Microladar collision avoidance and target detection technology

ABSTRACT: 3D Cameras have many potential uses aboard UAVs and munitions including mapping, navigation, target location and identification, surveillance, collision avoidance and autonomous piloting of the aircraft. The 3D cameras suited to each of these applications differ. The purpose of the proposed Phase II effort is to build a 3D and 2D camera suite and mount it on a small UAV helicopter. The resulting UAV, armed with a 3D capability, will provide a testbed upon which numerous experiments will clarify the 3D camera suite design needed to best accomplish each of the above enumerated missions. Once the specifications for 3D cameras are identified, their development can proceed for the benefit of UAV aviation. BENEFIT: The proposed 3D Testbed will enable the development of 3D Cameras optimally suited for use aboard unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The resulting 3D cameras will be useful for topographic mapping, surveillance, navigation, remote piloting and autonomous piloting of UAVs. They will be useful to cartographers, police, city planners, the film industry and private security firms.