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MESMERISE

The aim of the MESMERISE project is to detect drugs ingested by smugglers. A dedicated method implementing a photon counting multi-energy detector have allowed us to detect such packages subject to minimum radiation exposure. Experimental results have demonstrated the system’s capacity to reveal drug packages inside the human body.



Published on 3 May 2021

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Multi-Energy High Resolution Modular Scan System for Internal and External Concealed Commodities

The aim of the MESMERISE project is to detect drugs ingested by smugglers. A dedicated method implementing a photon counting multi-energy detector have allowed us to detect such packages subject to minimum radiation exposure. Experimental results have demonstrated the system’s capacity to reveal drug packages inside the human body.



 

Starting date : May 2016 > Apr. 2019 + extension


 Lifetime: 36 months


Program in support :  H2020-BES-2014-2015


 

Status project : complete


CEA-Leti's contact :

Vincent Moulin


 

Project Coordinator: Universidad de Alcala (ES)

Partners:  

  • DE: BPE e.K.
  • ES: Ciemat,Ministerio del Interior, San Jorge Tecnlogicas SL
  • FR: CEA, Multix SA
  • NOR: Tollregion Oslo og Akershus
  • RO: Universitatea Dunarea de Jos din Galati
  • UK: Home Office



​Target market: n/a

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Investment:  € 5 m.

EC Contribution: € 5 m.



Website


Stakes


  • The project aim was achieved by using a X-ray photon counting multi-energy detector. This new technology developed by CEA-Leti and transferred to spin-off MultiX provides valuable information for an optimised radiation dose.

  • CEA-Leti had knowledge of the detector and the know-how for using the multi-energy information for a specific security application (airport luggage control). But the existing algorithms were unsuitable for very low dose conditions and initial images were too noisy.

  • We had to imagine, develop and test a dedicated «multiscale decomposition» method, which is suited to human body inspection.

  • This method was initially developed using the simulation tools available at the CEA-Leti laboratory. It was then validated experimentally on CEA-Leti’s test bench; this confirmed the system’s capacity to reveal the presence of drug packages ingested by smugglers. A scanning gantry was built, incorporating 10 multi-energy detectors (ME 100) supplied by MultiX, for system validation using pig carcasses and corpses.

OBJECTIVES

  • MESMERISE has enabled new technologies to be developed and tested (ultra low dose Multispectral X-ray transmission and Infrasonic interrogation) for non-intrusive scanning. The ultimate aim was to detect automatically and identify internally and externally concealed commodities entirely independently of human operator interpretation and training.

  • A novel x-ray detector featuring higher imaging resolution captures 256 channels of X-ray spectroscopic information, prompting a step change in material identification. Crucially, this resolution level allows enhanced detection of narcotics and explosives concealed in the body; a highly complex issue with currently available equipment.

  • A second subsystem for detecting externally concealed items based on new, intrinsically safe, technology (infrasound near-field acoustic holography) is entirely new to security screening. Low-frequency MEM micro-technology is implemented to ensure an automated no-contact pat-down function.

  • The two subsystems operate independently or together to provide complementary information and enhance detection of externally concealed objects. Automated algorithms for each subsystem and data fusion techniques for the combined system identify chemicals, recognize patterns and detect anomalies in any part of the body, including prosthetic elements or plasters, above a 100g threshold.

  • A clear exploitation route is ensured by a major body scanner manufacturer, several SMEs, universities, R&D centres, end-users and a diverse, high-quality external advisory board offering broad international input and a direct link to US counterparts.

  • Acceptance by society has been promoted by communications highlighting MESMERISE’s contactless nature and nonrequirement for operators to view explicit images. The system is intrinsically respectful of personal dignity and privacy.



IMPACT

  • This project fell within the scope of CEA-Leti’s promotion of the multi-energy technology transferred to MultiX.
    MESMERISE developments have demonstrated the contribution of this technology to body scanning. If customs authorities (consortium members) validate the concept, this project could lead to Adani’s integration of the MultiX detector into its body scanning gantries.