Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Detecting nuclear – electromagnetic – or ultrasonic radiation
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-17
2003-10-28
Robinson, Daniel (Department: 3742)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Detecting nuclear, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic radiation
Reexamination Certificate
active
06640132
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to imaging devices useful for forensic and other analysis, and to methods for using these devices, and, in particular, to hyperspectral imaging devices that provide images and patterned data arrays representing images in multiple discrete spectra that can then be summed or processed to allow for detection of patterns or anomalies in the data collected.
2. Description of the Background
It is often necessary in investigations (whether they be scientific or criminal) to evaluate an area or environment and identify items or areas of interest. For example, at a crime scene it may be necessary to identify the location of blood or other bodily fluids, shell casings from a gun, individual fibers from clothing or hairs from a body. This is difficult in a complex and complicated environment (i.e., the front of a house, a carpeted room, or a robbery scene). This type of evaluation also is useful in reconstructing events after the fact (i.e., mass killing of hostages in a military setting in connection with a war crimes review, location of people based on evidence as to which way they left an area, reconstruction of natural events such as earthquakes or fires, identification of life or conditions on other planets). Each of these situations shares a similar objective: the need to locate, identify and analyze anomalies or patterns in an image-like data set.
Consequently, there is a need for an instrument that can evaluate a complex scene or environment to provide information as to the characteristics and items in that scene or environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs and provides a fast, economical device for analyzing forensic and other evidence in an area of interest, utilizing less equipment and infrastructure/logistics tail than other techniques.
Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for analyzing a target or target area comprising means for obtaining a data set from the target or target area, and means for providing images and patterned data arrays representing images in multiple discrete spectra that can be summed or processed, singly or in multiples, to allow detection of patterns or anomalies in the data set. Suitable targets include, but are not limited to, geographic locations, biological samples and specimens, structures, textiles, chemicals and man-made materials.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a portable hyperspectral imaging apparatus comprising an optical acquisition system; and a diagnostic processor, wherein the diagnostic processor comprises one or more diagnostic modules adapted for forensic analysis. Optionally, the imaging apparatus further comprises an input device, a data storage device, a display, a printer, a communications link, or any combination thereof.
Another embodiment is directed to methods for analyzing a target or target area comprising using instruments according to the present invention to detect patterns or anomalies in a data set obtained from said target or target area.
Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part, will be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.
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Freeman Jenny
Hopmeier Michael J.
Hypermed, Inc.
Morrison & Foerster / LLP
Robinson Daniel
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