Drive-through Screening System Provides Rapid Detection of Explosives, Drugs and Stowaways

  • May 14, 2009

Spectrum San Diego introduced yesterday the CarSCAN™, an ultra-low-dose dual-energy X-ray imaging system providing rapid detection of explosives, contraband and stowaways in cars and light trucks. CarSCAN significantly increases detection capabilities at military checkpoints and other high-security locations. Concealed threats are quickly identified in vehicles traveling at normal checkpoint speeds, reducing wait times at border crossings and other high-volume inspection points.

The company will be demonstrating CarSCAN for the first time at the 2009 Force Protection Equipment Demonstration VII (FPED VII) from May 19-21, 2009 at the Stafford County Regional Airport, Stafford, Virginia.

CarSCAN’s patent pending technology provides actionable information to security personnel at border crossings, military bases, embassies, ports and other critical government and private facilities. The vehicle being inspected drives through the CarSCAN archway and the scanned image is displayed on the security officer’s monitor, much the same as an airport baggage scanner. Unlike previous generation vehicle scanners, dual-energy transmission imaging penetrates through the entire vehicle, greatly minimizing blind spots and highlighting potential threats in easily understandable color-coded images.

"CarSCAN is a breakthrough in vehicle screening technology, offering a valuable new security tool to the government, law enforcement and military," said Dr. Steven W. Smith, president and technical director of Spectrum San Diego. "Passengers remain safely inside the vehicle, allowing a thorough inspection with the highest throughput. We are pleased to demonstrate CarSCAN for the first time to FPED attendees."

CarSCAN meets national safety standards for the X-ray screening of vehicles containing passengers. Its small footprint allows the CarSCAN archway to be installed into an existing traffic lane. Minimal manpower and time are required for installation and operational training. Since only a few hours are necessary to set up and dismantle the system, short notice needs and unanticipated security requirements can easily be accommodated. No trenching or build-out of the installation area is necessary. CarSCAN can be operated at an unlimited distance from security personnel to provide standoff blast protection.

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