AR X-Ray Image Overlay for Cargo Security Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo/vehicle security inspection methods rely heavily on X-ray fluoroscopy, which requires extensive knowledge and experience to interpret X-ray fluoroscopic images effectively, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in identifying contraband.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) technology to display standard X-ray scanned images and three-dimensional models of cargo items alongside actual scanned images, enabling security inspectors to compare and identify suspicious objects through augmented reality displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If X-ray fluoroscopy imaging technology is used for cargo/vehicle security inspection, then the inspection coverage and detection capability are improved, but the difficulty of interpreting images and the need for extensive inspector training increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection detection capabilityVSAvoidimage interpretation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional model that copies the physical cargo container and its contents. This virtual model is then overlaid with X-ray fluoroscopic images, allowing inspectors to view images in the context of a familiar three-dimensional representation. This copying approach transforms abstract two-dimensional images into spatially contextualized visual information, reducing interpretation difficulty while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computer-generated three-dimensional virtual model as an intermediary between the X-ray fluoroscopic images and the inspector's understanding. This virtual model serves as a mediator that translates complex radiographic data into intuitive spatial relationships, enabling inspectors to locate and identify suspicious objects without requiring extensive experience with raw X-ray images

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If extensive training and experience accumulation are provided to inspectors, then the accuracy of suspicious object identification is improved, but the time and resource investment for training increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspicious object identification accuracyVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service functionality by automatically generating three-dimensional virtual models and overlaying X-ray images based on cargo manifest data and scanner readings. This automation eliminates the need for inspectors to manually create visualizations or interpret raw data, providing immediate, intuitive guidance that would otherwise require years of training to develop

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-generating three-dimensional virtual models of cargo containers and pre-positioning X-ray fluoroscopic images within these models before inspection begins. This preliminary preparation creates a ready-to-use visual framework that guides inspectors through the inspection process, eliminating the need for them to develop spatial visualization skills through extensive training

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If standard X-ray scanned images are displayed in traditional manner, then the equipment complexity is kept simple, but the ease of operation and inspection efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection operation easeVSAvoidAR display system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the three-dimensional virtual model of the cargo container with the two-dimensional X-ray fluoroscopic images into a single integrated augmented reality display. This combination presents both spatial context and detailed imaging data simultaneously, allowing inspectors to operate with enhanced situational awareness without requiring separate systems for model visualization and image analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3505972B1Method, apparatus and system for assisting security inspection
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3505972B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3505972B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3505972B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a method, apparatus and system for assisting security inspection, and relates to the field of security inspection. The method includes: acquiring registration information of an inspected object; acquiring a standard scanned image corresponding to the registration information; displaying the standard scanned image in an AR manner, so as to determine whether the inspected object is a suspicious object through comparing the standard scanned image with an actual scanned image, the actual scanned image comprises an image of the inspected object.