Abstract: Obstacle warning system for low-flying airborne craft in which case the edge contours of the obstacles are visualized for the pilot in a display.

Abstract: A range imaging sensor for classifying and determining the position and orientation of remote objects combines a high resolution three-dimensional range imaging camera with a conventionally configured data processor. Three-dimensional object geometry sensed by the camera is compared with a plurality of three-dimensional models stored in a memory of the data processor. The spacial relationship between iteratively selected models and the sensed object is evaluated for varying positions and orientations of the model, and an optimum object classification and object position/orientation are detected and transmitted as an output signal.

Abstract: The camera includes two functionally equivalent line and field scanners, one for issuing a light pulse that will be returned by an object point, and identified by a particular line/field scanning position in both scanners; the second scanner being attuned to recognize the returned light in one scanning raster point only for purposes of correlation. The field scan is realized through a deflecting mirror or in a columnal array the line scans are either solid state or fiber optics.

Abstract: A method of using a method for navigating and updating of navigation for aircract under utilization of sensor image processing and reference store data, for purposes of automatic or assisted landing is disclosed.

Abstract: A fiber optic scanner includes two fiber bundles, each transforming a linear array into a circular one. The circularly arranged bundle ends cooperate with synchronously rotating deflectors which, in conjunction with single line fiber optics couple a deflector to a light source, provided the linear ends of the two bundles are positioned to be coupled to each other through a field of view.

Abstract: A method for navigation and updating of navigation for aircraft uses range image processing and a reference store, segmentizing the range image data are segmentized in order to obtain a particular pattern of type features for purposes of classifying particular types of objects across which the craft flies; extracting particular signature features including localized elevational jumps and determining the position of the craft by correlating a plurality of features and their spatial orientation to each other as extracted with corresponding stored reference information in order to provide a maximum fit that is indicative of deviation of the flight from a flight path as identified by the reference information.

Abstract: Optical radar includes a linear transmitter diode array with each diode in the array being individually controllable for transmitting a light pulse on being triggered; and a receiver diode array is positioned in relation to the transmitter array in conjunction with optical imaging means such that a diode of the transmitter array is imaged on the ground on the same area which is seen by a particular diode of the receiver array so that a 1:1 relation is established between a diode providing a particular transmitted light pulse and a diode that can receive said pulse.

Abstract: A method for aircraft navigation which includes, sensor signal processing with refernce data. The method provides for sensing and range finding the elevational profile underneath the craft. Those elevational data are fed to a segmentizing and type classifying unit whose output in turn is fed to a classifying unit, and that the position of the craft is determined by comparing the segmentized overflight strip with corresponding topographic features in reference information.

Abstract: Short light pulses are emitted and images of the reflection from objects are received; the receiving is timed and synchronized to obtain partial images corresponding to reflection from particular ranges; the partial images are then combined in a composite range image.

Abstract: Selecting of particular image lines for composition of range image such that a composition and evaluation of range image is possible in real time actually corresponds to the imaging of a TV or video camera. The image field is scanned column by column and the contents of the column (all lines) are read in parallel. After digitizing the content of the column, a selection logic selects a particular imaging dot within each of the columns. Using the principles of triangulation, the line position of the dot selected is identified by a multibit binary data word is vertical position in representation of the distance from the camera or the light strip source.