Probabilistic image analysis

A system for detecting at least one object of interest in at least one raw data x-ray image, comprising:

• an x-ray emitter for emitting an incident x-ray radiation beam through a scanning volume having an object therein;
• at least one detector for detecting x-ray signals transmitted through at least one of the scanning volume and the object;
• at least one processor for deriving at least one raw data x-ray image from the detected x-ray signal;
• at least one processor configured to:
• input the raw data x-ray image, expressed according to an attenuation scale, into a neural network;
• output from the neural network a probability value assigned to each pixel in the raw data x-ray image, wherein the probability value is indicative of whether the pixel is likely associated, or not likely associated, with a potential threat;
• and,
• classify each pixel in the raw data x-ray image into at least one of a first classification or second classification based on whether the probability value associated with the pixel exceeds, or does not exceed, a predetermined threshold probability value.