Abstract: A proximity detector, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and method for outputting a displacement are provided. The proximity detector includes a velocity sensor, a displacement sensor, and integration logic. The integration login is configured to receive displacement values from the displacement sensor and integrate velocity values received from the velocity sensor. Based on the integrated velocity value and a first displacement value, the integration logic determines an estimated displacement value. A difference is determined between the estimated displacement value and a second displacement value. If the difference is less than a difference threshold, the second displacement value is output. The UAV and/or other vehicles may utilize the proximity sensor to provide data for vehicle control and operation, including maneuvering and landing the vehicle.

Abstract: A vibrating fiber optic display unit is provided for use as an aircraft pilot display unit and for overcoming the problem of manually adjusting the display unit due to temperature changes. The display unit has a fiber optic ribbon having a plurality of fibers which form a display pattern at the free ends of the fibers during vibration of the fiber optic ribbon. The ribbon has light emitting diodes for the fibers. A microprocessor provides signals to the diodes for forming light dots in the display pattern. A piezo film transducer is mounted on the ribbon. Drive means vibrates the ribbon. An optocoupler has a shutter portion mounted on the ribbon. A ribbon oscillator network receives signals from the optocoupler and from the piezo film transducer and provides signal to the drive means, whereby the ribbon is vibrated at its natural frequency, and whereby the drive means automatically adjusts to changes in the ribbon natural frequency due to temperature change.