Controlix Vision X-ray system for inspection of baggage and small items.

Controlix Vision X-ray system for baggage and small cargo screening.

Controlix Vision X-ray system for baggage and small cargo screening

The Controlix Vision system by Shiumberger Industries (France) is a new generation of screening and detection equipment. It is designed for fast and efficient screening of baggage and small cargo items to detect weapons, explosive devices, drugs and contraband. It is used in airports, sea terminals and ports, border checkpoints, embassies, nuclear power plants, prisons, etc., where strict control is required to effectively prevent terrorist attacks, contraband transportation of explosives, drugs and other prohibited materials.

The effectiveness of the X-ray screening system depends on its three main subsystems:

— a powerful subsystem for the formation and processing of high-quality X-ray images;

— an ergonomic workstation capable of performing all the functions required for the interpretation and decoding of images;

— a well-trained and trained operator capable of fully and effectively using all the potential capabilities of the installation.

All these subsystems are successfully combined in the Controlix Vision installation, which allows the service personnel to focus on the main task — analyzing images of inspected objects.

The unit has been developed based on a completely new approach, which includes solving two priority tasks: achieving high reliability and ease of use and maintenance. These tasks have been successfully solved thanks to the use of modern technologies, high-quality materials and components, and strictly controlled manufacturing processes. Access to minor components is possible through a lockable cover on the top panel. To access the main components of the unit — the X-ray generator and the detection unit, you need to open the side panel.

The boards with electronic components are installed in a well-ventilated hardware rack, separated from the frame of the unit by shock-absorbing and anti-vibration dampers. Each board has built-in self-diagnostic circuits, simplifying troubleshooting. All switches, switches, fuses, sockets for connecting control and maintenance devices are concentrated on the control panel.

The diagnostic and troubleshooting functions are divided into two levels. At the first level, quick diagnostics are carried out at the initial start-up of the unit to check the correct functioning of its subsystems. In this case, the operator receives signals about minor faults and deviations from the norms. If necessary, a request can be given from the keyboard for more accurate diagnostics.

The second level of diagnostics is reserved for maintenance personnel and is used in case of plant failures or preventive measures. A portable computer terminal allows diagnostics of various components using data lines. In addition, an optional modem enables remote maintenance. The modular design of the plant allows the use of many standard components in the various versions of the Controlix Vision plant series.

The company offers four models of the installation, designed for baggage and cargo screening, use in access control systems and use in various conditions. Robust design, attractive exterior finish and compliance with strict international standards for radiological protection make these models easily adaptable to any, even the most difficult conditions of use.

The modular concept of the hardware and software provide greater flexibility to the installation, which expands the possible applications of the models included in the series.

Such capabilities include:

— a model with a large inspection tunnel for inspecting large-sized items;

— models installed on vehicles for mobile inspection;

— models with control systems built into control stands;

— models interfaced with conveyor lines;

— models controlled from a control station.

This hardware and software flexibility, the possibility of expansion and further improvement increase the durability of the installation.

X-ray images of the objects being inspected are often very complex and difficult to analyze. To make the operator's task easier, the Controlix Vision installation not only produces high-quality images, but also performs all the visualization and image processing functions required for their interpretation. Such functions and tools include:

— a varifocal lens with 2x magnification and nine locking positions;

— a varifocal lens that allows you to change the frame format (with magnification from 2x to 16x);

— automatic adjustment of the varifocal lens to obtain a frame containing images of small objects that takes up the entire screen area;

— the ability to obtain 16 levels of contrast, including negative images;

— choice of detection of organic and inorganic substances;

— wide scaling of visualization in pseudo colors;

— optimization of contrast of black and white images by comparison with a histogram;

— possibility of defining thresholds of flickering zones and dark zones;

— increase of brightness at edges of the image;

— possibility of recording images on an internal disk (by additional order).

The operator can effectively use all these functions and tools with a special keyboard, ensuring optimum efficiency and maximum ease of use.

The basic functions, sufficient for analyzing most images, are realized by pressing only one key on the keyboard. As a rule, it is not necessary to stop the conveyor. If a more detailed review of the image is required, the operator can use image enhancement functions by calling them up by pressing several keys on the keyboard in combination.

Dynamic button illumination and symbols appearing on the monitor screen provide the operator with constant information about the functions involved.

To quickly return the entire installation to its initial state, there is a special button on the keyboard, which, when pressed, stops all screening operations via the interface. Some particularly complex functions used for image analysis are of interest only to highly qualified and experienced operators. Therefore, the Controlix Vision installation interface is organized according to a three-level structure, which can be easily adapted to specific local conditions. This allows screening managers to gradually complicate screening procedures as operators become more qualified or to change them to suit specific operator requirements.

Three keys are used for programming, opening access to the most frequently required image analysis functions. Access to higher levels of the interface structure (changing the system configuration, maintenance) is protected by passwords.

X-ray images are displayed on two 43 cm (diagonal) monitor screens. High-definition black and white images (1280×1024 pixels) are displayed with 1024 grayscale gradations, while color images, which can distinguish organic and inorganic substances, are characterized by high color fidelity.

Contolix Vision Model Specifications