Using image analysis systems in forensics and security printing

Image analysis tools are currently in use for a variety of applications in the fields of forensics and security printing. Objective, quantitative data allow for characterization and comparison of a variety of image attributes. In forensics, document examiners can use quantitative image analysis systems in authentication, detection and analysis of forgeries, counterfeits and altered documents. Statistical analysis enables population characterization that can help in forgery detection and supports the potential for source identification. In security printing, image analysis tools can be applied to measure the quality of printed output and assess wear for bank notes. Flexible hardware options allow for a broad application of image quality measurements in a variety of image analysis situations. Camera and scanner-based image quality systems can be used for quantitative analysis of image content. A laser-based system can be used for height and depth profiling. Oblique angle illumination and scanning can be used for impression detection. A flatbed scanner can be used in transmission mode for the evaluation of bank note wear and for watermark analysis. In this paper, we will be discussing the use of a variety of hardware configurations for image analysis in forensics and security printing.