Originally Posted by
businesstraveller2
I think there are many alternatives, starting with improvements to the current technology. I do research in related areas and am looking into some ideas along these lines. What is clear is that the current nude scanners were designed to get the information as simply as possible with little regard for passenger privacy issues and with less than optimal regard for radiation exposure, especially to those who fly all the time like the airline crews and frequent flyers. As a frequent flyer who works on various aspects of imaging technology I find this an interesting problem that is wide open for technological improvements. In an ideal world the technology would interface well with security intelligence.
Personally, I think this is extremely interesting. Obviously, people will always be wary of new technology, also especially when it's used in security, but as long as documentation, testing and trials over time are used and proves that the tech is safe and effective, then that distrust will subside eventually. What is worrying, however, is the current focus on x-rays. Yes, the doses are negligible, but over time, no one knows what the effects will be. Improving mmw tech would probably be a better option...or?
Another question is this; will technology actually solve anything? We've had the "wands" and the portals, the carry-on and luggage x-ray machines "puffers" and ED machines, and none of them have really improved, as such, the cooperation of the travelling public or the system itself. It's still the same as when the checkpoint model was first conceived.
What I'm saying is, is there a way that the public can actually be a "part" of the system, making a) screening easier and ore effective and b) making the "one in a billion" would-be terrorist stand out from the crowd?
I think technology might not be the answer, though nothing can be said against the fact that improved, more efficient and safer tech is never a bad thing.
-SB-