A few nights ago on Dateline they had a special about a new device that is supposed to help airlines detect whether or not you have any weapons on you. You stand in front of this "wall" and it makes a virtual image of you on a computer screen. I'm not sure how this works, and the Dateline archives aren't working for me to give you a link. But the thing that really got me was they showed this man who'd volunteered to do this. He stood at the wall and then it showed the computer screen. This man could've been standing there naked!! The only things it showed on his "virtual" body were his belt, his wallet, and a beeper he had in his pocket. Now, I have never flown, and don't know if I ever will. And if I remember right, this device was only going to be used when they felt the passenger was hiding something. But I surely don't want some man or woman staring at a screen that leaves NOTHING to the imagination. Not with me on the other end of that screen. How far is too far for our safety? Would this make you feel more comfortable flying, or totally turn you against it?

By Ginnyk on Wednesday, March 20, 2002 - 05:08 pm:

I am a bit puzzled - a "virtual image" is not the same thing as a picture or photo - it is a computer buildup of what the sensors report. But I understand what you are saying - it would probably be better if the image was one of those "outline" images one sometimes sees - lots of little lines which are an exact copy of what the sensors detect but not quite human, and preferably without a face and without any coloration.

BTW, an order has now been issued that when the security people feel a body search is required, the search can only be done by someone of the same gender as the person being searched - seems the stewardesses started complaining about an excessive about of body searches that were entirely too personal.

By Jujubee9752 on Wednesday, March 20, 2002 - 06:19 pm:

Yep, it would be better as an outline. This picture that it showed on the screen was in detail! It showed the man's genitals, everything! I turned the channel because of it. It was graphic,and it had "facial expressions". You could tell it was computer generated, but still. I think that they could make an image like you described. Without all of the graphic representation of what is on the body.

By Catherin on Thursday, March 21, 2002 - 09:36 pm:

I have never flown and really have no intention to. I may have to fly to go to chile someday but until then I will keep my feet firmly planted on teh ground.

By Jujubee9752 on Thursday, March 21, 2002 - 11:14 pm:

Me either! It just isn't my thing. But if this is what they have now, and someday one of my children get on a plane...what then. What type of devices will they have then? I don't even want to think about it.