DESC:4. DESCRIPTION

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a minefield recording system which should be capable of recording minefield with complete accuracy and, when required, be able to indicate correct location of mines, even if they have drifted from their original locations.

Background of the Invention

One of the banes of current system of recording of minefields is that it is totally manual and relies on traditional navigation and map reading procedures. As such it is prone to errors which prove extremely expensive and even lead to loss of lives at the time a minefield has to be cleared.

Furthermore, since the records are kept in written form with no digital backup, these records are prone to being misplaced or lost. The clearance of a minefield, which in many ways is much more important than the laying of mines, becomes a very hazardous process in the absence of accurate records.

The prior art US9340267B2 discloses a group of vessels (24), having an unmanned surface vessel (3) and an unmanned underwater vessel (1, 1 a), wherein the underwater vessel comprises a location device, in particular a sonar device, for sensing location data (12) in the underwater area and one evaluation unit or more evaluation units, and the evaluation unit or the evaluation units are arranged in such a manner that these comprise detection means (20) for detecting (14) a contact (MILEC) with the aid of the sensed location data (12) and with classification means (21) for classifying (15) the detected contact (MILEC) as a mine-like contact (MILCO) or non minelike contact (NONMILCO), whereby classification is accomplished by comparing the contact (MILEC) with known mine information so that a mine-like contact (MILCO) can be identified as a mine contact (MINE) or as another object (NOMBO).

Another prior art CN112270280B talks about an open-pit mine detection method in a remote sensing image based on deep learning, and belongs to the field of target detection. On the basis of a Mask R-CNN network, an area generation network MA-RPN based on mixed attention and an expanded feature pyramid network ET-FPN based on expansion are designed on the network, an attention module is added in the area generation network, and key features of an opencast mine in a picture are identified through an attention Mask, so that a model is helped to learn the area of the opencast mine needing attention.

The prior art US8508402B2 discloses a system and method for detecting, locating and identifying objects located above ground or below ground in an area of interest, comprising an airborne vehicle which circumscribes the area of interest, and which includes a built-in radar having an antenna with a respective transmitter and receiver, signal-processing means, data-storage means and graphical interface means. According to the invention, the area of interest has been pre-referenced, and the radar is heterodyne ground penetration radar (GPR).

Wherein the signal transmitted by the antenna generates a beam that illuminates a strip of earth, consisting of a sinusoidal electromagnetic signal having a frequency that is varied in precise pre-determined progressive steps. This signal is mixed with the received (reflected) signal, thereby producing two sets of values corresponding to the phases of each frequency step or stage. Said sets of values, which are obtained throughout successive sweeps (as the antenna moves), are stored in the storage means and subsequently processed in the processing means to obtain a final map or image of the location of the objects above ground or below ground.

The prior art US6343534B1 discloses a landmine detector comprising a vehicle on which a waveguide with a vertically oriented antenna is mounted and having a high-power microwave source coupled to the waveguide wherein the antenna is positioned above a ground surface over which the vehicle may travel at a distance such that an output from the antenna can irradiate that surface, an infrared camera being mounted on the vehicle and positioned to obtain thermal signatures of the ground surface where an output of the antenna is directed when that surface is irradiated with microwave energy from said antenna, the thermal signatures providing indications as to the possible presence of any landmines buried in that area over which the antenna was positioned.

The prior art US7173560B2 discloses A forwarding looking ground penetrating mine detection apparatus includes a radiation source for irradiating a sample of ground suspected of containing at least one mine with a plurality of frequency swept ground penetrating radar signals. A detector receives target signals backscattered from the ground responsive to the radar signal. The detector includes a time-frequency analyzer which transforms the target signals into a time-frequency image representation (TFR).

In the above existing US prior art, the detector can include a wavelet packet transformer (WPT) for extracting time-frequency localized information from the TFR in the form of feature set constructed from a wavelet table. The apparatus can also include a data dimensionality reducer for selecting features to form a feature subset from the feature set, preferably based on reference to a training data set. A multilayer neural network classifier can be based on the feature subset and be adaptable to the surrounding environment through learning.

The prior art US10378863B2 discloses To improve the problems of conventional mine detectors, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a smart wearable mine detector comprising a human body antenna unit 100, a main microprocessor unit 200, a smart eyeglasses unit 300, a body-mounted LCD monitor unit 400, a wireless data transmission and reception unit 500, a belt-type power supply unit 600, a black box-type camera unit 700, and a security communication headset 800, the smart wearable mine detector: can be detachably worn on the head, torso, arm, waist, leg and the like of a body while a combat uniform is worn, thereby having excellent compatibility with conventional combat uniforms and enables a human body antenna unit which is detachably attached to a body and detects a mine through a super high-frequency RF beam and a neutron technique to be applied so as to detect the mine by identifying metals, nonmetals, and initial explosives of the mine.

The prior art US7624667B2 a landmine detection and neutralization apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus to determine the location of landmines comprises at least two detection modules utilizing different infrared, sound, and/or optical detection and a remotely operated miniature airborne vehicle that may carry the detection modules at an optimum altitude over a surface that may contain landmines. The neutralization device may be a microwave and/or infrared wave generator.

This method for determining the location of landmines comprises using at least two different landmine detection techniques where the techniques are infrared, sound, and optical detection, operating the detection techniques in a proximity to a surface that may contain landmines and maintaining this close proximity by operating a remotely operated miniature airborne vehicle. Neutralization may be achieved by directing microwaves or infrared waves at detected landmines. The prior arts disclosed herein operated manually and as such it is difficult and hazardous to soldiers who operate them.

Therefore, requirement for a mine detecting system to automate current manual task of recording of minefields is required. It is also a requirement that the new mine detecting system ensure excellence in keeping of records with the ultimate aim of providing accurate location of mines in a minefield at the time of demining.To address these limitations, the applicant in his co-pending application IN202241003529claimed amine field tracking and safe retrieval system. The system is designed, to indicate correct location of mines, even if they have drifted from their original locations. The said system comprises of a base station for GPS augmentation, a Wi-Fi router for internal communication, handheld modules with GPS rover, marker tracers with GPS rover, a tough padwherein a software module is preinstalled, a charging station, and RFID tags used in laying of a minefield. The said system is configured to assist users connected over secured network in planning, recce, mine laying and in clearance of the said minefield.

The applicant further identifies a need to build a system and adopt a method that offers a safer and more efficient methodology for detecting mines in a minefield compared to traditional manual methods, and the recent automated systems. The applicant identifies the need to eliminate the need for human presence in the minefield, to reduce the risk of accidents and casualties, and speed up the clearance process. The applicant with thepresent invention proposes to provide accurate and reliable data for mine detection and mapping.

Brief Description of the Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The main objective of the system and method is to provide an efficient and secure approach for detecting mines in a minefield using RFID technology and a marker tracer mounted on a drone. It aims to assist users in planning, reconnaissance, mine laying, and in the clearance of the minefield.

The system comprises a network-connected RFID reader, a marker tracer, a memory to store the locations of RFID tags, and a processor to compare the location of scanned RFID tags with the recorded locations stored in the memory. The method involves installing RFID tags with unique identification numbers, scanning for drifted mines using an RFID reader mounted on a drone, assessing and calculating the median point of RFID tag locations, and transferring the closest location of the RFID tags to a mine detection system.

The system and method can be used by military and humanitarian organizations for mine clearance operations. It can also be used for surveying and mapping of minefields and for monitoring the movement of people and vehicles in hazardous areas.

The system and method offer a safer and more efficient approach for detecting mines in a minefield compared to traditional manual methods. It eliminates the need for human presence in the minefield, reduces the risk of accidents and casualties, and speeds up the clearance process. It also provides accurate and reliable data for mine detection and mapping.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

Fig. 1 illustrates a flow chart depicting method to detect mines in a minefield detecting systemin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram depicting method to detect mines in a minefield detecting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a block diagram depicting method to detect exact location of mines in a minefield detecting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, asystemfor detecting mines in a minefield is disclosed. The system comprises a network-connected RFID reader configured to scan RFID tags placed in the minefield. The system further comprises a marker tracer mounted on a drone, or carried by a person, configured to trace a center line and direct a designated path for clearance of the minefield. The system further comprises memory for storing the locations of the RFID tags recorded during the installation of the minefield, and a processor configured to compare the location of the scanned RFID tags with the recorded locations stored in the memory. The processor of the system is further configured to calculate the median point for all the RFID tags by averaging, matching and assessing the received tags and their RFID locations. The processor of the system is further configured to transfer the closest location of the RFID tags to a mine detection system for further processing.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor of the system is configured to display a list of the recorded points as a table with their co-ordinates either in sequence of recording or based on alphanumeric sorting of assigned names.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor of the system is configured to indicate the points that are moved and indicates the actual direction of move the intended path by displaying both as lines in different colors.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system is configured to assist users connected over a secured network in planning, recce, mine laying and in clearance of the minefield.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the memory of the system is configured to store the locations of the RFID tags, and the processor is configured to compare the location of the scanned RFID tags with the recorded locations stored in the memory.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the marker tracer of the system is configured to trace a center line and direct a designated path for clearance of the minefield, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to mount on the drone, and the marker tracer is configured to mount either on the drone or is carried by the person.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor of the system is configured to transfer the closest location of the RFID tags to a mine detection system for further processing, and the mine detection system is configured to detect the exact location of mines in the minefield.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, amethod of detecting mines in a minefield using the system is disclosed. The method comprising steps of:
a. installing a plurality of RFID tags with unique identification numbers while laying a minefield and recording points of locations of each tag on laying;
b. storing the locations of the tags in the memory associated with the system;
c. configuring the fix marker tracer to identify a center line and direct a designated route for users to follow while setting out of the minefield;
d. using the RFID reader on the drone to scan for mines whose locations have drifted and are not located during clearance of the minefield;
e. scanning for the tags in a straight line by an antenna of the RFID reader;
f. storing tag numbers and LatLong data of the tags in the memory;
g. averaging previously received tag location on receiving a tag again;
h. assessing locations based on a previous stored RFID location and the received RFID locations;
i. calculating a median point for all the RFID tags by averaging, matching, and assessing the received tags and their RFID locations; and
j. transferring the closest location of the RFID tags to a system detecting the mines.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method accords the system to display a list of the recorded points as a table with their co-ordinates either in sequence of recording or based on alphanumeric sorting of assigned names.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method accords the system to indicate the points that are moved and indicates the actual direction of move the intended path by displaying both as lines in different colors.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the detecting of mines in a minefield using the system is configured to assist users connected over secured network in planning, recce, mine laying, and in clearance of the minefield.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the closest location of the RFID tags is determined to transfer to a system detecting the exact location of mines.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the marker tracer is configured to trace a center line and direct a designated path for clearance of the minefield, and the drone is configured to mount the marker tracer and an RFID reader.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system is configured to detect the exact location of mines in the minefield, and the closest location of the RFID tags is transferred for further processing.

Referring to drawings, Fig’s 1-3 discloses a system (10) for detecting mines in a minefield in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The present invention is a system (10) and a method (20) for detecting mines in a minefield. The system (10) comprises a network-connected RFID reader (11) that scans RFID tags (2) placed in the minefieldalong with a movable GPS rover (5) and plurality of handheld modules (4). The system (10) also includes a marker tracer (12) mounted on a drone (13a) or carried by a person (13b) with hand held module (4) that traces a center line and directs a designated path for clearance of the minefield. A memory (14) stores the locations of the RFID tags recorded during the installation of the minefield, and a processor (15) compares the location of the scanned RFID tags with the recorded locations stored in the memory (14). The processor (15) calculates the median point (8) for all the RFID tags by averaging, matching, and assessing the received tags and their RFID locations. The closest location of the RFID tags is transferred to a mine detection system for further processing. The system (10) also displays a list of the recorded points as a table with their co-ordinates, indicating the points that are moved and displays the actual direction of movement as lines in different colors.

The method (30) of detecting exact location of mines in a minefield using the system (10) involves installing a plurality of RFID tags (2) with unique identification numbers while laying a minefield and recording the locations of each tag on laying. The locations of the tags are stored in the memory (14) associated with the system. The marker tracer is configured to identify a center line and direct a designated route for users to follow while setting out of the minefield. The RFID reader (11) on the drone scans for mines whose locations have drifted and are not located during clearance of the minefield. The RFID reader scans for the tags in a straight line by an antenna of the RFID reader (11), storing tag numbers and LatLong data of the tags in the memory (14). The previously received tag location (7) is averaged on receiving a tag again. The locations are assessed based on a previously stored RFID location and the received RFID locations, calculating the median point (8) for all the RFID tags by averaging, matching, and assessing the received tags and their RFID locations. The closest location of the RFID tags is then transferred to a system detecting the mines.

The system (10) is configured to assist users connected over a secured network in planning, recce, mine laying, and in clearance of the minefield. The marker tracer is configured to trace a center line and direct a designated path for clearance of the minefield, and the drone (13a) is configured to mount the marker tracer and an RFID reader (11). The system (10) is also configured to detect the exact location of mines in the minefield, and the closest location of the RFID tags is transferred for further processing.

The present invention is a system (10) and method (20) for detecting mines in a minefield using RFID technology. The system (10) comprises a network-connected RFID reader (11) that scans RFID tags (2) placed in the minefield. The locations of the tags are stored in memory (14) associated with the system. The system (10) also includes a marker tracer (12) mounted on a drone (13a) or carried by a person (13b) that traces a center line and directs a designated path for clearance of the minefield.

To detect the drifted mines, the RFID reader (11) on the drone (13a) scans for the tags in a straight line using an antenna (5), storing the tag numbers and LatLong data of the tags in memory (14). The previously received tag location (7) is averaged on receiving a tag again. The locations are assessed based on the previously stored RFID location and the received RFID locations. The processor (15) calculates the median point (8) for all the RFID tags by averaging, matching, and assessing the received tags and their RFID locations. The closest location of the RFID tags is then transferred to a system detecting the mines.

The system (10) is configured to assist users connected over a secured network in planning, recce, mine laying, and in clearance of the minefield. The system (10) also displays a list of the recorded points as a table with their co-ordinates, indicating the points that are moved and displays the actual direction of movement as lines in different colors. The drone (13a) is configured to mount the marker tracer and an RFID reader (11), allowing it to detect the exact location of mines in the minefield.

In summary, the system (10) and method (20) for detecting mines in a minefield using RFID technology is an efficient and effective solution for mine clearance. The system (10) can accurately detect the location of mines and display the location data for further processing. The marker tracer (12) and drone (13a) make it easier to navigate the minefield and detect drifted mines. The system (10) also provides a secure network for planning, recce, mine laying, and clearance of the minefield.

The described exemplary embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Variations in the arrangement of the structure are possible falling within the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:5. CLAIMS
I/We claim:
1. A system (10) for detecting mines in a minefield, the system comprising:
a network-connected RFID reader (11) configured to scan RFID tags (2) placed in the minefield along with a movable GPS rover (5) and plurality of handheld modules (4);
a marker tracer (12) mounted on a drone (13a), or carried by a person (13b) with hand held module (4) configured to trace a center line and direct a designated path for clearance of the minefield;
a memory (14) for storing the locations of the RFID tags recorded during the installation of the minefield; and
a processor (15) configured to:
compare the location of the scanned RFID tags with the recorded locations stored in the memory (14);
calculate the median point (8) for all the RFID tags by averaging, matching and assessing the received tags and their RFID locations;
transfer the closest location of the RFID tags to a mine detection system for further processing.

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (15) is configured to display a list of the recorded points as a table with their co-ordinates either in sequence of recording or based on alphanumeric sorting of assigned names.

3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (15) is configured to indicate the points that are moved and indicates the actual direction of move the intended path by displaying both as lines in different colors.

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory (14) is configured to store the locations of the RFID tags, and the processor (15) is configured to compare the location of the scanned RFID tags with the recorded locations stored in the memory (14).

5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the marker tracer (12) is configured to trace a center line and direct a designated path for clearance of the minefield, wherein the RFID scanner is configured to mount on the drone (13), and the marker tracer (12) is configured to mount either on the drone (13a) or is carried by the person (13b).

6. A method (20) of detecting mines in a minefield using the system (10) of claim 1, comprising:
a. installing a plurality of RFID tags (2) with unique identification numbers while laying a minefield and recording the locations of each tag during installation;
b. storing the locations of the tags in the memory (14) associated with the system (10);
c. configuring the marker tracer (12) to trace a center line and direct a designated path for users to follow during the clearance of the minefield;
d. using the RFID reader (11) on the drone (13a) or carried by the person (13b) to scan for mines whose locations have drifted and are not located during clearance of the minefield;
e. scanning for the tags (2) in a straight line by an antenna of the RFID reader (11);
f. storing the tag numbers and LatLong data of the tags in the memory (14);
g. averaging previously received tag locations (7) when receiving a tag again;
h. assessing the locations based on the previously stored RFID location and the received RFID locations;
i. calculating the median point (8) for all the RFID tags (2) by averaging, matching, and assessing the received tags and their RFID locations; and
j. transferring the closest location of the RFID tags (2) to the mine detection system for further processing.

7. The method (20) of claim 6, wherein the method (20) accords the system (10) to display a list of the recorded points as a table with their coordinates either in sequence of recording or based on alphanumeric sorting of assigned names.

8. The method (20) of claim 6, wherein the method (20) accords the system (10) to indicate the points that have moved and indicate the actual direction of the intended path by displaying both as lines in different colors.

9. The method (20) of claim 6, wherein the marker tracer (12) is configured to trace a center line and direct a designated path for clearance of the minefield, and the RFID reader (11) is configured to mount on the drone (13a) or carried by the person (13b).

10. The method (20) of claim 6, wherein the system (10) is configured to detect the exact location of mines in the minefield, and the closest location of the RFID tags (2) is transferred to the mine detection system for further processing.

6. DATE AND SIGNATURE
Dated this 18th April 2023
Signature

(Mr. SRINIVAS MADDIPATI)?
IN/PA 3124 – In-house Patent Agent?
For., Zen Technologies Ltd.