Patents by Inventor Kenneth W. Baun
Kenneth W. Baun has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20140085717Abstract: A closed-loop telescope control system is disclosed that greatly improves the accuracy of telescope operation. Using image information collected by sensors mounted on the telescope, a control system can improve pointing accuracy by observing the actual position of a selected object and making minute pointing corrections. Tracking accuracy is greatly improved using image information to directly control servo motor operation by a telescope control. Additional automated features are possible by the closed-loop capacity of the disclosure to improve the efficiency of a telescope system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventors: KENNETH W. BAUN, John E. Hoot
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Patent number: 7482564Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot
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Publication number: 20080212176Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot
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Patent number: 7414707Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: John LaBelle, Steven Szczuka, Kenneth W. Baun
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Patent number: 7339731Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot
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Publication number: 20080018995Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include user-directed automated telescope alignment systems and methods. In various embodiments, the automated alignment procedure provides for user-direction in selecting astronomical alignment objects. For example, in an embodiment, after the telescope is aligned according to a first approximation alignment, the user may direct the field of view of the telescope system to a viewable, sufficiently bright astronomical object. Upon bringing the object into the field of view, the alignment procedure advantageously identifies the likely astronomical object based on the first approximation alignment. The procedure also updates the first approximation alignment based on known information about the identified object. The process of user-direction to additional viewable bright astronomical objects provides for more precise and accurate mappings of telescope movements to celestial field of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventor: Kenneth W. Baun
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Publication number: 20080017784Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that enable a device to locate and track a light source. In certain preferred embodiments, the device is a telescope and the light source is the sun. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a plurality of photodetectors and a plurality of shade casting members. The shade casting members may be disposed substantially symmetrically about an optical axis of the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the apparatus can locate and track the light source by comparing one or more signals produced by the photodetectors in response to light received from the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: John E. Hoot, Kenneth W. Baun
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Patent number: 7277223Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, Brian Tingey, Ghassan El-Khatib
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Patent number: 7221527Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot
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Patent number: 7092156Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot
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Patent number: 7079317Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot, Brian G. Tingey
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Patent number: 7053992Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: John LaBelle, Steven Szczuka, Kenneth W. Baun
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Patent number: 6922283Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is operable in both alt-az and equatorial modes. In either configuration, the telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed North and then pointed towards the horizon. A command processor, under application software control, orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation is refined by automatically inputting geographical location data and a timing parameter. A simplified tracking procedure allows tracking of celestial objects after the telescope system has had its axis positions initialized to a horizontal and a vertical index. Object tracking is subsequently performed with no additional orientation procedure required.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot
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Publication number: 20040047036Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Smith, John E. Hoot, Michael A. Wachala, Brian G. Tingey, Brent G. Duchon, Stanley H. Dewan
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Publication number: 20030197930Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is operable in both alt-az and equatorial modes. In either configuration, the telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed North and then pointed towards the horizon. A command processor, under application software control, orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation is refined by automatically inputting geographical location data and a timing parameter. A simplified tracking procedure allows tracking of celestial objects after the telescope system has had its axis positions initialized to a horizontal and a vertical index. Object tracking is subsequently performed with no additional orientation procedure required.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot
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Publication number: 20030156324Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Applicant: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Smith, John E. Hoot, Michael A. Wachala, Brian G. Tingey, Brent G. Duchon, Stanley H. Dewan
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Patent number: 6563636Abstract: A telescope system has an intelligent motor controller for accurately controlling telescope position to facilitate location of celestial objects and to precisely control the speed at which the telescope moves to facilitate tracking of celestial objects. An optical encoder utilizes two photodetectors to provide enhanced servo control of the telescope positioning motors, a calibration circuit eliminates a need to test LED's during assembly of the optical encoder and a brushless mount provides electrical communication to an altitude drive motor located in a fork thereof in a manner which mitigates problems due to undesirable wrapping of an electrical cable around the mount as the mount rotates in azimuth.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Meade Instruments, Corp.Inventors: Kenneth W. Baun, Brian G. Tingey, Stanley H. Dewan
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Publication number: 20030058531Abstract: A telescope system facilitates easy upgrading from friction lock mounting to manual worm drive, and from manual worm drive to motor drive. Vibration isolation provides a steady field of view for enhanced observation and photography. A telescope mount facilitates enhanced below the horizon and zenith viewing. A tripod has detents which hold the legs thereof in a deployed position during handling of the tripod. A cam lock reliably maintains a desired length of telescoping tripod legs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Smith, Michael A. Wachala, Brian G. Tingey, Brent G. Duchon, Stanley H. Dewan
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Patent number: 6445498Abstract: A telescope system facilitates easy upgrading from friction lock mounting to manual worm drive, and from manual worm drive to motor drive. Vibration isolation provides a steady field of view for enhanced observation and photography. A telescope mount facilitates enhanced below the horizon and zenith viewing. A tripod has detents which hold the legs thereof in a deployed position during handling of the tripod. A cam lock reliably maintains a desired length of telescoping tripod legs.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Smith, Michael A. Wachala, Brian G. Tingey, Brent G. Duchon, Stanley H. Dewan
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Patent number: 6392799Abstract: A fully automated telescope system is able to be fully operable in both Alt-Az and polar configurations. In either configuration, the telescope aligns itself to the celestial coordinate system following a simplified initialization procedure during which the telescope tube is first pointed north and then pointed towards a user's horizon. A command processor, under application software program control orients the telescope system with respect to the celestial coordinate system given the initial directional inputs. The initial telescope orientation may be further refined by initially inputting a geographical location indicia, or by shooting one or two additional celestial objects. Once the telescope's orientation with respect to the celestial coordinate system is established, the telescope system will automatically move to and track any desired celestial object without further alignment invention by a user.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Meade Instruments CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Baun, John E. Hoot