A new measurement method for through-the-wall detection and tracking of moving targets

Abstract The paper deals with a new measurement method for through-the-wall detection and tracking of hidden targets (e.g. human bodies in rescue missions) in two-dimensional scenes, by using radiofrequency signals. In particular, the method is based on a multisensor system and exploits an advanced imaging technique, which takes advantages from a regularized linear inversion scheme. Several numerical tests are conducted to assess the performance and capabilities of the method; satisfying values of the difference between estimated and nominal target position are experienced for different investigation domains, number of targets and signal-to-noise ratios. Moreover, experiments in actual measurement conditions and involving a prototype of the multisensor system (based on eleven antennas operating both as transmitting and receiving elements) are also presented, which show the reliability of the method as well as the effectiveness of the implemented measurement strategies.