The Industrial Imaging and Communications Section represents manufacturers of systems, devices, components, software, and accessories used in imaging and communications for security and protection purposes, including equipment, components, software, accessories, and devices used in image generation, transmission, capture, of and integration of imaging information with other information associated with human, animal, baggage and cargo scanning, inspection, and analysis. Click for detailed product scope information.
Section Product Scope
All systems, devices, components, software, and accessories used in imaging and communications for security and protection purposes, including equipment, components, software, accessories, and devices used in image generation, transmission, capture, of and integration of imaging information with other information associated with human, animal, baggage and cargo scanning, inspection, and analysis.
These systems, devices, components, software and accessories perform one or more of the following functions:
- Image generation
- Digital image acquisition
- Digital electronic display, capable of being used for more than one image acquisition device
- Connection to image acquisition devices with digital output.
- Digital archiving and storage
- Communication using local and/or extended networks, telecommunications, or video networks
- Image encoding and decoding (e.g., data compression, error detection and correction)
- Image processing
- Integration of imaging and/or other information systems.
- Image distribution
- Non-image detection, for example trace or diffraction detection
- Image inspection
This scope excludes devices already included in other NEMA product areas, especially Signaling, Protection, Communication, and Medical Division Sections.
The Section members develop technical standards and guidelines, influences government affairs and trade issues, and develops marketing programs for the benefit of users and manufacturers.
The product links to the left provide list of product manufacturers and associated standards.
Below is information on the section activities:
Technical Activities
In partnership with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration, NEMA is developing a standard for digital imaging and communications standard for security applications.
Called Digital Imaging and Communication in Security (DICOS), the standard will enable network and component integration in the sending and receiving of digital images and related information.
Background:
As the processes for scanning, inspection and analysis become more automated and the need for more immediate and consistent information becomes more critical, particularly for homeland security reasons, NEMA is facilitating with manufacturers the development of an industry standard that would enable the equipment users to install or upgrade devices that are conformant to a widely accepted standard and are manufactured by multiple companies.
The Standard will be based on Digital Communication in Medicine (DICOM) and will:
- Establishing the initial negotiation between the communicating devices. The requesting device will need to know what the capabilities are of the receiving device. The exchanges are based on the capabilities that the two entities have in common which are communicated in the initial handshake.
- Address the differences in how imaging devices represent values and define the transfer syntax.
The intention is to develop a standard for communication across the boundaries between heterogeneous or disparate applications; devices and systems used for security and protection purposes that can be widely deployed.
In consultation with DHS and TSA, NEMA provides a forum for users, vendors, service providers and manufacturers to develop standards for digital security. The goal is to provide digital standards and products by 2011.
Membership
Membership in NEMA is open to any firm actively engaged in the manufacture in North America of a product within the NEMA scope and for sale in the open market. Membership of foreign firms is subject to product section policies and NEMA Board of Governors approval.
NEMA operates on a fee-for-service basis. Each product section establishes its projects and activities and approves an annual operating budget.
For more information on joining NEMA or this section, please see the membership center.
