Machine learning classification of metallic objects using pulse induction electromagnetic data

Abstract This paper presents the classification of metallic objects using total and scattered pulse induction electromagnetic data, with a classification accuracy greater than 90%. Machine learning classification is applied to raw electromagnetic induction (EMI) data without the use of a physics-based model. The EMI method is applied to 8 metallic objects placed at increasing distances from 10–55 mm to the EMI sensing system. The EMI sensing system consists of two RL circuits placed in close proximity. Metallic objects are classified using linear algorithms including a perceptron and multiclass logistic regression, and nonlinear algorithms including a neural network, a 1D and 2D convolutional neural network (CNN). EMI data was collected using an experiment in an electromagnetically shielded laboratory. Feature maps are presented that explain the salient components of the EMI data used by the 1D and 2D CNN.