Security system using ladar-based sensors

Abstract

A security sensor system comprises one or more laser detection and ranging (LADAR) sensors configured for accumulation of three-dimensional image data. In one embodiment, the one or more LADAR sensors each comprise a LADAR device, such as a MEMS device, configured to transmit a plurality of laser pulses, and a microprocessor operatively coupled to the LADAR device. One or more data storage devices is operatively coupled to the microprocessor and configured to store the three-dimensional image data, as well as predetermined protected area boundary and fixed object definitions. A GPS receiver can be operatively coupled to the microprocessor and a GPS antenna. The microprocessor is configured to perform a LADAR image analysis that compares the three-dimensional image data with the protected area boundary and fixed object definitions to identify one or more potential intruders.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A security sensor system, comprising:
 one or more laser detection and ranging (LADAR) sensors configured for accumulation of three-dimensional image data, the one or more LADAR sensors each comprising;
 a LADAR device configured to transmit a plurality of laser pulses; 
 a microprocessor operatively coupled to the LADAR device; 
 one or more data storage devices operatively coupled to the microprocessor and configured to store the three-dimensional image data, and predetermined protected area boundary and fixed object definitions; and 
 a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver operatively coupled to the microprocessor and a GPS antenna; 
   wherein the microprocessor is configured to perform a LADAR image analysis that compares the three-dimensional image data with the protected area boundary and fixed object definitions to identify one or more potential intruders.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the LADAR device comprises a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) LADAR device. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a situational awareness display configured to graphically depict resulting data from the LADAR image analysis; and   one or more video cameras configured to receive a control signal transmitted from the situational awareness display for moving the one or more video cameras in a direction of the one or more potential intruders.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising one or more non-LADAR sensors. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the microprocessor is configured to perform a sensor fusion analysis of data from the one or more non-LADAR sensors and the data from the LADAR image analysis. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the situational awareness display is configured to graphically depict resulting data from the sensor fusion analysis. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the resulting data from the sensor fusion analysis is used to determine where to move the one or more video cameras to identify the one or more potential intruders. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more LADAR sensors is configured to identify a friend or foe.