Tpoint
Encyclopedia
TPoint is computer
software that implements a mathematical model of conditions leading to error
s in telescope
pointing and tracking. The model can then be used in a telescope control system to correct the pointing and tracking. Such errors are typically caused by mechanical
or structural defects and environmental factors such as atmospheric refraction. For example, Tpoint can discover and compensate for repetitive errors such as poor polar alignment
, mechanical and optical non-orthogonality, lack of roundness in telescope mounting drive gear
s, as well as for flexure of the mounting caused by gravity. Tpoint is in use on the majority of professional telescopes worldwide, including the Anglo-Australian Observatory
, Keck Observatory, Gemini Observatory
, and many others. It has significantly improved the performance and efficiency of telescope operation, and has had an especially strong impact on the development of automated
and robotic telescope
s. Tpoint is also widely used by amateur astronomers
. Software Bisque
distributes TPoint for Windows; this version is used to improve the pointing on amateur telescopes.
TPoint was invented and developed by Patrick T. Wallace.
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
software that implements a mathematical model of conditions leading to error
Error
The word error entails different meanings and usages relative to how it is conceptually applied. The concrete meaning of the Latin word "error" is "wandering" or "straying". Unlike an illusion, an error or a mistake can sometimes be dispelled through knowledge...
s in telescope
Telescope
A telescope is an instrument that aids in the observation of remote objects by collecting electromagnetic radiation . The first known practical telescopes were invented in the Netherlands at the beginning of the 1600s , using glass lenses...
pointing and tracking. The model can then be used in a telescope control system to correct the pointing and tracking. Such errors are typically caused by mechanical
Machine
A machine manages power to accomplish a task, examples include, a mechanical system, a computing system, an electronic system, and a molecular machine. In common usage, the meaning is that of a device having parts that perform or assist in performing any type of work...
or structural defects and environmental factors such as atmospheric refraction. For example, Tpoint can discover and compensate for repetitive errors such as poor polar alignment
Polar Alignment
Polar alignment is the act of aligning the rotational axis of a telescope's equatorial mount in parallel with that of the Earth. There are various ways to achieve this.- Alignment Methods :...
, mechanical and optical non-orthogonality, lack of roundness in telescope mounting drive gear
Gear
A gear is a rotating machine part having cut teeth, or cogs, which mesh with another toothed part in order to transmit torque. Two or more gears working in tandem are called a transmission and can produce a mechanical advantage through a gear ratio and thus may be considered a simple machine....
s, as well as for flexure of the mounting caused by gravity. Tpoint is in use on the majority of professional telescopes worldwide, including the Anglo-Australian Observatory
Anglo-Australian Observatory
The Australian Astronomical Observatory , formerly the Anglo-Australian Observatory, is an optical/near-infrared astronomy observatory with its headquarters in suburban Sydney, Australia...
, Keck Observatory, Gemini Observatory
Gemini Observatory
The Gemini Observatory is an astronomical observatory consisting of two telescopes at sites in Hawai‘i and Chile. Together, the twin Gemini telescopes provide almost complete coverage of both the northern and southern skies...
, and many others. It has significantly improved the performance and efficiency of telescope operation, and has had an especially strong impact on the development of automated
Automation
Automation is the use of control systems and information technologies to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services. In the scope of industrialization, automation is a step beyond mechanization...
and robotic telescope
Robotic telescope
A robotic telescope is an astronomical telescope and detector system that makes observations without the intervention of a human. In astronomical disciplines, a telescope qualifies as robotic if it makes those observations without being operated by a human, even if a human has to initiate the...
s. Tpoint is also widely used by amateur astronomers
Amateur astronomy
Amateur astronomy, also called backyard astronomy and stargazing, is a hobby whose participants enjoy watching the night sky , and the plethora of objects found in it, mainly with portable telescopes and binoculars...
. Software Bisque
Software Bisque
Software Bisque, Inc. is an American company that develops software used in astronomy. It was founded in 1984 by current president and CEO, Stephen Bisque....
distributes TPoint for Windows; this version is used to improve the pointing on amateur telescopes.
TPoint was invented and developed by Patrick T. Wallace.