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Miniature celestial direction detection system

  • US 8,471,906 B2
  • Filed: 08/25/2009
  • Issued: 06/25/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/24/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A target location system comprised of:

  • A) a telescopic range finder comprising a telescopic instrument bore-sighted with a range finder,B) a miniature celestial direction detection system comprising;

    C) at least one camera for viewing a large portion of sky, said camera comprising;

    1) a wide angle lens and2) a sensor having a focal plane array of at least about 350,000 pixels; and

    D) a MEMS inclinometer andE) a microprocessor programmed with;

    1) an astronomical algorithm for defining locations of celestial objects based on known time,2) coordinate transformation software for converting pixel image software into astronomical coordinates,3) software to synchronize the processor with an Internet time source accurate to within 3 seconds and to provide system GPS location of the system accurate to within 5 meters or less corresponding to precision needed for identification of a target location;

    4) software adapted to compute location of the target based on the system location and direction and range information provided by components of the system.

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