Patent Application
20080152082
The present invention relates generally to security systems and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for use in screening luggage items, mail parcels, cargo containers or persons providing incremental display of threat detection information to identify certain threats and to a system incorporating such method and/or apparatus.
Security in airports, train stations, ports, mail sorting facilities, office buildings and other public or private venues is becoming increasingly important in particular in light of recent violent events.
Typically, security-screening systems at airports make use of devices generating penetrating radiation, such as x-ray devices, to scan individual pieces of luggage to generate an image conveying the contents of the luggage. The image is displayed on a screen and is examined by a human operator whose task it is to identify, on the basis of the image, potentially threatening objects located in the luggage.
A deficiency with current systems is that they are mainly reliant on the human operator to identify potentially threatening objects. However, the performance of the human operator greatly varies according to such factors as poor training and fatigue. As such, the process of detection and identification of threatening objects is highly susceptible to human error. Another deficiency is that the images displayed on the x-ray machines provide little, if any, guidance as to what is being observed. It will be appreciated that failure to identify a threatening object, such as a weapon for example, may have serious consequences, such as property damage, injuries and human deaths.
Consequently, there is a need in the industry for providing a device for facilitating visual identification of a prohibited object in an image during security screening that alleviates at least in part the deficiencies of the prior art.
In accordance with a broad aspect, the invention provides a method for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image during security screening. The method comprises receiving data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle derived from an apparatus that scans the receptacle with penetrating radiation. The method also comprises processing the data conveying the image of the contents of the receptacle to derive an area of interest in the image, the area of interest potentially containing a threat. The method also comprises displaying on a display device first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image while processing the area of interest in the image using an automated threat detection processor to derive second threat information associated to the receptacle. The method also comprises displaying on the display device the second threat information, the second threat information being displayed subsequently to the displaying of the first threat information.
Advantageously, the first threat information displayed to the user and conveying an area of interest attracts the screener's attention to a certain area of the image so that the screener can perform a visual examination of that image focusing on this area of interest. While the screener performs such a visual examination, the area of interest is processed using an automated threat detection processor to derive additional threat information, namely the second threat information. The second threat information is then displayed to the user. In this fashion, threat detection information is incrementally provided to the user for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image.
The second threat information may convey any suitable information for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image during security screening. In a specific example of implementation, the second threat information conveys a level of confidence that the receptacle contains a threat. Alternatively, the second threat information may convey identification information associated to a prohibited object potentially located in the receptacle. In yet another alternative, the second threat information conveys a perceived threat level associate with the receptacle.
In another specific example of implementation, the method comprises processing the data conveying the image of the contents of the receptacle to derive a plurality of areas of interest in the image, each area of interest potentially containing a threat. The method also comprises displaying on the display device first threat information conveying the plurality of areas of interest in the image. The areas of interest in the image may be sequentially processed or may be processed in parallel to derive second threat information.
In a specific example of implementation, the method comprises processing the image at least in part based on the area of interest in the image to generate an enhanced image in which portions outside the area of interest are visually de-emphasized and displaying the enhanced image.
In accordance with another broad aspect, the invention provides and apparatus suitable for implementing a user interface for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image during security screening in accordance with the above described method.
In accordance with another broad aspect, the invention provides a computer readable storage medium including a program element suitable for execution by a CPU for implementing a graphical user interface module for facilitating visual identification of a threat in the image during security screening in accordance with the above described method.
In accordance with yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a system for facilitating detection of a threat in a receptacle. The system comprises an image generation apparatus, a display device and an apparatus for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image during security screening. The image generation apparatus is suitable for scanning a receptacle with penetrating radiation to generate data conveying an image of contents of the receptacle. The apparatus for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image is in communication with the image generation apparatus and with the display device. This apparatus comprises an input for receiving data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle derived from the image generation apparatus. The apparatus also comprises a processing unit in communication with the input and operative for processing the data conveying the image of the contents of the receptacle to derive an area of interest in the image, the area of interest potentially containing a threat. The processing unit is also operative for displaying on the display device first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image while processing the area of interest in the image to derive second threat information associated to the receptacle. The processing unit is also operative for displaying on the display device the second threat information, the second threat information being displayed subsequently to the displaying of the first threat information.
In accordance with yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a client-server system for implementing a graphical user interface module for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image during security screening. The client-server system comprises a client system and a server system operative to exchange messages over a data network. The server system stores a program element for execution by a CPU. The program element comprises a first program element component executed on the server system for receiving data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle derived from an apparatus that scans the receptacle with penetrating radiation. The program element also comprises a second program element component executed on the server system for processing the data conveying the image of the contents of the receptacle to derive an area of interest in the image, the area of interest potentially containing a threat. The program element also comprises a third program element component executed on the server system for sending a message to the client system for causing a display device associated with the client system to display first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image. The program element also comprises a fourth program element component executed on the server system for processing the area of interest in the image to derive second threat information associated to the receptacle. The program element also comprises a fifth program element component executed on the server system for sending a message to the client system for causing a display device associated with the client system to display the second threat information. The second threat information is caused to be displayed subsequently to the displaying of the first threat information.
In accordance with yet another broad aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image during security screening. The apparatus comprises means for receiving data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle derived from an apparatus that scans the receptacle with penetrating radiation. The apparatus also comprises means for processing the data conveying the image of the contents of the receptacle to derive an area of interest in the image, the area of interest potentially containing a threat. The apparatus also comprises means for displaying on a display device first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image while processing the area of interest in the image to derive second threat information associated to the receptacle. The apparatus also comprises means for displaying on a display device the second threat information, the second threat information being displayed subsequently to the displaying of the first threat information.
In accordance with yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a method for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image during security screening. The method comprises receiving data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle derived from an apparatus that scans the receptacle with penetrating radiation. The method also comprises processing the data conveying the image of the contents of the receptacle to derive a sequence of information elements conveying threat information associated to the receptacle. The sequence of information elements conveys at least first threat information and second threat information. The method also comprises incrementally displaying on a display device threat information associated to the receptacle at least in part based on the sequence of information elements. The incrementally displaying being effected such that the first threat information is displayed on the display device while the second threat information is being derived.
Advantageously, threat detection information is provided to the user for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image while additional threat information is being derived.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.
A detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided herein below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
a,
5
b and 5c depict a viewing window of a user interface displayed by the display control module of
a and 9b are flow diagrams of a process suitable to be implemented by the automated threat detection processor depicted in
a and 13b depict a first example of an original image conveying contents of a receptacle and a corresponding enhanced image in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the present invention;
c and 13d depict a second example of an original image conveying contents of a receptacle and a corresponding enhanced image in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the present invention;
e,
13
f and 13g depict a third example of an original image conveying contents of a receptacle and two (2) corresponding enhanced images in accordance with a specific example of implementation of the present invention;
In the drawings, the embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
Shown in
As depicted, the system 100 includes an image generation apparatus 102, an apparatus 120 for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image in communication with the image generation apparatus 102 and a display device 202.
The image generation apparatus 102 is adapted for scanning a receptacle 104 to generate data conveying an image of contents of the receptacle 104. The apparatus 120 receives the data conveying the image of contents of the receptacle 104 and processes that image to derive an area of interest in the image, the area of interest potentially containing a threat. The apparatus 120 displays in the display device 202 first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image while processing the area of interest in the image to derive second threat information associated to the receptacle. The apparatus 120 also displays on the display device 202 the derived second threat information. Since the first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image is displayed while the second threat information is being derived, the second threat information is displayed subsequently to the displaying of the first threat information.
In a specific example of implementation, the screening system 100 makes use of multiple processing operations in order to provide information to a screening operator for facilitating visual identification of potential threats in receptacle. More specifically, the system operates by first making use of information intrinsic to the X-ray image to identify one or more areas of interest in the image. Since this information is not dependent upon the size of a database to be consulted, the information is typically generated relatively quickly and is then displayed to the user on display device. The system then makes use of the located areas of interest to perform in-depth image-processing. In a specific example of implementation, the image processing makes use of a reference database to locate pre-determined types of objects or pre-determined shapes in the areas of interest. Once the image processing has been completed, this subsequent information can then be displayed to the user.
One of the advantages is that this system 100 provides interim results to the user, these interim results being suitable for guiding the screener in visually identifying potential threats. More specifically, the first threat information displayed to the user and conveying an area of interest attracts the screener's attention to a certain area of the image so that the screener can perform a visual examination of that image focusing on this area of interest. While the screener performs such a visual examination, the area of interest is processed using an automated threat detection processor to derive additional threat information, namely the second threat information. The second threat information is then displayed to the user. In this fashion, threat detection information is incrementally provided to the user for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image. By providing interim results to the user, in the form of first threat information conveying an area of interest, prior to the completion of the processing to derive the second threat information, the responsiveness of the system 100 as perceived by a user of the system is increased.
Examples of the manner in which the information indicating an area of interest in the image and the second threat information associated to the receptacle 104 can be derived will be described later on in the specification.
Image Generation Apparatus 102
In a specific example of implementation, the image generation apparatus 102 uses penetrating radiation or emitted radiation to generate data conveying an image of the contents of the receptacle 104. Specific examples of such devices include, without being limited to, x-ray, gamma ray, computed tomography (CT scans), thermal imaging, TeraHertz and millimeter wave devices. Such devices are known in the art and as such will not be described further here. In a non-limiting example of implementation, the image generation apparatus 102 is a conventional x-ray machine suitable for generating data conveying an x-ray image of the receptacle 104. The x-ray image conveys, amongst others, material density information in relation to objects within the receptacle. The data generated by the image generation apparatus 102 and conveying an image of the contents of the receptacle 104 may convey as a two-dimensional (2-D) image or a three-dimensional (3-D) image and may be in any suitable format. Possible formats include, without being limited to, JPEG, GIF, TIFF and bitmap amongst others.
Display Device 202
The display device 202 may be any device suitable for conveying information in visual format a user of the system 100. In a specific example of implementation, the display device 202 is in communication with the apparatus 120 and includes a display screen adapted for displaying in visual format information related to the presence of a threat in the receptacle 104. The display device 202 may be part of a stationary computing station or may be integrated into a hand-held portable device for example. In addition the display device 202 may be in communication with the apparatus 120 over any suitable type of communication link include a wire-line link and a wireless link.
In another specific example of implementation, the display device 202 includes a printer adapted for displaying information in printed format.
The person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, in light of the present specification, that other suitable types of display devices may be used here without detracting from the spirit of the invention.
Apparatus 120
The apparatus 120 for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image will now be described in greater detail with reference to
As depicted, the apparatus 120 includes an input 206, an output 210 and a processing unit 250 in communication with the input 206 and the output 210.
The input 206 is for receiving data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle derived from the image generation apparatus 102 (shown in
The output 210 is for releasing signals for causing display device 202 (shown in
The processing unit 250 is operative for releasing a signal at the output 210 for causing the display device 202 (shown in
In the specific example of implementation depicted in
The automated threat detection processor 106 is in communication with the image generation apparatus 102 (shown in
Display Control Module 200
In a specific example of implementation, the display control module 200 of the apparatus 120 implements a user interface module for conveying information to a user through the display device 202 (shown in
A specific example of a method implemented by the display control module 200 will now be described with reference to
At step 401, the display control module 200 displays on the display device 202 (shown in
At step 402, information is received from the automated threat detection processor 106 conveying an area of interest in the image potentially containing a threat.
In a specific example of implementation, the information received from the automated threat detection processor 106 at step 402 includes location information conveying a location in the image of the contents of a receptacle derived from the image generation apparatus 102 (shown in
In a first non-limiting example of implementation, the location information is an (X,Y) pixel location conveying the center of an area in the image. The area of interest is established based on the center location (X,Y) provided by the automated threat detection processor 106 in combination with a shape for the area. The shape of the area may be pre-determined in which case it may be of any suitable geometric shape and will have any suitable size. Alternatively, the shape and/or size of the area of interest may be determined by the user on the basis of a user configuration command.
In a second non-limiting example of implementation, the shape and/or size of the area of interest is determined on the basis of information provided by the automated threat detection processor 106. For example, the information may convey a plurality of (X,Y) pixel locations defining an area in the image of the contents of a receptacle. In such a case, the information received will convey both the shape of the area of interest in the image and the position of the area of interest in that image.
In yet another non-limiting example of implementation, the automated threat detection processor 106 may provide an indication of a type of prohibited object potentially identified in the receptacle being screened in addition to a location of that potentially prohibited object in the image. Based on this potentially identified prohibited object, an area of interest having a shape and size conditioned on the basis of the potentially identified prohibited object may be determined.
At step 404, the information conveying an area of interest in the image received at step 402 is processed to derive first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image received at step 400. In a first specific example of implementation, the first threat information is in the form of an enhanced image of the contents of a receptacle. The enhanced image conveys the area of interest in a visually contrasting manner relative to portions of the image outside the area of interest. The enhanced image is such that portions outside the area of interest are visually de-emphasized or in which features appearing inside the area of interest are visually emphasized. Alternatively, the enhanced image is such that portions outside the area of interest are visually de-emphasized and in which features appearing inside the area of interest are visually emphasized. Many different methods for visually emphasizing the area of interest in the image received at step 400 may be used in accordance with the spirit of the invention. Examples of such methods include, without being limited to, highlighting the area of interest, overlaying a graphical representation of a boundary surrounding the area of interest and applying image manipulation methods for emphasizing features appearing inside the area of interest and/or de-emphasizing features appearing outside the area of interest. Hence in a specific example of implementation, at step 404, the image received at step 400 is processed based on the information received at step 402 to generate first threat information in the form of an enhanced image. It will be appreciated that, although the above described example has described first threat information as being an enhanced image, alternative implementations of the invention may derive others forms of first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image without detracting from its spirit. For example, the first threat information may be in the form of an arrow or other graphical symbol displayed in combination with the image received at step 400 and conveying the location of the area of interest.
At step 406, the display control module 200 displays on the display device 202 (shown in
At step 408, second threat information conveying threat information associated with the receptacle being screened is received from the automated threat detection processor 106. The second threat information may convey any useful information suitable for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image during security screening. Specific examples of such second threat information include, without being limited to, a level of confidence that the receptacle 104 (shown in
At step 410, the display control module 200 displays on the display device 202 (shown in
It will be appreciated to the person skilled in the art that, in alternative example of implementations not shown in the figures, additional threat information may be received by the display control module 200 subsequently to the second threat information received at step 408. As such, in certain examples of implementation, step 408 and 410 may be repeated for each additional threat information received by the display control module 200 from the automated threat detection processor 106.
It will be appreciated to the person skilled in the art that, in alternative example of implementations not shown in the figures, that second threat information may be received for each region of interest received at step 402. As such, in certain examples of implementation, step 408 and 410 may be repeated for each region of interest received from the automated threat detection processor 106.
A functional block diagram of the display control module 200 is depicted in
The first input 304 is for receiving data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle derived from an apparatus that scans the receptacle with penetrating radiation. In a specific implementation, the image signal is derived from a signal generated by the image generation apparatus 102 (shown in
The second input 306 is for receiving information from an automated threat detection processor indicating an area of interest in the image potentially containing a threat and additional threat information associated to the receptacle being screened. In a specific implementation, the information is provided by the automated threat detection processor 106 (shown in
The user input 308, which is an optional feature, is for receiving signals from a user input device, the signals conveying commands for controlling the type information displayed by the user interface module or for annotating the information displayed. Any suitable user input device for providing user commands may be used such as, for example, a mouse, keyboard, pointing device, speech recognition unit or touch sensitive screen.
The processing unit 300 is in communication with the first input 304, the second input 306 and the user input 308 and implements a user interface module for facilitating visual identification of a threat in an image of contents of a receptacle. More specifically, the processing unit 300 is adapted for implementing the process described in connection with
For the purpose of illustration, a specific example of implementation where the first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image is in the form of an enhanced image of the contents of a receptacle will be described.
In this specific example, the processing unit 300 is operative for processing the image of the receptacle received at the first input 304 to generate an enhanced image based at least in part on the information received at the second input 306 and optionally on commands received at the user input 308. In a specific example of implementation, the processing unit 300 is adapted for generating an image mask on the basis of the information received at the second input 306 indicating an area of interest in the image. The image mask includes a first enhancement area corresponding to the area of interest and a second enhancement area corresponding to portions of the image outside the area of interest.
The image mask allows applying a different type of image enhancement processing to portions of the image corresponding to the first enhancement area and the second enhancement area to generate an enhanced image.
a to 13g depict various illustrative examples of images and corresponding enhanced images that may be generated by the processing unit 300 (shown in
a depicts a first exemplary image 1400 conveying contents of a receptacle that was generated by an x-ray machine. The processing unit 300 (shown in
c depicts a second exemplary image 1410 conveying contents of another receptacle that was generated by an x-ray machine. The processing unit 300 (shown in
e depicts a third example of an illustrative image 1300 conveying contents of a receptacle. The processing unit 300 (shown in
De-Emphasizing Portions or Image Outside the Area of Interest
Returning now to
In a specific example, the processing unit 300 processes the image received at input 304 to attenuate portions of the image outside the area of interest. In a non-limiting example, the processing unit 300 processes the image to reduce contrasts between feature information appearing in portions of the image outside the area of interest and background information appearing in portions of the image outside the area of interest. Alternatively, the processing unit 300 processes the image to remove features from portions of the image outside the area of interest. In yet another alternative embodiment, the processing unit 300 processes the image to remove all features appearing in portions of the image outside the area of interest such that only features in the areas of interest remain in the enhanced image.
In another example, the processing unit 300 processes the image to overlay or replace portions of the image outside the area of interest with a pre-determined visual pattern. The pre-determined visual pattern may be a suitable textured pattern of may be a uniform pattern. The uniform pattern may be a uniform color or other uniform pattern.
In yet another example, where the image includes color information, the processing unit 300 processes the image to modify color information associated to features of the image appearing outside the area of interest. In a non-limiting example of implementation, portions of the image outside the area of interest are converted into grayscale or other monochromatic color palette.
In yet another example of implementation, the processing unit 300 processes the image to reduce the resolution associated to portions of the image outside the area of interest. This type of image manipulation results in portions of the enhanced image outside the area of interest appearing blurred compared to portions of the image inside the area of interest.
In yet another example of implementation, the processing unit 300 processes the image to shrink portions of the image outside the area of interest such that at least some features of the enhanced image located inside the area of interest appear on a larger scale than features in portions of the enhanced image located outside the area of interest.
It will be appreciated that the above-described techniques for de-emphasizing the visual appearance of portions of the image outside the area of interest may be used individually or in combination with one another. It will also be appreciated that the above described exemplary techniques for de-emphasizing the visual appearance of portions of the image outside the area of interest are not meant as an exhaustive list of such techniques and that other suitable techniques may be used without detracting from the spirit of the invention.
Emphasizing Features Appearing Inside the Area of Interest
In a second example of implementation, the processing unit 300 processes the image received at input 304 to generate an enhanced image wherein features appearing inside the area of interest, conveyed by the information received at step 402 (shown in
In a specific example, the processing unit 300 processes the image to increase contrasts between feature information appearing in portions of the image inside the area of interest and background information appearing in portions of the image inside the area of interest. For example, contour lines defining objects inside the area of interest are made to appear darker and/or thicker compared to contour lines in the background. In a non-limiting example, contrast-stretching tools with settings highlighting the metallic content of portions of the image inside the area of interest are used to enhance the appearance of such features.
In another specific example, the processing unit 300 processes the image to overlay portions of the image inside the area of interest with a pre-determined visual pattern. The pre-determined visual pattern may be a suitable textured pattern of may be a uniform pattern. The uniform pattern may be a uniform color or other uniform pattern. In a non-limiting example, portions of the image inside the area of interest are highlighted by overlaying the area of interest with a brightly colored pattern. Preferably the visual pattern has transparent properties in that a user can see features of the image in portions of the image inside the area through the visual pattern once the pattern is overlaid on the image.
In another non-limiting example, the processing unit 300 processes the image to modify color information associated to features of the image appearing inside the area of interest. For example, colors for features of the image appearing inside the area of interest may be made to appear brighter or may be replaced by other more visually contrasting colors. In particular, color associated to metallic objects in an x-ray image may be made to appear more prominently by either replacing it with a different color or changing an intensity of the color. For example, the processing unit 300 may transform features appearing in blue inside the area of interest such that these same features appear in red in the enhanced image.
In another non-limiting example, processing unit 300 processes the image to enlarge a portion of the image inside the area of interest such that at least some features of the enhanced image located inside the area of interest appear on a larger scale than features in portions of the enhanced image located outside the area of interest.
It will be appreciated that the above described techniques for emphasizing the visual appearance of portions of the image inside the area of interest may be used individually or in combination with one another or with other suitable techniques without detracting from the spirit of the invention. For example, processing the image may include modifying color information associated to features of the image appearing inside the area of interest and enlarging a portion of the image inside the area of interest. It will also be appreciated that the above described exemplary techniques for emphasizing portions of the image inside the area of interest are not meant as an exhaustive list of such techniques and that other suitable techniques may be used without detracting from the spirit of the invention.
Concurrently De-Emphasizing Portions Outside the Area of Interest Emphasizing Features Inside the Area of Interest
In addition, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may also concurrently de-emphasize portions of the image outside the area of interest and emphasize features of the image inside the area of interest without detracting from the spirit of the invention.
Portions Surrounding the Area of Interest
Optionally, the processing unit 300 processes the image received at input 304 to modify portions of areas surrounding the area of interest to generate the enhanced image. In a specific example, the processing unit 300 modifies portions of areas surrounding the area of interest includes applying a blurring function to the edges surrounding the area of interest. In a specific example of implementation, the edges of the area of interest are blurred. Advantageously, blurring the edges of the area of interest accentuates the contrast between the area of interest and the portions of the image outside the area of interest.
Multiple Areas of Interest
It will be appreciated that, although the above described examples describe situations in which a single area of interest is conveyed by the information received by the display control module 200 from the automated threat detection processor 106 (shown in
Graphical User Interface Module Example
The graphical user interface module implemented by the display control module 200 shown in
A graphical user interface module implemented by the display control module 200 in accordance with a specific example of implementation will now be described in greater detail herein below with reference to
More specifically, at time T0, data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle 104 originating from the image generation apparatus 102 (shown in
At time T1, where T1 is later than T0, an image showing the contents of the receptacle 104 is displayed on display device 202.
At time T2, where T2 is later than T1, first threat information conveying the area of interest in the image is displayed on display device 202.
In the example depicted, portions of the image outside the areas of interest 504a and 504b have been de-emphasized. Amongst possible other processing, portions of the image outside the areas of interest 504a and 504b, generally designated with reference numeral 506, have been attenuated by reducing contrasts between the features and the background. These portions appear paler relative to the areas of interest 504a and 504b. In the example depicted, features depicted in the areas of interest 504a and 504b have also been emphasized by using contrast-stretching tools to increase the level of contrast between the features depicted in the areas of interest 504a and 504b and the background. Finally, as depicted in the figure, the edges 508a and 508b surrounding the area of interest 504a and 504b have been blurred to accentuates the contrast between the areas of interest 504a and 504b and the portions of the image outside the areas of interest 504a and 504b. The location of the areas of interest 504a and 504b was derived on the basis of the information received at input 306 (shown in
While the graphical user interface module displays the image 502b shown in
At time T3, where T3 is later than T2, the second threat information is displayed on display device 202.
Optionally, as shown in
In a specific implementation, the controls in the set of controls 510512514516550518 allow the user to change the appearance of the enhanced image displayed in the viewing space 570 by using an input device in communication with the display control module 200 (shown in
It will be apparent that certain controls in the set of controls 510512514516550518 may be omitted from certain implementations and that additional controls may be included in alternative implementations of user interfaces without detracting from the spirit of the invention.
In the specific example of implementation depicted, functionality is provided to the user for allowing the latter to select for display in viewing space 570 the “original” image 502a (shown in
In the specific example of implementation depicted, functionality is also provided to the user for allowing the latter to select a level of enlargement from a set of possible levels of enlargement to be applied to the image in order to derive the enhanced image for display in the viewing space 570. The functionality allows the user to independently control the scale of features appearing in areas of interest 504a and 504b relative to the scale of features in portions of the image outside the areas of interest 504a and 504b. In a specific example, such functionality may be enabled by displaying a control on the user interface allowing a user to effect the selection of the level of enlargement. In
In another specific example of implementation, not depicted in the figure, functionality is also provided to the user for allowing the latter to select a zoom level to be applied to derive the enhanced image 502b (shown in
In the specific example of implementation depicted, functionality is also provided to the user for allowing the latter to select a level of enhancement from a set of possible levels of enhancement. The functionality allows the user to independently control the type of enhancement to be applied to the original image 502a (shown in
In a specific example of implementation, the set of possible levels of enhancement includes at least two levels of enhancement. In a non-limiting example, one of the levels of enhancement is a “NIL” level wherein the areas of interest are not emphasized and the portions of the images outside the areas of interest are not de-emphasized. In other examples of implementation, the set of possible levels of enlargement includes two or more distinct levels of enhancement other that the “NIL” level. In a specific example of implementation, each level of enhancement in the set of levels of enhancement is adapted for causing an enhanced image to be derived wherein:
For example, the different levels of enhancement may cause the processing unit 300 (shown in
In a specific example of implementation, not shown in the figures, functionality is also provided to the user for allowing the latter to independently control the amount of enhancement to be applied to the area(s) of interest of the images and the amount of enhancement to be applied to portions of the image outside of the area(s) of interest. In a specific example, the above-described functionality may be enabled by providing on a user interface a first user control for enabling the user to select a first selected level of enhancement, and a second user control is provided for allowing a user to select a second level of enhancement. The processing unit generates the enhanced image such that:
Optionally still, the user interface module is adapted for displaying a control 518 for allowing a user to modify other configuration elements of the user interface. In accordance with a non-liming specific implementation, actuating control 518 causes the user interface module to displays a control window 600 of the type depicted in
The person skilled in the art in light of the present description will readily appreciate that other options may be provided to the user and that certain options described above may be omitted from certain implementations without detracting from the spirit of the invention. As a variant, certain options may be selectively provided to certain users or, alternatively, may require a password to be modified. For example, the setting threshold sensitivity/confidence level 608 may only be made available to user having certain privileges (examples screening supervisors or security directors). As such, the user interface module may include some type of user identification functionality, such as a login process, to identify the user of the screening system. Alternatively, the user interface module, upon selection by the user of the setting threshold sensitivity/confidence level 608 option, may prompt the user to enter a password for allowing the user to modify the detection sensitivity level of the screening system.
Optionally still, as shown in
Optionally still, not shown in the figures, the user interface module is adapted to allow the user to add complementary information to the information being displayed on the user interface. In a specific example of implementation, the user is enabled to insert markings in the form of text and/or visual indicators in the image displayed in viewing space 570. The marked-up image may then be transmitted to a third party location, such as a checking station, so that the checking station is alerted to verify the marked portion of the receptacle to locate a prohibited object. In such an implementation, the user input 308 (depicted in
Previously Screened Receptacles
With reference to
The generation of a record may be effected for all receptacles being screened or for selected receptacles only. In practical implementations of the inventions, in particular in cases with the system 100 (shown in
A process for facilitating visual identification of threats in images associated with previously screened receptacles is depicted in
As shown, at step 700, a plurality of records associated to previously screened receptacles are provided. In a non-limiting example of implementation, with reference to
Returning to
Returning to
Returning to
The enhanced imaged derived from the certain record corresponding to the selected thumbnail image may be derived in a similar manner as that described previously in the present specification. For example, a given record in the database of records includes a certain image of contents of a receptacle and information conveying a certain area of interest in the certain image. In a first example, portions of the certain image outside the certain area of interest may be visually de-emphasized to generate the enhanced image. In a second example of implementation, features appearing inside the certain area of interest are visually emphasized to generate the enhanced image. In yet another example, the portions of the image outside the certain area of interest are visually de-emphasized and features appearing inside the certain area of interest are visually emphasized to generate the enhanced image. Manners in which the portions of the certain image outside the certain area of interest may be visually de-emphasized and features appearing inside the certain area of interest may visually emphasized have been previously described in the present applicable and as such will not be described further here.
In the specific example of implementation depicted, with reference to
Optionally, each thumbnail image in the set of thumbnail images conveys information derived from an associated time stamp data element. In the example depicted in
Optionally, the user interface module implemented by display control module 200 (shown in
Database of Images 110
With reference to
In a non-limiting implementation, for each entry in the database 110 associated to a threat, at least one image (hereinafter referred to as a “target image”) is provided in the database of images 110. The format of the target images will depend upon the image processing algorithm implemented by the automated threat detection processor 106. More specifically, the format of the target images is such that a comparison operation can be performed by the automated threat detection processor 106 between a target image in the database 110 and data conveying an image of contents of the receptacle 104 generated by the image generation apparatus 102 (shown in
Optionally, for each entry associated to a threat, a set of images is provided in the database of images 110. For example, images depicting an object in various orientations may be provided.
Optionally still, for each entry associated to a threat, characteristics of the threat are provided. Such characteristics may include, without being limited to, the name of the threat, its associated threat level, information related to the material composition of the threat, the recommended handling procedure when such a threat is detected and any other suitable information. In a specific implementation, the threat level information associated to the threat conveys the relative threat level of a threat compared to other threats in the database of images 110. For example, a gun would be given a relatively high threat level while a metallic nail file would be given a relatively low threat level and a pocket knife would be given a threat level between that of the nail file and the gun.
In the case of luggage screening (in an airport facility for example) the images are associates to objects which typically constitute potential threats to the safety of the passenger or aircraft.
In the case of mail parcel screening, the images are associates to objects which are typically not permitted to be sent through the mail, such as guns (in Canada) for example, due to registration requirements/permits and so on.
In a non-limiting example of implementation, the database of images 110 includes one or more entries associated to objects which are not prohibited but which may represent potential threats. For example, the presence of a metal plate or a metal canister in a piece of luggage going through luggage security screening is not prohibited in itself However such objects may conceal one or more dangerous objects. As such, it is desirable to be able to detect the presence of such objects in receptacle such as to bring them to the attention of the security screeners.
The specific design and content of the database of images 110 may vary from one implementation to the next without detracting from the spirit of the invention. The design of the database is not critical to the present invention and as such will not be described further here.
Although the database of images 110 has been shown in
Automated Threat Detection Processor 106
The automated threat detection processor 106 shown in
The processing unit of the automated threat detection processor 106 receives data conveying an image of the contents of the receptacle 104 from the first input 810 and processes that image to derive an area of interest in the image and additional information conveying threat information associated to the receptacle 104. The processing unit of the automated threat detection processor 106 generates and releases at output 812 information conveying an area of interest in the image and information conveying the additional threat information.
In a specific example of implementation of the invention, the first input 810 is for receiving data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle from the image generation apparatus 102 (shown in
The second input 814 is for receiving images from a database of images 110. It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the database of images 110 is part of automated threat detection processor 106, the second input 814 may be omitted.
The pre-processing module 800 receives the data conveying an image of the contents of a receptacle via the first input 810. The pre-processing module 800 processes the data in order to remove extraneous information from the image and remove noise artefacts in order to obtain more accurate comparison results.
The area of interest locator module 804 is adapted for generating information conveying one or more areas of interest in the image conveying contents of a receptacle received at input 810 based on characteristics intrinsic to that image. In a non-limiting example of implementation where the image is an x-ray image, the characteristics intrinsic to the image include, without being limited to, density information and material class information conveyed by an x-ray type image.
The image comparison module 802 receives information conveying one or more areas of interest from the area of interest locator module 804. The image comparison module 802 is adapted for generating information associated to the one or more areas of interest based on a comparison between the image conveying contents of a receptacle and images in a database of images 110. In a specific example of implementation, the image comparison module 802 receives and processes the areas of interests identified by the area of interest locator module 804 in combination with a plurality of images associated with prohibited objects and/or potential threats to detect a presence of at least one prohibited object and/or threat in the receptacle. In a specific implementation, the plurality of images is stored in a database of images 110.
The output signal generator module 806 receives information conveying one or more areas of interest from the area of interest locator module 804 and additional threat information from the image comparison module 802. The output signal generator module 806 processes this information to generate signals to be released at the output 312 conveying such information.
The output 812 is for releasing information indicating an area of interest in the image potentially containing a threat derived by the area of interest locator module 804 for transmittal to the display control module 200. The output 812 is also for releasing additional threat information associated to the areas of interest for transmittal to the display control module 200, the additional information being derived by the image comparison module 802. The addition information may convey, for example, a level of confidence that the area of interest contains a threat as well as the identity of a prohibited object potentially detected.
The processing unit of the automated threat detection processor 106 receives the data conveying an image of the contents of the receptacle 104 from the first input 810 and processes that image to derive an area of interest in the image and, optionally, to identify a prohibited object in the receptacle 104. The processing unit of the automated threat detection processor 106 generates and releases at output 812 information conveying an area of interest in the image an optionally information conveying the identity of a detected prohibited object.
A process implemented by the various functional elements of the processing unit of the automated threat detection processor 106 will now be described with referent to
With reference to
At step 950, the area of interest locator module 804 processes the data conveying the modified image received from the pre-processing module 800 (or the data conveying an image of the contents of the receptacle received via the first input 810) to generate information conveying an area of interest in the image. The area of interest in the image is an area that potentially contains a threat. Any suitable method to determine an area of the image of (or modified image of) contents of a receptacle that potentially contains a threat may be used. In a specific example, the area of interest locator module 804 is adapted for generating information conveying area of interest based on characteristics intrinsic to the input image. In a first specific example of implementation, the image is an x-ray image conveying information related to the material density associated to contents of the receptacle. The area of interest locator module 804 is adapted to process the image and identify areas including a certain concentration of elements characterized by a certain material density, say for example metallic-type elements, and label these areas as areas of interest. Characteristics such as the size of the area exhibited the certain density may also be taken into account to identify an area of interest.
b depicts a specific example of implementation of step 950. As shown, at step 960, an image classification step is performed whereby each pixel of the image received from the pre-processing module 800 (shown in
At step 964, the areas of interest in the image remaining after step 952 are processed to remove areas corresponding to identifiable non-threat objects. The purpose of step 964 is to further reduce the number of areas of interest by eliminating from consideration areas corresponding to non-threat objects frequently encountered during luggage security screening. In specific examples of implementation, such identifiable non-threat objects may correspond to non-threat objects frequently encountered during luggage security screening. Examples of such non-threat objects including, without being limited to:
It will be appreciated that step 964 is an optional step and that certain implementations of the invention may make use of different criteria to discard an area of interest without detracting from the spirit the invention. Alternatively, certain implementations of the invention may omit step 964 altogether without detraction from the spirit the invention. The result of step 964 is a reduced number of areas of interest, which are then provided to steps 902 and 910 (shown in
It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that methods other that the one depicted in
Returning now to
Continuing with
At step 904, the image comparison module 802 compares the area of interest identified at step 950 by the area of interest locator module 804 against the image accessed at step 903 to determine whether a match exists. The comparison performed will depend upon the type of images in the database of images 110 (shown in
A—Image Enhancement
B—Image Segmentation
C—General Detection
D—Edge Detection
E—Morphological Image Processing
F—Frequency Analysis
G—Shape Analysis, Form Fitting and Representations
H—Feature Representation and Classification
The above algorithms are well known in the field of image processing and as such will not be described further here.
In a specific example of implementation, the image comparison module 802 includes an edge detector to perform part of the comparison at step 904. In another specific example of implementation, the comparison performed at step 904 includes applying a form fitting processing between the image (or modified image) of contents of the receptacle and the images in the database 110 (shown in
In a specific practical example of implementation of the invention, the database 110 includes a plurality of contours associate to respective objects that the system 100 (shown in
The result of step 904 is a score associated to the image of the database accessed at step 903, the score conveying a likelihood that the image of the database is a match to the area of interest being considered.
The image comparison module 802 then proceeds to step 906 where the result of the comparison effected at step 904 is processed to determine whether a match exists between the image (or modified image) of the contents of receptacle 104 and the target image. A likely match is detected of the score obtained by the comparison at step 904 is above a certain threshold score. This score can also be considered as the confidence level associated to detection of a likely match. In the absence of a likely match, the image comparison module 802 returns to step 902. In response to detection of a likely match, the image comparison module 802 proceeds to step 907. At step 907, the image of the database 110 (shown in
At step 909, which is initiated once all the images in the database 110 have been processed, the image comparison module 802 processes the candidate list to select therefrom at least one best likely match. The selection criteria may vary from one implementation to the other but will typically be based upon a scores associated to the candidates in the list of candidates. The best candidate is then released to the output signal generator module 806, which proceeds to implement step 990.
It will be appreciated that the steps performed by the image comparison module 802, namely steps 902903904906907 and 909 are performed for each areas of interest identified by the area of interest locator module 804 at step 950. In cases where the area of interest locator module 804 has identified several areas of interest in the image, the image comparison module 802 may process areas of interest sequentially in accordance with steps 902903904906907 and 909 or, alternatively, may process multiple areas of interest in parallel each in accordance with steps 902903904906907 and 909. In cases where the multiple areas of interest are processed in parallel, the image comparison module 802 is configures with the required hardware/software components for enabling such parallel processing of the areas of interest. The rational behind processing the areas of interests in parallel is that different areas of interest will likely be associated to different potential threats and as such can be processed independently from one another.
At step 990, the output signal generator module 806 generates information conveying additional information associated to the region of interest. Such addition information may include, without being limited to, a level of confidence that the area of interest contains a threat, an identification of a threat potentially detected in the image and/or a recommended handling procedure. The additional information is then released at output 812. The identification of a threat may be derived based on the best candidate provided at step 909. The level of confidence may be derived based on the score associated to the best candidate provided at step 909. In a specific example of implementation, the recommended handling procedure is derived based on the level of confidence (or score) and a pre-determined set of rules guiding the recommended handling procedure. Optionally still other information associated to the best candidate provided at step 909 may be generated by the output signal generator module 806 at step 990. Such information may be derived from the database of images 110 and may include information conveying characteristics of the best candidate identified. Such characteristics may include, without being limited to, the name of the threat (e.g. “gun”), its associated threat level, the recommended handling procedure when such a threat is detected and any other suitable information.
In cases where multiple areas or interests have been identified, the image comparison module 802 processes each area of interest independently in the manner described above to derive a respective level of confidence that the area of interest contains a threat. The levels of confidence for the multiple areas of interest are then combined to derive a combined level of confidence conveying a level of confidence that the overall image of the contents of the receptacle generated by the image generation apparatus 102 (shown in
Alternatively, the combined level of confidence may be a weighted sum of the confidence levels associated to the areas of interest. Referring to the same example, with an image in which three (3) areas of interests were identified and that these three areas of interest were assigned 50%, 60% and 90% respectively as levels of confidence of containing a threat. The combined level of confidence assigned to the image in this case may be expressed:
Combined Level of confidence=w1*90%+w2*60%+w3*50%
Where w1, w2 and w3 are respective weights. In practical implementations:
1≧w1>w2>w3≧0
and
Combined Level of confidence=Lesser of {100%; w1*90%+w2*60%+w3*50%}
It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that of approached for generating a combined level of confidence for the image may be envisaged without detracting from the spirit of the invention and that the above examples have been presented for the purpose of illustration only.
Although the above-described screening system was described in connection with screening of receptacles, the concepts described above can also be applied to the screening of people.
For example, in an alternative embodiment, a system for screening people is provided. The system includes components similar to those described in connection with the system depicted in
Optionally, in the case of a system for screening people, database of images 110 (shown in
Certain portions of the display control module 200 (shown in
Similarly, certain portions of the automated threat detection processor 106 (shown in
It will be appreciated that the automated threat detection processor 106 and the display control module 200 depicted in
Alternatively, the above-described display control module 200 and automated threat detection processor 106 (shown in
Other alternative implementations of the automated threat detection processor 106 and the display control module 200 can be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware and software such as apparatus 1000 of the type depicted in
It will be appreciated that the screening system 100 (depicted in
The server system 1110 includes a program element 1116 for execution by a CPU. Program element 1116 includes functionality to implement the functionality of apparatus 120 (shown in
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and refinements are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,583,557 | Mar 2007 | CA | national |
This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming the benefit of priority under 35 USC §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/694,338 filed Mar. 30, 2007 by Dan Gudmundson et al. and presently pending. The contents of the above-mentioned patent application are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119e) of: U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/822,559 filed Aug. 16, 2006 by Michel Bouchard and presently pending; andU.S. provisional patent application Sr. No. 60/865,276 filed Nov. 10, 2006 by Michel Bouchard and presently pending. The contents of the above-mentioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60822559 | Aug 2006 | US | |
| 60865276 | Nov 2006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11694338 | Mar 2007 | US |
| Child | 11780773 | US |
