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We are committed to offering the most effective
and efficient methods of training for security
personnel.
Combining over 10 years experience of delivering state-of the- art security solutions to high-profile international customers with our understanding of screening systems, we are perfectly positioned to understand the changing security market. We recognise that the most effective and practical form of x-ray screener training is computer based training.
SmartSystem is a computer based security training package
that has a unique blend of x-ray simulation, training courses
and assessment.
SmartSystem helps screeners to interpret x-ray images
accurately and consistently, giving them the knowledge to
understand how to get the most from the image enhancement
functions on each manufacturers x-ray machine. It can be
operated on a standalone PC, over a networked classroom,
distributed across a company intranet or operated over the
internet.
The training package is designed to develop and improve the
interpretation skills of security screeners by training on high
fidelity images of real bags. We use genuine x-ray images in
conjunction with a precise replica of the operation keypad for
the x-ray machine being simulated, as we believe this is the
only way to ensure complete accuracy.
Through our mix of x-ray simulation and computer based
training courses, screeners receive excellent technical and
practical training to take them from novice to experienced
screener standard.
There are a number of leading manufacturers of x-ray equipment
and being vendor independent we offer unbiased training on
multiple x-ray machines, thus allowing trainees to
become fully conversant with the full range
of machines that they will operate.
SmartSystem is the only computer
based training system to have
Federal Aviation Administration
approval and conformance with
ICAO guidelines. It is approved by
numerous Government and
regulatory bodies around the world.
Most realistic bag images
Other suppliers use a number of terminologies to describe
the manner in which their simulators work,
including, build-a-bag, virtual bags, overlays
and composite images. Despite these
different names they all work in
essentially the same way. The
bags, threat items and other
content items are x-rayed
separately and the images are
overlaid to make a composite
image. Such composite images
are not x-ray correct.
X-rays are changed as they
pass through materials. The
image generated when an x-ray
passes through a book, a camera
and some clothing is subtly different
to one where the beam passes through
these items separately or in a different
order.
A composite image is compiled in a series of layers – bag,
contents and the threat item. Real bags are not like this. For
example, an explosives device could have one component at
the top of a bag, another lower down and a third at the bottom
of a bag. This cannot be duplicated with composite images
meaning trainees are not given realistic and thorough training
if using composite images.
Our techniques make it possible to generate an identical
simulated image to that generated by the real x-ray machine.
This means that when the screener starts work in a ‘live’
situation they could be easily confused as they have been
‘practicing’ on something that looks quite different.
It is important that trainee screeners can see the image on
screen and view a photograph of the actual bag so they can
compare the two. Trainees using SmartSystem can do this
easily as the images are of real bags that we also photograph
and show to the student. Other suppliers using composite
images cannot offer this crucial facility as their bags do not
actually exist.
One of the fundamental reasons why SmartSystem is the
market-leading computer-based simulation product for x-ray
screener training is the quality and competence of screeners
who have been trained using the system.
Suppliers who use composite images in their
simulation training cannot offer the same levels
of quality as this type of image can never
look exactly like the real thing.
These two photographs are both of the
actress Julia Roberts. The left hand one is
a composite image made from photos taken at
different times. The other is a real image. Only the
real image is recognisable.
A simulator using composite images will train the user to
perform well with that simulator but will not improve their skill
with the real x-ray machine. Using SmartSystem, trainees
see real images, just as in a ‘live’ situation. Our screeners
are therefore far better prepared to start screening competently
and confidently from the word ‘go’.
It is imperative that individual screener ‘training needs’ are
fully analysed and targets set for attainment of screener
standards within organisations.
We adapt our training to suit the needs of the individual. We
can design image interpretation training using our extensive
library of real bag images to challenge all screeners, from
novice through to the most proficient. As in the real world, the
bag images are manipulated using the simulated x-ray control
strip options, exactly as on the x-ray machine itself, in order
to detect threat and non-threat items. SmartSystem then tests
for the accuracy of interpretation and leads screeners through
a comprehensive review of their session.
The system offers detailed tracking
and analysis of the user’s performance
and can therefore assist the training
manager to identify the individual’s
training and development needs.
SmartSystem is perfect for initial or
refresher training; it provides seamless
progression from novice to experienced
screener because the system focuses on
developing skills required for both accurate decision
making and continual improvement of x-ray interpretation.
As the sophistication of threats increases the equipment and the training must keep pace to ensure that the threats are negated through an effective and up-to-date workforce. We are dedicated to maintaining the relevance of the images that screeners see and the interpretation skills that they are learning through ongoing development of SmartSystem. In order to help x-ray screeners identify new and emerging threats we continually review and expand our library of genuine x-ray images for the wide range of x-ray machines that are available to trainers. New simulators are continually being developed as new, more advanced x-ray equipment is adopted.
Depending upon your requirements you have the option to
run SmartSystem on a stand alone computer, in a classroom
of several networked PCs, with several classrooms connected
via internet or intranet, or it may also be operated from a
remote server with only Internet Explorer required at the
client’s end.
SmartSystem has the facility for a user to connect directly
to their x-ray machine and import additional images
into the library for future training purposes.
We also offer a range of computer
based courses which together with
the x-ray simulation provides a
complete training package for
your security check-point
personnel.
We recognise that all clients are different with
differing training needs, requirements and budgets.
SmartSystem has been designed to be a costeffective,
affordable solution and is available
through a choice of purchase options to meet your
individual needs.
You can choose from:
The purpose of SmartSystem is to replicate the high-fidelity operation of
an x-ray machine so that the differences between using their training
simulator and the real x-ray machine are unnoticeable to the operator.
To achieve this, it is imperative that the simulator replicates all functions
of a real x-ray machine, especially the images that an operator views.
As bags are processed through an x-ray machine they are scanned by
an x-ray beam which passes through the bag and digitises the information
it sees.
To generate an image for the screening operator, the raw data is processed
through a series of algorithms which makes sense of the data and also
provides the various colour enhancements available to the operator. As
the x-ray generator, detector and algorithms are unique to each model
of x-ray machine, the image seen on the screen by an operator is also
unique to that model. Therefore, to produce a simulator that faithfully
reproduces the bag image, the raw x-ray data must be collected and
processed in a similar manner to the x-ray machine.
As we are vendor independent we have trusted
relationships with all of the major x-ray
equipment manufacturers. They
generally supply us with the
algorithms used in their x-ray
machines, enabling us to train
screeners on any x-ray
machine.
To offer the most realistic simulation experience we train
screeners using images of real bags. We pack a number of
bags using real items that passengers travel with; from coat
hangers and wash kits, to mobile phones and cameras. We
also have a licence to store and handle dangerous goods,
including explosives and firearms and these are also inserted
into the bags.
Some bags are packed in a straight forward
way. Others are packed with the threat
items disguised. This could include
disassembling firearms and
distributing them over several
bags, or alternatively packing
a bag with explosive devices
made from everyday items, or
maybe hiding knives with other
similar but harmless objects.
These bags are then screened
through the x-ray machine
corresponding to the one being
simulated and the raw x-ray data collected.
Several scans are completed to show the bag in
different orientations and photographs of the open bag and
items of interest are taken.
This x-ray data together with the corresponding photographs
forms the core information for the simulator. When the data
is processed an image identical to that seen on the x-ray
machine is generated, ensuring that all of the important image
enhancements are available to the trainee.
As a realistic simulation training experience is imperative,
SmartSystem allows multiple scans so that a bag can
be rotated and re-scanned in a similar way to
that which an operator would do whilst ‘on
the job’. The corresponding on-screen
photographs then enable a trainee to
directly compare the x-ray images
with the bag items. In addition to
this, an on-screen set of soft keys
replicates the x-ray machine controls
which helps the trainee to become
familiar with this aspect of machine
operation.
If you would like to discuss how we can help your organisation then please call or email us and an advisor will be pleased to offer you more information or a free demonstration.
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