Real-Time Quality Control Methods for Cued EMI Data Collection
MR-201264
Objective
The prevalence of innocuous clutter (e.g., scrap, fragmentation, etc.) at Munitions Response (MR) sites presents a challenge to remediation efforts that often devote substantial resources to the excavation and identification of these nonhazardous objects. Recent development of advanced electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor arrays that enable multi-axis or multi-angle illumination of cued anomalies has enabled the implementation of methodologies that effectively discriminate clutter from unexploded ordnance (UXO) or other munitions and explosives of concern (MEC). These methodologies have the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of production cleanup efforts by reducing the time and costs associated with removal of benign objects; however, collection of high quality data with advanced sensors is critical to ensuring the effectiveness of these discrimination algorithms. The objective of this project is to demonstrate the application of a real-time quality control process for static acquisition of advanced sensor data over cued anomalies.
Technology Description
The technology comprises a real-time inversion methodology applied to MetalMapper EMI data acquired during cued surveys. A dipole-based inversion software executable will provide MetalMapper operators with data quality metrics immediately following acquisition of cued (static) data. These metrics will indicate whether the data are of sufficient quality to enable subsequent target classification or whether reacquisition will enhance further analysis. In the event that further data acquisition is required, the software executable will provide coordinates to direct optimal sensor placement. The effort will establish the most effective set of quality metrics through statistical analysis of model and data parameters including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), dipole-fit parameters, inversion residual, and model uncertainty. Parameters that are strongly correlated with the quality of classification features (e.g., size, decay, asymmetry, etc.) will be selected to provide a quality decision to the MetalMapper operator. The project will demonstrate the productivity gains achieved by incorporating in-field quality control as part of cued EMI survey protocol.
Benefits
Completion of the effort will demonstrate a capability that will directly benefit the Department of Defense by decreasing the cost of remediation operations at munitions response sites. Incorporating a real-time quality control process in production surveys at these sites will not only ensure that the highest quality data are collected, thus increasing the performance of UXO classification algorithms; it will also reduce the time associated with resurveying anomalies that are insufficiently characterized as a result of sub-optimal sensor placement during the initial survey. Implementing effective quality control measures will facilitate the transition of classification technologies to production surveys by ensuring that these technologies produce reliable results in an operational environment. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2013)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Mr. Jonathan S. Miller
Sky Research, Inc.
Phone: 541-552-5160
Fax: 603-643-5161
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.