Tech Briefs Magazine - February 2022 - 34

Imaging
High-Definition Millimeter-Wave Body Scanner
In an airport, the scanner could eliminate the need for passengers to remove shoes at the
checkpoint, speeding the screening process.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA
aking shoes off and placing them in a
bin has been part of the flying experience
since 2006. But soon, even those
without pre-check status may be able to
keep their shoes on, step on a shoe scanner,
walk through a body scanner, and
proceed to their boarding gates.
The original holographic millimeterwave
scanning technology - now used
at airports worldwide - can detect a
variety of potential weapons or threats
concealed under clothing. The capabilities
of the original scanners have been
expanded with an eye to improving the
passenger experience. The result is a
next-generation, high-definition scanner
that can identify even smaller threats
with fewer false positives. In the process,
a similar technology was developed that
can screen a passenger's footwear while
on their feet.
T
A shoe scan involves the traveler pausing
on a low-profile imaging platform
for about two seconds. Electromagnetic
waves are used to generate an image of
the shoe, which is evaluated to determine
if an object may constitute a
threat.
The updated HD-Advanced Imaging
Technology scanner offers much higher
resolution, which improves potential
threat detection while dramatically reducing
false alarms compared to the first-generation
technology. Reducing false alarms
and the secondary screenings they trigger
The new scanner uses higher resolution for potential threat detection and fewer false alarms at
security checkpoints. (Photo: Eric Francavilla, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
means less direct contact between travelers
and security personnel.
The new system design includes im -
proved antennas and significantly re duces
imaging irregularities. With this advancement,
airline passengers or people attending
large public events may be scanned
while wearing light sweaters or jackets,
instead of having to take them off before
walking through the scanner portal.
The HD Advanced Imaging Tech -
nology system will be able to incorporate
the latest threat detection algorithms that
may be developed by third parties. Its
open architecture will provide operators
the flexibility to select and use best-inclass
threat detection algorithms instead
of being limited to one specific type.
For more information, contact Susan Bauer
at susan.bauer@pnnl.gov; 509-372-6083.
Progressive Band Selection for Hyperspectral Images
This system enables fast analysis of hyperspectral images in disaster response or target
detection scenarios.
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
S
paceborne hyperspectral imagers
col lect enough information to positively
identify materials and substances
on the ground. Scientists often use
hyperspectral data to investigate land
use, mineral deposits, or signs of climate
change. The same data is also useful
during disasters or other emergencies
when detection and mapping of
fires, chemical agents, or flooded areas
can provide critical information to first
34
Cov
responders. The latter application
relies on the ability to identify materials
quickly and accurately.
The sheer volume of data in the image
causes many applications to run slowly
and produce poor results, as they search
the full image dataset for the information
they need. NASA Goddard developed
a system that creates reduced
datasets tailored for each potential
application.
www.techbriefs.com
ToC
The system can operate on archived
hyperspectral imagery from NASA's EO1
Hyperion instrument or on data from
future missions, such as the Hyper -
spectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI), as
they become operational. Other agencies
with hyperspectral imagers, including
the defense and intelligence communities,
can also use the system in their
applications. Additionally, the system can
operate onboard the spacecraft, allowing
Tech Briefs, February 2022

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Tech Briefs Magazine - February 2022

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