Patent ID: 6563636
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An automated telescope system of the type including a telescope mounted for rotation about an altitude and an azimuth axis, the automated telescope system comprising:a command processor, the command processor receiving an input representing a position of a desired viewing object, the position characterized in terms of a celestial coordinate system, the command processor translating the input into a position characterized in terms of an altitude/azimuth coordinate system, the command processor calculating an amount of movement about each axis, to move the telescope from a present position to a desired position which points the telescope at the desired viewing object, the command processor outputting motor movement commands for each respective axis; and two intelligent motor portions, each coupled to rotate the telescope about a respective one of the axes, each motor portion including: a motor having a rotatable shaft; a motion indicator coupled to the motor, the motion indicator developing motion indication signals corresponding to actual motor movement; and an intelligent motor control processor, coupled to the motor and the motion indicator, the motor control processor further coupled to receive motor movement commands from the command processor, the motor control processor processing each respective motor movement command into motor control commands defining operational movement of the motor, the motor control processor further receiving motion indication signals and comparing actual operational movement of its respective motor to commanded operational movement, the motor control processor modifying motor control commands in response to differences therebetween.