Detecting bombs in hold baggage: 3D imaging is better than 2D imaging when image quality is the same
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Author (Corporation)
Publication date
23.05.2025
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01A - Journal article
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Parent work
Applied Ergonomics
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Volume
128
Issue / Number
104534
Pages / Duration
1-9
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Elsevier
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Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) imaging is increasingly utilized in hold baggage screening (HBS) at airports. It enables screeners to rotate images and view cross-sectional layers of the bag (slicing). Previous studies on multi-target search in cabin baggage screening indicate that novices benefit from 3D-rotatable images when image quality is the same in 2D and 3D. We investigated the effects of 3D imaging for professional screeners in HBS, where the screening task is to detect bombs in pre-alarmed bags flagged by automated explosives detection systems. In our study, 51 professional screeners completed a highly realistic HBS task involving two levels of bag complexity in 2D and 3D imaging conditions with the same image quality. We found that 3D imaging resulted in higher detection performance in terms of hit rate and sensitivity (d’ and da, two sensitivity measures of signal detection theory). Although better bomb detection was accompanied by increased response times, the practical implication of our results is that the transition to 3D HBS substantially enhances human-machine system performance in terms of both effectiveness and efficiency.
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ISBN
ISSN
1872-9126
0003-6870
0003-6870
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
Yes
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Publication status
Published
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Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
Hybrid
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Citation
Latscha, M., Merks, S., Sauer, J., & Schwaninger, A. (2025). Detecting bombs in hold baggage: 3D imaging is better than 2D imaging when image quality is the same. Applied Ergonomics, 128(104534), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104534