SBIR-STTR Award

The technique for accurately measuring the positions and orientations of targets in relation to a fixed reference is of fundamental importance to a number of military and commercial applications. For example, in the simulation experiments for testing of installed, integrated avionics, the configuration geometry data for hundreds of test assets, each having six-degree-of-freedom must be automatically recorded and logged. Currently available tracking technologies, such as magnetic ultrasonic methods or conventional imaging methods are either sensitive to ambient interference or not suitable for tracking multiple objects. A novel infrared direction indicator is proposed for simultaneously and individually tracking multiple objects with high accuracy. The tag is compact, light weight, without any wire connection, can be conveniently attached to the object. The link between the tag and the measuring instruments is wireless and remote. The system is robust to interference including electromagnetic, acoustic, optical, and mechanical interference. The system is compact, light weight, with reasonable cost, suitable for field use.

Keywords:
INFRARED SENSOR TARGET TRACKING AIRCRAFT TEST VEHICLE TEST

The techinques for accurately measuring and tracking the positions and orientations of targets is of fundamental imprortant in industry and weaponry. For example, in airplane tests, for testing of integrated avionics, the placement geometry data for hundreds of test assets, each having six-degree-of-freedom must be automatically recorded, displayed and archived. Currently available technologies, such as land-surveying or Industrial Measurement Systems (IMS) based on use of Electromagnetic Distance Measurement methods, or laser rangefinder methods, cannot provide necessary information and their data acquistion speed is too slow for tracking multiple targets. Based on recent technology progress, a novel infrared orientation-resolvable tag is proposed for simultaneously and individually tracking multiple targets. The mininature tag does not have any external wire connection. The data transmission is wireless and remote. The system is robust to interference, suitable for field use. In the Phase I, the feasibility of the approach was demonstrated through design, fabrication and preliminary testing of the tag. In the Phase II, a novel system for high speed tracking and measuring multiple targets is further proposed. The system features complete electronic control, free of electro-mechanical moving parts.

Keywords:
TARGET TRACKING VEHICLE TESTS AIRPLANE TESTS INFRARED SENSOR