An evaluation of image enhancements in three-dimensional computed tomography baggage screening

Abstract

New computed tomography and image enhancement technologies are increasingly used in cabin baggage screening at airports. The current work sought to establish whether these technological advancements had pushed beyond human psychological capability by examining the impact of different image enhancements on threat detection. Sixty-one naïve adults participated in an online study and received targetless search training before being tested in a simulated baggage screening task - in addition to three-dimensional images this task incorporated two-dimensional slice views, material stripping and zoom functionality. The two-dimensional slice view improved threat detection sensitivity and lowered response criterion relative to a standard three-dimensional image, as screeners found dangerous items they had initially missed, likely due to improved ability to resolve superposition or identify edges. In contrast, material stripping and zoom did not impact sensitivity, criterion or screeners’ confidence in their responses, suggesting that they contributed no additional informational value.