Abstract: Disclosed herein is a securement apparatus, such as a lanyard, that has increased tensile strength and shear strength when compared with a conventional securement apparatus. The securement apparatus includes a connector extending from a connector body, a strap coupled to the connector body, and a structural component. The structural component has a tapered geometry such that a first end that is contained within the connector body has a first width and/or height and a second end that transitions from the connector body into the strap has a second width and/or height that is less than the first width and/or height.

Abstract: An auxiliary electronic device attachable to a wearable electronic device. The auxiliary device includes a housing, electronic circuitry within the housing, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach the auxiliary electronic device to the wearable device while the device is being worn by a user. In some embodiments the electronic circuitry includes a power transmitting unit that can wirelessly transmit power to charge a rechargeable battery within the wearable electronic device. In some embodiments the attachment mechanism includes a pair of lugs that extend, from opposite ends of the housing, above the housing towards a center of the auxiliary device and are adapted to fit within corresponding recesses of the wearable electronic device.

Abstract: A system is provided for alerting a crew in an airborne platform. The system includes a module for receiving point cloud data from a LIDAR system, including range data between the LIDAR system and multiple points in the point cloud. The system also includes a module for placing the multiple points into first and second zones, wherein the first zone has range data of points in the point cloud located within a first distance from the airborne platform, and the second zone has range data of points located further than the first distance. The first distance is predetermined by an operational environment of the airborne platform. The system further includes a color module for coloring the points in the first zone with a first color composition and coloring the points in the second zone with a second color composition. A color display is provided for displaying the colored points in the first and second zones.

Abstract: A method for detecting terrain, through foliage, includes the steps of: receiving point cloud data in a three-dimensional (3D) space from an airborne platform, in which the point cloud data includes foliage that obscures the object; reformatting the point cloud data from the 3D space into a one-dimensional (1D) space to form a 1D signal; and decomposing the 1D signal using a wavelet transform (WT) to form a decomposed WT signal. The decomposed WT signal is reconstructed to form a low-pass filtered profile. The method classifies the low-pass filtered profile as terrain. The terrain includes a natural terrain, or a ground profile.

Abstract: A processor calculates a safe landing zone for an aircraft. The processor executes the following steps: (a) converting 4D point cloud data into Cartesian coordinates to form a height map of a region; (b) segmenting the height map to form boundaries of an object in the region; and (c) determining maximum height within the boundaries of the object. Also included are (d) determining if the maximum height is greater than a predetermined height to form a vertical obstruction (VO) in the region; and (e) determining if the VO is in the line of sight (LOS) of the aircraft to classify the landing zone as safe or unsafe. The processor further includes the step of: (f) forming a slope map over the height map.

Abstract: A processor calculates a safe landing zone for an aircraft. The processor executes the following steps: (a) converting 4D point cloud data into Cartesian coordinates to form a height map of a region; (b) segmenting the height map to form boundaries of an object in the region; and (c) determining maximum height within the boundaries of the object. Also included are (d) determining if the maximum height is greater than a predetermined height to form a vertical obstruction (VO) in the region; and (e) determining if the VO is in the line of sight (LOS) of the aircraft to classify the landing zone as safe or unsafe. The processor further includes the step of: (f) forming a slope map over the height map.

Abstract: A method for detecting terrain, through foliage, includes the steps of: receiving point cloud data in a three-dimensional (3D) space from an airborne platform, in which the point cloud data includes foliage that obscures the object; reformatting the point cloud data from the 3D space into a one-dimensional (1D) space to form a 1D signal; and decomposing the 1D signal using a wavelet transform (WT) to form a decomposed WT signal. The decomposed WT signal is reconstructed to form a low-pass filtered profile. The method classifies the low-pass filtered profile as terrain. The terrain includes a natural terrain, or a ground profile.