Method and System for Certifying Operators of X-Ray Inspection Systems

Abstract

A method and system for using Threat Imaging Projection (TIP) technology, and the operator testing data that it generates, in order to certify x-ray inspection system operators and thereby assure an acceptable and uniform level of operator performance. In a preferred configuration, the operator views x-ray images of objects on a screening system equipped with TIP technology. When the operator believes that a threat item image appears on the screening system, the operator indicates such via an indicating means. The system is capable of recording, storing and transmitting individual operator performance data relating to proper detections, missed detections, and false alarms, i.e., when an operator indicates that a threat item image appears when no such image actually appears on the screening system. The system preferably contains a library of various threat item images, e.g., guns, bombs, knives, etc., which are classified according to type of threat and difficulty of detection.

1 - 50 . (canceled) 
     
     
         51 . A system for certifying security inspection system operators, comprising:
 a computer readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of threat item images;   a computer readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of programmatic instructions for accessing the threat item images to display an X-ray image of at least one threat item image in combination with a baggage item, wherein said display provides the appearance that the threat item is located inside of said baggage item;   a computer readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of programmatic instructions for receiving an input from the operator, wherein said input indicates whether the operator has identified said at least one threat item image on the monitor; and   a computer readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of programmatic instructions for determining whether said operator has detected a predetermined percentage of said threat item images and, depending on said calculation, producing a certification score.   
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 51  wherein an orientation angle of each threat item image is associated with a detection difficulty level that is used in determining the certification score. 
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the threat item images further include training images. 
     
     
         54 . The system of  claim 53  wherein the plurality of programmatic instructions does not use a detection of a predetermined percentage of training images in said production of said certification score. 
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 51  wherein said certification score is limited to pass or fail. 
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the plurality of programmatic instructions for accessing the threat item images randomly selects certification images and training images for displaying on the monitor. 
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 51  further comprising a certification criteria database, wherein said certification criteria database contains a plurality of requirements for operator certification. 
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the threat item images include images of at least one of bombs, knives, guns, or improvised explosive devices. 
     
     
         59 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the X-ray image of at least one threat item image in combination with a baggage item is generated in real-time by scanning the baggage item as it passes through an X-ray machine. 
     
     
         60 . The system of  claim 51  wherein the X-ray image of at least one threat item image in combination with a baggage item is generated is electronically generated by the system. 
     
     
         61 . The system of  claim 51  further comprising a plurality of programmatic instructions for reporting an operator certification score to an operator certification authority such that the certification score may be evaluated.