Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a control unit is provided for controlling a motorized telescope system and displaying video content or media. The video media may include positional data that directs the motorized telescope system to observe a predetermined celestial object or location at a predetermined time during media playback. In this respect, the control unit is especially suitable for providing, for example, guided video tours of the sky, instructional videos supplemented by real world viewing, games, and video calibration instructions for the motorized telescope system.

Abstract: A sighting device may be used to identify and/or locate remote celestial and/or terrestrial objects. The device may include one or more gravity sensors and one or more magnetic sensors that are used to determine the direction in which the device is aimed. Once the aiming direction is determined, a device control system may be used to access an object database and determine a likely candidate object on or near the aiming direction. The device may include capability to output audiovisual information related to the object. The device may be configured to provide audiovisual commands that direct the user to point the device toward a desired or target location, thereby allowing the user to locate objects with unknown positions. The device may be used as a control system for telescopes and other optical devices.

Abstract: A telescope capable of motorized focus and/or collimation. The telescope includes control electronics capable of correcting the focus and/or collimation based on identified information, such as, for example, information about optical or other elements of the telescope, information about a user or imaging device, or the like. In various embodiments, such identified information is acquired through radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies. In other embodiments, an automated system controls the actuators based at least in part upon identification information, such as through user or device recognition.

Abstract: Wireless control systems and methods for adjusting the position and/or alignment of a telescope. In one example, a wireless handheld controller enables a user to adjust a corresponding telescope from a remote location. The controller preferably communicates motion commands via radio frequency to a transceiver coupled to the telescope. The transceiver may also communicate status information to the controller regarding the current position and/or alignment of the telescope. In certain embodiments, the controller and transceiver are assigned corresponding identification codes and/or operational frequencies to enable handshaking between the controller and the transceiver during wireless communication.

Abstract: A telescope capable of motorized focus and/or collimation. The telescope includes control electronics capable of correcting the focus and/or collimation based on identified information, such as, for example, information about optical or other elements of the telescope, information about a user or imaging device, or the like. In various embodiments, such identified information is acquired through radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies. In other embodiments, an automated system controls the actuators based at least in part upon identification information, such as through user or device recognition.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a catadioptric telescope comprising a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a corrector. The primary mirror, secondary mirror, and corrector are disposed along an optical path. A tube assembly preferably houses the primary mirror and corrector. The secondary mirror is preferably centrally located within and connected to the corrector. One or more actuators are mechanically connected to the corrector (and the secondary mirror affixed to the corrector). The actuators are movable such that the corrector and secondary mirror may be moved with respect to the primary mirror. By manipulating the position and/or orientation of the secondary mirror, the telescope may be focused and/or collimated.