BAXSTER: an image quality tester for x-ray baggage screening systems

Piet Bijl; Maarten A Hogervorst; J. Mathieu Valeton; C. Jaap de Ruiter

doi:10.1117/12.485910

22 September 2003 BAXSTER: an image quality tester for x-ray baggage screening systems

Piet Bijl, Maarten A Hogervorst, J. Mathieu Valeton, C. Jaap de Ruiter

Proceedings Volume 5071, Sensors, and Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) Technologies for Homeland Defense and Law Enforcement II; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.485910
Event: AeroSense 2003, 2003, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

TNO Human Factors in the Netherlands developed a prototype apparatus for testing the image quality of X-ray Baggage Screening Systems: BAXSTER. BAXSTER stands for BAggage X-ray Screening TesteR. The test has a variety of applications, e.g. support by the choice of optimal screening systems for airport security, comparison of competing X-ray systems, delivery tests and routine tests. Advantages over existing tests are (1) a strong relationship with real object recognition, (2) accurate and objective test results, and (3) ease of use: performing a test is almost as easy as doing an eye test at the optometrist. BAXSTER is based on the patented TOD (Triangle Orientation Discrimination) test method, which is well-suited for standardization, and development of the test apparatus was funded by the US FAA/TSA (Transportation Security Administration). The apparatus consists of two parts. The first part is a set of test charts containing triangular test patterns of various metals of different sizes and thicknesses. These charts are placed in a frame that is scanned by the X-ray system like a regular baggage item. The operator has to judge the orientation of these patterns on the X-ray image. The second part is a laptop with peripherals and software that controls and analyses the test. The result of a test is a set of performance indicators (relating to detection, resolution, penetration, wire detection and wire penetration) for the entire system, including the display, the operator and the effect of environmental conditions. No (electronic) connection with the X-ray system is required. The effectiveness of automatic object detection and material discrimination through dual-energy X-ray analysis cannot be tested with BAXSTER. In conclusion: with BAXSTER the image quality of X-ray Baggage Screening Systems can be tested easily and objectively.

Citation Download Citation

Piet Bijl, Maarten A Hogervorst, J. Mathieu Valeton, and C. Jaap de Ruiter "BAXSTER: an image quality tester for x-ray baggage screening systems", Proc. SPIE 5071, Sensors, and Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) Technologies for Homeland Defense and Law Enforcement II, (22 September 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.485910

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