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: An apparatus and method for displaying an image of a subject in low light conditions. The image is displayed on a video screen. The image is viewed through an eyepiece to reduce the amount of light illuminating a user's face while observing the subject. In an embodiment, the eyepiece is monocular to prevent night blindness in at least one eye. In an embodiment, the video screen is disposed within the housing of the night vision device. In an embodiment, a user can selectively filter the light emitted by the display screen to change its color or to reduce the amount of light received by the user's eye.

Abstract: Systems and methods usable to facilitate adjustments to a sighting device, such as a scope. In one example, an adjustment calculator associated with the scope receives data relating to a distance to a target and relating to at least one environmental variable, such as for example, wind and/or humidity, which may affect the trajectory of a projectile. The adjustment calculator processes the data and calculates a recommended scope adjustment. For instance, the adjustment calculator may output a number of adjustment “clicks” for a rifle scope in order to at least partially compensate for the distance and/or the environmental variable(s). In another example, the adjustment calculator receives data relating to properties of ammunition that may affect the trajectory of the ammunition.

Abstract: Embodiments of an automated telescope system are operable in multiple modes, including alt-az and equatorial modes. The telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system using, for example, data gained through tracking the drift of a celestial object. In various embodiments, an imager may be used to find and track celestial objects.

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: Embodiments of the present disclosure include self-aligning telescope control systems and self-alignment methods. In an embodiment, a telescope control system orients a telescope with respect to the celestial sphere by pointing the telescope in the direction of an alignment star or alignment area of the sky. The telescope control system images a field of view in the alignment area, and processes the images to determine the celestial coordinates of a center of the filed a field of view the alignment area. The telescope control system then maps the telescope's coordinate system to the celestial coordinate system. Once mapped, the telescope control system can advantageously slew the telescope to any desired celestial object in the viewable sky based on, for example, user selection, system recommendations, combinations of the same, or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include presenting data related to image information captured by a telescope on an electronic display, such as, for example, a high definition display. For example, a telescope control system may advantageously output video or other signals to one or more displays in a multi-media or image presentation. In certain preferred embodiments, such display comprises high definition displays, or the like. For example, such display may comprise entertainment, academic or other presentations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating range measurements are provided wherein calibration data is collected with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements. In one embodiment, the simulated range measurements are used to analyze errors that vary with time and environmental conditions. Range measurements are calibrated by correlating a measured flight time of a transmitted and reflected laser beam with the simulated range measurements and a relationship between laser beam flight times and target ranges based on the speed of the laser beam.

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: Embodiments of a telescope system include methods for alignment with a spherical coordinate system. For example, embodiments may include determining data for date, time, location, level and North (true or magnetic). Upon acquisition of this data, the telescope system can determine and first alignment. To the extent needed or desired, further alignment methods can improve the accuracy of the first alignment; however, in many cases, the first alignment is sufficient to align a field of view of the telescope with a selected and/or desired astronomical object.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of an automated telescope system are operable in multiple modes, including alt-az and equatorial modes. The telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system using, for example, data gained through tracking the drift of a celestial object. In various embodiments, an imager may be used to find and track celestial objects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating range measurements are provided wherein calibration data is collected with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements. In one embodiment, the simulated range measurements are used to analyze errors that vary with time and environmental conditions. Range measurements are calibrated by correlating a measured flight time of a transmitted and reflected laser beam with the simulated range measurements and a relationship between laser beam flight times and target ranges based on the speed of the laser beam.