FORENSIC IMAGING NEWSLETTER                                                            ISSUE:No. 4-5                                                                                                                                                June/July 1996

The first issue of this newsletter was sent out in February 1993. It began as a means of announcing new ideas and products for the group of forensic scientists interested in computer imaging. Since that time we have reviewed on a monthly basis, with a couple exceptions, imaging peripherals like printers, cameras, lite sources, video and digital cameras, monitors, along with PC computer related topics like storage and processor speed. We have also discussed topics in the area of communications, compression and image enhancement software. Although we encourage, (actually we beg), users of imaging systems to share ideas regarding the value of IMAGING as well as their success stories, only two issues of the newsletter have originated from users. So between discussions of the latest in technology, we will continue to act as "reporters" and tell tales of how IMAGING can aid in the daily work flow of the forensic laboratory. The original Newsletter distribution list consisted of IBIS users, which were only a handful at that time, and members of the FLIPWG (Federal Law Enforcement Image Processing Work Group) which is inactive at the present time. Since then, we have gathered individual's names from regional Forensic meetings, IAI Division meetings and the Parent meeting of the IAI. Other names come from phone calls & faxes from individuals who have heard of the newsletter and want to be recipients. If you are new to the distribution list (or old) and don't desire this type of information, please contact us and we will delete your record. If you know of anyone who wishes to be added, please fax us @ 703-471-5287.

Many of you are aware that IBIS Imaging Systems developed a Windows based software package called LATENT PRO. (see attachment) Modeled after the FBI's specifications for ITN, the Latent Workstation portion of the IAFIS procurement, LATENT PRO incorporates a number of features from Media Cybernetic's Imagepro software. There are a number of differences between LATENT PRO and Imagepro but one of the biggest difference is the built-in communications (Video Conferencing) capabilities. While LATENT PRO is now widely used across the country now, it is only recently that the true value of the Conferencing capability has been realized. LATENT PRO is utilized in many labs for the Enhancement (cleaning) of latent prints as well as for tracing of prints for input into NEC AFIS systems. The state of Mississippi decided to buy LATENT PRO systems for the Enhancement AND Videoconferencing Capabilities. While installing the systems for the state of Mississippi, Ken Gill of the Batesville Lab had a latent print which he suspected had its origin in California. We contacted another IBIS user at the L.A. County Sheriff's Department by phone who agreed to "receive" the print and input the latent into the California AFIS system. Within two hours, a "HIT" was achieved and a warrant was issued for the arrest of the individual. As other users begin to use this capability, we expect many more "Remote Hits" such as this one. And, the ability to transmit an "image" to a remote site is not limited to latent prints! Questioned Document samples can be exchanged between labs, as can tire tracks and footwear impressions and photos. Just about anything you might have for evidence can be transferred to an assisting location. TIME is Saved and Cases Are Solved using imaging. The actual physical transfer of evidence is often precluded, certainly that of the original, which is always preferable to photographs/copies. An ideal example of a justification for acquiring an imaging system that we recently encountered was the inability (ie. lack of funding) of a small city police department to purchase a "remote" terminal to the state's AFIS system. For a fraction of the cost of such a remote terminal, they can buy an IBIS Imaging System and have not only the ability to "input" to AFIS, but also the ability to CLEAN and process latent prints to obtain better scores on the HIT and even input latents that aren't suitable for AFIS. IMAGING DOES WORK! Photoshop If you use a registered copy of any ADOBE product, such as Photoshop, you are eligible to receive a subscripition to ADOBE magazine. Mail your name, etc and product serial number to 411 First Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104.

For those of you who use Photoshop , hopefully only in addition to another Image Enhancement software program. the following information should be of interest. MEMORY and Photoshop Photoshop requires a lot of memory, (almost the more the better), which until recently was a REAL expensive handicap. By just loading Photoshop and WIndows 3.1/95, you have used 8-10 MB of your system's memory. To actually use Photoshop, you need additional RAM equal to three to five times the size of each image file. And this does not take into account any other WIndows applications that may be open, or screen savers, etc. Under Windows 3.1, 32 MB of memory is advisable and under Win 95, 40 MB or more may be optimal to process images at a reasonable speed, even on a new Pentium. While most image enhancement programs allow the user to select a JPEG compression level using a scale from Zero (0) to One Hundred (100), compression with JPEG under Photoshop allows the user to compress in four degrees of image quality:1) Maximum; 2)High; 3)Medium; and 4)Low. The rational for each of these ways the compression level is described is due to the method which JPEG utilizes to compress the redundant information in an image. It is just not possible to "tell" the JPEG routine that you want a 20:1 or 30:1 compression ratio. Using three different type and sizes of image files, I found that Photoshop JPEG compression resulted in a ratio of ~2-4:1 ratio for Maximum image quality; 4-7:1 ratio for High Quality; 5-10:1 ratio for Medium Quality; and 6-15:1 compression ratio for Low quality. Although a 15:1 compression ratio is lossy, it not considered a high ratio in the world of compression, and ADOBE might want to consider adding a fifth image quality factor (Poor) which yields a higher compression ratio in 30 to 1 ratio range.

At the QD workshop at AAFS in Nashville, we utilized a "quadpod" as a camera stand for the DAGE cameras. At the recent Texas IAI meeting, we again used one of these devices with a Dage CCD camera to look at prints being visualized by SPEX's Crimescope. The quadpod holds a video camera or a 35mm camera(also the Kodak DCS-420 digital camera) and these devices are ideal for crime scene work or anywhere portability is a plus. They cost $129.95 and can be purchased directly from Russ LesCault of the Chesterfield Co. (VA). P.D. Russ's phone number is (804)272-2991.

Many of you have already experienced the change in IBIS's phone system. We resisted the update in technology until the move to our new office location. While we personally have often been frustrated by having to get through other companies' voice-mail systems, we likewise have been frustrated by messages that get lost or phone numbers that get "copied" inaccurately to the message slips, so we have migrated to an automated voice mail system. The voice mail system works via our Novell Netware server and once the bugs are worked out, it should be an improvement over the old system. For instance, we can configure the software to "Page" certain individuals when they have voice messages in the office. While "on the road", messages can be retrieved and individual greeting messages can even be changed while out of the office. Technology changes constantly and we must try to adapt with these changes.

Windows TIP If you use Windows regularly (not '95), you probably have your DESKTOP arranged just the way you want it. And then someone else uses your system and viola', your DESKTOP doesn't look the same anymore. The way to stop any alterations is to put the following in your PROGMAN.INI

[restrictions]

NoSave Settings=1

EditLevel=4

NoRun=1 Be sure you have your desktop the way you wish before adding this!

If you run Windows in hires mode (1024x768) and/or have a small monitor (<15"), try editing the DESKTOP setting in the WIN.INI file as follows; you'll be able to read your desktop

[Desktop] Pattern=(None)

Wallpaper=(None)

GridGranularity=0

TileWallPaper=0

IconSpacing=90

IconVerticalSpacing=85

IconTitleSize=12

Icon TitleStyle=1