Smiths Detection highlights weapon recognition in Airport Show reveal

Smiths’ innovative iCMORE family of smart and adaptable object recognition algorithms have now had weapon detection added to its capabilities

Hans Joachim Schope, capability manager CXS. demonstrated at the show how the CT scanner identified a hidden knife and alerted the operator.

iCMORE offers automatic detection of an ever-expanding list of dangerous, prohibited and contraband goods. It provides invaluable support for security operators, customs officers and other controlling authorities.
“iCMORE identifies threats such as explosives and now weapons and helps combat the movement of unsafe, undeclared or illegal goods,” said Kevin Riordan, head of airports and checkpoint solutions for Smiths Detection. “The system doesn’t get tired or distracted so increases efficiency and detection accuracy”
Smiths say the number of detectable items will continue to grow along with the range of systems offering the various algorithms.
Cargo operations have benefited from the introduction of lithium battery detection.
Offering automatic detection of handguns (pistols, revolvers), gun parts, flick and fixed-blade knives (min. length ~6cm), the weapons module was developed for use in a range of applications such as aviation passenger checkpoints, critical infrastructure protection, prisons and customs. It is available for the HI-SCAN 6040aTiX and HI-SCAN 6040-2is scanners. A weapons algorithm for the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX has also been developed and is now ready for customers to trial.
The weapons kit is offered as an option on new systems or as an upgrade. Potential threats are framed and shown on the main system screen in tandem with the images from the explosives detection scan. The supplementary function does not affect any regulatory certifications or approvals.
Deep learning is fundamental to artificial intelligence (AI) and Smiths Detection took this approach in developing the weapons algorithm - collaborating with customers to build a huge library of images from which the algorithm could ‘learn’. However, conventional methodology may also be employed in future to create iCMORE modules for the detection of substances which do not present in consistent forms or shapes – such as drugs or currency.
The scanners will be available from May and are on trial at different major airports. One trialist – the USA’s TSA is believed to be the launch customer of the upgraded system with as many as 300 units.

Smiths Detection's Hans Joachim Schope shows how a hidden knife can be highlighted by the latest detection capability on the ICMORE scanner.