ALERT | Awareness and Localization of Explosive-Related Threats

SPARC Webinar: August 5

Sparse Angle Volumetric Reconstruction for Air Cargo CT
with Prof. David Castañón, Professor in Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Boston University and François Zayek, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Astrophysics Inc.

The slides and video presentation of the August 5th webinar is now available online!

The fourth webinar of the SPARC (Seminars to Promote ALERT Research and Collaboration) Webinar series will continue on August 5th from 11:30am – 12:00pm EDT. More information on the presentation can be found below:

Title: Sparse Angle Volumetric Reconstruction for Air Cargo CT

Presenters: Prof. David Castañón, Professor in Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Boston University and François Zayek, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Astrophysics Inc.

Abstract: Astrophysics, Inc. has designed a dual-energy 3D Computed Tomography (CT) Cargo System, the Multi-View CT™. The system provides radiography projection images of cargo skids from multiple orientations, as well as 3D volumetric reconstruction of skids. ALERT has been working with Astrophysics to develop fast reconstruction algorithms capable of supporting the real-time operation of the Multi-View CT system. Because of the sparse view data collection geometry of the Multi-View CT system, the reconstruction algorithms had to estimate the dual energy attenuation of over 150 million voxels simultaneously. In this talk, we discuss the reconstruction algorithms and their implementation on workstations using graphical processing units that led to their integration into fielded products by Astrophysics, Inc.

Speaker Bios: 

Professor David Castañón received his Ph.D. degree in Applied Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976. He was chief scientist at ALPHATECH, Inc. in Burlington, MA until 1990, when he joined Boston University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is a past president of the IEEE Control Systems Society, and received the Society’s Distinguished Member Award. He also served on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. At Boston University, he served as Department Chair, and as co-director of the Center for Information and Systems Engineering. He is currently a Thrust Leader in the Department of Homeland Security’s ALERT Center of Excellence on explosives detection, in charge of Video Analytics and Signature Analysis. His research interests include stochastic control, estimation, game theory and optimization, with applications to inverse problems, object recognition, sensor management, and security.

An engineer, business leader and visionary, François Zayek is recognized as a leading global expert in x-ray technology. At the forefront of new technology for security and medical applications since the industry’s beginnings, his 30+ year career has been dedicated solely to x-ray innovation. François founded Astrophysics, Inc. in 2002 after recognizing a technology gap in the x-ray security industry and an opportunity to leverage his knowledge to revolutionize the industry. As a non-traditional CEO, his engineering expertise has guided the company’s culture and commitment to developing innovative technology. Astrophysics’ legacy as an industry pioneer – the first company to develop 6-Color Imaging, Real Time Diagnostics, and Remote Diagnostics – continues to this day with its recent launch of the Multi-View CTTM, the world’s first 3D CT cargo scanner. Prior to founding Astrophysics, François was Director of R&D at Bio-Imaging Research, VP of Engineering at PerkinElmer and VP of Engineering and R&D at EG&G Astrophysics (the original Astrophysics namesake). In these R&D roles, he designed high-dynamic range optical systems and breakthrough CT technology for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). He founded Xaytek in 2000, an x-ray technology and R&D consulting firm with x-ray industry clients. Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, François immigrated to the United States where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton and a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from Ohio State University. In 2015, he was honored with the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, awarded to individuals who embody and uphold America’s ideals, and whose past recipients include numerous U.S. Presidents, world leaders and Nobel Prize winners. François exemplifies the success of the American dream and his character, passion for R&D and drive for excellence continue to define the Astrophysics culture.

If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please reach out to Tiffany Lam at [email protected] for more information.