The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed the latest checkpoint screening technology equipment at three Upstate New York airports — Adirondack Regional Airport, Massena International Airport and Ogdensburg International Airport, said a TSA press release Tuesday.

With the addition of the new Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines at these airports, TSA is able to further strengthen security for passengers flying out of Upstate New York. The machines are state-of-the-art equipment with automated target recognition software that uses bright yellow boxes to indicate to a TSA officer the location of an alarm on a generic “cookie cutter” image of a passenger. This way the officer knows exactly where to check a passenger for a possible threat item. If the machine indicates no threats, then a green screen appears that indicates the passenger is cleared to pass through the checkpoint.

“AIT technology is designed to enhance security by safely screening passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats—including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing,” said TSA’s Upstate New York Federal Security Director Bart Johnson.

There is a generic image of all passengers who are screened through the new automated image technology checkpoint screening equipment. It’s the same generic image for all passengers, regardless of their gender, height or weight and ensures passenger privacy. The image looks very much like the outline of a cookie cutter.

Imaging technology screening is safe for all travelers, and the technology meets all known national and international health and safety standards. In fact, the energy emitted by millimeter wave technology is 1,000 times less than the international limits and guidelines.