A time-domain electromagnetic target discriminator (ETD) sensor system and
method are provided capable of measuring a metal target's time decay
response based on the physical parameters of the metal target and its
environment and for identifying the metal target. The ETD sensor system
includes a pulse transmitter connected to a receiver via a data
acquisition and control system. The transmitter and receiver include coil
configurations for placement in proximity to a visually obscured, e.g.,
buried, metal target (or underground void) for inducing eddy currents
within the metal target. The ETD sensor system measures the eddy current
time decay response of the metal target in order to perform target
recognition and classification. The identification process entails
comparing the metal target's (or, underground void or other object's) time
decay response with a library of normalized object signatures, e.g., time
decay responses and other characteristics.
