Apparatus and method for sensing angular displacement
First Claim
1. A method for measuring angular motion of an object comprising steps of:
- providing a reference object for the object so that the reference object maintains an independent angular position despite rotational motion of the object and forces external to the reference object; and
measuring the rotational motion of the object by measuring an angular displacement of the object with respect to the independent angular position of the reference object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for sensing angular displacement of a rotating object. A reference object is provided that maintains an independent angular reference. An angular displacement of the rotating object may be measured with respect to the reference object. The apparatus may include a turn sensor for measuring directional changes in the heading of the object, an angular compensator, and a servomotor for maintaining the turn sensor in a same angular position. The object may be a vehicle such as a boat, car, train, airplane or any other vehicle. The turn sensor is coupled to the servomotor that may be attached to a platform of the vehicle. As the vehicle rotates, the heading of the vehicle changes. The servomotor rotates the turn sensor housing to keep the sensor at the same angular position. The heading may be determined by measuring an angular difference between the position of the turn sensor in relation to the moving object.
29 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for measuring angular motion of an object comprising steps of:
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providing a reference object for the object so that the reference object maintains an independent angular position despite rotational motion of the object and forces external to the reference object; and measuring the rotational motion of the object by measuring an angular displacement of the object with respect to the independent angular position of the reference object. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5)
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2. The method according to claim 2, further comprising steps of:
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controlling a reference device to rotate in relation to the object so that the reference device maintains an angular relation to the reference object; and measuring the rotational motion of the object based upon an amount that the reference device is controlled in the step of controlling.
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6. An apparatus for measuring angular motion of an object, comprising:
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a reference object that independently maintains an angular position despite rotational motion of the object; a reference device coupled to the object, the reference device including an angular compensator having an output providing a control signal that controls rotation of the reference device with respect to the object so that the reference device maintains an angular relationship with the reference object; and a position unit having an input that receives the control signal and an output that provides an indication of the rotational motion of the object based upon the control signal. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for measuring angular motion of an object, comprising the steps of:
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arranging a reference object so that the reference object is coupled to the object but maintains an independent angular reference despite the angular motion of the object; controlling a reference device to move in relation to the reference object so that the reference device substantially maintains an angular relationship with the reference object; and measuring the motion of a platform based upon an amount that the reference device is controlled in the step of controlling.
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16. A system for measuring a displacement angle of an object, the system including an apparatus comprising:
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a container having fluid; a rotating object having weight, the rotating object being allowed to rotate freely within the container and is positioned within the container, wherein the weight of the rotating object is substantially suspended by the fluid; and a sensing element configured to sense an angular displacement of the rotating object. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification