High-Speed Dynamic 3D Surface Mapping System

Conrad Technologies, Inc. (CTI) proposes a non-contact, dynamic 3D position sensor based on optical triangulation using multiple radiating LED targets to measure intrusion of an automobile structure into the occupant compartment during full-scale crash tests. CTI has significant experience developing non-contact measurement instruments. CTI has developed a Motion Imaging and Tracking Acquisition System (MITAS), patent-pending, which measure thoracic displacement in a test dummy. In Phase I, CTI will modify and enhance MITAS to map intruding vehicle structures with sampling rates of at least 5000 Hz. The current MITAS uses low-cost CMOS linescan imaging sensors together with commercial-off-the-shelf optics. CTI will modify the optical system to transmit more light emanating from distant targets. Predictive tracking algorithms will be improved to account for possible image crossings. Additionally, CTI will exploit the spectral characteristics of targets for their identification, to increase the physical space in which targets can be placed. In Phase II, CTI will design a general-purpose, dynamic, synchronous position measurement system for wide ranging government and commercial applications. The general-purpose system will have provisions to change its field-of-view and resolution to suit the needs of its user.