Abstract: A system and method for collaborative navigation is provided. The system comprises a first mobile unit, at least one inertial measurement unit on the first mobile unit, and at least one environment sensor on the first mobile unit. A navigator module in the first mobile unit is configured to receive inertial data from the inertial measurement unit. An object characterization module is configured to receive sensor data from the environment sensor and a navigation solution from the navigator module. A common object geo-locator module is configured to receive a first set of descriptors from the object characterization module and a second set of descriptors from another mobile unit. A data association module is configured to receive common descriptors from the common object geo-locator module. The first mobile unit is configured to operatively communicate with one or more additional mobile units that are configured for collaborative navigation with the first mobile unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for navigating with the use of correlation within a select area are provided. One method includes, storing data required to reconstruct ranges and associated angles to objects along with statistical accuracy information while initially traversing throughout the select area. Measuring then current ranges and associated angles to the objects during a subsequent traversal throughout the select area. Correlating the then current ranges and associated angles to the objects to reconstructed ranges and associated angles to the objects from the stored data. Determining at least one of then current location and heading estimates within the select area based at least in part on the correlation and using the least one of the then current location and heading estimates for navigation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for navigating with the use of correlation within a select area are provided. One method includes, storing data required to reconstruct ranges and associated angles to objects along with statistical accuracy information while initially traversing throughout the select area. Measuring then current ranges and associated angles to the objects during a subsequent traversal throughout the select area. Correlating the then current ranges and associated angles to the objects to reconstructed ranges and associated angles to the objects from the stored data. Determining at least one of then current location and heading estimates within the select area based at least in part on the correlation and using the least one of the then current location and heading estimates for navigation.

Abstract: A range measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises a flash laser radar configured to produce a first laser pulse at a first time. The device receives, at a second time, reflections of the first laser pulse from at least one object within a 360 degree field of view. The device further comprises a timing electronics module, an image sensor in communication with the timing electronics module, a mirror element coupled between the image sensor and the laser radar, and a lens. The mirror element includes a first reflector configured to disperse the reflections of the first laser pulse within at least a portion of the 360 degree field of view and a second reflector configured to collect returning reflections of the first laser pulse from the at least one object into the image sensor. The lens is configured to focus the returning reflections onto the image sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for navigating with the use of correlation within a select area are provided. One method includes, storing data required to reconstruct ranges and associated angles to objects along with statistical accuracy information while initially traversing throughout the select area. Measuring then current ranges and associated angles to the objects during a subsequent traversal throughout the select area. Correlating the then current ranges and associated angles to the objects to reconstructed ranges and associated angles to the objects from the stored data. Determining at least one of then current location and heading estimates within the select area based at least in part on the correlation and using the least one of the then current location and heading estimates for navigation.

Abstract: A method for marking a position of a real world object on a see-through display is provided. The method includes capturing an image of a real world object with an imaging device. A viewing angle and a distance to the object are determined. A real world position of the object is calculated based on the viewing angle to the object and the distance to the object. A location on the see-through display that corresponds to the real world position of the object is determined. A mark is then displayed on the see-through display at the location that corresponds to the real world object.

Abstract: A method for combining range information with an optical image is provided. The method includes capturing a first optical image of a scene with an optical camera, wherein the first optical image comprising a plurality of pixels. Additionally, range information of the scene is captured with a ranging device. Range values are then determined for at least a portion of the plurality of pixels of the first optical image based on the range information. The range values and the optical image are combined to produce a 3-dimensional (3D) point cloud. A second optical image of the scene from a different perspective than the first optical image is produced based on the 3D point cloud.

Abstract: A stereo camera comprises at least one image sensor; a first surface configured to direct a first view of an area to the at least one image sensor, the first view comprising an approximately 360 degree view of the area; and a second surface configured to direct a second view of the area to the at least one image sensor, the second view comprising an approximately 360 degree view of the area; wherein the at least one image sensor is configured to capture the first and second views in at least one image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a target locator device are provided. In one embodiment, a target locator device comprises: a high performance gyroscope; an inertial measurement unit including an accelerometer triad and a gyroscope triad; a rangefinder; a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver; and a processor coupled to the high performance gyroscope, the inertial measurement unit, the rangefinder and the GNSS receiver. The processor derives an alignment heading from a heading measurement provided by the high performance gyroscope. The processor calculates a heading to a target based on a deviation from the alignment heading as measured from a heading and elevation measurement determined from the inertial measurement unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an aircraft with an area on the ground is provided. The apparatus includes an aircraft having an on-board landing system, the on-board landing system configured to record an image of an area on the ground. The apparatus also includes a location marker on the area of the ground, and a stored image showing at least a portion of the area of the recorded image. The on-board landing system is configured to obtain information from the location marker and use the information to align the recorded image with the stored image.

Abstract: A range measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises a flash laser radar configured to produce a first laser pulse at a first time. The device receives, at a second time, reflections of the first laser pulse from at least one object within a 360 degree field of view. The device further comprises a timing electronics module, an image sensor in communication with the timing electronics module, a mirror element coupled between the image sensor and the laser radar, and a lens. The mirror element includes a first reflector configured to disperse the reflections of the first laser pulse within at least a portion of the 360 degree field of view and a second reflector configured to collect returning reflections of the first laser pulse from the at least one object into the image sensor. The lens is configured to focus the returning reflections onto the image sensor.

Abstract: A range measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises a flash laser radar configured to produce a first laser pulse at a first time. The device receives, at a second time, reflections of the first laser pulse from at least one object within a 360 degree field of view. The device further comprises a timing electronics module, an image sensor in communication with the timing electronics module, a mirror element coupled between the image sensor and the laser radar, and a lens. The mirror element includes a first reflector configured to disperse the reflections of the first laser pulse within at least a portion of the 360 degree field of view and a second reflector configured to collect returning reflections of the first laser pulse from the at least one object into the image sensor. The lens is configured to focus the returning reflections onto the image sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for collaborative navigation is provided. The system comprises a first mobile unit, at least one inertial measurement unit on the first mobile unit, and at least one environment sensor on the first mobile unit. A navigator module in the first mobile unit is configured to receive inertial data from the inertial measurement unit. An object characterization module is configured to receive sensor data from the environment sensor and a navigation solution from the navigator module. A common object geo-locator module is configured to receive a first set of descriptors from the object characterization module and a second set of descriptors from another mobile unit. A data association module is configured to receive common descriptors from the common object geo-locator module. The first mobile unit is configured to operatively communicate with one or more additional mobile units that are configured for collaborative navigation with the first mobile unit.

Abstract: A method for navigating underwater is disclosed. The method uses a navigation system to project a first velocity measurement along one or more signal beams having a second velocity measurement, where the second velocity measurement is related to at least one of the one or more signal beams. The method determines a position and location of an object associated with the navigation system based on a prediction of at least the second velocity measurement, and the navigation system is adjusted to perform within a prescribed measurement range based on a covariance of the first and second velocity measurements. The performance adjustments made in determining the position and location of the object are operable independent of the navigation system maintaining each of the signal beams due to one or more external environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method for marking a position of a real world object on a see-through display is provided. The method includes capturing an image of a real world object with an imaging device. A viewing angle and a distance to the object are determined. A real world position of the object is calculated based on the viewing angle to the object and the distance to the object. A location on the see-through display that corresponds to the real world position of the object is determined. A mark is then displayed on the see-through display at the location that corresponds to the real world object.

Abstract: A method for combining range information with an optical image is provided. The method includes capturing a first optical image of a scene with an optical camera, wherein the first optical image comprising a plurality of pixels. Additionally, range information of the scene is captured with a ranging device. Range values are then determined for at least a portion of the plurality of pixels of the first optical image based on the range information. The range values and the optical image are combined to produce a 3-dimensional (3D) point cloud. A second optical image of the scene from a different perspective than the first optical image is produced based on the 3D point cloud.

Abstract: A method for navigating underwater is disclosed. The method uses a navigation system to project a first velocity measurement along one or more signal beams having a second velocity measurement, where the second velocity measurement is related to at least one of the one or more signal beams. The method determines a position and location of an object associated with the navigation system based on a prediction of at least the second velocity measurement, and the navigation system is adjusted to perform within a prescribed measurement range based on a covariance of the first and second velocity measurements. The performance adjustments made in determining the position and location of the object are operable independent of the navigation system maintaining each of the signal beams due to one or more external environmental conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an aircraft with an area on the ground is provided. The apparatus includes an aircraft having an on-board landing system, the on-board landing system configured to record an image of an area on the ground. The apparatus also includes a location marker on the area of the ground, and a stored image showing at least a portion of the area of the recorded image. The on-board landing system is configured to obtain information from the location marker and use the information to align the recorded image with the stored image.

Abstract: A stereo camera comprises at least one image sensor; a first surface configured to direct a first view of an area to the at least one image sensor, the first view comprising an approximately 360 degree view of the area; and a second surface configured to direct a second view of the area to the at least one image sensor, the second view comprising an approximately 360 degree view of the area; wherein the at least one image sensor is configured to capture the first and second views in at least one image.

Abstract: A range measurement device is disclosed. The device comprises a flash laser radar configured to produce a first laser pulse at a first time. The device receives, at a second time, reflections of the first laser pulse from at least one object within a 360 degree field of view. The device further comprises a timing electronics module, an image sensor in communication with the timing electronics module, a mirror element coupled between the image sensor and the laser radar, and a lens. The mirror element includes a first reflector configured to disperse the reflections of the first laser pulse within at least a portion of the 360 degree field of view and a second reflector configured to collect returning reflections of the first laser pulse from the at least one object into the image sensor. The lens is configured to focus the returning reflections onto the image sensor.