In one of their first uses in the commercial world, stereoscopic display equipment from Virtalis, the VR specialists, is being used to view real-time, 3D pictures of baggage.  The system, known as AXIS-3D, is a new generation of X-Ray machine and is currently undergoing trials at Heathrow Terminal 1.

Developed by Image Scan, the AXIS-3D represents a fundamental shift from traditional baggage scanning equipment.  The Company’s technical director, Simon Godber explained: “X-rays contain only 2D information, but the AXIS-3D stereoscopic X-ray system introduces a second view and therefore, by optimising the geometry and software to match the requirements of the human eye and brain, allows the airport screening staff to more clearly determine the shape of an object and its relationship to other objects within an inspected item of luggage.  Application requirements dictate that stereoscopic viewing is available throughout the passage of the luggage through the X-ray system, so we have created a 3D display which pans in real-time.  The Stereographics stereoscopic display uses an active modulator and passive, low-cost, glasses and both are supplied by Virtalis.”

The AXIS-3D system, which contains the 3DX-Camera, is being trialled at Heathrow for the foreseeable future, where passengers and baggage are being selected at random to go through the detection portals and tunnels under trial.  It is hoped that detection rates of dangerous objects will rise using this new technology, while false alarm rates will decrease.  As the operators grow in confidence, it is also envisaged that evaluation time per bag will be reduced, leading to higher throughput rates.

BAA’s director of security, Ian Hutcheson, said: “These trials were planned prior to recent heightened security measures at Heathrow, but the new technologies add yet further deterrent to anyone approaching the world’s busiest international airport with sinister intent.”