A simple model is presented of a possible inspection regimen applied to each leg of a cargo containers' journey between
its point of origin and destination. Several candidate modalities are proposed to be used at multiple remote locations to
act as a pre-screen inspection as the target approaches a perimeter and as the primary inspection modality at the portal.
Information from multiple data sets are fused to optimize the costs and performance of a network of such inspection
systems. A series of image processing algorithms are presented that automatically process X-ray images of containerized
cargo. The goal of this processing is to locate the container in a real time stream of traffic traversing a portal without
impeding the flow of commerce. Such processing may facilitate the inclusion of unmanned/unattended inspection
systems in such a network. Several samples of the processing applied to data collected from deployed systems are
included. Simulated data from a notional cargo inspection system with multiple sensor modalities and advanced data
fusion algorithms are also included to show the potential increased detection and throughput performance of such a
configuration.
Encouraging results are presented for the automatic analysis of radiographic images of a continuous stream of ISO
containers to confirm they are truly empty. A series of image processing algorithms are described that process real-time
data acquired during the actual inspection of each container and assigns each to one of the classes "empty", "not empty"
or "suspect threat". This research is one step towards achieving fully automated analysis of cargo containers.
A brief review of backscatter x-ray imaging and a description of three systems currently applying it to homeland defense missions (BodySearch, ZBV and ZBP). These missions include detection of concealed weapons, explosives and contraband on personnel, in vehicles and large cargo containers. An overview of the x-ray imaging subsystems is provided as well as sample images from each system. Key features such as x-ray safety, throughput and detection are discussed. Recent trends in operational modes are described that facilitate 100% inspection at high throughput chokepoints.
American Science and Engineering, Inc. has recently deployed X-ray inspection systems capable of screening large numbers of vehicles as they drive through a checkpoint. A general description of each of these transmission and backscatter X-ray inspection systems is presented. Other key integrated technologies are also described that enable screening of cargo using high quality X-ray images while the target vehicles are driven through the portal. Safety issues are discussed, as well as sample images created by fielded systems.
To increase the security and throughput of ISO traffic through international terminals more technology must be applied to the problem. A transnational central archive of inspection records is discussed that can be accessed by national agencies as ISO containers approach their borders. The intent is to improve the throughput and security of the cargo inspection process. A review of currently available digital media archiving technologies is presented and their possible application to the tracking of international ISO container shipments. Specific image formats employed by current x-ray inspection systems are discussed. Sample x-ray data from systems in use today are shown that could be entered into such a system. Data from other inspection technologies are shown to be easily integrated, as well as the creation of database records suitable for interfacing with other computer systems. Overall system performance requirements are discussed in terms of security, response time and capacity. Suggestions for pilot projects based on existing border inspection processes are made also.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-rays, X-ray detectors, Data acquisition, Gamma radiation, Signal detection, Backscatter, Signal processing, Inspection, Digital signal processing
An update to the performance of AS&E's Radioactive Threat Detection sensor technology. A model is presented detailing the components of the scintillant-based RTD system employed in AS&E products aimed at detecting radiological WMD. An overview of recent improvements in the sensors, electrical subsystems and software algorithms are presented. The resulting improvements in performance are described and sample results shown from existing systems. Advanced and future capabilities are described with an assessment of their feasibility and their application to Homeland Defense.
A compact mobile single sided vehicle inspection system is presented employing backscatter x-ray imaging. Major system components are described as well as its intended applications. Sample images are shown from recent scans of small and large vehicles at a range of scan speeds and distances. Various types of contraband and threat types are shown to be detected.
KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-rays, Backscatter, Inspection, X-ray imaging, Gamma radiation, Signal processing, Signal detection, X-ray detectors, Weapons of mass destruction
An overview and sample images from AS&E's recently deployed Radioactive Threat Detection equipment offered as an option to its MobileSearch x-ray inspection systems. Detector technology, signal processing, threat location and identification strategies are presented, as well as this system's unique ability to perform RTD while performing backscatter and transmission x-ray inspection.
A general description of backscatter x-ray imaging is provided as well as sample images from systems that can be applied to various homeland defense missions. These missions include detection of concealed weapons, thru-wall imaging, explosives detection, contraband detection in small and large containers, and rapid single-sided scanning of stationary and moving targets.
This paper presents a novel technique for the presentation and display of x-ray images. This technique offers in a single image the ease of interpretation of the backscatter image with the penetration information from the transmission image. The Transmission Enhanced Backscatter Image (patent pending) also combines the features from a pair of transmission and backscatter images. The combination algorithm is discussed in terms of standard image processing operations. Sample images are included as well as potential applications of the Transmission Enhanced Backscatter Images to the security inspection industry.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.