Signal processing of ground penetrating radar using spectral estimation techniques to estimate the position of buried targets

Abstract

Super-resolution is very important for the signal processing of GPR (ground penetration radar) to resolve closely buried targets. However, it is not easy to get high resolution as GPR signals are very weak and enveloped by the noise. The MUSIC (multiple signal classification) algorithm, which is well known for its super-resolution capacity, has been implemented for signal and image processing of GPR. In addition, conventional spectral estimation technique, FFT (fast Fourier transform), has also been implemented for high-precision receiving signal level. In this paper, we propose CPM (combined processing method), which combines time domain response of MUSIC algorithm and conventional IFFT (inverse fast Fourier transform) to obtain a super-resolution and high-precision signal level. In order to support the proposal, detailed simulation was performed analyzing SNR (signal-to-noise ratio). Moreover, a field experiment at a research field and a laboratory experiment at the University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, were also performed for thorough investigation and supported the proposed method. All the simulation and experimental results are presented.