Through The Wall Standoff Detection And Tracking Of .

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The author(s) shown below used Federal funds provided by the U.S.Department of Justice and prepared the following final report:Document Title:Through the Wall Standoff Detection andTracking of IndividualsAuthor:AKELADocument No.:240231Date Received:November 2012Award Number:2009-SQ-B9-K113This report has not been published by the U.S. Department of Justice.To provide better customer service, NCJRS has made this Federallyfunded grant final report available electronically in addition totraditional paper copies.Opinions or points of view expressed are thoseof the author(s) and do not necessarily reflectthe official position or policies of the U.S.Department of Justice.

Through the Wall StandoffDetection and Tracking ofIndividualsNIJ RRA Final ReportAKELA OJP Grant No: 2009-SQ-B9-K11330 April 2012U.S. Department of JusticeNational Institute of Justice810 7th Street N.W.Washington DC 20531Attention: Dr. Frances ScottAKELA5551 Ekwill Street, Suite A Santa Barbara CA 93111(805) 683-6414 FAX (805) 683-4076This AKELA Final Report is submitted to the OJPs Office of the Comptroller describing DOJ NIJ RRAActivities during the Period of Performance August 2009 – April 2012 for OJP NIJ Cooperative Agreement2009-SQ-B9-K113This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K113Table of ContentsPage No.Abstract31.0 Executive Summary52.0 Introduction2.1 Program Background82.2 Potential ASTIR LE and First Responder Applications92.3 Final Report Subjects and Organization113.0 Technical Approach3.1 System Design Description143.2 Hardware and Software Development153.3 Data Processing and User Interface Display213.4 FCC Compliance Requirements233.5 ASTIR FCC Compliance Analysis244.0 System Test Performance4.1 Human Subject Testing304.2 System Testing324.2.1 Fire Tower Testing324.2.2 Residential Testing384.3 Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department User Testing425.0 Conclusions436.0 Recommendations45Attachments: FCC Waiver Documentation2This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K113ABSTRACTThrough a grant from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and continuation CooperativeAgreement funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (RRA), AKELAInc. developed a sense-through-the-wall (STTW) standoff radar imaging system for lawenforcement use. The underlying technology of the imaging system is a multiple antenna,continuous wave, frequency stepping radar in a portable case that can be positioned at standoffdistances of up to 30 m away from a building of interest. Radar information is processed in realtime on a laptop computer to allow detection and tracking of stationary or moving individualswithin a building structure.The project goals were to provide an easy to use, battery operated, FCC compliant, portablesystem weighing less than 15 lbs, at a total system cost of less than 5,000, that detects personnelbehind an eight inch thick concrete block wall at a range of 30 meters, is capable of beingcontrolled by a wireless Ethernet connection allowing remote deployment and operation, andproduces images identifying stationary and moving individuals within building structures. Majorprogram objectives include: 1) leveraging NIJ and DOD investments to produce a standoff radarsensor system for personnel detection and movement through building structures, and 2)developing an FCC compliant standoff radar system to provide situational awareness for LawEnforcement operational use with a focus on size, weight, cost, power, and performance.AKELA leveraged radar technology currently being developed for military platforms andadapted it to specifically fulfill the needs of Law Enforcement and at the same time, navigatetechnical constraints and requirements particular to FCC approved operation in an urbanenvironment. On a previous NIJ grant, a baseline laboratory prototype system operating between500 MHz and 2000 MHz was extensively tested (using simulated personnel movement) both inthe laboratory and on a challenging (realistic) structure which has 26.7 cm (10.5 in) thick doublereinforced (both vertical and horizontal reinforcing bars) concrete walls and metallic clutterobjects located within the structure. Both stationary and moving objects have been successfullydetected and tracked within the structure. On RRA program initiation and after IRB review, NIJapproved human subject testing for AKELA and its radar sensor device. Subsequently, humansubjects replaced personnel simulation in all testing, providing greater performance assessmentrealism while yielding improved detection results.Obtaining an FCC license to operate the radar in the baseline frequency band proved to be achallenging task, requiring major task replans, even when use of the device is restricted to LawEnforcement agencies and first responders. To address FCC constraints, analysis of the technicaland practical advantages of changing the frequency band of operation was conducted. Based onanalysis and laboratory test data, a decision was made, in concert with NIJ and AKELA’s FCClegal consultants Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, to proceed with development of a version of the3This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K113system operating in the 2900 MHz to 3600 MHz band. This radar device modification requiredapplication for a FCC Part 90 waiver in or around the 3100-3500 MHz band, and subsequentFCC certification under Part 90 rules. AKELA requested a waiver for this high frequency radarsystem and after FCC review and successful emission testing, received FCC approval. As thiseffort concludes, final FCC certification testing and LASD user performance evaluation will beconducted under a subsequent NIJ FY 2012 grant. With LASD device performance feedback andproduct improvement interactions, a first generation NIJ AKELA standoff radar sensor prototypewill be available for further law enforcement evaluation, potential LE procurement, andoperational application.4This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K1131.0 Executive SummaryAKELA has developed for NIJ a sense-through-the-wall (STTW) standoff imaging system,AKELA Standoff Through-the-wall Imaging Radar (ASTIR), for use during law enforcementoperations. The system transmits and receives on single frequencies over a selected frequencyrange. Analysis of the returned signals provides information to determine the presence, location,and tracking of personnel movement behind building walls. Real time processing of personnelmovement information provides the capability to detect and track moving individuals within abuilding structure. Unlike existing through-the-wall systems which must be placed in directcontact or close proximity to a wall, AKELA’s ASTIR system provides the ability to place thesystem at a standoff distance up to 30 meters. The standoff distance significantly decreases thelikelihood of system operator and law enforcement personnel being placed in harm’s way whenpositioning and using the system. Additionally, the standoff radar provides a wide viewing angle,allowing personnel movement detection on multi-level structures from a single position.NIJ and DOD have sponsored AKELA’s development of ultra-wide band radar systems toproduce an imaging sensor capable of both mapping the internal structure of building, andlocating personnel inside the structure. This capability provides increased situational awareness,in both peace keeping and law enforcement operations, where there is a need not only todetermine if there is someone inside a building, but also determine their location and movement.These situations arise during searches for suspects, hostage and barricade incidents, and tacticalsurveillance. While, in many cases, the object is to make contact with a suspect to defuse apotentially violent situation, unfortunately, most operations conclude with physical search andLE personnel are subject to a high possibility of physical harm.Through these efforts, AKELA demonstrated the capability to image the interior of a building,and detect the motion of both stationary and moving individuals through multiple internal wallsand reinforced concrete exterior walls. Under a previous NIJ grant, a small, portable imaginglaboratory prototype system based on this technology has been configured that weighs 17 lbs.,can be operated remotely through either a wired or wireless Ethernet link, and can operate underbattery power for two hours. This standoff detection system has demonstrated detection ranges of30 meters through concrete block and steel reinforced concrete walls. The sensor control anddisplay functions are performed by an off-the-shelf laptop computer. The system is portable andquickly deployed.The current NIJ RRA engineering prototype system shown in Figure 1 is packaged in a small(22”Lx17”W x 9”H), light-weight (18 lbs.) hermetically sealed case. It is deployed by placingthe system in front of a building on a stationary object such as tripod, table or vehicle roof, andorienting the system towards the building of interest. Control of the system is accomplished5This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K113using software running on a laptop computer, connected to the device through either a wirelessor wired Ethernet connection.Figures 1 NIJ RRA AKELA Engineering Prototype TTWS SystemThe control software allows full control of the system operation, signal processing, and usergraphical display. Upon starting the system, a display of detection results will begin within a fewseconds. The use of multiple antennas provides the ability to not only detect individuals, but toalso determine an individual’s approximate location in both range and cross-range without theneed to move the system to other locations. A demonstration of the system’s detectioncapabilities is shown in Figure 2, with the colored area of the computer display output showingthe location of detected motion behind a wall 15 meters from the system. The system is capableof running for up to 2 hours on standard double AA batteries or continuously when connected toa power source (e.g., vehicle cigarette lighter). AKELA’s radar sensor operates in a steppedfrequency, continuous wave (CW) mode. All of its operating parameters are digitally controlledand configurable through the software interface. The radar sensor has a demonstrated operationalfrequency range of 380 – 3600 MHz.6This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K113Figure 2 Computer Display of Detected Stationary Individual (Colored Oval Object)Behind a Wall 15 Meters from the NIJ RRA AKELA Radar SystemThroughout the course of AKELA’s NIJ RRA effort to remotely locate and track individualsthrough walls, compliance with FCC requirements for AKELA’s radar technology has proven tobe a programmatic and technically challenging, and time-consuming process. Due to difficultiesobtaining FCC experimental licensing, user field test evaluation and subsequent feedback forproduct operational readiness improvements were delayed. To address these FCC concerns andmitigate programmatic risks, AKELA assessed a dual technical approach: 1) determine technicalsolutions for FCC testing modifications, and 2) modify the baseline radar sensor by increasingthe frequency bands of operation to permit higher emission levels and potential FCCcertification.Due to FCC compliance testing rigidity, to modify the current test procedures, if successful,could take 2-3 years. With this expected schedule information and NIJ’s concurrence, path 2)wasselected to modify the baseline radar sensor frequency range. To deal with FCC compliance risksand issues, a Washington DC law firm, Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth was retained to provide aFCC interface. Their experience in FCC filings with similar STTW devices, and directexperimental licensing and waiver application interactions played a key role in final FCCcompliance. Subsequently, experimental license requests were modified (AKELA radar highfrequency modification) and a FCC waiver application filed for device emergency LawEnforcement applications. After FCC review, device emissions test data was requested, emissiontests conducted at a FCC approved laboratory, and results provided to the FCC. Post emissiondata submission and FCC review with government and commercial spectrum users, a waiver wasgranted to AKELA for emergency LE application. FCC Waiver submission, experimental7This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K113emission test report, and FCC approval documentation are attached to this final report. Finalcertification testing and associated documentation at a FCC validated lab remains before finalFCC certification. A FCC test facility has been selected for Certification, and test execution willbe conducted under a FY 2012 NIJ AKELA grant.2.0 Introduction2.1 Program BackgroundCurrent U.S. military operations in the Middle East have served to reinforce the importance ofbeing able to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance on combatants in urban settings with thegoal being to recapture the situational awareness advantage by denying adversaries the use ofcover. Law enforcement faces the same kind of disadvantage while conducting operations forhostage rescue, building surveillance, building clearance, and building search. While earlydevelopment of through-the-wall detection and imaging systems was supported by theintelligence community, most of the recent technology development has been supported by theNational Institute of Justice (NIJ), U.S. Army, DARPA, ONR, and JIEDDO.The ability to detect and locate stationary and moving individuals through building walls fromsignificant standoff distances provides a tactical advantage to law enforcement personnel.Knowing that there is someone inside a building, where they are inside, and what the internallayout of the building is, can completely change the operational tactics used and increase theprobability that an operation will successfully conclude without casualties. However, becauselaw enforcement agencies have limited budgets for technology, practical implementation ofthrough the wall technology for law enforcement application requires that careful attention bepaid to design in order to make this capability affordable for all levels of law enforcement.The overarching goal of AKELA’s development was to: 1) develop a small transportableaffordable system package suitable for operational law enforcement use, 2) perform systemevaluations in concert with law enforcement agencies to identify improvements, 3) incorporatethose improvements into the system design, and 4) address the issues that need to be resolved inorder to ensure that the system can be certified by the Federal Communications Commission forcivilian Law Enforcement use.AKELA’s NIJ standoff STTW sensor system development efforts are to provide an easy to use,battery operated, FCC compliant, portable system weighing less than fifteen lbs, at a total systemcost of less than 5,000, to detect personnel through an eight inch thick concrete block wall at arange of 30 meters, to be capable of being controlled by a wireless Ethernet connection allowingremote deployment and operation, and to produce images identifying stationary and movingindividuals within building structures. AKELA’s approach: 1) leveraged NIJ and DOD8This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K113investments to produce a standoff radar sensor system for personnel detection and movementthrough building structures, and 2) develop an FCC compliant standoff radar system to providesituational awareness for operational LE use focusing on size, weight, power, cost, andperformance.NIJ and the DOD have sponsored AKELA’s development of ultra-wide band radar systems toproduce imaging sensors capable of both mapping the internal structure of a building, andlocating personnel inside the structure. This capability provides increased situational awareness,in both military peace keeping and law enforcement operations, where there is a need not only todetermine if there is someone inside a building, but also to track their location and movementwithin the building. These situations arise during searches for suspects, hostage and barricadeincidents, and tactical surveillance. While, in many cases, the object is to make contact with asuspect to defuse a potentially violent situation, unfortunately, most operations conclude withphysical search and Law Enforcement personnel subject to a high possibility of physical harm.Under previous NIJ sponsorship, a small, portable laboratory imaging prototype system based onthis technology was been configured that weighs 18 lbs., can be operated remotely through eithera wired or wireless Ethernet link, and can operate under battery power for two hours. The sensorcontrol and display functions are performed by an off-the-shelf laptop computer. Through theseefforts, AKELA demonstrated the capability to image the interior of a building, and detect themotion of stationary and moving individuals through multiple internal walls and reinforcedconcrete exterior walls.2.2 Potential ASTIR LE and First Responder ApplicationsThe ASTIR (AKELA Standoff Through-the-wall Imaging Radar) system provides a capability todetect and locate personnel behind building walls, from significant standoff distances. Thiscapability provides LE, firefighters, and first responders knowledge of personnel presence andlocation inside a building. While providing greater situational awareness, this standoffinformation (up to 30 meters) provides an increased critical safety factor, as personnel locationcan be identified without LE personnel exposure to close building structure proximity, promotingresponder officer safety. The deployment of ASTIR will directly promote responder safety andpotentially save responder, hostage and general public potential injuries and fatalities.The capability to detect and locate stationary and moving individuals behind building walls, fromsignificant standoff distances, provides LE, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnelan advantage in personnel safety, with increased situation awareness and tactical advantage.Knowledge of someone’s presence inside a building, and their location will help protect LEpersonnel and the public, while promoting a successful outcome. Similarly, a first responder (LEofficer or Firefighter) ability under certain conditions, to precisely locate even unconscious9This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K113victims within a building, prior to entry, raises the probability of life saving operations,promoting a timely and successful outcome.The ASTIR system device provides information critical to public safety and law enforcementand homeland security operations that may not be available in any other way. It providesdetection and location of personnel in building structures from standoff distance up to thirtymeters. Four scenarios are presented that demonstrate potential applications for personnel fromLE, first responders, DHS, and Fire Fighters:1. Prior to serving warrants to high risk and potentially dangerous individuals, the ASTIRcan be deployed and incrementally moved at street standoff distances, within a complexof structures, to determine presence, and location, and number of personnel inside withinthe building complex. This significantly increases situational awareness as to tactics toidentify, and isolate persons of interest to serve warrants. Standoff distance operationspromote safety for LE and innocent building occupants and provide covert operations andtactical surprise prior to LE building entrance to serve warrants.2. On police SWAT call out for hostage and/or barricaded situations, the initial tacticsinclude : 1) threat definition of number of personnel present, 2) classification ofpersonnel present and building wall construction, 3) locate, track, and isolate threatpersonnel within the building structure, 4) establish voice contact with individuals withinbuilding, and if contact is made, any response to communication, and 5) develop strategyfor plan of action on information received, including potential forced entry. To supportthis plan, the ASTIR device can accurately locate and differentiate moving and breathing(unconscious or restrained personnel). This information provides decision makers thenumber and position of personnel and their movement inside a building without exposingfirst responders to building hostile fire or friendly line of fire. ASTIR set up will takeapproximately 3 seconds and produce image data continuously one second after deviceturn on.3. Post SWAT building entry, a building search and clearance operation is conducted. Thispresents one of the most dangerous situations for SWAT members. Attics, basements,crawlspaces, and confined hiding places are prevalent in many buildings -- with onlyoccupant suspect knowledge. The deployment of ASTIR can provide locations of hiddensuspects. Multiple ASTIRs at 90 degrees or the movement of ASTIR across multiplepositions can provide greater detailed detection and location of suspects hiding behindmetallic structures or shields (e.g., refrigerators). Additionally, building clearanceoperations can be monitored for SWAT member location and tracking along with anysuspect detected in close proximity to his location. ASTIR information can be invaluableleading directly to decreased LE injuries and fatalities10This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K1134. Fire Fighters and first responders can detect and locate living personnel trapped within abuilding or collapsed structure from a safe standoff distance. ASTIR provides decisionsupport data for additional risk of Response personnel to enter into dangerous buildingcollapse or fire situations. Similarly, Rescue and Search teams can deploy ASTIR todetect survivors under nonmetallic building collapse rubble.5. ASTIR can provide situational awareness data for prison riot and escapees. ASTIRdemonstrated the ability to detect and locate personnel behind twelve inches of reinforcedconcrete walls. This ability to sense empty rooms and the location and number ofpersonnel inside various rooms is a critical component of situational analysis anddeployment tactics.ASTIR data can be invaluable for LE and first responder emergency scenarios, providing timelydetection and location of personnel inside buildings from standoff distances. Additionally,ASTIR provides situational awareness, while promoting general public safety and LE personnelsafer working conditions.2.3 Final Report Subjects and OrganizationThis document is the Final Report on AKELA’s OJP NIJ RRA Cooperative Agreement 2009SQ-B9-K113. This effort builds on prior AKELA NIJ and DOD technology efforts to develop astandoff Sense Through-the-Wall (STTW) surveillance and building interrogation radar sensorsystems.The NIJ AKELA RRA Cooperative Agreement effort had four objectives and associated tasks:1) ASTIR Design and System Optimization Optimize baseline design for LE operational robustness Integrate baseline design into LE Prototype for FCC certification Document baseline design and laboratory prototype for LE user evaluation Provide a simple and friendly User interface for LE application with minimal training Obtain user feedback for Product Improvements requiring baseline design softwaremodifications2) FCC Compliance FCC Requirements Legal Representation and FCC interaction (FH&H) FCC Experimental Licenses FCC Waiver FCC Certification3) Law Enforcement User Evaluation IRB review and approval for human subject testing11This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

AKELA NIJ Final ReportRRA 2009‐SQ‐B9‐K113 LE Agencies demonstrations and feedback LASD interactions and user evaluation test: planning, execution, and reporting LE user interface requirements4) Law Enforcement User Evaluation Modify User Interface to respond to LE user evaluation and feedback Modify device to respond to LE user evaluation and feedback on operational deploymentand maintenance issues Minimize time for ASTIR setup, calibration, and personnel detection data acquisition Provide individual detection data to decision maker(s) in less than 5 seconds after setupAs initially proposed, the NIJ RRA effort built on a previous NIJ grant that AKELAdemonstrated a baseline laboratory prototype to meet performance goals of detection andtracking of simulated humans behind eight inches of reinforced concrete. The prototype also metSWAP goals of human transportability, size (rifle case), power (50 mW) and could operate fortwo hours with 8 AA battery pack, and weight (18 lbs.). A computer laptop provides signal anddata processing in real time and operates in either a wireless or hardwire Ethernet mode. Theoriginal NJI AKELA standoff STTW target weight and fabrication cost goals were to reduce thelarge military vehicle mounted unit from 120 lbs and 115K to 15 lbs and 5 K per unit; thecurrent laboratory prototype weighs 18 lbs and costs, with wireless and integrated battery,approximately 10-12 K to fabricate.As the NIJ RRA 2009 effort progressed, meeting the FCC compliance requirements became thedriving factor in technical, schedule, and scope in all tasks. In the design and optimization task,the baseline low frequency design would not meet FCC requirements using current FCC testprocedures to test pulsed radar systems. A number of “work arounds” were evaluated; however,they all involved modifications to current FCC test procedures and test data acquisition. AnyFCC test change requires a long and difficult process, that takes 2-3 years with no guarantees ofsuccess. LE user evaluation could not proceed without experimental licenses for LASDlocations. After an initial six month experimental license for the baseline low frequency system,attempts for a renewal and new license were not approved. This inability to legally test theAKELA device curtailed both the LASD user evaluation and AKELA testing at local test sites.The FCC compliance requirements drove: 1) LE user test and evaluation schedules, 2)operational readiness and potential deployment issues, and 3) rework of technical tasks to modifythe baseline radar system to operate in a higher emission frequency band. To address scheduleand technical FCC compliance risk, a Washington D.C. law firm (Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth)with FCC experience was put on retainer by AKELA to provide direct FCC interactivecommunications for both experimental licensing and waiver request submission and FCCapproval. In response to the pursuit of an FCC waiver to allow for unlicensed operation, and afterboth in-depth analysis and laboratory testing, the system’s radar operating parameters were12This document is a research report submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice. This report has notbeen published by the Department. Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect the offi

Detection and Tracking of Individuals NIJ RRA Final Report AKELA OJP Grant No: 2009-SQ-B9-K113 30 April 2012 U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice 810 7th Street N.W. Washington DC 20531 Attention: Dr. Frances Scott AKELA 5551 Ekwill Street, Suite A