BallisticSEM
Software for the examination and comparison of ballistic evidence in the SEM.
Features
• Software interface to FEI ballistic substages
• Acquires images from
• Quanta
• Edax
• Any digital video (DV) source
• Multi-format image portfolio tool
• Flatview tm pattern comparison tool
• Quanta interface look and feel
Product description
Comparisons of bullets and cartridge cases are commonly performed
in the optical comparison microscope. In some cases, however,
it may be advantageous to examine the same materials in a
scanning electron microscope. The images from such samples
taken in an SEM show very different characteristics compared
with those obtained by optical microscopy. Electron microscope
images can show details of the surface chemistry of the ballistic
materials and contaminants adhering to them. These features
can be observed using the backscattered electron signal in
the SEM or be chemically analyzed using the SEM's EDS X-ray
analyzer
BallisticSEM permits microscopists to conveniently image
the surfaces of bullets and cartridge cases. The system allows
manipulation of two bullets or cartridge cases in a similar
way to the stages provided with optical ballistic comparison
microscopes. Both samples can be rotated continuously and
independently in the SEM vacuum.
Fig. 1: Electron and optical image of 9mm bullet mounted
on BallisticSEM substage
The BallisticSEM system software enables the convenient and
efficient comparison images of the two samples or with library
images.
The software rapidly acquires the images of samples using
either the SE, BSE or optical images of the sample. The optical
images can be obtained from an external optical microscope
or from the optional in-column boroscope optical imaging system.
The software can gather images from the SEM's signal sources
(SE and BSE) or via integrated frame grabbers (RS-170 CCTV
or IEEE 1384 Firewire DV), or simply from storage over the
network.
Fig. 2: BallisticSEM software showing two main reference
images and image portfolio.
The two main images can be live simultaneously and can have
differently optimized acquisition characteristics (contrast,
brightness, and other CODEC parameters) if the installed hardware
allows this.
The two images can be compared interactively using live overlay,
and a resulting combined image formed by merging the two images
The result is convenient, direct comparison and documentation
of features.
The integrated measuring tool provides direct and interactive
measurement of distances on the sample surfaces. There is
also an integrated tool for automatic calibration of SEM magnification.
Images be stored in a wide variety of currently popular as
well as older formats.
Collections of ballistic images can be compiled into portfolios.
The portfolios can contain images from any source, be of any
resolution and image file type, and can be at different storage
locations (worldwide).
The optional Flatview™ facility permits the images
of the curved surfaces of bullets and cartridge cases to be
automatically scanned and compiled into portfolios. Flatview™
images are images whose Y-axis is a near one-dimensional image
slice through the sample, and whose X-axis represents degrees
of sample rotation. These images make comparisons of the entire
cylindrical surfaces of samples simple and convenient.
Fig. 3: Flat view of 9mm cartridge casing
Flatview™ software provides a tool for directly comparing
two flat images and for interactive adjustment of relative
image positions and rotation phase. Once a match has been
reached between the two images, a combined image can be formed
and saved for later reference.
Fig. 4: Interactive comparison of Flatview™ images
 
 
Fig 5:Ballistic comparison substage showing bullets, cartridge cases and motors.
Specifications
BallisticSEM - Ballistic Comparison Substage
• Accommodates bullets and cartridge casings for all
common ammunition
• Direct comparison or two independently rotatable samples
(2 motors)
• Rotation via table-top controls
• Substage mount compatible with GSR relocating substage
system without removal of GSR standard.
• Rotation speeds from 1 to 40°/second
• Bidirectional rotation
BallisticSEM Ballistic Comparison Software
• Live viewing and comparison of images from two independent
video sources
• Live images can be taken from SEM directly (overlay),
via RS-170 CCTV capture devices (Osperey and Coreco), IEEE1394
Firewire Digital Video sources such as cameras and camcorders,
and from the network. Image capture facility functions with
any DirectX 8 compatible video source as well as some older
VFW sources
• Interactive feature measurement tool
• Automatic calibration of SEM magnification
• Interactive image comparison tools (live overlay,
correlation and image merging)
• Image portfolios capability allowing images of similar
subjects to be saved as a group. Images in a portfolio can
be of numerous popular or older file types, be of any resolution
and be in any accessible location
• Multi-page TIFF image storage
• SEM control panel (stage and beam Quanta and XL compatible)
BallisticSEM Options
Motor drives
• Position-indexed substage motors (1 or both axes)
with software control integrated into BallisticSEM interface.
Positioning accuracy 0.1 degrees. Speeds adjustable between
1 and 40°/second.
Flatview™
• Images stored at 786 x 384 resolution in color or
b/w compressed or uncompressed
• Requires at least one motor to have the position indexing
option
• Flatview™ portfolios allow comparison of patterns
on bullets with archives of known types.
Prerequisites
• BallisticSEM is available for Quanta 400 and 600 SEMs,
XL40 and XL30 (with 100x 100 stages. Other stages on special
order.
• W2000
• 1 spare RS232 port
• 1 spare SEM port (either 55 or 60 mm type)
XL Specific Options
• Second PC running W2000 and 1280/1024 24 bit video
• Ethernet connections between XL and second PC
• 1 or 2 video capture cards or DV sources (only if
additional live channels required)
 
The above images show the substage (minus the cartridge examination plate) being imaged by the external optical camera and gantry system offered by Eastern Analytical. Our SurveyXT software also supports this optical camera to allow optical montages. Both BallisticSEM and SurveyXT support electron images as standard.
Ordering Information
BALSEM_01 BallisticSEM Software
Software to display and archive ballistic-sample images.
Software runs only in 1280 x 1024 display mode Software supports
Flatview where digitally controlled motors are present. (BALSEM_XT_MOT1
or BALSEM_XT_MOT2 see substages section)
Available from Eastern Analytical direct.
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