Education and demonstration – Science – Astronomy
Patent
1998-10-16
2000-02-29
Rimell, Sam
Education and demonstration
Science
Astronomy
434284, G09B 2300
Patent
active
060302275
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.
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Lo Jack
Rimell Sam
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