Development of a Skyscreen Computer
Abstract
This report describes the functional requirements, development and tests of a new electromechanical analog computer. Its purpose is to position blanking screens in a missile-tracking phototheodolite camera to avoid overexposure of the photographic plate. Azimuth and elevation information are continuously varying inputs from a tracking instrument. The Skyscreen Computer solves the trigonometric equations necessary to transform the spherical coordinates of the target with respect to the tracking instrument into rectilinear coordinates of the focal plane in the phototheodolite. The Skyscreen Computer System was developed successfully using ultra-precise electromechanical devices, all solid-state electronic circuits and high-quality mechanical components. Laboratory tests show that the System positions the aperture in the camera screens with an average error of 0.4 mm and a maximum error of 1.0 mm. These results indicate an overall average accuracy of one part in 320 which approaches the reasonable limit of a complex analog system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 12, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0285251
Entities
People
- Anthony Marmarou
- Charles A. Belsterling
- Richard H. Field
Organizations
- Franklin Institute