In-Building Acoustic Signature Identification and Localization

Knowing the kind(s) of machinery and equipment contained in a building and its location prior to having to enter the building is a valuable asset to military operations, particularly in urban situations. The proposed system, called BIMLI (Building Interrogation and Machinery Location and Identification), will consist of a sensor suite, a structural modeling capability, and a data analysis segment for location and identification. Sensors include stand-off optical devices (laser vibrometer, optical "levers"), and accelerometers and microphones (preferably wireless) located exterior to the building, although supplement interior locations can be added as the situation allows. Structural modeling and location algorithms use Statistical Energy Analysis as the appropriate method with parameter inputs based on information form visual, handbook, and direct measurements. Identification is based on signal processing of acoustical signals employing spectral, cepstral, Hilbert transform, and other diagnostic procedures. The experimental parts of Phase 1 will be carried out on a 1:10 scale model of a building structure at a 10:1 frequency scaling.