Calibration of reflective surface positioning using light beam alignment to distant reference objects

Abstract

A system and method for calibrating reflective devices using reflected beam alignment with distant reference objects. The system comprises a reflective device with drives that orient a reflective surface, where drive states indicate the surface position. An incident beam from a beam emitter is directed at the reflective surface, creating a reflected beam observed against distant reference objects having known positions, such as stars. Calibration points are recorded comprising drive states corresponding to when the reflected beam aligns with reference objects. These calibration points are processed to optimize a computer model relating drive states to reflective surface orientation. The system may include cameras for capturing reflected beam images and a computing device for processing calibration data and modifying model parameters. The calibrated model enables precise control of reflective surface orientation, with particular application to heliostat calibration for solar power concentration, enabling accurate sun tracking during daylight operation after nighttime calibration.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.