Statistical Sensor Fusion For Countermine Applications

In this paper, a statistical technique for multi-sensor data fusion is applied to countermine problems. The fusion method has previously been shown to be a powerful tool in SAR/ATR applications. An earlier study, using data from the separate x, y, and z coils of the EM61-3D metal detector collected at the Seabee site at Ft. Carson. demonstrated that the method shows promise for countermine applications as well. This paper briefly reviews the mathematical foundation of the fusion technique and then a new application to multisensor data from the Mine Hunter/Killer system is discussed at length. The sensor suite includes a ground-penetrating radar, metal detectors, and an infrared camera; data were collected at Fort A.P. Hill, VA. The results of applying the probabilistic fusion method to these multi-sensor data are presented and analyzed in detail for the first time. The advantages and limitations of using this fusion approach for countermine applications are discussed.