Accessible Property Screening (APS) Checkpoint CT Prohibited Items (PI) Detection
Description
The AI solution is needed to look for and classify non-explosive prohibited items, because this AI solution alongside the legacy explosive algorithms provides a complete solution for TSA. AI models can process vast amounts of data in real-time, identify anomalies, and provide a way to quickly evolve in identifying new threats with a speed and accuracy that humans cannot match. Once this AI solution is tested in the lab and in the field, TSA will have the capability of using Image on Alarm Only to enable TSOs to bolster accuracy while focusing on human-centered priority tasks.
Detailed example
AI system output is a set of 3-dimentional bounding boxes that is displayed on the X-ray image. The bounding boxes are placed on top of objects or areas where the algorithm believes it has found a prohibited item (threat object).
AI / analytics pattern
Computer Vision: AI that processes and interprets visual data (e.g., images and videos).
Automation level / stage
a) Pre-deployment – The use case is in a development or acquisition status.
Expected benefit
This AI helps airplane luggage checks by the TSA officers scanning bags to have a continuous always watching partner to alert them to anything suspicious. Currently, a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) who is assigned to every X-ray equipment at an airport checkpoint visually inspects each image. This officer resolves the system generated explosive alarms as well as visually inspecting the image for the presence of non-explosive prohibited items such as guns and sharp objects (see TSA Travel site). TSA is working on developing new Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) algorithms to automate the search for the non-explosive prohibited items (e.g. guns, knives, etc.). Once a threat is found, the algorithm displays bounding boxes around the suspect item for the operator to then investigate and adjudicate. These AI solutions benefit the public by providing a consistent and uninterrupted level of threat detection as an added layer of security. The ML algorithms allow the TSA officers to be more flexible and to better prioritize their attention on important items to improve security.
Controls / human review
ATO: Not reported; PIA: Not published