Collapsible Sensor Head Integrating GPR and CWMD for Landmine Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing landmine detection systems face challenges in identifying low-metal or no-metal threat objects, such as small wires associated with explosives or bulk explosives with little to no metal, due to limitations in current metal detection technologies.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible apparatus incorporating a sensor head with both a ground penetrating radar (GPR) and a continuous-wave metal detector (CWMD), along with a transceiver, which allows for efficient data processing to distinguish between threat objects and background clutter, using multiple frequencies to detect and characterize objects independently of their orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a metal detector is used to detect landmines, then metallic objects can be detected, but low-metal or no-metal threat objects cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head integrates both GPR and CWMD systems into a single device, enabling it to perform multiple detection functions: detecting metallic objects through CWMD and detecting low-metal or no-metal threat objects through GPR. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the detection system adaptable to different types of threats while maintaining high detection precision for each specific target type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines GPR and CWMD technologies into an integrated sensor head, merging two previously separate detection systems into one unified device. This integration allows the system to leverage the strengths of both technologies: CWMD for metallic object detection and GPR for low-metal or no-metal object detection, thereby expanding the overall detection capability without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If GPR and CWMD are integrated in a sensor head, then detection capability is enhanced, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head employs a nested arrangement where the GPR antennas and CWMD coils are integrated within a compact housing. The receive antenna and transmit antenna are positioned in close proximity, and the CWMD coils are arranged to share space efficiently. This nesting approach allows both GPR and CWMD systems to coexist in a reduced volume while maintaining their respective detection functions and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to pack the GPR and CWMD components efficiently within the sensor head. The antennas and coils are positioned in different spatial dimensions and orientations, allowing optimal separation of electromagnetic fields while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the integrated system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple frequencies are used for detection, then object characterization improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CWMD system employs periodic frequency sweeping through multiple frequencies rather than continuous operation at all frequencies simultaneously. The system transmits at different frequencies in sequence, allowing comprehensive object characterization while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous multi-frequency operation. This periodic approach maintains detection accuracy while being more energy-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters including frequency selection based on detection needs. By changing operational parameters such as frequency, power level, and integration time, the system optimizes the balance between detection accuracy and energy consumption, using higher power only when necessary for specific detection scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces false alarm rates and enhances detection capabilities for buried landmines and hazardous objects by integrating GPR and CWMD technologies, enabling accurate identification of targets with reduced size, weight, and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a radar. The radar may be a ground penetrating radar. The ground penetrating radar may include one receive antenna configured to detect electromagnetic radiation and one transmit antenna configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
The CWMD may transmit and receive radiation at twenty-one or more different frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an extendable wand, and a sensor head coupled to the wand. The sensor head includes a continuous wave metal detector (CWMD) and a radar. When the wand is collapsed, the wand and the sensor head collapse to fill a volume that is smaller than a volume filled by the sensor head and the wand when the wand is extended. Frequency-domain data from a sensor configured to sense a region is accessed, the frequency-domain data is transformed to generate a time-domain representation of the region, a first model is determined based on the accessed frequency-domain data, a second model is determined based on the generated time-domain representation, the second model being associated with a particular region within the sensed region, and a background model that represents a background of the region is determined based on the first model and the second model.