Sparse Array RF Imaging for Surveillance Applications

a technology of rf imaging and surveillance applications, applied in the field of surveillance systems, can solve the problems of affecting the utility of captured images, and the cost of infrared imaging cameras often prohibiting the use of a large number of cameras

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-09-17
APPLIED PHYSICAL SCI CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach enables automated recognition and classification of intruders, reducing false alarms from wildlife and ensuring accurate assessment of security threats with a cost-effective solution that operates across the entire perimeter, independent of weather conditions.

Problems solved by technology

While infrared cameras provide a reasonable capability to enable security personnel to distinguish local fauna from human intruders, the effects of weather and foliage can severely degrade the captured image utility.
Additionally, the costs associated with infrared imaging cameras often prohibit the use of the number of cameras that are needed to form images across the entire perimeter.

Method used

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  • Sparse Array RF Imaging for Surveillance Applications
  • Sparse Array RF Imaging for Surveillance Applications
  • Sparse Array RF Imaging for Surveillance Applications

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Embodiment Construction

[0016]The present invention enables object image identification using a sparsely populated array of distributed radio nodes deployed and operated as a radar detection, tracking and identification application. The present invention recognizes that the employed radar sensors operate in the microwave RF spectrum, and thus are not masked by rain or fog. In addition, the employed radar sensors have sufficient range resolution to detect moving objects within dense foliage. Using a sparse array of radars mounted, for example, in fence posts enables the detection and tracking of intruders approaching the perimeter along with an automated recognition of nuisance alerts through formation and classification of an RF 3D image formed at selected points of the intruder's track.

[0017]One aspect of the invention includes the ability to form 3-D object images, from which estimates of extent and shape can be extracted for objects that are detected in the vicinity of the deployed radar array. Addition...

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Abstract

Techniques are provided for sparse array RF imaging for surveillance applications. Objects in a three dimensional (3-D) image-data-set obtained from multi-static radio frequency detection data are classified, for example, as human or non-human. One or more geometric image features are extracted from the image-data-set that support a target classification process; and the one or more objects are classified as a threat based on a parametric evaluation of the extracted geometric image features.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 097,812, filed Apr. 29, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 329,655, filed Apr. 30, 2010, both incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to surveillance systems, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for forming three dimensional (3-D) images of objects using a sparsely deployed array of antennae to collect multi-static radio frequency detection data and for classifying such objects.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Perimeter protection systems are designed to detect events where intruders approach and / or enter a secure region, using a sensor enabled physical boundary, and to alert security personnel. The traditional security barrier uses a chain-link fence with motion detectors that are tuned to detect the presence of an intruder within a few feet of the fence, along wi...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G01S13/89G01S13/02
CPCG01S13/02G01S13/89G01S13/723G01S13/878G01S13/66G01S7/20G01S7/417G01S7/41G01S7/411
InventorBRUNDICK, CHRISTOPHER S.DAVIS, DWIGHT E.NORRIS, DAVID E.STICKELS, ERNEST S.
OwnerAPPLIED PHYSICAL SCI CORP