Automated telescope with distributed orientation and operation processing
US7079317B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B23/165
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automated telescope includes an optical system and respective altitude and azimuth motor systems. Each motor system is configured to rotate the optical system about a corresponding altitude or azimuth axis. Each of the altitude and azimuth motor systems includes a motor and a microprocessor configured to control its respective motor. A third microprocessor is connected to microprocessors of both the altitude and azimuth motor systems. The third microprocessor is programmed to determine a relationship between a celestial coordinate system and an altitude-azimuth coordinate system and to generate motion control commands based at least in part on the determined relationship. Each microprocessor of the altitude and azimuth motor systems then controls its respective motor based at least in part on the motion control commands.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.