The evaluation of hyperspectral imaging for the detection of person-borne threat objects over the 400 nm to 1700 nm spectral region

Published

May 10, 2012

Author(s)

P. Yvonne Barnes, Jorge Neira, David W. Allen

Abstract

The detection of person-borne threat objects, such as improvised explosive devices, at a safe distance is an ongoing challenge. While much attention has been given to other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, very little is known about what potential exists to detect clothing obscured threats over the ultraviolet through the shortwave-infrared spectral region. Hyperspectral imaging may provide a greater ability to discriminate between target and non-target by using the full spectrum than. This study investigates this potential by the collection and analysis of hyperspectral images of obscured proxy threat objects. The results of this study indicate a consistent ability to detect the presence of concealed objects. The study included the use of VNIR, as defined here, (400 nm to 1000 nm) and SWIR (1000 nm to 1700 nm) hyperspectral imagers. Both spectral ranges provided comparable results however potential advantages of the SWIR spectral region are discussed.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of SPIE Volume 8357

Volume

8357

Conference Dates

April 23-27, 2012

Conference Location

Baltimore, MD, US

Conference Title

Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XVII.
Baltimore, Maryland

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

Hyperspectral, surveillance, standoff detection, security, IED

Citation

Barnes, P. , Neira, J. and Allen, D. (2012), The evaluation of hyperspectral imaging for the detection of person-borne threat objects over the 400 nm to 1700 nm spectral region, Proceedings of SPIE Volume 8357 , Baltimore, MD, US (Accessed October 16, 2025)