A small form factor, low cost radar named rScene® has been designed by McQ Inc. for the unattended detection, classification, tracking, and speed estimation of people and vehicles. This article will describe recent performance enhancements added to rScene® and present results relative to detection range and false alarms. Additionally, a low power (<1W) processing scheme is described that allows the rScene® to be deployed for longer duration, while still detecting desired target scenarios. Using the rScene® to detect other targets of interest like boats over water will also be addressed. Lastly, the lack of performance degradation due to hiding the rScene® in various types of concealed scenarios like behind walls, doors, foliage and camouflage material will be addressed. rScene® provides a variety of options to integrate the device into both wired and wireless communication infrastructures. Based on its sophisticated signal processing algorithms to classify targets and reject clutter, it allows for operation in challenging urban environments in which traditional unattended ground sensor modalities are less effective.
The Open Standards for Unattended Sensors (OSUS) program, formerly named Terra Harvest, was launched in 2009 to develop an open, integrated battlefield unattended ground sensors (UGS) architecture that ensures interoperability among disparate UGS components and systems. McQ has developed a power managed controller, which is a rugged fielded device that runs an embedded Linux operating system using an open Java software architecture, runs for over 30 days on a small battery pack, and provides various critical functions including the required management, monitoring, and control functions. The OSUS power managed controller system overview, design, and compatibility with other systems will be discussed.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, Signal detection, Signal to noise ratio, Acoustics, Signal processing, Unattended ground sensors, Target detection, Data acquisition, Analog electronics, Digital signal processing
Acoustic signals are a principal detection modality for unattended sensor systems. However, the performance of these
systems is frequently suboptimal due to insufficient dynamic range in small systems or excess power consumption in
larger systems. This paper discusses an approach to developing an unattended ground sensor (UGS) system that has the
best features of both worlds. This system, developed by McQ Inc., has exceptional dynamic range (> 100 dB) while
operating at power levels of 1.5-5 watts. The system also has a user definable signal parameter library and automated
detection methodology that will be described.
McQ Associates, Inc. has worked on a number of efforts to develop practical, fieldable infrared imaging systems which are intended to be used as an integral part of low power remote sensor and surveillance systems. Recent efforts contributing to such an integrated system have been funded through the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. Army Picatinny Arsenal, and the Air Force Research Lab in Rome, NY. The efforts have culminated in developing a digital signal processor based platform capable of detecting, tracking, and extracting multiple targets within either a 360 degree or fixed field of view. This paper discusses the challenges in the developments of such a sensor, focusing on extending achieving reasonable operating ranges, achieving low power, lowering size and cost, and applications for this technology.
Remote, automated, day/night detection, classification, and tracking of personnel and vehicles is vital to a wide variety of security, law enforcement, and military applications. A practical system must consider cost, power, size, and operational limitations. Video tracking offers the ultimate in definitive identification and tracking capabilities, but also maximizes cost and power consumption. 360 degree views from a single infrared camera maximize the ability to monitor and track targets in a wide area. Other technologies using acoustic, seismic, and magnetic sensing can be used to extend the range or resolution of the system as well as preserving power by performing initial detection of targets to trigger video sensors. A variety of detection, fusion, and tracking algorithms can be applied to monitor targets around these sensors and across a wide area using multiple sensors.
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