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WO2001071377A1 - Procede et systeme d'identification d'objets souterrains - Google Patents

Procede et systeme d'identification d'objets souterrains Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001071377A1
WO2001071377A1 PCT/US2001/008984 US0108984W WO0171377A1 WO 2001071377 A1 WO2001071377 A1 WO 2001071377A1 US 0108984 W US0108984 W US 0108984W WO 0171377 A1 WO0171377 A1 WO 0171377A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
subterranean
arrangement
recited
computer system
ground surface
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/008984
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gilbert F. Miceli
Michael Parisi
Original Assignee
Hot/Shot Radar Inspections, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/680,745 external-priority patent/US6246355B1/en
Application filed by Hot/Shot Radar Inspections, Llc filed Critical Hot/Shot Radar Inspections, Llc
Priority to AU2001249305A priority Critical patent/AU2001249305A1/en
Priority to CA002403462A priority patent/CA2403462A1/fr
Priority to MXPA02009278A priority patent/MXPA02009278A/es
Publication of WO2001071377A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001071377A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/86—Combinations of radar systems with non-radar systems, e.g. sonar, direction finder
    • G01S13/865—Combination of radar systems with lidar systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/86—Combinations of radar systems with non-radar systems, e.g. sonar, direction finder
    • G01S13/867—Combination of radar systems with cameras
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/89—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/89—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
    • G01S13/895—Side looking radar [SLR]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/88—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S17/89—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/41—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00 using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
    • G01S7/411—Identification of targets based on measurements of radar reflectivity
    • G01S7/412—Identification of targets based on measurements of radar reflectivity based on a comparison between measured values and known or stored values
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01V—GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS
    • G01V11/00—Prospecting or detecting by methods combining techniques covered by two or more of main groups G01V1/00 - G01V9/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/885—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for ground probing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a method and system for identifying and analyzing subterranean objects. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for identifying and analyzing subterranean objects with a combination of radar and imaging techniques.
  • Various methods are known for detecting the presence of subterranean metallic objects. These known methods typically rely on an analysis of how an electromagnetic field is distorted by the presence of the object and may be broadly classified as frequency-domain and time-domain methods.
  • One simple frequency-domain method uses transmission of a substantially sinusoidal signal with fixed frequency.
  • the received signal is synchronously demodulated and passed through a low -pass filter to remove both noise and carrier-related signals.
  • the phase of the demodulated received signal is synchronized with the phase of the transmitted signal.
  • the presence of a conductive object produces a spatial discontinuity in the electromagnetic properties of the target volume, which produce sudden phase changes in the received signal.
  • a variation of this technique uses multiple-frequency detectors, in which at least two substantially sinusoidal signals are transmitted.
  • An apparatus is configured to select linear combinations of reactive and resistive signals of at least two transmitted signals such that the mildly conductive ground components are substantially canceled, and/or the ironstone resultant ground vector is substantially canceled, while maintaining sensitivity to signals from target conductive objects.
  • An example of a time-domain method in which the relevant signals are described in terms of their temporal evolution is pulse-induction metal detection. Such methods send a short pulse of high current into a search coil and produce a magnetic field. Thus, a transient magnetic pulse is used instead of a sinusoidally varying magnetic signal.
  • the collapsing magnetic field generates a reflected pulse opposite in polarity and many times greater in amplitude than the original current pulse.
  • This reflected pulse generates electric current in proximate conductive objects, which increase the decay time of the reflected pulse.
  • the resulting change in slope of the reflected pulse's decay portion is converted to a DC potential proportional to the change in the duration of the reflected pulse.
  • Such technology is adequate for detecting the presence of subterranean metallic objects, but is generally inefficient for covering large areas of land and is largely unable to discriminate between objects that meet defined criteria of interest and those that do not.
  • it is necessary to discriminate between live ordnance and metallic clutter. This is a particular problem since many unexploded-ordnance remediation sites are decommissioned firing ranges on military bases where there is significant debris from fragments of shattered projectiles.
  • Embodiments of the invention thus provide a method and system for analyzing a subterranean volume.
  • a radar source is configured on an airborne vehicle, such as a helicopter.
  • An arrangement of at least one computer system is provided in communication with the radar source and configured to accept instructions from an operator and to operate the radar source.
  • a radar signal is propagated with the radar source into the subterranean volume.
  • a reflected radar signal from a subterranean object within the subterranean volume is received. Physical characteristics of the subterranean object are ascertained from the reflected radar signal.
  • a laser mapping subsystem is also provided on the vehicle in communication with the computer arrangement.
  • the laser mapping subsystem is used to map a ground surface of the subterranean volume.
  • a global positioning system is provided on the vehicle in communication with the computer arrangement.
  • the global positioning system is used to ascertain longitude and latitude positions for the subterranean object.
  • an inertial measurement unit is provided on the vehicle in communication with the computer arrangement.
  • the inertial measurement unit is used to determine the actual motion of the vehicle and to compensate for that motion in analyzing the reflected radar signal to ascertain physical characteristics of the subterranean object.
  • an infrared detector is provided on the vehicle in communication with the computer arrangement.
  • the infrared detector is used to image the ground surface of the subterranean volume.
  • Infrared radiation is detected from the ground surface and correlated with the reflected radar signal.
  • the wavelength of the detected infrared radiation may be in a range between 3 and 5 ⁇ m or may be in a range between 8 and 12 ⁇ m.
  • a visible-wavelength electromagnetic radiation detector such as a charge-coupled device, is provided on the vehicle in communication with the computer arrangement to image the ground surface of the subterranean volume. Visible- wavelength electromagnetic radiation from the ground surface is detected.
  • a signal is digitized from the detected visible-wavelength electromagnetic radiation.
  • the digitized signal is correlated with the reflected radar signal.
  • a magnetometer is provided on the vehicle in communication with the computer arrangement.
  • the magnetometer is used to detect the subterranean object independently of the radar signal to decrease the level of false positives.
  • a hydrocarbon leak detector is provided on the vehicle in communication with the computer arrangement. The hydrocarbon leak detector is used to detect hydrocarbon emission from the subterranean object, particularly in instances where the subterranean object is an underground pipeline that may have defects. Identification of the subterranean object may be performed by the computer arrangement with a trained evaluation system, such as a neural net or an expert system. Evaluating whether the subterranean object contains a structural anomaly may be performed by comparing the ascertained physical characteristics with expected characteristics.
  • the subterranean object may be a portion of a pipeline or may be unexploded ordnance in different embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the relationship between various elements of the system in one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a side view of a navigational path that may be taken by the inspection vehicle when taking radar cross-section measurements of subterranean objects;
  • Fig. 3 illustrates one configuration that may be used to equip a navigation vehicle to operate in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between various subsystem elements used in analyzing the subterranean objects
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the interaction of various sensor signals with subterranean objects: part (a) shows a top view where defects in a subterranean pipeline are analyzed and part (b) shows a top view where objects distributed in. an area are analyzed;
  • Fig. 6 is a representation of a cylindrical coordinate system
  • Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the analysis of collected data; and Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of the ground-penetrating aspects of the radar analysis.
  • Embodiments of the invention include a radar cross-section measurement system for the analysis of subterranean objects, such as underground pipelines or unexploded ordnance.
  • an airborne vehicle such as a helicopter or other aircraft, is operated in the vicinity of the subterranean objects to be examined, systematically making appropriate radar measurements of the subterranean objects.
  • the measurements are used by a computational analysis system to (1) identify the presence of a subterranean object having defined identification criteria and (2) determine the existence and location of any anomalies within any of the identified subterranean objects.
  • a report of the results is prepared and forwarded to a client.
  • the overall structure of one such system is illustrated in Fig. 1 in the form of a block diagram showing in particular the flow of data through the system.
  • the system functions centrally with a dispatcher 100 who is responsible for coordination of various other aspects of the system.
  • a client 105 requests a report identifying and/or analyzing certain subterranean objects 1000.
  • the subterranean objects 1000 may generally be comprised of conductive or insulative components. Examples of subterranean objects 1000 that may be identified and/or analyzed include pipelines and unexploded ordnance, among others. Pipelines may have structural defects that weaken the integrity of the pipeline and which the system may identify for repair before leakage of the pipe. Unexploded ordnance may be characterized by the shape of components that make up the ordnance to distinguish it from other similarly sized clutter in the area.
  • the dispatcher collects system information in the form of inspection data 110.
  • inspection data 110 may be provided by the client or obtained from other sources to define the area to be studied and to identify the specific location of the subterranean objects 1000 to be analyzed if their location is known, as may be the case for underground pipelines.
  • the inspection data 110 may include, among other information, maps of the region, information identifying any known structures that may exist in the region, and information identifying zones where the inspection vehicle 12 (not shown in Fig. 1) is excluded, such as no-fly zones in those embodiments where the inspection vehicle 12 is an aircraft.
  • flight-plan data may be obtained from such sources as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
  • FAA Federal Aviation Administration
  • AOPA Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
  • Relevant inspection data 110 are provided by the dispatcher 100 to an analysis system 120, which may perform various functions as necessary in the system and as described in greater detail below. As part of one such function, the analysis system 120 combines inspection data 110 with other data relevant for formulating an inspection plan 135. Such other data may also be provided by the dispatcher 100 or may be obtained directly from another source.
  • weather data 150 describing the existing and/or expected weather conditions in the region of the subterranean objects 1000 to be analyzed.
  • the invention encompasses the use of other data sources relevant to the formulation of an inspection plan 135, such as the locations of hotels, the locations of rental-car companies, the layouts of nearby airports, and others as may occur to those of skill in the art.
  • the analysis system 120 acts as a module that uses such information sources to formulate the inspection plan 135.
  • the inspection plan 135 may be equivalent to a flight plan for the aircraft.
  • the inspection plan 135 includes such features as a proposed inspection route, including starting points, end points, possible fuel stops, and a list of known possible hazards to the vehicle 12.
  • the inspection plan 135 may include one or more alternative routes to be followed by the inspection vehicle 12 in the event some barrier to completing the proposed inspection route is encountered.
  • the analysis system 120 may also provide digital system maps 130 and/or a weather briefing 125, each ofwhich may additionally be included in the inspection plan 135.
  • the inspection plan 135 may also include other relevant information communicated by the analysis system 120 that may be useful during the inspection.
  • the inspection is performed by navigating the inspection vehicle 12 in the vicinity of the subterranean objects 1000, such as shown in greater detail in Fig. 2 (described below).
  • the inspection vehicle 12 is occupied by an inspection crew 145 which obtains information describing the inspection plan 135 via a satellite link 140 or equivalent communications device.
  • the inspection crew 145 may obtain any of the additional information described above as necessary or desired during its actual navigation around the subterranean objects.
  • the inspection vehicle 12 performs radar cross-section measurements, described in detail below, collecting signal data that are then provided to the analysis system 120.
  • signal data may be provided via the satellite link 140, although alternative methods for providing such data are within the scope of the invention, some ofwhich are described further below.
  • the analysis system 120 uses the received signal data to generate a final report 115, which provides information in summary format identifying the locations of the subterranean objects 1000 detected by the system, as well as any structural anomalies that have been found for those applications where it is relevant.
  • the final report 115 is communicated back to the dispatcher 100, who may review it and forward it to the client 105 for action as the client 105 determines is appropriate.
  • Such actions may include repairing underground pipelines where structural anomalies have been found in the pipelines, or removing unexploded ordnance where it has been identified by the analysis system 120.
  • FIG. 1 and the above description depict a single analysis system 120 and a single satellite link 140, it will be understood that the multiple functions performed by these elements of the system may alternatively be performed by equivalent multiple elements without exceeding the scope of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 An example of the navigation performed by the inspection vehicle 12 is shown in Fig. 2, in which the inspection vehicle 12 is depicted as a helicopter.
  • the inspection vehicle 12 follows a plurality of parallel inspection paths 202 to cover the entire area to be studied.
  • a transverse distance on the order of a hundred feet can be examined, so the number of such parallel inspection paths to be followed will necessarily depend on the area of the region to be studied.
  • the various distances in the arrangement are intended to be exemplary since other orientations may be used as appropriate to obtain supplementary data.
  • a subterranean object is located at a depth d under the surface within the inspection scope of the inspection vehicle 12.
  • the inspection vehicle 12 may be positioned at a height of about 100 feet. At such a height, the coverage of angle ⁇ may be about ⁇ 30°.
  • An example of a radar workstation that may be configured within an inspection vehicle 12 is shown in Fig. 3. The particular configuration illustrated is appropriate, for example, for a helicopter such as an MD Explorer 902 or a Bell Textron 212, 412, or 427 helicopter.
  • the forward compartment of the vehicle includes seat positions 322 and 324 for a pilot and copilot, who navigate the inspection vehicle 12 along the inspection paths 202.
  • Such navigation is performed in accordance with instructions from an inspection technician 146 (not shown in Fig. 3) occupying seat 320 in a passenger compartment 302 of the inspection vehicle 12.
  • the pilot, copilot, and inspection technician may constitute the inspection crew 145.
  • the inspection technician 146 is equipped with an inspection station 304 from which he monitors results of the inspection on output interaction devices 306, 308, and 310, shown in the exemplary embodiment as computer screens, and issues instructions through input interaction devices 314 and 315, shown in the exemplary embodiment as a keyboard and mouse.
  • the interior of the passenger compartment is additionally equipped with various analytical devices and instruments, which may be positioned in locations designated generally by reference numeral 312.
  • the illustration shows one arrangement that may be used for including six individual pieces of equipment. For particular applications, various components may be substituted and the configuration changed.
  • the equipment includes the following, the operational interconnection ofwhich is shown in Fig.
  • a radar cross-section subsystem 410 including an antenna and associated hardware for propagating and receiving radar signals; (2) a laser pointing and measuring subsystem 430; (3) a differential global-positioning subsystem (GPS) 440; (4) a radar altimeter 415; (5) a hydrocarbon leak detector 466; (6) a magnetometer 428; (7) an inertial measurement unit 424; (8) one or more central processing units (CPUs) 450 for executing software as necessary to operate the various subsystems in combination; (9) a stabilized forward looking infrared subsystem 462; (10) a high-resolution charge-coupled device 464; and (11) a data-storage subsystem 470 for storing relevant data as needed to operate the various subsystems in combination.
  • CPUs central processing units
  • the inspection vehicle 12 may include peripheral components used to insure proper and adequate functioning of the equipment 312.
  • peripheral components may include, among others, stabilization platforms for the radar subsystem antenna and laser, power conversion transformers to convert from direct to alternating current (e.g., 24 V dc to 120 V ac), and battery backups as needed.
  • the interconnection of these various subsystems is shown in block-diagram form in Fig. 4.
  • the figure is divided into two primary sets: analysis elements 425 and subsystem elements 465.
  • the analysis elements include the inspection technician 146, the Knowledgeable Observation Analysis-Linked Advisory System (KOALAS) 480, and a remote database 122 accessible by the fixed remote analysis system 120.
  • KALAS Knowledgeable Observation Analysis-Linked Advisory System
  • Three functions performed as the inspection vehicle 12 follows the navigation path 202 in the illustrated embodiment include: (1) focussing 492 relevant subsystem elements on the subterranean region containing the underground structures to be identified and/or analyzed; (2) extracting 494 features from each of the relevant underground structures so as to identify the structure or to determine whether the structures contain any anomalies; and (3) correlating 496 the location of those features to determine the location of the structure absolutely with respect to ground position and to specify the location of any anomalies with respect to the position of the structure.
  • the inspection technician 146 interacts with the KOALAS system 480 through the CPU subsystem(s) 450 to control the subsystems 465 to perform such functions.
  • the KOALAS system 480 activates the laser subsystem 430, which is used for providing an accurate topographical map of the area being imaged. This map, when combined with the radar data collected as described below, provides an accurate depth of detected objects below the surface of the ground and the depth of vegetation in the area.
  • the latitude and longitude positions of the inspection vehicle 12 are known from the GPS subsystem 440.
  • the KOALAS system 480 performs the step of correlating positions 496 and thereby calculates the latitude and longitude positions of each subterranean object studied for unique identification of those subterranean objects in the final report 115.
  • the radar cross-section subsystem 410 uses an ultra wideband pulse of greater than 1.9 GHz from 100 MHz to 2 GHz linearly swept to provide accurate downrange resolution with ground penetrating capability. Processing as described below provides high resolution in the cross range.
  • the radar altimeter 415 is used to provide accurate altitude information for underground focusing and object detection.
  • the global positioning subsystem 440 is also used to provide a reference to remove inertial measurement drift, which is accurately measured by the inertial measurement unit 424.
  • the inertial measurement unit 424 provides data defining the movement of the inspection vehicle 12, such as accelerations and rates of acceleration.
  • the KOALAS system 480 uses that information to steer the radar antenna in a direction towards the candidate subterranean object.
  • the stabilized forward-looking infrared subsystem 462 is used as an additional discrimination sensor in some embodiments to provide ground truth data image overlay in conjunction with both the radar and laser data. Heat, or the lack of it as compared to surrounding areas, as detected by the infrared subsystem 462.
  • the infrared subsystem 462 may be configured to respond to wavelength ranges of 3 - 5 ⁇ m or 8 - 12 ⁇ m depending on the ambient conditions.
  • a high-resolution stabilized charge-coupled device color camera 464 may also be provided for additional discrimination.
  • the charge-coupled device 464 acts as a visible-light camera to detect surface ground objects that might be responsible for providing the system with a false-positive response. This is accomplished by using the digital output of the camera hues and saturation spectrum.
  • the subsystems may also include auxiliary sources for the detection of subterranean objects for particular applications.
  • the inspection vehicle may be equipped with a hydrocarbon leak detector 466, such as provided, for example, by Apogee Scientific, Inc. ("Apogee") in Englewood, Colorado.
  • a hydrocarbon leak detector uses a multiple-channel gas monitors configured, for example, simultaneously to measure methane, total hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide.
  • the device provided by Apogee has detection limits less than 1 ppm for all three measurements and has monitoring rates of up to 100 samples per second.
  • the Apogee device is also configured for mounting to airborne vehicles such as helicopters and may be used at altitudes ranging from 20 - 150 feet.
  • a magnetometer 428 may provide a second detection source.
  • a magnetometer is a device configured to measure variations in the earth's magnetic field and various designs will be known to those of skill in the art. In one design sensitive to proton precession, the magnetometer operates on the principle that the proton spin axes of atoms are aligned with the geomagnetic field. The introduction of an artificial magnetic field source causes a precession that may be correlated with the artificial magnetic field strength. Data from this sensor is fused with the other sensor data to increase the probability of detection and to decrease the probability of false-positive responses.
  • the radar cross-section subsystem 410 uses a technique in which interferometric techniques are applied to account for the motion of the inspection vehicle 12 along the navigation path 202, thereby also increasing the effective spatial resolution of the system.
  • the information thus obtained is used to perform the step of extracting features that describe the subterranean object, including identification of possible anomalies.
  • the system may thus be configured for analysis of a variety of different subterranean objects. Two specific examples are provided.
  • the inspection data 110 may include information defining the position of pipelines to the extent known.
  • the presence of a pipeline may be verified by ascertaining whether a candidate object has the cylindrical shape of a pipe.
  • the system may be configured to identify structural weaknesses in the pipeline according to differences in density.
  • a candidate object may be classified as unexploded ordnance by determining its size and shape, and comparing the determined size and shape with a catalog of size and shape characteristics of intact ordnance to discriminate from other metallic clutter.
  • the physical arrangement of signals that are used for each of these two examples may be understood more clearly with reference to Figs. 5(a) and 5(b), which show top views for a pipeline identification in part (a) and for an unexploded-ordnance identification in part (b).
  • signals are transmitted from a rotatable nose mount 530.
  • the radar cross-section signal 510 (long-dashed ) is transmitted continuously as the inspection vehicle 12 follows the navigation path 202.
  • the radar cross-section subsystem 410 sends out a broad band pulse that is compressed upon reception. This signal is also integrated into the subsequent analysis.
  • the stabilized forward-looking infrared signal 520 is shown as a dotted line ( ).
  • the coherent laser signal is not shown since it is used in mapping the area by pointing approximately downwards from the inspection vehicle 12.
  • the system is configured both to verify the existence of the subterranean pipeline 1004 and to identify and structural anomalies 1006 in the pipeline 1004.
  • the system is configured to identify and discriminate a variety of unexploded ordnance 1008 from other clutter over a surface area.
  • a preliminary data reduction may be used to filter noise and thereby control the amount of data captured. Without such preliminary data reduction, approximately one terabyte of information may be collected during a typical six-hour inspection day.
  • the filtered data are transmitted to the analysis system 120 for more complete processing.
  • Such data may be provided to the analysis system 120 in different ways.
  • data is written to a magnetic or optical recording medium, such as a CD or tape, and is physically transported to the analysis system 120.
  • the satellite link 140 (shown in Fig. 1) is used to transmit data.
  • the on-board KOALAS system 480 includes sufficient software to make a preliminary estimate identifying the subterranean object and any anomalous features.
  • Such software is a subset of the software described below used by the fixed remote analysis system 120 in its more detailed analysis, but permits a preliminary evaluation identifying the properties of the subterranean object for the inspection technician 146. Under such circumstances, the inspection technician 146 may make interactively determine whether the entire structure was captured for analysis or whether a return inspection may be necessary.
  • the following information is provided for use by the inspection technician 146 on the output interaction devices 306, 308, and 310.
  • On a first of the devices 310 is displayed a moving map, indicating the present position of the inspection vehicle 12.
  • On a second of the devices 306 is displayed identification information for each subterranean object identified. Such information may include its physical dimensions, as well as latitude and longitude positions.
  • On a third of the devices 308 is displayed preliminary results of the radar analysis, permitting the inspection technician to decide whether to make additional measurements from different angular positions or to proceed along the navigation path.
  • the radar cross-section measurement system makes use of interferometric analyses to improve resolution, with measurements being taken at intervals as the inspection vehicle 12 moves along the navigation path 202.
  • the resolution characteristics of the broad band mode may be understood by considering an analysis using a cylindrical coordinate system such as shown in Fig. 6.
  • a cylindrical coordinate system naturally matches side- looking radar operations.
  • the inspection vehicle 12 at point V makes a measurement of a radar signal reflected from point P.
  • the position of P is defined by the coordinates (r s , ⁇ , z), with r, being the slant range, ⁇ being the look angle, and z being the azimuth (i.e. the distance between navigation path 202 and the nadir 203 projected on the surface of the earth) .
  • the range resolution may improved be with a reduced pulse width ⁇ and high peak power for a prescribed mean power operation.
  • the azimuthal resolution is dictated by the constraint that two points at a given range not be within the radar beam at the same time. Accordingly, the azimuthal resolution ⁇ z is related to the radar beamwidth by the relation ⁇ z ⁇ r ⁇ l L, where r is the slant range and L is the effective antenna dimension along the azimuthal direction, i.e. along the navigation direction 202 in the configuration illustrated in Fig. 6.
  • the effective antenna dimension is increased by the motion of the inspection vehicle 12 and by coherently combining the backscattered echoes received and recorded along the navigation path 202.
  • the received signal is processed by summing over all antenna positions and convolving with the azimuthal reference function g(nd) e' (2 ⁇ l ⁇ r)(nd to give
  • ⁇ (z) [ ⁇ (z - z') I ⁇ z].
  • Fig. 7 A detailed overview of the analytical processing of the collected data is provided in Fig. 7.
  • the various forms of data collected with the investigation vehicle 12, including radar cross-section measurement data 710, altitude data 714, position data 740, inertial measurement data 724, laser data 730, infrared data 762, CCD data 764, magnetometer data 728, and perhaps others, are subjected to a signal processing step 741 such as described in detail above.
  • the various data are subject to data fusion 742, which is a method for combining results to increase the confidence level of the results presented in the final report 115.
  • the assignments of structure identifications or recognition of anomalies is performed in various embodiments at step 744 with an evaluation system that has been trained to make such determinations according to the results of the measurements, such as with an expert system or neural network configuration.
  • an evaluation system may rely on knowledge of the characteristics expected in different, relevant, types of structures as stored in database 122, the generation ofwhich is further described below.
  • the expert system will have stored the density characteristics that define whether features are normal or anomalous and will have stored radar scattering signals that correspond to such densities.
  • the system is configured to identify unexploded ordnance, the expert system will have stored the sizes and shapes that define such subterranean structures and will have stored 5 radar scattering signals that correspond to such sizes and shapes.
  • the radar signals reflected from a particular subterranean object 1000 may be analyzed to identify, for example, size, shape, and density characteristics of the subterranean object.
  • Information characterizing the interior of the subterranean structure may be obtained by using radar signals having a frequency that penetrates the material of that structure,
  • .0 generally between 100 MHz and 2 GHz.
  • Defects within the individual structures may be manifested by density changes or by the change in reflective characteristics that result from the defect.
  • a crack within a pipeline for example, causes a change in density that may be recognized as described below.
  • [5 subterranean object's material and ground through which the radar signals are propagated permits resolution of features and their positions within the subterranean object 1000.
  • the analysis is illustrated in Fig. 8, in which the subterranean object 1000 is shown schematically as including a subterranean object surface 782 and a series of planes 786 throughout the subterranean object.
  • the subterranean object is subdivided into a plurality of individual cells
  • the radar signal for a particular cell 788-1 is first sensed at time t ⁇ and last sensed at time t 2 .
  • a planar coordinate position shown in Cartesian coordinates (x, y) in the figure for
  • Depth focussing is accomplished by using a refractive propagation model appropriate for the expected material properties of the structures being analyzed to determine the effective path length difference between the subterranean object surface 782 and the particular plane 786 within the subterranean object, including the propagation delay that results from the different index of refraction in the subterranean object 1000.
  • Such analysis can thus provide, for example, a relative measure of the density distribution of the subterranean object 1000.
  • the size and shape of the subterranean object 1000, or components of the object 1000 are defined by closed peripheries of the density distribution, corresponding to edges or surfaces.
  • structural anomalies are identified, together with their location. For example, a potential anomaly within pipeline is identified by its density being less that the average density of the pipeline in that region. Since the comparison is of a relative measure of the density, the method can function independent of knowing precisely what type of material any particular component of the subterranean object is made of.
  • the system 480 provides a dynamic means for examining data irregularities, subtle detections of unexploded ordnance and obvious detections of unexploded ordnance during real-time sensor operation.
  • the system 480 facilitates the detection process by providing an environment and architecture for sensitizing or tuning the radar processes to the characteristics associated with prevalent forms of unexploded ordnance data and images.
  • the process of drawing these conclusions by performing the model comparison 744 is essentially a pattern-recognition algorithm being conducted by the trained evaluation system.
  • a pattern-recognition algorithm it is beneficial to ensure that the trained evaluation system is making reliable determinations. This may be done by preliminary training of the evaluation system with an appropriate set of certifiable data that accounts for relevant factors in making the determinations, which is then encoded before the system is used to evaluate real data. For example, measurements may be performed on a number of subterranean objects, some ofwhich are known to meet the required criteria, e.g. are pipelines with structural defects or are unexploded ordnance, in certain embodiments.
  • this information is used to train the evaluation system's pattern recognition algorithm.
  • the evaluation system In the case training the evaluation system to recognize unexploded ordnance, for example, it will be known whether a test object is in fact unexploded ordnance or is a simply clutter.
  • the preliminary training may include a strength assessment, perhaps expressed as a percentage probability that the pipeline or other subterranean object will fail within a certain time as a result of the anomaly, determined from a complete analysis of the subterranean object external from the radar measurements.
  • a neural net is used to make the structural determinations.
  • a typical neural network includes a plurality of nodes, each ofwhich has a weight value associated with it.
  • the network includes an input layer having a plurality of input nodes and an output layer having a plurality of output nodes, with at least one layer therebetween.
  • the input nodes receive the data provided by the various sensor measurements and the output nodes generate an interpretation designation.
  • the interpretation designation may be a simple binary indication, such as described above, that a given subterranean object is or is not unexploded ordnance, or is a pipeline imminently likely to fail or not.
  • the interpretation designation may be a numerical percentage reflecting a probability that the object is unexploded ordnance, or reflecting the level of structural integrity for an underground pipeline.
  • the input is combined (added, multiplied, subtracted, etc. in a variety of combinations and iterations depending upon how the neural network is initially organized), and then the interpretation is generated accordingly.
  • the output values are compared against the correct interpretation with some known samples.
  • the neural net modifies itself to arrive at the correct output value. This is achieved by connecting or disconnecting certain nodes and/or adjusting the weight values of the nodes during the training through a plurality of iterations. Once the training is completed, the resulting layer/node configuration and corresponding weights represents a trained neural net. The trained neural net is then ready to receive unknown sensor data and discriminate subterranean objects for identification and or characterization.
  • Classical neural nets include Kohonen nets, feed-forward nets, and back- propagation nets. The different neural nets have different methods of adjusting the weights and organizing the respective neural net during the training process.
  • the analysis system may make use of other methods for making insulative- structure anomaly assignments on the basis of the sensor data. Such methods may be broadly categorized as falling into one of two classes. In the first class, the method begins with an initial approximation that is progressively improved using comparison feedback (step 746). For example, to identify a given subterranean object, the analysis system may begin with an initial structural size and shape estimate for the subterranean object, or may begin with an initial density profile for the subterranean object. The sensor data that would result from a subterranean object with those precise characteristics is calculated and compared with the actual sensor data. From such a comparison, the estimated structural characteristics for the subterranean object are refined.
  • the process proceeds iteratively, with the estimated subterranean object structure being modified at each step to reproduce the measured sensor data more closely.
  • the process is deemed to have converged and the final report 1 15 is issued.
  • the system is permitted to vary essentially randomly and individual subterranean object-characteristic representations that develop during the process are evaluated to determine which best reproduces the measured sensor data.
  • One example of such a method is a genetic algorithm.
  • the genetic algorithm is a model of machine learning that derives its behavior in an attempt to mimic evolution in nature. This is done by generating a population of "individuals,” i.e. subterranean object- characteristic representations, represented by "chromosomes,” in essence a set of character strings that are analogous to the base-four chromosomes of DNA.
  • the individuals in the population then go through a process simulated "evolution."
  • the genetic algorithm is widely used in optimization problems in which the character string of the chromosome can be used to encode the values for the different parameters being optimized.
  • an array of bits or characters to represent the chromosomes in this case the position, size, shape and/or density profiles of the subterranean objects, is provided; then, bit manipulation operations allow the implementation of crossover, mutation, and other operations.
  • the genetic algorithm When the genetic algorithm is implemented, it is trained in a manner that may involve the following cycle: the fitness of all individuals in the population is first evaluated; then, a new population is created by performing operations such as crossover, fitness- proportionate reproduction, and mutation on the individuals whose fitness has just been measured; finally, the old population is discarded and iteration is performed with the new population.
  • One iteration of this loop is referred to as a generation.
  • a number of randomly generated subterranean objects with various structural characteristics may be used as the initial input. This population of subterranean objects is then permitted to evolve as described above, with each individual subterranean object being tested at each generation to see whether it can adequately reproduce the measured sensor data.
  • Still further methods that may occur to those of skill in the art, involving such techniques as simulated annealing or various fuzzy logic systems, may be used alternatively or supplementally to perform the analysis of the measured sensor data to generate the final report 115.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geophysics (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
  • Optical Radar Systems And Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

Dans le procédé et le système de l'invention, on utilise un système d'orientation spécialisé basé sur l'observation et l'analyse (480), avec un circuit, pour la concentration du radar sur un objet souterrain (492) ; un altimètre radar (415) ; un détecteur de fuite d'hydrocarbure (466) ; un dispositif de couplage de charge à haute résolution (464) ; une caméra infrarouge à vision frontale stabilisée (462) ; une unité de mesure inertielle (424) ; un laser d'imagerie (430) ; et un magnétomètre (428). Les données renvoyées par les dispositifs de détection sont analysées dans un processeur (450). La base de données (122) utilisée avec le système de l'invention est située dans un site éloigné. Le système de l'invention est placé sur un véhicule qui peut être aéroporté. Les caractéristiques physiques de l'objet souterrain peuvent être déterminées à partir du signal radar réfléchi.
PCT/US2001/008984 2000-03-22 2001-03-19 Procede et systeme d'identification d'objets souterrains WO2001071377A1 (fr)

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CA002403462A CA2403462A1 (fr) 2000-03-22 2001-03-19 Procede et systeme d'identification d'objets souterrains
MXPA02009278A MXPA02009278A (es) 2000-03-22 2001-03-19 Metodo y sistema para la identificacion de objetos subterraneos.

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US09/680,745 US6246355B1 (en) 1999-12-22 2000-10-07 Radar cross-section measurement system for analysis of wooden structures
US09/745,329 2000-12-20
US09/745,329 US6522284B2 (en) 1999-12-22 2000-12-20 Radar cross-section measurement system for analysis of electrically insulative structures

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EP1933167A3 (fr) * 2006-12-15 2009-01-14 Sick Ag Capteur optoélectronique et procédé correspondant de détection et de détermination de la distance d'un objet
WO2009087260A1 (fr) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-16 Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile Système et procédé pour la détection, la localisation et l'identification d'objets au sol et sous terre se trouvant dans une zone d'intérêt préalablement référencée
ES2341697A1 (es) * 2008-12-23 2010-06-24 Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas (Csic)(50%) Metodo de prospeccion y caracterizacion de materias primas.
AU2005234659B2 (en) * 2005-11-18 2014-05-29 Tr Lord & Associates Limited Method for a quality of outcome-based approach to the location, mapping, and management of sub-surface utilities
FR3003650A1 (fr) * 2013-03-19 2014-09-26 Commissariat Energie Atomique Mesure de la signature electromagnetique d'une cible par radar embarque a bord d'un drone
CN109270525A (zh) * 2018-12-07 2019-01-25 电子科技大学 基于深度学习的穿墙雷达成像方法及系统

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Cited By (10)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2419759B (en) * 2003-07-11 2007-02-14 Omnicom Engineering Ltd A system of surveying and measurement
AU2005234659B2 (en) * 2005-11-18 2014-05-29 Tr Lord & Associates Limited Method for a quality of outcome-based approach to the location, mapping, and management of sub-surface utilities
EP1933167A3 (fr) * 2006-12-15 2009-01-14 Sick Ag Capteur optoélectronique et procédé correspondant de détection et de détermination de la distance d'un objet
WO2009087260A1 (fr) * 2008-01-04 2009-07-16 Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile Système et procédé pour la détection, la localisation et l'identification d'objets au sol et sous terre se trouvant dans une zone d'intérêt préalablement référencée
US8508402B2 (en) 2008-01-04 2013-08-13 Pontificia Universidad Catolica De Chile System and method for detecting, locating and identifying objects located above the ground and below the ground in a pre-referenced area of interest
ES2341697A1 (es) * 2008-12-23 2010-06-24 Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas (Csic)(50%) Metodo de prospeccion y caracterizacion de materias primas.
WO2010072881A1 (fr) * 2008-12-23 2010-07-01 Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Científicas (Csic) Méthode de prospection et de caractérisation de matières premières
ES2341697B1 (es) * 2008-12-23 2011-04-26 Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas (Csic)(50%) Metodo de prospeccion y caracterizacion de materias primas.
FR3003650A1 (fr) * 2013-03-19 2014-09-26 Commissariat Energie Atomique Mesure de la signature electromagnetique d'une cible par radar embarque a bord d'un drone
CN109270525A (zh) * 2018-12-07 2019-01-25 电子科技大学 基于深度学习的穿墙雷达成像方法及系统

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