Trapped victim detection by pseudo-noise radar

Abstract

Radar based detection of earthquake survivors exploits the modulation of the backscattered signal by body motions of the victim. The most challenging task is the detection of respiration activity of an unconscious person. The principle of breathing motion detection by radar is explained and the major handicaps as well as appropriate counter measures are discussed. The possible structure of a survivor detection radar system is considered and some results from field trials are summarized.