Abstract: Embodiments are directed to increasing the accuracy in spatially local dimensioning systems. A pulse timer generates a sine wave, a cosine wave, a sine wave indexer, and a cosine wave indexer. An outgoing laser pulse transmission to an object and a return bounce back from the object are detected and the outgoing and return bounce back times recorded. The recorded times are used to determine weighted times for the sine and cosine waves. Both the distance and timing to the object are electronically determined.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention employ a LADAR range data stream, a Cartesian coordinate system that is fixed to the Earth, and a Cartesian coordinate system that is fixed to a LADAR sensor. An index is determined and used to select a color from a color map for each range pixel of LADAR data. The color value is electronically-associated with the pixel.

Abstract: A method for simulating sensor range data includes providing a pulse model configured to generate a sequence of discrete energy pulses. A sequences of flashes associated with the pulse model are electronically generated. Each flash in the sequence of flashes has at least one range value. A sequence of scans is electronically generated from the sequence of flashes. Each scan in the sequence of scans has at least one flash. The sequences of scans is a simulation of sensor range data. The simulation of sensor range data is output in a tangible medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention use ground effect to determine how close an aircraft is to the ground. An electronic processor communicates with a navigation unit on an aircraft. The aircraft has an electronic instrument cluster for takeoff and landing control. An aircraft model is received from the navigation unit and used to compute aircraft modeled quantities. An initial altitude of the aircraft is received from a barometric altimeter. Initial aircraft velocities and initial aircraft orientations are from the navigation unit. The aircraft model is initialized. Accelerations, rotation, and altitude from the output of accelerometers, gyros, and the barometric altimeter are received. Surface and thrust control settings are received from the electronic instrument cluster. A best hypothesis for ground altitude is computed and the computed ground altitude having the lowest likelihood of error is reported.

Abstract: Data fusion and visualization of video and LADAR data includes using a fusion matrix to electronically transform each point of a LADAR point cloud from Cartesian coordinates into a homogeneous fusion coordinate system (FCS). The FCS has projective geometry dimensions of row, column, and depth. A control camera is provided for user input to generate a control matrix. A fusion point cloud is generated by electronically fusing each transformed point. The pixel color is found in the video frame at the row and column indicated from the transform of each point of the LADAR point cloud. The control camera is used to control a view of the fusion point cloud by removing non-visible points found at depths deeper than a point having the smallest depth for each row and column. The visible points are rendered on the fusion point cloud to generate a control frame.

Abstract: A three dimensional shape correlation computer software program which uses laser radar data for target identification. The correlation program obtains a scan of laser radar data of a target from a Ladar sensor. The data includes a plurality of X,Y,Z coordinate detection points for the target. The software simulates the sensor scan using a 3D wire-frame model of the target. An X,Y,Z coordinate location is computed for every point in the computer model of the target. The software compares the X,Y,Z coordinate detection points for the target with the X,Y,Z coordinate points for the computer model to determine if the points match. When there is a match a target identification is declared.

Abstract: A Lasar Stream format is provided which is a logical structure that encapsulates Ladar sensor data generated by a Ladar sensor. The data is packaged into message structures for transmission over a transport medium. The messages form a data stream and when the messages arrive at a destination the messages are processed and made available for use by signal processors such as automatic target recognition system.

Abstract: A three dimensional shape correlation computer software program which uses laser radar data for target identification. The correlation program obtains a scan of laser radar data of a target from a Ladar sensor. The data includes a plurality of X,Y,Z coordinate detection points for the target. The software simulates the sensor scan using a 3D wire-frame model of the target. An X,Y,Z coordinate location is computed for every point in the computer model of the target. The software compares the X,Y,Z coordinate detection points for the target with the X,Y,Z coordinate points for the computer model to determine if the points match. When there is a match a target identification is declared.

Abstract: A Lasar Stream format is provided which is a logical structure that encapsulates Ladar sensor data generated by a Ladar sensor. The data is packaged into message structures for transmission over a transport medium. The messages form a data stream and when the messages arrive at a destination the messages are processed and made available for use by signal processors such as automatic target recognition system.