Seismic signals and noise assessment for foot step detection range estimation in different environments

The development of security systems based on seismic footstep detection is critical for homeland security and defense applications. The performance of these systems depends on various factors, including noise and signal levels in the real environment. This paper describes the effect of different real seismic noise sources-such as highways, railroads, operating machinery, trees and shrubs swaying in the wind-on seismic security system performance as these sources can be located close to the detection area. It is demonstrated that by moving away from these sources, the noise source spectra constantly change. Additionally, we present accurate results for the behaviour of footstep signal reduction versus distance for a moving (walking/running) person and the seismic sensors. The effects of seismic signal summation and the noise associated with a number of sensors in environments such as ledge rock and soft earth surface is also discussed.