Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing instantaneous real-time information concerning the attitude of an object. When the speed of the object to which the apparatus is attached is known, a real-time three dimensional velocity vector is determinable. The apparatus includes a plate mounted for rotation in a first axis nested within a gimbal means which is also mounted for rotation in a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being orthogonally oriented. The plate may mount a compass, gyroscope or laser. The rate of change of the angular position of the compass, gyroscope or laser is determinable. The rotation of the plate and the gimbal means are ascertained with precision by a novel sensor means. The sensor means determines the rotation by measuring the intensity of radiation (photoemission) passing through a disk with a variable width aperture circumscribed about the disk's circumference. Photodetectors generate a signal based on the intensity of emission which passes through the disk which is processed by appropriate means. A sensor is located to measure the rotation of the plate and a sensor is located to measure the rotation of the gimbal. The signals generated by the two sensors, plus information generated by the compass or gyroscope and the speed of the object will permit a processing means to accurately develop instantaneous changes in attitude and directional vector data. Applications include navigation, aerospace, robotics and defence.

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First Claim