Pulsed UV Forensic Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting forensic evidence, such as UV fluorescence and reflectance, are limited by the need for continuous light sources, narrow field scans, and the use of photographic film, which restricts the detection of concealed or time-altered evidence and requires laborious image analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a digital camera and a pulsed high-intensity ultraviolet light source captures background and evidence-exposing fluorescence images, processing them to create a composite image that enhances the visibility of forensic evidence, allowing for digital analysis and identification of fluorescing wavelengths without the need for conventional film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional UV fluorescence detection uses continuous black light and film capture, then evidence can be detected through fluorescence, but the field scan is narrow and requires repeated scanning to cover large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed UV illumination instead of continuous black light, synchronized with the camera shutter to capture fluorescence only during the pulse. This periodic action allows the camera to integrate fluorescence signals over multiple pulses while blocking ambient light, enabling wide-area detection in a single capture sequence rather than repeated narrow scans
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces photographic film with a digital camera sensor that captures fluorescence images digitally. This copying approach allows immediate digital processing, storage, and analysis of fluorescence patterns across large areas without the physical constraints of film size or the need for repeated physical scanning and development
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods use slow shutter speed and light sensitive film, then low-intensity fluorescence can be captured, but the detection process is time-consuming and requires dark room conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pulsed UV illumination synchronized with the camera shutter, allowing the sensor to accumulate fluorescence signals from multiple pulses while blocking ambient light during non-pulse periods. This achieves high sensitivity for low-intensity fluorescence without requiring slow shutter speeds or dark room conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The camera sensor continuously accumulates fluorescence photons from repeated UV pulses over an extended integration period, maintaining high sensitivity detection while operating in normal lighting conditions. The useful action of fluorescence capture continues throughout the pulse sequence rather than being limited to a single slow exposure
3Measurement precision
If laser excitation is used to excite fluorescence-emitting material, then fluorescence can be detected, but the area coverage is limited and portability is reduced due to large power supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser excitation source with a pulsed UV illumination source that can cover large areas. The digital camera sensor captures the fluorescence patterns, creating digital copies of the evidence for analysis. This substitution maintains fluorescence excitation capability while dramatically increasing area coverage and portability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the excitation source from a focused laser beam to a broad-spectrum pulsed UV source, altering the spatial distribution parameters of the excitation light. This allows simultaneous illumination of large surface areas while maintaining sufficient intensity for fluorescence excitation through the pulsed timing and synchronized camera capture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides a more powerful and efficient means of detecting and analyzing forensic evidence, enabling wider area scans, improved image quality, and rapid identification of evidence types through digital processing, even in normal lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A flash UV system uses UV light to inspect areas that may be contaminated. The system operates by pulsing the light through a triggering device that also activates the shutter of a CCD camera, which takes a digital picture of the resultant fluorescence.
Implementation Method 2
An initial background image is taken of the suspected area of evidence to indicate background levels of ambient UV reflected and fluorescent light. An evidence-exposing fluorescence image including the background image is taken immediately after the suspected area of evidence is exposed to a flash UV light source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a method for detecting and analyzing forensic evidence. A digital image is taken of background radiation from a suspected-evidence area suspected to contain evidence. The suspected-evidence area is exposed to a high-intensity pulse of ultraviolet radiation. Another digital image is taken of fluorescence within the exposed suspected-evidence area. The digital images are processed to create a composite digital image showing regions of evidence. The composite digital image is analyzed to determine the wavelength of fluorescent radiation emitted by the regions of evidence. Composite evidence image and the analysis results are displayed. The present invention also comprises a forensic evidence detection and analysis system that includes a digital camera, an ultraviolet light source, a computer and display, and a computer program installed on the computer.