An Automated System for Accurately Tracking and Measuring Multiple Targets in Six Dimensions

Abstract

Airplane test programs require deployment of a large number of test assets around a System Under Test. A large number of 6D placement data must be recorded. An electro-optical 6D measurement system can significantly enhance the work efficiency. As a first step towards an automated system, we identified, developed, and tested critical components for the 6D measurements. These include: (1) a systematic mathematical theory for 6D calculations; (2) a laser beam delivering system free of mechanical moving parts; (3) a retroreflective modulator; (4) a direction-resolvable 2D intelligent photo-detection system; and (5) a data communication system between the test assets and the measurement station. These critical components are the technical foundation for any optical 6D measurement approaches. Based on the successful development and the availability of these critical components, an automated 6D measurement system is feasible. Report produced for the AFFTC under SBIR Topic Number AF97-235, Contract Number F04611-98-C-0020, work performed from May 8, 1998, to May 8, 2001.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA404550

Entities

People

  • Yong-sheng Chao

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Communication Systems
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Control Systems
  • Data Processing
  • Data Transmission
  • Detection
  • Digital Communications
  • Electronic Circuits
  • Geometry
  • Light Amplifiers
  • Light Sources
  • Operating Systems
  • Personal Computers
  • Transducers
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy