A quarterly research and development magazine.Winter 2006/2007
Volume 8, No. 4
A 2004 version of SNIFFER (then reported in Sandia Technology as Sensor Management Architecture) used just one “node,” a box laden with electronic components, detectors, and communications equipment, and just two detectors. The SNIFFER system has matured to the point that eight nodes, totaling some 64 detectors, were networked in and around McAfee Stadium during the Oakland deployment.
The system also incorporates video surveillance cameras, which serve both to confirm the findings of the detection equipment and to keep a lookout for illicit attempts to damage or alter any system components.
In designing and testing the SNIFFER system for DHS, said Wu, the main obstacle has been in dealing with the plethora of “background noise” common in or near large venues — one reason why Sandia’s team appreciated McAfee Coliseum management allowing a multigame test deployment there.
“You simply can’t reproduce in a laboratory the kind of real-world environment in which SNIFFER is meant to be deployed,” Wu said.
In a typical sports venue such as McAfee, he said, detectors must try to differentiate between authentic chemical releases and cigarette smoke, automobile emissions, perfumes, odors from popcorn machines, hamburger stands, and hot dog vendors.
While indoor spaces concentrate smells and chemicals, such as floor waxes and cleansers, homeland security officials wanted to learn about open-air venues — especially those used for special events, such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics. The goal over the next few years is to build a network of chemical sensors that require little attention but can sniff an dangerous chemicals in time to quickly warn venue operators to activate emergency response measures.
In addition to the deployment at McAfee Coliseum, Sandia evaluated SNIFFER during a 10-week stint at Sandia’s Livermore site and at a brief deployment at San Francisco International Airport in early 2005.