Non-Linear Acoustic Concealed Weapons Detector

Abstract

The major findings of this effort clearly demonstrate that Non-linear Acoustics is a low cost alternative to conventional imaging methods for concealed weapons detection. Our approach is to use ultrasonics to create a localized zone where non-linear interactions generate a lower frequency acoustic wave that is steerable and is able to penetrate clothing better than direct ultrasonics. We have been able to detect guns of various sizes, box cutters, knives and distinguish weapons from non-weapons including plastic devices. Sophisticated software generated signals with customized transducer/receiver design have been able to provide characteristic information about a hidden weapon 15 feet away and classify the weapon based on a database approach. Most recently improved software allows user- friendly display of results with images. We are confident of the readiness of our work for prototype development. In addition to being able to detect the weapons mentioned above, we have also been highly successful in imaging improvised weapons (received from the DOJ/AFRL lab) from a near range distance.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA450250

Entities

People

  • Anjani Achanta

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Propagation
  • Acoustic Waves
  • Acoustics
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Audio Frequency
  • Clothing
  • Data Analysis
  • Databases
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Frequency
  • Improvised Weapons
  • Target Recognition
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasonics
  • Ultrasounds
  • Warning Systems

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

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