innovators in the design and manufacture of systems for the examination of questioned documents, latent fingerprints, trace evidence and shoe prints.

 

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DCS®5
Advancing the Science of Fingerprint Detection

 

DCS 5 is a comprehensive imaging system for the detection, capture, and enhancement of almost any type of fingerprint on any surface or background to ensure that maximum detail is revealed.

Not only does the DCS 5 high-resolution 36.3MP camera fitted with application-specific macro lenses produce images of exceptional quality, advanced digital enhancement, applied simply, maximizes print detail to improve the value of evidence.

Precise wavebands of illumination from UV through the visible to IR are provided to improve the visualization of every type of fingerprint whether it be latent, contaminated, or chemically treated.
   

 

 

 

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Imaging Techniques Enhancement Software System Components Find Out More

 

UV-VIS-IR Imaging Techniques

 

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Fluorescence Imaging

Many latent fingerprint treatments such as Ardrox, DFO, BY40 and fluorescent powders fluoresce under specific wavelengths of light. Using the DCS 5 multi-wavelength ring light an operator is able to select the optimum wavelength to generate the maximum intensity of fluorescence for each type of treatment.

 

Image: Plastic bag treated with Polycyano UV and examined under UV illumination.

*Mouse-over to reveal visible image

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fingerprints on polymer banknote

Infrared Imaging

Interfering backgrounds may be suppressed appearing white as they reflect IR whereas some chemical treatments such as Physical Developer and certain powders absorb IR and appear black. Foster + Freeman’s new fingerprint dusting powder ‘fpNatural 1’ fluoresces brightly in the infrared when illuminated with a red light. Its application has the advantage of eliminating interference from most backgrounds which rarely fluoresce at this wavelength.

View Infrared Imaging Applications PDF

Image: Polymer banknote treated with fpNatural 1 IR Fluorescent Powder, illuminated with red light using the Crime-lite 8x4Mk3 and viewed in the IR.

*Mouse-over to reveal visible image

 

 

fingerprint on clear plastic

Reflected UV Imaging

Many surfaces such as glass and plastics absorb UV and appear black, which improves the visibility of both treated and untreated latent prints which often reflect UV. Images can then be significantly enhanced using the DCS5 software.

View Reflected UV Imaging Applications PDF

Image: Untreated latent fingerprint on clear perspex. Perspex appears black when illuminated and viewed under UV revealing the fingerprint which reflects UV.

*Mouse-over to reveal visible image

 

 

 

 

Imaging Techniques Enhancement Software System Components Find Out More

 

 

 

 

Enhancement Software 

 

 

Digital Enhancement

An integral part of DCS 5 is the easy-to-use software that provides sophisticated image processing and enhancement tools to uncover hidden detail within images.

Operated via a simple drop-down menu system, DCS 5 enhancement software enables the operator to remove textured or ‘difficult’ backgrounds as well as enhance prints developed using a variety of chemical treatments, dyes, stains, and dusting powders including the new IR powder.

Each toolbox offers the operator ‘tried & trusted’ enhancement programs that enable complex processing routines to be performed with a single button press.

 

 

Image Validation & Audit Trail

Encryption software protects all original fingerprints captured by the system. Images that are enhanced or processed in any way automatically lose their status of authenticity with full details of each process being recorded in a detailed Audit Trail. 

Essential when presenting courtroom evidence, audit trails detail every step taken during the capture and enhancement process together with information about the operator, computer, and software used to perform enhancements. Audit Trail descriptions are in simple to follow language to aid presentation.

 

 

Interactive Guide

DCS Wizard provides an interactive step-by-step guide to achieving consistently high-quality images of fingerprints.

By following intuitive steps to select the exhibit type, surface type chemical processes, and background data the user will be presented with suggestions on the lighting, filters, excitation wavelengths, and camera settings required to achieve the optimum print definition and contrast every time.

toolboxes

 

 

Using a combination of 3D enhancement techniques to improve the contrast and ridge detail of a fingerprint in soft putty

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Imaging Techniques Enhancement Software System Components Find Out More

 

 

 

 

System Components

 

In order to accommodate the differing requirements of fingerprint laboratories worldwide, DCS 5 is a modular system that can be expanded through the addition of application-specific modules.

The DCS 5 core provides a complete solution to the capture and enhancement of fingerprints within the visible spectrum and includes a Windows PC running the DCS 5 Software, a pro-grade photographic copy stand, and a selection of light guide clamps and mounts.

Additional modules can be selected to provide IR, Reflected UV, and Shift/Tilt Imaging capabilities.

 
DCS 5 core   +IR Imaging Module   +R-UV Imaging Module   +Shift/Tilt Imaging Module
Camera with Macro Lens   IR Imaging Ring Light   UV Transmitting Lens   Shift/Tilt Lens
Halogen Light Source   FLS Light Source   UV Light Source   Shift/Tilt Lens Kit
Multi-wavelength Ring Light   IR Imaging Filter Kit   R-UV Imaging Filter Kit    
Professional Copy Stand            
DCS 5 Software            
PC Hardware            

 

 

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A turnkey system that is greater than the sum of its parts,
DCS 5 offers a complete solution to the examination and enhancement of latent fingerprints.

 
 

Proven Technology

Developed alongside police forces using real cases, DCS systems are currently used in more than 40 countries by the world's most advanced fingerprint laboratories.

 

Beyond Visible Imaging

DCS 5 uses precise wavebands of illumination from UV through the visible to IR, improving the visualization of every type of fingerprint whether latent, contaminated, or chemically treated.

 

Crime Scene to Court Room

DCS enhanced fingerprints have provided vital evidence in criminal trials worldwide resulting in countless identifications and criminal convictions

 

 

 

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