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Total Recall Weapon Scanner a Reality

Posted by sengan on from the next:-x-ray-my-mind? dept.

verch writes "American Security and Control has produced a real life version of the weapon scanner in Total Recall. It uses a narrow 'low exposure' x-ray that can scan a fully dressed person on a conveyor belt in 10 seconds to show guns, bombs, etc. Now instead of putting your luggage through the x-ray machine at the airport you can just ride through it holding your luggage and have everything scanned. Hopefully it's won't cause more people to die of cancer.. "

3 of 217 comments (clear)

  1. Networked security devices? by gavinhall · · Score: 5
    Posted by The Apocalyptic Lawnmower:

    From their own webpage:

    The operating software from the CONPASS X 1280 provides control of activation, image producing, processing and downloading or can be transmitted to the supervisor database for detailed examination.

    This makes hacking a handy tool for terrorists and smugglers. The "only" thing they have to do is hack the scanning station's computer, to display the image that they want the operator to see at the right time. If the system has automated image recognition-based alarms for knives, guns, drugs etc. you need to disable them as well.

    One might envision a specifically shaped object that can be recognized by computer vision techniques, triggering the fake image display and disabling alarms.

    Given the current rate of virusses popping up for windoze systems, it is a pretty scary thought.

    - the Apocalyptic Lawnmower

  2. People Fear X-Ray's by BadlandZ · · Score: 5
    There are numerous researh projects out there currently to improve airport security, and X-Ray systems does not, IMHO, seem to be the hot area, because of basic public fear of Xrays, photographic matrial, etc...

    There are some good alternitives though, among them is a system being developed in a few places including LANL, that is more "non-invasive", where they sniff the air around you (like a drug/bomb sniffing dog, only automated). You walk in the thing, air swishes around you, and back into the instrument, and they get instant readings on trace chemicals (selecting out perfume, selecting explosive chemical precursers...)

    Anyone who really cares, email me if you want some journal referances.

  3. Huge privacy implications by RebornData · · Score: 5

    This is a really frightening development. What is under your clothes is your own business. Do you want people to know about your piercings, or hip replacement, or colostomy bag, or pacemaker, or flask? Our society is harsh enough already on those who don't conform to the *external* appearance of normalcy.

    If we make the assumption that the widespread use of this technology is inevitable, what standards must we set to ensure that privacy is not sacrificed? Here's few off the top of my head:

    1. Clearly mark anyplace such a system is being used, so people can at least know if they are being scanned (this becomes more important as the technology advances and becomes less obvious).

    2. Allow people to opt-out and be searched by traditional means. At least a hand search doesn't leave a recorded image.

    3. Secure the output display area to prevent unauthorized viewing, and establish a system of ethics for the operators.

    Any others?