Passive Earth Field Sensor Array for Near-Surface Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are inadequate for passively detecting human-scale underground structures at near-surface depths, particularly failing to effectively locate both metallic and non-metallic anomalies at shallow depths and providing high-resolution representations or determining their characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sensors that measure components of the Earth's electromagnetic field at frequencies of 5 kHz or greater, comparing variations in intensity to detect and characterize human-scale subsurface anomalies, using an array of sensors for triangulation to determine location and composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive magneto tellurics or audio magneto tellurics are used to detect underground structures, then large-scale geological anomalies can be detected at significant depths, but human-scale anomalies at near-surface depths cannot be detected with sufficient resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of electromagnetic field measurements to 5 kHz or greater, which enables detection of human-scale anomalies at near-surface depths while maintaining the passive measurement approach. This frequency parameter change allows the system to achieve high-resolution detection of small-scale objects that were previously undetectable with conventional passive magneto tellurics methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple sensors positioned at different locations and orientations to dynamically capture electromagnetic field variations from multiple perspectives. This dynamic measurement approach enables triangulation and characterization of anomaly composition, achieving both high spatial resolution and material identification capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electromagnetic detection methods are used, then metallic objects can be detected, but non-metallic subsurface objects remain difficult to locate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can identify both metallic and non-metallic objects by measuring electromagnetic field variations at multiple frequencies and from multiple sensor positions. The system characterizes anomaly composition by analyzing how different materials affect electromagnetic field propagation, enabling identification of plastic pipes, storage tanks, land mines, and other non-metallic objects with the same level of precision as metallic objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the Earth's natural electromagnetic field as an intermediary to indirectly detect subsurface objects. By measuring how subsurface objects modify the propagation of natural electromagnetic signals from the Earth's interior, the system can identify both metallic and non-metallic objects without requiring direct contact or active transmission, achieving versatile detection across different material types
3Reliability
If explorative excavation is performed to locate subsurface objects, then objects can be found, but time is lost, costs increase, and damage to objects may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of subsurface objects using passive electromagnetic field measurements before any excavation activities begin. By identifying and characterizing anomalies at multiple locations and depths through non-invasive sensing, the system provides advance information that guides safe and efficient excavation planning, preventing both time-wasting exploratory digging and damage to buried objects
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
Enables the detection of human-scale anomalies at near-surface depths with higher resolution and characterization of their composition, effectively locating both metallic and non-metallic objects, reducing the risk of damage during excavation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the intensity of a component of the Earth's electromagnetic field at a frequency of 5 kHz or greater
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a subsurface anomaly at a near-surface depth, comprises positioning an electromagnetic sensor configured to measure a component of a planetary electromagnetic field such that the electromagnetic sensor is suspended just above a ground-air barrier and does not contact a ground surface; selecting an electromagnetic frequency by calculating a function of properties of the ground that include relative permittivity, relative permeability, and resistivity; moving the electromagnetic sensor over the surface of the ground; repeatedly measuring intensity of the component of the planetary electromagnetic field at the frequency to obtain a set of measurements; and comparing at least a first measurement in the set of measurements to at least a second measurement in the set of measurements to identify a change in the intensity of the component of the planetary electromagnetic field that is indicative of a presence of a subsurface anomaly.