A body scanner
The Mini-Portal scanner from US firm Iscon Video Imaging was used alongside and in addition to pre-existing security screening processes.
The Mini-Portal trial test was organised by the ICTS VeriSys service and was under the technical guidance of ICTS VeriSys manager Dr Marian Langford at a checkpoint at Bristol with actual passengers. Five operators from the airport were selected by VeriSys to be trained and then to scan volunteer passengers. Following image training and a technology overview period, hundreds of passengers over a five-day period volunteered to be screened. The Bristol test is a part of preparation for approval by the European Civil Aviation Commission (ECAC).
Dr Langford said: “The Iscon Mini-Portal performed well as a standalone scanner and as an adjunct to the larger existing system. Almost 40 percent of passengers said they actively disliked pat-downs or said that they would prefer to be screened by a portal and therefore the appearance of another portal in the security market is very welcome.”
The Iscon Video Imaging “Mini-Portal” features thermo-conductive scanning. This infrared scanner detects hidden objects without penetrating clothing, so, the makers add, subjects can rest assured that their privacy will not be violated. The operator never needs to make physical contact with the person being scanned.
“As we continue to expand further into airport and correction facility screening, this evaluation serves as important validation of our technology,” added Izrail Gorian, CEO of Iscon. “It was proven to be highly effective in detecting suspicious items revealed in the whole body scan at the Bristol Airport and significantly less intrusive than a pat down. The Mini-Portal is also effective as a standalone scanner and completes a whole body scan in less than a minute.”
The makers say that their Mini-Portal can locate a variety of contraband including weapons, pills and powdered substances, tobacco, precious metals, gemstones, and other articles of interest. The Mini-Portal is claimed to be less expensive than other whole body imaging systems, requires a smaller footprint and completes scans and detection in one minute without the makers say radiation or privacy issues. Click here
About Iscon Video Imaging
Based in Woburn, Massachusetts, Iscon Video Imaging,
