Investigation on improved target detection capabilities using multi-channel, multiple receive coil metal detector data

Metal detectors are widely used in landmine detection and other military applications. Knowledge of the depth, size and orientation of buried targets could contribute significantly to a reduction in the false alarm rate and improved efficiency in route clearance and other field applications. This paper explores a possible approach that could be used to determine target depth and target types using a metal detector with multiple receive coils of different configurations. The proposed approach has been practically implemented in an advanced dual receive coil metal detector array data set. Burial depths have been estimated for a range of targets buried from flush to 24 inches. This approach is shown to be robust to changes in target orientation and background soil conditions. This paper then explores a method which can be used to estimate depths without prior knowledge of the target type.