Forensic hyperspectral apparatus and method

Abstract

This invention relates to portable imaging devices, such as hyperspectral imaging devices, useful for forensic and other analysis, and methods for using these devices. Devices of the present invention 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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A portable apparatus for analyzing a target comprising 
 means for obtaining a data set from a target, 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.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the target is the surface of a tissue.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said data set is selected from the group consisting of broadband data, ultraviolet data, infra-red data, hyperspectral data, or any combination thereof.  
     
     
         4 . A method for analyzing a target comprising using the apparatus of  claim 1  to detect patterns or anomalies in a data set obtained from said target.  
     
     
         5 . A method for detecting a location of a target comprising using the apparatus of  claim 1  to evaluate an area.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said area is a geographic area.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said area is a non-living or non-viable area.  
     
     
         8 . A method for determining a time an event occurred after death comprising using the apparatus of  claim 1  to assess a change in the target.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said change is determined by comparing said target to a control target.  
     
     
         10 . A portable hyperspectral imaging apparatus comprising: 
 an optical acquisition system; and    a diagnostic processor, wherein said diagnostic processor comprises one or more diagnostic modules adapted for forensic analysis.    
     
     
         11 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising: 
 an input device;  
 a data storage device;  
 a display; and  
 a printer.  
 
     
     
         12 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising a communications link.  
     
     
         13 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said optical acquisition system detects.  
     
     
         14 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said diagnostic protocol module is adapted to an application selected from the group consisting of: 
 determining time of death based on a change in cellular chemistry of said target; evaluating a proximity of a gunshot based on residue left on said target; determining a severity of blunt trauma; determining whether oxygen deprivation occurred pre-mortem; evaluating drug status; identifying a location of body fluids on a body or other surface; determining if an injury is old or new; field assessment; location of evidence and evaluation in situ; determining the location of man made objects; evaluating machined surfaces, which have varying polarization and spectral responses, often differing from those, as a class, found on natural objects; studying bodily fluids over a large area; identifying a point of impact; evaluating an entire scene, rather than sample point by point; identifying different hairs for DNA analysis; locating and separating out hairs in a carpet; and analyzing chemical residues on a suspect.    
     
     
         15 . The imaging apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said diagnostic protocol module is adapted to an application selected from the group consisting of: 
 determining timing of event by assessing change of sample over time; assessment of drying out, integrating over time; determination of moisture content; determining velocity of impact based on analysis of tissue and chemical damage; certain species may be separated due to the centrifuge-like environment; analyzing tissue damage/cellular disruption; determining velocity or terminal velocity, or speed of disruption as a result of separation of components due to variations in mass or density; analyzing minute particles; identifying the presence of algae feeding on a body in water; concentrations or alterations in the local environment may indicate presence of particular chemicals; locating a fluid or other substance by looking for the effect of the particular fluid or substance on grass, concrete or any surface; determining status of structures and near surface phenomena; and evaluating effects of chemical attacks/processes on materials.