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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SCANOVIS (Contactless, non-invasive scanner to detect, visualise, capture, and digitally preserve fingerprints and trace evidence in forensic investigations in one rapid, quality-proof step)

Teaser

Summary

Time is crucial in criminal investigations! A fast identification of suspects increases the chance of solving a case and helps preventing further crimes. Fingerprints provide extremely strong physical evidence to the investigation authorities and help to identify suspects. Pieces of evidences are usually transported to forensic laboratories, dusted with a brush or prepared with aggressive and toxic chemicals, to make traces visible and capture them by photography. The state-of-the-art solutions are â€œanalogueâ€. They are slow, expensive, invasive, prone to mistakes, inaccurate, immobile and laborious. Slowness decreases the policeâ€™s chances of protecting victims and of solving cases. Slow response times also lead to higher costs and into significant backlogs in laboratories. Current techniques involve applying chemicals on the traces. In about half of cases the chemicals used are toxic and aggressive. Applying chemicals always brings along the risk of contaminating or damaging traces. It therefore requires highly trained and scarce personnel, which adds to the backlog problem experienced. It also leads to a lower-than-necessary quality of the images of the traces. The current process for digitising revealed traces requires involvement by police photo departments.
SCANOVIS is a start-up company, based in Koblenz, Germany. We have developed a patented spectroscopic infrared laser imaging system that can non-invasively map the distribution of many substances on surfaces. In particular we can reveal/visualise latent (not visible to the eye) fingerprints in forensic investigations. Our aim is that SCANOVIS technology becomes the new standard in the identification of latent fingerprints. With the unique, patented laser-based technology and a team with expertise in chemistry, optics, engineering, forensics, marketing, business, government and law, CEO and founder JÃ¼rgen Marx has laid the foundation for success.

Work performed

During the action, a feasibility study was conducted approving the technological, practical and economic feasibility of the system. The feasibility study enabled us to work with pilot customers to better understand their problems and particular market segments more specifically, and then to test and adapt the technological, commercial and economic viability of the system. The feasibility study allowed a deeper assessment of the markets and competition. Our approach included exploring, workshopping and interviewing potential customers, experts and the academia. For example, discussions and support were very productive with the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the Spanish Guardia Civil (GuCi), the Scottish and Israeli police among others. An implementation plan was developed for successful market introduction and the results of the feasibility study were integrated into a business plan including a commercialisation strategy and ideal sales concept for defined markets.

Final results

SCANOVIS digitises fingerprint visualisation. With our non-invasive, contactless laser-based technology, we produce images quicker and more cost-efficient and enable the police to gather much more pattern and chemical information from the trace than current analogue and invasive techniques. This will take fingerprint analysis to a much higher level. With the upcoming SCANOVIS hand-held version, fingerprint traces will be more likely to be captured and images can be uploaded into fingerprint databases directly from the crime scene. It also simplifies and mobilises the process. This broadens the market considerably as less specialised police officers will be able to use the mobile scanner making it possible to distribute it broadly within the police force. Currently SCANOVIS is about to monetise its imaging system by offering scanning services. Once an easy-to-use lab scanner is built it shall be introduced into the market beginning with scientific and forensic laboratories. As next step, the system is miniaturised and integrated into a mobile handheld scanner for on-site use. SCANOVIS anticipates a turnover of 7.4 M EUR and an additional staff of 30 employees (including sales personnel) by 2025.
SCANOVIS vision is to revolutionise forensics and become the global standard tool to make the fight against crime and terrorism more efficient, more successful and hence protect freedom and security of Europe and its citizen.