The news segment demonstrates how PinPoint, when integrated into existing baggage and package scanning equipment, immediately highlights and identifies concealed threat items that trained screeners find very difficult or impossible to detect without physical searches.
PinPoint combines software with artificial intelligence, acting as a "second set of eyes," to identify threat items, such as heavy metal objects and bombs/C4 explosives, with an accuracy rate of up to 90%, more than twice the rate of existing scanning systems. PinPoint also offers an unrivaled minimal "false positive" rate of less than 10%, compared to 30-60% for traditional scanning as reported in a 2003 GAO study.
PinPoint's improved threat detection capabilities greatly reduce the possibility that a threat item or threat item components will pass through a security check point undetected, at the same time reducing the number of bags or packages needlessly searched due to false positive readings. The potential net result is enhanced safety, shorter security lines, reduced security staffing costs and greater passenger privacy.
PinPoint's ability to accurately identify the type of threat item is a unique and critical feature that existing baggage scanners don't offer. When PinPoint detects a threat item, it alerts screeners to the presence of the specific type of item, avoiding a physical inspection of the bag that could possibly cause detonation, and enabling security staff to determine the appropriate response based on the type of threat item.
In addition to PinPoint's applications for airport security illustrated in the news segment, PinPoint's technology enhances the accuracy of package scanners employed at office buildings, government facilities, hospitals, entertainment venues and other high-security areas.
PinPoint's unique identification capabilities can extend far beyond baggage and package scanning. Guardian Technologies is currently adapting PinPoint for additional applications which include: