OptoScreener® - Enhancing checkpoint security with an advanced threat detection system

Efficient and consistent threat detection, in particular identifying dangerous liquids, continues to be a prominent universal challenge. To date, no system or technology has been able to automatically detect liquid threats in small or large containers at security checkpoints, nor have there been any tools introduced to better support screeners’ decision-making in detecting concealed firearms in bags, luggage and other personal belongings.

The OptoScreener is an in-line detection system aimed at intercepting undesirable content in high-profile facilities, such as airports and critical infrastructures.

Optosecurity's unique OptoScreener is the world's first system to add intelligence to conventional checkpoint X-ray imaging machines, thus introducing automated threat detection for liquid threats and firearms. The OptoScreener enhances the performance of existing or new baggage X-ray imaging systems by automatically detecting concealed firearms and firearm parts, even when they are mixed with miscellaneous electronic material and other metal objects. The OptoScreener can identify liquid threats in container volumes up to 2 L and is adaptable for specific applications, including:

• Detection of narcotics dissolved in liquids;
• Detection of alcohol dissolved in beverages;
• Validation of content for any liquid containers.

The OptoScreener is the only system capable of performing cost-effective and precise automated in-line liquid threat and firearm detection on conventional X-ray machines. The OptoScreener provides a reliable decision support solution that increases the probability of threat detection for 100% of controlled items, without adding secondary processes. The system assists screeners by highlighting areas of interest and providing alert messages and critical information about possible threats. While complementing screeners' work, the OptoScreener contributes to more objective and global threat detection. It eliminates human error and interpretation which allows more reliable and swift processing of carry-on items at checkpoints.

The networking capabilities of the OptoScreener allow for remote viewing, auditing, and monitoring, as well as for simultaneous connectivity to multiple checkpoint systems. These capabilities permit live access to all detection information, training, threat database and system software updates and remote verification of the status of the system.

Feature Highlights

With plug-and-play simplicity, the OptoScreener is installed on the side of any X-ray imaging systems using adaptable clamps, without modifications to the original host equipment. It requires no changes to checkpoint layout or protocol. 

Illegal or dangerous liquid Identification

• Real-time 3D modeling with CT-like container reconstruction
• Container volumes up to 2 L / 60 oz
• No container shape or material restrictions

Firearms and Firearm Parts Detection

• World's largest 3D geometrically projected X-Ray Firearm database
• Object recognition based on compound signature analysis
• Detection of disassembled firearm main components concealed in bags, personal belongings, parcels and boxes

System Overview

• Intuitive touch screen interface requiring minimal operator training
• Database updates based on new intelligence
• Low ownership costs
• Quick integration onto existing X-ray systems without any changes to footprint or checkpoint layout
• Single-pass detection reducing requirements for secondary processes
• Network ability allowing immediate reaction and database updates across all checkpoints
• Performance monitoring and diagnostic tools
• X-ray image exchange and rendering with open-standard technology

The technology behind the OptoScreener

An innovative security product based on intelligent 3D computer vision and advanced material science

The techniques used by the OptoScreener system to perform automated detection are based on raw X-ray detector data - not the image displayed by the X-ray manufacturer - allowing for full control over the calibration and rendering of the data. The system detection algorithms are based on context understanding derived from material science and intelligent 3D computer vision. Material analysis allows us to get the most out of the raw X-ray data, turning a common imaging system into a precise scientific instrument. The analysis process includes several steps, including material classification, real-time 3D modeling - even with a single-view X-ray system - the selection of one or more regions of interest and threat image enhancement. On the other hand, intelligent 3D computer vision leverages the X-ray data to extract relevant contextual information and identify threats.

The OptoScreener differentiates between metals of different density and composition and demonstrates a remarkable ability to deal with occlusions. To identify firearms, the OptoScreener leverages an unparalleled database of X-ray firearms and firearms parts images, ranging from exotic composite guns to small automatic weapons. The company proprietary threat library houses geometrically corrected 2D images, representing up to 40,000 distinct 3D views of a single threat object in numerous views. This threat library is believed to be the largest set of X-ray images of handguns in the world.

Our unique approach for dangerous or illicit liquid detection enables the screening of multiple containers simultaneously and discriminates between harmful or illegal and safe liquids, even when their physical properties are very similar. The system can detect the presence of contraband substances, such as alcohol, even when present in small amounts and mixed with other liquids. Liquid detection is fast and safe because the automated liquid analysis does not require any containers to be opened. Liquid analysis is performed in real time based on liquid density and effective atomic number (Z^eff).

Optosecurity's breakthrough combination of disruptive patented technologies makes it now possible to see beyond what humans are capable of with the naked eye.

Optosecurity Inc.
Based in Canada, Optosecurity Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative physical security products for the protection of Transportation and Critical Infrastructures.

Contact details:

Optosecurity Inc. - Canada Headquarters
505 Boul. du Parc-Technologique
Quebec, QC G1P 4S9 Canada
Toll Free: 1.877.OPTOSEC (1.877.678.6732)
T: 1.418.653.7665
F: 1.418.657.3851

Optosecurity - USA
13873 Park Center Road, Suite 400-N1
Herndon, Virginia 20171 USA
Toll Free: 1.877.OPTOSEC (1.877.678.6732)
F: 1.571.323.5201

Optosecurity - Europe, Middle East and Africa
2 Plantation Cottages, Ely Road
Waterbeach, Cambridge CB25 9NW United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)7817 207634
F: +44 (0)1223 864090
www.optosecurity.com