Automated system and method for processing of astronomical images
This invention encompasses near-real-time processing of astronomical images for viewing on a computer. This image processing method is preferably integrated with the control of an astronomical observatory. The subject invention thus includes an Internet-based system that provides a virtual experience of an astronomical observatory. The subject invention preferably uses an unmanned astronomical observatory to observe galaxies, nebulae, stars, etc. The observatory produces color images suitable for viewing on a computer monitor. These images are delivered to users across the Internet using web browser-based software.
1. A method for computer image processing of telescope received camera images of a celestial object within a predetermined time period comprising:
selecting computer image processing parameters based on at least one of type of said camera, length of said predetermined time and type of said celestial object;
computer image processing said celestial images based on said computer image processing parameters to create a single image visually modified over said predetermined time period by performing processing of at least one of binning, sub frame dimension, target image size, exposure duration, color usage, and image stretching;
focusing said telescope based on at least one of the temperature and the filter of said telescope cross referenced with telescope focus data, and at least one of filter data and temperature data; and
terminating said computer image processing upon expiration of said predetermined time period regardless of level of completion of said computer image processing.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said telescope received camera images are computer image processed when said telescope recieved camera images are captured.
3. The method of claim 1 where in said telescope received camera images are computer images processed after said telescope received camera images are captured.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said celestial object is selected from group consisting of the sun, the moon, the moon during eclipse, a planet, a star, a galaxy, a nebula, a comet, and a star cluster and said compiter processing parameters are selected based on type of said celestial object.
5. The method system of claim 1 wherein said single image visually modified over said predetermined time period is transmitted to a computer of a user over a computer network.
6. A system for computer image processing of telescope received camera images of a celestial object within a predetermined time period comprising:
a component for selecting computer image processing parameters based on at least one of type of said camera, length of said predetermined time and type of said celestial object;
component for computer image processing said celestial images based on said computer image processing parameters to create a single image visually modified over said predetermined time period by performing processing of at least one of binning, sub frame dimension, target image size, exposure duration, color usage, and image stretching;
a component for focusing said telescope based on at least one of the temperature and the filter of said telescope cross referenced with telescope focus data, and at least one of filter data and temperature data; and
a component for terminating said computer image processing upon expiration of said predetermined time period regardless of level of completion of said computer image processing.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said telescope received camera images are computer images processed when said telescope received camera images are captured.
8. The system of claim 6 where in said telescope received camera images are computer image processed after said telescope received camera images are captured.
9. The system of claim 6 wherein said celestial object is selected from the group consisting of the sun, the moon, the moon during eclipse, a planet, a star, a galaxy, a nebula, a comet, and a star cluster and said computer processing parameters are selected based on type of said celestial object.
10. The system of claim 6 wherein said single image visually modified over said predetermined time period is transmitted to a computer of a user over a computer network.