This paper addresses the problem of detecting anti-personnel landmines using features extracted via the fractional Fourier transform. A preliminary clutter reduction system is used to reduce the effects of ground clutter. The processed signatures are then examined using the fractional Fourier transform, where pertinent target features are extracted. These features are then presented to a nonparametric landmine detection system. The focus is on identifying and using fractions of the Fourier transform that will lead to better detection performance assuming that the landmine is within reasonable depth variation below the surface. The performance of the proposed detection scheme is assessed in terms of detection rate and false alarm rate using real landmine signatures. The effects of removing ground clutter are examined, and the effects of knowing the mine depth a priori are also discussed. The manner in which radar scans are processed via fractional Fourier is also discussed.

Date Published: 21 September 2004
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 5415, Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mines and Minelike Targets IX, (21 September 2004); doi: 10.1117/12.543072

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5415:
Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mines and Minelike Targets IX
Russell S. Harmon; J. Thomas Broach; John H. Holloway Jr., Editor(s)