Revealing Pair Of Eyes
Lehigh University electrical and computer engineering professor Rick Blum is among the scientists working on a software system that would give soldiers and police officers X-ray vision.
The system makes use of two video cameras, one of which is equipped with a millimeter-wave (MMW) sensor that uses high-frequency radio waves to locate guns, knives, and other weapons behind clothing, walls, and other objects. This would eliminate the need for physical body searches.
According to Blum, the traditional digital camera helps users identify the person they are viewing, while the MMW image shows things hidden to the naked eye.
Because MMW sensors are costly, Blum is adjusting the software to accommodate infrared sensors and backscatter radar.
Researchers must also consider the possibility that the system will break unreasonable search and seizure laws, especially since everyone who steps into its path would be scanned.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from ABCNews.com (07/08/03); Eng, Paul .