A UK company has cracked making a portable X-ray camera that works.
The T5000 Security Imaging System has just been revealed by ThruVision and it can ‘see’ explosives, liquids, narcotics, weapons, plastics and ceramics hidden under clothing from 25 metres.
No, it will not show people walking around in the buff.
ThruVision describes the camera as the only commercially available camera of its kind in the world. Based on technology developed by the European Space Agency for studying stars, the T5000 can image both metallic and non-metallic threat objects hidden under clothing on still or moving subjects without revealing any body detail. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around and the company claims that it’s completely ‘safe to use’.
Clive Beattie, ThruVision’s CEO said:
“Acts of terrorism have shaken the world in recent years and security precautions have been tightened globally. The T5000 dramatically extends the security surveillance envelope for ThruVision’s passive body scanning products used at important sites and events. The ability to see both metallic and non-metallic items on people out to 25m is certainly a key capability that will enhance any comprehensive security system deployment.”
Dr Liz Towns-Andrews, Director of Knowledge Exchange at the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council commented:
“Astronomers use T-ray cameras that can see through dust and clouds in space, revealing what lies beyond. ThruVision uses them to see weapons hidden by clothing. This is a first-class example of how fundamental scientific research can be applied to benefit the whole of society. Who would have imagined that research carried out by space scientists to study the stars could result in it being used to protect the public from terrorists and therefore save lives? The impact of this will be remarkable.”
Great, a safer world. Now, if only they could make a really useful X-ray camera for seeing people walking around naked.-Martin Lynch
[ThruVision]
camera photo terror
Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
Contributor | Tamlin Magee
Comments
Its not an X-ray camera, your title is misleading. X-ray systems have to emit and detect x-rays to generate a picture. This devise uses T-rays (THz radiation), which are emitted naturally by people, and other objects, but are blocked by certain materials (such as metals), making the camera passive.
It's called millimetre-wave, developed by QinetiQ (formally DERA) and already in use in a number of UK Airports... sadly only the computer running the shape detection software sees the images of naked people ... the operator is presented with a full colour video with the locations of any suspect objects highlighted.
"sadly only the computer running the shape detection software sees the images of naked people"
It's only a matter of time...