Abstract:
A space flight simulator includes: a celestial-body-position output unit configured to output three-dimensional positions of extragalactic celestial bodies in space; an observation-position designation unit configured to allow an operator to designate a three-dimensional position and a posture of an observer in extragalactic space; a celestial-body-image arrangement unit configured to determine, based on the output from the celestial-body-position output unit, arrangement of an image of each extragalactic celestial body in a star field seen from the designated three-dimensional position and posture of the observer, and generate a star field image; a cosmic-expansion selection unit configured to allow the operator to perform selection as to whether a cosmic expansion effect is taken into account; a time designation unit configured to designate an observation time; and a cosmic-expansion correction unit configured to correct the three-dimensional position of each extragalactic celestial body based on the cosmic expansion effect and the designated observation time.
Abstract:
A spherical body map having one hemisphere centered on any given point of the body and another hemisphere centered on its antipodal point is provided in the Azimuthal Equidistant Hemispheric projection. Both hemispheres are placed side by side so to show a great circle line passing through the center and antipodal points straight. This map can show correct directions and distances from the center point to any other points on the body with realistic and recognizable shapes, even for remote continents. It can also demonstrate three important properties of this projection: directions from points along a great circle to a center point do not show the exact opposite of directions from the center point to the points; distances between any two points, not only from the center point, along a great circle line are correct; and the map is convertible from flat to three-dimensional forms.
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 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:
It is intended to provide a digital planetarium picture-projecting apparatus capable of recording and executing an operation procedure, facilitating recording of the operation procedure, editing the operation procedure, and executing an ad-lib representation when the operation procedure is executed. The digital planetarium picture projecting apparatus comprises an operating portion which accepts an operation by an operator about picture projection, an operation display panel which displays information about picture projection to the operator, a manual process recording portion which records an operation procedure executed to the operating portion, and a control portion which executes picture projection according to the operation procedure recorded in the manual process recording portion, wherein a temporary stop or restart operation by the operator is accepted during recording of the operation procedure by the manual process recording portion. Further, information about a projection screen is displayed on an operation display panel during execution of picture projection according to the operation procedure.
Abstract:
A planetarium apparatus of this invention memorizes a plurality of texture image data expressing conditions of a surface of an object in a picture memory by relating to the range of a distance from a viewpoint to the object. One of the texture image data in the picture memory is read out in accordance with a distance from the viewpoint to the object and by adjusting its size a texture image on the basis of the texture image data read out is pasted to an area of the entire image occupied by the object. Further, a remaining portion is formed as a real time image. In consequence, when a take-off from, or a landing onto, the surface of a celestial body is represented, a picture in which the condition of surrounding cosmic space is reproduced in real time, and the surface pattern of the celestial body from which a take off, or onto which a landing can both be displayed with a high degree of quality.
Abstract:
In a projection arrangement with a projector and a deflecting mirror in which the image projection, proceeding from a projection direction along a principal projection axis impinges on the deflecting mirror which is supported so as to be movable in two spatial direction and whose mirror surface deflects a projected light bundle at an elevation angle and at an azimuth angle onto a projection surface standing on the ground the image projection is effected from the direction of a zenith at an angle &bgr; which is less than 60° in relation to a vertical line from the zenith and the deflecting mirror is arranged at the ground wherein the projected light bundle can be deflected toward the projection surface so that an image can be generated on the projection surface and moved on the latter.
Abstract:
In a device for projection on a dome with a plurality of projectors (50, 51, 54, 56) for displaying image contents on an at least partially spherical projection surface (52), wherein every projector (50, 51, 54, 56) is arranged in such a way that it illuminates at least a partial surface (56, 58) of the projection surface (52) with partial images, and there is provided for at least for one of the projectors (51, 54, 56) a light source (12) and a deflecting device (40) by which a light bundle (10) emitted from the light source (12) can be guided along the portion to be illuminated in order to display the image contents, the deflecting device (40) of the at least one projector (51, 54, 56) is constructed as a scanning device by which the light bundle can be guided in a plurality of lines with a plurality of picture points over the partial surface (56, 58) to be illuminated, and the light source (12) is connected to an intensity control (64) on the basis of which individual picture points can be illuminated for displaying the partial image (56, 58) with suitable luminous density. (FIG. 2)
Abstract:
A digital solar system model includes a display with a center representing the sun, and discrete lamps arranged in concentric loops around the sun representing the planetary orbits. The lamps are controlled by a processor. The orbital motion of each planet is represented by sequentially illuminating the lamps in a corresponding orbit. Each planet must wait through a predetermined count between adjacent lamp positions, and the count is proportional to the size of the orbit. Upon startup, the planets are set to their proper relative positions on a default starting date, then set in motion at their proper relative orbital rates. The speed, direction, and starting/stopping of orbital motion are controlled via a motion control keypad. Time passage is shown on a digital date display. Numeric keys are provided on the motion control keypad for entering a GOTO date of a desired Earth year and month within a permitted range of past and future dates. When a GOTO date is entered, the planets are reset to their positions on the default starting date, then set in motion toward the GOTO date, orbiting forward when the GOTO date is in the future, or backward when the GOTO date is in the past. The planets are stopped when the GOTO date is reached.
Abstract:
An apparatus for demonstrating various phenomena associated with the earth's movement about the sun, having an upright fixedly attached to a base, at least one arm having two ends and being mounted on the upright in such a way as to be rotatable in a vertical plane, a crooked bearing housing for a spindle located near one of the ends, carrying a rotatable globe and constituting the axis of rotation thereof, all in such a way that, with respect to a line normal to the plane defined by the are, the axis of rotation of the globe is imparted a downward inclination of about 23.5.degree.. The apparatus further includes a light source unit attached to the arm at a point near the other end thereof and producing a light beam of a spatial extent sufficient to fully cover the globe, and drive means for causing the globe to rotate about its own axis, and for causing the arm to rotate in the vertical plane.