Proceedings Article | 8 May 2010
Proc. SPIE. 7693, Unattended Ground, Sea, and Air Sensor Technologies and Applications XII
KEYWORDS: Target detection, Infrared sensors, Human-machine interfaces, Stars, Detection and tracking algorithms, Sensors, Sensor networks, RF communications, Network architectures, Unattended ground sensors
Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) are valuable tools for the U.S. military and border patrol, however, their utility is
often limited due to their cost, size, and weight. Recently specific advances in micro power electronics, transducers,
packaging, and signal processing techniques have enabled the development of a small, lightweight, and affordable UGS.
Originally intended for small unit clearing/monitoring operations, a sensor has evolved to achieve detection
performance comparable to state-of-the-art UGS. To meet a broader mission capability, battery life and detection
capabilities have been extended and affordable networked cameras and repeaters have been developed. This paper will
provide an overview of the key enabling technologies for affordable UGS, provide an overview and enhancements of
this affordable UGS system, and review results of system testing.
