Abstract
This paper describes a study where a new X-ray machine for security screening featuring motion imaging (i.e., 5 views of a bag are shown as an image sequence) was evaluated and compared to single view imaging available on conventional X-ray screening systems. More specifically, it was investigated whether with this new technology X-ray screening of passenger bags could be enhanced to such an extent that laptops could be left inside passenger bags, without causing a significant impairment in threat detection performance. An X-ray image interpretation test was created in four different versions, manipulating the factors packing condition (laptop and bag separate vs. laptop in bag) and display condition (single vs. motion imaging). There was a highly significant and large main effect of packing condition. When laptops and bags were screened separately, threat item detection was substantially higher. For display condition, a medium effect was observed. Detection could be slightly enhanced through the application of motion imaging. There was no interaction between display and packing condition, implying that the high negative effect of leaving laptops in passenger bags could not be fully compensated by motion imaging. Additional analyses were carried out to examine effects depending on different threat categories (guns, improvised explosive devices, knives, others), the placement of the threat items (in bag vs. in laptop) and viewpoint (easy vs. difficult view). In summary, although motion imaging provides an enhancement, it is not strong enough to allow leaving laptops in bags for security screening.
Highlights
A secure air transportation system is vital for society and economy
The results revealed that threat detection performance was much better when laptops and bags were screened separately (see also Mendes et al., 2012)
Highest detection performance was achieved when motion imaging was available and laptops and bags were screened separately
Summary
A secure air transportation system is vital for society and economy. Aviation security measures have been increased substantially in response to several successful and attempted terrorist attacks since September 11, 2001. One major aspect in this field is the mandatory process of baggage screening using X-ray machines. The security checkpoint is a socio-technical system consisting of human and technical elements, working together. The goal is that no threat items are brought past security checkpoints and onto an airplane. Strong efforts are being made in order to improve and further develop X-ray screening equipment. The final decision whether threat items are contained in the baggage still relies on human operators (screening officers) who visually inspect the X-ray images provided by the machine. Manmachine system performance depends on human factors and display technology (e.g., Bolfing et al, 2008; Koller et al, 2008; von Bastian et al, 2008, 2010; Michel and Schwaninger, 2009; Graves et al, 2011). When evaluating new technological developments with regard to their added value for security screening purposes, this should be taken into account appropriately (see Yoo and Choi, 2006; Yoo, 2009)
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