Image Processing Techniques for Metallic Object Detection with Millimetre-wave Images C. D. Haworth * , Y. R. Petillot and E. Trucco Electrical, Electronic and Computing Engineering School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, EH14 4AS United Kingdom Abstract In this paper we present a system for the automatic detection and tracking of metallic objects concealed on moving people in sequences of millimetre-wave images, which can penetrate clothing, plastics and fabrics. The subjects are required to enter one at a time and turn round slowly to ensure complete coverage for the scan. The system employs two distinct stages: detection and tracking. In this paper a single detector, for metallic objects, is presented which utilises a statistical model also developed in this paper. Target tracking is performed using a Particle Filter. Results are presented on real millimetre-wave image test sequences and indicate an excellent rate of success for threat identification. Encouraging results for target tracking are also reported. Key words: millimetre-wave, detection, tracking, crime prevention 1 Introduction We present a system for the automatic detection and tracking of metallic ob- jects concealed on moving people in sequences of millimetre-wave (MMW) images, which can penetrate clothing, plastics and fabrics. The subjects are required to enter one at a time and turn round slowly to ensure complete * E-mail: C.D.Haworth@hw.ac.uk Telephone: +(44) (0)131 451 3299 Fax: +(44) (0)131 451 4155 Preprint submitted to Elsevier Science 11 January 2006