Testing the Image Quality of Cabinet X-ray Systems for Security Screening: The Revised ASTM F792 Standard

Area of Science:

• Security Technology
• Imaging Science
• Standards Development

Background:

• The ASTM F792 standard is crucial for assessing security X-ray system performance at checkpoints.
• The current standard, last revised in 2001, has limitations with modern multi-view and multi-energy systems.
• Widespread global use of ASTM F792 test objects highlights its importance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the ASTM F792 standard to address deficiencies in testing modern security X-ray systems.
• To update the standard to accommodate advancements in multi-view and multi-energy imaging technologies.
• To enhance the evaluation of imaging performance for security applications.

Main Methods:

• A trifurcation of the ASTM F792 standard into three distinct parts.
• Development of separate test objects and methodologies for each part.
• Focus on routine testing, human-perception testing, and objective technical testing.

Main Results:

• The revised standard is structured into three parts: routine testing, human-perception testing, and objective technical testing.
• Each part features a dedicated test object and associated test method.
• The revision provides a comprehensive update to the existing standard.

Conclusions:

• The trifurcated ASTM F792 standard offers a significant improvement for evaluating modern security X-ray systems.
• The updated standard addresses limitations of the previous version, particularly for complex imaging configurations.
• This revision ensures continued relevance and effectiveness of security X-ray system performance evaluations.