Equipment to set-up implementation of on screen comparisons

[George Reis]

As Neville posted, I also thought cost was an issue, and Photoshop is substantially cheaper than systems like Mideo. Photoshop can be purchased used, as long as you get the seller to deactivate the copy and transfer the license, so it can be purchased for as little as $100 or $200. The current version does cost $600. A flatbed scanner is less than $100. And, I'm betting that everyone already has a computer and monitor. What does Mideo cost?

As to the preference for two monitors. Personally, I prefer one monitor. I own two, but don't have the second even attached to any of my computers because I find that my 23 inch monitor by itself is large enough to hold my images and my panels and still have plenty of room. Others think they want everything even bigger and either get larger monitors or two monitors.

As to the ease of use, I previously outlined the ease of using Adobe Bridge for doing eliminations. I can't imagine something easier. And, I also described how I use Photoshop to synchronize multiple images - again, it's hard to imagine something easier.

I think someone mentioned networking. Well, any computers on the same network can easily share files through your agency's server - that doesn't require any special system. And, if you do have Photoshop CS4 (and, I think CS3), you also have the ability to screen share for free. In CS4, just choose File>Share My Screen. If you have an internet connection, you can share your screen with anyone else who also has internet access. Well, you both also need an internet browser, like Internet Explorer, Fixfire, or Safari (all free).

Again, whether cost is an issue or not - there are simple solutions that are reasonable, and may be preferable to more expensive turnkey solutions. What do those turnkey systems cost? We each have our own preferences and budgets - I'm just suggesting that, since this post originally mentioned a tight budget, simple solutions that may not cost most agencies anything, except perhaps a larger monitor or an upgraded version of existing software may be incredibly good.

George

[Mike Fletcher]

Sorry but clearly we are still in the Dark Ages 'down under' using version CS2. But getting back to the basic functions of on screen comaparators:

It was previously posted that different colours are used, ie '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.'

Here in the Dark Ages we do not have on screen comparators and convncing old school experts to take their eyes off the fingerprint glass and onto the computer screen is tough. However, what are some of the essential functions, tools etc that we need for on screen work bearing in mind that the latents have already been enhanced via photoshop. Is there a specs list of tools (eg scroll zoom, rotation etc etc) that you ask for when purchasing a system for the 1st time.

Tks Mike.

[Robert Miller]

In some instances I agree with what George is stating. His system will work great for a small 1-2 person lab. However, with respect to larger accredited agencies, an integrated enterprise system utilizing requisite examination documentation is more advantageous. Agencies must consider the scalability of software to accomodate the continual changes in our discipline. With software such as Mideo Caseworks(and their new notes module), one can produce contemporaneous notes of the examination which follows ACE-V. Simple charting of each identification or exclusion can be produced very simply and efficiently and included in our notes. The images and notes can be integrated into our LIMS system allowing for virtually a paperless environment. The learning curve is significantly reduced for those "technology challenged" individuals (I think every agency has them...) by using tools specific to forensic applications. When there are images that require processing that cannot be completed within Caseworks, we can export the image to Photoshop and all of the history and image iterations are preserved. This is not an endorsement for any particular software, but I am showing what can be accomplished with industry specific applications while using the power of Photoshop.

With respect to funding....buying used software is not an option with our agency. The implied "costs of doing business" must be considered when operating a forensic laboratory. We all need the proper tools to complete our daily tasks to ensure quality and efficiency.

Robert Miller

[gerritvolckeryck]

We are using a Czech software for quite some years now : Lucia Forensic Compare. We're very pleased with it and we use it for a lot of different comparisons : footwear, toolmarks, ears, facial comparison, ... Our police force uses an AFIS system for fingerprints, but one-to-one comparisons could be easily performed with Lucia.

It has some nice features, like easy scaling of the images to compare, overlay (red-green/negative-positive, interlaced, ...), side-by-side, split-screen, rotation, annotations, ... even creating small video's of comparisons.

Their webpage http://www.forensic.cz/en/products/lucia-forensic-compare/ isn't as informative as it should, but I'm sure they are willing to give you all the information you want.

All the best,

Gerrit