Selecting the ideal video spectral comparator for your specific needs is more than a technical decision; it’s a strategic investment.
This guideline is made to help decision-makers—whether in law enforcement, passport control, forensic laboratories, or financial institutions—sort out the features and functionalities of video spectral comparators from the Regula product line.
Now let’s dive into the Regula product line of video spectral comparators.
The first thing that catches your eye is the size of the devices. The largest model is the flagship Regula 4308, while the smallest is the portable Regula 4305DMH. However, their size is not the only difference. As the model numbers go up, so do their capabilities; for instance, built-in tools like a spectrometer or hyperspectral analysis module, a PC, an extended number of lights, camera megapixels, and other features.
The Regula 4308: The absolute flagship
The Regula 4308 is the ultimate solution, designed for professional laboratory environments. It is the most advanced video spectral comparator in the entire Regula lineup. Its substantial size can accommodate objects ranging from ID cards to oversized items such as ancient hotel registry books, A3 archival documents, or paintings. Removable side panels make it easy to place an object inside, and the movable top camera makes focus accurate.
The Regula 4308 is equipped with unparalleled capabilities, including:
- Top and bottom optical systems: front and reverse examination without flipping the object.
- 40+ types of light sources: 99% of these are LEDs, ensuring exceptional precision and durability.
- 4095 combinations of light sources with filters: offering examination freedom.
- 320x optical magnification
- Motorized object stage: enabling precise positioning of documents of varying sizes and fragility.
- Motorized oblique lights: providing a tailored approach to any object, taking into account its thickness and the depth of the examined strokes, which increases the efficiency of the results.
- Module for hyperspectral analysis: unlocking methods of ink differentiation in documents and banknotes.
- Built-in spectrometer: for measuring color characteristics (absorption, reflection, and fluorescence) of inks.
- 3D reconstruction module: constructs a three-dimensional model of the document surface to distinguish the sequence of strokes in hand-written documents.
Let’s take as an example narrowband light sources. They are intended for examination of IR luminescence and can help to reveal additions made in handwritten texts and alterations made by etching and erasure; and, of course, to examine IR luminescence in travel documents and banknotes.
The Regula 4308 has 12 narrowband light sources of different wavelengths, starting from 395 nm and going up to 735 nm. They can be used separately, intensified, or blended with other narrowband light sources. The right-for-that-wavelength filters are chosen automatically, but they can be changed for the sake of experimentation.
Examination of a check under white and green 530 nm lights. The initial “seven” appears as “seventeen” as a part of a scam
The initial text “A517” was written with a marker with an eraser tip. It was removed and covered with the new text “2400”. However, the initial text was restored with the use of blue 450 nm and violet 395 nm
At the same time, the capabilities of the optical system with 320x magnification make it possible to detect even the slightest changes in the strokes or the structure of the paper. Additionally, the presence of a bottom optical system allows for an instant switch to examining the modified document at the suspicious spot on the reverse side to identify possible traces of chemicals that have penetrated the paper, “new” strokes, differences in stroke pressure, and other irregularities.
Such features as two optical systems (cameras), a movable object stage, and adjustable oblique light sources ensure non-contact examination of objects placed inside the device.
All manipulations with the object are controlled via the Regula Forensic Studio (RFS) software. It is especially valuable when dealing with micropositioning of objects under super strong magnification, or examination of “inconvenient” objects of irregular shape.
An irregularly shaped Dutch vase, the bottom of which would be difficult to examine without a bottom camera
Examination of a creamer from the GDR era. The presence of the bottom camera ensures the safety of the object when examining the bottom, as it is of artistic and historical value
It is an indispensable tool for organizations requiring the utmost accuracy and reliability, including state-level forensic laboratories and police laboratories, passport control agencies, and national banks.
Despite its many features, the functionality of the Regula 4308 can be extended with a wide range of tools like:
- Trinocular Stereo Microscope Regula 5003: Greenough optical system, adjustable magnification up to 420x, and white light sources of different intensities.
- Magneto-Optical Visualizer Regula 4197
- Tilting stage: for best visualization of OVI, DYNAPRINT®, FUSE-ID, and other special security features.
- Thermostage: for examination of thermochromic inks
- Polarizer: for checking product liability and protected geographical indication labels on medicines, drinks, and other products.
- Mirror for examination of the document edge: for detailed examination of the document edge containing serial number, or for observation of a passport stitch line or OVI
The Regula 4306: The flagship vibe in a compact body
A dilemma of placement can arise when choosing a video spectral comparator. Space limits make it impractical or even impossible to accommodate a large device like the Regula 4308. So, forensic experts may need a device that is way more compact, and with slightly more modest technical specifications, but bearing a very similar flagship vibe.
That’s the reason why Regula engineered this practical model of video spectral comparator: the Regula 4306. It has similar capabilities to the flagship model, while maintaining compactness and affordability.
In addition to hyperspectral and 3D reconstruction modules, the 4306 video spectral comparator has 40+ types of light sources (all of which are LED), 60x optical zoom, and manually adjustable oblique light sources. Nevertheless, there are differences not only in the device size: the Regula 4306 has manually adjustable oblique light sources, but still the angle is automatically calculated in the interface of the RFS so the user will be able to put the concrete angle value in the reports.
Even thick documents can be examined with the Regula 4306 by extracting the removable object stage, which extends the working area.
Thanks to its extractable object stage, the Regula 4306 allows for the examination of thick objects, such as books.
The device does not feature a built-in spectrometer, but you can easily connect the portable Regula 5006 spectrometer. This compact addition enables full spectral studies without compromising the device’s space-saving design.
Due to its compact size and capability of conducting a wide variety of examinations, the Regula 4306 is highly welcomed in both central laboratories and regional laboratories, where space may be limited.
The Regula 4307: Highly adaptive
This is the most customizable video spectral comparator, designed for professionals who have a precise understanding of the features and tools needed to meet their specific examination requirements.
With around 32 possible modifications, the Regula 4307 is a great base for integrating the specific tools and light sources for your particular needs. It can feature a built-in PC, a spectrometer, a 3D module, Anti-Stokes light sources, a 14 MP camera, and other features and tools. This video spectral comparator strikes the perfect balance in size between the Regula 4308 and the Regula 4306.
Thanks to this flexibility, it is a solution that can be perfectly customized to your needs and budget. That is why it is particularly popular with regional laboratories tasked with maximizing their available resources.
The Regula 4305DMH: Small but mighty
Finishing the list is the most compact video spectral comparator.
Despite its small size, the Regula 4305DMH boasts an impressive array of 21 light sources. This device is designed to work seamlessly with the RFS software, providing advanced functionality when connected to a PC. However, it also can be used independently, thanks to its built-in screen that displays magnification levels and active modes, and with intuitive buttons located directly on the device body. Additionally, its capability to be powered by a 12V in-car socket makes it an ideal choice for use in mobile laboratories, ensuring convenience for on-the-go forensic investigations.
Plus, its functionality can be further enhanced with plug-in tools such as a thermostage, a spectral luminescent magnifier Regula 4147, or a magneto-optical visualizer Regula 4197, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications.
Examination of anti-Stokes luminescence in the US passport with the use of the Regula 4147
Examination of anti-Stokes luminescence on the 50-yuan banknote issued in 2019 with the use of the Regula 4147
Examination of thermochromic ink in an Irish passport issued in 2013 with the use of a Regula thermostage
It is specifically designed for seamless use in small laboratories, Schengen buses, and other mobile lab setups.
Bonus: 7 wonders of Regula video spectral comparators
1. LED light sources — The transition to LED light sources, including UV range, provides all the advantages of LED technology: high energy efficiency, long lifespan, and low heat levels. Regula video spectral comparators are equipped with almost 100% or 100% LEDs.
2. Regula Forensic Studio (RFS) — Unified control software for all Regula forensic devices, it is cross-platform and enables users to control devices, take measurements, process images, generate reports, and even create custom automations using scripts.
3. Embedded RFID chip reader — All models have an RFID chip module that enables complete verification of e-documents by checking the chip's integrity and reading identity data from it.
4. Anti-Stokes fluorescent detection* — Video spectral comparators are equipped with a specific light source (wideband IR 970-990 nm) that allows for the examination of security features printed with Anti-Stokes inks. Such imprints are used in passports from the USA (2013 series), Austria (2023 series), Denmark (2021 series), Switzerland (2010 series), and other countries.
5. Hyperspectral imaging* — The hyperspectral module facilitates non-destructive examination of handwritten and printed documents, banknotes, historical records, etc., enabling the detection of fraudulent alterations, identification of the initial content.
6. Noiseless devices in a durable design — The cooling technologies ensure not only silence during examinations but also prevent dust accumulation on the internal parts of the comparators.
7. 3D reconstruction* — Building a 3D model allows for the examination of surface relief and analysis of overlapping objects, such as two signatures or a signature and a laser printer toner.
*Except for the Regula 4305DMH
Conclusion
If you’re still in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact our sales team. We are more than pleased to provide you with competent advice and assistance in choosing the video spectral comparator that will meet your expectations.
