Sea-Tac to Expand Automated Passenger Security Exit System at Airport
The Port of Seattle Commission has approved the expansion of a successful pilot project of and automated passenger exit system for use at all exits at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The system consists of a set of sensors, cameras, three parallel one-way doors, alarms, and is integrated with the airport’s command center. The doors open independently and automatically as passengers approach. Sensors detect if a passenger changes direction between the doors or tries to enter from the wrong direction. The port says that the new system responds instantly to security situations and allows for immediate analysis. Fewer breaches means fewer delayed flights, the port says. The project will cost $6.4 million and save the airport $1.8 million annually, the port says.
Aware Software Included in Navy’s Identity Dominance System
Aware, Inc. [AWRE] says its software is being used on the Navy’s Identity Dominance program, a mobile biometric solution. The company is the prime contractor for the Navy’s portion of program, which relies on the Cross Match Technologies SEEK handheld tactical biometric collection device. There may be a separate procurement for the Marine Corps. The company says its hardware agnostic software application provides a user interface for military personnel operating in challenging environments. The company also supplies the Navy with its Biometric Services Platform, which is used by the service to centrally manage and update the software on the devices. “The successful Navy deployment represents a major achievement for our team, and demonstrates Aware’s ability to execute at several levels on large, complex projects,” says Rob Mungovan, vice president of Aware’s Biometrics and Imaging Group.
Microsemi Introduces Upgraded AllClear Handheld Screening Device
Microsemi Corp. [MSCC] this week at the annual ASIS International conference introduced its next-generation AllClear handheld screening device with enhanced metal detection capabilities. The device, which is based on passive millimeter wave technology to detect non-metallic objects concealed beneath a person’s clothing, now has an integrated metal detector that allows users to more accurately detect metallic objects, as well as ceramics, plastics, liquids, gels, powders and paper. The battery-powered devices doesn’t emit any radiation and doesn’t generate an image. The company say it alleviates the need for pat-downs and can be used in security and loss prevention applications. AllClear “allows the operator to detect a far broader range of objects than conventional metal detectors, including non-metallic contraband such as narcotics, plastic explosives, electronics and more,” says David Hall, vice president and general manager of Microsemi’s RF Integrated Solutions group.
Sandia Researchers Inventing Tiny Detectors for Explosives, Biotoxins and Humans
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are developing miniature detectors that can be used to sniff out everything from explosives and biotoxins to smuggled humans. The pulsed-discharge ionization detectors, or mini-PDIDs have broadened the scope of chemical targets for Sandia’s micro-analytical detection technology to toxic industrial chemicals, biological volatiles, greenhouse gases and more, Sandia says. The prototype of the new detector is about 1-inch by 1-inch by 2-inches and can be coupled with commercially-produced micro-gas chromatography instruments and can run for nine hours on a charge of helium. The detector also homes in on signatures of human odors and bacteria and a broad range of organic compounds. Sandia says the proof-of-concept works for biological detection and is seeking funds to develop software and mathematics for pattern recognition for specific targets. It will be several years before the technology could be ready for tech transfer, it says.