The Type 31 Lifeform Detection System (LDS) is based on the application of the Ke-G1-E3100 - Life Form Scanner. It became available in YE 31.

The Type 31 LDS consists of a series of modules deployed on a starship or starbase controlled and monitored by the on-board computer. Useful for locating crew members, and preventing unwanted life forms from getting on unnoticed.

The LDS appears as a small small module with a transparent blue dome. Typically mounted on the ceiling of a passageway or room. Inside the dome the scanner can be seen.

• Length: 20 cm (7.8 inches)
• Width: 20 cm (7.8 inches)
• Height: 6 cm (2.36 inches)

• Range: 100 meters (all modes)
• Basic setting provides the most basic scan detecting that life forms are present.
• Filter setting allows the operator to filter out life forms based on class from simple organisms to more complex. This mode will actually attempt identify the life forms present, by comparing the signatures to known values.
• Manual mode of the scanner allows the user to select a specific type/class of life form for the scanner to search for.

Note: The scanner results can be affected by circumstances, for example a life form in a hibernation or stasis state. Nor can the scanner identify a single individual, unless that person has a unique physiology and it is stored in the scanner.

The Type 31 LDS was conceived by Jalen Sune of the YSS Eucharis. It was created towards the end of YE 31 after the YSS Eucharis was damaged and boarded. Jalen Sune found the lack of an easy way to locate crew members frustrating, and later the inability to detect boarders unacceptable.

The Type 31 LDS uses the Ke-G1-3100 from a Star Army Science Scanner, Type 31 mounted upon a rotational unit that has a 60 rpm speed. The module is provided power by the mount, and is tied into the on-board computer system for control and interpretation.

Typical installation is to place one Type 31 LDS unit per deck to provide coverage of 100 meters from the unit.

Example: to provide proper coverage for the inhabitable portions of a Plumeria-class (2D) Medium Gunship a minimum of six units would be needed–one per deck. Only the outer portion of the Main Array would not be scanned, but as this area is uninhabitable, this is acceptable. And an intruder attempting to gain entry through there would be detected long before they got into the ship.

The Type 31 LDS is controlled by the ship's on-board computer and scans are run at predetermined intervals.

The crew of the ship can also set set intervals and patterns for scanning to cover unique situations. For example, when loading supplies cargo containers can be scanned for stowaways, pests, parasites.

The Type 31 LDS modules must be routinely calibrated to maintain efficiency. They should be calibrated at least once every 3 months.

Authored by Nashoba and approved by Wes on Nov 18, 2009 ¹⁾