CLPEX Chat Board

Our unit is looking at implementing on screen comparisons and would like some suggestions as to the best equipment to facilitate this project. We are looking for monitor, scanner, and printer recommendations that would adhere to any SWGFAST/SWGIT standards. Unfortunately, none of us are techie knowledgeable and don't know when and where these standards apply. Any help would be greatly appreciated. (Note...budget is important, so NEC and LaCie (etc.) style monitors are out of our price range).

Thanks for any help!
Kim

Kim - If you are doing on-screen comparisons, why do you need a printer?

That said, there are no tricks to setting up a computer for this. Get the largest monitor that your budget can afford. ViewSonic and Dell both sell reasonably priced monitors that put out a good image. Make sure that your graphics card supports the monitor that you are getting. For scanners and printers - I like the Epson line in both. I use the Epson V750 scanner which I'm very happy with, but they have several models that are less expensive and have pretty good specifications. For the printer, the R1900 is very good and reasonably priced. But, again, I'm unsure what you are printing, so a different printer may be a better choice.

I assume that you are using Photoshop (or have some other software) for displaying the prints and marking them, etc.? If not, you'll need to consider options for that. Eric Sahota reminded me of the Gimp recently - it's free, and although it doesn't have as many features as Photoshop, it's useful for agencies on a budget. Regardless of which application you use, you'll need plenty of RAM - I suggest a minimum of 2 GB, and get 4 GB if you can.

G

George-

Thanks for the reply. The printer info was a mistake on my part, didn't mean to request that information. Just doing some quick research, I think we have chosen some decent monitors from Dell and some prior advice did list the Epson V750 or V500 scanners as good choices. We just wanted to make sure these were still the best/most cost effective choices still or if something better was now available. Now, to just get a grasp on the workflow...

Kim -

In addition to the recommendations by George, there is a decent on-screen comparison workspace that is integrated with the newest Mideo Caseworks software. The software allows for contemporaneous examination documentation and streamlines the charting process. Mideo has been working with different agencies to help develop this software and continuous improvements are making the workflow efficient. The software integrates with either Porter Lee or JusticeTrax LIMS systems which makes a paperless environment possible.

We utilize the Epson V700 scanners, Epson R1900 printers and dual 19" monitors. While on-screen comparisons are now a reality, we still utilize the photo printers on occasion.

Hopefully this helps!

Robert

Kim,

We have been doing on-screen latent comparisons for about 2 years and have been very happy with the process. I would recommend reading our article "Getting Out of the Loupe" in the July/August 2008 issue of Evidence Technology Magazine, it is available online. I would also highly recommend purchasing George Reis' book "Photoshop CS3 for Forensics Professionals", reviewing SWGFAST and SWGIT guidelines.
At the IAI Conference I was given a demonstration of the Mideo Systems Caseworks sofware, which essentially does the same thing we are doing for onscreen comparison, but with some more advanced bells and whistles that are really nice. Adobe Bridge paired with Adobe Photoshop CS3 does most of what we need for image management and image processing. Definitely no real need for a printer unless something needs to be produced for Reference Only and not for casework.
The minimum that you will want is the fastest computers you can get, dual 20 inch or more monitors, a Raid server, Bamboo pen pad, scanner, jump drives, CD/DVD burners, Adobe PhotoShop and Adobe Bridge, some good training and lots of practice.
All original images are archived, a duplicate working copy is created for processing with PhotoShop. A comparison is conducted on a .psd image with layers for each color of minutiae marked, such as green for clear positive detail, yellow for detail in question that may require discussion, and of course red for any red flags (distortion, slippage, etc). The markings become your notes, plus there is also a sticky notes functions for text notes, which is all retained with the image along with the processing history. Results of comparison are recorded in the Metadata and can be copied to the final case report.
The process works great for large cases where there are numerous latents that have been (insert your preferred term here, ie individualized, identified, etc) to a subject. One examiner can be making comparisons, while another examiner can be performing the verification/technical review at the same time and doesn't have to wait for the first examiner to be done before beginning the review process.
We are working on presenting a webinar on the process as it usually helps to see the process in action. However there are limitations, since so far we have only been able to demonstrate one screen at a time during the webinar. But it will still give a good idea of what the process looks like.

Once you have had a chance to play with the process, such as a demonstration of the Mideo Systems product, you'll really like doing comparisons on screen. I would really hate going back to just using a magnifying loupe. The digital image based process is easier on the eyes and back, which is important to aging latent print examiners.

Hope this helps with your quest for a digital based process.

Greg Eilers
Lakewood PD, Colorado.

Kim,

I've been doing on screen comparisons for several years and have just one suggestion - training is paramount to equipment. The cost of training is minimal compared to reinventing the wheel yourself and making all those embarrassing mistakes. As well as Greg's suggestion to purchase "Photoshop CS3 for Forensic Professionals, George Reis teaches a phenomenal class which will help get you started. It's also a good review for us who are computer savvy.

I posted a short step-by-step of how to do some of this using Photoshop on my blog. But, basically, using Bridge in the Filmstrip workspace so that the preview images are large is a great first step. You can preview one to nine images at a time. Then, clicking on an image activates the loupe tool, enabling one to see a portion of the image at up to 800 percent magnification. In Photoshop, the zooming and scrolling can be synchronized by selecting the zoom all windows and scroll all windows options in the zoom and hand tools. Then, just tile the images, create blank layers for annotations (or use the Count Tool), and you are set. It's fast, simple, and doesn't require spending more money on extra software or hardware.

Regarding classes though. Although I do discuss on screen comparisons in my workshops, I don't spend much time on this topic. I would gladly put together such a workshop if there were enough interest. But, what may be a much better deal is to check with Steve Everist. Since he has a day job, he presents workshops that are substantially less expensive than what I charge.

George

If you are using Adobe Bridge to view the images side-by-side and you have the loupe open as described by George above, you can control-click and drag to move the two (or more) loupes together.

Yes, the side by side and zoom loupes functions in Bridge work quite well, especially for the verifying examiner or a supervisor reviewing casework. No need to open the images in PhotoShop, the marking of images or examining minutiae in question can be done right in Bridge, which saves a lot of time.

Greg

Hey! On Screen Comparisons,
Right up my alley. After an article about on screen comparisons in 2001 I have been "perfecting" the process. Two monitors, Photoshop, scanners, bridge, live view, various hardware and software have been tested over the years. Now I’m working with Mideo Systems to make the process smooth. (I see that some other people have mentioned Mideo.)The end result from this quest-is that the best method is a networked imaging system with access to the images on the expert’s desk. (Did anyone catch the Electronic Workflow talk at the Tri-State IAI?)

As far as hardware goes -recommend a 23-24” monitor, a desktop scanner, a networked imaging server, and of course imaging software on the desktop.

Yes, you can do all this on your own, especially if you are computer savvy, but you should take a look at Mideo’s CASEWORKS software for on screen comparison. It really makes the process seem “picture perfect .“ The advantage is that a software program such as CASEWORKS, puts it all together and even includes a lot of other benefits. Not only on screen comparisons, but image management, enhancement, tracking, documentation, training and report generation.

That stuff out there was not designed for forensic on-screen comparisons, it is being adapted. The difference between Photoshop & Bridge and CASEWORKS is the added level of security, on-screen comparison templates, embedded mark-up and enhancement tools designed for forensics, ability to conduct real time (Contemporaneous) documentation, and integrated report generation.
While you are thinking about putting together an On Screen comparison setup, just take a look at the advantages of an integrated software system.

Look for another electronic workflow (on screen comparisons) presentation at AAFS.

steve@forensic-digital-imaging.com

FISH (Forensic Information Scanning Hub)

FISH is a digital transport system based on the LiftSP software range, it is designed to move crime scene marks to head office as quickly and efficiently as possible with a minimum of double keying to reference exhibits. It consists of a number of satellite terminals and a base station which receives the files by either e-mail, VPN (virtual private network) or LAN (local area network). These images are made up of fingerprint marks, shoe marks, crime scene photographs and elimination forms and are stored in a temporary Image Store on the hard disk.

Images are captured via a flatbed scanner which has been modified to optimise it for forensic applications and sent from the SOCO office using touch screen FISH terminals. The SOCO office satellite terminals do not have a printer attached as there is no perceived requirement to print at the SOCO office. Each job has been referenced once and each exhibit has all the data tagged to each image with only the exhibit number changing.

Crime scene photos are fed into the terminals using the media reader and are then transmitted along with their reference information to either the Photo department or to the finger print bureau. Other than changing the file name, these digital images are not altered or added to in any way.

The Base Station can then print locally to 6 x 4 on the Sony UP-DR150 dye sublimation printer for fingerprint marks and crime scene photographs, 12 x 8 on the Sony GR700 dye sublimation printer for shoe marks and a high quality laser/inkjet printer for elimination forms.

Digital files in the Image Store can then be shared on a network ‘shared folder’ for experts to access and print from.


Suggest contact Charles James at:


charles@xflexor.com



Charles is developing on screen comparison technology to go with this kit and I have seen it (I am FISH) project manager. It is very very good.


cheers


Dave

I have been reading everyone's posts on this topic and have an additional question. Some of you have mentioned needing 2 screens/monitors. Is having 2 screens/monitors really necessary for side by side on screen comparisons? Can this be accomplished with just one screen/monitor? I would like to try this but I only have one screen/monitor at my desk right now. I would like to see how the 2 screen/monitor on screen comparison set up works. Is there anyone in AZ that has this set up?

Eliza -

We use a dual monitor system here at Phoenix PD. I think it is a matter of preference. Some prefer one large monitor others a dual setup. With the dual setup, you will need a video card that can support two monitors.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Robert

The dual monitors is like having more desk space and allows performing multiple tasks without having to minimize one program to do something in another program. Plus there is the option if you need more comparison space, the PhotoShop desktop can be stretched across both monitors, very helpful if you are using tools, it give more room to work. We have Photoshop open on monitor #1, Bridge on monitor #2. My examiners would really like a third monitor (well actually they want wall projectors or one large flat screen wall mount tv....) to open other programs that are needed, such as MS Word for generating reports. We've demo'd Caseworks, which is a very nice program that automates most of what we are doing manually and eliminates a lot of little steps, plus you can accomplish most of your work on one monitor, but still 2 monitors are great for doing any of your daily computer work. Lots of desktop space with big monitors is great for performing casework on screen.
We are also using Bamboo pen pads to mark minutiae, red flags, third level detail, etc, which is very helpful for the verification process or demonstrating a tough comparison to another examiner, like John Madden diagramming an unusual football play.
The best part about on screen comparison, is that if you instantly want to look closer at a fine detail, you can scroll zoom for a closer look. Using tools will assist in determining if you are really seeing what you think it is, such as does the ridge compress against the other ridge or is it a bifurcation. Plus, are you comparing the same details as the other examiner(s)? If you use a glass, two examiners could be looking at different details and in reality agreeing on a print without actually comparing the same details.

Greg

Coming out of left field I know, but wasn't cost a factor here and you are talking Photoshop! Photoshop must be much cheaper in the States than here in NZ.
My immediate thought was two second hand TV screens connected directly with two cheap B&W video cameras with 16mm quality lenses, a couple 150w floodlights, use a white board marker pen and it is a done deal for next to nothing.

You could mount the screens on there backs if they are LCDs, once again B&W would be fine. If using the old glass tube screen TV cut a hole in the desk (these could get a bit hot though).

I guess it comes with the number 8 fencing wire upbringing.