Introduction: A Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) is a forensic tool used in document examination to analyze and compare various features of questioned documents. It is particularly valuable in examining documents that may have alterations, erasures, or other forms of document tampering. Key features of a Video Spectral Comparator may include: Multispectral Imaging: The ability to capture images under different wavelengths of light, such as UV and IR, to reveal hidden details. Magnification: High magnification capabilities to scrutinize fine details on a document. Video Recording: The ability to record and document the examination process, which can be crucial for forensic documentation. Comparison Tools: Software tools that allow forensic examiners to compare different documents or portions of a document. Image Enhancement: Image processing capabilities to enhance and clarify details for better analysis. Contents: Introduction Construction Principle Equipment Specification Advanced models Merits and Demerits Applications References VSC-6000/HS The Video Spectral Comparator 6000 (VSC) is a machine by Foster + Freeman. The machine utilizes many functions and different light sources to examine documents, and is usually used as a forensic tool to check the validity of valuable documents. Machine is a comparator, and it is also used to compare one set of images or spectra up against another. The VSC has also had a variety of uses in the cultural heritage sector, like analyzing ink and looking for deterioration in documents. As the name suggests the VSC is a comparator, and works by enhancing a document from different angles and in different light as well as taking spectral measurements. CONSTRUCTION principle Video spectral comparator works on basic principle of light. When light is directed towards an object any one of these 5 things usually occurs: Reflection Absorption Reflection and Absorption Transmission Luminescence EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION: The VSC Suite can be operated in two modes: Normal Standalone. Normal – Using the software with the VSC unit. To use the software in the normal mode, first switch on the VSC. Standalone – Using the software on its own with the VSC unit switched off. This mode allows the user to access stored/saved images and data without having to switch on the VSC. After opening the VSC Suite software (in either modes), you will be presented with the ‘Log-in’ screen. Default Folder Use Last Folder DISPLAY MODES VSC Main Screen Overview 1) Main Image 2) Notepad 3) Spectrometer Preview 4) Display Modes 5) Camera Controls 6) Magnification / zoom controls 7) Image Modes Panel 8) Filters Panel 9) Illumination Panel Different Light Sources Used In VSC: Incandescent filament lamps: These have a range from 400 nm to 1000 nm and encompass visible and IR light. LED lamps: Wavelength from 400 nm to 700 nm are used in VSC. Vapour discharge tubes: The VSC offers three ranges of UV light. This is with 365 nm (UV-A)

1. Video Spectral Comparator
P R E S E N T E R N A ME : S H R U T I V PAWA R
E . N O : 2 2 0 0 2 11 0 1 9 2 1 0 0 7
Q U E S T I O N E D D O C U ME N T
E X A MI N AT I O N ( I I I A 1 3 Q D E )
VSC- 6000/HS

2. • A Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) is a forensic tool used in document examination to analyze and compare various
features of questioned documents. It is particularly valuable in examining documents that may have alterations, erasures, or
other forms of document tampering.
• Key features of a Video Spectral Comparator may include:
1. Multispectral Imaging: The ability to capture images under different wavelengths of light, such as UV and IR, to reveal
hidden details.
2. Magnification: High magnification capabilities to scrutinize fine details on a document.
3. Video Recording: The ability to record and document the examination process, which can be crucial for forensic
documentation.
4. Comparison Tools: Software tools that allow forensic examiners to compare different documents or portions of a
document.
5. Image Enhancement: Image processing capabilities to enhance and clarify details for better analysis.
Introduction

3. Contents:
• Introduction
• Construction
• Principle
• Equipment Specification
• Advanced models
• Merits and Demerits
• Applications
• References

4. • The Video Spectral Comparator 6000 (VSC) is a machine by Foster + Freeman.
• The machine utilizes many functions and different light sources to examine documents, and is usually used as
a forensic tool to check the validity of valuable documents. Machine is a comparator, and it is also used to
compare one set of images or spectra up against another.
• The VSC has also had a variety of uses in the cultural heritage sector, like analyzing ink and looking for
deterioration in documents. As the name suggests the VSC is a comparator, and works by enhancing a
document from different angles and in different light as well as taking spectral measurements.
VSC-6000/HS

5. CONSTRUCTION:

6. • Video spectral comparator works on basic principle of light. When light is directed towards an object
any one of these 5 things usually occurs:
1. Reflection
2. Absorption
3. Reflection and Absorption
4. Transmission
5. Luminescence
principle

7. The VSC Suite can be operated in two modes:
1. Normal
2. Standalone.
Normal – Using the software with the VSC unit.
To use the software in the normal mode, first
switch on the VSC.
Standalone – Using the software on its own
with the VSC unit switched off. This mode
allows the user to access stored/saved images
and data without having to switch on the VSC.
After opening the VSC Suite software (in
either modes), you will be presented with
the ‘Log-in’ screen.
1. Default Folder
2. Use Last Folder
EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION:

8. DISPLAYMODES

9. VSCMainScreenOverview
1) Main Image
2) Notepad
3) Spectrometer Preview
4) Display Modes
5) Camera Controls
6) Magnification / zoom controls
7) Image Modes Panel
8) Filters Panel
9) Illumination Panel

10. DifferentLightSourcesUsedIn
VSC:
• Incandescent filament lamps: These have
a range from 400 nm to 1000 nm and
encompass visible and IR light.
• LED lamps: Wavelength from 400 nm to
700 nm are used in VSC.
• Vapour discharge tubes: The VSC offers
three ranges of UV light. This is with 365
nm (UV-A), 312 (UV- B), 254 (UV-C) peak
wavelength.

11. Advancedmodel:

12. • High sensitivity Vis-IR sensitive camera
• Full HD live video output
• Crystal clear imaging up to x100 magnification
• Multispectral UV/Vis/IR examination
• Automated examinations
• Removeable Transmitted Light Base
• Expanded field of view (FOV)
VSC80/FS

13. • Creation of permanent records
• Repeatable without loss of information
• Effective on old documents
• A3-sized document bed
• Original cascade development method
• Improved toner pad development
• Optional aerosol hood for ‘powder cloud’
development
• Replaceable vacuum bed
ESDA®2

14. MERITS
1. This method is a convenient and comprehensive
method for the non-destructive analysis of inks
and papers.
2. The method also reveals writing that has been
altered or removed using the variations in the
way different inks respond to different
wavelengths of light.
3. It visualizes the security features printed into
papers and allow quick examination of the
questioned document.
DEMERITS
1. The results obtained by using the VSC are only
indicative and not definite because the machine
only compares one set of data to another.
Furthermore, when using the VSC for
examination, comparison can only be done only
when the specimen comparison is available.
2. This technique has been used only for
differentiating purposes and not for
identification purposes.
3. The instrument is very costly and It is not
possible to carry the machine at the crime scene
VSC- 6000/HS

15. Banks: Each security feature of bank notes can be observed
like ink, images, paper gradient and security thread. It can be
used to examine suspected fake cheques.
Government Offices: Examination of fake official documents
Fraudsters create fake certificates, notarized documents,
license agreements, degree certificates, birth certificates, etc.
Airport: Examination of passport and visa documents.
Examination of documents under high magnification can quickly
reveal evidence of tampering.
Forensic Examination:
• Is one the most used tool in questioned document analysis.
Objects such as currency, stamps, certificates, legal
documents, artwork, and identification cards can be
examined with the help of Video Spectral Comparator.
• Enhancement of handwritings on charred documents.
• Establishing the chronological order of intersecting printed
strokes and writing pen strokes.
• VSC as a non-destructive technique for identification of
blood.
Applications:

16. References:
• VSC 6000/HS User Manual. Foster Freeman
• Foster+Freeman (Accessed on 12 December,2023).
• https://fosterfreeman.com/questioned-document-examination-
solutions/
• VSC ppt forensic science Shailesh Chaubey .pptx. (2023, January
10). [Slide show]. https://www.slideshare.net/shaileshchaubey3/vsc-
ppt-forensic-science-shailesh-chaubey-pptx
• Video Spectral Comparator. (2020, December 15). [Slide show].
PPT. https://www.slideshare.net/PALASHMEHAR/vsc-palash-mehar
• Chourasiya S, Shaikh T and Dedhia H. VSC (Video Spectral
Comparator)-6000 HS A Non-Destructive Technique for
Identification of Blood. Austin J Forensic Sci Criminol. 2017; 4(1):
1057

17. Thank You