Abstract: A rangefinder and method are provided for measuring a distance between the rangefinder and a target by measuring the flight time of a beam reflected from the target. In an embodiment, a receiver having reduced noise detects weak reflections from the targets or targets with poor reflectivity. The receiver generates a voltage signal proportional to a reflected beam, clamps the voltage signal to remove a portion of the noise therefrom, and compares the voltage signal to a threshold. In some embodiments, the receiver also filters the voltage signal to remove a portion of the noise therefrom. In an embodiment, the sensitivity of the receiver is increased as a function of time to reduce the likelihood of detecting stray reflections from objects other than the intended target. In some embodiments, the rangefinder collects calibration data with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements.

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: 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: 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: In various embodiments, a telescope comprises a telescope body, telescope optics, a two-dimensional sensor array, and power supply circuitry. The power supply circuitry comprises a switching power supply configured to provide power to the two-dimensional sensor array and sensing circuitry. During at least a portion of data acquisition, the switching power supply is shut off and the two-dimensional sensor array is powered by a non-switching power source, thereby reducing noise.

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: 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: 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 rangefinder and method are provided for measuring a distance between the rangefinder and a target by measuring the flight time of a beam reflected from the target. In an embodiment, a receiver having reduced noise detects weak reflections from distant targets or targets with poor reflectivity. The receiver generates a voltage signal proportional to a reflected beam, clamps the voltage signal to remove a portion of the noise therefrom, and compares the voltage signal to a threshold. In some embodiments, the receiver also filters the voltage signal to remove a portion of the noise therefrom. In an embodiment, the sensitivity of the receiver is increased as a function of time to reduce the likelihood of detecting stray reflections from objects other than the intended target. In some embodiments, the rangefinder collects calibration data with each range measurement or group of range measurements. The calibration data comprise a plurality of simulated range measurements.