SBIR-STTR Award

Next Century proposes development of CPACT (CheckPoint Advanced Computed Tomography), providing an innovative user interface that makes processing 3D CT images sufficiently intuitive and straightforward for the operator, so as to streamline their use at baggage checkpoints. The proposed CPACT solution will enable TSA and our nation to reap the benefits of the increased security that these 3D images afford.To ensure tangible results and adequate vetting of our approach, Next Century will assemble a Phase I proof-of-concept interface prototype that demonstrates the user interface concepts, paradigms, and functional capabilities of our CPACT solution. Phase II will then focus on evolving this capability for operational field use.To date, no vendor is known to have stepped forward to offer a Common GUI for use across CT scanning platforms in the security market. This opens a window of opportunity for the CPACT solution proposed herein to fill that void and become the front-end interface of choice for these systems, especially if it garners the support and recommendation of DHS.In addition, the intuitive-yet-powerful analysis capabilities of the CPACT user interface are likely to garner interest from the medical community as well, given its heavy reliance upon and use of CT imagery. Potential for interest also exists in the law enforcement, military, and intelligence domains.

Next Century's CPACT (CheckPoint Advanced Computed Tomography) solution aims to fill a mission-critical need for easy, rapid, accurate, and intuitive adjudication of bags at airport security checkpoints using CT imagery. The goal of CPACT (pronounced "see packed") is to enable TSA and our nation to reap the benefits of the increased security that 3D CT imagery can provide without introducing delays at passenger screening checkpoints. In addition to its innovative interface paradigms and approach, CPACT is architected for easy integration with CT scanner platforms, regardless of vendor. The extensibility and customizability of the interface helps provide competing vendors with a commercially-tenable paradigm to support TSA's "Common GUI" objective. CPACT's vendor-agnostic architecture strives to facilitate and simplify integration with any CT scanner platform. In addition, CPACT is being designed to be extensible, enabling scanner vendors to add their own custom controls to the interface. CPACT will thereby provide consistency of all common features across all scanner platforms, while allowing each vendor to incorporate and showcase their own unique features. The proposed Phase II effort will culminate with delivery of a working deployable version of the CPACT software. The market potential for CPACT is substantial, especially if adopted by TSA as the basis for the "Common GUI" used at our nation's passenger screening checkpoints. Beyond TSA, the commercial market is significant, spanning law enforcement, private security, shipping, public event arenas, and more. CPACT is likely to garner interest from the medical community as well, given its heavy use of CT imagery.