Celestial Imaging North-Finding With Single-GNSS Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for orienting, such as magnetic compasses and astronomical methods, are either inaccurate or require complex devices and long observation times, while dual-GNSS receivers are costly and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A digital optical imaging device using a photosensitive device, panoramic lens, and GNSS receiver to image celestial bodies, combined with a three-axis tilt sensor and calibration system, allows for rapid and accurate determination of the north direction by calculating the celestial body's azimuth angle based on GNSS positioning and time, with optional Baader AstroSolar film for solar observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetic compass is used for orienting, then the device is simple and low cost, but the accuracy is low and it is easily interfered by external magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a photosensitive device for capturing celestial body images with a GNSS receiver for positioning and timing, merging optical imaging capabilities with satellite-based navigation to achieve accurate orienting without complex mechanical gyroscopes or susceptibility to magnetic interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical orienting methods (magnetic compass, gyroscopic methods) with an optical-electronic system that uses image capture, coordinate transformation, and computational astronomy to determine orientation, eliminating mechanical complexity and magnetic susceptibility
2Measurement precision
If an astronomical method or gyroscopic method is used for accurate north-finding, then the accuracy is high, but the device is complex and observation time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores celestial body ephemeris data (positions and trajectories) before observation, allowing the system to quickly match captured images with predicted celestial positions without requiring time-consuming real-time calculations or extended observation periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures images of the celestial body at a single moment rather than requiring continuous observation over extended periods, using the precise timing from GNSS to compensate for the reduced observation duration while maintaining accuracy
3Measurement precision
If a dual-GNSS receiver baseline direction method is used, then the accuracy is high, but the device complexity and cost are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the positioning and timing functions of GNSS receivers, separating these essential functions from the complex dual-receiver baseline calculations, thereby achieving accurate orienting with a single receiver and simpler device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the photosensitive device to capture an optical copy/image of the celestial body, replacing the need for physical dual-receiver geometric baselines with an optical representation that can be processed through coordinate transformations to determine orientation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Achieves high accuracy north-finding within 30 seconds with a device that is 1/20 the volume and 1% the cost of dual-GNSS systems, with potential for even higher resolution and reduced cost by improving the photosensitive device's resolution.
Implementation Method 1
setting a digital optical imaging device comprising a photosensitive device, a lens, and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver; allowing an optical axis of the lens to pass through a geometric center of the photosensitive device, so that a celestial body is imaged on the photosensitive device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for orienting includes: setting a digital optical imaging device including a photosensitive device, a lens, and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver; allowing an optical axis of the lens to pass through a geometric center of the photosensitive device, so that a celestial body is imaged on the photosensitive device; and positioning a current position by using the GNSS receiver, and recording an accurate time; calculating an accurate azimuth angle of the celestial body at this moment, wherein, at this time, an imaging position of the celestial body on the photosensitive device is located on an extension line of a ligature of the azimuth of the celestial body and a geometric center of the photosensitive device, thereby through accurately extracting the imaging position of the celestial body, a placement orientation of the digital optical imaging device is determined, and a north direction is obtained.