We report progress towards a miniaturized laser illumination module (LIM) for illuminating objects with structured light for 3D imaging purposes. The module, when combined with an off-axis camera and a PC, will image volumes in near-real- time at a range-dependent resolution using 256 X 256 resolution elements. The miniaturized LIM comprises a red laser diode source, a hologram, a spatial light modulator and a projection lens.We present optical and electronic design features of the device in terms of constraints on size and manufacturability. The miniature LIM can be applied to diverse 3D imaging problems to include industrial reverse engineering and inspection and medical diagnostics and prosthetics design.
DCS has developed an improved topographical mapping system, the 3-D Areal Mapping System. This system operates by projecting a structured multiple-line laser light array onto a target surface, temporally modulating the array, sensing the reflected light with one or more off-axis video cameras, and triangulating along the center of each line in the array. Through the use of the structured light array, an entire area of the target surface may be mapped with no movement of target or mapping system. The system's temporal modulation scheme gives it a high degree of immunity to variations in background illumination, target surface reflectivity and texture, and target topography. A holographic optical element generates the structured-light array; this element significantly reduces the size, complexity, and cost of the laser projector as compared to preceding systems and also removes certain aberrations in the projected array.
We describe a new pilot tactical training aid recently delivered to selected U.S. Marine Corps helicopter squadrons. The trainer is directed at improving targeting performance on missions supported by cockpit display of FLIR imagery. Particular features of the target identification sensor performance (TISP) trainer reported here include infrared phenomenology training, ground target identification drill, sensor controls operation training, symbology familiarization and performance prediction. Training is accomplished using real infrared imagery modified to reflect varying environmental conditions. Trainees can select the tactical scene and any of nearly 200 environmental combinations. Performance prediction graphs are then presented along with the modified images, thereby illustrating the imagery at the predicted ranges. The infrared phenomenology training further demonstrates the environmental impacts.
We describe signature and sensor modeling developments associated with the target identification sensor performance (TISP) imagery- based targeting trainer. The purpose of TISP is to train with a personal computer (PC), IR ground vehicle identification as well as IR and visible imaging principles and the impact of these principles on targeting performance. The generic TISP concept is illustrated as it applies to the new night targeting system (NTS) Laser Range Finder/Designator and IR and visible imaging sensors supporting TOW and HELLFIRE operations on the Marine Corps AH-1W Cobra. Ground vehicle identification skills are developed in TISP using real IR imagery with identification cues. TISP trains FLIR environmental and sensor effects as well as IR principles using real IR imagery coupled with graphical tutorials. Novel algorithms are applied to modify imagery in response to user control over environmental conditions such as weather and time of day, and sensor settings, such as gain, level, field of view (FOV) and polarity. Environmentally dependent range performance predictions for tactical targeting are interactively displayed, also using real imagery coupled with graphics. TISP contains imagery of sixty ground vehicles and five backgrounds.
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