Periodic Reporting for period 3 - XSPERINSE (X-ray SPEctral detectors for Reliable, Intelligent and INnovative SEcurity)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2021-12-01 al 2022-07-31
The EXSPERINSE project assists in meeting the dual challenge of more aviation passengers being subject to increased security requirements.
Funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 “Fast Track to Innovation” program, XSPERINSE was brought to life to increase aviation security and improve the passengers travelling experience through reducing waiting time and frustration in the airport checkpoints.
The project aims for designing an improved Exruptive cabin baggage scanner through creation of a next generation multispectral X-ray detector that represents a key component in the scanner core. To ensure optimized detection/scanner performance through improving the analysis algorithm to fit the performance of the upgraded detector. And finally, to ensure that the design and layout of the entire checkpoint is compliant with optimizing passenger flow and passenger experience while also increasing the aviation security through application of the improved scanner technology.
At the end of the project the partners have delivered on all objectives. The scanner has gone through the ECAC certification test and is expected to pass the software retrial in Q1 2023. The Xsperinse detector increased the flux capability from 2E6 to 4E6 counts per second per pixel while reducing the power usage by 23%. Not least was the data transfer increased significantly from .8GPS to 5GPS to ensure efficient connections to all detector modules in a scanner projection and transfer of data packages without loss.
Funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 “Fast Track to Innovation” program, XSPERINSE was brought to life to increase aviation security and improve the passengers travelling experience through reducing waiting time and frustration in the airport checkpoints.
The project aims for designing an improved Exruptive cabin baggage scanner through creation of a next generation multispectral X-ray detector that represents a key component in the scanner core. To ensure optimized detection/scanner performance through improving the analysis algorithm to fit the performance of the upgraded detector. And finally, to ensure that the design and layout of the entire checkpoint is compliant with optimizing passenger flow and passenger experience while also increasing the aviation security through application of the improved scanner technology.
At the end of the project the partners have delivered on all objectives. The scanner has gone through the ECAC certification test and is expected to pass the software retrial in Q1 2023. The Xsperinse detector increased the flux capability from 2E6 to 4E6 counts per second per pixel while reducing the power usage by 23%. Not least was the data transfer increased significantly from .8GPS to 5GPS to ensure efficient connections to all detector modules in a scanner projection and transfer of data packages without loss.
The work performed during the first half of the project covers several major achievements, notably a revised multispectral X-ray module for use in the Exruptive Scanners, blueprints for revised scanner design incorporating the new detector, and several different checkpoint layouts taking into account the optimized passenger flow derived from the improved scanner performance.
The work performed during the first half of the project falls in two parts, a technical part and an administrative part. Deliverables in the latter part includes risk log (D1.1) ethical requirements (D7.1-7.3) web page (D2.1) data management plan and similar for ORDP (D1.2 and D1.3) and a survey of regulatory and legislation requirements for the scanner (D3.1). On the technical side, specification and architecture for the revised DTX energy dispersive X-ray detector and specification of a revised Exruptive Scanner was produced. Design specs and blueprints were delivered by the end of the first project period. In preparation for testing the revised detector, a test-setup was produced resulting in approximately 31 TB of data for analysis on improved detection algorithms. Finally meeting and market research activities has produced insight into adaptions to new detection requirements, and thoughts on adaptions of the Exruptive Scanner Concept to the conditions imposed by the current COVID19 situation and scarcity of workforce. Several checkpoint layouts and different operational concepts (CONOPS) for different security and safety situations has been produced.
The work performed in the second part of the project has focused on to main parts; the delivery and implementation of classification (D5.2) and preparation for the ECAC test in Q1 2022 (D6.1) (this test has been performed at the time of writing but not evaluated) During this time the consortium lead by P.FWD has continuously kept updated on developments for the regulatory and legislative scanner requirements. Updates have been disseminated throughout the consortium through monthly newsletters. During this second part of the project the development of prototype detectors has been on-going. The final and full delivery of the ME-prototype (D4.2) has not been delivered which was established in the timeline in the project amendment of 2021 a set of prototype sensor has been delivered for preliminary tests in June 2021. This means the work for incorporating the improved high flux response from the detectors has already stated in preparation for the test of the scanner in the last reporting period. Following the lock-down due to COVID-19 the consortium has been able to attend event and conferences either physically or virtually in the RP2. Scientific publication have been published and further have been submitted and are waiting acceptance.
The work performed in the final part of the project has focused on the following main parts: The Exruptive A2 scanner was submitted for ECAC certification testing in Q1 2022 (but like most new models did not pass). After the certification testing, a private data collection was performed at the ECAC test center, involving scanning of close to 100 different types of solids, liquids and powder threats. In combination with the ECAC preparation testing protocol developed by P.FWD the collected data was used to improve the basis for analysis algorithms highly improving the chances of passing ECAC certification in the near future. The continued development of prototype interface boards to control the detectors has proceeded throughout the reporting period and will be continued by the project partners after project closure.
The work performed during the first half of the project falls in two parts, a technical part and an administrative part. Deliverables in the latter part includes risk log (D1.1) ethical requirements (D7.1-7.3) web page (D2.1) data management plan and similar for ORDP (D1.2 and D1.3) and a survey of regulatory and legislation requirements for the scanner (D3.1). On the technical side, specification and architecture for the revised DTX energy dispersive X-ray detector and specification of a revised Exruptive Scanner was produced. Design specs and blueprints were delivered by the end of the first project period. In preparation for testing the revised detector, a test-setup was produced resulting in approximately 31 TB of data for analysis on improved detection algorithms. Finally meeting and market research activities has produced insight into adaptions to new detection requirements, and thoughts on adaptions of the Exruptive Scanner Concept to the conditions imposed by the current COVID19 situation and scarcity of workforce. Several checkpoint layouts and different operational concepts (CONOPS) for different security and safety situations has been produced.
The work performed in the second part of the project has focused on to main parts; the delivery and implementation of classification (D5.2) and preparation for the ECAC test in Q1 2022 (D6.1) (this test has been performed at the time of writing but not evaluated) During this time the consortium lead by P.FWD has continuously kept updated on developments for the regulatory and legislative scanner requirements. Updates have been disseminated throughout the consortium through monthly newsletters. During this second part of the project the development of prototype detectors has been on-going. The final and full delivery of the ME-prototype (D4.2) has not been delivered which was established in the timeline in the project amendment of 2021 a set of prototype sensor has been delivered for preliminary tests in June 2021. This means the work for incorporating the improved high flux response from the detectors has already stated in preparation for the test of the scanner in the last reporting period. Following the lock-down due to COVID-19 the consortium has been able to attend event and conferences either physically or virtually in the RP2. Scientific publication have been published and further have been submitted and are waiting acceptance.
The work performed in the final part of the project has focused on the following main parts: The Exruptive A2 scanner was submitted for ECAC certification testing in Q1 2022 (but like most new models did not pass). After the certification testing, a private data collection was performed at the ECAC test center, involving scanning of close to 100 different types of solids, liquids and powder threats. In combination with the ECAC preparation testing protocol developed by P.FWD the collected data was used to improve the basis for analysis algorithms highly improving the chances of passing ECAC certification in the near future. The continued development of prototype interface boards to control the detectors has proceeded throughout the reporting period and will be continued by the project partners after project closure.
The Exruptive CT Security Solution (the Exruptive solution) addresses the main problems faced in the security process today: detecting efficiently all threats - more and more automatically, increase operational efficiency and reducing related costs (e.g. servicing), and improve passenger experience at the same time. Due to the increased level of automation and remote screening options, less contact is necessary between airport personnel (agents) and passengers (pax). Furthermore, the possibility to communicate directly with the passenger through the tablet-screen on the trolley makes it possible for pax to avoid e.g. congested areas in the airport and keep a safe distance to other pax in order to prevent the spread of e.g. COVID-19.
In Airports the challenge of attracting and retaining personnel is felt acutely. The Exruptive solution aims at drastically reducing the personnel requirement per pax, by having a single faster checkpoint, aiding the detecting process with automatic classification and an intuitive interface to pax. The exruptive checkpoint thus gives a more pleasant work experience making retention easier while freeing up workforce for vital tasks in society.
For these reasons, Exruptive is now experiencing an increased interest from airports and security providers both inside and outside the EU. The outcome of the XSPERINSE project will further accelerate this process, as more energy efficient and price friendly detector units incorporated into the Exruptive scanner, will further improve operational efficiency and reduce security costs.
In Airports the challenge of attracting and retaining personnel is felt acutely. The Exruptive solution aims at drastically reducing the personnel requirement per pax, by having a single faster checkpoint, aiding the detecting process with automatic classification and an intuitive interface to pax. The exruptive checkpoint thus gives a more pleasant work experience making retention easier while freeing up workforce for vital tasks in society.
For these reasons, Exruptive is now experiencing an increased interest from airports and security providers both inside and outside the EU. The outcome of the XSPERINSE project will further accelerate this process, as more energy efficient and price friendly detector units incorporated into the Exruptive scanner, will further improve operational efficiency and reduce security costs.