Funded Projects

Enhancement of human factors in aviation security screening at Doha International Aiport, Qatar (FHNW)

With the new ultra-modern New Doha International Airport (NDIA), Qatar is setting new standards in aviation. The Civil Aviation Authority Doha, Qatar has selected CASRA to provide highly efficient and effective systems for pre-employment assessment, training and testing of aviation security officers, who conduct x-ray screening (screeners). For this project, individually adaptive computer-based training with X-Ray Tutor will be provided to all screeners. The effectiveness of training and the screeners' x-ray image interpretation competency will be evaluated using the X-Ray Competency Assessment Test (X-Ray CAT). Screeners at the New Doha International Airport will be tested at the beginning of the project and then once every year, in order to investigate training and transfer effects. In order to enhance the selection of personnel, the Object Recognition Test (X-Ray ORT) will be used in pre-employment assessment. This test has been shown to be very effective for identifying candidates who have the abilities and aptitudes to become a good x-ray screener. With this project, New Doha International Airport will receive highly effective and efficient systems for setting new standards in aviation security.       

Funding: Civil Aviation Authority, Doha, Qatar
Scope: New Doha International Airport (NDIA), Qatar
Duration: February 2010 – February 2013


Increasing X-Ray Image Interpretation Competency in Aviation Security Screening at Brussels Airport (FHNW)

This project's objective is to increase the X-ray image interpretation competency of airport security screeners of G4S at Brussels Airport. In order to achieve this, the individually adaptive computer-based training system X-Ray Tutor as well as a consulting services based on scientific research will be provided.

Funding: G4S Brussels
Scope: Brussels Airport, G4S Brussels
Duration: January 2010 – January 2011

Application of X-Ray Image Interpretation Tests for Security Officers at the Nuclear Power Plant Mühleberg, Switzerland (FHNW)

The goals of this project are the implementation of recurrent X-ray image interpretation tests as well as increasing the X-ray image interpretation competency of security officers working at the Nuclear Power Plant Mühleberg. The following tests will be applied: X-Ray Object Recognition Test (X-Ray ORT), X-Ray Competency Assessment Test for Cabin Baggage Screening (X-Ray CAT CBS), X-Ray Tutor (XRT CBS). Detailed analyses regarding the effectiveness and efficiency in detecting prohibited items in security controls using X-ray screening will be carried out. In this project, the same tests which are used for the certification of airport security screeners in Switzerland are employed.   

Funding: Nuclear Power Plant Mühleberg, Switzerland                                                                                                                                                Scope: Nuclear Power Plant Mühleberg, Switzerland
Duration: January 2010 – January 2011


Increasing X-Ray Image Interpretation Competency of Cargo Security Screeners at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (FHNW)

The main aim of this project is to clarify the question whether x-ray image interpretation competencies in cargo security screening can be increased by the use of computer-based training. Further questions to be investigated in this project are, (1) what is the minimum/optimal time needed for reliable inspection of a cargo container, (2) which amounts of explosive substances and contraband goods can be detected in a cargo container, and (3) whether so called image enhancement functions (e.g. pseudo color) can help x-ray screeners to recognize objects inside a cargo container. In order to investigate these questions, the X-Ray Tutor training system will be modified and adjusted to the area of cargo screening. Furthermore, special tests are developed, so that x-ray image interpretation competencies can be measured before and after training.       

Funding: Dutch Customs
X-ray screeners of Dutch Customs at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Collaborations: TNO
Duration: December 2009 – July 2010

Increasing X-Ray Image Interpretation Competency in Aviation Security Screening at Athens Airport (FHNW)

The objective of this project is to increase x-ray image interpretation competency of airport security screeners at Athens Airport. For this, individually adaptive computer based training (X-Ray Tutor) is employed. Around 320 screeners participate in this study. The training effectiveness and the screeners’ x-ray image interpretation competency are evaluated by using the X-Ray Competency Assessment Test (X-Ray CAT). To investigate training and transfer effects, screeners at Athens Airport are tested right at the beginning of the project as baseline measurement and then again after several of months of training. A comparison to 10 other European airports, which have been taken part in a project funded by the European Commission (VIA Project, www.viaproject.eu) and have also conducted the X-Ray CAT, will provide interesting benchmarking possibilities. Additionally, the Object Recognition Test (X-Ray ORT) is implemented in pre-employment assessment in order to select candidates who possess the necessary abilities and aptitudes to become a good screener.        

Funding: G4S Athens
Scope: Athens Airport, G4S Athens
Duration: May 2009 – May 2010

Increasing X-Ray Image Interpretation Competency in Aviation Security Screening at Oslo Airport (FHNW)

The goal of this four year project at Oslo Airport is to increase the X-ray image interpretation competency of airport security screeners. Around 400 screeners are participating in this study by conducting individually adaptive computer-based training with X-Ray Tutor. Possible training effects and increases in screeners’ x-ray image interpretation competency are evaluated using the X-Ray Competency Assessment Test (X-Ray CAT). The screeners at Oslo Airport are tested at the beginning of the project as baseline measurement and then again once every following year to investigate training and transfer effects. A comparison to 10 other European airports, which have been taken part in a project funded by the EU (VIA Project, www.viaproject.eu) and have also conducted the X-Ray CAT, will provide interesting benchmarking possibilities. Moreover, analysis of Threat Image Projection (TIP) and covert testing data for quality control are also part of this project and will help to improve operational performance.    

Funding: G4S Oslo
Scope: Oslo Airport, G4S Oslo
Duration: March 2009 – March 2013

Increasing X-Ray Image Interpretation Competency in Aviation Security Screening at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (FHNW)

The aim of this four year project is to increase X-ray image interpretation competencies of airport security screeners at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Individually adaptive computer-based training (X-Ray Tutor) is conducted with about 3500 screeners from five different companies. Training effectiveness and the screeners' X-ray image interpretation competencies are evaluated using the X-Ray Competency Assessment Test (X-Ray CAT). All screeners at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol are tested at the beginning of the project as baseline measurement and then again once every following year to investigate training and transfer effects. In addition, performances between the different security companies will be compared. A further comparison to 10 other European airports, that have been taken part in a project funded by the EU (VIA Project, www.viaproject.eu) and also conducted the X-Ray CAT, will provide interesting benchmarking possibilities.

Funding: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Scope: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, including 5 airport security companies
Duration: January 2009 – January 2013

Increasing X-Ray Image Interpretation competency in Aviation Security Screening at Geneva Airport (FHNW)

The main aim of this project at Geneva Airport is to increase x-ray image interpretation competency of airport security screeners. To this end, the individually adaptive computer-based training system X-Ray Tutor is being used. Controlled training with X-Ray Tutor prepares the screeners for the certifications conducted annually and contributes to achieve and maintain comparable standards at all airports in Switzerland.

Funding: Aéroport International de Genéve
Scope: Geneva Airport
Duration: January 2009 – December 2012

Increasing X-Ray Image Interpretation Competency in Aviation Security Screening at Sion Airport (FHNW)

The main aim of this project at Sion Airport is to increase x-ray image interpretation competency of airport security screeners. To this end, the individually adaptive computer-based training system X-Ray Tutor is being used. Controlled training with X-Ray Tutor prepares the screeners for the certifications conducted annually and contributes to achieve and maintain comparable standards at all airports in Switzerland.

Funding: Sion Airport
Scope: Sion Airport
Duration: January 2009 – December 2012

Application of X-Ray Image Interpretation Tests for Security Officers of the Swiss Federal Security Service FEDPOL (FHNW)

The aim of this project is to conduct recurrent X-ray image interpretation tests for X-ray screeners of the Swiss Federal Security Service FEDPOL. The project is based on regulations specified in the Swiss National Aviation Security Program (NASP) which specifies the certification of aviation security screeners. The following tests are conducted periodically: X-Ray Object Recognition Test (X-Ray ORT 1.0), X-Ray Competency Assessment Test for Cabin Baggage Screening (X-Ray CAT CBS 4.0), X-Ray Competency Assessment Test for Hold Baggage Screening (X-Ray CAT HBS 4.0). Detailed analyses were conducted regarding the effectiveness and efficiency in recognizing prohibited items in security controls using X-ray screening.

Funding: Eidgenössisches Justiz- und Polizeidepartement EJPD, Bundesamt für Polizei FEDPOL, Bundessicherheitsdienst
Scope: Switzerland
Duration: November 2008 – February 2010

ECAC BDS Testing of L-3 ProVision 100 (FHNW)

In state-of-the art airport security screening, passengers have to walk through a metal detector before being allowed to board an aircraft. With bodyscanner technology it is possible since recently to screen passengers more accurately to examine whether they carry prohibited items on the body. The Technical Task Force of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) has created a Body Scanners Study Group (ECAC BSSG) in 2007. In a two years project, this group has developed a Body Scanner Testing Methodology (BSTM). The main aim of the BSTM is to test human-machine performance using body scanners for the detection of prohibited items carried by passengers. In this project, the BSTM was applied to test the L-3 ProVision 100 body scanner. This project was conducted to apply the BSTM (this was the first time world wide) and to refine the BSTM. The result of this project provided important information for using the BSTM for certification of body scanners in EU and ECAC member states.

Funding: Dutch National Coordinator on Counter-Terrorism
Scope: EU and ECAC member states
Collaborations: Zurich Airport; Zurich State Police, Airport Division; Zurich City Police, Scientific Research Service
Duration: August 2008 - January 2009

Study on the impact of dual view and automatic explosives detection in hand luggage screening of laptops (FHNW)

This study investigated the impact dual view and automatic explosives detection technology have on the performance of aviation security screeners who visually inspect hand luggage using x-ray screening systems. So-called “advanced cabin baggage x-ray screening” (ACBX) systems provide multiple x-ray views of bags and automated explosive detection. A recent study by von Bastian, Schwaninger and Michel (2008) has shown that multi-view x-ray technology can generate key benefits for the screening of hand luggage. One aspect of specific interest in the present study was whether or not it will be possible to leave laptops in a passenger’s hand luggage or whether laptops will continue having to be removed from hand luggage and be screened separately. It was found that ACBX systems have advantages under certain specific conditions, e.g. for the detection of rotated guns. However, leaving laptops in passenger bags cannot be recommended, even if ACBX technology is used. The results of the study have a substantial impact on aviation security regulations in Germany and other European member states.

Funding: German Ministry of the Interior
Scope: European airports
Collaborations: Kompetenzzentrum für polizeiliche Detektionstechnologien Lübeck; Flughafen Nürnberg; Sicherheitsgesellschaft Nürnberg
Duration: June 2008 - August 2008

Increasing Detection Performance in Aviation Security Screening at Geneva Airport (FHNW)

The aim of this project is to increase x-ray image interpretation competency of airport security screeners by applying X-Ray Tutor, an individually adaptive computer based training system at Geneva airport. Training and test data is analyzed at regular intervals regarding screener detection performance and training activity. Training and transfer effects for detecting prohibited items are investigated.

Funding: Aéroport International de Genève
Scope: Geneva Airport
Collaborations: Security providers at Geneva Airport
Duration: January 2008 - December 2008

Study on the effect of cabin bag size on the effectiveness of screening (UZH)

The aim of this project was to provide the basis for scientifically based conclusions about the significance of the bag size variable by itself and in relation with other variables. In this research project the effect of a number of variables including bag size, bag complexity, packing density, etc, on screener performance was investigated. For this, a set of X-ray images of cabin bags were captured, and presented in CBT format to screeners across nine European airports. The detection performance of the screeners was recorded, and analysed against the identified variables. The study provided scientifically based conclusions about the significance of the bag size variable (by itself and in relation with other variables). The important recommendations from the study allowed the European Commission to make an informed evidence-based decision on the size of bags passengers that are allowed to take on board aircraft. Based on this study, the European Union decided to repeal the enforcement of the limitation of the cabin baggage to IATA size bags by EC Regulation 358/2008 of 22 April 2008.

Funding: UK Department for Transport (via contract with QinetiQ), European Commission Leonardo da Vinci Programme (VIA Project, DE/06/C/F/TH-80403), 9 European airports, their security companies and Appropriate Authorities
Scope: 9 European airports
Collaborations: QinetiQ, Technical Task Force of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC)
Duration: July 20, 2007 - March 31, 2008

Development of a reference levels framework for aVIAtion security screeners (VIA PROJECT)

The main aim of this project is to develop appropriate competence and qualification assessment tools for airport security screeners. This provides the basis for a reference levels framework (RLF) at national and cross-sectoral level, which could serve selection processes, training materials development and application, certification and mobility. Our work focusses on the application of competency assessment tests at various airports, the application of linear models for explaining x-ray image interpretation, and training effectiveness studies. This work is conducted in close collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany, the European Aviation Security Training Institute in Brussels, and appropriate authorities such as the Ministry of Interior in Germany and the Belgian Civil Aviation Administration.

Funding: European Commission and airport security industry
Scope: 9 main partners from 6 countries including 3 European airports
Collaborations: 6 airports associated to main partners (a total of 9 airports participate in this project)
Duration: Nov 1, 2006 - Oct 31, 2008

Time course of processing external and internal features in face matching tasks (UZH)

The aim of this research project is to systematically investigate the time course of processing internal and external features in face matching tasks with regard to a) face familiarity, b) orientation (upright or inverted), c) other race effect, and d) different viewpoints (frontal or side view). These investigations will result in a deeper understanding of the time-course, relevant representations, and processes in face matching. Besides this theoretical contribution, the knowledge gained from these studies could also have important implications for applied tasks in which face matching is used, e.g. in passport verification at airports.

Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation
Scope: Research grant to B. Veres
Collaborations: -
Duration: October 2006 - September 2008

Identity verification from photographs in travel documents: measures of performance enhancement (UZH)

At border control, it is the security personnel's job to identify possible passport fraud, in particular to verify whether the photograph in a travel document matches its bearer. However, as various studies have shown, identity verification from document photographs is far from accurate. The aim of this project is thus to develop a procedure for security personnel to enhance identity verification performance from document photographs. In three studies, four factors shall be investigated: First, the reduction of time pressure in identity verification; second, the potential benefit of inversion of the document photograph on identity verification; third, the enhancement of sensitivity towards configural information contained in faces through training; and last, enlargement of the document photograph for better identity verification. All four factors are believed to be potentially beneficial on identity verification performance and could well influence standard verification procedures at border control.

Funding: Stiftung Suzanne und Hans Biäsch zur Förderung der Angewandten Psychologie
Scope: Research grant to S. Chiller-Glaus
Collaborations: Zurich State Police, Airport Division
Duration: 2007 - 2008

Training of airport security screeners at Geneva airport (FHNW)

The aim of this project is to increase x-ray image interpretation competency of airport security screeners by applying X-Ray Tutor, an individually adaptive computer based training system. Data of all training computers are connected to a central server. Data is analyzed at regular intervals regarding screener detection performance and training activity.

Funding: Aéroport International de Genève
Scope: Geneva airport
Duration: Continous (since September 2005)

Computer-based tests for certification of aviation security screeners in Switzerland (APSS)

Certification and competency assessment of airport security screeners have become very important topics in the last few years. A common certification procedure helps to achieve comparable standards across different airports and countries. On behalf of this project computer-based tests are used to measure ability and competency of airport security screeners in six Swiss airports. The Object Recognition Test (ORT) is used to assess screener ability needed for recognizing threat items in rotation, when they are superimposed by other objects and placed in close-packed bags. The Prohibited Items Test (PIT) is used to assess visual knowledge about prohibited items. A theoretical exam on computer (TEC) is applied to test the theoretical knowledge required in airport security screening procedures. The results provide a solid basis for a reliable and standardized certification procedure performed by the Swiss airports in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).

Funding: Swiss airports and FOCA
Scope: All Swiss airports
Collaborations: FOCA, Swiss airports and police authorities
Duration: Continous (since June 2004)

Research on X-Ray image tutoring technology for aviation security screeners in Canada (UZH)

The aim of this project is to increase airport security by (1) applying efficient and effective training that adapts to each screener, (2) by using scientific tests for measuring baseline scores and training effectiveness (pre- and posttests), and (3) by optimizing pre-employment assessment of screeners. Three modules are used to achieve the objectives: (1) A training system, which adapts to each individual (X-Ray Tutor), (2) scientific tests for measuring detection performance (ORT, PIT, BDT, X-Ray CAT), and (3) a test battery for pre-employment assessment (including ORT and other cognitive tests).

Funding: Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)
Scope: Canadian airports
Collaborations: Zurich Airport, Zurich State Police, Airport Division
Duration: December 2003 - March 2010

Aviation security tests in Belgium (UZH)

In this project computer-based tests are applied in order to measure the ability and competency needed to reliably detect prohibited items in X-Ray images. The object recognition test (ORT) is used to measure how well someone can detect threat items (guns and knives) when they are rotated, superimposed by other objects and placed in close-packed bags. The prohibited items test (PIT) is used to examine whether screeners know which items are prohibited and what they look like in X-ray images of passenger bags. The results of this project provide important information for certification and comptency assessment, quality control, as well as risk assessment in aviation security.

Funding: Belgian Civil Aviation Administration
Scope: Belgian airports
Collaborations: European Aviation Security Training Institute (EASTI), Bruxelles International Airport Company (BIAC), Zurich State Police, Airport Division
Duration: December 2003 - December 2007

Increasing security and efficiency at Zurich Airport (APSS)

In the last decade large investments have been made into aviation security technology. However, the most expensive equipment is of small value if the humans that operate it are not selected and trained to perform their task accurately and efficiently. In this project security and efficiency is increased by (1) applying reliable tests for pre-employment assessment, (2) by using individually adaptive training (X-Ray Tutor), and (3) by implementing a third generation threat image projection systems that allows an integration of adaptive training and quality control (3i-TIP). In this research project, data is analyzed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of these tools. In addition, several basic and applied aspects of object recognition and visual cognition are investigated.

Funding: Zurich Airport Unique
Scope: Zurich Airport Unique
Collaborations: Zurich State Police, Airport Division
Duration: Continous (since January 2001)

Increasing security and efficiency in aviation security screening at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (UZH)

The aim of this project is to increase aviation security by (1) applying efficient and effective training that adapts to each screener, (2) by using scientific tests for measuring baseline scores and training effectiveness (pre- and posttests), (3) by evaluating the relevance of image quality as a prerequisite for good detection performance, and (4) by optimizing testing of screeners and candidates in a pre-employment assessment.

Funding: TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory, The Netherlands
Scope: Research project at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AAS)
Collaborations: AAS, Ministry of Justice, The Netherlands
Duration: January 2005 - March 2007

X-ray image tutoring technology for airport security screening in Germany (UZH)

In this project the new version of X-Ray Tutor is used to increase detection performance of aviation security screeners. A new x-ray image interpretation competency test (X-Ray CAT) is used before and after three and six months of training. The aims of this project are (1) to measure performance inscrease as a result of training, (2) to measure which objects and viewpoints are difficult to recognize, and (3) to examine whether recognition becomes less dependent on viewpoint as a result of training.

Funding: German Ministry of Interior
Scope: German airports
Collaborations: Bundesgrenzschutz (BGS), Flug- und Industriesicherheit Service- und Beratungs- GmbH (F.I.S.), Security Training International (STI)
Duration: December 2004 - December 2006

Research on security control with x-ray equipment in the Swiss Army (UZH)

The aim of this project was to investigate individual differences related to recognizing threat items in x-ray images. The following tests were applied (see also Software Tools): Object Recognition Test (ORT), Prohibited Items Test (PIT), Bomb Detection Test (BDT), and visual cognition tests. This project provided important results regarding the detection of different threat types in x-ray images of baggage, individual differences related to visual abilities vs. training, as well as implications for pre-employment assessment.

Funding: Eidgenössisches Department für Verteidigung, Bevölkerungsschutz und Sport (VBS)
Scope: Soldiers involved in security control with x-ray machines
Collaborations: Swiss Army
Duration: January 2004 - December 2004

Cognitive Vision Systems (CogVis)

The CogVis consortium was been brought together to study the design of Cognitive Vision Systems. In this context a "cognitive vision system" is defined as a system that uses visual information to achieve:

Cognitive vision only makes sense in the context of a "system" where there is a user that provides task information and which uses the information generated by the system. In addition a fundamental assumption is that such systems are embodied so that they interact with the world using active vision, manipulation or similar facilities.

Funding: European Commission, Essential Technologies, EU CEC, Contract IST-2000-29375
Scope: Collaboration between leading European research insitutes in computational vision and visual cognition
Collaborations: CogVis Researchers
Duration: May 1, 2001 - July 31, 2004