PSEPC Portable Forensic Document Imaging System

A portable forensic document imaging system that enables field operators to examine and capture records using transmitted, visible, infrared, ultraviolet, and edge lighting within a compact deployable copy stand.

The Challenge:

PSEPC set out to develop a field-ready imaging system capable of supporting forensic document examination across multiple lighting modes, while remaining portable, durable, and consistent in use. The device needed to integrate transmitted, visible, infrared, ultraviolet, and edge lighting into a compact system that could be carried, deployed quickly, and used reliably in uncontrolled environments.

This created a tightly coupled system challenge. Mechanical structure, lighting performance, power, and usability all influenced one another. The camera required a stable and repeatable relationship to the platen, with controlled vertical and fore and aft adjustment. The lighting needed to deliver usable intensity and uniformity across modes without introducing glare, hotspots, or colour artifacts. At the same time, the system had to collapse into a briefcase form without compromising stability or usability.

Lighting introduced the most pressure. Each mode carried different requirements for intensity, diffusion, and power. Improving performance in one mode often created trade-offs elsewhere, particularly around battery size, runtime, and packaging. These decisions had to be resolved within the full system, not in isolation.

Usability was equally critical. The device needed to set up and collapse quickly, support smooth and secure adjustments, and allow operators to move between imaging modes with clarity. The system had to function as a coherent instrument in the field, not a collection of independent components.

The Approach:

Inertia approached the program as an integrated system, aligning optics, mechanics, electronics, and usability from the outset.

The initial phase established the system architecture, including camera positioning, lighting zones, platen layout, power requirements, and interface logic. Each lighting mode was treated as a distinct subsystem with defined performance and control requirements, rather than as a single aggregated feature.

From there, the work progressed through coordinated mechanical and lighting mock ups. The mechanical program focused on the core interaction points, including hinge and lock systems, camera column, flip up arm, sliding mechanisms, quick release mounts, latching, and deployable lighting structures. These elements were iterated to improve stiffness, reduce play, increase clamp force, and ensure reliable deployment and packing.

In parallel, the lighting program validated real world performance. Prototype electronics were developed and tested for incident, transmitted, and edge lighting. The team studied illumination distribution, diffusion, glare, and power draw, while evaluating platen materials and diffuser strategies. Battery sizing was repeatedly revisited as lighting requirements evolved.

As findings emerged, adjustments were made at the system level.

Lighting was repositioned to reduce reflection and improve coverage. Mechanisms were refined for smoother motion and more secure locking. The user interface was updated to better reflect operator workflows, simplifying mode selection and improving feedback. Integration details such as cable routing, enclosure design, and component packaging were resolved alongside these changes.

The result
was a disciplined sequence of iterations that kept the system aligned with real use conditions while advancing toward a complete and buildable product.

The Outcome:

The program advanced through build and refinement cycles, where feedback from prototype builds informed updates to stiffness, latch behavior, motion control, lighting distribution, and glare management. Battery configuration, enclosure design, user interface implementation, and subsystem integration were all developed in parallel with manufacturing activity.

The result is a system that was not only architected and validated, but physically realized through a small-batch, high-fidelity production run of approximately a dozen units.

These builds represent more than prototypes. They are fully integrated systems assembled, tested, and delivered with production-level intent, capturing the realities of electronics integration, mechanical assembly, and supply chain coordination.

The outcome is a product with demonstrated build integrity and a level of maturity that supports continued deployment and use in the field.

Services Provided

Requirements Definition

Technology Feasibility

System Architecture

Concept Prototyping

R&D

Formative Evaluations

Prototyping & Rapid Builds

Human Factors & Usability

Industrial Design

Mechanical Design

User Interface Design

Electronics Design

System Design

Analysis & Simulation

Verification & Validation

Design For Manufacturing

Supply Chain Management

Precision Fabrication & Assembly

Low Volume Manufacturing & Pilot Builds

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