New Technology Archives | Foster+Freeman https://fosterfreeman.com/category/news/new-technology/ Improving the Quality of Forensic Evidence Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:31:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://fosterfreeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-Site-Icon-32x32.png New Technology Archives | Foster+Freeman https://fosterfreeman.com/category/news/new-technology/ 32 32 Product Verification Library: Register Now for Your Free 30-Day Trial https://fosterfreeman.com/product-verification-library-register-now-for-your-free-30-day-trial/ https://fosterfreeman.com/product-verification-library-register-now-for-your-free-30-day-trial/#respond Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:18:05 +0000 https://fosterfreeman.com/card-grading-technology-copy/ Register now for your free 30-day trial to gain access to a searchable library of more than 18,000 images of body fluids on a wide variety of fabrics, captured using the Crime-lite AUTO under multiple imaging conditions.

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Product Verification Library:
Register Now for Your Free 30-Day Trial

Register now for your free 30-day trial to gain access to a searchable library of more than 18,000 images of body fluids on a wide variety of fabrics, captured using the Crime-lite AUTO under multiple imaging conditions.

Learn More
Register Your Trial

Related Webinar – Grounded in Truth: Using ground truth studies and validation data

In this webinar will explore how ground truth studies and data can be used to help improve results, both in the laboratory and at the crime scene.

Watch On-Demand Now

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]]> https://fosterfreeman.com/product-verification-library-register-now-for-your-free-30-day-trial/feed/ 0 Card and Collectible Graders turn to Forensic Technology https://fosterfreeman.com/card-grading-technology/ https://fosterfreeman.com/card-grading-technology/#respond Tue, 02 May 2023 12:22:08 +0000 https://fosterfreeman.com/chemical-reagents-the-missing-link-in-fingermark-validation-copy/ As Collectible Card Game (CCG) and Trading Card Game (TCG) items have increased in value, so too has the need for these items to be accurately verified, authenticated and graded.

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Card Graders turn to forensic technology as they seek to put a price on high-value collectables

In recent years, online trading, valuation and authentication of collectable trading cards has been transformed from a niche pastime into a multi-million dollar industry. As the market for trading cards continues to grow, collectors are increasingly turning to third-party grading companies to verify the authenticity and condition of their cards.

As Collectible Card Game (CCG) and Trading Card Game (TCG) items have increased in value, so too has the need for these items to be accurately verified, authenticated and graded (for quality). In addition to rarity, factors including authenticity, quality, and condition can significantly affect a card’s valuation. Due to this, card grading companies are increasingly turning to forster+freeman VSC technology as they seek to identify a forensic-level solution to card grading.

How are Card Graders using VSC Technology?

Card grading companies use VSC forensic technology to authenticate and grade high-value trading cards by employing various techniques to analyze the card’s physical properties and characteristics.

See the full video from ACE Grading on youtube

high value pokemon are graded for quality
Trading cards are graded by quality or condition

Surface analysis under high magnification:

Using a VSC card graders are able to examine the surface of a card for evidence of alterations, alterations or irregularities. For example, they may look for signs of erasing, re-inking, or other modifications indicating forgery or tampering.

Multi-spectral UV-Vis-IR examination:

Full spectral imaging can reveal details on a card that may not be visible under normal lighting conditions. Card grading companies use UV light to detect hidden elements, such as watermarks or fibres, that can help confirm the card’s authenticity.

UV examination of a trading card
The appearance of trading cards will change under UV-Vis-IR light
Microscopic analysis of paper, card and ink
Surface or material analysis may reveal imperfections or forgery

Spectrometry and Ink Analysis:

Using a high-level VSC8000/HS system, card grading companies can analyze the ink used on a card to estimate its age and determine its authenticity. Using micro-spectrometry it is possible to analyze the chemical composition of the ink and compare it to known samples.

Digital Imaging:

Card grading companies may use digital imaging techniques to capture high-resolution images of the card’s surface and features. These images can be used to compare the card to known authentic examples and identify any differences or irregularities. These images are often supplied to the card’s owner as part of the grading service.

High value trading cards are examined
Card graders may capture high-res images as part of their service
using a VSC to examine trading cards

Related Webinar: Document Examination: Authentication and Grading of Stamps, Cards and Collectables
In this webinar we explore how experts and collectors of stamps, trading cards, signatures and memorabilia are using VSC’s to validate and authenticate their high-value collectibles.

Watch On-Demand Now

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]]> https://fosterfreeman.com/card-grading-technology/feed/ 0 Chemical reagents – the missing link in fingermark validation? https://fosterfreeman.com/chemical-reagents-the-missing-link-in-fingermark-validation/ https://fosterfreeman.com/chemical-reagents-the-missing-link-in-fingermark-validation/#respond Tue, 21 Mar 2023 08:51:39 +0000 https://fosterfreeman.com/fosterfreeman-install-vsc8000-hs-in-papa-new-guinea-laboratory-copy/ The work of forensic experts has significant implications on the lives of individuals and societies as a whole. As such, the results that examiners provide must be reliable and trustworthy: this is where validation comes in.

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Chemical reagents – the missing link in fingermark validation?

Forensic science and fingermark identification is a high-stakes business. Investigating criminal cases the world over, the work of forensic experts has significant implications on the lives of individuals and societies as a whole. As such, the results that examiners provide must be reliable and trustworthy. And this is where validation comes in.

Within forensics, validation is the process of confirming that a tool, technique, or procedure works as intended throughout the examination and presentation of evidence.

In the world of fingerprints, there are two areas of practice that we routinely seek to validate. Firstly, the performance of our tools and instruments, and secondly, human-based methods and techniques.

Whilst instrument validation is concerned with determining how well a tool or technology performs, human-based validation focuses on staff competence and training.

However, there remains one area of fingerprints forensics that remains unvalidated. The chemical reagents that we use daily to develop marks.

Related Webinar:
This webinar features a new and innovative solution that foster+freeman has developed to fill in this missing link in the fingerprint validation process.

Watch On-Demand Now

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]]> https://fosterfreeman.com/chemical-reagents-the-missing-link-in-fingermark-validation/feed/ 0 Introducing MVC® FFLEX M: Fingermark Fuming, Updated https://fosterfreeman.com/introducing-mvc-fflex-m-fingermark-fuming-updated/ https://fosterfreeman.com/introducing-mvc-fflex-m-fingermark-fuming-updated/#respond Fri, 05 Aug 2022 07:11:18 +0000 https://fosterfreeman.com/discover-a-2-part-solution-for-the-search-detection-and-imaging-of-evidence-at-the-crime-scene-and-in-the-laboratory-copy/ For more than 35-years, MVC® fuming cabinets have set the benchmark for performance and reliability as the dependable workhorses of forensic laboratories worldwide. Updated with a radical new design, the MVC®FFLEX M builds on that tried and trusted technology offering innovative new user-focused features to optimise results.

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Introducing MVC® FFLEX M:

Fingermark Fuming, Updated

For more than 35-years, MVC® fuming cabinets have set the benchmark for performance and reliability as the dependable workhorses of forensic laboratories worldwide.

Updated with a radical new design, the MVC®FFLEX M builds on that tried and trusted technology offering innovative new user-focused features to optimise results, increase laboratory efficiency, and provide complete end-to-end control of the fingermark development process.

Learn More
mvc fflex standalone
mvc fflex standalone

The Next Industry Standard in Fingermark Fuming

MVC® FFLEX M Launch Webinar

The MVC® FFLEX M was officially launched as part of our Forensic Webinar Series. Don’t worry, our Webinar Archive is available on-demand, so you can catch up at a time that suits you.

View On-Demand Now

mvc fflex preview
mvc fflex preview

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]]> https://fosterfreeman.com/introducing-mvc-fflex-m-fingermark-fuming-updated/feed/ 0 DISCOVER®, a 2-part solution for the search, detection, and imaging of evidence at the crime scene and in the laboratory https://fosterfreeman.com/discover-a-2-part-solution-for-the-search-detection-and-imaging-of-evidence-at-the-crime-scene-and-in-the-laboratory/ https://fosterfreeman.com/discover-a-2-part-solution-for-the-search-detection-and-imaging-of-evidence-at-the-crime-scene-and-in-the-laboratory/#respond Tue, 02 Aug 2022 10:05:12 +0000 https://fosterfreeman.a2hosted.com/meet-aari-the-unique-new-fingerprint-imaging-system-that-uses-artificial-intelligence-to-detect-ridge-detail-and-assist-forensic-examiners-copy/ A laboratory docking system for the handheld Crime-lite AUTO forensic search and imaging tool, DISCOVER brings the functionality, ease of use, and high quality of results produced by the ‘AUTO’ into the fingerprint laboratory.

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DISCOVER®,

a 2-part solution for the search, detection, and imaging of evidence at the crime scene and in the laboratory.

For crime lab directors and forensic science professionals seeking to increase the quality and quantity of evidence being detected at the crime scene and in the laboratory, DISCOVER is a uniquely versatile workstation that meets the needs of CSI and lab professionals at every stage of the forensic evidence workflow.

A laboratory docking system for the handheld Crime-lite AUTO forensic search and imaging tool, DISCOVER brings the functionality, ease of use, and high quality of results produced by the ‘AUTO’ into the fingerprint laboratory.

Learn More
DISCOVER fingermark imaging
DISCOVER fingermark imaging

A versatile and cost-effective forensic imaging solution like no other

  • Crime-lite AUTO
    The most complete and compact forensics digital camera solution in existence.

Un-docked…
the compact Crime-lite AUTO is a handheld search and imaging tool providing 55x wavebands of illumination for the detection of evidence that includes fingermarks; body fluids (blood, semen, sweat etc.); narcotics; accelerants and gunshot residues, etc.

Learn more about the Crime-lite AUTO
  • discover w monitor cropped 1
    discover w monitor cropped 1

Docked…
the Crime-lite AUTO provides the illumination and capture system at the heart of the DISCOVER fingermark imaging workstation. Built to meet the demands of fingerprint photography experts, a selection of slot-in imaging and illumination modules further benefit the examiner by providing application-specific tools for the visualisation of fingermarks on difficult and hard-to-image surfaces including bullet casings; smartphone screens; mirrors and other reflective surfaces, etc.

  • examine evidence
    examine evidence

At the crime scene…
the Crime-lite AUTO provides investigators with the tools and the confidence required to search for, detect, and capture high quality images of evidence in-situ.

  • discover in use in lab
    discover in use in lab

In the forensic laboratory…
DISCOVER combines the entire feature-set of the Crime-lite AUTO with advanced functionality (including evidence-specific modules) to capture and enhance the best possible images of fingerprints on a wide variety of surfaces.

DISCOVER Launch Webinar

DISCOVER, for the Crime-lite AUTO, was officially launched to a select group of forensic examiners as part of the company’s Forensic Webinar Series.

View On-Demand Now

discover preview
discover preview

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]]> https://fosterfreeman.com/discover-a-2-part-solution-for-the-search-detection-and-imaging-of-evidence-at-the-crime-scene-and-in-the-laboratory/feed/ 0 Meet AARI®, the unique new fingerprint imaging system that uses Artificial Intelligence to detect ridge detail and assist forensic examiners. https://fosterfreeman.com/meet-aari-the-unique-new-fingerprint-imaging-system-that-uses-artificial-intelligence-to-detect-ridge-detail-and-assist-forensic-examiners/ https://fosterfreeman.com/meet-aari-the-unique-new-fingerprint-imaging-system-that-uses-artificial-intelligence-to-detect-ridge-detail-and-assist-forensic-examiners/#respond Tue, 02 Aug 2022 09:33:00 +0000 https://fosterfreeman.a2hosted.com/longwave-reflected-uv-for-the-enhancement-of-cyanoacrylate-fumed-fingerprints-copy/ The AARI (Amino Acid Rapid Imager) combines fully-integrated illumination and imaging technology that streamlines the fingerprint visualisation, imaging and mark-up process, completing in under 2-minutes tasks that may previously have taken hours.

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Meet AARI®,

the unique new fingerprint imaging system that uses Artificial Intelligence to detect ridge detail and assist forensic examiners.

aari ai assist wide version
Could AI-Assisted Ridge Detection be the next big thing in fingerprint examination?

Chemical reagents including ninhydrin, 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one (DFO) and 1,2-indandione are in widespread operational use in forensic labs across the globe.  Many fingerprint experts will use at least one of these processes on a daily basis when searching for and revealing fingerprints on items of semi-porous evidence such as paper or card. The method is sound, and the results are consistent, the only problem being the huge amount of time that is spent post-treatment individually examining each item of evidence, diligently marking up and photographing any resulting prints.

However, all of that could be about to change thanks to the development of an exciting new fingerprint technology known as AARI. Visualise, photograph, mark-up and export fingerprints ready for AFIS identification in under 2-minutes

Visualise, photograph, mark-up and export fingerprints ready for AFIS identification in under 2-minutes

ai ridge detail 1
AI detected ridge detail with areas of interest identified using a heatmap
ai ridge detail confirmed
Fingerprint ridge detail detected by AI Assist and confirmed by the human examiner

The AARI (Amino Acid Rapid Imager) combines fully-integrated illumination and imaging technology that streamlines the fingerprint visualisation, imaging and mark-up process, completing in under 2-minutes tasks that may previously have taken hours.

Perhaps more interestingly, the AARI device also includes a unique AI-Assist software feature that is set to revolutionise how forensic experts search for areas of identifiable ridge detail.

Developed using Machine Learning technology, AI Assist aids the examiner by searching captured images (up to US Letter size) and quickly locating areas of fingerprint ridge detail. The process requires only one click of a mouse by the operator and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Having scanned a document or image, AI Assist identifies areas of ridge detail by either outlining prints with boxes or using a heatmap. The human examiner may then select areas of interest and manually confirm the presence of fingerprints.

Never tiring, always performing, AARI AI Assist has been trained over hundreds of hours, using thousands of fingermark images, and has been designed to provide unerring assistance to the human examiner.

AI Assist is…

… a unique software tool that assists the examiner in the detection of fingermark ridge detail. The software can significantly speed up the process of fingerprint detection and mark-up.

AI Assist is not…

… intended to replace the role of a skilled fingermark examiner. All AI ASSIST detected marks should be manually verified. The software cannot identify suspects via their fingerprints.

Whilst never a replacement for a human examiner, AI Assist can dramatically speed up the process of detecting prints and is capable of saving many man-hours of labour in the mark-up and report creation.

AARI - AMINO ACID RAPID IMAGER -Streamlined visualisation and mark-up of fingermarks
Dramatically increase the speed and accuracy of fingerprint visualisation on items of porous/semi-porous evidence using a fully-integrated detection and imaging system with intelligent AI Assist Ridge Detection software. Using AARI, tasks that previously took many hours of manual processing can now be achieved in minutes.

Integrated Technology for a Streamlined Workflow

A fully integrated illumination and imaging system, AARI includes all the components required to visualise and capture fingerprints on semi-porous items of evidence. Operated via the integral touch panel display or an attached PC, AARI is easy to set up and operate with minimal end-user training required.

Pre-set examinations reduce previously labour intensive and time-consuming processes to a simple click of a mouse. Items of evidence up to A4 or US Letter size can be captured, examined, marked up and exported as AFIS-ready images or as a PDF report in under 2-minutes.

Seeing is Believing

The foster+freeman AARI system was officially launched to a select group of forensic examiners as part of our Forensic Webinar Series, with further webinars on artificial intelligence and standardisation. These are now available to view on-demand:

View All AARI Webinars

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