Praveen Paruchuri, of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, used game theory to create a computer interface that tells guards where to be at a certain time.
The schedule, now in use at Los Angeles International airport (LAX) produces the same level of coverage as conventional methods, but aims to baffle terrorists by putting patrols in a random place throughout the day.
The concern is that over months and years in the same job guards fall into predictable routines that could allow terrorists to slip through the net.
“To interrupt or deter a terrorist plot in the surveillance phase is the safest and most efficient manner to protect the airport,” said James Butts, director of law enforcement at LAX.
“This program and technology directly addresses thwarting potential terrorists at the earliest stages of planning.”
The software, called Armor, started life when Paruchuri began looking for an “agent” that could react to an enemy that knows precisely what decisions it is about to make. Using artificial intelligence, he wrote algorithms that could outsmart even the most clued-up enemy using good old-fashioned randomness.
LAX officials were unable to give exact details of how the software is being used but initial feedback is good, with passengers even reporting a greater police presence within the airport.