Alex Chalmers

Single-sided x-ray inspection of vehicles using AS&E's Z-Backscatter Van

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.

Three applications of backscatter x-ray imaging technology to homeland defense

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.

Rapid inspection of cargos at portals using drive-through transmission and backscatter x-ray imaging

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.

Applications of backscatter x-ray imaging sensors for homeland defense

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.

Improving the security of international ISO container traffic by centralizing the archival of inspection results

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.

Radioactive threat detection using scintillant-based detectors

An update to the performance of AS&Es 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.

Radioactive threat detection using AS&E's MobileSearch

An overview and sample images from AS&Es 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 systems unique ability to perform RTD while performing backscatter and transmission x-ray inspection.

Transmission-enhanced backscatter x-ray images

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.