Spectrum analysis techniques for personnel detection using seismic sensors

Kenneth M. Houston; Daniel P. McGaffigan

doi:10.1117/12.500739

18 September 2003 Spectrum analysis techniques for personnel detection using seismic sensors

Kenneth M. Houston, Daniel P. McGaffigan

Proceedings Volume 5090, Unattended Ground Sensor Technologies and Applications V; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.500739
Event: AeroSense 2003, 2003, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

There is a general need for improved detection range and false alarm performance for seismic sensors used for personnel detection. In this paper we describe a novel footstep detection algorithm which was developed and run on seismic footstep data collected at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in December 2000. The initial focus was an assessment of achievable detection range. The conventional approach to footstep detection is to detect transients corresponding to individual footfalls. We feel this is an error-prone approach. Because many real-world signals unrelated to human locomotion look like transients, transient-based footstep detection will inevitably either suffer from high false alarm rates or will be insensitive. Instead, we examined the use of spectrum analysis on envelope-detected seismic signals and have found the general method to be quite promising, not only for detection, but also for discrimination against other types of seismic sources. In particular, gait patterns and their corresponding signatures may help discriminate between human intruders and animals. In the APG data set, mean detection ranges of 64 meters (at P_D=50%) were observed for normal walking, significantly improving on ranges previously reported. For running, mean detection ranges of 84 meters were observed. However, stealthy walking (creeping) remains a considerable problem. Even at short ranges (10 meters), in some cases the detection rate was less than 50%. In future efforts, additional data sets for a range of geologic and environmental conditions should be acquired and analyzed. Improvements to the detection algorithms are possible, including estimation of direction of travel and the number of intruders.

Citation Download Citation

Kenneth M. Houston and Daniel P. McGaffigan "Spectrum analysis techniques for personnel detection using seismic sensors", Proc. SPIE 5090, Unattended Ground Sensor Technologies and Applications V, (18 September 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.500739

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available