HTPX: fast, automatic, low-cost x-ray bag screening for mass-casualty threats

Michael C. Kemp; Samuel Pollock; Daniel R. Crick; Laura J. Winter

doi:10.1117/12.2587880

12 April 2021 HTPX: fast, automatic, low-cost x-ray bag screening for mass-casualty threats

Michael C. Kemp, Samuel Pollock, Daniel R. Crick, Laura J. Winter

Proceedings Volume 11738, Anomaly Detection and Imaging with X-Rays (ADIX) VI; 117380K (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2587880
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2021, Online Only

Abstract

We describe a novel fast, automatic and low-cost approach to screening bags for mass casualty threats at sports events, visitor attractions, transport hubs and other publicly accessible locations. This uses simple dual energy X-ray imaging combined with additional microwave radar and optical sensors designed to distinguish benign bags from those containing large explosives or weapon threats. An algorithm based on machine-learning techniques provides automatic detection without the need for an operator to view any image. A prototype has been developed and shown to be able to screen in excess of 1000 bags/hour with high detection and low false alarm rates. Algorithm testing using data from real-life bags taken from a major London visitor attraction and threat bags containing representative firearm and simulated IED threats gave a detection rate of 90% with a corresponding false alarm rate of 2.5% and 95% at 7% false alarms.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Michael C. Kemp, Samuel Pollock, Daniel R. Crick, and Laura J. Winter "HTPX: fast, automatic, low-cost x-ray bag screening for mass-casualty threats", Proc. SPIE 11738, Anomaly Detection and Imaging with X-Rays (ADIX) VI, 117380K (12 April 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2587880

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