Skip to main content
Log in

Enhancing baggage inspection through computer vision analysis of x-ray images

  • Brief Report
  • Published:
Journal of Transportation Security Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This research work explores the utility of deep learning algorithms in enhancing the accuracy of weapon detection, specifically guns, within x-ray images of travel bags. Utilizing Faster R-CNN as a baseline model, the research aims to augment detection metrics including accuracy, precision, and recall, thereby fortifying security screening procedures. A comparative study was executed between the Faster R-CNN model and a hybrid model that integrated the Segment Anything (SAM) algorithm with Faster R-CNN. Evidently, the hybrid model displayed an edge in performance with the highest accuracy rate of 86.34%, a marked increase from the 72.02% accuracy of Faster R-CNN alone. The fusion model demonstrated superior precision, signaling a decrease in false positive instances, although it faced a higher rate of false negatives, as revealed by its recall rate. This study also unearths data limitations that could potentially be inhibiting maximum model performance, given the discrepancy between available training data and the sheer volume of the comprehensive SIXray dataset. The research concludes by charting avenues for future investigation which include data augmentation, SAM model pre-training, and expansion of detection capabilities to encompass a broader array of weapons. This body of work establishes a framework for advancing security measures through the application of artificial intelligence.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

The data availability for our study was augmented by accessing the SIXray dataset, which was obtained from the online platform Roboflow. The SIXray dataset (Miao et al. 2019), available at https://universe.roboflow.com/siewchinyip-outlook-my/ sixray, offered a comprehensive collection of x-ray images for baggage inspection. This dataset facilitated our analysis and experimentation, providing a rich resource for training and evaluating our model. The availability of the SIXray dataset from Roboflow significantly contributed to the success and reliability of our research outcomes.

References

Download references

Funding

None.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

W. Sarai conducted literature review in X-ray datasets and SAM, prepared the dataset, and implemented SAM-related experimental models. N. Monbut implemented CNN-related experimental codes and analyzed the results of Faster R-CNN. N. Youngchoay implemented experimental codes with Faster R-CNN and SAM. N. Phookriangkrai conducted the literature review and was a major contributor in writing the manuscript. T. Sattabun conducted the literature review and implemented experimental codes. T. Siriborvornratanakul supervised the whole research (from topic selection, experimental methods, evaluation, and manuscript writing) and was a major contributor to manuscript revision as well as a corresponding author responsible for this submission. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Thitirat Siriborvornratanakul.

Ethics declarations

Conflicts of interest

No conflict of interest to declare.

Additional information

Publisher's note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sarai, W., Monbut, N., Youngchoay, N. et al. Enhancing baggage inspection through computer vision analysis of x-ray images. J Transp Secur 17, 1 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12198-023-00270-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12198-023-00270-4

Keywords

Navigation