Z® PORTAL™
MULTI-VIEW X-RAY SCREENING SYSTEM
THE Z PORTAL SYSTEM COMBINES HIGH-THROUGHPUT INSPECTION WITH PHOTO-LIKE IMAGING FOR THE DETECTION OF ORGANIC AND METALLIC CONTRABAND AND THREATS, WITH UP TO SIX VIEWS OF TRUCKS, VEHICLES, AND CARGO CONTAINERS.
Multi-view, multi-technology
On a daily basis, terrorists and smugglers invent new methods for concealing threats and contraband in vehicles. AS&E’s Z Portal system gives operators the power to more confidently screen for suspicious anomalies by leveraging a unique combination of X-ray technologies that provide multiple views of the entire vehicle.
The Z Portal system uses Z Backscatter®, Forwardscatter®, and dual-energy transmission (optional) technology to simultaneously capture two images from each side of the vehicle and two images of the top of the vehicle—six views in total—to create a comprehensive view of trucks, passenger vehicles, and cargo containers. Z Backscatter technology—pioneered and perfected by AS&E— produces photo-like images, ideal for detecting drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, and other contraband. AS&E’s high-quality dual-energy technology produces a colorized transmission image from the top of a scanned vehicle—ideal for detecting metallics hidden in the dashboard, gas tank, and center of a vehicle. AS&E’s unique Forwardscatter technology enables the enhanced detection of bulk metallic objects and dense materials, such as shielded nuclear WMDs.
Armed with multiple images that highlight organic and metallic anomalies, customers more effectively stop threats from crossing borders or entering facilities, and successfully recoup lost revenue from trade fraud.
High-throughput, low cost of ownership
At congested borders and vital entry control points, security efforts must be balanced with the flow of commerce and operations. AS&E’s Z Portal system can scan 400 cars or 250 trucks per hour, enabling customers to simultaneously control the flow of traffic and ensure secure operations at ports, borders, and critical infrastructure. With its drive-through capabilities at high scan speeds, the Z Portal system is ideal for either primary or secondary inspection applications.
Total system ownership greatly impacts a customer’s ability to achieve long-term security objectives. The Z Portal's compact, constructionless design is based on AS&E's decades of experience protecting ports, borders, and critical infrastructure. Its efficient design allows it to easily fit into existing traffic lanes, and eases the burden and expense of both installation and relocation.
Operating Features
X-ray Source:
225 keV
Throughput:
Up to 400 cars or 250 trucks per hour. Spatial correction software compensates for variations in vehicle speed.
Scan Speed:
2–20 kph (1.2–12.4 mph)
Power Requirements:
50 Hz
60 Hz* (option)
Volts:
400 +/- 10%
480 +5/-10%
Amp:
60A
50A
Phase:
3
3
Frequency:
50+/-3Hz
60+/-3Hz
Overall Dimensions*
Truck
Car
Width
6.6 m (21.7 ft)
5.9 m (19.4 ft)
Height:
6.0 m (19.7 ft)
4.1 m (13.5 ft)
Length:
6.7 m (22.0 ft)
6.1 m (20 ft)
Tunnel Dimensions*
Width:
4.2 m (13.8 ft)
3.4 m (11.1 ft)
Height:
4.7 m (15.4 ft)
2.8 m (9.2 ft)
Maximum Vehicle Dimensions**
Width:
3.5 m (11.5 ft)
2.7 m (8.8 ft)
Height:
4.6 m (15.1 ft)
2.7 m (8.8 ft)
*Does not include second chiller (high temp option)or vehicle ramp (Top-down transmission option)
**Allows for vehicle clearance of 0.3 m (1 ft) on each side
OperatingSystem:
Windows 7®
Operators Console:
System is configured with four high-resolution, 21-inch LCD monitors
Printer:
Color laser printer
1 TB Hard Drive
ASEInspectionTM Software
ASEInspection is the Windows-based application software used for system control and image analysis. ASEInspection contains a suite of tools for analyzing images, and it is used for image storage and retrieval.
ASEInspection Features
System Diagnostics Screen:
Real-time system status monitoring
Database Function:
Provides ability to create and store records with vehicle data and X-ray images
Auto Save:
Automatically saves an image and a record system, eliminating manual saving
Archive:
Manually saves stored image files on a CD/DVD disk, and creates a reference to the disk in the database
Export Image:
Provides capability to export full images into TIF/JPG formatted files
3D Viewer (option—Z Portal for Cars only):
Creates a virtual 3D rendering of the vehicle from the Z Backscatter images
Automatic Historical Compare (option):
Based on a user- specified field, the system automatically detects if a vehicle has previously been scanned and presents the the prior and current images in a side-by-side format.
Auto Enhance:
Automatically optimizes contrast throughout the image, thereby enhancing subtle differences in the image
Clear/Suspect Tagging:
Tags a record as suspect of having a “threat”
Color Palettes:
Adds the ability to change the image default grayscale values to a palette of colors that correspond to changes in density
Density Adjust:
Continuous adjustment of contrast and brightness to emphasize specific object densities
High Contrast:
Intensifies subtle differences in contrast by stretching the image histogram
Histogram:
Adjusts contrast of an image based on a user-defined brightness center point and range
Histogram Equalization:
Adjusts the contrast of an image by automatically flattening the image’s histogram curve
Historical Compare:
Allows a side-by-side comparison of a current image to a previously saved image
Mark and Annotate:
Attaches pointers and comment fields to images
Region of Interest:
Allows filters and analysis tools to be applied to selected region of image without affecting portions of the image outside the ROI box
Reference Vehicle Compare (option—Z Portal for Cars only):
Based on a user-defined vehicle identifier field, the system automatically compares current and historical scans of a vehicle and highlights any differences between the scans.
Reverse Video:
Reverses the image palette. Normally black areas appear white, while normally white areas appear black
Ruler:
Static and dynamic rulers to allow object measurement
Sharpen:
Accentuates the edges of objects discrimi- nately without accentuating background noise
Zoom:
1x to 16x magnification with the ability to roam continuously through the full field of view
Radiation Standards:
System conforms to manufacturers’ requirements of ANSI N43.17-2009 Radiation Safety for Personnel Security Screening Systems Using X-Ray or Gamma Radiation.
Radiation Dose:
The maximum dose to the scanned vehicle and driver is 0.05 μSv (5.0 μRem).
Radiation Exclusion Zone Dimensions:
At system boundary
Operating Temperature:
-30° C to 40° C (-22° F to 104° F)*
Storage Temperature:
-40° C to 70° C (-40° F to 158° F)
Operable in rain, snow, wind, and blowing sand
*Extended temperatures available with Extreme Temperature Options
Top-Down Transmission Imaging:
Creates a dual- energy transmission X-ray image from top down, using surface mounted detectors
Integrated License Plate Reader:
Associates license plate data with X-ray images
Integrated Under-Vehicle Inspection System:
Surface-mounted or flush-mount system associates under-vehicle photograph with X-ray images
Integrated Container Code Reader (Z Portal for Trucks only):
Associates container code data with X-ray images
Integrated Manifest Scanner:
Scans and saves paper manifests in electronic format
Radiation Portal Monitor:
Gamma and Neutron detection
2x2 Quad Monitor Layout:
To position monitors two-over-two
Peripheral Data Interface:
Allows integration of data from third-party devices into system database
Networking:
ASE ConnectTM networking solution provides interconnected remote image analysis and supervisor stations
Operator Alert Image Analysis Tools:
See Image Analysis Tools section for options
Scan Activation Station (Z Portal for Trucks only):
Driver or operator initiates X-rays to avoid scanning the cab of the truck
Automatic Cab Exclusion (Z Portal for Trucks only):
Technology that automatically avoids scanning the cab of the truck
150 m (500 ft) Operators Kit:
Extends the distance between Z Portal system and operator’s control station from90m(300ft)to150m(500ft)
Continuous Scan Mode:
Automatically initiates scanning once the prior scan is complete and the vehicle has exited the tunnel. Continuous Mode Operation may require Extreme Hot Operating Temperature Kit.
Extreme Hot Operating Temperature Option:
Extends the system operating temperature to 60° C.
A canopy to block direct sunlight may also be required for installations in extreme hot conditions.
Extreme Cold Operating Temperature Option:
Extends the system operating temperature to -40° C
Transformer:
Steps up or down transformer as needed to provide specified power to the system (required for 60 Hz power option)
Vehicle Speed Display:
Indicates vehicle speed to the driver in real time
Sentry® Co-location (Z Portal for Trucks only):
Complements the Z Portal system with AS&E’s Sentry system, which offers high-throughput, high-energy, dual-energy transmission imaging
Camera System:
Three additional CCTV cameras for observing the area around the X-ray system
Operator Booth:
Climate-controlled operator control room
Local Language Kits:
Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish available
Vehicle Protection Kit:
Vehicle guides and flags to direct traffic through the tunnel and decrease vehicle collisions with the system
Vehicle Gauge Kit:
Vehicle height and width gauges to prevent oversized vehicles from entering the scan tunnel
Foundation Mount:
Mounts the Z Portal system on concrete
Operating Features
X-ray Source:
225 keV
Throughput:
Up to 400 cars or 250 trucks per hour. Spatial correction software compensates for variations in vehicle speed.
Scan Speed:
2–20 kph (1.2–12.4 mph)
Power Requirements:
Volts:
50 Hz: 400 +/- 10%
60 Hz* (option): 480 +5/-10%
Amp:
50 Hz: 60A
60 Hz* (option): 50A
Phase:
50 Hz: 3
60 Hz* (option): 3
Frequency:
50 Hz: 50+/-3Hz
60 Hz* (option): 60+/-3Hz
Overall Dimensions*
Width
Truck: 6.6 m (21.7 ft)
Car: 5.9 m (19.4 ft)
Height:
Truck: 6.0 m (19.7 ft)
Car: 4.1 m (13.5 ft)
Length:
Truck: 6.7 m (22.0 ft)
Car: 6.1 m (20 ft)
Tunnel Dimensions*
Width:
Truck: 4.2 m (13.8 ft)
Car: 3.4 m (11.1 ft)
Height:
Truck: 4.7 m (15.4 ft)
Car: 2.8 m (9.2 ft)
Maximum Vehicle Dimensions**
Width:
Truck: 3.5 m (11.5 ft)
Car: 2.7 m (8.8 ft)
Height:
Truck: 4.6 m (15.1 ft)
Car: 2.7 m (8.8 ft)
*Does not include second chiller (high temp option)or vehicle ramp (Top-down transmission option)
**Allows for vehicle clearance of 0.3 m (1 ft) on each side
OperatingSystem:
Windows 7®
Operators Console:
System is configured with four high-resolution, 21-inch LCD monitors
Printer:
Color laser printer
1 TB Hard Drive
ASEInspectionTM Software
ASEInspection is the Windows-based application software used for system control and image analysis. ASEInspection contains a suite of tools for analyzing images, and it is used for image storage and retrieval.
ASEInspection Features
System Diagnostics Screen:
Real-time system status monitoring
Database Function:
Provides ability to create and store records with vehicle data and X-ray images
Auto Save:
Automatically saves an image and a record system, eliminating manual saving
Archive:
Manually saves stored image files on a CD/DVD disk, and creates a reference to the disk in the database
Export Image:
Provides capability to export full images into TIF/JPG formatted files
3D Viewer (option—Z Portal for Cars only):
Creates a virtual 3D rendering of the vehicle from the Z Backscatter images
Automatic Historical Compare (option):
Based on a user- specified field, the system automatically detects if a vehicle has previously been scanned and presents the the prior and current images in a side-by-side format.
Auto Enhance:
Automatically optimizes contrast throughout the image, thereby enhancing subtle differences in the image
Clear/Suspect Tagging:
Tags a record as suspect of having a “threat”
Color Palettes:
Adds the ability to change the image default grayscale values to a palette of colors that correspond to changes in density
Density Adjust:
Continuous adjustment of contrast and brightness to emphasize specific object densities
High Contrast:
Intensifies subtle differences in contrast by stretching the image histogram
Histogram:
Adjusts contrast of an image based on a user-defined brightness center point and range
Histogram Equalization:
Adjusts the contrast of an image by automatically flattening the image’s histogram curve
Historical Compare:
Allows a side-by-side comparison of a current image to a previously saved image
Mark and Annotate:
Attaches pointers and comment fields to images
Region of Interest:
Allows filters and analysis tools to be applied to selected region of image without affecting portions of the image outside the ROI box
Reference Vehicle Compare (option—Z Portal for Cars only):
Based on a user-defined vehicle identifier field, the system automatically compares current and historical scans of a vehicle and highlights any differences between the scans.
Reverse Video:
Reverses the image palette. Normally black areas appear white, while normally white areas appear black
Ruler:
Static and dynamic rulers to allow object measurement
Sharpen:
Accentuates the edges of objects discrimi- nately without accentuating background noise
Zoom:
1x to 16x magnification with the ability to roam continuously through the full field of view
Radiation Standards:
System conforms to manufacturers’ requirements of ANSI N43.17-2009 Radiation Safety for Personnel Security Screening Systems Using X-Ray or Gamma Radiation.
Radiation Dose:
The maximum dose to the scanned vehicle and driver is 0.05 μSv (5.0 μRem).
Radiation Exclusion Zone Dimensions:
At system boundary
Operating Temperature:
-30° C to 40° C (-22° F to 104° F)*
Storage Temperature:
-40° C to 70° C (-40° F to 158° F)
Operable in rain, snow, wind, and blowing sand
*Extended temperatures available with Extreme Temperature Options
Top-Down Transmission Imaging:
Creates a dual- energy transmission X-ray image from top down, using surface mounted detectors
Integrated License Plate Reader:
Associates license plate data with X-ray images
Integrated Under-Vehicle Inspection System:
Surface-mounted or flush-mount system associates under-vehicle photograph with X-ray images
Integrated Container Code Reader (Z Portal for Trucks only):
Associates container code data with X-ray images
Integrated Manifest Scanner:
Scans and saves paper manifests in electronic format
Radiation Portal Monitor:
Gamma and Neutron detection
2x2 Quad Monitor Layout:
To position monitors two-over-two
Peripheral Data Interface:
Allows integration of data from third-party devices into system database
Networking:
ASE ConnectTM networking solution provides interconnected remote image analysis and supervisor stations
Operator Alert Image Analysis Tools:
See Image Analysis Tools section for options
Scan Activation Station (Z Portal for Trucks only):
Driver or operator initiates X-rays to avoid scanning the cab of the truck
Automatic Cab Exclusion (Z Portal for Trucks only):
Technology that automatically avoids scanning the cab of the truck
150 m (500 ft) Operators Kit:
Extends the distance between Z Portal system and operator’s control station from90m(300ft)to150m(500ft)
Continuous Scan Mode:
Automatically initiates scanning once the prior scan is complete and the vehicle has exited the tunnel. Continuous Mode Operation may require Extreme Hot Operating Temperature Kit.
Extreme Hot Operating Temperature Option:
Extends the system operating temperature to 60° C.
A canopy to block direct sunlight may also be required for installations in extreme hot conditions.
Extreme Cold Operating Temperature Option:
Extends the system operating temperature to -40° C
Transformer:
Steps up or down transformer as needed to provide specified power to the system (required for 60 Hz power option)
Vehicle Speed Display:
Indicates vehicle speed to the driver in real time
Sentry® Co-location (Z Portal for Trucks only):
Complements the Z Portal system with AS&E’s Sentry system, which offers high-throughput, high-energy, dual-energy transmission imaging
Camera System:
Three additional CCTV cameras for observing the area around the X-ray system
Operator Booth:
Climate-controlled operator control room
Local Language Kits:
Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish available
Vehicle Protection Kit:
Vehicle guides and flags to direct traffic through the tunnel and decrease vehicle collisions with the system
Vehicle Gauge Kit:
Vehicle height and width gauges to prevent oversized vehicles from entering the scan tunnel
Foundation Mount:
Mounts the Z Portal system on concrete