A process for judging a runway on a two-dimensional image display presenting image information obtained by taking a picture of the runway. The process comprises, a first step of setting a first window and a second window for scanning and tracing required parts of the runway on the image display, and setting a third window interlocked with the first and the second windows in a set positional relationship therewith, and a second step of, when the third window detects a required part of the runway, setting addition location of the scanning area of the third window to the surrounding area of the required part of the runway.

A video guidance system for visually displaying a row mark traced on the surface of a field during a previous traverse to the operator of a farm tractor pulling a planter has left and right row markers depending respectively from opposite outer sides of the planter for tracing row marks on the field; a video monitor on the tractor in the field of view of the operator; left and right video cameras mounted on the planter adjacent the outer edges thereof with the optical axis of each camera directed forwardly and inclined at a slight angle to the horizontal so that it images a substantial length of a row mark traced on a previous swath; and switch means for selectively connecting the video monitor to the left or to the right video cameras, whereby each scanning line of the video monitor raster creates a different spot on the image of the substantial length of the sensed row mark and such spots on successive scanning lines of the monitor raster are images of points spaced apart in said sensed row mark so the spots on the multiplicity of scanning lines forms an elongated steering vector which indicates to the tractor operator the direction the tractor is to be steered in order to maintain constant and consistent spacing between rows sown during successive swaths.

The invention provides an array of standard infrared aiming lights mounted n an aircraft and used occasionally by pilots wearing infrared goggles to enhance perception of terrain features on low flying missions.

A monitoring system using a unique remotely piloted drone with dual counter rotating propellers and carrying electric field sensing, thermal infra-red imaging, video imaging, acoustic and corona discharge sensing equipment. The compact remotely piloted drone flies along a power corridor and is maintained at a fixed distance from an outer phase conductor using on board electric field detection circuitry, video/infra-red imagery and an RF/laser altimeter. The counter rotating, twin-turbo driven configuration for the propellers mounted on coaxial vertical shafts provides a highly stable platform, unlike conventional manned helicopters presently used for routine right-of-way patrols. Dual, counter-rotating saucer-shaped auxiliary propellers provide a degree of stability far superior to a conventional helicopter, particularly in gusty winds. On board sensors and video cameras would permit electric utilities an economic approach to right-of-way monitoring, inspection of frayed conductors or deteriorated splices through infra-red sensing, detection of cracked insulators through acoustic/corona sensors, monitoring of critical, thermally limiting spans and other monitoring functions.

A remote controlled helicoper having a video radio frequency link to a fixed control location has a video camera with a field of view including the terrain forward of the helicopter, an airspeed display, a relative wind direction indicator, and a pitch indicator. A video monitor at the fixed location displays received video signals of the terrain, airspeed, relative wind direction and pitch permitting control of the helicopter over a radio link from the fixed location to the helicopter. The system provides training, experience, and practice in operation of the helicopter.