ASTM F792-17e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F792-17e1 — Standard Practice for Evaluating the Imaging Performance of Security X‑Ray Systems. This practice defines quantitative and qualitative methods, test objects, and procedures for assessing the imaging performance of X‑ray based security screening systems used to screen baggage, packages, cargo, and mail for prohibited items (weapons, explosives and explosive devices).

Abstract

ASTM F792-17e1 provides a standardized framework to evaluate image quality and detector/system performance for projection or projection/scatter X‑ray screening systems with tunnel apertures up to 1 m × 1 m. The practice describes three complementary test objects (HP, RT, OE) and associated methods to support routine verification, human‑perception based assessment, and objective technical scoring of system capabilities. It is intended for manufacturers, test laboratories, procuring authorities and operators to characterize and monitor imaging performance but does not set application‑specific pass/fail requirements.

General information

• Status: Active (current designation ASTM F792-17e1 / F0792-17E01).
• Publication date: April 1, 2017 (editorial correction e1 applied September 2017).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Security screening; X‑ray imaging and inspection; Explosives and weapons detection; Controlled access screening.
• Edition / version: ASTM F792-17e1 (2017 revision with editorial adjunct e1).
• Number of pages: 44.

Scope

This practice applies to X‑ray‑based screening systems that provide projection or projection/scatter images and have tunnel apertures up to 1 m wide × 1 m high. It covers both conventional baggage/cargo X‑ray systems and explosives‑detection imaging systems. The document establishes methods for assessing imaging performance (but does not impose minimum performance thresholds) and relies on three designated standard test objects — HP (human perception), RT (routine testing) and OE (objective evaluation) — to support different types of evaluation (routine verification, perceptual testing, and objective technical scoring).

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and system applicability (projection and projection/scatter X‑ray systems; tunnel size limits up to 1 m × 1 m).
• Three standard test objects and their intended uses: HP (human perception parameters), RT (routine/periodic verification), OE (objective evaluation and scoring).
• Procedures for image acquisition, test object placement, and controlled test conditions.
• Quantitative image metrics: contrast sensitivity (organic/steel), spatial resolution, useful penetration, wire/feature visibility, dynamic range, noise‑equivalent quanta and related image quality indicators.
• Qualitative (human perception) test procedures and scoring methods for operator/observer performance on HP test object.
• Objective scoring methods and data reporting for technical capability assessment using the OE test object.
• Routine verification methods (Part RT) for daily/periodic operational checks, including recommended test frequencies and baselining.
• Units and measurement conventions (SI units as the standard reporting units) and safety/responsibility notes for users.

Typical use and users

Used by X‑ray system manufacturers, independent test laboratories, airport and cargo security procurement teams, regulators and standards bodies, security operators and engineers, and research organizations. Typical applications include baseline acceptance testing, periodic operational verification, comparative evaluations of scanner models, procurement specifications, compliance testing in aviation and cargo screening programs, and technical performance research.

Related standards

Related and predecessor documents include earlier editions of ASTM F792 (for example F792‑08 and prior), test methods and guidance for X‑ray screening radiation measurement and dosimetry, and regional aviation screening test guidance (e.g., ECAC/TSA technical test regimes). Other ASTM test methods and practices addressing security screening equipment and test pieces (routine test pieces, step‑wedges and adjunct drawings for F792 test objects) are commonly used alongside F792 for a complete verification program.

Keywords

X‑ray security screening, imaging performance, contrast sensitivity, spatial resolution, step wedge, test object, HP test object, RT test object, OE test object, explosives detection, baggage screening, cargo screening, image quality metrics, routine verification, ASTM F792-17e1.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F792-17e1 is a standard practice that defines methods and test objects for evaluating the imaging performance of security X‑ray systems used to screen baggage, parcels and cargo for prohibited items.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test procedures, test object descriptions (HP, RT, OE), image acquisition conditions, qualitative human‑perception tests, and objective technical metrics (contrast sensitivity, resolution, penetration, etc.) for projection and projection/scatter X‑ray screening systems with tunnel apertures up to 1 m × 1 m. It provides methods for assessment but does not prescribe pass/fail thresholds for specific applications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, independent test labs, airport/cargo security procurement and engineering teams, regulatory bodies, system operators, and researchers involved in evaluating and monitoring X‑ray screening equipment performance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation is ASTM F792-17e1 (2017 revision with an e1 editorial correction applied in 2017). Users should check ASTM International for any later revisions or reapprovals before relying on the standard for procurement or compliance decisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: F792 is a practice within ASTM’s security and screening equipment portfolio and replaces earlier editions of the same designation. It is commonly used together with related ASTM test methods, regional aviation screening guidance, and equipment‑specific test pieces and adjunct drawings that support the F792 test objects and procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: X‑ray, security screening, imaging performance, contrast sensitivity, spatial resolution, test object, step wedge, explosives detection, baggage screening, routine verification.