Slashdot Mirror
Making Airport Scanners Less Objectionable
Hugh Pickens writes "The Washington Post reports that one of the researchers who helped develop the software for the scanners says there is a simple fix that would make scanning less objectionable. The fix would distort the images captured on full-body scanners so they look like reflections in a fun-house mirror, but any potentially dangerous objects would be clearly revealed, says Willard 'Bill' Wattenburg, a former nuclear weapons designer at the Livermore lab. 'Why not just distort the image into something grotesque so that there isn't anything titillating or exciting about it?' asks Wattenburg, adding that the modification is so simple that 'a 6-year-old could do the same thing with Photoshop... It's probably a few weeks' modification of the program.' Wattenburg said he was rebuffed when he offered the concept to Department of Homeland Security officials four years ago. A TSA official said the agency is working on development of scanner technology that would reduce the image to a 'generic icon, a generic stick figure' that would still reveal potentially dangerous items." Reader FleaPlus points out an unintended consequence: some transportation economists believe that the TSA's new invasive techniques may lead to more deaths as more people use road transportation to avoid flying — much more dangerous by the mile than air travel.
Anyone care to google: Funhouse mirror p0rn? Because I sense rule 34...
Then the TSA will be swamped with job applications from fetishists who like funhouse-distorted body images...
"Will you look at the size of her feet!!"
"'a 6-year-old could do the same thing with Photoshop... It's probably a few weeks' modification of the program.'"
There are six-year olds who can undertake a multi-week programming project?
I can't believe my parents were wasting my time making me read Dr. Seuss when I could have been doing this shit!
HI, MY NAME IS ISAAC.
I mean, these are average Americans we're talking about. Most of my countrymen and women are already distorted into something grotesque so that there isn't anything exciting or titillating about them. But seriously, though... if there were mass boycotts of the airlines for even a couple of days in protest over the scanners, I bet we'd see them removed right quick. Economics trump national security, after all. Plus, apparently economics are a national security issue in this post-cold war, post-columbine, post-9/11 world.
Reader FleaPlus points out an unintended consequence: some transportation economists believe that the TSA's new invasive techniques may lead to more deaths as more people to use road transportation to avoid flying -- much more dangerous by the mile than air travel.
That's ok think about all the carbon dioxide that won't be released into the atmosphere, the little polars won't drown and the low lands won't flood. Why do you hate polar bears?
I laughed at the weak who considered themselves good because they lacked claws.
Cosmic radiation is imposed on you by the universe, not by the government.
That's exactly what the government wants you to think.
No, he's assuming that "dying from cancer" has a 100% mortality rate. Sounds pretty fatal to me.
which is totally what she said
Great plan to clear up the checkup lines! Next time I need to fly I'll send a terrorist ahead to blow away the line.
Not me. There is no way to convince me that these machines have been properly tested.
I'll opt for the pat down, and if the screener goes to feelin' me up, I'm going to bill him and the TSA just like one of my regular customers.
(They're acting like they're doing a great service for our country, but I can't see why that would entitle them to a freebie.)
Aah, change is good. -- Rafiki
Yeah, but it ain't easy. -- Simba
In the US, flying is definitely safer than driving. Especially to Europe.
The world is made by those who show up for the job.
I know, but guns scare people.
Everybody knows that a guy with a big ass gun is guaranteed to go on a killing spree. Just go watch any movie that has a guy with a big ass gun in it.
Of course the government is doing its very best to manufacture domestic terrorists so at some point you must assume that they will be successful.
Not to worry then. We can't manufacture anything these days. We'll have to outsource it.
Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!