Electro-optical signature analysis for personnel detection in urban environments

Georgia Tech has initiated a research program into the detection of covert personnel. This program focuses on the detection problem in scenarios focused on urban operations, tunnels, or convoys. These nontraditional operational scenarios present multiple opportunities for personnel to hide as well as a variety to clutter levels. The research program focuses on a detailed phenomenological analysis of human physiology and signatures with the subsequent identification and characterization of potential observables - initially in the context of urban environments. For this current effort, several electro-optical sensing modalities have been evaluated for use as a component in an unattended sensor suite designed to detect personnel. These modalities include active sensors (e.g., vibrometry) and passive sensors (e.g., multispectral, thermal). Particular emphasis has been given to the investigation of short wave infrared signatures and the comparison of this band to the other electro-optical wavebands. This paper will discuss the design of a multi-spectral signature model which forms a component of the evaluation process. Example results will be presented as well as a discussion of the issues to be addressed as part of the electro-optical sensor evaluation.