AFRL an Automatic Choice for AutoScan Assistance Published March 4, 2010 By Heyward Burnett Materials and Manufacturing WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Air Force Research Laboratory aided industry partner Kachemak Research Development, Inc., in developing AutoScan, an under-vehicle inspection system designed to ensure the safety of military personnel by enabling reliable, remote detection of contraband, explosives, and other vehicle-borne threats before they can reach the interior of a base or installation. Available in both portable and permanently installable architectures, AutoScan uses high-quality imaging technology to scan the undercarriage of a vehicle as it enters the perimeter inspection area. The system then transmits the resulting imagery to security forces personnel for thorough inspection at a safe standoff distance. AutoScan employs imaging technology similar to that used in today's office copiers and scanners. As a vehicle drives over the AutoScan platform, the system captures and transmits detailed images of the vehicle undercarriage. A security forces operator uses the received imagery to carry out the inspection remotely, zooming in and out to obtain multiple levels of detailed magnification and, as applicable, storing imagery results for future comparison and analysis. As part of establishing a comprehensive inspection network, AutoScan's design facilitates its integration with other relevant technologies (e.g., external sensors, backscatter devices). This same network-oriented design also enables a single operator to use just one computer to operate multiple AutoScan systems. Though AutoScan's primary use currently lies in the inspection of large commercial vehicles, such as semitrucks, its application extends to passenger vehicles as well. Possible future system enhancements include anomaly detection (object identification and classification assistance), as well as design modifications geared towards AutoScan's operation in a broader array of environments and conditions. Presently in use--and under continuing evaluation--at service installations and institutions nationwide, AutoScan provides reassurance that the dangers faced by security personnel at these locations are significantly reduced. Unsurprisingly, users both home and abroad have enthusiastically embraced AutoScan over manual inspection techniques and appreciate the added safety, accuracy, and reduced labor time it proffers. AFRL and KRD likewise welcome user feedback as the constructive input needed to facilitate ongoing improvements to an already invaluable warfighter asset.