New Software To Be Installed On AIT Machines To Eliminate
Passenger-Specific Images
TSA Administrator John S. Pistole announced Wednesday that the
agency will begin installing new software on its millimeter wave
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines ... making upgrades
designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific
images. This new software, also referred to as Automated Target
Recognition (ATR), will auto-detect items that could pose a
potential threat using a generic outline of a person for all
passengers. In the coming months, TSA will install the software
upgrade on all currently deployed millimeter wave imaging
technology units at U.S. airports nationwide.
Current Millimeter Wave Image
By eliminating the image of an actual passenger and replacing it
with a generic outline of a person, passengers are able to view the
same outline that the TSA officer sees. Further, a separate TSA
officer will no longer be required to view the image in a remotely
located viewing room. In addition to further enhancing privacy
protections, this new software will increase the efficiency of the
screening process and expand the throughput capability of AIT.
“Our top priority is the safety of the traveling public,
and TSA constantly strives to explore and implement new
technologies that enhance security and strengthen privacy
protections for the traveling public,” TSA Administrator John
Pistole said. “This software upgrade enables us to continue
providing a high level of security through advanced imaging
technology screening, while improving the passenger experience at
checkpoints.”
New Millimeter Wave Image
The new software automatically detects potential threats and
indicates their location on a generic, computer-generated outline
of a person that appears on a monitor attached to the AIT unit. As
with the current version of AIT, if a potential threat is detected,
the area will require additional screening. If no potential threats
are detected, an “OK” appears on the monitor with no
outline, and the passenger is cleared.
TSA worked with the Department of Homeland Security’s
(DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) and private
industry to develop the new software. In February 2011, TSA
successfully tested the new software at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International, Las Vegas McCarran International and Ronald Reagan
Washington National airports.
No Threat Detected
The new software will be installed on all millimeter wave AIT
units currently in airports, with plans to test similar software
for backscatter units in the fall. AIT safely screens passengers
without physical contact for both metallic and non-metallic
threats, including weapons and explosives. Currently, there are
nearly 500 imaging technology units at 78 airports nationwide,
including millimeter wave and backscatter units, with additional
units planned for deployment this year.