FORLAB - Forensic Laboratory for in-situ evidence analysis in a post blast scenario

Project Description

An improvised explosive device (IED) post-blast scenario is a vast area where massive and diverse evidences must be searched, collected and transferred for analysis to a distant reference laboratory. The evidence collection is undertaken without any feedback from the distant data repository; so that large volumes of data are unnecessarily generated in the distant laboratory due to the analysis of no relevant evidences. These complex tasks involve tremendous amounts of material and human resources.

FORLAB will deliver a novel systematic methodology for optimizing the evidence collection. FORLAB approach shall maximize the speed, reliability and accuracy of the process and ultimately make a significant step forward in the battle against terrorism.

The key innovation proposed in FORLAB is the establishment and maintenance of a dynamic, real-time self-adaptable feedback loop between the data collection process at explosion scene and a command centre where all the available information about the scene is made available in real time. The aim of this feedback is reducing the number of collected samples, improving the capability to recreate the scenario and fine-tuning the screening process.

Specifically, the proposed system will consist of:

• Analytical technologies for in-situ sample screening and searching,
• communication and positioning modules for localizing the information and transporting it further,
• Command and Control Centre with real time 3D scene recreation of the scene where all available data about the scene will be displayed in a comprehensive way..

The laboratory would be deployed in the affected area and the technicians will deploy a 3D imaging system that will record the scene, after this, the technicians will survey the scene with the screening tools making preliminary analysis of the collected evidences. Bi-directional radio links between the technicians at the scene and the Command and Control Centre will communicate the relevant information of the evidences (position, time of collection, results of preliminary analysis, etc) to the latter in real-time.

In the Command and Control Centre, a 3D recreation of the scene will occur which will integrate collected evidences and the preliminary in-situ analysis. The commander in the Centre will obtain a global view of the scene and the evolution of analysis and will provide real-time feedback to the field technicians with instructions on the next actions of the investigation.

The following figure summarizes the operational concept of the FORLAB.

Collaborating Companies or Organisations

Indra's Role

Indra is the consortium coordinator and will perform the following activities: LIBS and Raman techniques development. System integration, project management and dissemination of results.

Universities and Technological Centres

Technologies used

• 3D Imaging: Generation in real time of a 3D model f the scene.
• Laser induced fluorescence (LIF): Generation of maps of chemical contrast at standoff distances.
• LIBS+Raman spectroscopy: Perform preliminary chemical analysis of samples/evidences. Detection of traces of substances on surfaces.
• NLJD (Non Linear Junction Detection): Searching of electronic debris on the scene.
• Communication and positioning: To determine with the necessary precision the position of evidences in the scenario. Communication of the relevant information about the samples/evidences to the Command and Control Centre...
• Command and Control, Information management: The system will perform the necessary fusion of the information of the scenario received from different sources and will make the information available in a simple and comprehensive way.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no FP7-285052