Smartphone-Assisted Telescope Pointing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to properly align optical devices, such as telescopes, with celestial bodies due to limited field-of-view and the difficulty in manually locating subjects, especially without automated orientation systems that increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses an image capture device, like a smartphone, to generate image data, compare it with stored celestial object information, calculate necessary rotations, and guide the optical device to align with the subject by providing user instructions through sensors and display outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated orientation systems are added to optical devices, then alignment accuracy and ease of operation improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an image capture device (smartphone) as an intermediary to capture reference images of celestial objects. These images are then processed by a processor to determine device orientation, eliminating the need for complex built-in automated orientation systems while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the celestial scene using a smartphone camera. This image copy is then analyzed to determine orientation information, replacing the need for complex physical orientation sensors and mechanisms in the optical device itself.
2Productivity
If automated orientation systems are added to optical devices, then alignment speed improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor acts as an intermediary that rapidly analyzes captured images to determine orientation. This software-based approach is faster and simpler than hardware-based automated orientation systems, improving alignment speed without adding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical orientation sensors and actuators with a software-based image analysis system. The processor analyzes image data to quickly determine orientation, substituting complex mechanical systems with simpler computational methods.
3Measurement precision
If the field-of-view of the optical device is reduced for higher magnification, then viewing detail improves, but subject location difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing a reference image of the celestial scene before the user begins observing. This reference image contains orientation information that helps the user locate the subject, solving the problem of narrow field-of-view making subject location difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by determining the orientation of the optical device based on the reference image and using this information to guide the user in locating and aligning with the subject. This feedback loop solves the difficulty of subject location in high-magnification modes.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device such as a telescope may be oriented to view a subject. In one embodiment, an image capture device may be coupled to the optical device, and used to generate image data of a reference subject. The image data may be used to ascertain a first orientation of the optical device. A second orientation of the optical device, at which the subject is viewable using the optical device, may be ascertained. A rotation of the optical device needed to reorient the optical device from the first orientation to the second orientation may be calculated. Instructions may be outputted to the user, indicating how the user can apply the rotation to the optical device.