Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the angular position of a contrasting edge of an object having a luminance transition zone which is substantially rectilinear in a given direction and separates two regions of different luminances. This method comprises the functional steps of: —carrying out, in a transverse direction different from the given direction, an amplitude modulation of the signals delivered by a first and a second optical sensor; and —calculating an output signal (Yout(t)) starting from the signals delivered by the first and the second optical sensors (D1, D2) as a function of the angular position of the luminance transition zone. Device and set of devices for measuring the angular position of a contrasting edge and steering aid system for fixation and tracking a target comprising at least one such contrasting edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the angular position of a contrasting edge of an object having a luminance transition zone which is substantially rectilinear in a given direction and separates two regions of different luminances. This method comprises the functional steps of: —carrying out, in a transverse direction different from the given direction, an amplitude modulation of the signals delivered by a first and a second optical sensor; and —calculating an output signal (Yout(t)) starting from the signals delivered by the first and the second optical sensors (D1, D2) as a function of the angular position of the luminance transition zone. Device and set of devices for measuring the angular position of a contrasting edge and steering aid system for fixation and tracking a target comprising at least one such contrasting edge.

Abstract: Method and device for the detection of an essentially rectilinear contrast edge (E) in a direction, whereby a periodic sweep (?) of global visual angle (??) of the optical sensors, by translation (S) in another direction transverse to the first direction, is carried out. The translation provides a periodic sweep of non-uniform angular speed (?) during a part of the period of sweeping and a measurement of a time difference (t) from the signals provided by the sensors (D1, D2), depending on the angular position of the contrast edge (E) with relation to a reference direction (OY12) within the global visual angle (??) from the sweep law (?), the reference direction being connected to a specific value for the time difference (t). The above is of application to spatial stabilization of a sight line and the fine following and fixing of an object with at least one contrast edge.

Abstract: A steering aid system for altitude and horizontal speed of an aircraft (4) includes: a measuring device (22) for delivering a measured signal based on the aircraft altitude and horizontal speed, a common predetermined reference value (26) for the aircraft altitude and horizontal speed, and elements (20) for slaving the signal to the reference value by pitch loop, the elements being adapted to vary automatically the pitch and/or propulsive performance of the lifting members to lock the measured signal to the reference value.

Abstract: Method and device for the detection of an essentially rectilinear contrast edge (E) in a direction, whereby a periodic sweep (?) of global visual angle (??) of the optical sensors, by translation (S) in another direction transverse to the first direction, is carried out. The translation provides a periodic sweep of non-uniform angular speed (?) during a part of the period of sweeping and a measurement of a time difference (t) from the signals provided by the sensors (D1, D2), depending on the angular position of the contrast edge (E) with relation to a reference direction (OY12) within the global visual angle (??) from the sweep law (?), the reference direction being connected to a specific value for the time difference (t). The above is of application to spatial stabilization of a sight line and the fine following and fixing of an object with at least one contrast edge.

Abstract: A steering aid system for altitude and horizontal speed of an aircraft (4) includes: a measuring device (22) for delivering a measured signal based on the aircraft altitude and horizontal speed, a common predetermined reference value (26) for the aircraft altitude and horizontal speed, and elements (20) for slaving the signal to the reference value by pitch loop, the elements being adapted to vary automatically the pitch and/or propulsive performance of the lifting members to lock the measured signal to the reference value.