3 ms·

Trying to de-clutter the images by separating paper would fit the observed procedure too. It seems a little odd that it would start only now. Maybe screener tes

Trying to de-clutter the images by separating paper would fit the observed procedure too. It seems a little odd that it would start only now. Maybe screener testing recently showed better performance when paper is separated out.

kbenson 10y ago
Or perhaps there was some intel, or some cases where luggage was searched post scanner that came up with items that should have been caught. That might trigger a revision in procedures to prevent or reduce future cases, which is how I would expect and want a program that was actually meant to reduce danger to operate.
cmurf 10y ago
It may have involved some original research on the spectral properties of the material their looking for; in relation to the radiant energy they have available; and the spectral sensitivities of the sensors (radiant energy source spectra, object spectra, sensor spectra = information to derive a reflectance/absorption spectra for the object and match it with whatever you're looking for). But this research also requires any software changes and testing, and possibly changes to the light source (to change the wavelength(s) available), changes to filters on the light source or the sensor or both. I think the limiting factor is the spectral response of this specific material, given a limited radiant energy source. Another way to do this, would be via resolution. Maybe they aren't doing spectra matching, they might be able to differentiate the physical pattern of the material, sorta like a scanning microphotograph. EDIT: One of the comments says, "They went through the Xray machine in a separate bin, much like your laptop does."
100ideas 10y ago
Stacks of paper may have densities similar enough to certain restricted liquids and polymers that distinguishing one from the other via x-ray is difficult. i.e. plastic explosive sheets sharing space in a file folder, or bound with surrounding paper into what looks like a legitimate book.

kbenson 10y ago

Or perhaps there was some intel, or some cases where luggage was searched post scanner that came up with items that should have been caught. That might trigger a revision in procedures to prevent or reduce future cases, which is how I would expect and want a program that was actually meant to reduce danger to operate.

cmurf 10y ago

It may have involved some original research on the spectral properties of the material their looking for; in relation to the radiant energy they have available; and the spectral sensitivities of the sensors (radiant energy source spectra, object spectra, sensor spectra = information to derive a reflectance/absorption spectra for the object and match it with whatever you're looking for). But this research also requires any software changes and testing, and possibly changes to the light source (to change the wavelength(s) available), changes to filters on the light source or the sensor or both. I think the limiting factor is the spectral response of this specific material, given a limited radiant energy source. Another way to do this, would be via resolution. Maybe they aren't doing spectra matching, they might be able to differentiate the physical pattern of the material, sorta like a scanning microphotograph. EDIT: One of the comments says, "They went through the Xray machine in a separate bin, much like your laptop does."

100ideas 10y ago

Stacks of paper may have densities similar enough to certain restricted liquids and polymers that distinguishing one from the other via x-ray is difficult. i.e. plastic explosive sheets sharing space in a file folder, or bound with surrounding paper into what looks like a legitimate book.