Portable Weapon Detection Scanner to Be Tested Next Year
- 11 years ago
A portable radar scanner designed by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University to detect concealed weapons will begin testing next year.
A portable radar scanner designed by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University to detect concealed weapons will begin testing next year.
There are two versions of the scanner; one that can be used from up to 25 meters away, and a mobile version that is effective from distances of up to 10 meters.
Researchers started developing the scanner system in 2004 with funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Metropolitan Police, and the Home Office Scientific Development Branch.
Professor Nick Bowring, head of the centre for sensing and imaging at Manchester Metropolitan University explained how the sensor works, saying: “The beam of millimeter-waves are reflected back from the target, containing information about the target. Those waves are interpreted by a computer, which looks at the pattern of the returns and compares them against previous detections, such as a person carrying a threat item.”
The scanner will reportedly be used as a security tool,so that authorities can see if anyone is carrying a weapon without physically confronting them and being put in danger.
Some civil rights activists are critical of technology being used for these kinds of purposes in the name of public safety.
A portable radar scanner designed by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University to detect concealed weapons will begin testing next year.
There are two versions of the scanner; one that can be used from up to 25 meters away, and a mobile version that is effective from distances of up to 10 meters.
Researchers started developing the scanner system in 2004 with funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Metropolitan Police, and the Home Office Scientific Development Branch.
Professor Nick Bowring, head of the centre for sensing and imaging at Manchester Metropolitan University explained how the sensor works, saying: “The beam of millimeter-waves are reflected back from the target, containing information about the target. Those waves are interpreted by a computer, which looks at the pattern of the returns and compares them against previous detections, such as a person carrying a threat item.”
The scanner will reportedly be used as a security tool,so that authorities can see if anyone is carrying a weapon without physically confronting them and being put in danger.
Some civil rights activists are critical of technology being used for these kinds of purposes in the name of public safety.