New Imaging Device
Detects Unseen Injuries

ATLANTA (MyFOX Atlanta) -- Sexual assault victims are being helped by new technology. It's forensic imaging that can be used to document injuries.

It's a camera and a series of filters and software that can see the extent of injuries before those injuries are visible to the human eye. It's used to document injuries found on the bodies of sexual assault victims.

A click of a camera can see much more than what is visible on the surface.

In comparing photos, one picture shows visible bruises, but they're very light when seen with the naked eye. In the other -- forensic imaging -- the true depth of the injury can be seen.

Video: New Imaging Device Detects Unseen Bruises -- Denise Dillon reports.

"[It] really brings those bruises out and see if there's any kind of pattern. I might be looking for handprint marks to see if that's what occurred," said Susan Sweeney of SANE.

The camera can also zoom in to check for fibers or foreign hairs -- all which can be used as evidence in court.

"This allows us while were doing the exam to zoom in on the skin or on specific areas and look for evidence like foreign hairs or fibers," said Sweeney.

The technology is used by the SANE program -- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners -- at Northside Hospital-Forsyth. They're using it to document sexual assault cases.

"We're not changing what's there -- the filter it allows us to see it clearly. We can take a photo and be able to show that in court," said Sweeney.

The hospital is the only one in the state with the technology. Forsyth Sheriff's Office investigators said a picture from the device is worth more than a thousand words.

"From a small injury you can see damage under the skin and around it. When it comes down to it you have evidence you need to present to a jury and this can be much more convincing than a normal photograph," said Lieutenant Matt Allen of the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office.

Leslie Dinkins is a sexual assault counselor. She said the evidence that can be obtained with the forensic imaging is less intrusive on the victim and can ultimately make things easier on the victim.

"Criminal trials are always very traumatic. Having the tech that helps the process along -- it helps the victim not have to go through all that in the process," said Dinkins.

There are very few sexual assault nurse examiner programs in the area but with this technology, nurses in Forsyth can securely transmit the photos to consult with law enforcement or experts in other parts of the country.

Story content produced by FOX 5 Atlanta WAGA

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ATLANTA (MyFOX Atlanta) -- Sexual assault victims are being helped by new technology. It's forensic imaging that can be used to document injuries.

It's a camera and a series of filters and software that can see the extent of injuries before those injuries are visible to the human eye. It's used to document injuries found on the bodies of sexual assault victims.

A click of a camera can see much more than what is visible on the surface.

In comparing photos, one picture shows visible bruises, but they're very light when seen with the naked eye. In the other -- forensic imaging -- the true depth of the injury can be seen.

Video: New Imaging Device Detects Unseen Bruises -- Denise Dillon reports.

"[It] really brings those bruises out and see if there's any kind of pattern. I might be looking for handprint marks to see if that's what occurred," said Susan Sweeney of SANE.

The camera can also zoom in to check for fibers or foreign hairs -- all which can be used as evidence in court.

"This allows us while were doing the exam to zoom in on the skin or on specific areas and look for evidence like foreign hairs or fibers," said Sweeney.

The technology is used by the SANE program -- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners -- at Northside Hospital-Forsyth. They're using it to document sexual assault cases.

"We're not changing what's there -- the filter it allows us to see it clearly. We can take a photo and be able to show that in court," said Sweeney.

The hospital is the only one in the state with the technology. Forsyth Sheriff's Office investigators said a picture from the device is worth more than a thousand words.

"From a small injury you can see damage under the skin and around it. When it comes down to it you have evidence you need to present to a jury and this can be much more convincing than a normal photograph," said Lieutenant Matt Allen of the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office.

Leslie Dinkins is a sexual assault counselor. She said the evidence that can be obtained with the forensic imaging is less intrusive on the victim and can ultimately make things easier on the victim.

"Criminal trials are always very traumatic. Having the tech that helps the process along -- it helps the victim not have to go through all that in the process,"