Detection of Humans and Light Vehicles Using Acoustic-to-Seismic Coupling

Abstract

Heavy vehicles, such as tanks or other armored vehicles, can typically be detected using seismic sensors and sensors to detect low-frequency engine noise; light vehicles are harder to detect, particularly in high noise areas. The objective of this research effort was to conduct studies in the detection of light vehicles using sensor and signal processing techniques developed for human detection by the University of Mississippi under the MURI grant W911NF-04-1-0190. In these studies, it was found that vehicle engines and tires generated broadband sound signals from low frequencies up to ultrasonic frequencies. Ultrasonic sound signals from moving light vehicles were detected in field tests using a narrow band ultrasonic microphone. The magnitude of these signals showed dependence on the vehicle type. This research shows promise for the extension of these technologies to detect both humans and light vehicles under field conditions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 31, 2009
Accession Number
ADA514838

Entities

People

  • Alexander E. Ekimov
  • James M. Sabatier

Organizations

  • University of Mississippi

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Signals
  • Acoustics
  • Broadband
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Engine Noise
  • Engines
  • Exhaust Systems
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Measurement
  • Microphones
  • Mississippi
  • Noise
  • Ultrasonic Frequencies
  • Ultrasounds
  • Universities

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Military Science
  • Robotics and Automation.