See-Thru-Eye

This Phase I SBIR research effort involves a feasibility study and an in-depth investigation into technologies that would be applied in ship compartment inspection to ensure full space accountability. A trade study will identify the most promising technology to develop and design a handheld, man-portable See-Thru-Eye capable of penetrating a host of barriers of different thicknesses and construction material including wood, fiberglass, plastics and steel and seeing through walls, bulkheads, etc. to accurately analyze and provide information on material hidden from vision with minimal or no disruption of commercial and private properties. The baseline design employs a combination of non destructive techniques based on x-ray technology and infrasound technology. The See-Thru-Eye is appropriate for remote inspection of concealed compartments as well as for detection of illegal cargo in the open environment aboard marine vessels. Illegal cargo includes smuggled illegal migrants and contraband (such as explosives, drugs, etc.). The See-Thru-Eye can be used by a broad range of U.S. Coast Guard personnel; with little or no advanced technical education and requires minimal training to become efficient in its operation.