08 May,2011 08:03 AM IST | | Rex Features
A British company has launched a machine that allows the operator to lean against a wall and record activity on other side
A technology firm has launched a backpack-sized machine that can spy through walls. By placing the device against the outside wall of a room or building, it can evaluate the position and movement of people on the other side. The Prism 200c fits covertly inside a backpack and is the first time such a device has been manufactured small enough for just one person to use.
The operator simply leans against a wall to either monitor or record the activity within a building, maintaining cover by operating it via a handheld laptop computer or similar personal device on site. With the press of a button, operators can switch between front, plan or profile views for a complete picture. The user can also observe the scenario in a 3D view, where the perspective can be rotated to look at a room or building from various vantage points.
It uses ultra-wideband radio frequencies to highlight moving people and objects in cluttered environments, through doors or brick, block and concrete walls. Ultra-wideband is difficult to detect and able to work in a large area. British company Cambridge Consultants say they have developed the device as a covert solution for counter terrorism forces and Police Special Operations teams, who already deploy Prism technology.
A statement explains the Prism 200c has been created "for high risk and hostile situations with minimal time and very narrow margin for error" using technology that "has been successfully deployed by homeland security, defence and special forces, police, SWAT teams and military officers worldwide."
The spy who rides on piggy-back
The Prism 200c is a discrete backpack-sized machine that can spy through walls. By placing the device against the outside wall of a room or building, it can evaluate the position and movement of people on the other side. It fits covertly inside a backpack and is the first time such a device has been manufactured small enough for just one person to use.
