Objective The ClearFast aims at improving the efficiency and safety of humanitarian demining operation by(1)reducing the false alarm rate,(2)increasing the clearance rate,(3)increasing the rate of survey.CLEARFAST proposes 3 main innovations:(1)A new step concept for minefield survey;(2)for the 1st step, implementation of a novel Analysis of image sequence under changing natural illumination using a Multi-temporal & Multi-spectral IR(MSIR)sensor optimised for background rejection;(3)for the 2nd step, a Motion-driven data fusion using Ground Penetrating Radar, electromagnetic Metal Detector with sensitivity adaptation and MSIR reducing the well-known weaknesses of IR imaging.CLEARFAST proposes a system qualification both in a controlled environment and in realistic conditions. Although Level 2 survey is the main application area, CLEARFAST may be used for Level 3 of quality assurance. Objectives: The ClearFast objective is to improve the efficiency and safety of demining operation by(1) reducing the false alarm rate,(2) increasing the clearance rate by proving more accurate survey data,(3) increasing the rate of survey.To achieve this objective, ClearFast aims at developing a robust mine detection system, relying on fusion of multiple sensor data - GPR, IR, MD. The system performance, however, ultimately depends on the performance of the individual sensors. Hence ClearFast will reduce the well-known weaknesses of IR imaging by implementing a novel multi-temporal/multi-spectral IR system. The MD array will be adapted in sensitivity to achieve improved detection and imaging capabilities. Besides the technological innovations, ClearFast proposes a novel concept for Level 2 surveys, and validation in a controlled environment and in realistic conditions.Work description: ClearFast develops a transportable mast-mounted MSIR sensor and a multisensor platform mounted on a vehicle. Both systems are based on the requirements of a two-phase Level 2 survey model. The post-project exploitation, aiming at covering the full range of activities required in mine clearance, also envisages airborne (Level 2) and hand-held systems. ClearFast includes several phases, each of them ended by a formal review.Phase 1 defines the system according to the ClearFast concept, the end-user requirements and the technology constraints.Phase 2 is planned for signal processing enhancement of individual sensors and adjustment to the system interface requirements. It includes data fusion for the multi-temporal MSIR sensor.Phase 3 concerns multi-sensor data fusion. Two developments are carried out in parallel for risk mitigation. The first design involves the adaptation to APL detection of an existing probabilistic algorithm for target detection based on a learning process of the local environment. The second design is based on algorithms for deterministic shape/attribute verification.Phase 4 is the integration of the system components in the Level 2A survey platform and the multi-sensor platform.Phase 5 is dedicated to tests and performance evaluation in realistic conditions. This phase is driven by a commercial demining end-user, to demonstrate that (1) Level 2A surveys increase efficiency, speed and safety of subsequent Level 2B minefield delineation and area reduction, and (2) the Level 2B multi-sensor suite and associated data fusion allows for reducing the false alarm rate.Special attention is given to the selection of a representative set of objects, normally triggering false alarms in the target area within the Balkan. For efficiency evaluation, the main parameters are number of undetected mines, number of false alarms, potential improvement that can be obtained between prototype and industrial system, operational cost, speed and safety.Milestones: T0 + 6 months: System design, Components requirements & Interface Specifications T0 + 18 months: End of sensors enhancement T0 + 20 months: Demonstration of data fusion algorithms T0 + 23 months: Start of use of level 2A survey in a real demining operation T0 + 26 months: Start of field trials for data fusion T0 + 30 months: End of field trial evaluation and dissemination of the results Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsignal processingengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologyradarengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors Programme(s) FP5-IST - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on a "User-friendly information society, 1998-2002" Topic(s) 2000-1.4.2 - Data Fusion and Smart Sensor Technologies for Humanitarian Demining Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICRO-ELECTRONICA CENTRUM VZW Address Kapeldreef 75 3001 Leuven Belgium See on map EU contribution € 0,00 Participants (3) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all BACTEC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED United Kingdom EU contribution € 0,00 Address Alpha house v, laser quay, culpeper close ME2 4HU Rochester, kent See on map ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES LIMITED Israel EU contribution € 0,00 Address 70100 Ben gurion international airport See on map RHEINMETALL LANDSYSTEME GMBH Germany EU contribution € 0,00 Address Falckensteiner strasse 2 24159 Kiel See on map
