Airport checkpoint equipped with 3-D scanners for explosives detection
ALBANY, N.Y. » Five new state-of-the-art advanced technology computed tomography (CT) scanners that provide 3-D imaging have been installed at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Albany International Airport (ALB), providing critical explosives detection capabilities for screening carry-on items.
“TSA remains committed to getting the best technology to enhance security and improve the screening experience. Our officers’ use of CT technology substan- tially improves our threat detection capability at the checkpoint,” said Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Upstate New York. “Previously, our screening technology for carry-on bags used 2-D images. The CT technology applies advanced algorithms for the detection of explosives, including liquid explosives and other threat items.”
The system applies sophisticated algorithms for the detection of explosives by creating a 3-D image that can be viewed and rotated 360 degrees on three axes for thorough visual image analysis by a transportation security officer. This new technology creates such a
clear image of a bag’s contents that the system can automatically detect explosives, including liquids, by shooting hundreds of images with an X-ray camera spinning around the conveyor belt to provide TSA officers with the three-dimensional views of the contents of a carry-on bag.
It takes a few extra seconds for the TSA officer to view the image and rotate it to get a better understanding of its contents, however in most instances, rotating the image allows the TSA officer to identify an item inside the bag and clear it without a need to open it for inspection. Checkpoint CT technology should result in fewer bag checks. However, if a bag requires further screening, a transportation security officer will inspect it to ensure that a threat item is not contained inside.
The CT units have a slightly smaller entry tunnel and not all larger carryon bags will fit into the units. TSA recommends that large carry-on items be checked with the airline.
Passengers using these machines at Albany will be permitted to leave their laptops and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags.
“TSA continues to demonstrate its commitment to the safety and security of Albany International Airport’s travelers with the installation of this new, cutting-edge screening technology and security initiatives while at the same time improving each travelers’ overall checkpoint experience,” Philip Calderone, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority explained.