Improved Heartbeat Detector system for non-intrusive concealed passenger detection

The Improved Heartbeat Detector System (IHDS) is designed to wirelessly inspect cars, trucks, and tractor trailers for concealed passengers in less than three minutes. The system determines the presence of concealed passengers aboard a vehicle by detecting the very small motions imparted to the vehicle by the passenger's heartbeat, breathing, and associated motions. The system is portable and can be unpacked and in operation on site within three minutes. A handheld interface is used to initiate scans, view search/pass results, and save data to a secure digital (SD) card. The existing wired system (the Advanced Vehicle Interrogation and Notification (AVIAN) Heartbeat Detectortrade) was upgraded to a wireless prototype version to meet US Customs and Border Protection requirements for improved accuracy in a variety of weather conditions. Battelle, the prime contractor, conducted the project in conjunction with Geovox Security, Inc., the manufacturer of the AVIAN system.