Device and method for the detection of buried objects
First Claim
1. A device for detecting buried objects, comprising:
- a sensor array having a plurality of downward looking infrared detectors; and
a processor based system connected to the sensor array to receive and analyze signals received from the downward looking infrared detectors and generate alarms when the signals analyzed exceed a predetermined threshold indicative of a buried object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for detection of buried objects (40) utilizing a down looking infrared (140) array having infrared detectors (170) positioned in a sensor array (30). This sensor array (30) may also contain ground penetrating radar (70) and EMI coils (80). All signals from the ground penetrating radar (70), EMI coils (80) and down looking infrared (140) may be combined to generate alarms (1100). However, the infrared (140) array may be utilized as a sole means of detecting buried objects (40). This device and method for detecting buried objects (40) utilizing down looking infrared (140) reduces the cost of construction and maintenance of such a device.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A device for detecting buried objects, comprising:
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a sensor array having a plurality of downward looking infrared detectors; and
a processor based system connected to the sensor array to receive and analyze signals received from the downward looking infrared detectors and generate alarms when the signals analyzed exceed a predetermined threshold indicative of a buried object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A device for detecting buried objects, comprising:
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a sensor array further comprising;
a plurality of downward looking infrared detectors;
a plurality of EMI coils; and
a plurality of ground penetrating radar sensors;
a processor based system connected to the sensor array to receive and analyze signals received from the plurality of downward looking infrared detectors, the plurality of EMI coils, and the plurality of ground penetrating radar sensors and generate alarms when the signals analyzed exceed a predetermined threshold indicative of a buried object. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of detecting buried objects, comprising
receiving an image from a plurality of downward looking infrared detectors; -
passing the image through a two-dimensional spatial high pass filter;
determining the signal to noise ratio for each point in the image;
comparing the signal to noise ratio to a predetermined threshold;
thereby creating a binary image;
dilating and shrinking the binary image to a single point at the center of each detected object;
mapping the single point to earth coordinates; and
issuing an alarm. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification