So here's what I'm thinking:
CMOS image sensors pick up into the infrared spectrum REALLY WELL. So, anything that ouputs any infrared will appear rediculously bright white on a monochrome or color CMOS image sensor. I think it might even work for CCD devices. Just try pointing your favoirite handy-dandy camera/camcorder at a television remote and push a button.
So... that gets you to
a target... then when you're in front of
it the decoder can tell you what
it is. Sounds like a great extended autonomous to me.
Wow I can hardly wait now!
-q