A method for automatic manifest verification of container cargo using radiography images

Abstract

This paper evaluates a new and useful tool which can be used to facilitate trade while simultaneously enhancing supply-chain security. It describes a simple algorithm to characterize regularities in the appearance of particular cargo types in radiography images and verify that new images with the same cargo type match the earlier characterization. We find that it is possible to identify containers inconsistent with their label to a substantial degree of confidence. This evaluation was made possible by analyzing a novel data set consisting of radiography images of real stream-of-commerce container cargo which is labeled with the contents from the shipment manifest. These data were gathered from containers passing through U.S. ports of entry and from customs data filed by importers. The pairing of radiograph and manifest data is shown to hold great potential for assisting human customs inspectors and detecting anomalous shipments.