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Posted on 01/17/2012 12:59:01 PM PST by Puppage
The NYPD is working to develop a tool capable of detecting concealed firearms at a distance.
Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly says the department is working with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop the device that reads a form of natural energy akin to radiation.
If something is obstructing the flow of that energy, like a weapon, the device will highlight the object on a person's body.
The idea would be to place a device in a vehicle and scan an area for weapons.
Police say the technology is currently being tested but so far is only detecting weapons from about 13 feet away. They hope to increase the distance to about 80 feet.
Is that a light saber in your pocket, or are you glad to see me?
IOW a warrantless search.
They've obviously never seen Videodrome or eXistenZ.
Yet another excellent reason to NEVER go to N.Y., I will spend my money somewhere else.
Technology under development to find concealed weapons. Coming to a street corner near you.
Concealed Weapons System Detection Systems
Background
On March 9, 1995, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) launched an initiative to fund and field test three concealed weapons detection technologies. Each technology employs different physical principles and each has situation specific strengths and weaknesses.
NIJ expects one or more of the new weapons detection technologies to be in commercial production within 3 years. The technologies, described below, include Passive Millimeter Wave Imaging, Low Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation, and Magnetic Gradient Measurements.
In addition, under a memorandum of understanding, NIJ and the U.S. Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, have embarked on a joint research effort to explore additional weapons detection technologies. To date, the joint effort has initiated research on four weapons detection systems, which include: Low-Level Scattered X Rays and Computer Image Processing, Millimeter Wave (MMW) and Long Wave Infrared Receivers, Integrated Radar and Ultrasound, and Low- Frequency Magnetic Imaging
NIJ-Sponsored R&D Programs
Passive Millimeter Wave Imaging - Millitech
Under development by Millitech Corporation, Passive Millimeter Wave Imaging is a new technology that offers the opportunity for rapid and remote detection at a distance of up to 12 feet without a direct physical search of metallic and nonmetallic weapons, plastic explosives, drugs, and other contraband concealed under multiple layers of clothing.
This technology is based on the fact that all objects naturally emit a broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. Heat generated by the body in the infrared region is most familiar; less well known is the fact that humans are especially good emitters at millimeter wavelengths. When a person is scanned using technology with sensors sensitive to this wavelength, any concealed item shows up as a dark image against the lighter background image of the individual. This difference in image brightness is due to the differences in electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object and the individual. Because this purely passive imaging technique relies solely on existing natural emissions from objects, it does not require manmade irradiation. Observations can be made remotely and with discretion as required. Although passive millimeter wave imaging devices do literally see through clothing, the resulting image display does not reveal intimate anatomical details.
The versatility of passive imaging allows for a variety of camera systems to be used for different applications. To demonstrate the technology, Millitech is currently developing a proof-of-concept camera with a 300mm aperture and monitoring console for fixed entranceway surveillance. Also planned is a handheld camera with a video screen, in addition to designs for a totally portable, battery-powered camera and a standoff camera system that can be used from a police car.
Low Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation - Raytheon
In development by The Raytheon Company, this concealed weapons technology involves illuminating an individual with a low intensity electromagnetic or Heaviside pulse and then measuring the time decay of the reradiated energy from the metal objects carried by the person.
The intensity and the time decay of the secondary radiation can be characterized and the signatures identified as a gun or non-threatening metal object.
Much of the basic development work has been completed by Raytheon. In the NIJ project, the company will conduct an experiment testing the system’s feasibility and provide performance data on probabilities of detection and false alarm rates. The experiment will establish whether sufficient discriminating ability exists to meet police probable cause requirements for a physical search for weapons. When fully developed, the system is expected to have a low probability of false alarms.
Possible locations to use this technology range from large gathering place such as shopping malls, schools, meeting places, and airports to small stores and banks.
Magnetic Gradient Measurements - INEL
The concealed weapons detection initiative being explored by Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) utilizes a proven, existing technology used in mineral exploration, environmental characterization, military navigation, and submarine detection.
This technology is based on passive sampling of the Earth’s magnetic field. Local aberrations in the magnetic field produced by ferromagnetic objects such as guns and knives can be detected by extremely sensitive magnetometers. This is a new application of an existing technology magnetometer sensors, which are commercially available. INEL s approach is to construct a more reliable scanner that can be used as a stand-alone unit, much like an airport scanner system, or incorporated directly into building doorways or hallways.
Sensors in the system will simultaneously collect the data, thus providing a top-to- bottom magnetic profile of an individual. Reasonable suspicion will be dictated by the location and magnitude of the recorded magnetic anomalies. An electronic catalog of magnetic signatures will be established through the collection of magnetic profiles of a variety of weapons in differing locations and a number of non-weapon personal artifacts. These signatures will later be used in analysis schemes that will determine the presence, location, and, potentially, type of weapon carried. However, this technology will only detect ferromagnetic materials.
DARPA- Funded Technologies
Low-Level Scattered X Rays and Computer Image Processing - Nicolet Imaging
Under development by Nicolet Imaging Systems of San Diego, California, this technology uses extremely low doses of scattered x rays, in conjunction with advanced computer image processing techniques, to detect weapons, explosives, illegal chemicals, and other contraband concealed under a person’s clothing. An individual being scanned stands in front of the system for approximately 3 seconds. Almost immediately a computer-enhanced image appears on a monitor displaying the outline of the person and any concealed objects. Multiple views such as front, rear, and sides require individuals to turn their bodies for additional scans. The system is suitable for fixed-site configurations in controlled areas, such as prisons.
This technology requires only a fraction of the radiation level previously thought necessary to detect concealed objects. Each 3 second scan exposes a person to 3 microRem of radiation. This level compares with the 10 to 20 microRem per hour that a person receives from naturally occurring background radiation, 500 microRem per hour received during a commercial airline flight at 35,000 feet above sea level, and 30,000 to 300,000 microRem received during medical x ray examinations.
Through a process known as Compton scattering, the low-dose x rays collide with and bounce off electrons in the body or another object. When the x rays penetrate materials composed of elements with a low atomic number, such as body tissue, they are more likely to bounce back, causing the image on the monitor to appear light. However, when x rays pass through materials with a high atomic number composition, such as metal or bone, the radiation is more likely to release energy through the photoelectric effect, producing a dark image on the screen. Thus, a concealed handgun would appear as a dark mass against the light background of a person s body. Because of the low dose used in this method, most of the radiation reaches only the skin or penetrates a few centimeters into the body. The bones of the lower legs are the only internal structures likely to show up on the monitor, because they are so close to the skin.
Millimeter Wave (MMW) and Long Wave Infrared Receiver - Lockheed- Martin
A passive approach under development by the Lockheed-Martin Corporation would use a millimeter wave (MMW) receiver and a long wave infrared receiver, either individually or together, to measure the difference in temperature between a concealed weapon and an individual s body. When the two types of receivers, which are still being developed, are used in tandem and linked with a computer imaging system, it is expected that the probability of detecting a concealed weapon will increase substantially. Initially, the MMW receiver is planned for fixed-site operation only. However, it is expected that the long wave infrared receiver will be suitable for fixed-site and handheld use.
Radar and Ultrasound - JAYCOR
An active approach that combines radar and ultrasound is being explored by JAYCOR. The system operator will have to be trained to interpret ultrasound images. It is expected that the radar component will be suitable for fixed-site operation and that the ultrasound component will be suitable for either fixed-site or handheld use.
Low-Frequency Magnetic Imaging - Systems & Process Engineering Corp.
An active approach using a Low Frequency magnetic imaging system suitable for fixed- site operation is being developed by Systems and Process Engineering Corporation.
I know the constitution is a joke to those types but they really should look at a copy...once in a while:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated...
So how is this x-ray vision remotely constitutional?
This has become big business by big brother directed to all the innocent first USA citizen saps who they claim must be guilty of something. The philosophy has become if they watch us 24/7/365 they’ll find something to justify their extraordinarily generous wages, benefits and pensions.
It should be pretty easy to get a false positive on this.
/johnny
I know the constitution is a joke to those types but they really should look at a copy...once in a while:
This device will let them look ‘THROUGH’ the Constitution.
This is exactly what Emanuel Cellar wanted to do 45 years ago. He said he wanted a metal detector that could scan pedestrians from a distance to see if they were armed.
He and Thomas J Dodd proposed the first federal gun laws back in 1962. Dodd later went on to write the 1968 Gun Control Act, based on the old Nazi Weapons Law of Germany.
Really, and these waves do what to the family jewels?.....
They will spend millions developing this and then producting it and some dude will figure out a way to shield the gun for about $5 thus rendering the whole technology useless.
Don’t worry about it Glock Fans! According to Hollywood and Leftist Gun Experts everywhere, they can’t be detected by metal detectors. </sarc>
In NYC, after about the 5th arrest, they will be accused of “Racial Profiling” and the tool will be outlawed.
Judge:
“You either arrest 9 times as many white guys for carrying in NYC, or this is deemed a racist tool!”
FOURTH AMENDMENT [U.S. Constitution]
‘The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
>>Really, and these waves do what to the family jewels?.....
That’s a small price to pay for enhanced safety and security. Right, comrade?
I guess I’ll have to get my tailor to make me a suit from stainless steel thread.
Either that or buy some chainmail underwear.
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