3D Threat Image Projection for Air Cargo Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air cargo screening systems rely on two-dimensional X-ray images, which are inefficient for realistic threat detection training and evaluation, requiring physical materials that are costly and cumbersome to source and store, and lack the ability to simulate field-realistic scenarios effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system for three-dimensional object image projection and image augmentation that allows for the virtual insertion of threat objects into volumetric background images, reducing material procurement and storage costs by using automated target recognition and image augmentation tools such as cropping, masking, geometric transforms, and material replacement, while generating realistic synthetic images that can be validated for use in training and evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two-dimensional X-ray images are used for air cargo screening, then the screening process can be performed with current systems, but the efficiency for threat detection training and evaluation is insufficient and material procurement costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates synthetic three-dimensional CT scan images that replicate real cargo scanning scenarios without requiring physical cargo materials. Virtual threat objects are inserted into synthetic cargo containers, allowing multiple training scenarios to be generated from digital models rather than requiring physical prototypes for each training case
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies parameters such as cargo container types, threat object positions, orientations, and scanning angles to generate diverse training scenarios. This allows the same physical or virtual cargo to be used in multiple training configurations by changing digital parameters rather than creating new physical materials
2Reliability
If physical materials are sourced and stored for threat detection training, then realistic scenarios can be created, but material procurement and storage become costly and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses synthetic three-dimensional images that replicate the appearance and characteristics of real CT scan data. Virtual threat objects with realistic densities and attenuation properties are created through computational modeling, eliminating the need to physically source, store, and manage hazardous or specialized training materials while maintaining training realism
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical process of physically constructing and managing training cargo with computational methods. Software generates synthetic cargo containers, inserts virtual threats, and simulates CT scanning physics through algorithms, substituting physical material handling with digital modeling and rendering
3Adaptability or versatility
If two-dimensional images are used for screening training, then current systems can be utilized, but the ability to simulate field-realistic scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional X-ray images to three-dimensional CT scan simulations, adding the depth dimension that enables realistic representation of cargo container interiors, threat object positions, and spatial relationships. This third dimension provides authentic spatial context for training operators to interpret three-dimensional scan data as they would in field operations
Data Source
AI summary
In an approach to three-dimensional object image projection and image augmentation, a system includes one or more computer processors; one or more graphics processing units; one or more computer readable storage media; and program instructions stored on the one or more computer readable storage media for execution by at least one of the one or more computer processors or at least one of the one or more graphics processing units. The stored program instructions include instructions to: retrieve an object image; retrieve a background image; determine one or more voids in the background image suitable for inserting the object image; manipulate the object image to fit into the background image; insert the object image into the background image to create a projected image; and perform the image augmentation on the projected image to produce a realistic synthetic image.