Method and apparatus for controlling coordinate displacements of a platform

Method for controlling coordinate displacements of a platform, the method comprising the following steps:

• providing a mechanical input signal of the desired displacement in at least one direction;
• assigning a manual displacement means and an associated displacement signal channel to each displacement coordinate of the platform;
• transducing the mechanical input signal into a number of pulses which number is proportional to a mechanical position signal in accordance with the resolution of a position encoder given in pulses per displacement unit;
• transmitting the pulses to a pulse decoder which registers the number of pulses as a pulse input displacement signal for each displacement coordinate;
• applying a speed-dependent function to the pulse input displacement signal to generate an output displacement signal in such a manner that a pulse frequency which is indicative of a low speed of displacement generates a lower output displacement signal than a pulse frequency which is indicative of a high speed of displacement;
• and
• applying the output displacement signal to a motor operably connected to said platform thereby causing a displacement of the platform corresponding to the output displacement signal.