Abstract: A contact free optical motion sensor for an inertial reference system. One or more image acquisition systems are adapted to produce a series of overlapping images of a gas bearing supported spherical inertial sensor assembly. A controller coupled to receive the series of overlapping images applies a delta detection algorithm to the series of overlapping images to determine the distance, the direction of movement of the inertial sensor assembly and the resulting relative position of the gas bearing supported spherical inertial sensor assembly. The controller further calculates the rotational velocity of the inertial sensor assembly based on a time sequence between the received series of image signals and the distance moved.

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 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.

Abstract: A contact free optical motion sensor for an inertial reference system. One or more image acquisition systems are adapted to produce a series of overlapping images of a gas bearing supported spherical inertial sensor assembly. A controller coupled to receive the series of overlapping images applies a delta detection algorithm to the series of overlapping images to determine the distance, the direction of movement of the inertial sensor assembly and the resulting relative position of the gas bearing supported spherical inertial sensor assembly. The controller further calculates the rotational velocity of the inertial sensor assembly based on a time sequence between the received series of image signals and the distance moved.