Recognition technology for the detection of buried land mines

• Published in: IEEE transactions on fuzzy systems 2001-02, Vol.9 (1), p.31-43
• Main Authors: Gader, P.D., Keller, J.M., Nelson, B.N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Fuzzy; Fuzzy logic; Fuzzy set theory; Fuzzy sets; Ground penetrating radar; Laboratories; Land mines; Landmine detection; Recognition; Sensor phenomena and characterization; Sensor systems; Signal processing; Signal processing algorithms; Soft computing; System testing
• ISSN: 1063-6706; 1941-0034
• DOI: 10.1109/91.917112

As described by Zadeh, recognition technology refers to systems that incorporate new sensors, novel signal processing, and soft computing. In this paper, we discuss these principles applied to the problem of land mine detection. We describe a complex recognition system that is evolving from basic research into a fielded system. Some components of this system have been field tested with excellent results, whereas other components have achieved such results in the laboratory. Fuzzy set-based information fusion algorithms are central to the excellent results obtained. Multiple-detection algorithms are applied to signals acquired from an innovative ground penetrating radar that produces volumetric sub-surface imagery. The outputs of the detection algorithms are combined using the fuzzy logic and Sugeno and Choquet fuzzy integrals to produce overall detection scores. Experimental results are provided on training data and on completely blind test data collected in the field and scored by the US Army.