Patent ID: 6081257
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: G01D,G05G,G06F,Y10T

Abstract:
A control apparatus for navigational control of a helicopter having a control stick which can be rotatably positioned in three axes for generating control signals based on a spacial orientation thereof, and which has an opto-electronic sensor for determining the control stick position, said control apparatus comprising:a beam emitter which is immovably connected with the control stick and emits two spatially separate light beams;a stationary, light-sensitive detector mosaic situated along an entire adjusting range of the control stick in the beam path of both of said light beams, for determining position coordinates of two spacially separated light spots generated by said light beams on the detector mosaic; andan analyzing circuit for determining the rolling, pitching and yawing position of the control stick, as a function of the position coordinates of only said two light spots.