The Heartbeat Detector, a product that utilizes an algorithm developed by researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, detects individuals attempting to hide in vehicles at security checkpoints. The technology has become the industry standard since it was first licensed by Geovox Security Inc. from ORNL nearly 30 years ago.
As a vehicle approaches a checkpoint, a security officer places the Heartbeat Detector on the vehicle, which senses and measures the vibration of its suspension system and collects the data. The Heartbeat Detector deploys an algorithm to detect the heartbeat of individuals attempting to hide in an enclosed space. The result is generated in a matter of seconds, enabling security or other personnel to respond quickly if there's a perceived threat.
According to Geovox's president Andrew White, other systems, such as deploying detection dogs or X-ray machines, are impractical or inexact. "The Heartbeat Detector technology created a new category of enclosed space detection and has since become the industry standard," White said. "We have clients domestically and abroad, from Tennessee to New Zealand to Eastern Europe who use the Heartbeat Detector to ensure the security and safety of their borders, prisons and nuclear facilities."
When first licensed in 1996, the Heartbeat Detector required customers to purchase an integrated computer system that ran the detection algorithm. As technology evolved, the Geovox team decided to redesign the Heartbeat Detector to better serve its existing customers and expand its market impact by removing the need for consumers to purchase an equipment package to use the system. The new system relies on cloud software, so customers do not need to purchase bulky equipment, but can use a smaller "black box" that plugs into existing operating systems.
The new detector system is less expensive, without compromising accuracy or durability. It's easier to operate, so security officers can be trained and implement the technology quickly. Users can see the results in real time at multiple locations, in addition to their local usage, facilitating a more comprehensive view of security.
"Working with Oak Ridge National Laboratory enabled this complete redesign," said White. "They recognized that we were making a big investment. They were flexible and worked with us on how we license the technology so that we could substantially re-imagine this product. With this new design and pricing, and the flexibility that comes with working with the cloud, we've moved from being a high-ticket item to a security system that can be deployed more widely."
Geovox worked with members of the Technology Transfer Office at ORNL to adjust the terms of the license, resulting in a cost savings that the company passed along to its customers. "This license with Geovox is an example of a long-term, collaborative partnership," said ORNL's Jennifer Caldwell, director of the Technology Transfer Office. "The security industry has rapidly transformed since this technology was licensed in 1996. ORNL is invested in supporting our partners as they adapt to the changing market."
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE's Office of Science. The single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, the Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science . - Brynn Downing
