Abstract: A system comprises a rotatable object having a pseudo-random pattern of overlapping rounded shapes on an outer surface of the rotatable object and an image sensor configured to capture an image of a portion of the pseudo-random pattern on the outer surface. The system also comprises a memory configured to store a pattern map corresponding to the pseudo-random pattern on the outer surface of the rotatable object; and a processing unit configured to correlate the portion of the pseudo-random pattern in the captured image with a corresponding portion of the pattern map stored on the memory.

Abstract: A system comprises a rotatable object having a pseudo-random pattern of overlapping rounded shapes on an outer surface of the rotatable object and an image sensor configured to capture an image of a portion of the pseudo-random pattern on the outer surface. The system also comprises a memory configured to store a pattern map corresponding to the pseudo-random pattern on the outer surface of the rotatable object; and a processing unit configured to correlate the portion of the pseudo-random pattern in the captured image with a corresponding portion of the pattern map stored on the memory.

Abstract: An inertial navigation system is provided. The system includes a sensor block, an outer shell that substantially surrounds the sensor block and a plurality of gas pads connected to the outer shell that float the sensor block in gas creating a near frictionless environment to allow the sensor block to rotate in all directions. Each of the plurality of gas pads is adapted to receive pressurized gas. The outer shell and the sensor block are separated by a gap created by the pressurized gas at each pad.

Abstract: Computing systems including first and second processors configured to control first and second buses, respectively, and a terminator-monitor-bridge (TMB) device coupled between the first and second buses are provided. The TMB device is configured to selectively enable the first processor and the second processor to control at least a portion of the second bus and the first bus, respectively. TMB devices and methods for operating the TMB devices in accordance with the above configuration are also provided.

Abstract: A position determining system that includes a spherical inertial sensor assembly, at least one position determining device and a processor is provided. The spherical inertial sensor assembly has a surface with a reference pattern. Each position determining device includes a focal plane configured to record images of the reference pattern and star images. The processor is configured to determine the angular position of the spherical inertial sensor assembly via recorded images of the reference pattern and correlate the determined angular position based on the star images.

Abstract: Computing systems including first and second processors configured to control first and second buses, respectively, and a terminator-monitor-bridge (TMB) device coupled between the first and second buses are provided. The TMB device is configured to selectively enable the first processor and the second processor to control at least a portion of the second bus and the first bus, respectively. TMB devices and methods for operating the TMB devices in accordance with the above configuration are also provided.

Abstract: A position determining system that includes a spherical inertial sensor assembly, at least one position determining device and a processor is provided. The spherical inertial sensor assembly has a surface with a reference pattern. Each position determining device includes a focal plane configured to record images of the reference pattern and star images. The processor is configured to determine the angular position of the spherical inertial sensor assembly via recorded images of the reference pattern and correlate the determined angular position based on the star images.

Abstract: A wireless communication interface for inertial measurement unit is disclosed. One or more instrumentation sensors, a processor, a wireless radio frequency transceiver with an antenna, and a power source are sealed within an inertial sensor assembly. The processor is adapted to receive output signals from the instrumentation sensors and to convert the output signals into a stream of digital data packets. A radio frequency transceiver is coupled to the processor and adapted to wirelessly communicate the stream of digital data packets through the antenna. In one embodiment, the radio frequency transceiver is further adapted to wirelessly receive a stream of digital data packets through the antenna and communicate the received digital data packets to the processor.

Abstract: A method of adapting the frequency of a protocol in a communication system is provided. The method includes changing a bus cycle used by communication nodes in a communication system based on cycle interval instructions.

Abstract: A contact free optical position sensor for an inertial reference system. An optical sensor is adapted to generate image signals of a gas bearing supported inertial sensor assembly. The surface of the inertial sensor assembly is adapted with a reference surface pattern. A controller is coupled to receive the image signals from the optical sensor and is adapted with an image map of the reference surface pattern stored in a memory means that allows the controller to uniquely correlate an image captured by the optical sensor to an absolute position on the inertial sensor assembly. The controller is further adapted to determine the absolute position and attitude of the inertial sensor assembly based on the correlation between the imaged reference pattern features, the imaged reference pattern's angle of rotation, and the map of the reference pattern.