An
image display storage and retrieval
system provides a mechanism to transmit x-
ray images of parcels to one or more remote workstations. The images may be annotated at these workstations to specifically identify articles to be targeted for more thorough investigation. The
image display storage and retrieval
system comprises an x-
ray image source to illuminate a parcel with x-rays, scan the received x-
ray pattern produced from the x-rays passing through the parcel, and digitize the x-ray image of the parcel, an initial screening
station where images are initially received and may be annotated, an inspection
station where the images (with or without
annotation) and parcels to be inspected are received, an optional parcel path switch to direct parcels to either a clearance
station or an inspection station, a data storage and retrieval device to
record and retrieve images, a data processor to receive the images and a data network connecting the initial screening station, the inspection station, the optional path switch, the data storage and retrieval device and the data processor so as to enable the exchange of data.