GPR Buried Object Detection via Power Spectral Density Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual processing of ground penetrating radar (GPR) data for locating buried objects is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in applications with multiple potential objects, and existing automation methods are sensitive to noise and fail in detecting incomplete or disturbed hyperbolic patterns.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that automatically estimate the location and depth of buried objects by monitoring changes in the power spectral density (PSD) of GPR signals, using a statistical approach to detect significant energy increases and perform hyperbola mapping, which is robust to noise and suitable for real-time on-site utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If neural networks and image processing-based pattern recognition methods are used to automate object location, then automation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to noise and failure with incomplete hyperbolic patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of object locationVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the GPR signal data from time-domain to frequency-domain by computing power spectral density (PSD), fundamentally changing the parameter representation. This transformation enables robust detection by analyzing spectral characteristics rather than raw time-domain signals, making the detection immune to noise and incomplete hyperbolic patterns while maintaining full automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual inspection methods and conventional image processing approaches with an automated spectral analysis system. By substituting the detection mechanism with PSD-based frequency domain analysis, the system achieves both automation and high reliability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual processing of GPR data is performed to locate buried objects, then measurement precision is improved through skilled analysis, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject location accuracyVSAvoiddata processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically computing PSD, identifying peaks, and determining object locations without requiring manual skilled analysis. The automated algorithm independently processes GPR data, extracts spectral features, and locates buried objects, eliminating time loss while maintaining precision through objective mathematical criteria

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables rapid processing by skipping the time-consuming manual inspection step entirely. The automated PSD-based method quickly transforms and analyzes data in the frequency domain, rapidly identifying characteristic spectral peaks that indicate buried objects, thus reducing processing time while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Ease of operation

If conventional GPR data processing is used in noisy environments, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to noise sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoiddetection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces power spectral density computation as an intermediary transformation layer between raw GPR signals and object detection. This intermediary step filters out noise by converting time-domain signals to frequency-domain representation, where spectral peaks clearly indicate buried objects regardless of noise levels, maintaining both ease of operation and high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides accurate and reliable location and depth estimation of buried objects, with high accuracy and quick processing times, confirmed through synthetic and real-world test cases, and is capable of detecting objects in noisy environments.

Implementation Method 1

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a popular modality for use in locating buried objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGround penetrating radar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

A GPR device captures ground penetrating radar (GPR) signals... for locating buried objects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity contrast: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentUS10175350B1Systems and methods for detecting buried objects

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 UNIV OF SOUTH FLORIDA

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method for detecting buried objects includes receiving ground penetrating radar (GPR) signals captured at discrete locations along a surface of a medium in which an object may be buried, computing parameters based on the received GPR signals that are indicative of the proximity of a buried object, plotting the computed parameters as a function of location, determining an apex of a hyperbola that results from the plotting of the computed parameters, and designating a location at which the apex occurs as an estimated location of the buried object.