Dr Philo Daniel, Global Director Aviation and Urban Security, Smiths Detection explores how airport security can be enhanced through collaborative, future-ready solutions.

Aviation screening consists of the security measures and processes implemented at airports to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, aircraft and cargo.

It involves the inspection of passengers, carry-ons and checked baggage to detect and prevent the transportation of prohibited items such as weapons, explosives and other dangerous materials that could pose a threat.  

A changing world of threats… 

Aviation security has continuously adapted, progressed and utilised technological advancements to reduce risks posed by increasingly severe and complex threats, including explosive devices, weapons, hazardous materials and bio-threats.

Upholding and enhancing high standards for detection equipment is crucial in addressing the increasingly sophisticated risks encountered during hold baggage and checkpoint screening. 

…Counteracted by ever evolving AI-bolstered technology  

As a solution architect, in focus at Smiths Detection are computed tomography (CT), enhanced by automatic detection algorithms and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) scanners.

Combining the highest level of detection capability with automatic explosives detection and object recognition, Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX produces high-resolution volumetric 3D images for quicker and deeper baggage assessment.

Operators can inspect baggage from every angle, vastly increasing efficiency of threat detection.  

Combining the highest level of detection capability with automatic explosives detection and object recognition, Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX produces high-resolution volumetric 3D images for quicker and deeper baggage assessment.

Operators can inspect baggage from every angle, increasing efficiency and effectiveness of threat detection.  

AI powered software is at the heart of many solutions which automate the detection of threats, increasing the accuracy of detection and reducing operator interference to create more seamless security processes.

Advances in AI-based algorithms have now enabled the real-time, automatic identification of threats.

These algorithms excel at identifying patterns in object shape and texture by analysing vast datasets of X-ray images.

These algorithms are used to assist operators by drawing a frame around detected items, increasing efficiency and security levels, leading to low false alarm rates.  

Enter X-ray Diffraction  

X-ray Diffraction adopts a revolutionary alternative and complementary approach to 3D X-ray scanners.

Smiths Detection’s SDX10060 XDi has a breakthrough design incorporating an X-ray source that fans a multi-focused beam of light out across the full width of screening tunnel.

The beam is emitted from several positions along the tunnel and the switching of these ‘focal spots’ is done electronically in milliseconds.

This innovation allows XRD to operate at constant speed and creates much greater efficiency for operators as prior efforts required the beam to be moved to capture the full tunnel width.

Multiple detectors pick up the resulting diffracted waves and feed them into the system’s pattern analysis engine.  

By comparing these diffraction patterns against a comprehensive database of known threats, operators can accurately determine the composition of suspicious substances.

This highly precise technique is particularly effective for detecting the ever-evolving array of powder, liquid and solid compounds, such as explosives.  

Linking the chain  

For major airports, where there are multiple terminals and consistently high volumes of baggage, wide-area networks (WANs) enable centralised and remote image evaluation.

Although centralisation is not a new concept, image analysis is a new application.

WANs can facilitate the real-time sharing of images between different areas of a building or sites, enabling greater resource prioritisation and operational efficiency.  

The benefits are particularly clear when it comes to countries with many regional airports spread far apart.

Linking all outlying locations to a key airport where volumes are more consistent enables more efficient operator resourcing. 

Future gazing  

Recognising that no singular security screening method can guarantee 100% interception of all threats is crucial.

Deploying adapted means of screening using multiple complementary scanning techniques is the way forward to combat evolving threats.

Ongoing research and development efforts aim to improve sensitivity, reduce scanning times and enhance the overall capabilities of these technologies.  

In the longer term, XRD will provide highly accurate information about the physical composition of a threat and as the technology continues to advance, the collaboration between CT and XRD promises a more accurate, efficient and sophisticated approach, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure global community.  

Ultimately, we are likely to see CT and XRD technology combined into one powerful unit.

In this scenario, each item will be checked by both technologies simultaneously, leveraging the strengths of both techniques.  

This article was originally published in the October Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.