Airport security X-ray screening of hold baggage: 2D versus 3D imaging and evaluation of an on-screen alarm resolution protocol

Abstract

The screening of hold baggage at airports is currently changing from 2D to 3D imaging. In this context, we compared visual inspection performance of screeners using 2D imaging versus 3D imaging versus 3D imaging following a specific on-screen alarm resolution protocol (OSARP). In a simulated hold baggage screening task, professional screeners had to decide whether X-ray images contained an improvised explosive device or not. Results showed that there was no difference in detection performance (d') between 2D and 3D imaging. Visual inspection with 3D imaging following an OSARP resulted in higher detection performance compared to 2D and 3D imaging, but also in a more neutral response bias and longer reaction times. In conclusion, screeners currently working with 2D technology do not need extensive and specific training to achieve comparable detection performance with 3D imaging. However, the application of an OSARP has the potential to further increase screeners’ detection performance.