Increasing X-ray image interpretation competency of cargo security screeners

•We created and evaluated a computer-based training for cargo security screening.•The effects of training on x-ray image interpretation competency were investigated.•The effect of display condition (pseudo color vs. greyscale images) was examined.•Recurrent computer-based training resulted in large performance increases.•Test results showed no significant difference for display condition.

X-ray screening of containers and unit load devices in the area of cargo shipping is becoming an essential and common feature at ports and airports all over the world. The detection of prohibited items in X-ray images is a challenging task for screening officers as they need to know which items are prohibited and what they look like in X-ray images. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether X-ray image interpretation competency of cargo security screeners can be increased by computer-based training. More specifically, effects of training were investigated by conducting tests before training started and after approximately three months of training. Moreover, it was examined whether viewing X-ray images in pseudo color would lead to a better detection performance compared to when X-ray images are shown in greyscale. Recurrent computer-based training resulted in large performance increases after three months. No significant difference in detection performance could be found for tests when using X-ray images in greyscale vs. pseudo color.Relevance to industryCargo X-ray screening is becoming a common feature at ports and airports. The identification and detection of prohibited items in X-ray images highly depends on human operators and their competences regarding X-ray image interpretation. Thus, research on appropriate training methods and enhancements of the human factor are essential to achieve and maintain high levels of security.