NCJ Number
136868
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1992) Pages: 783-796
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Computerized image enhancement has been shown to be a useful tool in examining questioned documents, and the current study used the Digital Darkroom computer program with a Macintosh Plus computer, a black and white laser printer, and both hand-held and full-size scanners to enhance nearly obliterated writing.
Abstract
Use of the Digital Darkroom software with an optical scanner or video camera and laser printer opens the door to the possibility of creating digitized images of documentary evidence and then altering or enhancing the image. The scanner or video camera converts the document into digital code suitable for manipulation, storage, and printing. Once a document has been scanned, the software can be used to digitally change its appearance. Pencil writing which had been erased and then overwritten and writing obscured by typewriter correction fluid are illustrated before and after computerized image enhancement. A photograph of a check printed from microfilm was enhanced by the author, and his results are compared with the efforts of a professional computer image service. 2 references and 10 figures (Author abstract modified)