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Taxi Support Functions have also been developed by the University of Malta and focus on obstacle detection and avoidance using optical (visible spectrum and infa-red) techniques.
One technology is based on the use of stereo vision camera systems to detect, range and track obstacles on the airfield and to generate an alert when the time to collision with a threat falls below a given threshold. The time to collision is a function of the relative speeds and trajectories of the ownship and the obstacle. This technology is primarily intended to avert wingtip collisions but can also be used to avoid other obstacles such as baggage carts on the ramp.
Additional work is now being carried out to integrate low-cost LIDAR solutions with stereo vision optical systems through sensor fusion techniques. This approach provides for higher reliability, particularly in obstacle ranging and trajectory prediction.