Smiths Detection Includes Biometrics in Checkpoint Solution

Smiths Detection showcased an integrated checkpoint solution at inter airport Europe 2019 this month that featured the company’s computed tomography (CT)-based checkpoint baggage scanner, an advanced detection algorithm, automated tray return system, and biometrics. The company says that facial recognition cameras were used at enrollment, where the boarding pass is scanned and linked to the facial image of the passenger, and again at the divestment stage of the checkpoint where cameras recognize the passenger and link their data with the trays via RFID tags on the trays and RFID scanners in the tray handling systems. “At Smiths Detection, we’re dedicated to delivering a seamless passenger journey and we are very excited to be driving biometric checkpoint technology forward in a rapidly developing marketplace,” says Tony Tielen, vice president Europe, Africa and Marketing. “As a trusted partner to airports across the world, we are working with the aviation industry to deliver risk-based screening at departure, transit and arrival airports to streamline the checkpoint journey to make it even safer and more efficient.”

ATA Introduces Laser-Based System for Countering UAS

Applied Technology Associates (ATA) this month unveiled LOCUST, a low-cost counter-unmanned aerial system for targeting, saying the system detects, identifies and mitigates UAS threats. ATA, which is based in New Mexico, says LOCUST detects and identifies UAS threats using active and passive radio frequency and electro-optical infrared sensors, and mitigates the threats using intelligent electronic attack and high-energy laser effectors. ATA says LOCUS is scalable and provides a modular multi-mission system designed to work against Group 1 and Group 2 UAS. ATA specializes in precision stabilization, tracking, pointing, and controls for optical systems including high-energy laser systems and optical communications systems.

Surrey Univ. Creates Neural Network for Video Surveillance Applications

The Univ. of Surrey in the United Kingdom says a team of its researchers has created a lightweight deep neural network that could prove to be the new standard in artificial intelligence applied to video analytics. Person re-identification (ReID) is a method in which AI is able to recognize images of the same person taken from different cameras or on different occasions, which helps to track suspects across a CCTV network covering large public space, such as an underground network. The university says the ReID is challenging for machines because they have to consider and differentiate the same person under different light sources, poses and changes in appearance such as their clothes. Surrey says its team has developed a system called OSNet, which it has shown to be able to drill down into information from a variety of spatial scales to help accurately make a ReID, from the smallest details such as the logo on a t-shirt to other, larger factors such as the type of coat worn by the suspect.

Smiths Detection Trialing Hold Baggage Scanner with Sydney Airport

Smiths Detection says it is trialing its HI-SCAN 10080 XCT computed-tomography checked baggage scanner at Terminal 1 at Sydney Airport in Australia. The company says the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is certified by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and the European Civil Aviation Conference Standard 3.1, the highest defined security standards. The new trial follows an earlier one at the airport where the company’s CT-based HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX was used to screen carry-on bags. For checked bags, the HI-SCAN 10080 system automatically detects explosives. For carry-on bags, the 6040 CTiX allows travelers to leave their electronic devices and liquids in their bags.

Raytheon Delivers High-Energy Laster Counter UAS System to Air Force

Raytheon [RTN] earlier in October delivered the first high-energy laser counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) to the Air Force for deployment as part of a one-year experiment to train operators and test the system’s effectiveness in real-world conditions. Mounted on a small all-terrain vehicle, the system uses an advanced variant of Raytheon’s multi-spectral targeting system, which is an electro-optical/infrared sensor, to detect, identify and track potential UAS threats. Once locked on, the system engages the threat with the high-energy laser weapon system (HELWS) and neutralizes the drone in seconds. The company says that from a standard 220-volt outlet, the HELWS can produce dozens of laser shots. Paired with a generator, the system can deliver “a nearly infinite number of shots.”