Estimation of target size using two passive infrared sensors

TLDR: A technique to estimate target size using two PIR sensors with Fresnel lens arrays and the relative signal strength between the two sensors is used to estimate the distance of the target from the sensor.

Abstract: Passive infrared (PIR) sensors are widely used as a part of unattended ground sensor suite for situational awareness. Currently, the PIR sensor is mainly used as a wakeup sensor for the imaging sensor in order to conserve power. Since the PIR sensor mainly responds to the thermal radiation from the target, animals in the vicinity of the sensor can cause many false alarms. The number of false alarms can be cut drastically, if the target’s size can be estimated and a decision is made based on target size. For example, if the target is 5 ft 9 in tall and 1.5 ft wide, it is most likely a human being as opposed to an animal. In this paper, we present a technique to estimate target size using two PIR sensors with Fresnel lens arrays. One of the PIR sensors is mounted such that its Fresnel zones are horizontal to the ground, and the second PIR sensor is mounted such that its Fresnel zones are at a slant angle to the horizontal plane. The former is used to estimate the width/length, while the latter is used to estimate the height of the target. The relative signal strength between the two sensors is used to estimate the distance of the target from the sensor. The time it takes to cross the Fresnel zones is used to estimate the speed of the target. The algorithm is tested using the data collected in the woods, where several animals are observed roaming.