Azimuth Determination Using Celestial Body Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining heading azimuths using celestial bodies require knowledge of the observer's latitude and longitude, and accurate registration of observation time, limiting their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that measure horizontal and vertical angles between multiple celestial bodies and check points, along with measurement time instants, to calculate azimuth without needing the observer's position or precise time registration, using an orientation unit, alignment unit, horizontal angle measurement unit, elevation measurement unit, time measurement unit, and computation unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional celestial azimuth determination methods are used, then azimuth can be determined, but the method requires knowledge of observer's latitude and longitude and accurate time registration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the dependency on observer position data (latitude and longitude) and precise time registration from the azimuth determination process. By using relative angular measurements between celestial bodies and check points, the method determines azimuth without requiring knowledge of the observer's geographic position or accurate universal time, thus simplifying the required data inputs while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces check points as intermediary objects with known positions relative to the observer. These check points serve as reference markers that enable the determination of angular relationships between celestial bodies and the observer's position without requiring direct measurement of the observer's coordinates. The check points act as mediators that translate celestial observations into azimuth calculations independent of precise position and time data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple celestial bodies and check points are observed to determine azimuth, then position independence is achieved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct components: observations of celestial bodies, observations of check points, measurement of horizontal angles between these objects, and measurement of vertical angles. This segmentation allows each component to be measured and processed independently, reducing the overall complexity by breaking down the comprehensive measurement task into manageable sub-tasks that can be performed using standard observational equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal measurement approach where the same observational equipment and measurement procedures can be used for both celestial bodies and check points. The horizontal and vertical angle measurement units serve multiple functions: measuring angles between celestial bodies, angles between check points, and angles between celestial bodies and check points. This multi-functionality reduces the complexity by eliminating the need for different measurement systems for different target types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of azimuth determination includes determination of local star time and latitude, where the azimuth determination unit is fixed at an object and oriented relative to the local horizon or the vertical; two or more celestial bodies with known coordinates are selected among visible celestial bodies and the line of sight is aimed at celestial bodies in turn, after that elevations over the horizon or zenith ranges to celestial bodies, horizontal angles between bodies are measured and measured times are recorded; and local star time, site latitude and azimuth are calculated. An apparatus for azimuth determination comprising an orientation unit to orient relative to the local horizon or the vertical line, an optical unit to aim at point light sources, a horizontal angle measurement unit, an elevation measurement unit, a time measurement unit and a computation unit, characterized in that orientation, aiming, angle and time measurement units are connected to a computation unit. The computation unit calculates azimuth, latitude and local star time based on horizontal and elevation angles of point light sources, such as celestial bodies, and measurement times.