Human subjects are unsuitable for objective performance testing of victim detection radar because their heart and respiration rates are not controllable or repeatable. There are limitations on human targets from a safety standpoint as well. It is difficult to relate the ground truth to the measured data for a human target without needing additional equipment that must be attached to the human subject. Artificial targets using pneumatics do not provide sufficient fidelity of the radar return for development of identification algorithms.
A portable version of a laboratory test target consisting of a loudspeaker driven by a microcontroller serves as an arbitrary waveform generator to produce repeatable, controllable motion of a radar reflective surface on the loudspeaker. The microcontroller has software that generates a realistic heart and respiration rhythm with appropriate randomness. The rhythm source drives numerical oscillators that generate a series of digital words representing the position of the target versus time. The samples are fed to a power driver that puts a current through the loudspeaker, moving it in a way similar to that of a human or other animal.
Current simulators for seismic and acoustic victim detection systems do not produce realistic radar signatures. This device allows objective testing and evaluation of the FINDER victim detection radar and its software. It can be used in field training for future versions of FINDER, and with portable lab equipment to characterize microwave propagation through rubble or other media.
This work was done by James P. Lux and Carson Umsted of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
Innovative Technology Assets Management
JPL
Mail Stop 321-123
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Refer to NPO-49421.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Test, Calibration, and Training Target for a Microwave Sensor
(reference NPO-49421) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), focusing on a Test, Calibration, and Training Target for a Microwave Sensor, identified by the NASA Tech Brief NPO-49421. It is part of the Commercial Technology Program aimed at disseminating aerospace-related developments with broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
The document outlines the purpose and scope of the research, which was conducted at JPL and sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. It emphasizes the importance of the technology in disaster and emergency response scenarios, particularly in enhancing the capabilities of microwave sensors used for locating individuals in distress.
Included in the document is a reference to the FINDER (Finding Individuals for Disaster and Emergency Response) Portable Victim Simulator, which is designed to aid in training and calibration. The simulator is a straightforward device powered by a 12 Volt rechargeable battery and controlled by an Arduino Uno microcontroller. It features a MotorShield to drive an 8-ohm loudspeaker, along with a push button and LED for mode control and display. The document provides a high-level block diagram, schematic, and details about the hardware design, illustrating the internal components and functionality of the simulator.
The simulator operates in multiple modes, each simulating different physiological signals such as heart rate and respiration, which are crucial for training responders to detect and locate victims in various scenarios. The document includes sample output waveforms and details on the Arduino software used for motion profile generation and user interface.
Furthermore, the document emphasizes compliance with U.S. export regulations and the proprietary nature of the information contained within. It also includes a disclaimer stating that the U.S. Government and JPL do not assume liability for the use of the information provided.
Overall, this Technical Support Package serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the development and application of microwave sensor technology in emergency response, highlighting the collaboration between NASA and the Department of Homeland Security in advancing public safety technologies.
