In this work we consider the problem of developing algorithms for the automatic detection of buried threats using handheld Ground Penetrating Radar (HH-GPR) data. The development of algorithms for HH-GPR is relatively nascent compared to algorithm development efforts for larger downward-looking GPR (DL-GPR) systems. One of the biggest bottlenecks for the development of algorithms is the relative scarcity of labeled HH-GPR data that can be used for development. Given the similarities between DL-GPR data and HH-GPR data however, we hypothesized that it may be possible to utilize DL-GPR data to support the development of algorithms for HH-GPR. In this work we assess the detection performance of a HH-GPR-based BTD algorithm as we vary the amounts and characteristics of the DL-GPR data included in the development of HH-GPR detection algorithms. The results indicate that supplementing HH-GPR data with DL-GPR does improve performance, especially when including data collected over buried threat locations.

Date Published: 10 May 2019
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 11012, Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XXIV, 110120G (10 May 2019); doi: 10.1117/12.2519969

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 11012:
Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XXIV
Steven S. Bishop; Jason C. Isaacs, Editor(s)