Abstract: A projection lamp with a dual projection function, including a base. The base is provided with a first light-emitting element and a first projection film. Emitted light of the first light-emitting element can pass through the first projection film to be projected outward. The base is provided with a slide projection unit, which includes a light-emitting assembly and a second projection film. Emitted light of the light-emitting assembly can pass through the second projection film to be projected outward. The emitted light of the first light-emitting element passes through the first projection film to be projected outward to form a projection pattern corresponding to the first projection film, and at the same time, the emitted light of the light-emitting assembly passes through the second projection film to form the projection of the slide.

Abstract: A catadioptric telescope is a modified version of a conventional Maksutov-Cassegrain optical telescope. In accordance with the invention, the reflecting surfaces of the primary mirror and the secondary spot mirror are on the second surfaces of the primary mirror and correcting lens, respectively. In further accordance with the invention, two of these telescopes can be joined together to form a binocular telescope array. The array can be easily customized to suit different remote sensing/satellite applications.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a hand-held planetarium which displays a sky pattern comprising graphical representations of one or more celestial objects. A sensing system comprising one or more sensors provides information about an orientation of the device. A controller receives the information about the orientation of the device from the sensing system and determines therefrom an altitude angle of a pointing axis and an azimuthal angle of the pointing axis. The controller accesses a database of celestial objects and determines, from within the database, one or more selected celestial objects for display based at least in part on a measure of proximity of the celestial objects to the pointing axis. Graphical representations of the one or more selected celestial objects are displayed on a display screen. The planetarium may switch between a normal orientation mode and a downward facing orientation mode.

Abstract: A projection system having a set of projectors that cast images: (i) onto the concave surface of a hemispherical dome, as is usual in planetariums and (ii) onto the surface of a centrally located sphere. The images thus cast may be coordinated by a controlling computer program, so that changes in the content or orientation of the images on the sphere result in corresponding changes in the images on the dome and vice versa.

Abstract: An educational field chart used for observing the Moon. The two-piece chart has an indicator wheel joined with a background chart that depicts the Sun, Earth and the Moon in orbit. The pieces rotate to locate a moon phase illustration that matches the Moon in the sky. Once set, a user can automatically determine facts and aspects about the Moon during this phase. Information aligns on both pieces to tell the following about the Moon: a) the moon phase name, b) the position of the Moon in orbit going around Earth, c) the rise & set time of the phase, and when it is visible in the sky, and d) the approximate day of the phase in the lunar month. The illustrations on the chart also visually correlate the relationship of the Sun, Earth and Moon during each moon phase.

Abstract: Illumination provided to the interior of a convex surface can be controlled using a plurality of internal barriers separating light sources such as light emitting diodes. Such controlled illumination can simulate phases of the moon using logic which can be limited to yes or no Boolean decisions, thereby minimizing the complexity of required input.

Abstract: A projection system having a set of projectors that cast images: (i) outwards onto the concave surface of a hemispherical dome, as is usual in planetariums and (ii) inward onto the convex surface of a centrally located sphere. The images thus cast may be coordinated by a controlling computer program, so that changes in the content or orientation of the images on the sphere result in corresponding changes in the images on the dome and vice versa.

Abstract: Illumination provided to the interior of a convex surface can be controlled using a plurality of internal barriers separating light sources such as light emitting diodes. Such controlled illumination can simulate phases of the moon using logic which can be limited to yes or no Boolean decisions, thereby minimizing the complexity of required input.

Abstract: Illumination provided to the interior of a convex surface can be controlled using a plurality of internal barriers separating light sources such as light emitting diodes. Such controlled illumination can simulate phases of the moon using logic which can be limited to yes or no Boolean decisions, thereby minimizing the complexity of required input.

Abstract: A therapeutic tool for use with a patient in psychotherapy is provided, the tool includes a central gyroscopic element, a plurality of concentric rings extending around the central gyroscopic element, and a plurality of outer elements removably disposed on the rings and configured to be movable around the rings, wherein the rings are pivotally associated with the gyroscopic ball, and wherein the gyroscopic element is configured to represent a seeing self of the patient and the rings are configured to represent a plurality of subpersonalities of the patient.

Abstract: A projection apparatus for generating a moving star field and a cloud-like effect comprises a means for generating a cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source, a means for generating a moving star field using at least one coherent light source and a means for regulating and supplying electric power. The means for generating cloud-like effect using at least one non-coherent light source comprises at least one pair of condenser lenses and an interferential filter wheel rotated by a motor, disposed between at least one pair of condenser lenses. The means for generating the moving star field using a coherent light source comprises a grating wheel rotated by a motor and a diffractive optical element disposed between the at least one coherent light source and the grating wheel.

Abstract: A digital planetarium apparatus includes an original image generator, an intermediate image generator, and a fish-eye lens. The original image generator is formed of two video projectors and generates semicircular images in display devices inside the respective video projectors. The intermediate image generator optically focuses the two semicircular images generated by the original image generator to thereby generate a circular image. The fish-eye lens projects the circular image generated by the intermediate image generator.

Abstract: A planetarium has a planet projection system comprising: a rotatable stage positioned concentrically with a precession axis of a fixed star projection globe and performing an X-axis motion; and a sleeve-type planet projector positioned at an eccentric position with respect to an X axis on the rotatable stage and performing a Y-axis motion for allowing a projection direction to vary upward and downward in relation to the rotatable stage. The X-axis and Y-axis motions are controlled on the basis of values calculated by a planet-movement operation unit receiving date and time data, to project the movement of planets.

Abstract: A slide projector that is portable, easy to use and suitable for use by an individual, or individuals in the home. The slide projector comprises means in which to project an image perpendicularly from a slide onto a projection surface. In use, the projected image of the slide lies in a substantially planar surface. The slide is located in a rotating carousel which can be automatically, or manually, rotated, thus providing accurate simulation of the orientation of stars and other celestial bodies at a specific date and time.

Abstract: The position of each pixel of an original image is corrected for projection in order to eliminate distortion in the projection image generated by the relationship between the projection image used to photograph the original image and the projection method used to project the original image in a planetarium. First, a density data table corresponding to each pixel position is prepared for every frame of the motion image data. Then, an image location table is generated to correlate the converted pixel position converted to eliminate distortion in the projection image to the pixel position prior to conversion. Then, the original density data at each converted pixel position are determined from the density data table with reference to the pixel position before conversion in the image location table. In this way a distortion free projection image is obtained by converting and projecting the pixel positions of the motion image.

Abstract: Constellations are depicted on a ceiling with phosphorescent indicators of a predetermined planar surface area, which indicators are proportionally related to each other by a constant multiplication factor, to depict various star brightness magnitudes. A template has apertures with predetermined shapes, such that each aperture permits the affixing therein of only one indicator of a specific surface area against a ceiling. When all apertures are filled with indicators, the template is removed leaving a depiction of the constellations on the ceiling.

Abstract: A body portion of non-luminous material has an enlarged surface area on which design elements are applied of luminous material. The design elements are shaped to depict celestial bodies and the arrangement is such that when these design portions are charged by light, they will glow in the dark so that in an overhead position a nocturnal celestial appearance is provided. The body portion can consist of a double layer of material and the design elements confined between the two layers. A support for the body portion may include an electric motor for rotating the body portion to simulate rotation of the earth.

Abstract: A portable planetarium is disclosed for ascertaining the position of the sun, the planets and their satellites and the stars throughout the year. The planetarium includes a frame having a configuration defined by a frustrum of a cone with a substantially hemispherical cap attached thereon. A pole is aligned with the center axis of the frustrum of the cone and extends through the top of the hemispherical cap, with the intersection of the pole and the top of the hemispherical cap utilized as a reference point denoting the north star or Polaris. A covering is secured to the frame and a plurality of markings are selectively applied to the covering using Polaris as the reference point. A plurality of adhesive symbols may also be included to form an educational kit to teach the location of stars and the path of the sun and the planets during the course of the year.