Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science

Distinguished Lecturer Series 2008

IEEE Dallas Chapter of Signal Processing Society

Professor Moeness Amin

Villanova University Challenges in Through Wall Imaging

Electromagnetic waves passing through a medium are subject to amplitude and phase distortion. There is an increasing need to develop algorithms to combat wall impairing effects, permitting detection, classification, and location of objects and humans behind walls.

“Seeing” optically obscured objects behind obstacles such as walls, doors, and other visually opaque materials is a powerful tool for a variety of civilian and law enforcement. Through-the-wall imaging (TWI) has been recently sought out in rescue missions, behind-the-wall target detection, surveillance and reconnaissance. TWI technology is used in rescue mission to search for earthquake and avalanche victims, and can aid fire fighters looking for survivors. The technology can also be employed for detection and surveillance of suspected criminals and outlaws. The technology of choice is based on emission and reception of radio frequency (RF). RF signal waveforms below the S-band are capable of penetrating through building walls, but the resulting observations are sensitive to a wide range of factors, including layout geometry, interior and exterior wall thicknesses, and wall EM scattering signatures, existence of doors and windows, and clutter objects within the building. The locations of the RF sensors outside and around buildings can be optimally selected based on desired performance as well as standoff safety and operation logistics factors and requirements. In this talk, we discuss the different challenges facing the problem of achieving reliable indoor imaging of targets behind walls. Stationary and moving targets are considered. Localization techniques for animate and inanimate objects are presented. We argue for an interdisciplinary approach for development of an effective imaging TWI system. Specifically, we show that statistical signal processing, array processing, time-frequency analysis, image processing, antenna design, an electromagnetic propagation and modeling must all be considered in devising credible solutions.

Date: Friday, April 11, 2008 Time: 11:00 a.m.

Place: ECSS 2.102

TI Auditorium Engineering and Computer Science Complex, UTD Campus

Professor Moeness Amin has been on the Faculty of Villanova University since 1985, where is now a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Director of the Center for Advanced Communications. Dr. Amin is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Fellow of the International Society of Optical Engineers; Recipient of the IEEE Third Millennium Medal; Distinguished Lecturer of the IEEE Signal Processing Society for 2003; Member of the Franklin Institute Committee on Science and the Arts; Recipient of the 1997 Villanova University Outstanding Faculty Research Award; Recipient of the 1997 IEEE Philadelphia Section Service Award Dr. Amin has over 350 publications in the areas of Wireless Communications, Time-Frequency Analysis, Smart Antennas, Interference Cancellation in Broadband Communication Platforms, Direction Finding, Over the Horizon Radar, Radar Imaging, and Channel Equalizations. He has expertise in array processing for radar and wireless communications, anti-jam GPS, nonstationary signal analysis and processing, MIMO systems, and space-time coding.

Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science

The University of Texas at Dallas 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, TX 75080-3021 For more information: Phone: 972-883-2974 www.utdallas.edu