Smiths Detection Unveils Dual-View X-Ray Screeners for Cruise Line Baggage Screening
Smiths Detection and maritime security provider American Guard Services, Inc., have unveiled the first dual-view X-Ray systems to be used for screening cruise line passenger belongings. Smiths Detection says its HI-SCAN 6040-2is X-Ray systems will be used to screen the belongings of passengers embarking on Carnival Cruise Line trips departing from Terminals D and E at Port Miami. The deployment is the first for dual-view X-Ray systems for screening passenger parcels at a cruise line anywhere in the world, Smiths Detection says. The company says the systems are expected to improve passenger throughput, helping to expedite screening. The dual-view system captures both horizontal and vertical angle images to provide operators with two different, high-resolution images, and features automatic explosives detection capability.
Analogic Launches ConneCT Screening System in Europe
Analogic [ALOG], which has developed a new computed tomography (CT)-based screening system for scanning parcels at airport security checkpoints, has launched the ConneCT Checkpoint CT system for the European market at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Amsterdam. The ConneCT system is currently being evaluated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for potential use at airport security checkpoints in the U.S. Analogic touts the ConneCT system for being able to lower airport screening costs, increasing passenger throughput and security. A key benefit to the traveling public is that the system will allow passengers to keep liquids and electronics in their carry-on luggage. “European airports have been early adopters of new technology, recognizing the opportunity to do three key things, improve detection capabilities to keep the traveling public safe, transform the airport experience for the traveling public and get passengers through security quickly so they can enjoy airport shopping and dining venues,” says Mark Laustra, vice president of Global Business Development and Government Relations for Analogic.
Schiphol Deploys L3’s ClearScan CT-based Checkpoint Parcel Scanner
L3 Technologies [LLL] says that Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has deployed two of the company’s new ClearScan computed tomography (CT)-based scanner for screening carry-on bags at airport security checkpoints. The CT technology coupled with advanced algorithms enables the ClearScan system to automatically screen parcels for explosives, which means travellers can leave their liquids and portable electronic devices in their bags. The ClearScan system is designed to meet new European Union C2 and C3 checkpoint explosive detection system standards. The company also says the system accelerates operator review for weapons and other prohibited items by combining advanced algorithms with 2-D and 3-D high-resolution imaging and alarm resolution tools. “L3’s ClearScan EDS is part of a comprehensive security solution that also includes the market leading ProVision security scanner and a fully integrated automated tray return system,” says Tom Ripp, president of L3 Security & Detection Systems. “This new solutions-based approach represents the first step toward our vision of replacing isolated checkpoint equipment with an integrated checkpoint solution, fusing sensors and their critical data to drive new levels of efficiency, performance and security.”
Vision-Box Debuts Seamless Gateway
Vision-Box has introduced Seamless Gateway, a contactless, facial-recognition passenger identification gateway for automated border control. The walkthrough identification eliminates stops and direct interaction with officers. Identification is conducted in a few seconds by obtaining the facial image on the fly. During the clearance process, a facial image of each approaching passenger is captured on-the-move, and matched against a traveler database that includes the biometric and biographic details of the expected arriving passenger. Vision-Box’ Orchestra software is used to integrate the entire passenger identification and common use flow infrastructure of solutions and processes, leveraging all traveler and journey information into actionable intelligence.
NEC’s Face Recognition Technology Tops NIST Rankings in Face in Video Evaluation
NEC Corporation says that its face recognition technology achieved the highest performance evaluation in the recent Face in Video Evaluation (FIVE) testing performed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NEC’s face recognition technology took first place for the fourth consecutive time following the 2009 Multiple Biometric Grand Challenge, 2010-2011 Multiple Biometrics Evaluation, and 2013 Face Recognition Vendor Test. Video face recognition technology identifies the faces of moving subjects in real-time as they walk naturally without stopping in front of a camera. The results were release in NIST’s Interagency Report 8173: FIVE Face Recognition of Non-Cooperative Subjects.
Biometric Device Helps CBP Make Arrest at Airport
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers using a handheld biometric device connected to a smart phone detected the identity of a Virginia man wanted on sex assault charges as he was preparing to board a flight at Dulles International Airport to China. CBP says that Hau Trung Le, a Vietnamese national and lawful permanent resident, was wanted in Rockville, Md. On third-degree sex assault charges. The officers stopped Le during an outbound inspection. He refuted his identity and allegedly stated that was in the U.S. on a student visa, though he was unable to produce the visa in his Vietnamese passport. Using the biometric device, the officer learned that Le’s green card had expired and that he had an outstanding arrest warrant. CBP says its officers routinely examine passenger manifests on arriving and departing international flights, and identify travelers who may require additional inspectional scrutiny, including those with outstanding arrest warrants.
NICE Launches Enhanced Voice Recognition System
NICE [NICE] has introduced an enhanced version of its Real-Time Authentication voice response agent. NICE says RTA has been enhanced to seamlessly create and utilize one voice print for each customer to deliver quick and efficient customer service across all voice channels, with no customer effort required. The solution offers a single platform for passively enrolling customers based on historical recordings. This promotes a higher rate of enrollment and greater customer satisfaction as customers’ issues can be resolved on their channel of choice, whither this be interactive voice response or a live agent.
Full Spectrum Offers Wireless Technology for Low Cost Virtual Border Security Fence
Full Spectrum Inc., a provider of private broadband cellular data networks for critical infrastructure and defense applications, has introduced wireless technology for wide area data communications including virtual fence applications. The California-based firm says that new industrial wireless and sensor technologies fueled by the industrial Internet of Things are capable of meeting the coverage, latency and security needs that could not be attained by technologies used for previous defense projects such as the Secure Border Initiative Network, or SBInet. The company estimates that its wireless base station technology can create coverage along the entire U.S.-Mexico border for less than $10,000 per mile, which it says is about one-tenth of one percent of the $12.5 million per mile estimate for the physical wall. Full Spectrum says the virtual fence would provide an additional layer of security to the physical wall along the southern border and could be deployed an operating within one year of authorization using existing tower and backhaul infrastructure installed along the border. The company also says its remote radios could be installed virtually anywhere within a 30-mile range of the border to create a secure IoT for digital security devices including drones, video cameras, thermal imaging devices and low cost sensor networks.