Laser gyroscope system using graduated disc read=out + - uses computer interpolation for calculating rotation corrected for disc inaccuracy

摘要

The gyroscope system consists of a base plate (2) free to swing and rotate about an axis (4). The laser gyroscope (8) is mounted on a disc (10), and the axis is driven at constant speed. The disc is graduated and has typically 36,000 marks per revolution. The graduations are read out by a sensor (16) delivering pulse chain (Pt), and the gyroscope read out delivers another pulse chain (Pl). The two pulse chains (Pl, Pt) are summed in counters (19-Zlc and 20-Ztc) and read by a computer (17) which then resets counters by pulse (Pc) and relay (21). The timebase (24) is of higher frequency than the pulse chains (Pl, Pt). The interpolation method is used to resolve irregularities in pulse trains and to calculate rotation. USE/ADVANTAGE - In robot positioning arms, telescope mounting, navigation etc. System is self-calibrating and highly accurate-resolution to 0.01 angle seconds.