1. Introduction
2. Installation
   • 2.1 Hardware and Software Requirements
   • 2.2 The Installation of the Video Capture Card or the Digital Image Device
   • 2.3 The Installation of Forensic Video Comparator Software
3. Functions
   • 3.1 File
   • 3.2 Edit
   • 3.3 Selection
   • 3.4 Geometry
   • 3.5 Color---To adjust visual system of image
   • 3.6 Enhancement
   • 3.7 Comparison
   • 3.8 Label
   • 3.9 Measure
   • 3.10 Object
   • 3.11 Windows
   • 3.12 Help
   • 3.13 Mouse control panel
   • 3.14 Image Browse Window
4. Operating Guide
   • 4.1 File
   • 4.2 Edit
   • 4.3 Selection
   • 4.4 Geometry
   • 4.5 Color---To adjust visual system of image
   • 4.6 Enhancement
   • 4.7 Comparison
   • 4.8 Label
   • 4.9 Measure
   • 4.10 Object
   • 4.11 Windows
   • 4.12 Help
   • 4.13 Mouse control panel
5. Samples

Working together with a comparison microscope, forensic video comparator software, it is powerful in handling material evidence images scientifically. Besides all the functions of a general image processing software, it has a comparison feature designed specially to suit public security organs in their material evidence identifications. Forensic Video Comparator Software is easy to operate. But for the convenience of our customers, we have prepared this manual for their reference.

The Main Features:

1. 1. the different treatments of material evidence images, for example, to make them clearer or to catch their chief characteristics.
2. 2. the static or kinetic search into the alleged material evidence and the 38 different calculation comparisons and identifications.
3. 3.the image editing, marking and measuring.
4. 4. the outspread of cylindrical objects like bullet.
5. 5. easy operation in Windows system, with the main interface shown in Fig. 1-1.

1-1. Main Interface and Its Components

2.1 Hardware and Software Requirements

Before Forensic Video Comparator Software is installed, make sure that your computer meets the following requirements:

• PIV 2.0MHZ or above
• 256M RAM, 1024×768 monitor, 64M display card and DirectX8.0, or above
• Microsoft Windows98/Windows2000/ Windows XP operating system, with Chinese localization package if it an English version.
• A softdog
• A video capture card for collecting analog signals or a digital image device compatible with the instrument model

2.2 The Installation of the Video Capture Card or the Digital Image Device

Forensic Video Comparator Software is compatible with any video capture card that supports WDM drive and almost all digital image devices. Install in the way the provider instructs.

2.3 The Installation of Forensic Video Comparator Software

1. Plug the softdog into a USB interface before the installation of Forensic Video Comparator Software. Cancel the suggestion of setting up its driver which will be installed later automatically with Forensic Video Comparator Software.
2. Insert the CD into CD-ROM drive, find the setup. exe and double-click it and then click the button NEXT all the way until installation finishes.

After the installation , a shortcut is created both on the start menu and the desktop, and the user double-clicks either of the them, Forensic Video Comparator Software will start for work.

Forensic Video Comparator Software can be used for identifying material evidences and editing and marking them, like image collection, image processing and image comparison, and it can treat still and motion images and others that are difficult to handle. It offers varied ways to process images with satisfying results. Therefore Forensic Video Comparator Software is a hi-tech product for criminal investigation, identification of traces, writings, and for image recording and examination, widely applicable to public security organs, procuratorates, courts of law and other judicial departments.

The Main Features

3.1 File

3.2 Edit

3.3 Selection

3.4 Geometry

3.5 Color---To adjust visual system of image

3.6 Enhancement

3.7 Comparison

3.8 Label

3.9 Measure

3.10 Object

3.11 Windows

3.12 Help

To provide help for operation and knowledge of the system

3.13 Mouse control panel

3.14 Image Browse Window

To browse all the images in a folder

Forensic Video Comparator Software is made up of menu bar, toolbar, mouse operation setting panel, image browse and status bar. The Toolbar offers almost all the operations and the user can click it or the different button on it for the chosen operation. The mouse operation setting panel defines and decides operations with the mouse, like choosing an area, marking or setting the foreground color. The image browse enables the user to browse all the images in a folder. The system provides all the uniform parameter values as shown below:

1. Text box: It is set as a concrete parameter value. The user can click the right triangles and change the values(+/-10) ,or put the cursor inside the box and press the ?or?keys on the keyboard to change the values(+/- 1),or put the desired figure in the box.
2. Check box: set for the user’s convenience. Click for selection and re-click to drop the previous operation.
3. Slider: Drag the slider or click on the chosen scale changes the values.
4. Drop-down list box: The user can have one of the choices by clicking the down arrow and select the wanted one by clicking it.
5. 
   Color setting: The user clicks the rectangle and a color dialogue box pops up (shown here). Then choose one color from the left or customize a color. To customize a color, the user click "<<"to get a color into the left color selection box and draw the rightmost color strips in order to change color on the palette. In addition, the user can also select a color by clicking a color image when color setting is possible.
6. Preview: The user can click this button for the preview of an image effect.
7. Apply: When working on an image, the user can apply a change to an image without closing a dialogue box.
8. OK: Apply the selected change to an image and close the dialogue box.
9. Cancel: The user cancel an operation and close the dialogue box.
10. Color Selection: When setting two different colors is necessary, a color selection button appears. The user clicks a button beside a corresponding color rectangle and then choose a color by clicking on a pixel.

4.1.1 New---To create a new image processing area Click the button New and the window 4-1 shown on the right appears. After setting a parameter, the user can create one or more new image areas.

Operating procedures:

First pre-set the height and width of a new image; Then click the blank space to select the background color of an image (The selection of a color cannot be done because is no image); Finally press OK to complete the operation.

Fig 4-1 New Parameter Window

4.1.2 Open---To open an image to work on in the image processing area Click Open to get an dialogue box as shown in Fig. 4-2. Choose one image file and then click Open in the box to open the file and the system creates a window in which the chosen file is shown. It is convenient for the operator to select one image file from the dialogue box to preview it on the right.

Fig 4-2 Open file dialogue box

4.1.3 Reload ––To return to the last saved state to reprocess the unsatisfactory image The operator can use Undo to return to a previous status or he can return to the original status by clicking Reload.

4.1.4 Save---To cover the original file with the original file name Click Save to save an already named file. If it is a new file, the operator gives it a name and save it.

4.1.5 Save As---To save the file with a different name Click Save As and a dialogue box appears. The operator saves the file by inputting in a name. If a file with the same name already exists, a dialogue box pops up and asks if the operator wants to replace it with the new one.

4.1.6 Print---To print the image in the processing area Click Print and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-3 shows up. After the operator sets the wanted parameters, the image is ready to be printed.

Fig 4-3 image print window

Printing Procedures:

1. Setting Parameters
   1. Printing location: The operator can pre-set where an image should be on a piece of paper by using the 9 buttons.
   2. Margin---To set the margins of a piece of paper.
   3. Image Size---To set the size of an image on a piece of paper. There are four choices: original, applicable to the page, whole page and customizable. The operator is supposed to pay attention to the ratio of the height and width of an image when customizing.
   4. Correction---To correct an image to suit the operator’s need.
2. Click Setting to set printer (see Help in Windows system).
3. Click Print to load an image into a printer.

4.1.7 Close---To close the current processing area Click to close the present window. If the file has been changed, the system will remind the operator to save it.

4.1.8 Close All---To close all the processing areas. Click to close all the open windows. The system reminds the operator to save the changed images if there is any.

4.1.9 Video Capture---To open this window to collect the wanted image After the video capture card is installed, the operator can click this menu to capture an image. The Fig. 4-4 is the window in which an image is collected. After setting all the necessary parameters, the operator, if satisfied, can click Capture to create a new window for the collection of the present image. With the help of DirectShow for managing image sources, all video capture cards supporting WDM drives are applicable in this system.

Fig. 4-4 Video Capture Window

Operating Procedure:

1. Setting Video Parameters Select a video button and press it. If the system gives no response, it means the computer image capture hardware does not support the given parameters. Now the functions of each button are given below:
   
   Source: A window pops up for the operator to select the correct video frequency which connects the port of video card.
   Property: A property window pops up for the operator to set video property parameters.
   Standard: A video data stream window pops up for the operator to set a data stream format.
2. Control of the video stream of the video capture card: Play, Pause and Stop are the three buttons to control video activities.
3. Click Capture to collect an image into a new window. If the operator wants to continue collecting new images, just repeat the action.

4.1.10 Clipboard Image Capture---To collect images from the system clipboard If there is an image on the system clipboard, the operator click clipboard Image capture to collect the image to show in a new window. If there is no image on the clipboard, the system will prompt the operator.

4.1.11 Image Output Clipboard---To copy any part or the whole of an image to the system clipboard for output. If the operator selects a part of an image or the whole of an image and then clicks on the Image Output system clipboard, he is able to copy the selected image into another software, like Word.

4.1.12 Column Outspread Capture---To unfold the surface of a cylindrical object like bullet into a plane-view image with the help of an Cylindrical Unfolder which is to be purchased The operator clicks on Column Outspread Capture and the window shown in Fig 4-5 appears.

Fig 4-5 bullet outspread capture window

Operating Procedures:

1. Choose the right device and its property setting, then set the parameters of port, property and format.
2. Click Play and the bullet column starts turning caused by the cylindrical unfolder. The operator adjusts the unfolder to ensure it is turning horizontally.
3. Set the turning rate according to the speed of the unfolder and set the infinitesimal width (click on a video image and move the mouse pointer to form a rectangle and its width is called infinitesimal width). Make sure the rectangle is in the center of the column, for this part is a plane in its real sense.
4. Click Outspread and a plane-view image of the bullet appears as shown in Fig. 4-6.
   
   

   Fig 4-6 bullet column outspread image
5. The outspread picture, due to some errors, may be a little out of proportion in terms of width and height. The adjust this, the operator can customize the necessary parameters.

4.1.13 Recent File---To display the recent 12 processed files This list shows 12 recent files that have been dealt with.

4.1.14 Exit---To exit the system

4.2 Edit

4.2.1 Undo---to undo the previous operation

4.2.2 Redo---To redo the undone operation

4.2.3 Cut---To cut the chosen area or object to be pasted onto the clipboard

4.2.4 Copy---To copy the chosen area or object to the clipboard

4.2.5 Paste---To paste what has been copied or cut to the target image

4.2.6 Delete---To delete the chosen area or object

4.3 Selection

4.2.1 Select All---To select the entire image area

4.3.2 Reverse Selection---To select the rest of a selected image

4.3.3 Save Selected Shape---To save the selected shape to be released onto an image if in need

4.3.4 Release Saved Shape---To release the saved shape onto an image

4.3.5 Magic Stick Setting---To set the degree of similarity of selected areas when the user selects with Magic Stick Click Magic Stick Setting and Fig. 4-7 pops up for the user to set a tolerated error. The user can also drag the slider to give an allowed error. The bigger the allowed error is, the bigger the chosen area will be with magic stick setting.

Fig 4-7 for setting tolerated errors

4.4 Geometry

4.4.1 Frame Size---To change the size of the image processing area Click Frame Size and the window like Fig. 4-8 appears.

Fig 4-8 for changing Frame size

Operating Procedure:

1. The user decides on what to be used as the unit to widen the frame, pixel or percentage. With the former, it means he can set a new height or width, while the latter unit refers to the percentage with respect to that of the original image.
2. Position: Decide the position of the original image by clicking on one of the nine choices in the frame.
3. Set the marginal color in the same way as shown in the setting of colors.
4. Look at the result now. If satisfied, the user clicks on Apply to get the new image back into the image processing area without closing the dialogue box. Then click OK to close Frame window.

And the system can also automatically cut or reduce the image according to surrounding colors.

Operating Procedure:

1. Collect color from margin of the image in the processing area, or choose color by clicking on the rectangular frame, with the same method as shown above in C.
2. Slide similarity system to automatically cut the image until the user feels satisfied. If the user thinks it unnecessary to cut the image, click OK. If he still wants to automatically cut the image by changing another marginal color, he can click Apply without closing the dialogue box.

4.4.2 Zoom Size---To magnify and minify images Click Zoom Size and a window like Fig. 4-9 will appear, with the original size of the image shown in the dialogue box.

Fig 4-9 for changing image size

Operating Procedure:

1. The user can decide on the size of the new image with the unit of pixel or percentage. If he does not want the shape of the image to change, lock the ratio of height and width.

Revise and optimize the effect in light of the enlarged or reduced image.

Click OK to close t he dialogue box if the user feel satisfied. Click Apply to complete magnification or reduction without closing the dialogue box. Click Cancel to drop either amplification or reduction without changing the image.

4.4.3 Horizontal Flip---To flip image positions between left and right

4.4.4 Vertical Flip---To flip image positions between up and down

4.4.5 Rotate 90° Clockwise---To rotate the image 90°clockwise

4.4.6 Rotate 90° Anticlockwise---To rotate the image 90°anticlockwise

4.4.7 Rotate Arbitrary Angles---To rotate an image arbitrarily

Click Arbitrary Angle Rotation and a window like Fig. 4-10 will pop up. The operating procedure is as follows:

Fig 4-10 arbitrary angle rotation

1. Set the rotation quality. The better the quality is, the slower the rotation will be. We suggest that the user take quick rotation at first and set the image for rotation without changing its size.
2. Set the color for the blank part after rotation.
3. Set the rotation angle. If the user chooses real-time preview, he can have a real-time view of the effect during revision.
4. After the rotation angle is set, make the rotation quality the best and then decide whether to change the size of the image. Finally click on Preview and if the user is satisfied with the result, close the dialogue box by clicking on OK.

4.4.8 Squint Correction---To transfigure or correct an image up and down, right and left Click on Squint Correction and the window like Fig. 4-11 will appear. The procedure for squint correction is shown below:

Fig 4-11 squint correction

1. Set the quality of transfiguration. The better the quality, the slower the speed of transfiguration will be. We suggest the slower speed of transfiguration be adopted initially.
2. Set the color for the blank part after transfiguration.
3. Decide whether to have transfiguration correction vertically or horizontally. (If obliquely, this action can be completed in two steps, first horizontal transfiguration and then vertical transfiguration correction.)
4. Set the positions of the four marginal spots on the image and then do transfiguration and correction up and down, right and left, with the result closely watched. Follow the above method in setting the value of text box.
5. If satisfied, the user clicks on Apply without closing the dialogue box. If the user clicks on Cancel, he cancels the just finished operation. If he does not continue to do transfiguration correction, he can click OK to close the dialogue box. If he clicks on Cancel, he is to cancel the just finished operation.

4.4.9 Barrel/Pincushion Correction---To transfigure or correct an image in the shape of pincushion or barrel

Click on Barrel/ Pincushion Correction and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-12 will appear. The operating procedure is as follows:

Fig 4-12 barrel/pincushion correction

1. The user sets correction parameters, refraction parameters and distance parameters and then does the transfiguration and correction while viewing the effect.
2. If the user is satisfied click on Apply. Without closing the dialogue box, he can keep doing the transfiguration and correction. If he does not want to continue, click on OK to close the dialogue box. If he clicks Cancel, he is to cancel the just finished operation.

4.4.10 Lens Correction---To transfigure or correct an image in the shape of sphere.

Click on Lens Correction and a dialogue like Fig. 4-13 will appear for the user to do spherical transfiguration and correction. The following is the operating guide for transmission transfiguration and correction.

Fig 4-13 Lens correction

1. Set the parameters for transmission transfiguration and correction. The lens position refers to the center on the image. The lens width means the size of the lens, that is, the range of the lens transfiguration and correction. The refractive index refers to the extent of the lens refractive transfiguration and correction. Please view the effect while setting these parameters.
2. If the user is satisfied, click Apply. Without closing the dialogue box, he can keep doing transfiguration and correction. If he does not want to continue, click on OK to close the dialogue box.

4.5 Color---To adjust visual system of image

4.5.1 RGB---To adjust the color component of red, green and blue

4.5.2 HSV---To adjust color hue, saturation and visibility values

4.5.3 HLS---To adjust color hue, luminosity and saturation values

4.5.4 HIS---To adjust color hue, saturation and intensity values

4.5.5 CMYK---To adjust such colors as cyan, magenta?yellow and black in the image

Click any of the five and a corresponding window will come out. The operating procedure is the same but with different task to perform for different results. Here let’s take RGB window for example shown as Fig 4-14.

Fig 4-14 color parameter adjustment

1. The user decides whether to choose real-time preview according to the size of an image or the selected area. With a powerful computer or with a small image or selected part, the user can choose real-time preview. Otherwise he is advised not to, for choosing real-time preview means putting a lot more work pressure on the computer.
2. With real-time preview chosen, the user can view the instant result while adjusting color parameters. Without real-time preview, user can view the result by clicking on Preview after he has adjusted the parameters.
3. If satisfied, the user clicks on Apply. Without closing the dialogue box, he can keep adjusting the parameters. If he does not want to continue, click on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking Cancel means to cancel the previous operation.

Note: From here on, most of the image color control and process supports selection of any part of an image. The adjustment of an image can be limited to the chosen part. But in later operations, this function will be referred to as “Process of selected part of an image supported” and no more elaboration will be given.

Operating Procedure

1. Before adjusting color or processing an image, the user can select a part of the image. Then his operation only brings effect on the chosen area. Otherwise, any operation can affect the entire image.
2. The user can work on an image first. After a parameter window pops up, he then chooses one part for process. Click on Apply and he can go on by choosing other part of the image for process.

   4.5.6 White Balance---To adjust the white balance of an image Click on White Balance and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-15 appears. White balance is a visual process which is designed to improve the color quality of object evidence under the light of a filament lamp. Process of selected part of an image supported.

   
   

   Fig 4-15 white balance correct

   The user decides whether to have real-time preview according the size of an image or the chosen area.

   After setting parameters, the user may white-balance the RGB colors to a different degree. The parameter setting is the same as described in color parameters control.

3. C. If the user feels satisfied, click Apply. Without the dialogue box closed, he can keep adjusting the parameters. He clicks on OK to close the dialogue box if he does not want to continue.

The user can click White Balance 1 or White Balance 2 to have automatic white-balance treatment of an image without necessity to set parameters.

4.5.7 Divide RGB Channel---To get the 3 pictures of RGB

4.5.8 RGB Combination---To combine the three obtained RGB pictures into one Click Divide RGB Channel and the system will automatically create three gray image windows of three channels of RGB. The user can work on the images of the three channels respectively. To combine the three obtained pictures into one, he can click RGB Combination, which is the inverse operation of Image RGB Channel. The user can integrate one operation with the other. Directions: First separate the image into three-channel ones and then process them respectively before combining them into one. He can also separate the image to get RGB channel images for review.

4.5.9 Divide HSV Channel---To get the three pictures of HSV

4.5.10 HSV Combination---To combine the three obtained pictures of HSV into one

Click on Divide HSV Channel and the system will automatically create three gray image windows of image HSV channels. The user may work on these images respectively. To combine the three images into one, he can click on HSV Combination, which is the inverse operation of HSV channel. The user may use the two operations in collaboration. Directions: First separate the image into three-channel ones and then process them respectively before combining them into one. He can also separate the image to get HSV channel images for review.

4.5.11 Exposure ---To adjust the RGB of the solarized picture

Click on Exposure and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-16 will pop up. The user may compensate the RGB channels for underexposure. Process of selected part of an image supported. The operating procedure:

Fig 4-16 exposure adjustment

1. The user decides, according to the size of an image and the chosen area, whether to have real-time preview.
2. The may give some compensation to the digital images of the RGB channels by adjusting the offset.
3. If the user feels satisfied, click on Apply. If the dialogue box stays unclosed, he can keep adjusting the parameters. He may close the dialogue box if he does not want to continue. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the previous operation.

4.5.12 Grey Image---To transform color image into a gray one to be further treated

4.5.13 Color Image---To transform an gray image into a color one with a given code

Click on Grey-Scale Image or Color Image and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-17/4-18 will appear. To get the wanted gray or pseudo color image, the user may choose one operation in the list box by clicking on the down-arrow button. If he is satisfied, click on OK to close and if he wants to continue, click on Apply, without closing the dialogue box.

Fig 4-17 color into gray scale

Fig 4-18 gray into color scale

4.5.14 Threshold---To limit the RGB range of an image

Click on Threshold and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-19 comes up. The user may adjust the image by limiting the range of RGB channel values. Process of selected part of an image supported. Operating directions:

Fig 4-19 threshold

1. The user decides, according to the size of an image and the chosen area, whether to have real-time preview.

   The user may decide the threshold range of the RGB channels to be corrected by adjusting the parameters. First select the channel that needs threshold, then alter the upper and lower limits of the values.

   If real-time preview is not previously selected, the user may set a value and then click on Preview for review of the result. If real-time preview is selected, he can view the effect when he comes to the second step for changing the parameters. If he feels satisfied, click on Apply. With the dialogue box unclosed, he may continue to adjust the parameters. If he does not want to go on, click on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just finished operation.

4.5.15 Black and White---To transform an image into a black-and-white one

Click on Black and White and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-20 will pop up. The user may change the image into a black-and-white one by applying the provided binarization operation. Process of selected part of an image supported. Here is the operating guide:

Fig 4-20 binarization

1. Select the maximum or minimum entropy operation and the system will compile image statistics and complete the choice of threshold value.
2. With custom threshold value, the user first selects Real-Time Preview and then changes the custom threshold for real-time view of the image effect.

Whichever method the user adopts, he clicks on Apply if satisfied. Without closing the dialogue box, he can keep on binarization operations. If he does not want to continue, just click on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just finished operation.

4.5.16 Illumination---To produce a three-dimensional effect on an image with the help of light shed sideways on it

Click on Illumination and a dialogue like Fig. 4-21 will show up. Emulated electronic light on the image creates some shadow so that the image becomes a solid of three-D effect, which can help discover which is there on the paper first, the seal or the signature. Process of selected part of an image supported. Here is the operating guide:

Fig 4-21 light-made solid

1. The user can put the mouse pointer on the image and click to draw a certain color as the light source. He can also choose one color in the light source box. White, for example, usually does the job.
2. The user may adjust the intensity, position and aperture of the light.

If the user feels satisfied, just click Apply. Without closing the dialogue box, he may keep adjusting the parameters. Click on OK to close the dialogue box if he does not want to continue.

Clicking Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.5.17 Color Replace---To find the correspondent color to a given one within permissible errors and replace it with a new color

Click on Color Replace and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-22 appears. The user may look in the image for a color within an allowed error and use another color. Process of selected part of an image supported. Here is the operating guide:

Fig 4-22 color replacement

1. There are two options for the user to choose for replacing a color. The usual one is to choose a replaced color in the image. The user clicks on the left Color Selection, moves the mouse pointer on the image and then clicks on the wanted color for the replaced color. Another way is to click the rectangular box below the Replaced Color. When a color selection box comes up, the user chooses one for the replaced color.
2. To set a substitute color is almost the same as to set a replaced color, but in collecting color, the user clicks on the right Color Selection or rectangular box.
3. The user decides, according to needs and the size of the image, whether to have real-time preview. With real-time preview selected, the user can have real-time view of the result when he drags the color similarity slider.
4. If the use feels satisfied, he clicks on Apply. Without closing the dialogue box, he may keep adjusting the parameters. He clicks on OK to close the dialogue box if he does not want to continue. (Note: It needs several operations for a replacement to happen, not just once.) Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just finished operation.

4.5.18 Electron Multi-Wave Band---To work on images and lights by using 38 different calculations and produce illuminated multi-wave band effect on images Click on Electronic Multiple Wave Band and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-23 will pop up. The user may set multiple wave band operation effect. Here is the procedure:

Fig 4-23 multi-band combine

1. There are two approaches for the user to set lens color. One, the user clicks the rectangular box below Lens Color. In the popped-up dialogue box, he selects one color as lens color. Two, the user sets the color for RGB channels to synthesize the lens color.
2. Set the lens transparency according to needs. Normally, it is set as opacity, namely 0. But it could be other value, dependent on the image.
3. Select to view the effect in the drop-down list box of the Multiple Wave Band Operation Effect.
4. If the user is satisfied, he clicks on Apply. Without closing the dialogue box, he may keep his operation. If he does not want to continue, click on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6 Enhancement

4.6.1 Gamma ---To change the Gamma value of images to suit different monitors

Click on Gamma Correction and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-24 will appear. The user may do gamma correction to all the RGB channels of the image together or respectively, according to his computer display. Process of selected part of an image supported. The operating procedure is as follows:

Fig 4-24 Gamma correction

1. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview.
2. Select the channel that needs to be corrected.
3. Change the correction factor. At this moment, if the user has selected real-time preview, he will be able to see the result due to the changed parameters. If he has not, he can view the result only after he changes the correction factor and clicks on Preview.
4. If he feels satisfied, he clicks on Apply. With the dialogue box stays unclosed, he may keep do correction to other channels. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6.2 Contrast / Brightness---To adjust the contrast / brightness of images to enhance the effect

Click on Congtrast/Brightness and a dialogue box like Fig, 4-25 will come out. The user can adjust the image contrast or brightness. Process of selected part of an image supported. The following are the operating procedure:

Fig 4-25 adjustment of contrast and brightness

1. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview.
2. Set contrast and brightness. At this moment, if the user has selected real-time preview, he will be able to see the result due to the changed parameters. If he has not, he can view the result only after he changes the parameters and clicks on Preview. After adjustment the user can decide, according to his need, whether to reverse the image (negative).
3. If he feels satisfied, just click on Apply. With the dialogue stays unclosed, he may continue his operation. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6.3 Gray-Scale Expand---To customize image gray scale and to increase the necessary prominent gray area

Clicks on Gray-Scale Expand and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-26 will appear, which is for the user to customize image gray scale and increase the necessary prominent gray area (namely the area between the red and green points.) Process of selected part of an image supported. The following are the operating procedure:

Fig 4-26 gray scale Expand

1. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview.
2. Drag the small red or green block and set the range to be increased and the gray degree. At this moment, if the user has selected real-time preview, he will be able to see the result due to the changed parameters.
3. If he has not, he can view the result only after he changes the parameters and clicks on Preview. If the user feels satisfied, just click on Apply. With the dialogue stays unclosed, he may continue his operation. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box.

Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6.4 Equalization---To expand the image gray scale for the improvement of visual effect with the help of histogram

Click on Histogram Enforcement and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-27 will pop up. The user may improve the visual effect by setting the equally enforced image gray scale. Process of selected part of an image supported. The following are the operating procedure:

Fig 4-27 enforcement

1. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview.
2. Set the equalizing range of the RGB channels. At this moment, if the user has selected real-time preview, he will be able to see the result due to the changed parameters. If he has not, he can view the result only after he changes the parameters and clicks on Preview. He may select optimization after equalization, so that the system can do histogram optimization.
3. If the user feels satisfied, just click on Apply. With the dialogue stays unclosed, he may continue his operation. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box.

Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6.5 Smooth---To eliminate burrs and soften an image

Click on Smooth and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-28 will come out. The user may set softening degree to eliminate burrs and soften the image. Process of selected part of an image supported. Here is the operating guide:

Fig 4-28 smooth

1. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview.
2. Set softening extent. At this moment, if the user has selected real-time preview, he will be able to see the result due to the changed parameters. If he has not, he can view the result only after he changes the parameters and clicks on Preview.
3. If the user feels satisfied, just click on Apply. With the dialogue stays unclosed, he may continue his operation. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box.

4.6.6 Sharpen---Make a blur image to become clear

Click on Sharpen and a dialogue box like 4-29 will pop up. The user can set the required pixel and softening extent to sharpen the image and give prominence to the details of the image. Process of selected part of an image supported. The following are the operating guide:

Fig 4-29 sharpen

1. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview.
2. Set the sample size and the sharpening extent. At this moment, if the user has selected real-time preview, he will be able to see the result due to the changed parameters. If he has not, he can view the result only after he changes the parameters and clicks on Preview.
3. If the user feels satisfied, just click on Apply. With the dialogue stays unclosed, he may continue his operation. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6.7 Motion Blur Restoration---To make clear the horizontal and vertical blur caused by motion

Click on Motion Blur Restoration and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-30 will appear. According to the motion blur of the image, the user can set the blur out of horizontal motion or vertical motion (horizontal motion before vertical motion if it is obliquely.), the displacement and the ratio of the restored extent and the original extent for the restoration of the image due to horizontal or vertical motion blur. Process of selected part of an image supported. Here is the operating guide:

Fig 4-30 motion blur restoration

1. Set the horizontal and vertical displacement vector (pixel).
2. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview.
3. Set the ratio of the original and the restored parts and view the result.
4. If the user feels satisfied, just click on Apply. With the dialogue stays unclosed, he may continue his restoration operation. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6.8 Focus-out Blur Restoration---To make clear an image out of focus

Click on Focus-out Blur Restoration and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-31 will come out. The user can set, according to the defocusing condition of the image, the defocusing degree and the ratio of the restoration and the original extent for the image to be restored. Process of selected part of an image supported. The following are the operating procedure:

Fig 4-31 focus-out blur restoration

1. Set defocus degree.
2. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview.
3. Set the ratio of the original and restored parts and view the effect.
4. If the user feels satisfied, just click on Apply. With the dialogue stays unclosed, he may continue his restoration operation. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6.9 Fuse---To fuse into one full-resolution picture the clear parts of different images of different focus depths of field

Click on Fuse and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-32 will appear. The user can open another copy of the same image with a different focus. Then he may make one full-resolution picture out of the clear parts on their respective focal planes of the two images with different focuses. If there is more than one image of different focal planes, the user makes such integrated image out of one at a time. And here is the operating guide:

Fig 4-32 multi-focus image integration

1. Click on Multi-focus Image to open the dialogue box of document identification. The user selects one similar picture like the one in the image processing area, but with a different focus, which will be mixed with the image in the processing area.
2. The user adjusts the opened image, according to his need, right and left, far and near to match it with the one in the work area.
3. Click on Integrate for the integration. If the opened picture does not match the one in the work area, click on Restore and then go on in the way described in the above B. If the user feels satisfied after repeated operations described in B and C, he just clicks on OK to close the dialogue box. If he clicks on Cancel, it means he wants to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6.10 Edge Detection---To emphasize the edge of an image

Click on Edge Detection and the dialogue box shown in Fig. 4-33 appears. The user may select edge detection arithmetic and testing scope, in order to give prominence to the marginal area of the image. Process of selected part of an image supported. The following are the operating procedure:

Fig 4-33 edge detection

1. A. Select edge detection arithmetic. Different arithmetic results in a different effect, so the user may choose and test for the best effect.
2. B. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview, or to reverse the image. C. Set the testing scope of the RGB channels and view the results.
3. D. If the user feels satisfied, just click on Apply. With the dialogue stays unclosed, he may continue his edge examination operation. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.6.11 Thinning---To pick up the framework of a binary image

Click on Thinning and a dialogue like Fig. 4-34 will pop up. The user may thin to get the framework of the image by setting the threshold value for the RGB channels. Process of selected part of an image supported. The following are the operating procedure:

Fig 4-34 thinning

1. The user decides, according to the size of the image or of the selected area, whether to set real-time preview.
2. Set the thinning threshold value for the RGB channels to be tested and view the result.
3. If the user feels satisfied, just click on Apply. With the dialogue stays unclosed, he may continue his thinning operation. If he does not want to continue, he clicks on OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking on Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.7 Comparison

4.7.1 Image Search---To automatically search images in a directory that is similar to the present in the work area.

Click on Image Search and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-35. The user may search in a directorye for an image similar to the present in the work area. Here is the operating guide:

Fig 4-35 image search

1. Click on the button Catalog and set search catalog and similarity criterion.
2. Click Search to look for the image in the first catalog. The system stops searching if it finds the image and shows it. If the user decides he can click it for comparison, then the system will automatically shift to function described in 4.7.3 for detailed manual comparison. If the user decides it is not the desired image, he can click Search again for further search.
3. If the system fails to find the image, the user clicks on Close to close the dialogue box.

4.7.2 Video Search---To automatically search picture frames similar to the present in the work area.

Click Video Search and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-36 will appear. The user can search picture frames similar to the present one in the work area. The operating procedure is as follows:

Fig 4-36 video search

1. Set video equipment and similarity degree.
2. Complete video setting work which is more or less the same as described in Fig. 4-4.
3. Click Play. The user can search similar frames by the set similarity degree, or he can change the similarity degree and start a new search.
4. When the target frame is found, the users clicks on Capture to collect this frame for detailed comparison.

4.7.3 Image Comparison---To make 38 calculation comparisons and identifications between two images

Click on Calculation Comparison Between Images and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-37, which provides the user with 38 calculation comparisons and identifications between two images. Here is the operating guide:

Fig 4-37 comparison between images

1. Click Open to select the picture for comparison and identification.
2. The operator may use the rectangle, circle, polygon, arbitrary, and magic stick to select a certain area out of a picture which is to be compared with the image in the work area.
3. Set transparency for the original image and the image in the selection area. Select comparison mode and view comparison effect.
4. In comparison, the user may click on the image processing area and drag the superimposed image. He may also click the superimposed image.

The user may move the image with Ctrl + arrow keys, and he may also rotate the image or change it into a negative for comparison.

5. If the user feels satisfied with the result, he clicks OK to close the dialogue box. Clicking Cancel means to cancel the just completed operation.

4.7.4 Video Comparison---To do 38 calculations between image and video frequency for comparison identification

Click Image Video Comparison and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-38 will appear.

Fig 4-38 comparison between image and video

And this enables 38 calculation comparisons and identifications between images and video frames. The operating method is basically the same as that adopted in comparison between images.

The only difference is that the image sources are all dynamic video frames, not static images. Video operation follows the same method as video capture.

4.7.5 Double Video Comparison---To do 38 calculations for comparison identification between two video sources

Double Video Comparison---38 calculations and identifications take place between two video sources. This operation follows almost the same method as that used in comparison between an image and a video frame, with only one difference that the two images being compared are both dynamic video frames, not static images. Video operation follows the same method as video capture.

4.8 Label

4.8.1 Line---To make labels in a line object of an image

The operating procedure is as follows: A. Click Line Label. B. The user makes a line object by holding down the left mouse button and moving from the starting point to the end point. C. Click the property of the object and a dialogue box will appear. The user may set all necessary attributes for the object, including arrows, arrow attributes and so on.

4.8.2 Free---To make a label in an arbitrary curve line object of an image

Operating method: A. Click on Free Label. B. Hold down the left mouse button where the user wants to make free labels on the image. Move the mouse to produce a curve line following the pointer. If some part of the line is straight, the user releases the mouse button until it disappears and then holds down the mouse button again and moves to the destination, where he double-clicks the mouse to produce an object of arbitrary shape for free label C. Click the attribute of the object and a dialogue box will appear. Then the user sets different attributes of the object according to his need.

4.8.3 Rectangular---To make labels in a rectangular object of an image

Operating method: A. Click on Rectangular Label. B. Hold down the mouse left button on the upper left side of the image where the user wants to make rectangular labels. Move the mouse to the lower right side of the rectangle and release the button, which produces a rectangular object. C. Click the attribute of the object and a dialogue box will pop up. The user sets the different attributes of the object according to need (including lines, fills and so on).

4.8.4 Circle/Ellipse---To make labels in a circle/ellipse object of an image

Here is the operating guide: A. Click on Circular/Oval Label. B. On the upper left side of the image (the upper side of the rectangle outside the circle or ellipse) that needs the labels, the user holds down the left mouse button and drags the pointer to the lower right side of the rectangle and then release the button. The result will be a circular/oval object. C. Click on the attribute of the object and a dialogue box will appear. The user sets all different attributes according to need, including lines, fills and so on.

4.8.5 Irregular Polygon---To make labels in a irregular polygon object of an image

Here is the operating guide: A. Click on Irregular Polygon Label. B. On a certain point of the image that needs the labels, the user clicks the left mouse button, then clicks the button again on the next point. He repeats the action until all the vertexes but one of the polygon have been so done. Finally the user double-clicks the last vertex to have an irregular polygon. C. Click the attribute of the object and a dialogue box will appear. The user sets all the different attributes of the object according to need.

4.8.6 Text---To make labels in a textual object of an image

Here is the operating procedure: A. Click on Text Label. B. On the upper left side of the image that needs the label, the user holds down the left mouse button and drags the pointer to the lower right side. Then he releases the button to have a text box object and fills in the necessary text before he presses Confirm. C. Click on the attribute of the object and a dialogue box will appear. The user sets all the different attributes of the object according to need, including type font, textbox line, fills and so on.

4.9 Measure

4.9.1 Length---To measure the distance between two points and make labels in a beeline object of an image.

The operating procedure is as follows: A. Click Length Measure. B. On the starting point of the image that needs to be measured, the user holds down the left mouse button and drags the pointer to the end point. He then releases the button to allow the system to produce a line object for measurement. C. Click on the attribute of the object and a dialogue box appears. The user sets all the different attributes of the object according to need. If the measurement is meant for a staff gauge, please set the attributes in line with it, including unit, scale, precision and so on.

Note: Every time the user opens an image for measurement, he must set a scale, because the size of an image is related to enlargement ratio. So he has to put a precise scale above the image to be measured when he is engaged in image collection. Only an image with a scale can be measured. Otherwise it can only be measured by the pixel. The method for setting the scale is as follows: Measure a length on the scale and then double-click to let a dialogue box appear. Adjust the unit and precision of the scale and then adjust the proportion, so that the length is the same as the scale. Since the scale system does not save automatically, the user should complete all the measure work after setting the scale. Or he can give clear indication of the image scale for next scale setting in later measurement work.

4.9.2 Angular---To measure angles formed out of three points and make labels in an angular object of an image.

Here is the operating guide: A. The user clicks the left mouse button in three different places to select three points. B. The system produces an angular object to be measured. C. Click on the attribute of the object and a dialogue box of the object will pop out. Then the user sets all the different attributes of the line object according to requirement.

4.9.3 Perimeter---To calculate the perimeter of an area and make labels in it.

Here is the operating guide: A. Select an area with the mouse to be calculated (marked with marching ants). B. Click perimeter Calculation and the system will calculate the girth of the selected area according to the scale, produce an object out of this area and mark the calculated girth in text form above this area.

4.9.4 Area ---To calculate a chosen area and make labels in it.

The operating procedure is as follows: A. Select an area with the mouse to be calculated (mark with marching ants). B. Click on Area Calculation and the system will calculate the size of the area according to the scale, produce an object out of this area and mark in text form the calculated result below the area.

4.9.5 Perimeter & Area---To calculate the perimeter and size of a chosen area and make labels in it.

Here is the operating guide: A. Select an area with the mouse to be calculated (mark with marching ants). B. Click on Calculation of Girth and Area. The system will give the result of the calculated girth and area which has been selected, produce an object out of this area and mark in text form the calculated girth above the area and the size of the area below.

4.10 Object

4.10.1 Property---To set the property of an object of an image.

Click Property and a dialogue box like Fig. 4-39 will appear for the configuration of the selected object. Note: The dialogue box is only for the configuration of the selected object and the user can select the object either before or after the dialogue box pops up. Directions for the Property Dialogue Box of the Object

Fig 4-39 object attribute

1. Gauge Attribute: Used for the configuration of the gauge attribute, including unit, scale and precision.
2. Line Attribute: Line color, line width and line shape.
3. Arrow Attribute: Used for the configuration of the arrow shape in line labels, including the shape of the starting and end points, the height and width of the arrow. Because the arrow is a closed image, its filling ability is controlled by that of the closed object.
4. Text Attribute: Used for the configuration of the text object, text type font of the girth and area, rotation and alignment.
5. Filling Ability of the Closed Object: Configuration affects all the closed objects to be labeled, including fill colors, fill modes and transparency.
6. Vertex Redaction: When the user is engaged in free and polygon labels of the vertexes? if he clicks Vertex Redaction, the vertex of the object will be indicated with red color. If the user holds down the key Ctrl and clicks the left mouse button on a red point, then the red point will be deleted. The user can drag the red point with the mouse to a new location. If he drags a line between two red points, a new vertex will appear. The realization of polygon vertex redaction: start redaction by clicking Vertex Redaction, and if the user clicks again Vertex Redaction, he cancels the operation, and the red vertex will disappear.
7. Click Close to close the attribute dialogue box of the object.

4.10.2 Top---To put the chosen object on top of all others.

Here is the operating guide: A. The user presses on the mouse control panel and selects the necessary object. He may select more objects by holding down the key Shift. B. Click on Place on the Top Side or on the button in the toolbar and place the object on the top side. If the user wants to select more objects, he places the later selected object on the top of the earlier selected one, with the last selected object on the topmost side.

4.10.3 Bottom---To put the chosen object at the bottom of all others.

The operating procedure is as follows: A. The user presses on the mouse control panel and selects the necessary object. He may select more objects by holding down the key Shift. B. Click Place on the Bottom Side or on the button in the toolbar and place the object on the bottom side. If the user selects more objects, he places the later selected object under the earlier selected one, with the last selected object on the bottommost side.

4.10.4 Merge Object---To merge objects into an image.

The user clicks on Merge Object into Image and the system will Merge all the objects into the image to form a whole.

4.11 Windows

4.11.1 To arrange different open windows horizontally or vertically or one on the top of another for the convenience of viewing and operation, the user clicks the corresponding menu or toolbar.

4.11.2 After setting image browse, toolbar, mouse control bar, and status bar for display or not, the system will display all. The user clicks the corresponding menu to hide all and clicks it again to display all. The image browse panel automatically refreshes to show the images in their folder.

4.12 Help

The user clicks Operating Guide under Help for more information about operation.

4.13 Mouse control panel

The mouse control button defines the different functions of the different mouse buttons pressed. When they are pressed, their corresponding mouse functions are enabled. The single selective button is controlled by the mouse wheel. The user may change the size of an image by gliding the mouse wheel on the image.

4.13.1 ---Cancel the mouse operating definition---The user clicks the button without defining mouse operation.

4.13.2 ---Draw a color from an image---By clicking the button, the user may draw the color of an image into either the foreground or background. If the user has clicked the upper left of , he is to get the foreground color. If he has clicked the lower right of , he is to get the background color.

4.13.3 ---Select a rectangular area on an image---Click this button, the user may select a rectangular area on an image. The user holds down the left mouse button on the upper left of the area to be selected on an image, drags the mouse to the lower right of the area and releases the button. If he holds down the Alt key while he is moving the mouse, he can select a square area.

4.13.4 ---Select a circular or oval area on an image---The user may select a circular or oval area on an image by clicking this button. He holds down the left mouse button in the center of the circular or oval area to be selected on the image, drags the mouse to the circumference and releases the button. If he holds down the Alt key while he is moving the mouse, he can select a perfect circular area.

4.13.5 ---Select a polygonal area on an image---The user may select a polygonal area on an image by clicking this button. He clicks on all the vertexes (but the last one that requires a double-click) of the polygon which are to be selected on an image. If he holds down the Alt key while he is clicking the mouse, he will make lines of 180º, 90º and 45º between the vertexes.

4.13.6 ---Select an arbitrary area on a image---The user can select an arbitrary area on an image by clicking this button. He holds down the left mouse button, drags it and the covered area will be selected. He then releases the button to complete the operation after he joins the starting and the finishing points.

4.13.7 ---Select an area on an image in terms of similarity degree---Click this button to select the surrounding area having pixels similar to those in the place clicked, and the similarity degree of the shape is designated by magic stick setting.

4.13.8 ---Select an object on an image---Click this button to select an object on an image.

If the user holds down the Shift key when applying the above selective functions, he may select more than one object or area at a time.

4.13.9 ---When a window cannot contain an image, the user may click this button and drags the image by holding down the left key.

4.13.10 --- When viewing an image, the user may have it twice enlarged by clicking the left mouse button on the image and have it reduced by one-half if he clicks the right button.

4.13.11 ---To make labels in a line object of an image, the same as 4.8.1.

4.13.12 ---To make a label in an arbitrary curve line object of an image, the same as 4.8.2.

4.13.13 ---To make labels in a rectangular object of an image, the same as 4.8.3.

4.13.14 ---To make labels in a circular/oval object of an image, the same as 4.8.4.

4.13.15 --- To make labels in a irregular polygon object of an image, the same as 4.8.5.

4.13.16 --- To make labels in a textual object of an image, the same as 4.8.6.

4.13.17 ---To measure the distance between two points and make labels in a beeline object of an image, the same as 4.8.7.

4.13.18 ---To measure angles formed out of three points and make labels in an angular object of an image, the same as 4.8.8.

4.13.19 ---Configure operation of foreground color and background color. Clicking the upper left of the button for foreground color and the lower right of the button for background color, the user may select the foreground or background colors from the color table below.

4.13.20 ---Used together with 4.13.18 for the choice of color to be applied to the foreground or background.

Click the right mouse button on the panel to show Change Browse Contents and click this contents to select a folder to be browsed.

1. HSV Adjustment
   
   
   
   

   original image

   
   

   parameter setting

   
   

   treated image
2. White balance
   
   
   
   

   original image

   
   

   parameter setting

   
   

   treated image
3. Edge detection
   
   
   
   

   original image

   
   

   parameter setting

   
   

   treated image
4. Bullet outspread image
   
   
   
5. Electron Multi-Wave Band
   
   
   
   

   original image

   
   

   parameter setting

   
   

   treated image
6. Fuse
   
   
   
   

   focus on the outside

   
   

   focus in the center

   
   

   pan focus
7. Black & White
   
   
   
   

   original image

   
   

   parameter setting

   
   

   treated image
8. Illumination
   
   
   
   

   original image

   
   

   parameter setting

   
   

   treated image
9. Gray-scale expand
   
   
   
   

   original image

   
   

   parameter setting

   
   

   treated image
10. Exposure
    
    
    
    

    original image

    
    

    parameter setting

    
    

    treated image
11. Motion blur restoration
    
    
    
    

    original image

    
    

    parameter setting

    
    

    treated image
12. Focus-out Blur Restoration
    
    
    
    

    original image

    
    

    parameter setting

    
    

    treated image
13. Barrel/Pincushion Correction
    
    
    
    

    original image

    
    

    parameter setting

    
    

    treated image
14. Squint Correction
    
    
    
    

    original image

    
    

    parameter setting

    
    

    treated image
15. Thinning
    
    
    
    

    original image

    
    

    parameter setting

    
    

    treated image
16. Color Replace
    
    
    
    

    original image

    
    

    remove background

    
    

    remove front color
17. Equalization
    
    
    
    

    original image

    
    

    parameter setting

    
    

    treated image
18. Identification of feature
    
    
    
19. Image Comparison & Identification
    
    
    
20. Image formed out of damaged sections
    
    
    
    

    incomplete image 1

    
    

    incomplete image 2

    
    

    joined image

• Sample Forensic Images