3D Active Warning and Recognition Environment (3D AWARE): A low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) LIDAR with Integrated Image Exploitation Processing for Diverse Applications

An invention is disclosed for a multi-mode LIDAR sensor system that embodies a high pulse rate fiber laser operating in the SWIR wavelength at 1.5 microns, a long linear array of small SWIR sensitive detectors with very high speed readout electronics, and fully integrated methods and processing elements that perform target detection, classification, and tracking using techniques that emulate how the human visual path processes and interprets imaging data. High resolution three dimensional images are created of wide areas. Image exploitation processing methods detect objects and object activities in real time thus enabling diverse applications such as vehicle navigation, critical infrastructure protection, and public safety monitoring.