X-ray Simulation Platform for Explosive Detection Equipment

Computer simulations have the potential to improve the development x-ray-based explosive detection equipment. Despite the number of available simulation tools, no existing tool meets the needs of the explosive detection community. This is due to (1) the flexibility required to model the range of objects, physical processes, and system geometries used in explosive detection, and (2) the usability required for adoption. The proposed project will design a software tool that meets the needs of the explosive detection community, while being validated for imaging tasks relevant to explosive detection. One objective of this project is to evaluate how existing tools match experimental data, including artifacts and nonidealities. The second objective is to design a software architecture focused on usability and flexibility, while incorporating validated physics-based models. Usability and flexibility will be designed into the architecture by incorporating feedback from potential users. Successful completion through Phase I and Phase II will result in a software tool that is easy to use and is applicable to wide range system geometries, object definitions, and x-ray-based imaging techniques. Because the software will be designed to address user needs, the anticipated result is that the software will be adopted by developers of x-ray-based explosive detection equipment. Once adopted, the simulation software will be used to reduce time to market for scanners by enabling inexpensive and efficient system prototyping, parameter optimization, and system testing. The simulation software can also be used to generate a large library of test data for algorithm development and testing.