SIMFOX - Features

Summary - The Features & Benefits of SIMFOX

• SIMFOX consists of several modules designed to teach X-ray operators how to correctly identify concealed items - both threat and non-threat - through the use of X-ray equipment.

• SIMFOX assists management to make decisions regarding the X-ray operation through data acquisition and complex data analysis.

• SIMFOX versions accurately simulate each of the Heimann, EG&G Perkin Elmer and Rapiscan machines.

• SIMFOX does not require an expensive, high specification computer to operate as the code is optimised to run on any machine from 300MHZ with only 32MB of RAM.

• SIMFOX can be installed on your existing computer system.

• To facilitate the wide variety of establishments requiring a training solution for X-ray, SIMFOX is supplied as either a single user package, an Internet based package or a full multi-user classroom based LAN or WAN package.

• SIMFOX is unique in providing the only solutions to common problems normally associated with security X-ray training and threat recognition, and in no way allows image recall from memory which results in an improvement in threat identification and an apparent increase in students' competence, both of which are artificially generated.

• SIMFOX allows the instructor to select items and 'pack' bags according to personal preference, moving and rotating items as desired - a feature which  all alternative training and testing systems lack as they comprise of a library of composed static bag images prepared in advance by the manufacturer (TIP suffers from the same problem in that static threat images are simply 'placed' into live passenger luggage).

• The SIMFOX simulator reproduces the effects of certain X-ray machines offering real-time image manipulation.

• The XMS™ X-ray Management System allows you to extend the SIMFOX image library by adding new bags and items scanned by your own X-ray machine.

• SIMFOX displays X-ray images at the same resolution as the real X-ray machine.

• All normal and threat items have the correct X-ray signature under all image enhancement features.

• SIMFOX allows the trainer to alter the classification (i.e. threat or non-threat) of any item in the database, and to choose the expected action required by the student when the bag is encountered (e.g. cameras and mobile telephones are threat items in Prisons, but pose no threat in Airports).

• Scoring parameters can be altered by the trainer to allow fine-tuning of the difficulty level of each lesson. For example, inexperienced staff can be allowed a lower penalty for time taken, with emphasis on accurate threat identification. In the case of experienced staff, parameters can be adjusted to accurately reflect a real-time operational environment.

• SIMFOX allows the trainer to run training sessions and to place single items through the X-ray machine, (e.g. a single firearm component, knife, camera, hairdryer, plastic explosive, etc.), which is invaluable in familiarising new staff with the appearance of items under X-ray, before fully packed bags are encountered.

• SIMFOX is able to send/ receive lessons and test results very rapidly via the Internet, (the average download time for a 20-bag testing session is 12 seconds).

• All web-based communication is secured and cannot be intercepted by third parties. The trainer can conduct lessons with students in the same room, in the office next door, or on the other side of the world.

• Instructors and students require no knowledge of the Internet or email, as SIMFOX automates the process of delivering lessons and returning results without user intervention. SIMFOX requires no extra software to conduct distance lesson (any MAPI based email client will be utilized by the system).

• During testing sessions, students are required not only to identify whether a bag poses a threat, but additionally to identify the location of any and all threat items, to provide reasoning for their decision (explosive device, firearm, dense area etc.); and to mark the position(s) of the threat(s).

• SIMFOX is a highly sophisticated system, which evaluates students according to a combination of all of the following factors:

  1. Correct location of the position of each and every threat in the bag.

  2. Correct naming of each and every threat in the bag.

  3. Total time taken for threat identification for each bag.

• SIMFOX Lesson Review displays the X-ray image seen during the test, alongside both normal and & X-ray views of the bag itself, and every individual item within the bag. This feature promotes learning by allowing students to fully understand every bag and its contents.

• SIMFOX Lesson Review allows the trainer to see which image enhancement features were chosen by the student in order to arrive at his/ her decisions for every single bag.

• Unlike other systems, SIMFOX generates an extensive range of reports that are 100% accurate. SIMFOX provides comprehensive data analysis, statistical profiling and cross-referencing of student performance, bag complexity, threat recognition success, etc. The trainer can evaluate group or individual student performance from varying perspectives, e.g. results produced from a testing session, a particular bag, or an individual threat item.

• Data acquired from student testing can be cross-referenced to produce detailed analysis reports. Reports will suggest subjects requiring investigation; such as which threats are easily identified by students and which threats present difficulties.

• The SIMFOX Multi-User Classroom System combines all the features of the single-user and Internet modules with the addition of powerful multi-user classroom functions.

• Lesson can be sent to students; and their progress monitored from the main server.

• For organisations with more than one trainer, multiple servers can be created. Each server may create lessons and can include students from other servers or their own student database.

• For the times when it is impossible to have all your operators present in the classroom, SIMFOX enables the trainer to create one or more sessions for students, which can be taken in their own time. Students simply log on to any available terminal and run any sessions prepared for them.

• The Training & Operational Research Module enables data collection and analysis of student results, in order to reach decisions in the following areas:

  • Training and re-training in various categories of threat items and dangerous goods.

  • Establishing norms per bag for the operation.

  • Manning and operational research.

  • X-ray interpretation skills among employee groups.

  • Processing time and operational speed.

  • Establishing performance standards.