New technology that
can “ see ” through clothing and detect what ’ s underneath can now be used to
scan crowds, making it a potentially effective tool to prevent terrorist
attacks in public places.
The Thru Vision T5000 camera picks up Terahertz rays ，or T-rays, which are naturally sent
out by all objects and can pass through clothes or even walls. The camera can
then detect metallic and nonmetallic objects hidden under clothing on still or
moving subjects without showing any body detail.
While similar technology is seen at airports around the
world, the T5000 is designed to be used in large, open areas. With a range of
25 meters, the T5000 can screen people in public places, thus avoiding
bottle-necks at border crossing or security checkpoints. It also means people
can be screened without knowing it.
The technology develops from British astronomers ’ work
in studying dying stars. Astronomers use T-ray cameras to see through dust and
clouds in space. The company sees uses for its camera at other sites where
political or business activities take place.
For privacy concerns，Thru Vision Chief Executive Clive Beattie said the image
produced by the camera did not show detailed parts of the body. ” It's almost a
shining light bulb(灯泡）.“ Beattie said. "You don' t
see the detail that people might be concerned about. “ In London' s busy
Piccadilly Circus—which is already filled with closed -circuit surveillance (监视）cameras— reaction to the new technology was mixed. Some said the
camera was going too far and violating privacy，but
others said they are willing to put safety before privacy concerns. “ There ’ s
surveillance everywhere anyway, “ said one commuter. “I don' t think it’ s much
of a difference. I don' t care that they can see through me because they can
see me anyway.“
Some experts said the privacy violation of the camera
was not worth the benefit. “ What we should consider is how much we want to
lose our privacy in order to obtain a sort of national security，” said David Murakami Wood，director of the Surveillance Studies network，which deals with surveillance and privacy problems. “ In most cases
this isn' t real security—it ’ s a sense of safety that has very little real
effect. ”
1..
What can we learn about
T5000?
A. It can detect metallic and nonmetallic
objects underneath.
B. It can see through clothing or walls by
sending out T-rays.
C. It was first used to observe stars by
astronomers.
D. It is widely used at airports around
the world.
2..
What is the most probable
purpose of the new invention?
A. To improve people ’ s life standard. B. For scientific research.
C. For commercial benefits. D.
For safety reasons.
3..
Which is most probably the
opinion of people on using the new camera?
A. Some agree to its use as it is new
technology to protect privacy.
B. Some agree to its use because safety is
the most important.
C. Some don' t agree to its use because it makes no
difference.
D.Some people don' t care because they know little about
it.
4..
What' s the main idea of the last paragraph?
A. Safety is more important than privacy.
B. T5000 is more beneficial than harmful.
C. T5000 does not really provide security.
D. It's not worth giving up privacy for
safety.
