Software Products
All software products on this page are intellectual property of Applied Psychological Science Solutions GmbH (APSS). If you would like to obtain a product as part of an integrated service, consulting or research project, please contact the head of CASRA, Prof. Dr. Adrian Schwaninger. If you would like to buy one of these software products as a commercially available product, please contact one of the following companies:
Smiths Detection (H.-J. Schöpe)
- X-Ray Tutor
- 3i-TIP System
- TIP DataVis
- TIP Multiple Views Library
STI - Security Training International (W. Glassner)
- X-Ray Tutor
Safe Passage International (M. Rooksby)
- X-Ray Tutor
Siemens Switzerland (M. Städler)
- 3i-TIP System
- TIP DataVis
- TIP Multiple Views Library
X-Ray Tutor (XRT)
X-Ray Tutor is a scientifically based training program, specifically designed to increase x-ray image interpretation competency of x-ray screeners. At the heart of X-Ray Tutor are results from scientific studies on how the human brain processes visual information in order to recognize objects from different viewpoints (Schwaninger, 2003c; 2004b; for an overview on object recognition see Schwaninger, 2005a). The scientific theories, combined with adaptive training algorithms, create the world's only scientifically based, individually adaptive x-ray object recognition training program. Several scientific studies involving external evaluators have shown that X-Ray Tutor is a very effective tool to increase x-ray image interpretation competency of airport security screeners (Michel et al., 2007; Ghylin et al., 2006; Hardmeier et al., 2006b; Koller et al., 2007, 2008; Schwaninger et al., 2007; Schwaninger & Hofer, 2004). In a project funded by the United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA), X-Ray Tutor version 1.7 has been installed at more than 400 airports in the USA by spring 2004. The TSA has also funded the development of a customized version of X-Ray Tutor 2.0 (Object Recognition Module), which was installed at more than 450 airports end of 2005. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) uses X-Ray Tutor 2.0 at all 89 airports in Canada as part of a large project with the University of Zurich which started in 2004. X-Ray Tutor is operational in Switzerland since 2002, at 17 airports in Germany since 2003, and in several other countries such as Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland, Korea, Latvia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden. For more information on X-Ray Tutor see Schwaninger (2003c, 2004a, 2004b).
3i-TIP System
Threat image projection (TIP) is a technology that allows projecting fictional threat items into x-ray images of real passenger bags during the routine baggage screening operation. If a screener does not detect a TIP image within a specified amount of time, a feedback message appears indicating that a projected threat was missed. Feedback messages are also shown when a TIP image is detected or in the case of a non-TIP alarm, i.e. when the screener indicated that there was threat but no TIP image has been projected. The 3i-TIP system represents next generation TIP technology. It features automatic image processing, an individually adaptive algorithm and an integration with computer-based training and quality control. X-Ray Tutor can be connected to 3i-TIP and thereby becomes 3i-Tutor. This allows missed images review, i.e. missed TIP images can be reviewed in 3i-Tutor for specific remedial training. The 3i-TIP system combines the advantages of effective CBT (increased x-ray image recognition skills) with the benefits of TIP (increased motivation and attention of screeners). It is operational at 4 European airports. For more information on 3i-TIP see (Schwaninger, 2004a, 2006c).
TIP DataVis
TIP DataVis is a program especially developed for the analysis of TIP report data. It can analyze HBS as well as CBS TIP reports. TIP DataVis makes it is possible to monitor screener performance over time and many other analyses of TIP data. TIP DataVis is currently used at four airports in Europe.
TIP Multiple Views Library (TIP MVL)
A large, representative and up to date TIP library of fictional threat items is very important to achieve and maintain a high level of security and efficiency. In close collaboration between aviation security and scientific experts, the multiple views library for threat image projectio (TIP MVL) has been developed. It contains thousands of fictional threat item images depicting hundreds of different prohibited items in up to 96 different viewpoints (Standard TIP Library 6000 images, Professional TIP Library 18’000 images). This library is operational at the following airports: Brussels, Stockholm, Malmö and Zurich.
X-Ray Object Recognition Test (X-Ray ORT)
This test measures visual abilities needed for the interpretation of x-ray images of bags. The test correlates significantly with detection performance measured using threat image projection (TIP) and it is a useful tool for measuring screener ability as part of a pre-employment assessment test or a screener evaluation procedure. For a summary see Schwaninger (2003b), for details see Schwaninger, Hardmeier and Hofer (2004, 2005), and Hardmeier, Hofer, and Schwaninger (2005).
X-Ray Prohibited Items Test (X-Ray PIT)
This test measures how well security personnel can detect prohibited items in x-ray images of passenger bags. X-ray image interpretation competency depends critically on whether screeners know which items are prohibited and what they look like in x-ray images of passenger bags. This can be measured using the prohibited items test. It contains different threat items according to international prohibited items lists by ICAO / ECAC / EU and features excellent internal reliability scores. For detailed information see Schwaninger, Hardmeier and Hofer (2004, 2005).
X-Ray Competency Assessment Test (X-Ray CAT)
This test is similar to the prohibited items test but it can be used within X-Ray Tutor to measure screener competency. The test contains 256 x-ray images with different threat items categorized into guns, knives, improvised explosive devices and other threat items. The test features excellent reliability scores (Cronbach Alpha > 0.9, Split Half Reliability > 0.8). For details regarding this test see Koller and Schwaninger (2006).
X-Ray Bomb Detection Test (X-Ray BDT)
This test measures how well security personell can detect prohibited items in x-ray images of hold baggage. The current version contains only improvised explosive devices. Future versions might contain also dangerous goods.
Theoretical Test on Computer (TEC)
This test focusses on theoretical issues specified by the National Civil Aviation Security Program as well as the Airport Security Program. It contains questions about operational, technical and general aspects of civil aviation security and tallies with the topics taught during training of aviation security screeners. Questions specific to the given locality may also be asked. For periodical competency assessment, specific questions can be added, which are related to specific duties.
Adaptive Knowledge Management System (aKMS)
With this computer-based system it is possible to send information in an adaptive way to employees. It contains a konfigurable information board function for managing the knowledge of employees in the area of aviation security. The system is under development and operational only at one European airport.
Avsec LCMS
This learning and content management system is currently being developed for an e-learning application in aviation security. A description of the architecture can be found in Guo, Gall, & Schwaninger (2008). The system is under development and operational only at one European airport.