Abstract: A sensor assembly for imaging passive infrared (IR) scenes and active laser radar (LADAR) scenes and for generating multi-dimension image data sets, and a method for same. A two-dimensional semiconductor imager sensitive to both passive IR radiation and active LADAR radiation when used in conjunction with subsequent signal processing creates a two-dimension passive image data set and a three-dimension active image data set with common x and y coordinates. The passive image data set is collected substantially proximate in time with the active image data set. The two image data sets are combined to form a multi-dimension image data set with the surface of three-dimensional objects indicating heat emission. The sensor assembly applies to burst illumination LADARs operating at a variety of wavelengths and passive IR detection in the middle wavelength IR (MWIR) or long wavelength IR (LWIR).

Abstract: A visual recognition system is disclosed for detecting a target within a scene. A LADAR system and method is employed for scanning laser light signals across a scene having a target to be characterized. Laser light reflected from the target is detected and processed into a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image is segmented to separate the target from the overall scene. Substantially, only the segmented target data is either displayed locally or transmitted via a narrow bandwidth transmission medium to a remote site for display. The invention finds particular application in military situations where enemy armor is detected and the segmented version of the armor is transmitted via SINCGARS.