BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced the latest checkpoint screening technology equipment at North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) this week.
With the addition of the new Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machine at CKB, the airport is able to further strengthen security for passengers flying out of Bridgeport and the surrounding community. The scanner uses automated target recognition software that eliminates passenger-specific images and instead auto-detects potential threats by indicating their location on a generic outline of a person. There is a generic image of all passengers who are screened through the new automated image technology checkpoint scanner. It’s the same generic image for all passengers, regardless of their gender, height or weight and is designed to enhance passenger privacy.
The technology is state-of-the-art equipment with software that uses bright yellow boxes to indicate to a TSA officer the location of an alarm on the generic “cookie cutter" image of a passenger. This way the officer knows exactly where to check for a possible threat item.
If the machine indicates no threats, then a green screen appears that indicates the passenger is cleared to pass through the checkpoint.
AIT technology uses millimeter wave technology that is designed to enhance security by safely screening passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats-including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing. TSA has a brief 1½- minute video that shows how the equipment works.
Imaging technology screening is safe for all travelers, and the technology meets all known national and international health and safety standards. In fact, the energy emitted by millimeter wave technology is 1,000 times less than the international limits and guidelines.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
