAM, hard drive space, bandwidth, processor speed, number of CPUs, etc.

[0043] - "Processing module" may be understood in a non-limiting way as: processor, microprocessors, CPU (for Central Processing Unit).

[0044] - "Computer program" can be understood as: software, application computer science, or software, whose code instructions are notably executed by a processing module.

[0045] - As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the possible use of adjectives Ordinals "first", "second", etc., to describe an object or stage simply indicate that different occurrences of similar objects or stages are being mentioned and do not imply that the objects or stages thus described must be in any given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking, or any other way.

[0046] - "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y.

[0047] - Generally speaking, it will be appreciated that on the various attached drawings, the Objects are arbitrarily drawn to facilitate their reading.

[0048] Following the example of [Fig. 1], the binoculars 1 are conventional commercial binoculars with two parallel optical tubes 10, 11, each equipped with an eyepiece and one or more optical lenses and / or prisms forming the optical system. The two tubes 10, 11 are connected by a central bridge with a focusing mechanism 12, allowing adjustment of the image sharpness. The binoculars 1 may also include means for adjusting the interpupillary distance to accommodate the morphology of each user.

[0049] Binoculars are typically classified by their magnification power and the diameter of their objective lenses. For example, in a pair of "8x42" binoculars, the "8" indicates a zoom factor (or magnification; proportional to the focal length) of 8 times and the "42" indicates an objective lens diameter of 42 mm.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the zoom factor of the binoculars 1 is between 2 and 20, preferably greater than 8 for observing celestial objects. This zoom is preferably fixed, but may be variable.

[0051] The binocular 1 is equipped with one or more configured sensor combinations 20 to measure horizontal coordinates of a ZO zone observed through said binoculars.

[0052] In [Fig. 1], the observation zone ZO corresponds to an area of ​​the celestial vault V. As an example, the horizontal coordinates of the observation zone ZO correspond to those of the center of said zone ± 10%.

[0053] The horizontal coordinate system allows celestial objects to be located in the sky. This system uses azimuth and altitude measurements. Azimuth is the direction of a celestial object along the horizon, measured in degrees along the horizon from north to east. Altitude is the height of the celestial object above the horizon, measured in degrees. An object that is directly above the observer is at an altitude of 90 degrees.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the sensor combination 20 comprises at least one magnetometer for measuring azimuth, an accelerometer for measuring altitude, and a gyroscope for measuring rotational speed. This sensor combination enables precise measurement of horizontal coordinates.

[0055] The azimuth measurement by the magnetometer can be affected by surrounding metallic masses. Therefore, the combination of the magnetometer and the gyroscope allows for a more precise and reliable azimuth measurement, particularly when the movement of the binoculars, measured by the gyroscope, is not consistent with the magnetic field measurement by the magnetometer.

[0056] To further improve the reliability of the magnetometer measurements, the sensor combination 20 advantageously comprises at least two magnetometers and / or several sensor combinations are used as explained further in the description.

[0057] Celestial coordinates vary depending on the observer's position on Earth, the date, and the time. Therefore, the device includes a geolocation module 4 that determines the position, date, and time of the observation.

[0058] This geolocation module 4 is preferably a GPS satellite geolocation module that provides a precise and reliable measurement of the position, date, and time of observation. However, other types of satellite geolocation modules such as GLONASS, BEIDOU, or GALILEO can also be used. Although less precise, a module capable of estimating the observer's geographic position, date, and time from data originating from mobile phone network antennas and / or Wi-Fi® access points can also be used.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the geolocation module 4 is a GPS module conventionally integrated into an observer / user terminal 3, in particular a smartphone, tablet or computer portable. According to another embodiment, the geolocation module 4 is integrated into a housing 2 in which the sensors 20 are also installed.

[0060] The device also includes a processing module 5 configured to determine equatorial celestial coordinates of the observation zone ZO using measurements from the sensor combination(s) 20 and data from the geolocation module 4. According to one embodiment, the processing module 5 is integrated into the housing 2. It can also be a processing module integrated in a conventional and native manner into the terminal 3.

[0061] When the device includes several magnetometers (either the sensor combination 20 comprises two or more magnetometers, or several magnetometer / accelerometer / gyroscope combinations are used), then the mean or median of the measurements of said magnetometers is advantageously calculated by the processing module 5 to improve the accuracy of the measurements, while requiring minimal computational resources from said processing module. Magnetometer measurements can indeed be affected by systematic or random errors or uncertainties such as their resolution, accuracy, temporal stability (particularly with regard to temperature changes or other parasitic environmental factors), noise, linearity over their measurement range, etc. Averaging the measurements reduces the effect of these errors / uncertainties by compensating for them.However, the median may be less sensitive to extreme measured values.

[0062] Azimuth measurements are derived from magnetic field strength measurements taken by the magnetometer(s) in two horizontal directions. These measurements can also be affected by the non-uniformity of the Earth's magnetic field, due, for example, to local characteristics (e.g., geological structures) or temporal variations (e.g., changes due to the movement of liquid iron in the Earth's core). Therefore, according to one embodiment, the processing module 5 advantageously accesses a World Magnetic Model (WMM) representing the Earth's magnetic field. The WMM is a standard model used to represent the Earth's magnetic field. It is updated regularly to account for the slow but constant changes in the Earth's magnetic field.This model provides estimates of the magnetic field and its components for different regions of the Earth, at different altitudes and time periods. Processing module 5 can then apply corrections to magnetometer measurements based on information obtained from the MMM to calculate corrected measurements that account for local and temporary variations in the Earth's magnetic field, as predicted by the MMM. These corrected measurements are then used for determination. equatorial celestial coordinates of the observation zone ZO. The data from the MMM model can, for example, be downloaded and stored in a memory area of ​​terminal 3 accessible to the processing module 5 or be accessible from a remote computer server to which said terminal 3 is connected.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the processing module 5 calculates the mean or median of the horizontal coordinates measured by the set of sensors 20.

[0064] The number of magnetometers and / or sensor combinations (in the case where each combination comprises a single magnetometer) is between 1 and 10, this number being advantageously determined by the following formula:

[0065] N = c * (p * Z)2

[0066] Where: "N" is the number of magnetometers and / or sensor combinations, N being an integer greater than or equal to 1, preferably between 2 and 10, "c" is a constant, "p" is the precision of the magnetometer(s) used and "Z" is the zoom factor of binocular 1.

[0067] This determination method provides an excellent compromise between measurement accuracy and the number of sensors (and therefore the cost). Furthermore, an appropriate number of magnetometers and / or sensor combinations 20 can be selected very quickly and easily, depending on the desired level of accuracy and the specifications of the binoculars 1, particularly their zoom factor.

[0068] The equatorial celestial coordinate system uses measurements of right ascension and declination. Right ascension is measured in hours, minutes, and seconds from the vernal equinox. Declination is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds north or south of the celestial equator.

[0069] The conversion of horizontal celestial coordinates (azimuth and altitude) into equatorial celestial coordinates (right ascension and declination) requires knowledge of the observer's precise location on Earth and the exact date and time of the observation. The data provided by the geolocation module 4 are therefore also used by the processing module 5.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the conversion is carried out by the processing module 5 by executing the code instructions of a dedicated computer program such as SkyCoord® (class of the Astropy® library), NOVAS® (Naval Observatory Vector Astrometry Software), Coordinate Converter®.

[0071] Advantageously, the processing module 5 takes the average or median of the real-time measurements from the sensor combination(s) 20 to determine the equatorial celestial coordinates of the observation zone ZO. For the purposes of this invention, "real-time" means a calculation frequency between one and five times the acquisition frequency of the sensors 20. This yields celestial coordinates real-time equatorial data from the ZO observation area, making tracking very precise and dynamic.

[0072] The device further includes a database of celestial objects to which equatorial celestial coordinates are associated. These equatorial celestial coordinates may be fixed or dynamic to take into account temporal parameters for moving objects (e.g., comets, satellites, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, this database is integrated into a memory area of ​​Terminal 3. The database may also be installed on a remote computer server to which Terminal 3 is connected. In any case, the database is accessible from Terminal 3 by launching a dedicated computer application previously downloaded to said terminal or accessible from a website. This database can be updated regularly.

[0073] A user interface allows the selection of a celestial object from this database. In Figures 2A and 2B, the user interface corresponds to a touchscreen 30 of terminal 3. The observer / user can, for example, search for a specific celestial object or navigate through a list of C1-C6 celestial objects and make a selection by touching the corresponding object on the touchscreen. In the example in [Fig. 2A], a list of constellations referenced C1 to C6 is displayed as selectable pictograms.

[0074] By selecting one of these constellations, for example the constellation Taurus C2, the observer / user has advantageous access to information relating to this celestial object (for example, its history and / or characteristics). In [Fig. 2B], this information is displayed in a frame or window 31 of the screen 30.

[0075] The device further includes a comparison module 6 configured to compare the equatorial celestial coordinates of the observation zone ZO determined by the processing module with the celestial coordinates associated with the selected celestial object C2. The comparison module can then calculate the difference between these coordinates. The comparison may, in particular, involve subtracting the coordinates to obtain this difference.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the comparison module 6 is in the form of a calculator or a computer program executed by the processing module. The comparison module 6 is advantageously integrated into the terminal 3, but can be integrated into the housing 2.

[0077] The device further includes a guidance module 7 generating a guidance signal of which at least one characteristic is a function of the difference calculated by the comparison module 6.

[0078] The guidance module 7 is integrated into the terminal 3, the binocular 1, or the housing 2. According to one embodiment, the guidance module 7 is controlled by the processing module 5. The guidance module 7 can for example consist of a computer program executed by the processing module 5. The guidance signal generated is preferably an audible signal (e.g. beeps, siren, melody) and / or a visual signal (e.g. flashing screen or flashing LED, animated icon, color change) and / or a vibratory signal (e.g. terminal 3 or box 2 vibrates).

[0079] A multimodal guidance signal combining several signaling modes and exploiting different sensory modalities (vision, hearing, touch) makes it possible to maximize the probability that an observer / user detects, recognizes and responds to said signal, regardless of the conditions and the observation environment.

[0080] The variable characteristic(s) of the guidance signal may include its frequency and / or amplitude and / or intensity and / or pitch and / or rhythm. For example, the greater the difference calculated by the comparison module 6, the lower the pitch of the audible guidance signal. Conversely, the closer the calculated difference is to zero, the higher the pitch of the audible guidance signal. As another example, the vibration of the vibratory guidance signal intensifies when the difference calculated by the comparison module 6 decreases. More generally, at least one characteristic of the guidance signal is amplified when the difference calculated by the comparison module 6 decreases. When the calculated difference is zero or nearly zero, or more generally less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as the "successful localization threshold"), the guidance signal is then optimal.

[0081] In [Fig. 2B], the guidance signal appears in a frame or window 32 of the screen 30. Another frame or window 33 may display a direction in which to move the binoculars 1 to reach the area where the celestial object C2 is located. This indication may also be audible. All of this information constitutes the guidance signal.

[0082] The observer / user must therefore move the binoculars 1 until the difference calculated by the comparison module 6 reaches the threshold value for successful localization and the optimal guiding signal indicates the precise location of the area where the celestial object C2 is located. The invention thus provides a clear indication of the successful detection of the area of ​​the celestial object C2, thereby increasing the speed, efficiency, and accuracy of the observation process. The observation of celestial objects thus becomes accessible to a large number of people, particularly observers / users who do not have extensive knowledge or experience in astronomy.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the guidance module 7 is configured to generate the guidance signal only if the difference calculated by the comparison module is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as " guidance trigger threshold value). The guidance trigger threshold value is higher than the successful localization threshold value. Therefore, the guidance signal is only generated if the observed area ZO is not too far from the object of interest C2. The observer / user is thus only notified if the object of interest C2 is in or near the field of view of binocular 1, making the search process more engaging.

[0084] Thus, taking the example of [Fig. 1], the observer / user is looking for the constellation Taurus C2. They initially point the binoculars towards an observation area ZO that does not contain this constellation. However, since the initial observation area ZO is relatively close to the desired constellation, the guidance signal is generated. The user interface can indicate in which direction to move the binoculars 1 (indication 33 in [Fig. 2B]). When the observation area contains the constellation (referenced ZO'), the guidance signal becomes optimal. The observer / user can now locate the constellation C2 through their binoculars 1.

[0085] In practical situations, once the observer / user has successfully located the celestial object C2, the persistence of the guidance signal can be bothersome not only for themselves but also for other nearby observers. To overcome this inconvenience, the guidance module 7 is advantageously configured to interrupt the generation of the guidance signal when the difference calculated by the comparison module remains less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined duration, for example, between 5 and 30 seconds. This intelligent control of the guidance module 7 not only improves the observer / user's experience but also minimizes disturbances for other observers in their immediate vicinity.

[0086] Alternatively or additionally, the device may include a button that can be manually operated by the observer / user to interrupt the generation of the guidance signal. This button may, for example, be integrated into the binoculars 1 or on the housing 2, or be accessible from the terminal 3.

[0087] In some cases, even when the observer / user is observing the area of ​​interest ZO', the precise location of the object of interest C2 can prove complex for an amateur. It is therefore advantageous to equip the binoculars 1 with a means of displaying information concerning the object of interest C2. This information, considered as the aforementioned guiding signals, is generated and / or selected by the processing module 5 and can, for example, be in the form of one or more arrows, symbols, or signaling elements indicating the location of the celestial object C2 and / or a geometric figure schematically representing said object. The processing module 5 can control the display of this information in response to the selection of the celestial object C2 or in response to the generation of the guidance signal and / or as soon as binocular 1 is oriented towards the area of ​​interest ZO'.

[0088] According to one embodiment, this display means is a screen located outside the binoculars 1, which could, for example, be the screen 30 of the terminal 3. An image of the area of ​​interest ZO', as viewed through the eyepieces of the binoculars 1, and in which the aforementioned information highlights the object of interest C2, is then displayed on this screen. By consulting this display, the observer / user can more easily locate the object of interest C2. However, this solution requires looking away from the eyepieces to view the screen 30.

[0089] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5] and which improves the user experience, the display means 8 is integrated into the binoculars 1, and more specifically installed so as to display information in an image plane Pi of the optical system. The image plane Pi is located where the virtual image of the observed area formed by the objective lens 100 (front lens) is projected and before it is magnified by the eyepiece 101. The information displayed in the image plane Pi thus allows the observer / user to consult it while keeping their eyes at the level of the eyepieces, without looking away.

[0090] According to one embodiment, this display means 8 is in the form of a screen, for example an OLED or LCD screen, installed in the image plane Pi so as to only partially obstruct the image seen through the eyepiece 101.

[0091] According to another embodiment, this display means 8 takes the form of a semi-reflective screen, for example a liquid crystal film or a transparent OLED or LCD screen, installed in the image plane Pi so that the displayed information is superimposed on the real image observed through the eyepiece 101. This solution makes it possible, in particular, to display the image of the object of interest C2 at the same scale as the real image of the celestial objects present in the observation area ZO, ZO'. The observer / user thus only has to superimpose the two images to identify the object of interest C2.

[0092] According to another embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6], in one embodiment, the display means 8 is in the form of a screen, for example an OLED or LCD screen, projecting a digital image of the information onto a semi-reflective plate 80. This plate 80 is arranged in the optical system so as to transmit to the eyepiece 101: a first subset of light rays from the observed area (natural image); and a second subset of light rays projected by the screen 8 (digital image). These rays then combine at the eyepiece 101 to reproduce the natural image of the observed area combined with the digital image of the information. A lens 81 is advantageously provided between the screen 8 and the semi-reflective blade 80 to direct and / or converge the light rays projected towards said blade.

[0093] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the interaction of the various aforementioned elements of the device and presents different stages of the process for assisting in the localization of celestial objects: • Step El: from interface 30, the observer / user selects a celestial object from the database. • Step E2: The equatorial celestial coordinates of the selected celestial object are transmitted to the comparison module 6. If the comparison module is integrated into the housing 2, this transmission can be carried out via a short-range communication line, for example of the Bluetooth® or Wifi® type, established between said housing and the terminal 3. In this case, the housing 2 integrates the computing resources to ensure this communication. • Step E3: The horizontal coordinates measured by the sensors 20 are transmitted to the processing module 5. If the processing module 5 is integrated into the terminal 3, this transmission can be carried out via a short-range communication line, for example Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®, established between the housing 2 and said terminal. In this case, the housing 2 integrates the computing resources necessary to ensure this communication. • Step E4: The position, date and time data determined by the geolocation module 4 are transmitted to the processing module 5. If the geolocation module 4 and the processing module 5 are not installed in the same equipment (box 2 or terminal 3), this transmission can be carried out via a short-range communication line, as described previously. • Step E5: The processing module 5 determines the equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation zone ZO using the measurements from the sensors 20 and the data from the geolocation module 4. • Step E6: The equatorial celestial coordinates determined by the processing module 5 are transmitted to the comparison module 6. If the processing module 5 and the comparison module 6 are not installed in the same equipment (box 2 or terminal 3), this transmission can be carried out via a short-range communication line, as described previously. • Step E7: The comparison module 6 performs the comparison of the equatorial celestial coordinates transmitted by the processing module 5 with the celestial coordinates transmitted in step E2. • Step E8: The guidance module 7 generates the guidance signal based on the result of the comparison in step E7.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the geolocation module 4, the processing module 5, the comparison module 6, and the guidance module 7 are integrated into the terminal 3. The device thus benefits from the computing resources that are usually natively present in a smartphone or tablet-type terminal 3, thereby limiting the size, design, and cost of the housing 2. The technology offered by the invention is thus accessible to a larger number of users. The sensors 20 can also be installed in the terminal 3. In this case, the terminal 3 is preferably fixed to binoculars 1 so that the horizontal coordinates of the ZO zone observed through said binoculars are reliable and accurate.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the twin 1 is equipped with part of the modules, the other part of the modules being integrated into the terminal 3.

[0096] In Figures 4A and 4B, the sensors 20 are housed in a casing 2 designed to be mounted on the binoculars 1. The casing 2 has, for example, a length between 10 mm and 60 mm, a width between 5 mm and 20 mm, and a height between 2 mm and 5 mm. These dimensions ensure a good compromise between compactness that does not hinder the observer / user and harmonious integration.

[0097] The housing 2 is advantageously watertight to ensure protection against the elements and rigid to withstand potential impacts. It can be made of plastic, steel, aluminum, composite, or other similar material and can be obtained by molding, machining, assembly, etc.

[0098] Inside the housing 2, each sensor 20 can be installed in an individual arrangement or fixed on a common support, in particular on a common electronic board.

[0099] The housing 2 is preferably adapted to be fixed stably on the binocular 1, thus avoiding any undesirable movement of said housing during observation, while being easily adaptable to different models of binoculars.

[0100] An external face of the housing 2 is preferably provided with a pad 21. This pad can be glued or screwed onto the external face of the housing 2. It is made of a soft and / or flexible material, for example in a rubber-type elastomer, enabling it to conform to various shapes and / or finishes of the binoculars to ensure optimal fixation.

[0101] In the embodiment of [Fig. 4A], the pad 21 is designed to be detachably attached to the binocular 1. The face of the pad 21 intended to be attached to the binocular 1 may, in particular, be provided with an adhesive coating 210 enabling it to be removed without leaving residue, for example, a silicone-based adhesive, a hot melt adhesive or double-sided adhesive, with peelable protective strip. According to an alternative embodiment, the pad 21 is designed to be permanently fixed to the binocular 1, for example by means of a cyanoacrylate or epoxy type adhesive.

[0102] In the embodiment of [Fig. 4B], the housing 2 is equipped with a fastener or strap 22 having an adjustable fastening means 220, for example of the Velcro® type, allowing for quick adjustment. The strap 22 allows for modular attachment and easy detachment.

[0103] The attachment or strap 22 is preferably elastic to allow for adaptable attachment to different binocular models. The elastic strap 22, once stretched around the binocular 1, ensures stable attachment of the housing 2. An advantage of this solution is its ability to adapt to different sizes and shapes of binoculars.

[0104] In this embodiment with strap 22, the buffer 21 is not necessary although it allows for improved stability and adaptability.

[0105] Other detachable mounting methods are also possible. For example, a clip or rail system can be integrated into the housing 2, allowing it to be clipped onto or mounted on an additional support for the binoculars 1. If the binoculars 1 have metallic components or a dedicated magnetic support, the housing 2 can incorporate magnets. The housing 2 can also include mini-suction cups. Threaded inserts can also be added to the binoculars 1, with the housing then being screwed directly onto these inserts.

[0106] According to another embodiment, the sensors 20 are integrated into the structure of the binocular 1, for example from the design stage of the latter.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the geolocation module 4, the processing module 5, the comparison module 6 and the guidance module 7 are also integrated into the housing 2.

[0108] According to yet another aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising code instructions for performing at least the steps to: determine the position, date and time of the observation; transform the horizontal coordinates into equatorial celestial coordinates; compare the equatorial celestial coordinates thus calculated with the celestial coordinates associated with the selected celestial object; calculate the difference between said coordinates; and generate the guidance signal, when said program is executed by a processing module, in particular the processing module of terminal 3. The program thus provides a software implementation of the method, which can be executed on a variety of devices, in particular a smartphone, with updates that can be simple.

[0109] Another feature allows the observer / user not to be guided to an object of interest, but to be indicated as one or more objects of interest within the celestial zone ZO that they are observing. For example, the observer / user observes a celestial zone ZO, sees an object, and wants to identify it. The various steps enabling this identification are advantageously as follows: • Step El': the observer / user selects this feature, for example by activating a dedicated button integrated into binocular 1 or on housing 2, or accessible from terminal 3. • Step E2': the processing module 5 determines the equatorial celestial coordinates of the observation area using the measurements from the sensors 20 and the data from the geolocation module 4 (step E5 mentioned above). • Step E3': the processing module 5 automatically selects from the database the celestial object(s) whose equatorial celestial coordinates correspond to those measured. • Step E4': the processing module 5 generates and / or selects information on the object(s) of interest and commands their display on the aforementioned display means 30, 8.

[0110] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0111] In particular, according to an additional feature, the device can be used in the same way, but for locating terrestrial landmarks such as mountain peaks, valleys, villages, rivers, lakes, forests, or other natural or artificial landmarks observable with binoculars. In this case, the geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the terrestrial landmarks are used. The database associates reference terrestrial landmarks with their geographic coordinates. The process can be as follows: the observer / user selects a terrestrial landmark from the database; the processing module 5 determines the geographic coordinates of the observer / user and the terrestrial observation area using the measurements from the sensors 20 and the data from the geolocation module 4.The comparison module 6 calculates a difference between the geographic coordinates determined by the processing module 5 and the geographic coordinates of the selected reference point; the guidance module 7 generates a guidance signal of which at least one characteristic is a function of the difference calculated by the comparison module 6. Knowing the geographic coordinates of the observer / user. Given the ateur and the geographical coordinates of the reference point, the processing module 5 can in particular deduce and indicate the direction in which the binoculars must be tilted (alt / az coordinates) to aim at the selected reference point.

[0112] Furthermore, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features described only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments, even if this or these features are described only in combination with other features.

Claims

1.

2.

3.

4. Demands A device to assist in locating celestial objects, comprising: • a binocular (1) comprising an optical system and a display means (30, 8), said binocular being equipped with at least one combination of sensors configured to measure horizontal coordinates of a celestial observation zone (ZO), which combination of sensors comprises: at least one magnetometer, one accelerometer and one gyroscope; • a geolocation module (4) to determine position, date and time data of the observation; • a processing module (5) for determining equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation zone (ZO) using measurements from the sensor combination (20) and data from the geolocation module (4), said processing module being configured to generate and / or select information to be displayed on the display means (30, 80); • a database containing selectable equatorial celestial coordinates of celestial objects (C2-C6); • a user interface (30) to select a celestial object (C2) in the database; • a comparison module (6) to calculate a difference between the equatorial celestial coordinates determined by the processing module (5) and the celestial coordinates of the selected celestial object (C2); • a guidance module (7) to generate a guidance signal of which at least one characteristic is a function of the difference calculated by the comparison module (6). Device according to claim 1, wherein the combination of sensors (20) comprises at least two magnetometers. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the binoculars (1) are equipped with several combinations of sensors (20). A device according to claim 2, wherein the measurements of the combination of sensors (20) used to determine the equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation area (ZO) include the mean or median of magnetometer measurements.

5. Device according to claim 3, wherein the measurements of the sensor combinations (20) used to determine the equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observing zone (ZO) include the mean or median of the magnetometer measurements.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing module (5) is configured to take the average or median of the real-time measurements from the sensor combination (20) to determine the equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation zone (ZO).

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing module (5) is configured to: a) receive measurements from the magnetometer; b) access a global magnetic model (MMM) representing the Earth's magnetic field; c) apply corrections to the magnetometer measurements based on information obtained from the MMM to calculate corrected measurements; d) use the corrected measurements to determine the equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observing zone (ZO).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display means (8) is installed so as to display information in an image plane (Pi) of the optical system of the binocular (1).

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the display means (8) is a screen installed in the image plane (Pi) so as to only partially obstruct the image of the celestial observation zone (ZO) observed through an eyepiece (101) of the optical system.

10. Device according to claim 8, wherein the display means (8) is a semi-reflective screen installed in the image plane (Pi) so that the information displayed is superimposed on the image of the celestial observation zone (ZO) observed through an eyepiece (101) of the optical system.

11. Device according to claim 8, wherein the display means (8) is in the form of a screen projecting a digital image of the information towards a semi-automatic blade reflective (80), which blade is arranged in the optical system so that said digital image is superimposed on the image of the celestial observation zone (ZO) observed through an eyepiece (101) of said optical system.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guidance module (7) is configured to generate the guidance signal if the calculated difference is less than or equal to a first predetermined threshold value.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guidance module (7) is configured to cease generating the guidance signal when the difference calculated by the comparison module (6) remains less than or equal to a second predetermined threshold value for a predetermined duration.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensors (20) are housed in a casing (2) designed to be mounted on the binocular (1).

15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the geolocation module (4), the processing module (5), the comparison module (6) and the guidance module (7) are integrated into a smartphone or tablet (3).

16. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sensors (20), the geolocation module (4), the processing module (5), the comparison module (6) and the guidance module (7) are integrated into the binoculars (1).

17. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guidance module (7) is configured to generate an audible signal and / or a visual signal and / or a vibratory signal, at least one characteristic of which is amplified when the difference calculated by the comparison module (6) decreases.

18. A method for assisting in the location of celestial objects, comprising the following steps: • a) equipping binoculars (1) comprising an optical system and a display means (30, 8), with at least one combination of sensors (20) configured to measure horizontal coordinates of a celestial observation zone (ZO), which combination of sensors comprises: at least one magnetometer, one accelerometer and one gyroscope; • b) determine position, date and time data of the observation; • c) determine equatorial celestial coordinates of the celestial observation zone (ZO) using the measurements from the sensor combination and the data determined in step b); • d) select a celestial object (C2) from a database containing selectable celestial objects (C2-C6) associated with equatorial celestial coordinates; • e) calculate a difference between the equatorial celestial coordinates determined in step c) and the celestial coordinates of the selected celestial object (C2); • f) generate a guidance signal of which at least one characteristic is a function of the difference calculated in step e), • said process further comprising a step of generating and / or selecting information to be displayed on the display means (30, 80).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: • Step a) consists of equipping the binoculars with several combinations of sensors and / or a combination of sensors comprising at least two magnetometers, • step c) is carried out using the mean or median of the magnetometer measurements of several sensor combinations and / or the sensor combination comprising at least two magnetometers.

20. A method according to any one of claims 18 or 19, further comprising the following steps: • automatically select from the database one or more celestial objects whose equatorial celestial coordinates correspond to those determined in step c), • generate and / or select information on the selected celestial object(s), • display said information on the display means (30, 80).

21. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising the following steps: • c') determine the geographical coordinates of an area terrestrial using the measurements from the sensor combination and the data determined in step b); • d) select a terrestrial reference point in a database containing selectable terrestrial landmarks associated with geographic coordinates; • e') calculate a difference between the coordinates geographical coordinates determined in step c') and the geographical coordinates of the selected terrestrial reference point; • f') generate guidance signal of which at least one characteristic is a function of the difference calculated in step e').

22. Computer program comprising code instructions for the execution of steps b), c), e) and f) of the method according to claim 18, when said instructions are executed by a processing module (5).

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