Forensic Body Scanner FOBOS XR is a unique cost-effective technical solution for forensic pathologists which is based on patented X-ray scanning technology. The scanner enables pathologists to use non-invasive examination of the human body, including internal organs, and decide whether it is necessary to dissect the body in each case to ascertain the cause of death.
In just 23 seconds, the specialist receives a high-quality image of a full-body view showing internal organs, soft tissues. In addition to the speed – far faster than any CT based or traditional system – Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” In this respect, LINEV Systems once more confirms this as FOBOS is a quantum step forward in the tools available to forensic pathologists and offers the most cost-effective high image quality product on the market.
Not only is the workload of forensic pathologists significantly reduced through using FOBOS but it also offers the ability to provide at least an initial high image quality autopsy within minutes to decide whether or not an invasive autopsy is required: in many cases it is not since the cause of death can be determined using the FOBOS.
This can be of extreme importance where the deceased’s religion requires that the body is buried very quickly: in some cases, within 24 hours or there is a large number of autopsies required in a short time.
Even if the decision is that an invasive autopsy is required the advance knowledge gained from a FOBOS scan can be invaluable as, for example, it is possible to identify the path made by a knife or other item entering the body – information that can be lost when the body is opened.
X-ray diagnostics have been known in forensic medical practice for the long time, but the technology needed significant improvement. LINEV has achieved this by using an innovative approach to the problem based on perfectly understanding the user’s needs. The Forensic Body Scanner FOBOS XR for non-invasive forensic examination has become one of the most successful developments of LINEV Systems.
Project background and the first installation
The LINEV Systems development team implemented the project in response to a request in 2018 from our American partner to develop equipment for non-invasive postmortem autopsy and examination of the human body in a Forensic Center.
One of the major requirements was for a short development time for a product to be available and significantly improved characteristics of equipment compared to existing capabilities. As an example, at that time the fastest scan of a cadaver using an X-ray system could take an hour: in many cases significantly longer and required extremely expensive systems operated by radiological specialists: a skill many forensic pathologists do not have.
After analyzing the market and studying the customer’s requirements for the system, LINEV developed a conceptual specification of system development requirements, visualized the future system and developed a completely new system. This was agreed with our American colleagues including discussions on the fundamental questions regarding the technical characteristics of the system, a contract was agreed and the project started.
The full cycle of work on the project, which included the development of design engineering documentation, detailed product design production and testing, took some 180 days. Whilst to some this may seem to be a long time to those experienced in developing truly innovative solutions with the need to understand that, in addition to the design of the mechanical and electrical component parts of the future system, the work on writing the operation scenario of the system and software development etc. this timescale is very short for such a complex project. To achieve it many traditionally serial tasks were carried out in parallel.
Adding to the design challenges were the issues related to several novel critical component parts which, first, had to be selected, and secondly, delivered on time, it becomes clear that the team has done a tremendous amount of work to achieve the goals set within the timescale achieved.
Bi-directional customer communication: the key to success
Designing and installing the first version of the system was the beginning of the next phase of the work. Despite the fact that the first version of the system met the customer’s requirements, we realised that this version of the system could be significantly improved in terms of consumer-oriented characteristics, software, and design.
Key to this was true and trustworthy CI and CX, getting real feedback from users about the actual operation of the equipment — this gave an understanding of what the client and the operator who works directly with the equipment really need as opposed to their initial thoughts. To achieve this real-world feedback the American office of the LINEV Systems worked with the customer step by step through the process to give us the information needed to allow us to improve the FOBOS XR.
As a result of the work carried out within six months of installation of the first system, a new version of the system was released — with an updated design, smaller, significantly lighter (weight decreased from 1,700 kg to 1,300 kg), improved technical specifications and a design further improved the quality of images. The software was also significantly improved and now included the ability to create a personal database.
This updated system has been installed at a number of locations including two more installations at Middlesex in Montgomery. The feedback from customers was that this system was even better than the initial version and offers the forensic pathologist significant benefits over any other system available.
Main advantages of the system
The LINEV Forensic Body Scanner FOBOS XR is an innovative product designed to acquire whole-body high-quality digital X-Ray images of bone structures and soft tissues and allows capturing of both AP and lateral scansin a fast, cost-effective way.
By the outstanding features and functions of FOBOS XR a forensic pathologist can most effective determine the cause of death — whether it was violent or not, as well as to conclude whether an invasive autopsy is necessary.
The solution was designed to meet and exceed the requirements and wishes of forensic medical examiners and became a high sophisticated and reliable solution that provide, within 23 seconds, a full-body view at any angle in the range from 0 to 110 degrees.
The system provides diagnostic image quality with high spatial resolution, best in class and with which has no analogues among competitors today in terms of speed, size and cost. Indeed, at exhibitions, we often hear from the heads of the centers that it is often very problematic and time-consuming for a specialist to remove, for example, a bullet from a cadaver due to the complexity of its localization inside the body and the very act can destroy evidence of the bullet trajectory etc. With the FOBOS technology, they have such an opportunity.
Moreover, due to the high image quality and class-leading software we are able to identify not only bullets but also their tracks and ricochets, as well as small inclusions down to 0.1 mm and changes in the structure of tissues and bones. All this information allows the doctor to form a comprehensive picture when establishing a diagnosis, in many cases meaning that all the problems of the traditional autopsy procedure can be avoided.
Recently, the emphasis in the modernization of the system has been placed on developing the soft- and firmware to meet and exceed even further customer expectations and user experience.
We should point out that the high speed of the system and continuous scanning increases forensic pathology efficiency in conditions where there are a large number of casualties caused by terrorist attacks, natural disasters, etc. The system takes up a minimum of space and saves time of the forensic pathologist, making it possible to quickly obtain an image and conduct an initial examination.
Where needed the FOBOS can be relocated to the site of a disaster or on-site mission to allow the pathologist to undertake their work close to the event and so reduce the transportation problems for the objects to scan.
Further uses for the LINEV Forensic Body Scanner FOBOS XR
The achieved extremely high image quality and fast throughput of the Forensic Body Scanners FOBOS XR, opens further Added Value and benefits at a number of other potential markets and applications, such as product development, Quality Assurance in the field of NDT.
As an example, first feature and functional evaluations are underway with manufacturers of crash test dummies. The use LINEV FOBOS XR is expected to confirm that there is no internal damage before using the crash test dummy for continuous crash test. This will significantly reduce the cost per test since, at present, many crash dummies are not reused since it cannot be proved that there is no internal damage before reuse.
Since it provides a detailed image inside an item it can also, in many cases, be used to check the internal condition of items and assemblies where this is important prior to shipping or prior to next production or assembly step.
LINEV solves the problems of its customers worldwide
LINEV Systems is a globally recognized brand with an excellent reputation of solving customers pain-points and the problems. Beside segment leading innovation rate and significant spending in R&D, LINEV Systems is flexible and ready to customize in shortest time, while maintaining its confirmed highest quality standards and assuring long lifetime of invested solutions.
Just in case our extensive standard solutions and portfolio will not settle customers individual needs by products off the shelve, your individual specifications and requirements are high welcome.
Our unique and patented technologies, in combination with highly motivated and skilled R&D and customer teams will deliver your competitive, high quality and cost-effective solution to exceed your needs and expectations.
Thousands of successfully deployed solutions and satisfied customers at all continents worldwide, confirmed our leading position and motivate us reach even further innovations customer satifaction.
The current LINEV Forensic Body Scanner FOBOS XR is a system that meets the needs of forensic pathologists and is available now. The system has a lifting rechargeable table with a load capacity of up to 295 kg and an adjustable height for the convenience of moving and loading bodies into the scanner.
If you would like to discuss how the ability of LINEV FOBOS XR could improve your Quality Assurance process and potential cost savings at Non-Destructive Testing, please contact info@linevsystems.com
