Posted on 03/09/2008 9:01:17 AM PDT by LibWhacker
LONDON (Reuters) - A British company has developed a camera that can detect weapons, drugs or explosives hidden under people's clothes from up to 25 meters away in what could be a breakthrough for the security industry.
The T5000 camera, created by a company called ThruVision, uses what it calls "passive imaging technology" to identify objects by the natural electromagnetic rays -- known as Terahertz or T-rays -- that they emit.
The high-powered camera can detect hidden objects from up to 80 feet away and is effective even when people are moving. It does not reveal physical body details and the screening is harmless, the company says.
The technology, which has military and civilian applications and could be used in crowded airports, shopping malls or sporting events, will be unveiled at a scientific development exhibition sponsored by Britain's Home Office on March 12-13.
"Acts of terrorism have shaken the world in recent years and security precautions have been tightened globally," said Clive Beattie, the chief executive of ThruVision.
"The ability to see both metallic and non-metallic items on people out to 25 meters is certainly a key capability that will enhance any comprehensive security system."
While the technology may enhance detection, it may also increase concerns that Britain is becoming a surveillance society, with hundreds of thousands of closed-circuit television cameras already monitoring people countrywide every day.
ThruVision came up with the technology for the T5000 in collaboration with the European Space Agency and from studying research by astronomers into dying stars.
The technology works on the basis that all people and objects emit low levels of electromagnetic radiation. Terahertz rays lie somewhere between infrared and microwaves on the electromagnetic spectrum and travel through clouds and walls.
Depending on the material, the signature of the wave is different, so that explosives can be distinguished from a block of clay and cocaine is different from a bag of flour.
Wow, not cool...
Give some warning next time!
We knew better. And we have a lot more fun filming the cheerleaders at NFL football games.
Hypothetically speaking, of course.
(Insert maniacal scientist laughter here.)
“It does not reveal physical body details ...”
Worthless!
you are SICK! ;^)
What in the He\\ is that.....sheeesssshhhh
If I said what I thought, I’d be banned for life....LOL
The winning team on Guess my Gender?
Picture NOT included - thank me later.
One can almost feel sorry for her. How would you like to wake up every morning and see that staring back at you from the mirror?
Big Deal!
I’ve seen x-ray specs advertised in the back of comic books as a kid, and for only $1.
Why don’t they just buy those?
In case you were wondering, I was JOKING!
LOL, Dan! I had a pair of those back around 1960. It was just turkey feathers for lenses but it really did give the illusion that they were X-ray glasses.
Sony had this years ago!
On some Sony video cams if you activated the night mode during daylight.
They were quick to ‘update ‘ that feature.
It does not reveal physical body details .......... OK, so how do we know who is hiding under the burka?
What are they?
ping for later
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