Real-Time Obstacle Detection Using A Streak Tube Imaging LIDAR (STIL)
Abstract
Grazing incidence LIDAR has been demonstrated for detection of shallow objects at significant standoff ranges. Practical application of this technique for collision avoidance from small maneuverable watercraft requires development and integration of a compact, rugged configuration that can provide high resolution imaging over a wide swath from a maneuvering platform, with sufficient standoff range to allow the operator to avoid the detected obstacle. Arete Associates has developed a novel 3-D Imaging LIDAR system, the Streak Tube Imaging LIDAR (STIL), which can provide high resolution imaging at significant standoff ranges. The patented STIL approach is based on application of mature technologies, and has been demonstrated in the laboratory, ship-based experiments, and airborne demonstrations. STIL uses fan beam illumination, push broom imaging, and electrostatic sweep to generate high resolution images with no moving parts, yielding a rugged compact configuration for vehicle integration. Arete Associates directly demonstrated STIL for obstacle detection at near grazing incidence by adapting and utilizing existing, proven hardware for a cost-effective experimental validation of the concept in Phase I. Prototype system development will follow in Phase II, and include detailed design, fabrication, integration, and demonstration of a compact, fieldable prototype configuration for vehicle mounted obstacle detection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 20, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA371093
Entities
People
- Brian Redman