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7th June 2005

Handheld through-wall radar delivers unique 3D view that can revolutionise security work

• standalone unit can be held against a wall and activated with a single button press - providing images of internal activity within 2 seconds

At Intersec today, Cambridge Consultants is previewing the second generation of its through-wall radar technology, which will break new ground in quality of imaging and ease of use. Providing 3D feedback on the location and movement of people inside buildings, the system is being reengineered as a standalone handheld unit, and will be offered in a slimline case with its own colour display.

In this new version of the radar, Prism 200, Cambridge Consultants eliminates the need for an external controller and man-machine interface. This is achieved by integrating a VideoCore processor which combines high-performance digital signal processing capabilities with a versatile display driver. Results are presented instantly on the unit's built-in 6.4-inch colour display - or, alternatively, transmitted to a remote laptop.

Building on the success of the first-generation Prism 100 radar, the new radar will offer features that will enhance the efficiency and safety of military and emergency service personnel in situations such as hostage taking, search and rescue.

Held against a wall or mounted on a tripod up to 2 metres away, Prism 200 transmits low frequency ultra-wideband (UWB) radar pulses that pass through building materials over 40 cm thick, to detect activity over a range of up to 15 metres.

A unique feature of the new intelligent radar core is an array of antennas which gives it a large field of vision - at least 140 degrees in both vertical and horizontal planes - combined with 3D object location and motion tracking. Operators can use the 3D capability to decide whether people are standing, sitting or lying, or whether the object detected is human or an animal.

Prism 200 will be able to provide plan and elevation views. The onboard signal processing may also be customised to suit a wide range of target applications. Programmable parameters include range, scan rate and target permanence, and the display can be adapted for optimised presentation of the data for specific uses.

The system identifies an individual person as a cluster of targets of the same colour to give a clear representation of the movement of each person in the space being monitored. However, much more is possible, including the ability to focus on living/moving targets to give a tracking history of individuals and to build up a picture of the static objects in the room.

Cambridge Consultants is now at an advanced stage of development with the radar core, and is designing a tough weatherproof case to house the system. The finished product is expected to weigh around 3 kg/7 pounds, including a lithium-ion battery pack that will store enough power for around two hours of continuous use. Featuring a slimline shape with hand grips, the unit will be easily portable by a soldier or emergency service worker. And, it can be put into use almost instantly: all that's required to start monitoring is a single push of a button, with the embedded system displaying results within 2 seconds.

"This radar will deliver the kind of high-level location information that could really tip the balance in favour of operatives in a broad range of dangerous or time-critical situations", notes a Cambridge Consultants spokesman.

Scheduled for commercial release in early 2006, the Prism 200 through-wall radar will be offered as a packaged and ready-to-use product for £35,000, depending on quanity.

Cambridge Consultants has over 20 years' experience in designing and developing radar systems. Its ultra-wideband radar technology leads the world in many application areas in both military and commercial fields. The company is currently engaged in a seminal low-frequency radar program to develop anti-collision safety systems for mass-market automobiles.

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