Abstract: A chopper wheel assembly includes a collimator configured to narrow an x-ray beam, a chopper wheel has a planar surface configured to face in a direction of the collimator and a housing configured to receive the chopper wheel. The chopper wheel includes a central axis, a plurality of slits in the planar surface, a first projection extending from the planar surface in a direction of the collimator and a second projection extending from the planar surface in the direction of the collimator. The slits extend in radially-outward direction relative to the central axis. The first projection is located radially outward of the plurality of slits and the second projection is located radially inward of the plurality of slits. Each projection is provided for 360 degrees about the central axis. The housing includes an interior wall including a first groove configured to receive the first projection and a second groove configured to receive the second projection with the chopper wheel received within the housing.

Abstract: The growing problem of contraband devices being smuggled into a correctional facility raises both security and safety issue. General fixed contraband detection systems are not cost effective because they require a high up-front cost and high maintenance, training and upgrade cost after installation. The present disclosure provides details of a system and method to detect and control the usage of contraband devices in a correctional facility cost effectively. Such a system is portable and can be relocated to different locations. Such as system both detects contraband devices and disrupts the operations of the contraband devices. Such a system further provides a report on the severity of contraband usage to the correctional facility.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an inspection apparatus includes a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface acquires package information regarding a package being conveyed by a sorter that sorts the package and an operation signal generated based on an operation of an operator. The processor outputs reference information, based on past history in which inspection-result information indicating whether or not the package is a regulated-article candidate, generated based on the operation signal, and the package information are associated together, and the package information newly acquired.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a static CT detection device, including: a shielding body, formed with a detection channel through which an object under detection can pass; a ray source, emitting rays for detecting the object under detection when the object under detection passes through the detection channel; and a detector, for acquiring the rays emitted by the ray source and having passed through the detection channel, wherein the shielding body is formed with an opening portion, and the opening portion extends from an inlet of the detection channel to an outlet of the detection channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates a security screening device, comprising: a radiation generator for respectively generating X-rays and neutron beams and irradiating same toward an inspection object; an inspection object transfer unit for changing the position of the inspection object; a radiation detector configured to respectively detect X-rays and neutron beams transmitted through the inspection object; and a gamma ray detector installed adjacent to the inspection object and configured to detect a gamma signal generated from the inspection object, wherein the radiation detector acquires image information of the inspection object by using radiation information detected from the X-rays and neutron beams that have passed through the inspection object, and the gamma ray detector analyzes the detected gamma ray to detect the location of the inspection object from the analysis of the inspection object and the image information.

Abstract: There is presented a screening system and a corresponding method for screening an item. The screening system includes a detection apparatus (100), a rotatable platform (310) to receive the item, and a mechanical arrangement (320, 330). The detection apparatus has an emitter portion to generate a primary beam of ionising radiation and a detector portion to detect an absorption signal and at least one of a diffraction signal and a scattering signal. The mechanical arrangement is adapted to translate the detection apparatus along a translation axis to scan the item with the primary beam. The screening system may be used for identifying restricted or illicit substances that may be present in some luggage or in mail.

Abstract: Fluorescence imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor to generate a plurality of exposure frames. The method includes applying edge enhancement to edges within an exposure frame of the plurality of exposure frames. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm; or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

Abstract: Examples are directed toward a system and method relating to mobile screening. For example, a mobile screening vehicle includes a passenger scanner that performs security scanning of a passenger on the mobile screening vehicle. The mobile screening vehicle also includes a verification system that verifies, consistent with the security scanning of passengers, that passengers on the mobile screening vehicle are approved to proceed to a secure area of a travel venue.

Abstract: Examples are directed toward a system and method relating to mobile screening. For example, a mobile screening vehicle includes a passenger scanner that performs security scanning of a passenger on the mobile screening vehicle. The mobile screening vehicle also includes a verification system that verifies, consistent with the security scanning of passengers, that passengers on the mobile screening vehicle are approved to proceed to a secure area of a travel venue.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a high speed scanning system for scanning cargo carried by rail. The system uses of a two-dimensional X-ray sensor array with, in one embodiment, a cone-beam X-ray geometry. The pulse rate of X-ray source is modulated based on the speed of the moving cargo to allow a distance travelled by the cargo between X-ray pulses to be equal to the width of the detector, for a single energy source, and to half the width of the detector for a dual energy source. This ensures precise timing between the X-ray exposure and the speed of the passing object, and thus accurate scanning of cargo even at high speeds.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a person; a second acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the baggage possessed by the person; and a creating unit that creates link information for associating the biometric information with the identification information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a security scanning inspection system and method. The security scanning inspection system comprises a detector, a scanning device and a controller, wherein the detector is configured to detect a protective attribute of an object to be inspected; the scanning device is movably arranged and the scanning device is configured to emit a scanning ray during movement to perform a security scanning inspection on the object to be inspected, the scanning device comprising at least two working modes, wherein a dose of a scanning ray in each working mode is different from a dose of a scanning ray in any other working modes; and the controller configured to select a working mode of the scanning device according to the protective attribute of the object to be inspected detected by the detector.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for video analytics evaluation are disclosed. A method includes: identifying a video to display a result of an evaluation of video analysis; identifying a particular time in the video when a video analysis determination does not match a ground truth determination for the video; displaying an image from the particular time in the video; and displaying an indication that the video analysis determination does not match the ground truth determination for the video. Displaying the image from the particular time in the video can include generating a graphical user interface for presentation on a display of a computing device. The indication that the video analysis determination does not match the ground truth determination for the video can include a user-selectable icon. In response to a user selecting the user-selectable icon, the method can include displaying video analysis results for the particular time in the video.

Abstract: A method for inspecting at least one vehicle with an inspection system, the inspection system and the at least one vehicle being configured to move relative to one another during an inspection of at least one part of the vehicle, the method including controlling, by a controller, an inspection dose of inspection radiation generated by a radiation source such that, during the inspection of the at least one part of the vehicle by the inspection radiation, the inspection dose remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose, wherein controlling the inspection dose includes the controller obtaining information representative of a speed of the relative movement of the system and the vehicle during the inspection of the at least one part of the vehicle, and the controller controlling the radiation source, based on the obtained information.

Abstract: The present specification describes a system for eliminating X-ray crosstalk between a plurality of X-ray scanning systems and passive radiation detectors. The system includes a frequency generator for generating a common operational frequency, a high-energy X-ray source or scanning system coupled with the frequency generator for receiving the common operational frequency and configured to modify the pulse repetition frequency of the high-energy X-ray source or scanning system in order to synchronize with the common operational frequency and a low-energy X-ray scanning system and/or passive radiation detection system coupled with the frequency generator for receiving the common operational frequency and having a processing module configured to remove data associated with the common operational frequency at an instance of time if the high-energy X-ray source or scanning system has emitted X-rays at the instance of time.

Abstract: A system includes a target object for examination; electrical transfer points associated with the target object, the electrical transfer points being an application of energy to generate one or more photons; devices for receiving and measuring electromagnetic waves from the one or more photons, to generate a data set of information, the information including at least one of direction, wavelength, and polarity; a computer having a platform to receive the data set of information; generate a model of subatomic particle placement for the photons, as determined by the data set of information; and re-examine the model at one or more of a different initiation-to-destination energy path, a different measuring position, or a different energy input; the receiving of the data set of information, generating of the model, and the re-examination of the model provides information for industrial application.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward cargo scanning systems having scanners, each arranged to scan a respective object and generate a set of scan data, processors arranged to process each set of scan data to determine whether it meets a predetermined threat condition, workstations, and data management system arranged to direct data that meets the threat condition to one of the workstations for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for inspecting object using a plurality of interlacing radiation energies. The system comprising a radiation module configured for producing and capturing radiation in multiple energy levels to scan the content of the cargo and converting the captured radiation into a plurality of images; and a controller configured for signalling the radiation module to start or to stop producing radiation and for controlling the energy level and pulse frequency of the radiation produced by the radiation module. The system further comprising a processor configured for determining whether the cargo contains any contraband or not by analysing the plurality of images, classifying the cargo based on types of materials and substance groups and highlighting region on an analysed image of the same substance by bounding perimeter of the object within a material-colour image for the material.

Abstract: A neutron emission unit is configured to emit neutrons such that a center axis (Nh) of a neutron emission intersects a center axis direction of collimators (23a to 23e). A calculation unit is capable of generating information about an inspection object in the center axis direction of the collimators, based on position information of a neutron detector and/or position information of the neutron emission unit, information about an angle (?1) at which the center axis of the neutron emission intersects the center axis direction of the collimators, and a neutron amount detected by the neutron detector.

Abstract: An array (1) for detecting electromagnetic radiation is provided for a radiographic inspection system (20). The array has a plurality of detector elements (2) arranged consecutively along a scan line which extends in a first direction (Y). Each of the detector elements has a detection surface (3) for receiving electromagnetic radiation and converting the received electromagnetic radiation into a corresponding detection signal. Each detection surface (3) has a surface normal (4, N) that extends in a common plane (S) and converges into a common focus (5). The common plane (S) extends in the first direction (Y). The distances between the common focus and the detection surfaces along the respective surface normal (4, N) are different for at least two detector elements.

Abstract: A system for scanning an object 112 is provided. The system includes a continuous conveyor belt 102, a first electromagnetic radiation sensor 104, a second electromagnetic radiation sensor, a tunnel 106, an electromagnetic radiation generator 108, a third electromagnetic radiation sensor, a fourth electromagnetic radiation sensor 110 and a processor. The continuous conveyor belt 102 receives the object 112 and moves the object 112 in forward direction. The first electromagnetic radiation sensor scans the object 112 that is travelling through the continuous conveyor belt 102. The tunnel 106 receives the object 112 from the continuous conveyor belt 102 after scanned through the first electromagnetic radiation sensor 104. The second electromagnetic radiation sensor is positioned inside the tunnel 106 at entry point. The electromagnetic radiation generator 108 receives a second signal from the second electromagnetic radiation sensor to generate an angular beam of electromagnetic radiation on the object 112.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities for enhanced cargo screening capabilities are provided.

Abstract: A method for generating a quality inspection data block for a distributed ledger includes: determining an identification code associated with a sample to be inspected, inspecting the sample and thereby generating quality inspection data associated with the sample, and after completion of the inspecting of the sample combining the identification code and the quality inspection data into the quality inspection data block. The method also includes adding the quality inspection data block to the distributed ledger. An inspector including a sensor that senses a characteristic of a sample, a memory that stores sensor output data, and a processor configured to: determine an identification code associated with a sample to be inspected, generate quality inspection data based on the sensor output data, and combine the identification code and the quality inspection data into a quality inspection data block. In one example, the inspector is an in-flight 3D inspector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automated high-speed X-ray inspection system may generate a first X-ray image of an inspected sample at a first direction substantially orthogonal to a plane of the inspected sample. The first X-ray image may be a high-resolution grayscale image. The system may identify one or more elements of interest of the inspected sample based on the first X-ray image. The first X-ray image may include interfering elements that interfere with the one or more elements of interest in the first X-ray image. The system may determine one or more first features associated with respective elements of interest based on variations of grayscale values in the first X-ray images. The system may determine whether one or more defects are associated with the respective elements of interest based on the one or more first features associated with the element of interest.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection device includes a casing including an entrance of an object to be inspected, and a door for opening and closing the entrance; an X-ray detector accommodated inside the casing, and configured to detect a stage on which the object is placed, an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray, and the X-ray that has been emitted from the X-ray source and transmitted through the object placed on the stage; and a driving system including a moving mechanism of the stage; a communication unit connectable with a communication network; a data acquisition unit configured to acquire consumption determination data including at least one of data indicating an operating situation of the driving system or data indicating the number of times of opening and closing the door; and a data transmission unit configured to output the consumption determination data that has been acquired by the data acquisition unit to the communication network via the communication unit.

Abstract: An assembly for detection of foreign bodies in a multihead weigher includes an image recorder and a lighting module and an image evaluation module. The multihead weigher includes weighing containers for filling with bulk material, a selection of the bulk material being emptiable into chutes combined in the shape of a funnel upon arrival of a trigger signal. The image recorder records an image series, and the lighting module and the image evaluation module output a signal upon detection of a foreign body in the image series. The image recorder includes one or more cameras for optical capturing of the funnel, the one or more cameras being arranged inside of or above the funnel and being set up to capture one or more sections of an interior surface of the funnel between two horizontal planes.

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection system includes: a neutron emission unit 12 capable of emitting neutrons pulsed; a neutron detector capable of detecting the neutrons emitted from the neutron emission unit and penetrating through an inspection object; a storage unit storing attenuation information indicating a relationship between a material of the inspection object and attenuation of the neutrons; and a calculation unit capable of calculating distance information indicating a position of a specific portion in the inspection object in accordance with time change information which is information on a change over time in an amount of the neutrons detected by the neutron detector. The calculation unit is capable of generating information related to an amount of the specific portion from information based on the amount of the neutrons according to the time change information, using the distance information and the attenuation information.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for generating a three-dimensional combined image is provided. A three-dimensional test image of a test item is combined with a three-dimensional article image of an article that is undergoing a radiation examination to generate the three-dimensional combined image. A first selection region of the three-dimensional article image is selected. The three-dimensional test image of the test item is inserted within the first selection region. Although the test item is not actually comprised within the article under examination, the three-dimensional combined image is intended to cause the test item to appear to be comprised within the article.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present specification describes methods for displaying a three-dimensional image of an isolated threat object or region of interest with a single touch or click and providing spatial and contextual information relative to the object, while also executing a view dependent virtual cut-away or rendering occluding portions of the reconstructed image data as transparent. In some embodiments, the method includes allowing operators to associate audio comments with a scan image of an object. In some embodiments, the method also includes highlighting a plurality of voxels, which are indicative of at least one potential threat item, in a mask having a plurality of variable color intensities, where the intensities may be varied based on the potential threat items.

Abstract: An irradiation system is provided which comprises a cabinet housing one or more X-ray tubes providing an irradiation source for a biomass contained within a cylindrical container arranged on a rotating device. The X-ray tubes generate directional X-ray beams and are provided in ultra-close proximity to the container, and the X-ray tubes can be configured to traverse the container. The rotational movement and traversal during the irradiation process ensure a more even irradiation of the entire biomass in the container.

Abstract: A drive-through scanning system comprises a radiation generating means arranged to generate radiation at two different energy levels and direct it towards a scanning volume, detection means arranged to detect the radiation after it has passed through the scanning volume, and control means arranged to identify a part of a vehicle within the scanning volume, to allocate the part of the vehicle to one of a plurality of categories, and to control the radiation generating means and to select one or more of the energy levels depending on the category to which the part of the vehicle is allocated.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a high speed scanning system for scanning cargo carried by rail. The system uses of a two-dimensional X-ray sensor array with, in one embodiment, a cone-beam X-ray geometry. The pulse rate of X-ray source is modulated based on the speed of the moving cargo to allow a distance travelled by the cargo between X-ray pulses to be equal to the width of the detector, for a single energy source, and to half the width of the detector for a dual energy source. This ensures precise timing between the X-ray exposure and the speed of the passing object, and thus accurate scanning of cargo even at high speeds.

Abstract: A method for inspecting at least one vehicle with an inspection system, the inspection system and the at least one vehicle being configured to move relative to one another during an inspection of at least one part, the method including controlling, by a controller, an inspection dose of inspection radiation generated by a radiation source such that, during the inspection of the at least one part of the vehicle by the inspection radiation, the inspection dose remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose, wherein controlling the inspection dose includes the controller obtaining image information representative of a location of the at least one part, and location information representative of a location of the at least one part, wherein the image information is obtained from an image of the vehicle, and the controller controlling the radiation source, based on the obtained information.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for identification of a distributed prohibited item across various dimensions as well as spatial and/or temporal spaces. The method includes one or more processors assigning an identifier to each container of a plurality of containers entering a defined area. The method further includes determining one or more subcomponents of the plurality of containers entering the defined area that correspond to one or more prohibited items. The method further includes generating a set of subcomponents corresponding to a first prohibited item of the one or more prohibited items based at least in part on the plurality of containers. The method further includes determining whether the set of subcomponents corresponding to the first prohibited item exceeds a prohibited item threshold of the defined area based on a weighted sum of the set of subcomponents, which is a score related to the set of subcomponents.

Abstract: Scanning systems for performing computed tomography scanning may include a stator, a rotor supporting at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector rotatable with the rotor, and a rotator operatively connected to the rotor to rotate the rotor relative to the stator. A conveyor system may include a respective conveyor extending through the rotor of the scanning system. A control system operatively connected to the scanning system and the conveyor system may be configured to cause the rotor, the respective conveyor, or both to operate at a first operating speed when a wear threshold of the at least one scanning system and the respective conveyor system has not been reached and to cause the rotor, the respective conveyor, or both to operate at a second, lower operating speed when the wear threshold of the at least one scanning system and the respective conveyor system has been reached.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for filling a transport tray having a reduced risk of incorrect fillings. In accordance with the disclosure, a target filling of a plurality of receptacles in the transport tray is transmitted to the control device and at least one filling template is produced based on the target filling and on a filling regime and is displayed by means of a display device. Then drug portions corresponding to the filling template are transferred to the receptacles, and an image of at least the receptacles to be filled in accordance with the target filling is produced by means of an optical detection device and the actual filling is determined using the image and is compared to the target filling. If no target deviation is found, the transport tray is released for transferring the drug portions to the machine tray.

Abstract: An object of the present claimed invention is to improve cell cooling performance, keep a temperature of a dispersion medium constant, and improve measurement accuracy. The particle size distribution measuring device of this invention comprises a cell holding body 31 that holds a cell 2 housing a measurement sample and that is rotated by a motor 322, a case (C) having a housing space (S) for rotatably housing the cell holding body 31, and a cooling mechanism 8 for cooling the cell 2. The cooling mechanism 8 comprises a cooler 81, and a supply channel 82 that supplies a gas that has been cooled by the cooler 81 to the housing space (S).

Abstract: A container terminal operation method for a container terminal including a storage area in which a storage block is vertically arranged, wherein: a container conveying vehicle orbits through the storage block, apron, etc.; a container is handed over between the container conveying vehicle and the storage block on a lateral side thereof in a longitudinal direction; a handover area for handover of the container between the container conveying vehicle and an external vehicle, is defined in an area closer to a land than a land-side end; an external traveling lane is defined for the external vehicle; and the handover of the container in the handover area is carried out in a state where the container conveying vehicle and the external vehicle are both directed in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the storage block.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the location in 3D space of an object of interest within the interior region of an enclosed, opaque container. The invention allows a user or operator to construct a three-dimensional representation of the interior region of the container to allow viewing of objects, components and substances within the interior region. The users or operators now have the opportunity to isolate a particular object of interest within the interior region that may be a threat, such as an explosive device or other energetic component. A disrupter device is aimed at the three-dimensional location and thereafter, the disrupter device fires a projectile or substance at the object of interest in order to disable or destroy the object of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dual mode detection method, controller and system, which relates to the technical field of radiation detection. The dual mode detection method of the present disclosure includes: determining a ratio of neutron to X-ray differential cross sections of an inspected object, according to X-ray object detection data, X-ray object-free detection data, neutron object detection data, and neutron object-free detection data; determining a substance type of the inspected object according to a correspondence between the ratio of neutron to X-ray differential cross sections of the inspected object and the substance type.

Abstract: X-ray backscatter imaging (XBI) methods and systems are provided that enable depth-sensitive information to be obtained from images acquired during a single scan from a single side of an object being imaged. The depth-sensitive information is used in combination with other image information acquired during the scan to produce high-resolution 2-D or 3-D images, where at least one of the dimensions of the 2-D or 3-D image corresponds to depth in the object.

Abstract: A monitor method for detecting an object includes capturing an image; calculating an initial probability of the object existing in the image; applying a mask to cover a first portion of the image if the initial probability is higher than a threshold; calculating a first probability of the object existing in the image excluding the first portion; and using at least the first probability to detect the location the object in the image.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an object or vehicle's state, value, diagnostics and/or other condition are obtained from a configurable multi-sensor array. In some cases, the object drives through the sensor array. In some cases, the sensors pass over or by the object. A report is generated on the object's condition. A variety of sensor data are amalgamated into a report via a configurable backend process. A user interface allows for interaction with the ability to interface with components in the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining physical properties of a test sample using a spectrometric detector with at least three channels, consisting of: performing measurements in each of the channels on the test sample, calculating variables, each formed from a combination of measurements of different channels, and applying a weighting and bias matrix to the variables, enabling the investigated physical properties of the test sample to be determined.

Abstract: An automatic threat recognition (ATR) system is disclosed for scanning an article to recognize contraband items or items of interest contained within the article. The ATR system uses a CAT scanner to obtain a CT image scan of objects within the article, representing a plurality of 2D image slices of the article and its contents. Each 2D image slice includes information forming a plurality of voxels. The ATR system includes a computer and determines which voxels have a likelihood of representing materials of interest. It then aggregates those voxels to produce detected objects. The detected objects are further classified as items of interest vs. not of interest. The ATR system is based on learned parameters for a novel interaction of global and object context mechanisms. ATR system performance may be optimized by using jointly optimal global and object context parameters learned during training. The global context parameters may apply to the article as a whole and facilitate object detection.

Abstract: A quantitative phase analysis device for analyzing non-crystalline phases comprising at least one microprocessor configured to: acquire the powder diffraction pattern of the sample; acquire information on one non-crystalline phase and one or more crystalline phases contained in the sample; acquire a fitting function; execute whole-powder pattern fitting, acquire a fitting result; and calculate a weight ratio of the one non-crystalline phase and the one or more crystalline phases. The fitting function for each of the one or more crystalline phases is one fitting function selected from the group consisting of a first fitting function that uses an integrated intensity obtained by whole-powder pattern decomposition, a second fitting function that uses an integrated intensity obtained by observation or calculation, and a third fitting function that uses a profile intensity obtained by observation or calculation. The fitting function for the one non-crystalline phase is the third fitting function.

Abstract: A control apparatus for stitch imaging makes a first determination, or a second determination, and a display control unit configured to control a display of a display unit according to whether the determination made by the determination unit is the first determination or the second determination.

Abstract: Provided are an object identification device and an object identification method in which objects can be easily identified. The object identification device is provided with a pixel group extraction unit which scans, in units of the image area, an X-ray transferred image obtained from an imaging unit which performs X-ray imaging to an item to be inspected that is supplied, and extracts a plurality of pixel groups including characteristics of a shape of at least a part of the item to be inspected, and a determination unit which determines, with regard to the plurality of pixel groups extracted by the pixel group extraction unit, whether the item to be inspected corresponds to the object by executing all of the series of mappings related to an angle of an n direction by using each of the weight parameters based on the data group read from the memory unit.

Abstract: A vehicle certification system includes an emissions sensor configured to capture emissions data of a subject vehicle, a local computing system that includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable memory, an imaging device communicatively coupled to the processor, a display communicatively coupled to the processor, and a machine-readable instruction set stored in the non-transitory computer readable memory that, when executed by the processor, causes the local computing system to capture image data of the subject vehicle, and a remote server that is configured to receive the emissions data captured by the emissions sensor, determine compliance with at least one emissions criterion based on the emissions data, receive the image data of the subject vehicle captured by the local computing system, and determine compliance with at least one visually verifiable inspection criterion based on the image data.

Abstract: A mail screening apparatus is provided to perform the inspection of mail or similar objects. Terahertz inspection is used to localize potential suspicious areas by imaging the contents inside the envelope or small parcel. The mail screening apparatus includes a primary and a secondary inspection zone, preferably allowing inspection of the mail in a normal and a zoomed mode, respectively. The same light source, image capture device and intervening optical components are used in both normal and zoomed modes. Metal detection may optionally be used to enhance awareness in the presence of metallic content. In one implementation, metal detection zones are provided in an orthogonal configuration with respect to the primary inspection zone used for terahertz imaging to accommodate for both manual and automatic inspection of mail.