Innovative Acoustic Sensor(s) for Multiple Target Acquisition

Current acoustic unattended ground sensor systems have the capability of detecting, characterizing and localizing vehicle targets with relatively large surveillance areas. One of the major shortfalls of these systems is their inability to performeffectively in multi-target clutter environments. Specifically, the system ability to estimate the number and types of targets when groups of targets are present such as convoys with closely spaced vehicles is limited. The proposed effort presents amulti-target counting (MTC) algorithm based on beam steering and a fuzzy logic volume of noise estimate to attack this problem. One of the keys to the proposed solution is a simulation embedded in the algorithm which allows for iterative estimates of thetypes and number of targets to in a surveillance area. The algorithm will be tested using simulation techniques previously developed for use with the US Army Scout UAV program, LOSAS (currently a successful Phase II program at SARA). SARA brings over 40years of combined acoustics experience to bear on the problem leveraging their familiarity with target signatures, sensor technologies, advanced algorithm development and acoustic sensor system architecture.Potential applications will come fromorganizations requiring acoustic information from remote locations for the performance of their responsibilities. These would include US Army and US Marine special ops, infantry, artillery forward observers, and intelligence; and an assortment ofgovernment/private agencies responsible for law enforcement, border surveillance (alien and drug interdiction), remote search and rescue, airport noise monitoring, and environmental assessment.