Aviation securityX-ray image analysis training system to help improve aviation security

Portland International Airport (PDX), a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) designated research airport, often tests new technology or procedures. One new technology recently implemented at PDX was ScreenADAPT, an X-ray image analysis training system that tracks the eye movement of trainees as they inspect simulated bags to enhance visual search skills.

ScreenADAPT, a collaborative research and development effort by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and TSA, is just one of several projects S&T has developed that is now in operational use with DHS components and first responders.

“The goal with ScreenADAPT was to develop training methods and tools, through technology innovation, that would be relevant, challenging, intuitive and engaging to enhance Transportation Security Officer (TSO) visual search skills,” said S&T Program Manager Darren P. Wilson. “The result is an advanced X-ray image analysis training system that allows TSA to better analyze and understand TSOs visual search effectiveness and efficiency.”

S&T says that after participating in the evaluation and testing of ScreenADAPT, leadership at PDX requested to keep the ScreenADAPT systems instead of returning them to the TSA headquarters. PDX spearheaded the full implementation of ScreenADAPT as a permanent part of their hub and spoke training programs and built a dedicated ScreenADAPT training area. They now use more than ten ScreenADAPT systems on a daily basis.

“The training effectiveness evaluation indicated that using ScreenADAPT in X-ray image analysis training not only resulted in TSOs identifying threats faster, but also clearing bags faster,” said Wilson. “They were able to make faster decisions with more confidence and fewer false alarms.”

The initial hesitation of TSOs to use a new training system was quickly overcome when they were able to see the ease of use, the performance impacts at the checkpoint and experience firsthand the benefits of ScreenADAPT.

“Once seeing the benefits and utilizing the program, there was a complete turnaround in their attitude,” said James Wesolowski, Supervisory TSO at PDX. “Supervisors, managers and officers all want to use ScreenADAPT because of the benefits of the program.”

Wesolowski found the simulated X-ray images presented in ScreenADAPT to be clearer than in previous training programs. Another valuable benefit is