Real-time Passive Three-Dimensional (3-D) Imaging and Ranging

We propose real time, compact hardware implementation and integration of sensors, algorithms, and processing hardware for extracting 3-D imagery and absolute range from visible and/or infrared (IR) images collected from small UAVs or situational awareness sensors. The proposed approach can be used for 3D structure reconstruction, scene interpretation, and 3D visualization. Sensor/ system will use a 3D novel sensor and algorithms to estimate range and extract 3D structure reconstruction and 3D visualization of areas of interest, allowing the system to be used for reconnaissance of dynamic scenes and targets. System performance for real-time 3-D image reconstruction and range estimation will be evaluated. To facilitate implementation in airborne systems, BJ Information Technologies will partner with Lockheed on performance evaluation and hardware implementation. Sensor/system implementation will use compact hardware suitable for real time processing capability for airborne applications. Commercially available components and detector arrays will be used to provide a compact, lightweight, rugged, light efficient system, which is scalable with emerging imaging technologies.