Our Axis-CXi Brings Aviation Standard Security to Cabinet Systems

In an interview with a&s Middle East, Vincent Deery, CEO of 3DX-Ray, unveils the Axis-CXi, a groundbreaking cabinet-based X-ray system that aims to reshape the world of security screening with its advanced materials discrimination technology

a&s Middle East: Can you give us a brief background on 3DX-Ray?

Deery: 3DX-Ray is a UK designer and manufacturer of security X-ray systems. The company was founded in 1996 to introduce X-ray images in a 3D format to the security world. For almost 25 years 3DX-Ray has been developing its X-ray products to support the growing demands of the security market. We first worked with the aviation sector in the 90s, and we have decades of experience in the EOD world with the military, police forces, and NGOs. We have installations across the globe with a 3DX-Ray system supplied in over 78 different countries.

a&s Middle East: Why did you introduce the Axis-CXi?

Deery: As I mentioned, 3DX-Ray has been manufacturing X-ray systems for many years starting with conveyor systems. 3DX-Ray has also been supplying mail screening or cabinet-based X-ray systems for many years. However, we wanted to introduce our higher technologies and improved capabilities into the cabinet system market, which has been largely stagnant for the past 20 years. We saw a gap in the market for a more sophisticated and contemporary solution. Hence, the Axis-CXi was born.

a&s Middle East: What makes the Axis CXi special? 

Deery: The Axis-CXi has a class-leading inspection volume but with a small overall footprint. This means that the unit can be used not only for checking incoming mail for threats carried in the postal system but also as a front-of-house service for checking bags, laptop cases, or any item up to the size of a carry-on bag. So, the unit has a dual purpose.

The technology we introduced is from our line scan systems which is proven and based on decades of experience in the EOD world

a&s Middle East: This is a significant step and a change in the functionality of the system. Could you tell us more about it?

Deery: The significant functionality improvement is the introduction of aviation standard materials discrimination. In the EOD world and the aviation sector for many years the operators have been presented with images that are not just black and white – they are presented with color images. These color images are called materials discrimination images. The color images that the operator views provide more data about the item they are assessing. The colors accurately represent the material composition of the items in the scan. This enables an operator of our Axis-CXi systems to have the same level of data that an EOD operator or a screener in an airport would have. This is a step change, something that has not been available in cabinet systems until now.

The materials discrimination images show organic material colored orange and metallic material in blue and if it is a mixed material it is colored green. Our system represents these materials correctly and verifies them according to the standards used by the aviation sector.

This added information is extremely helpful for an operator. In airports and the EOD world, this information is widely used. Until now with the introduction of the Axis-CXi, the cabinet-based inspection did not have this level of technology, and only viewed monochrome or pseudo-color images, making the assessment of potential threats more difficult and less reliable.

a&s Middle East: Have you used the technology that already exists in the marketplace?

Deery: No, the technology we introduced is from our line scan systems which is proven and based on decades of experience in the EOD world. Our technology is used in portable systems that an EOD operator takes out in the field to inspect suspect devices often in a high-pressure environment. We use this expertise and associated advanced imaging capability in the Axis-CXi product.

a&s Middle East: Would you describe it as a key advantage of the CXi? 

Deery: Yes, the imaging capability and functionality tend to be of a higher level than those used in the existing cabinet systems. We have taken the high-level technology deployed in these mobile systems and made it simple and easy to use for less highly trained operators in the cabinet market.

We have designed this new product completely from scratch and there were no pre-concepts or pre-conditions to the design

a&s Middle East: What were the considerations behind the unique design of the CXi?

Deery: Yes, we have designed this new product completely from scratch and there were no pre-concepts or pre-conditions to the design. We looked at what the user requirements were and then we designed our product from that information without any assumptions. We also wanted to harmonize the look of the unit with its environment.  We see it being used in prestigious buildings such as hotels or corporate headquarters and its design must therefore complement the aesthetics of these more glamorous settings.

We have not only made it look attractive, but we have also made it easy and convenient to use. It has a simple touchscreen interface and a loading height designed by experts in the field of ergonomics. We’ve made the inspection chamber suitable for loading not just mail or postal items but also laptop cases or carry-on cabin bags. We have also placed it on wheels so that it can be easily and quickly relocated. In summary, it looks good, is easy to use, and can be quickly moved into place.

a&s Middle East: How diverse is the potential deployment of your product and what other sectors or environments could benefit from its security features?

Deery: We think this unit can be deployed very widely. You mentioned hotels and offices, but our partner base is already talking to clients such as banks, embassies, education establishments, courts, prisons, and many other buildings with a security risk or public use.

The significant functionality improvement is the introduction of aviation standard materials discrimination