Synchronized Markers for X-Ray Systems

When screened property is flagged for potential risk at a security checkpoint, it is pulled from the processing line for manual inspection. If luggage items are similar in shape or size, operators may accidentally pull the wrong item from the line, and a potential threat might be carried to boarding gates without timely interception. When this happens, airports may need to shut down or conduct additional passenger screening until the correct flagged item can be located.

Researchers at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) co-developed the Synchronized Markers for X-ray Systems (SMXS) as a solution for operator error when pulling screened property for additional inspection. These markers, which are visible to the naked eye and reactive to X-rays, are strategically placed on the scanning belt of an X-ray scanner. This unique feature allows scanner operators to precisely identify the item of interest and remove it from the scanning line for inspection.

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