Baggage screening using colour extraction algorithm and encryption of screened results

Abstract

Threats to aviation security persist and continue to evolve. As a result, passenger and checked baggage security screening must continue to adapt to meet evolving threats and changes within the aviation industry. During peak hours in airports screeners have only a few seconds to decide whether a bag contains or not a prohibited item, and detection performance is only about 80-90%. This is a major susceptibility of air transport to security threats and illegal smuggling of goods. There is need for the aviation authorities to consider timely sharing of screening results. The use of ICT in electronic data exchange of information over open networks in particular requires implementation of Public Key Infrastructure to secure electronic exchange of information. The researcher developed a colour extraction tool that was integrated with encryption algorithm for securing screening results. The tool aims at providing a secure and timely mechanism of sharing travelers screening results with relevant authorities within the aviation eco-system.