Leading the Way in HSI Forensic Innovations
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For more than 15 years, ChemImage Corporation has been pioneering the research, development, application and production of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems and software in many fields including threat detection, anatomic pathology, pharmaceuticals and forensics. Once considered a novel technology, HSI is now making waves in these industries—especially forensics—as a validated tool for analysis and examination. In the face of a growing competitive environment, why is ChemImage instrumentation so well suited for HSI forensic examination, and what propels the company to stay at the forefront of innovation? To answer these questions and more, Forensic Focus sat down with Dr. Jeffrey Beckstead, Director of Product Development at ChemImage Corporation.
Q. Why is HSI so effective for challenging samples and what makes ChemImage instrumentation so well suited for this space?
A. Many forensic samples are challenging either due to the similarity of the samples like inks or due to complex backgrounds that mask samples. HSI systems let the user obtain both the detailed spectral and spatial information available in a two-dimensional image, to discriminate similar samples from complex backgrounds with a high degree of confidence.
At ChemImage, we use our deep understanding of spectral information extraction, along with our diverse industry expertise, to create high-quality tools that evolve to meet user needs. Our easy-to-use instruments offer fast image acquisition speeds with results presented in an image format that is familiar to both users and jurors alike, supporting clear spectral classification of content as it relates to the original sample.
Q. As leaders in the development of HSI systems, what propels the continued innovation of products?
A. Market demand is the primary driver, but we also cater to any unmet needs our customers are experiencing within a particular application. Our scientists and engineers draw from their diverse industry knowledge and experiences to craft a solution for a particular application. In the end, this allows us to clearly demonstrate the capabilities of our products and expand our current methods, while bringing value to our customers.
Q. How does the company decide on new products or product enhancements?
A. We really take customer feedback to heart; any new products or product enhancements are driven by our customers. As they use our products and challenge our staff with rare samples, we develop new methods around them.
It’s evident that more companies are really beginning to see the advantages of using HSI to examine complex forensic samples by the fact that many of them are exploring or planning to release HSI systems in many of the markets that we have actively been a leader in for more than 15 years.
Q. What’s the future for HSI forensic technology at ChemImage?
A. Our goal is to keep doing what we do best, focusing on advancements in the mining of spectral data, ease of system use and generating products that surpass market needs.
For More Information
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website. Contact us via phone: 412-241-7335 or
email:
info@chemimage.com at any time with general questions.
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