Fiscal Year:
2012
Title:
Image Quality Assessment Toolkit for X-ray Imaging Systems
Agency:
DHS
Contract:
HSHQDC-12-C-00080
Award Amount:
$99,961.96
Abstract:
This Phase I proposal describes (1) an automated image quality assessment (IQA) software to objectively quantify image quality of airport security Xray
imaging systems for both checked and carry-on baggage and (2) a design for a novel test phantom specialized for security CT scanners. For fixed
images, automated algorithms will measure the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and Contrast-to-Noise Ratio (CNR) of scan images; for moving
images, automated algorithms will measure the uniformity of the horizontal speed of the object on the screen. These powerful automated IQA
algorithms will objectively quantify image quality, without human intervention. For IQA of line scanners for carry-on baggage, we will use the existing
ASTM phantom test object; for IQA of CT scanners for checked baggage, we will use a new test phantom, the TSS CT Phantom (TCP), which will be
designed and built during this project.
Given the widespread use of the MTF and CNR in IQA of medical X-ray imaging systems and that TCP is adapted from a prevalent medical CT
phantom, Phase I efforts begin from TRL 2. Phase I mostly involves developing software and hardware-(1) the preliminary design and building of TCP
prototype and (2) developing automated IQA algorithms-and concludes with performing experimental tests of the algorithms on available data (TRL
4). An on-site comparative analysis between human screener IQA and automated (algorithmic) IQA of real baggage data is expected at the end of Phase
II.
Small Business Information at Submission:
TeleSecurity Sciences
7391 Prairie Falcon Rd, Suite 150-B Las Vegas, NV 89128-0186
EIN/Tax ID:
204228742
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No