Ground Based Quality Assurance. A FY1995-1996 Government laboratory project, the Ground Based QA prototype was an assembly of four cameras (3-5 micron and 8-12 micron infrared, ultraviolet, and normal video). The concept was to feed the signals from all four cameras, aimed at the same spot, to a computer software program that would analyze the images and use an ATR algorithm to mark suspected mine locations on the operator's screen. Although the system showed potential, the Ground Based Quality Assurance prototype did not consistently discriminate mines from clutter. Other agencies are currently pursuing ATR enhancements.

Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector (VMMD).  The VMMD is a modified small utility vehicle. The VMMD sensor package consists of Ground Penetrating Radar and infrared and ultraviolet cameras. The VMMD did well in detecting AT mines, but had difficulty identifying AP mines and proved very complicated to operate.

K9 Program. In FY1995, the Humanitarian Demining R&D Program demonstrated the effectiveness of using dogs for mine detection. The program evaluated two systems: free leash, which used a dog and handler in a mined area, and the Mechem Explosive and Drug Detection System (MEDDS), which collects air samples in suspected mined areas for dogs to smell at a remote location. The program also investigated what effects burned areas and explosive material scattered on the ground had on the dogs' ability to detect buried mines. Both dog programs performed well. The demonstration also highlighted the importance of effective dog-handler training.

Semi-Autonomous Mine Detection System (SAMS). The SAMS is designed to reduce the threat to deminers by remotely detecting, marking, and mapping buried landmines with off-the-shelf technologies using an unmanned semi-autonomous vehicle. The SAMS platform is a modified version of the Remote Control Reconnaissance Monitor (RECORM) system. The modification allows towing of a Schiebel Metal Detection Array. SAMS can remotely navigate into minefields to detect, mark, and map buried landmines using a metal detection array and differential GPS position location equipment under semi-autonomous remote control. The internationally supportable commercial chassis features an added PC-104 controlled semi-autonomous and tele-operation capability. SAMS has the ability to incorporate path planning/mapping functions in an autopilot mode to insure complete area coverage. The SAMS demonstrated some capability for semi-autonomous mine detection. Primarily, it demonstrated the challenges of close proximity multi-antenna communication systems, and the problems and successes in accurately using GPS and other spatial methods to record buried metallic objects. The SAMS concept demonstrator will require a great deal of resources before it is ready for field operations.

Humanitarian Innovative Mine Sensor (HIMS). In FY1997, the Humanitarian Demining Program investigated the use of polarized IR cameras to detect mines. A demonstration took place in November 1997 using a polarized IR camera developed by Nichols Research Corporation. The advantages of polarimetric imagery over conventional radio-metric IR for detection of mines were not demonstrated. Such a capability may be established through a longer series of lab and field measurements.

Vehicle Mounted Detection System (VMDS). The VMDS concept is based on a commercial skid steer chassis modified to incorporate a remote control capability. The VMDS sensor package consists of a 2-meter wide Schiebel metal detection array, a Thermal-Neutron Analysis (TNA) sensor, and an infrared sensor. The 2-meter array detects metal objects in the vehicle's path, while the TNA indicates those targets that contain explosives. In testing, the 2-meter detection array performed extremely well. The TNA found most AT mines, but had difficulty identifying AP mines and proved very complicated to operate.