ChemImage Unveils the New HSI Examiner 100 QD System for Forensic Questioned Document Examination

ChemImage, a leader in hyperspectral and chemical imaging technology, is pleased to announce the release of the HSI Examiner 100 QD for examination of questioned documents. This product is being released at the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners 2009 Annual Meeting on August 11th, 2009 in Dearborn, Michigan.

The HSI Examiner 100 QD is a new hyperspectral imaging tool for forensic document examiners who have a need to evaluate questioned documents and then present valid, reliable, and easy to understand results in court of law. This system is an optical-based forensic document imaging system that provides better sensitivity and advanced detection capabilities of forgeries and alterations, visualization of hidden security features, and examination of travel documents. In addition, the HSI Examiner can be used to image thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates for even better ink discrimination capabilities.

This product uniquely offers better accuracy, reliability, ease of use, and courtroom presentation capabilities so that document examiners can have increased confidence in their results, decrease the number of backlogged cases, and present evidence and information in a meaningful way to jurors.
“We are excited to put the HSI Examiner out in the market,” said John Belechak, Chief Operating Officer, at ChemImage. “This product will enable questioned document examiners to utilize a new, state-of-the-art tool that provides very useful information, yet doesn’t require them to be a trained spectroscopist. The product was designed to meet the needs of our users at a price they can afford.”
The HSI Examiner 100 QD is a hyperspectral imaging system based on liquid crystal filter technology, providing increased spectral resolution in comparison to conventional forensic imaging technology. This improved spectral resolution provides the basis for the increased discrimination and contrast enhancement capabilities. The HSI Examiner 100 QD system is powered by a software package that was designed specifically for a forensic document examiner.

This imaging system uses reflected, transmitted, or emitted light from each point in the sample image to create chemical-based contrast within the image. Images are collected as a function of wavelength; therefore, each pixel within the image has a high resolution spectrum associated with it. By evaluating both spatial and spectral information, areas of interest and background substrates can be resolved.

In addition to advancing the technology used in the forensic market, ChemImage also provides a range of after-market services for their equipment including preventative maintenance plans, software upgrades, application and customer specific training, 24/7 phone support, and best practice sharing opportunities. All after-market services are designed with the goal of providing users and customers with the support they need to be successful and feel confident using hyperspectral imaging technology.