Parametric reconstruction of internal building structures via canonical scattering mechanisms

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a model-based, non-linear reconstruction method for mapping internal building structures using through-wall radar data. We based the model on canonical geometry constructs that are commonly used in construction practices. These constructs are then formulated as sets of simple scattering mechanisms, which can be estimated from the data. Our non-linear approach employs an iterative, conditional estimation method as a function of the intervening structures between the sensor and the object under consideration. Specific associations of scattering mechanisms are then used to re-create various building structures such as walls, doors, stairs, etc. We discuss some examples of estimating specific scattering mechanisms and a model-based reasoning approach for assembling them to reconstruct the interior structure of a building.