System and method for very low frequency detection of an event signature
Inventors
Sternberg, Oren • Rockway, John • Lerner, Mitchell • Perez, Israel • Lumsden, Nicholas
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10666273-B1
Publication Date
2020-05-26
Expiration Date
2039-01-09
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Abstract
A system includes a very low frequency (VLF) antenna connected to a circuit that has a high pass filter and a low pass filter. The circuit is configured for noise reduction and frequency localization of detected VLF signals. A receiver is configured to receive filtered VLF signals output by the circuit and to separate desired signals for processing. A display is configured to provide a user with visual feedback based at least in part on an even signature extracted by a digital signal processor (DSP).
Core Innovation
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for very low frequency (VLF) detection of an event signature. The system includes a VLF antenna connected to a circuit having a high pass filter and a low pass filter configured for noise reduction and frequency localization of detected VLF signals. A receiver receives the filtered VLF signals and separates desired signals for processing. A digital signal processor (DSP) extracts an event signature from the signals, and a display provides visual feedback to the user based on the extracted event signature.
The system allows remote detection associated with an event signature both above and below ground. It enables detection of VLF signals in a frequency range from about 3 kHz to about 60 kHz. The DSP uses algorithms including a progressive probabilistic Hough transform to process streaming data, extract event signatures that represent electromagnetic responses within the VLF band, and provide visual markers on a display to aid in user identification of events.
The problem being solved addresses limitations of existing automated detection technologies, which rely on radio frequency methods for above ground detection and require hard-wiring or specialized infrasound sensors for underground detection, especially in non-conductive soil environments. This invention eliminates the need for hard-wiring or specialized sensors for underground environments at detection distances greater than 10 meters, enabling remote event detection regardless of location above or below ground.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent method claim that encompasses inventive features related to detecting event signatures using very low frequency electromagnetic signals and processing these signals to extract specific event information.
Detection of very low frequency electromagnetic signals using a VLF antenna
Detecting very low frequency signals via a VLF antenna capable of operating in the VLF band.
Filtering signals through a circuit configured for noise reduction and frequency localization
Filtering the detected signals using a circuit including a high-pass filter and a low-pass filter that reduces noise and localizes frequencies of the detected signals.
Recording real-time streaming spectrum data via a digital signal processor
Recording real-time streaming spectrum data in the VLF band using a digital signal processor (DSP).
Extraction of event signatures using a progressive probabilistic Hough transform
Utilizing a progressive probabilistic Hough transform via the DSP to perform image processing on streaming spectrum data for extracting an event signature associated with a motorized door opening and closing.
The inventive features collectively provide a method that detects very low frequency electromagnetic signals, filters them to reduce noise and localize frequencies, records the streaming data in real-time, and processes the data with an advanced image processing algorithm to extract precise event signatures related to motorized door operations.
Stated Advantages
Enables remote detection of event signatures both above and below ground without hard-wiring.
Provides noise reduction and frequency localization for improved detection accuracy in the VLF band.
Extracts and visually marks event signatures to assist users in identifying specific events from complex VLF signal data.
Documented Applications
Remote detection of event signatures, including opening and closing of motorized doors.
Detection of underground events in structures located at least ten meters below ground surface without requiring hard-wiring between the antenna and the underground structure.
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